Brain Teasers Sydney

Monopoly (Sunday)

Badminton training Granville - Beginner & intermediate 🏸

Training 🏸 for beginner and intermediate. Contact Kim on whatsapp 0416 379 688 for more information. By RSVPing to this event, the members and guests are explicitly and without exception deemed to have read and agreed to the Group’s terms of Disclaimer and Release of Liability. You can get personal injuries insurance for yourself by joining Sydney Badminton Association, please come and see me for details. Regards, Kim

How Language Shapes The Brain

Inspired by my travels recently, I want to have a discussion on how language shapes the brain. Please listen to one or both (or read the transcript) to the following podcasts related to this subject. 1. How does language shape the way we think? What do the names of colours, kinship terms and legal jargon tell us about the human mind? Dr Frank Mollica explores language as a cognitive tool – shaped by culture, adapted for purpose, and far from universal. We dive into how children learn language, how it evolves and why legal language is so confusing. Along the way, we challenge common assumptions about how we think, communicate and learn. https://psychologicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/engage/psychtalks/podcasts/season-4/s4e4-how-does-language-shape-the-way-we-think 2. Does your language shape your thinking? Are there really dozens of words for snow in northern cultures? What did the movie Arrival have to do with language and cognition? Why are Russians better than Americans at distinguishing certain shades of blue? And what does any of this have to do with space, time, gender, and how your language influences your thought? Join Eagleman and his guest, cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky, as they take a deep dive into the intersection of words and understanding. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-inner-cosmos-with-david-e-110885566/episode/ep28-does-your-language-shape-your-124688605/ NOTE: This podcast has a lot of ads. Bear with it as it is a good discussion between the guest and the host.

Badminton training Granville - Advanced & intermediate 🏸

Training 🏸 for advanced and intermediate. Contact Kim on whatsapp 0416 379 688 for more information. By RSVPing to this event, the members and guests are explicitly and without exception deemed to have read and agreed to the Group’s terms of Disclaimer and Release of Liability. You can get personal injuries insurance for yourself by joining Sydney Badminton Association, please come and see me for details. Regards, Kim

CONFIRMED: July escape room: Heart of the Mountain

Heart of the Mountain is a cinematic, story-driven adventure that places you at the centre of your own movie or adventure video game. You and your team will step into a highly detailed, immersive movie set designed by industry professionals, complete with special effects, dynamic lighting, smoke, simulated explosions, and incredible engineering magic that bring the world to life. This is not a time-pressured escape game—instead, you’ll work together to solve puzzles, overcome challenges, and uncover secrets at your own pace. A custom immersive soundtrack enhances your connection to the adventure, making you feel like a true explorer on a daring expedition. Looking for 5-6 players, $70 each

Badminton Training Granville - Juniors (3-14yrs)

• How much for ? Fee on enquiry. 0416 379 688 on WhatsApp • What to bring Bring your badminton gears and plenty of water! • Important to know Disclaimer: By RSVPing to this event, the members and guests are explicitly and without exception deemed to have read and agreed to the Group’s terms of Disclaimer and Release of Liability. You can get personal injuries insurance for yourself by joining Sydney Badminton Association, please come and see me for details.

Play Theatre Games in the Park! (Parramatta)

Join us at Parramatta River Walk to play Theatre Games with friendly and awesome people! Afterwards, we go for a drink at a nearby pub. Everyone is welcome, no matter your level of Improv expertise! For an example of the type of fun that can go on in our days see: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a23t0evG3xI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a23t0evG3xI) There is a $3 fee per event, or you can pay a $25 annual membership fee. This covers the costs of running the group. The fee can be paid in person, or by transferring to the following account: Name: Theatre Games BSB: 923 100 Acc No: 313632027 Use your name in the reference line so the Treasurer can keep track of your contribution. If you choose to pay the annual membership fee, it would be a great help to us if you would note your membership start date, and renew your membership when needed. This will avoid us spending time on account-keeping, which means we can instead focus on making the games as fun as possible! We have Facebook and Instagram pages, on which we post group photos and occasionally other announcements. Feel free to Like :) [https://www.facebook.com/Theatre-Games-in-the-Park-Sydney-487255451682498/](https://www.facebook.com/Theatre-Games-in-the-Park-Sydney-487255451682498/) [https://www.instagram.com/theatregamesintheparksydney](https://www.instagram.com/theatregamesintheparksydney?fbclid=IwAR2fMlbCnv1PVQXX0xO7d6d_4mMDsXtT3dcs1awToamKK-ag1AAQhVYyPLQ) **FAQ** **Location & Parking** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yed3pMB9eC1oeAXA7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yed3pMB9eC1oeAXA7) Between Church St and Sorrell St. Near the river. Down the stairs from the Riverside Theatre and to the east along the path. If you have trouble finding us, please post in the event comments as we'll keep an eye on this. Parking is free and usually ample in northern Parramatta, in Sorrell Street and surrounding streets to the north of the river. **Instructional videos for newcomers** For those completely new to the concept of theatre games or improvisation, you might find the following instructional videos helpful to you: 1. The importance of facing the audience in the right way [https://youtu.be/VO7EXv-dVYA](https://youtu.be/VO7EXv-dVYA) 2\. The importance of not saying "no" to everything in a scene: [https://youtu.be/GjptDwG96e8](https://youtu.be/GjptDwG96e8) **Why is my status saying "Unpaid" even though I have paid?** This is due to a bad design feature of the Meetup website, please ignore it! **Keeping up with the latest news and related fun events** Go to our Facebook Discussion Group. This is a fun way to share improv/comedy clips, discuss improv and generally chat with the cool members of our group! [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2112357978921450](https://www.facebook.com/groups/2112357978921450) **What if it rains?** The bridge has been chosen for this reason! A large concrete apron exists under the bridge - easily measuring 5 metres deep and at least 10m long. More than enough space to perform in and yet still provide shelter from rain. **Can you help promote my event / group / cult?** Yes.. but within reason! We love to help our members who are doing awesome and creative projects. The problem is that because we get asked to promote things so often, we cannot do so via social media posts. As this would cause our members to be "spammed" and announcements about upcoming events to get buried. However, there are still two ways we can help to promote your project. Firstly, please feel free to post on our Facebook Discussion group. Secondly, you are also welcome to post in our [Meetup Forum](https://www.meetup.com/Theatre-Games-in-the-Park/discussions/), where your post may be seen by our 1,800+ members. Lastly, we may be able to help in additional ways if you wish to share an opportunity for our members to perform. In this case we may be able to send a Meetup Message to our members, or to announce it in person at our events. **What if I have other questions?** If possible please post any questions in the comments area below rather than directly messaging us, so that others can see the answer too. This will allow us to spend less time answering messages, and more time making the games as fun as possible!

Unhurried Conversations - Saturday

Bring yourself along, we explain how it works.

Chess club at Esperanto House

If you want to make new friends, have fun and play chess in a stimulating environment, come join us every Wednesday at Esperanto House! There’s informal chess playing and socializing. Players of all levels are welcome. Looking forward to meet and welcome you to our club!

The Immigration Debate: Myths, Facts and Ethics

Immigration is one of the most emotionally charged issues in global politics today. No other issue generates as much heat, fear, or political division. But how much of what we hear about immigration is true? What are its actual effects on jobs, housing, public services, innovation and social cohesion? Has global migration actually been increasing — and do border restrictions even work? And even if we could agree on the facts, what ethical principles should guide our thinking? Do people have a right to seek a better life across borders? What do wealthy nations owe to those displaced by poverty, conflict, or climate change? How should we balance compassion, fairness, freedom and national self-determination? Join us for a thoughtful discussion as we explore one of the most important and controversial global questions of our time. **Book: *How Migration Really Works – A Factful Guide to the Most Divisive Issue in Politics* (2023) by Hein de Haas** **Companion reading:** ***[The Ethics of Migration - An Introductory Guide](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQDzLZM1XoUtRodgUee8p_e0AfVZZ7jILU7oNv8RFPURgV0?e=yyoHlD)*** (prepared for this meetup) **Essential Ideas at a Glance: *[Infographics, Tables and Summaries on Migration Myths ](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQDhmc7ksrVEQ5ZHZukMnbGZAWgYg_puO_IQhUu976w6aog?e=NLFebq)***(prepared for this meetup) For this month’s meetup we have two principal readings that approach migration from complementary angles: one examines the myths and realities of migration across the world, while the other explores its ethical dimensions. In *How Migration Really Works*, Dutch migration scholar Hein de Haas argues that much of the public debate is driven by myths and misunderstandings. Although Australia receives its share of attention, this is not a book specifically about the Australian migration debate; it is a wide-ranging account grounded in decades of international research. De Haas explores questions such as whether migration is increasing, whether immigration lowers wages, whether immigration fixes the problem of an ageing population, and whether governments can effectively control migration flows. The result is a nuanced and evidence-based account of migration. The accompanying guide to the ethics of immigration examines the deeper questions that facts alone cannot answer. Even if we agree on the evidence, what should immigration policy aim to achieve? The guide introduces the major ethical perspectives and arguments from across the political spectrum, providing a framework for thoughtful and informed discussion. As always, we strongly encourage you to do the reading before you attend. This will enrich both your experience and our collective discussion. We’ve also included some further resources below that you may find useful. So join us for a drink (and optional meal) at 6:30pm on Monday, 3rd August, on the 2nd floor of the Keg & Brew Hotel in Surrey Hills (i.e. up two flights of stairs). The venue is conveniently located near Central Station and the Light Rail. We look forward to seeing you there! P.S. Please adjust your RSVP if you have indicated that you will come but are no longer able to do so. This is courteous to others if there is a waitlist. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- These are just optional links to consider to supplement the reading of the book and document. Feel free to pass on other useful links in the discussion section. **Videos** * Two presentations by Hein de Haas on his book: [How Migration Really Works (1hr)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuwiwD67AjM) [How Migration Really Works (45mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89jS8FRkRCI) * A collection of short videos by de Haas: [Migration 101](https://heindehaas.org/migration-101/) * Harvard’s Michael Sandel convenes a debate on the ethics of national borders with the help of the BBC and a group of participants from over 30 countries: [The Global Philosopher - Should Borders Matter?](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03njc35) * Debating Open Borders: Carl vs Caplan (2023) Noah Carl and Bryan Caplan debate the merits of open borders: [Spotify - Open Borders Debate](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Q8DMpZU4pUdRkA2Zv1hMo) [Apple - Open Borders Debate](https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/debating-open-borders-carl-vs-caplan/id1569224821?i=1000636401848) **Written** * **Essential Ideas at a Glance: *[Infographics, Tables and Summaries on Migration Myths ](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQDhmc7ksrVEQ5ZHZukMnbGZAWgYg_puO_IQhUu976w6aog?e=NLFebq)***(prepared for this meetup) * Hein de Haas's substack articles: [Hans de Haas’s substack](https://heindehaas.substack.com/) * Immigration Ethics - An Overview (in 999 words!): [Immigration Ethics Summary](https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2026/04/01/immigration-ethics/) * Encyclopedia Entries: [Stanford - Arguments for Open and Closed Borders](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/immigration/) [Wikipedia – Opposition to Migration Arguments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opposition_to_immigration) * Reviews of How Migration Really Works: [How Migration Really Works - Review](https://www.e-ir.info/2024/09/15/review-how-migration-really-works/)

Creative Picnic Lounge - explore new hobbies with new friends

Looking for a third space to hang around for free? 📍 Sydney Park This is an outdoor lounge for curious people to just simiply be. Connect through creative activities and board games. Come solo or with friends. Join us if you feel like making your Sunday a little more interesting. Creative station provides: * customised post card * origami paper * colouring book * sketching/colouring pens * stationary * Yarn, crochet, knitting * Tbc Join empty handed or bring a project you're working on. Optional: bring something to keep u warm, throw blanket etc. (No pressure if you're not feeling creative. They're only here to keep your hands busy)

Quiz Night :-)

**Smart Money Quiz** is a fun in-person trivia style quiz that is all about money and finance! ​Expect fast-paced trivia, great company, and some serious (but friendly) competition as teams battle it out for the Smart Money Quiz Trophy, bragging rights, and a prize! This is a free event. We'll have free drinks and food. ​It’s a game of skill. We have a prize of $500 in Bitcoin for the winning team.\* ​— ​Would you like a free drink? ​Simply sign up to Independent Reserve, show us your account at the registration desk, and we'll give you a free drinks voucher (to be used on the night): https://portal.independentreserve.com/invite/YYYTUS ​— ​Register your team; the minimum team size is 3 people and the maximum team size is 6 people.\*\* ​If you register on your own, we can connect you with others to form a team on the night. ​Please register with your full name. ​— ​Doors open: 6:30 PM ​Event finishes: Approx. 8:30 PM ​— ​\*The Winning Team receives a prize of $500 in Bitcoin per team, paid into an Independent Reserve account or split between multiple accounts. ​ ​Smart Money Quiz is an ASIC registered Trading Name owned by FamFi P/L; registered on 24/11/2025. By registering, attending &/or participating in the Event, attendees agree to our Terms and Conditions. For the full T&Cs, please email Glen Frost on glen@famfi.com.au