True Crime

​​**Important registration information: ​​To participate in this event, please sign up through [Apart Research's event page ](https://apartresearch.com/sprints/ai-manipulation-hackathon-2026-01-09-to-2026-01-11)before registering. You are also encouraged to make a team on [Apart Research's Discord Sever](https://discord.gg/Bu7h9qZJ) prior to the start of the hackathon.** ​The line between authentic interaction and strategic manipulation is disappearing as AI systems master deception, sycophancy, sandbagging, and psychological exploitation at scale. Our ability to detect, measure, and counter these behaviours is dangerously underdeveloped. ​This hackathon brings together 500+ builders to prototype systems that could help us measure, detect, and defend against AI manipulation. You'll have one intensive weekend to build something real – tools that could actually help us understand and mitigate one of AI safety's most pressing challenges. ​**Top teams get:** * ​**💰 $2,000 in cash prizes** * ​**The chance to continue development through Apart Research's Fellowship program** * ​**Guaranteed acceptance to present at the [IASEAI workshop in Paris](https://www.iaseai.org/our-programs/iaseai26) on the 26th of February 2026** ​​You will work in teams over one weekend and submit open-source benchmarks, detection tools, scenario analyses, monitoring tools, or empirical research advancing our understanding of AI trajectories. [​​​​​​Trajectory Labs](https://www.trajectorylabs.org/), the jamsite, provides a comfortable and spacious coworking space along with coffee, tea, and other refreshments (meals not provided, but there are many nearby options). Other locations will also be taking part!

Let's start the new year by meeting new friends and having great conversations! Come on out and join us on Friday at Union Social Eatery at Yonge and St. Clair. https://www.unionsocial.ca/ This is a great way to meet new people, whether you are new to the city, or like myself, have lived here for many years. Please note there is a $3 charge for this meetup. 
Payment Options:
E-transfers should be sent to [torontofriendsmeetup@gmail.com](mailto:torontofriendsmeetup@gmail.com)
Or
PayPal Link:
[https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/torontofriendsmeetup](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/torontofriendsmeetup)
Or you can pay cash in person.

 Please note: refunds will only be issued in the case where the organizer has to cancel or reschedule the event.
 Hope to see you there! Jess

🎬 **Free Movie Meetup — Friday, January 9 @ Innis Town Hall** 🎉 Kick off 2026 the fun way — with great films and great people! Join us for a **free screening of *Knight of Cups*** on **Friday, January 9** at **Innis Town Hall**. It’s the perfect way to spend your Friday evening, connect with other movie lovers, and enjoy an art-film experience on the big screen — no RSVP required (but appreciated)! 🚀 📍 **Location:** *Innis Town Hall* (Part of Innis College at the University of Toronto) — a fully-equipped cinema space known for hosting film festivals, cultural events, and FREE Friday film nights. ([Innis College | University of Toronto](https://innis.utoronto.ca/book-a-venue/innis-town-hall/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Innis Town Hall - Innis College - University of Toronto")) 🕡 **Meet Up:** **6:45 PM in the lobby** — look for **Nick** holding the **Meetup sign**! 🎥 **Screening Starts:** **7:00 PM sharp** 💡 **Reminder:** Please respect your RSVP — but if you’re unsure of your schedule, you’re always welcome to just *show up*! **After the movie we'll gather once more in lobby to talk about it for a bit and share our thoughts** *** ### 🎞️ *Knight of Cups* — Movie Info *Knight of Cups* is a visually rich **2015 American romantic drama** directed by **Terrence Malick**, starring **Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, and Natalie Portman**. ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_of_Cups_%28film%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Knight of Cups (film)")) 🕒 **Runtime:** **118 minutes** (just shy of 2 hours) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_of_Cups_%28film%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Knight of Cups (film)")) 🎬 **Synopsis:** Follow *Rick*, a Hollywood screenwriter adrift in the glitzy yet hollow world of LA and Vegas, as he navigates personal reflections, relationships, dreams, and memories in a poetic, impressionistic journey. ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_of_Cups_%28film%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Knight of Cups (film)")) 👉 Watch the official trailer here: **🎥 *[Knight of Cups ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI2j1FHCjtM)*[Trailer on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI2j1FHCjtM)** ([YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI2j1FHCjtM&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Knight of Cups Official Trailer #1 (2015) - Christian Bale ...")) *** ### 🏛️ About Innis Town Hall Innis Town Hall (Room IN-112) is a cozy, welcoming cinema space within **Innis College** at the University of Toronto. It’s a hub for film culture in the city — equipped with digital projection, plush seating, and known for hosting **Free Friday Film Nights** and other community screenings. ([Innis College | University of Toronto](https://innis.utoronto.ca/book-a-venue/innis-town-hall/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Innis Town Hall - Innis College - University of Toronto")) Whether you’re a cinema buff, Terrence Malick fan, or just looking to meet new people, this is a **fun, free way to kick off your weekend and dive into some fascinating storytelling**. *** 🌟 **BONUS:** Check out the CINSSU Free Friday Films page for info on other upcoming free screenings — a great way to make film nights a regular thing! ✨ [https://cinssu.com/fff](https://cinssu.com/fff) *** Can’t wait to see you there 🎉🍿

**Happy Hour Event!** Come beat the winter blues with a HAPPY HOUR event at **Fox and Fiddle** (York Mills) on **Friday, January 9th, 2026**. The venue features a great selection of discounted beverages and mouth watering apps. Please view the menu in the photo gallery below. Meet friends and make some new ones in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Each participant will cover their own food and drink costs. **There is a non-refundable / non-transferable $5.00 cover fee** to attend this group event. This charge will reserve your spot, help with group costs and hopefully minimize no shows. **Payment of the $5 cover charge is due by FRIDAY, January 2nd 2026.** After this date, non payment of the cover fee will result in the Member's name being moved to the "not going" list so that those "waitlisted" have an opportunity to attend the Brunch. **Note - attendees may bring one guest (subject to space availability) under this cover charge.** n consideration of others, if you are not able to attend, please advise 48 hours prior to the event to allow other people on the waitlist to have your spot. No shows and less than 48 hours notice of non-attendance will be noted. 2 or more such occurrences will unfortunately lead to removal from the group. Thank you all for your understanding and consideration. Looking forward to connecting soon! Here are the details for the $5.00 e-transfer - E-mail - [weekendbrunchover50@hotmail.com](http://weekendbrunchover50@hotmail.com/), Security Question - What is the time of the event? **Happyhour** Hope to see you there!

The Board Games event is a fun, sociable and charitable event We are a fun, friendly and kind group of people mostly in our 20s, 30s and 40s. Beginners are welcome! We are a very inclusive and social group and we teach people how to play games they have not played before :) We provide a variety of 40+ board games. The games usually take 5 or 10 minutes to learn and 30 to 60 minutes to play. **Time** * Board Games Start time: 630pm * Board Games end time: 10pm * Eat / Drink/ Socialise at a nearby pub afterwards **Location** 30 Leeds St, Toronto, ON M6G 3R8 (Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Protection) The entrance to the board game room is at the back of the Church. There is a sign on the door that says BOARD GAMES GROUP. Please use the map provided on the event page also. **Fee** $10 Cash (no coins ) $11.55 by card or e-Transfer * e-Transfer before or at the event dvschiller@gmail.com for e-Transfer **Charity Donations** * This is a not-for-profit initiative. Revenue go towards covering costs of the event including venue, insurance marketing, refreshments and board games. Any surplus revenue is donated to charity **Food and drink** * Everyone will get cookies/candy for free * Cups will be provided for tap water * Bring your own food and drink. * Please do not bring CHIPS AND CRACKERS as they make a mess and are greasy * **ALCOHOL IS PROHIBITED AND WE HAVE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY ON THIS - there are no second chances** Photos will be taken at the event and posted publicly for marketing purposes. Please only attend if you are ok with this or tell me when you arrive that you do not want to be in any photos The event is officially hosted by Ace of Math Learning Program Ontario Inc.

Join us for **Witness for the Prosecution,** Agatha Christie’s electrifying courtroom drama filled with betrayal, secrets, and shocking twists that will keep you guessing until the final verdict. ***You can use our promo code to purchase discount tickets for any performance.*** **THE PLAY:** Step into the courtroom for a gripping tale of betrayal, secrets, and shocking twists! Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering a wealthy widow who made him her sole heir. As conflicting testimonies emerge, the truth becomes a puzzle that will leave you guessing until the final verdict. Adapted from Agatha Christie’s *Traitor’s Hands*, this tense courtroom drama will have you on the edge of your seat, questioning everything you think you know. *Recommended for ages 14 and up. Depicts murder, emotional manipulation, and mature themes.* \*\*\* **PRICE** **Discount Tickets:** $24 (includes all fees) *** **HOW TO PURCHASE** Sign up on this event page and use the promo code **THUMBSUP** to get your discount tickets. Use the code to purchase your tickets **[online](https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=tscar&rd=1)** or call the box office at (416) 267-9292. ***You do not have to attend with our group. You may use our promo code THUMBSUP to purchase discount tickets for any performance.*** **Seating Arrangements:** Seating is reserved so members may not be able to sit together. However, we will get together before, during and after the show. Belinda will be seated in C-B27. *** **DETAILS** **When:** Saturday, January 10, 2026 **Time:** Show starts at 8 p.m. Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre. **Where:** Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Road, Scarborough **Runtime:** About 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission *** **MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS** Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. in the theatre lobby beside the box office. Belinda will is very short and will be wearing a pink Los Gatos baseball cap and pink eyeglass frames. Cell # (416) 879-7575 for use on day/time of performance only. **Intermission & After-Show Meetup Spots:** Meet Belinda beside the box office in the same place as you met her before the show. **\*\*\*** **[THUMBS UP CELLPHONE POLICY:](https://www.meetup.com/Thumbs-Up-Theatre-Toronto/events/243426512/)** Cellphones must be turned off, or kept in silent or flight mode (no sound and no vibration), and MUST NOT be pulled out or used under any circumstances during shows.

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/436240616427?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/436240616427?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Savor the laughter at Sizzling Saturdays! Toronto's comedy spectacle starts at 8 PM. A night of uproarious fun awaits!** Join us for a sizzling Saturday night at 8 PM! Backroom Comedy Club presents a comedy extravaganza featuring Toronto's top comedians. Immerse yourself in an evening of wit, humor, and uproarious laughter. Make your Saturday memorable—reserve your seat now for an unforgettable entertainment experience!

We are a warm, welcoming community of meditators that offer meditation instruction and opportunities to practice meditation twice every week, every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. No need to register, just show up! FREE MEDITATION INSTRUCTION Perhaps you’ve heard about Mindfulness, or read about current research showing the many benefits that it brings. Maybe you've decided you want to learn to meditate, or you’ve tried it on your own but have difficulties or questions. We offer free meditation instruction in an environment with other new people. Our trained meditation guides will provide you with all the information and structure you need to begin your meditation practice. Wear comfortable clothing. Meditation cushions or chairs are provided. No experience necessary, no need to register ahead of time. GROUP MEDITATION SITTING - open to the public Every Sunday at 10:00am - 11:00am we have silent shamatha/vipassana (mindful/awareness) group meditation + an informal teacher-led discussion about meditation related topics Every Wednesday at 7:00pm - 8:00pm we have silent shamtha/vipassana (mindful/awareness) group meditation. DONATIONS (of any amount) are gratefully accepted. We are a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that relies on your donations to support all that we offer. SUNDAY TALKS - every week after Sunday meditation After meditation we offer tea and a 45 min. informal group discussion lead by an experienced teacher. Topics are wide-ranging, but in each one we have the opportunity to learn how Mindful/Awareness meditation skills can bring more resources, resilience and calm to our everyday experiences. For more information about our meditation community and the Courses and Retreats we offer, please visit https://mississauga.shambhala.org/programs/

**🎬 Let’s Go to the Movies (and Actually Talk… or Not)** Whether you're a film nerd, popcorn enthusiast, or just looking for a chill night out with interesting people — this one's for you. We’re heading out to see a movie together, then grabbing food or drinks after. If the film's great (or terrible), we’ll probably talk about it forever. If it’s just okay, we’ll talk about it for 10 minutes and move on to everything else — books, dating apps, weird dreams, how Toronto keeps getting more expensive, etc. The vibe is relaxed, friendly, and not too serious. No film degree needed. No icebreakers. No pressure to “perform.” Just come enjoy the film, connect with some thoughtful people, and see where the night goes Click here to watch trailer! 🎞️ **Movie Title + Trailer:** [[Click here to watch trailer!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-09M173rT8)] 📖 **📖 Plot Summary:** A group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival. *** ### 🗓️ **Event Details** 📍 **Meetup Time:** 7:15 PM..I will only wait 5mins 🎬 **Movie Start Time:** 7:30pm ⏱️ **Runtime:** 90mins 📌 **Meetup Spot BEFORE AND AFTER THE MOVIE:** I will be standing at the top of the escalator wearing my Moose Hat. 🎟️ **Cost:** * **$11.50** for *CineClub* members * **$16.00** regular admission 👉 You are responsible for buying your own ticket. **🪑 Reserved Seating:** You must buy your ticket *before* signing up. You'll be asked where you're sitting so we can all sit together! 🎫 Buy your ticket here: [https://www.cineplex.com](https://www.cineplex.com) 📍🪑 **Where I will be sitting:** I will be in ROW "H" SEAT "17" 🍿 **After the Movie:** Yes, we’re heading out after! It’s not just a movie night — it’s a social night. Let's talk, laugh, and dissect every plot twist. *** ### ✅ **Before You Sign Up** * Please **buy your ticket first** — seating is limited! * When signing up, let us know your **seat number** so we can try to group everyone together. * You can still sign up or just **show up on the day** if you’re not sure you can make it — we’re flexible! 📲 **Join Our WhatsApp Group:** [Click here to join](#) 🎟️ **Join Cineplex’s CineClub for discounts**: [https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub](https://www.cineplex.com/cineclub) 🎁 **Get your SCENE Card** for free movies and points: [https://www.scene.ca](https://www.scene.ca) *** ### 🎥 **A Quick Word About Movie Etiquette** We love a great film experience. Please: * Turn off your phone * Don’t talk during the movie * Be respectful of others Repeat offenders will be removed from the group — we take our cinema seriously (but with snacks). *** ### 👥 **About the Group** This event is open to everyone — single, not single, shy, social, new in town or a long-time local. We're a group for people who love movies *and* making real connections. We also do walks, hikes, restaurants, arts & culture — come be part of it! 🎬 **Organized by:** Mathew 📧 Questions? Reach out: **torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**

🔪 **WHAT’S IN THE BOX?! A DARK & TWISTED MOVIE NIGHT** 🔪 Join us for a **chilling Saturday night Meetup** as we descend into one of the most disturbing and unforgettable thrillers ever made… *** ## 🎬 Movie: **Se7en** (1995) 📍 **Imagine Cinemas Carlton** 🗓 **Saturday, January 10** ⏰ **Showtime:** 6:40 PM 👋 **Meet:** **6:30 PM**, outside **Auditorium #6** 🔍 Look for **Nick holding the Meetup sign** 🎟 **Tickets:** **Only $5.99** — an absolute steal for a modern classic on the big screen. Seriously… this movie for under six bucks is criminally good value. Purchase your ticket in-person or [online ](https://omniwebticketing6.com/imaginecinemas/carlton/?schdate=2026-01-10&perfix=132266) 🪑 **Seating:** General admission (no assigned seats) *** ## 😱 About the Movie A serial killer stalks the city, selecting victims according to the **seven deadly sins**. Two detectives — one seasoned, one idealistic — race against time to stop a murderer whose crimes are as calculated as they are horrifying. Dark. Gritty. Unrelenting. **Se7en** is a psychological thriller that crawls under your skin and stays there long after the credits roll. ⏱ **Runtime:** **127 minutes** 🎥 **Trailer:** 👉 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znmZoVkCjpI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znmZoVkCjpI) *** ## 🩸 Good to Know * RSVP is **appreciated**, but feel free to **just show up** if your schedule is uncertain * Come early if you want to sit together * Not for the faint of heart 😈 *** If you like your movies **grim, intense, and unforgettable**, this one’s for you. See you in the darkness… 🍿🖤

The topic for January is "Chemistry" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

We're collaborating with Westerville Queer Collective to gather supplies and pack care packages. Head over to their event page to [register](https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-wroejsfn/events/312453970/) officially. We’ll be assembling care packages with food, warm weather supplies, recreational items like books, and resource guides for local unhoused folks. Packages will then be delivered to HEER2SERVE, local nonprofit that has weekly “serves”, when they go out into local encampment areas and deliver needed items and food. Our care packages will be a part of that. WQC will supply containers and food items for the care packages. So this time we are primarily focusing on gathering donations for keeping warm, including up to 50 of the following items: Clean or new socks, hats, scarves and gloves Handwarmers Sanitizing wipes Lighters You are welcome to contribute items or just come and help pack. Leave a comment if you are bringing donations. We can also accept money donations through WQC.

Let’s meet for dinner at the Rossi, In the short north. The plan is to have dinner and then head over to Good Night John Boy around 9 pm for drinks and dancing. Please only RSVP if you are having dinner so that I have a head count for the restaurant. If you want to only join us for John Night John Boy, you don’t have to RSVP, you can write a comment under the event. This is the menu for the restaurant: https://rossikitchenandbar.com/dinner

Why are we unhappy? Where does emotional pain come from? Studies show that people who suffer from long-term emotional pain have painful experiences in their lives that were never fully resolved in their mind. In other words, there were issues in the past that were not completely dealt with. This can include abuse in childhood, breakups, divorce, death of a loved one, to name a few. How do you know whether you have gotten over something painful? Here is an easy test: Do you still have attention on what had happened to you? For instance, do you still find yourself thinking about something painful that you went through? If you are, then you are not over it. In fact, in severe cases, people find themselves playing a "tape" in their mind over and over again. So how do you heal from your past? How do you stop the "tape" playing in your mind? In this meeting, you will learn a technique to help you with that. Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

**Shake up your after work routine.** Join us for a guided cocktail class with our friends from Ilegal Mezcal and learn the story behind tequila and mezcal while creating three delicious cocktails from scratch. Your $15 ticket includes the class, all three cocktails, and a few party favors to take home. It is the perfect mix of learning, drinking, and socializing whether you are coming with coworkers, friends, or a date. Must be 21+ to attend.