REFERENDUM

A late posting but for those who are still free on Monday let's go for a hike from **Testelt to Aarschot** (\~21km, 160m elevation). We will return to the wetlands in the north-east of Vlaams-Brabant, not too far from Brussels, and explore an area we didn't visit for some time. At the end, we will hopefully find somewhere for an (optional) drink in Aarschot before taking the train back to Brussels. **The weather forecast is sunny and 14C, but prepared for a shower just in case. The path may be muddy and slippery in places so wear good shoes, preferably walking boots.** **We will walk at an average speed of 5km/h. This is quite fast.** We will walk both on paved and unpaved roads. I’ve never walked this route before, so it’s possible there are some mistakes in the planning. **You can find the GPX track here:** [https://mapy.com/s/relasemepa](https://mapy.com/s/relasemepa) (I may still update the route a bit) **Meeting point and train** We will meet outside Starbucks in **Brussels Central station at 09:00**. The train **T18022 (Bierges-Walibi & Ottignies)** leaves from **platform 3 at 9:12** (you can also join this train at Brussels Zuid at 9:07 or Brussels Noord at 9:18). We arrive in Leuven at **9:35** change on to the **IC 2608 (Aarschot & Genk),** leaving from platform 8 at 9:43. It arrives in Aarschot at 10:06. **Train tickets** \- Single Brussels to Testelt\, € 8 or € 4\.80 with Train\+ \- Single Aarschot to Brussels\, € 6\.90 or € 4\.20 with Train\+ You probably want to buy the Train+ card for the price of € 6 (1 month) or € 48 (12 months). It can be bought in the SNCB/NMBS app or at ticket machines. **Train back to Brussels** There are connections at xx:14 and xx:36 from Aarchot to Brussels, changing in Leuven and taking \~42 minutes to Central station. **Specifics** Distance: \~21 km Elevation gain: \~160 m Net walking time: \~5h Level: ***Easy*** **In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even a few hours before the event. If this happens, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out a message to those registered. So, it is important to have access to either the [Meetup.com](http://Meetup.com) website and/or your email.** **What to bring** **\- lunch \- we will *not* stop at a cafe/restaurant for lunch** \- comfortable hiking clothes – waterproof hiking shoes \- extra socks to change \+ compeed for blisters \- water \(min 2l\) and enough food for the breaks \- sun protection oil\, a head and sunglasses OR a raincoat (please consult the weather forecast on [www.meteo.be](http://www.meteo.be/)) \- mosquito/tick repellent \- some money for drinks/snacks/etc **Basic rules** The number of participants is limited, so make sure that you RSVP only if you really intend to come. If your plans change, update your RSVP asap. This is basic courtesy towards others. Last day cancellations, no-shows and Internet warriors are not appreciated. Only people whose name appears on the main list may come to the hike. **Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability** You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you choose to take part. As participation in this event is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

Let's continue the tradition and play UNO, everybody is welcome :) If you're on the waitlist please check your messages, especially on Sunday. If people drop off last minute I tend to message people on the waitlist to see who can come. We'll be playing at the lobby of Radisson RED, Brussels. The address of the hotel is: Rue d'Idalie 35, 1050 Bruxelles My number is 0471 45 55 02. Feel free to call if you cannot solve a physics question, cannot find the place or simply need a hug. I have quickly written a set of rules on how we play. It is assumed that the reader has a basic concept of the game. *** Setup: * Each player starts with 6 or 7 cards each (depending on total number of players) * A card is shown in play in the middle of everyone, this is known as the top card. Goal: * The goal of the game for each player is to get rid of all cards in your hand Rules: * Whenever you go from two cards to one card, you have to say "UNO". * Each player takes his turn one by one, initially going in the clock-wise direction * A card may be played if it matches the same colour or same number or same type as the top card in play * The two black cards (Draw 4 and Wild) can be played regardless of the top card in play. * Interruption rule: You may interrupt the general flow of the game (clockwise or counter-clockwise) if you have the EXACT same card as the top card in play. If you manage to play the card prior to the person whose turn it's supposed to be, then the game continues on from you in the same direction it was previously. (Unless the reverse card was interrupted, then the direction changes). * Draw2 or Draw4 cards can be played in accordance to the interruption rule. The following person after the interrupt has to take the accumulated number of cards. If however, cards have already been drawn AND seen by the person who was supposed to take the cards, then only the remainder of cards has to be drawn. * Once someone has no cards remaining in his hand, play stops and we start counting points. Points: * Number cards have the face value as the number of points. i.e. number 6 is worth 6 points, number 0 is worth 0 points, number 4 is worth 4 points. * Skip, reverse and Draw2 are worth 20 points each * Wild and draw4 are worth 50 points each

Do you want to become a confident public speaker? To communicate better and connect? And have fun? Join **Dacia Toastmasters** for an inspiring evening of speeches, impromptu challenges and helpful feedback – all in a warm, international atmosphere. We are a supportive Toastmasters club where communication and leadership skills grow together – through practice, encouragement and community. Next meeting: 📅 First Monday of the month 🕗 19:00 – 21:00 (doors open at 18:45) 📍 Marriott Courtyard Brussels EU Rue Joseph II / Jozef-II straat, 1000 Brussels (Conveniently located near metro Arts-Loi / Kunst-Wet) Why join **Dacia Toastmasters**? ✔️ Practise public speaking with prepared speeches and quick-thinking exercises ✔️ Improve your communication and leadership skills ✔️ Receive constructive feedback in a positive setting ✔️ Meet a vibrant, multilingual community Our meetings are in English with a taste of Romanian and open to everyone. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find a place to grow. Guests are always welcome. Just bring your curiosity. 📩 RSVP now and join us for a memorable evening!

Rejoins-nous pour découvrir le Touch Rugby sous le signe du sport, du fun et de la convivialité ! 🏉 Que tu sois débutant·e curieux·se, joueur·se occasionnel·le ou habitué·e des terrains, ce rendez-vous est ouvert à toutes et tous. Le touch rugby est un sport en plein essor sans plaquage, accessible, dynamique mais aussi inclusif et fun sur et en dehors des terrains. 💙 ✨ Au programme : * Échauffement collectif * Exercices et jeux * Développement de la condition physique * Bonne humeur, esprit d’équipe et fair-play 🎯 Venez bouger, vous amuser et partager un bon moment ensemble ! 👉 Ramène ta tenue de sport, de l’eau, et surtout ta motivation. On s’occupe du reste 💪 À très vite sur le terrain !

Drinking & Networking in Brussels. For newcomers, temporary in town - couch surfers and regulars to meet & socialize. What a better day to start the week than drinking & socializing starting on Monday evening?

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! Schedule: [Monday to Thursday](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! Horaire : [lundi à jeudi](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

**In Italy, language is learned at the table.** We speak while we cook. We correct while we taste. We share while we eat. **The Language Cooking Lab is an immersive evening where complete beginners learn the fundamentals of Italian while preparing an authentic Italian dish; tonight will be Pasta alla Carbonara — guided by an Italian professional chef with a background in language teaching.** This is not a lecture. This is not a demonstration. It is hands-on, voice-on, pan-on. *** ## **La Carbonara — The Roman Way** We prepare Carbonara as it is done in Rome: * Guanciale * Eggs * Pecorino Romano * Freshly cracked black pepper * Pasta **No cream. No shortcuts.** You will learn: * Proper timing and temperature control * How to create the creamy texture without scrambling * The cultural story behind the dish **Carbonara is simple.** **Simplicity requires precision.** *** ## **What You Will Learn** Designed for complete beginners. You will practice: * **Italian pronunciation basics** * **Essential greetings and introductions** * **Core kitchen vocabulary** * **Action verbs in real time** * **Simple useful sentences** You will not memorize long lists. You will speak while stirring. Movement builds memory. *** ## **Structure of the Evening** **1\. Foundations \(15 minutes\)** Pronunciation and key phrases. **2\. Cook & Speak \(60 minutes\)** Step-by-step cooking with integrated vocabulary and guided repetition. **3\. Tavola Italiana \(30 minutes\)** Structured conversation at the table, with guided Italian-only moments. Because Italian is rhythm, tone, and presence. *** ## **The Host** An Italian professional chef with formal culinary training and experience teaching languages. You receive: * Authentic technique * Clear pedagogical structure * Proper pronunciation * Real cultural insight You are learning from someone who understands both craft and communication. *** ## **Location** **The session takes place in a private house.** The exact address is shared after confirmation inside our WhatsApp group. Please introduce yourself, request to join here and rsvp here= **https://chat.whatsapp.com/F2hTxZ4TT3hHICiihX1Efy** A home setting ensures: * A real kitchen environment * Limited group size * Intimacy and comfort This is a curated cultural gathering, not a rented event space. *** ## **Participant Selection** Participants are screened before confirmation. We prioritize: * Respectful individuals * Genuine learners * People comfortable in a private-home setting Disruptive or inappropriate behavior is not tolerated. **Hospitality is sacred.** **Respect is expected.** *** ## **Contribution** A €10 contribution per person will be collected at the event to expenses Accepted payment methods: * Payconiq * Revolut * Wise Cash if absolutely necessary. *** ## **Important Notes** This dish contains: * Pork * Eggs * Dairy Food allergies must be declared in advance. Cooking involves hot pans and sharp utensils. Participants are responsible for their own actions. You leave with: * Foundations in Italian * A properly executed Carbonara * A shared table experience * **Learn Italian.** **Cook Italian.** **Enjoy Together.**

**Soirée débat — Cuba : l’échec du communisme ? Aux radical-chic européens ne reste-t-il que la Corée du Nord ?** Cette semaine, notre discussion porte sur Cuba. Depuis la révolution de 1959, l’île est gouvernée par une dictature communiste. Pendant des décennies, Cuba a survécu grâce au soutien économique de puissances alliées, d’abord l’Union soviétique, puis le Venezuela, l'Iran, la Chine. Aujourd’hui, l’économie cubaine traverse une crise profonde : pénuries alimentaires, coupures d’électricité, inflation, migration massive et dépendance énergétique. La fin du soutien pétrolier vénézuélien ont accentué une situation déjà dramatique. Dans le débat public occidental, Cuba est souvent présentée à travers des récits simplifiés : – soit comme un symbole romantique de résistance révolutionnaire – soit comme un exemple caricatural d’échec politique Notre objectif n’est pas de répéter ces récits. Notre objectif est de comprendre. *** ### **Topics We Cover** Nous analyserons la situation cubaine à travers plusieurs angles : **1\. Le système politique cubain** Comment un régime communiste à parti unique a-t-il maintenu le pouvoir pendant plus de six décennies ? **2\. L’économie cubaine et ses limites** Pourquoi l’économie planifiée cubaine produit-elle pénuries chroniques, dépendance énergétique et faible croissance ? **3\. Les sanctions américaines** Quel est l’impact réel de l’embargo américain ? Affaiblit-il le régime ou renforce-t-il sa légitimité politique ? **4\. La fin du soutien vénézuélien** Quel rôle le pétrole subventionné du Venezuela a-t-il joué dans la survie du modèle cubain — et que se passe-t-il lorsque ce soutien disparaît ? **5\. L’avenir de Cuba** Transition politique, réforme économique progressive ou stagnation durable ? *** ### **What Makes This Different** – Nous privilégions les témoignages de personnes originaires ou connaissant directement la région – Nous examinons ce que les médias simplifient ou ignorent – Nous encourageons les désaccords argumentés et les perspectives contradictoires – Nous analysons les intérêts, les rapports de force et les réalités économiques — pas les slogans Ce n’est pas un espace de propagande. C’est un espace de réflexion. *** ### **Why This Forum Exists** À Bruxelles, plusieurs initiatives proposent des débats structurés. Trop souvent, cependant, un petit cercle détermine les propositions et limite la diversité réelle des conclusions possibles. Il existe aussi des espaces où la géopolitique se réduit à des slogans anti-américains ou à des indignations partisanes. Ce forum n’est ni l’un ni l’autre. Nous accueillons une véritable diversité d’opinions et d’expériences. Personne ici ne sera exclu pour avoir remis en question un récit dominant. Les idées se confrontent librement. Les attaques personnelles ne sont pas tolérées. *** ### **Motions & Proposals Welcome** Nous encourageons les participants à proposer des motions de débat. Une motion doit être formulée avec sérieux : – une thèse claire – un minimum de contexte historique ou juridique – une compréhension des enjeux géopolitiques Les propositions destinées à stimuler la réflexion sont bienvenues. Les slogans et provocations faciles ne le sont pas. *** ### **Languages** La langue dépendra des participants présents. Les débats se déroulent généralement en anglais et en français, mais nous pouvons accueillir d’autres langues lorsque cela est possible. Langues actuellement possibles : – English – Français – Nederlands – Español – Italiano – Русский – Farsi L’objectif est la compréhension, pas la pureté linguistique. *** ### **What We Ask of Participants** – Venez pour comprendre, pas pour “gagner” un débat – Soyez ouverts à des perspectives qui contredisent les vôtres – Parlez avec des faits, du contexte et de l’histoire – Si vous proposez un sujet, venez préparé – Critiquez les idées, jamais les personnes – Pas de censure des opinions – Pas d’attaques personnelles – Pas de diffamation Le désaccord est normal. La paresse intellectuelle ne l’est pas. *** ### **This is not a dating meetup** Tous les espaces sociaux ne sont pas destinés à flirter ou à chercher des opportunités romantiques. Si vous considérez ce forum comme un terrain de drague ou que vous faites des avances non désirées, vous n’avez pas compris le but de ce groupe. La conversation vient d’abord. Les idées viennent d’abord. Le respect vient d’abord. *** ### **Location & RSVP** L’événement aura lieu à Ixelles, dans un bar public. Pour préserver la qualité et la sécurité de la discussion, le lieu exact est communiqué uniquement aux participants confirmés via notre groupe WhatsApp. 👉 Pour RSVP et recevoir le lieu : https://chat.whatsapp.com/LX7UkWGZ3UdLQWLBvNdezN L’objectif n’est pas l’exclusivité. L’objectif est une discussion sérieuse entre personnes capables de réfléchir librement. The goal is not exclusivity, but accountability and quality of discussion. If this format doesn’t suit you, this event may not be the right fit.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Brussels.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Corporations shape much of the modern world, and behind these corporations are individuals: engineers, managers, marketers, researchers, and countless others whose work contributes, directly or indirectly, to the final product. This raises a fundamental question about responsibility. When a company produces something harmful, misleading, or ethically questionable, where does accountability lie? Is it confined to leadership and decision-makers only, or does it extend to every individual involved in the process? A developer writing code for a platform may not control how it is ultimately used. A scientist working for an energy company may not decide corporate strategy. An employee in marketing or administration may be far removed from the core activity that attracts criticism. Yet without these roles, the company could not function. This debate invites us to explore the nature of ethical responsibility within large organizations. Can morality be separated from one’s professional role, or does it inevitably follow from it? Are individuals morally responsible for outcomes even if they do not control them, or is responsibility something that belongs primarily to institutions? Join us as we examine the relationship between personal ethics and corporate structures, and question where responsibility truly begins and ends in the modern workplace. This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into **four teams of two.** Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming: * **Respect ideas and people** Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. * **Be concise and civil** Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. * **Respect boundaries and time** No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. * **Follow moderators** They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Antwerpen.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Switch as many applications as possible (email, calendar, chat, browser, search engine, operating system, etc.) to open-source, privacy-friendly alternatives, moving away from Big Tech monopolies. The workshop is open for both beginners and experts.

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

Dinner and dancing

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)