Local Politics

Ha mannen! Weer een reguliere ManKracht meetup op de vrijdagavond in Amersfoort! Zoals altijd is de intentie voor onze meetups op locatie om een gemakkelijke, veilige en open atmosfeer te ervaren waarin we allemaal kunnen delen of inbrengen wat ons bezig houdt als man. Uiteraard zijn tijdens de ManKracht Avond nieuwe deelnemers welkom, we streven zoals altijd naar een groepsgrootte aan van 6 tot maximaal 10 man. Hier kort wat belangrijke info op een rijtje: * De offline meetup begint stipt om 20:00, vanaf dat moment zijn de 'deuren' gesloten. We vragen je dus om uiterlijk 5 minuten van te voren aan te komen. Je bent vanaf 19:30 welkom. * De avond duurt tot ongeveer 21:30. Voel je vrij om daarna het gesprek met andere deelnemers voort te zetten op een andere locatie (café/bar/kroeg). * Graag op tijd de RSVP in te vullen i.v.m. beperkte plaatsen. Mocht je op tijd weten dat je verhinderd bent, graag je RSVP aanpassen zodat mannen op de wachtlijst op tijd weten dat ze toch kunnen deelnemen. * Voel je vrij om een vriend mee te nemen, geef dit in dat geval ook even aan in de RSVP. Hopelijk zien we elkaar weer en mocht je nog vragen hebben dan hoor ik het graag natuurlijk. P.S. aangepaste locatie is thuis bij Sam

We zien dat AI inmiddels door veel mensen en organisaties wordt gebruikt, vooral voor tekst, plannen en ideeën. Tegelijkertijd merken we dat dit gebruik vaak onzeker en oppervlakkig blijft. Mensen experimenteren, maar twijfelen: * Klopt dit wel? * Gebruik ik AI “goed”? * Haal ik er echt voordeel uit, of kost het vooral tijd? De kern van het probleem is niet een gebrek aan tools of kennis, maar een gebrek aan grip, overzicht en vertrouwen in het eigen oordeel bij het werken met AI. **Wat houdt deze workshop in?** We willen een kleinschalige pilot-workshop (halve dag) organiseren waarin we professionals helpen om: * AI anders te leren zien (als denkpartner, niet als antwoordmachine) * Bewuster vragen te stellen en context te geven * AI‑output te beoordelen in plaats van blind te volgen Het is nadrukkelijk geen technische training en geen overzicht van tools. Het is een leerervaring die zich richt op denken, beoordelen en professioneel gebruik. **Voor wie is dit bedoeld?** De Training richt zich op: * Niet-technische managers en professionals * Die veel werken met tekst, plannen en besluitvorming * Die AI al gebruiken (bijv. ChatGPT), maar daar nog te weinig zekerheid en rendement uit halen **Wat maakt deze aanpak anders?** * Interactief en herkenbaar: deelnemers werken met hun eigen praktijk en leren van elkaar * Beperkt en scherp: geen overload, maar drie kerninzichten * Veilig en menselijk: twijfel wordt genormaliseerd, niet weggepoetst Deelnemers weten na afloop wat ze “maandag anders doen” **Pilot** Deze workshop is opgezet als pilot. We verwachten dan ook eerlijke feedback om deze workshop nog gerichter in te kunnen zetten om professionals meer bewust te maken van de mogelijkheden en onmogelijkheden van AI. Deze workshop wordt verzorgd door Edgar Stormbroek en Ziryan Salayi 9:00 9:30 Inloop 9:30 - 12:00 AI in praktijk 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch 13:00 - 14:00 Vervolg AI in praktijk 14:00 - 14:30 Afronding en feedback

Ben jij gefascineerd door de wereld van hacking en cybersecurity? Goed nieuws! Wat ooit een exclusieve serie workshops was voor studenten van NOVI, is nu toegankelijk voor iedereen met een passie voor hacking. 🚀 **Hack Friday** is jouw wekelijkse dosis cybersecurity praktijk. Elke vrijdagochtend duiken we samen in de diepe, duistere wereld van een nieuwe machine of challenge, onder de deskundige begeleiding van een van de cybersecurity experts van NOVI. Het is de perfecte manier om je skills te testen, te verbeteren en iets nieuws te leren in een vriendelijke en ondersteunende omgeving. 🛠️💻 ### Wat heb je nodig? * **Een werkende Kali Linux installatie**: Zorg dat je klaar bent om de uitdaging aan te gaan met je eigen Kali Linux setup. * **Een nieuwsgierige geest**: Heb je zin om te leren en uitgedaagd te worden? Dan pas je perfect in onze Hack Friday! ### Waarom meedoen? * **Leer van de besten**: Onze cybersecurity experts staan klaar om hun kennis te delen en je door de challenges te begeleiden. * **Wekelijkse uitdagingen**: Elke week bieden we een nieuwe machine of challenge aan, zodat je je vaardigheden kunt blijven ontwikkelen. * **Ontmoet gelijkgestemden**: Sluit je aan bij een community van enthousiaste hackers en cybersecurity professionals. ### Details: * **Wanneer**: Elke vrijdagochtend * **Waar**: op locatie in Utrecht * **Voor wie**: Iedereen met een interesse in hacking en cybersecurity, van beginners tot gevorderden. Ben je klaar om je hacking skills naar een hoger niveau te tillen en deel uit te maken van onze groeiende community? Sluit je dan aan bij Hack Friday en daag jezelf elke week uit met nieuwe en spannende cybersecurity avonturen! 🌟🔒 Registreer nu en laat zien wat je in huis hebt! Wij kunnen niet wachten om je te ontmoeten.

**RSVP's at MeetUp.com are limited to a total of 10 and will be ignored. If you would like us to wait for you when we walk, please register for this photowalk at our Clubhouse:** [https://www.heylo.com/events/94898f98-af8d-4b65-b31d-922abfe6568e/-OgH3Ig4CytffW3rcblJ](https://www.heylo.com/events/94898f98-af8d-4b65-b31d-922abfe6568e/-OgH3Ig4CytffW3rcblJ) From January 9 to February 1, 2026, Utrecht’s station area will be illuminated by light artworks again. “Begin januari 2026 is lichtexpositie I Light U terug in het Utrechtse stationsgebied met 12 nieuwe lichtkunstwerken. Dit jaar met het thema “Mirrors, Mirages, Miracles.” I Light U is een expositie van nationale en internationale lichtkunstenaars in en rondom het stationsgebied. Er is geen vaste route en geen toegangsprijs, laat je meevoeren langs de lichtende kunstwerken!” Read all about it here: https://ilightu.nl/ (or https://ilightu.nl/en/ – sorry, still shows old info on English website) We will meet in front of the Albert Heijn/TrainMore at Central Station (Stationsplein 28, @ the ‘Bollendak’) and follow the suggested route. The walk will be in a circle around the station area. After the walk we could stop for a drink at Mariaplaats (optional, not included and at your own expense), talk photography and share our results. Let’s MeetUp and have fun! This walk will be postponed to January 23th if it rains. *Please note:* * The photowalk starts at the posted time. Try to be there early, but if you are running late… just find us. The link to live location of the group (via Google Maps) will be shared in the Event Chat in our Clubhouse. * If you register for this photowalk and you can not make it, please update your RSVP! * The photowalk could be cancelled or postponed in case of really bad weather. * The end time is an estimate only; the length of the actual walk could be different from posted. * Check before you go if all your equipment is working properly; lens cleaned, batteries charged, memory cards empty. * Come prepared: wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a snack, check the weather forecast – and don’t forget your camera * The organisation is not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property during the photowalk. Participants are advised to have appropriate (travel/liability) insurance. * During the walk, pay attention to your surroundings, traffic, curbs and people. * Be respectful of residents, their property and privacy. *And finally:* * Any type of camera is welcome. * If taking pictures or making photos gives you joy, you are more than welcome!

**@ Internationals & Expats in Utrecht** *Come around and say hi, meet people and have a few drinks with us!* **Yearly NEW YEARS DRINKS! - CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR!** Location - announced soon RSVPs - announced soon We're looking forward meeting you in 2026!

Join us for a fun Friday night of improv theatre in English. Play, laugh, and meet new people in Utrecht during this welcoming drop-in workshop led by Burgert Kirsten, one of Improv Utrecht’s professional trainers. Everyone is welcome. You do not need any acting experience, and you do not need to be fluent in English. Many participants are not native speakers. Each week, several people join for the very first time, alongside regulars who come back again and again. Expect a group of around 12 to 22 people in total. What to expect Meet a mix of international and Dutch players Learn the basics of improvisation, a valuable modern skill Play fun and accessible theatre games Laugh a lot and surprise yourself along the way Practical information Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00. Please enter together with the group. The entrance is on the side of the building, via Troelstralaan. Workshop time is from 20:00 to 22:00. Full details can be found at [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6Uacch2zhjkNy6h1oNgRxFH9V9xdWoET38TkCXK39CyqxYEjQmirGViM_qlw_aem_hJkW5L3WHAO-pVZVHN1c3w&h=AT2S7AyQGOOxCA4y6M0NO7B-v3mSsYPTMqxJoyJHW3Wu4TVusm_lz92s5ru9B6DhWOMOy4IwE72y9T569MBRbB3tPDcPKdnsSnjI9Ef1b-7Yp467m71KcHLeJGRXaJI9_bDbaRe4F93uFs00Rds&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0toyw-m6q1Kl9A4pude9T05YHtdW_ajvYBWe_MixS8-d0JBdNz089yFCaZxIjsj41oPDYTZr-pLoVp3Nbw6oS2l-b59hWsbjVnOl__PH25Cx3iZDHpMxmtl8_kxDTepak27ZG-3b10bx8fSuh2QAJtRaEuxCrWtVE) After the workshop, people usually head together to the Irish pub O’Leary’s for a drink and a chat. How to sign up Please mark yourself as attending via our website at [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4aOuBKx2VBkJDoGyYCRHQXSTHuVoJHy0WS1bZAftQYuSLPcNgmTQeaBv4hpw_aem_5jJND0IPMoJD8mXqM4l2SA&h=AT2S7AyQGOOxCA4y6M0NO7B-v3mSsYPTMqxJoyJHW3Wu4TVusm_lz92s5ru9B6DhWOMOy4IwE72y9T569MBRbB3tPDcPKdnsSnjI9Ef1b-7Yp467m71KcHLeJGRXaJI9_bDbaRe4F93uFs00Rds&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0toyw-m6q1Kl9A4pude9T05YHtdW_ajvYBWe_MixS8-d0JBdNz089yFCaZxIjsj41oPDYTZr-pLoVp3Nbw6oS2l-b59hWsbjVnOl__PH25Cx3iZDHpMxmtl8_kxDTepak27ZG-3b10bx8fSuh2QAJtRaEuxCrWtVE). If you can no longer attend, remember to remove your signup so someone else can take your spot. Please also send your contact details to Marieke at info@theatersportworkshops.nl so we can reach you if there are any changes or issues with the workshop. Price Suggested donation €10 to €20, payable in cash or via Tikkie. If you are not able to pay much, you are still very welcome. Pay what you can or what you felt the workshop was worth. Your contribution helps cover the room rental and the professional trainers. Curious about more? Check out our improv courses at [https://www.improvutrecht.nl](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.improvutrecht.nl%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4aOuBKx2VBkJDoGyYCRHQXSTHuVoJHy0WS1bZAftQYuSLPcNgmTQeaBv4hpw_aem_5jJND0IPMoJD8mXqM4l2SA&h=AT0HQGS9N7lDDerT4Jh2s7yQZ3yqXcU3N7DHXcnh_ArhUbPBNnFc1Vs5ILLXJTm8W6M0qWOaOlvHeCdiG9IvYCgONK3G7Mx7YP3_ERn_wSRix-AtI5wPA8WvGq1ijPS5zLOaIIFzJ3kK6yajLPE&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0toyw-m6q1Kl9A4pude9T05YHtdW_ajvYBWe_MixS8-d0JBdNz089yFCaZxIjsj41oPDYTZr-pLoVp3Nbw6oS2l-b59hWsbjVnOl__PH25Cx3iZDHpMxmtl8_kxDTepak27ZG-3b10bx8fSuh2QAJtRaEuxCrWtVE) Tickets for courses via [https://improv-utrecht.weticket.com](https://improv-utrecht.weticket.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7kmRsV6LQrIsZqtZLBNbCbr9_NHgu23lRTafAiyzXQMBjXirebJNUXyW7-Jg_aem_Ps3bRMMWxOjgfL78fqIL8w) Follow Improv Utrecht Meetup [https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater](https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4aOuBKx2VBkJDoGyYCRHQXSTHuVoJHy0WS1bZAftQYuSLPcNgmTQeaBv4hpw_aem_5jJND0IPMoJD8mXqM4l2SA) Instagram @improvutrecht Facebook https://facebook.com/ImprovUtrecht

*Since this evening will be in Dutch, this description is too.* Wil je je drukke week afsluiten en ontspannen aan het weekend beginnen? Dan ben je geheel vrijblijvend welkom bij de vrijdagavond meditatie van [Jewel Heart](https://www.jewelheart.nl/). Deze meditatieavond heeft een licht en open karakter. De meditaties bestaan uit drie delen. We beginnen met het gewaarworden van je lichamelijke sensaties. In een korter deel twee doen we een loopmeditatie en in deel drie is er een eenvoudige, geleide visualisatie meditatie. Het geheel wordt afgesloten met een gesprek onder het genot van een kop thee, voor wie daar zin in heeft. 📍[Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan is de ingang aan je rechterzijde 🕒Zaal open vanaf 19.30 uur, meditatie van 20.00 tot 21.00 Je bent van harte welkom! Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Er zijn geen verplichtingen. Op vrijwillige basis kun je op de avond zelf een donatie doen. Kijk ook naar onze -[Open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) -[Cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

From the first steps, we enter what is truly my favourite forest in the Netherlands, located on the southern edge of the Veluwe. Unlike most Dutch landscapes, this area has real steep hills, rolling terrain, and a distinctly un-Dutch feeling, even though you are right in the heart of the country. In winter, quiet paths and pale light filtering through tall woodland along the Italian Road make the scenery especially striking. Halfway through the hike, we slow down for a cosy break at Castle Doorwerth. It is the perfect place to warm up with bites and drinks, enjoy the historic surroundings, and take a relaxed pause before continuing our walk. The route also passes the iconic Wodan Oaks. These ancient trees, estimated to be 400 to 600 years old, add a quiet sense of history and continuity to the landscape, which feels particularly powerful in winter when the forest is still, open, and calm. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 10:50 at Wolfheze train station. https://maps.app.goo.gl/73ZsY4tHrmhBjF8HA ⏰ We **start walking a few minutes after meeting up** — we don’t wait for latecomers, as the forest calls and daylight is short this time of year. **🚗 Coming by car?** There is plenty and free parking next to the station. https://maps.app.goo.gl/6yR1resGumn1j4jq5 **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After 12 km: Lunch break at Castle Doorwerth https://maps.app.goo.gl/qLe6DfxL8C6mKrmZA **💸 Payment** Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space. 🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5. The Tikkie link has been removed as the event is now fully booked. If a spot becomes available due to a cancellation and you would like to take it, you can message me directly and I will share the Tikkie link with you. **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 9 January at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. * Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits. * If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably. * At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities. * Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily. * Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay. * What to bring: Snacks, lunch, and water/ or hot thee/ coffee (depending on the hike distance). * Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike. * T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.

Zaterdag, 17 januari 2026 – 10.00 – 17.00 uur AMSTERDAM Kosten: € 130,–, inclusief btw en lunch Facilitator: [Susanne Hazen](https://susannehazen.com/over/) Assistentie: Iris Pinkepank Taal: Nederlands We gaan deze dag werken met ons voorouderveld. We gaan healing **vragen** EN we gaan op zoek naar en ons verbinden met voorouders die ons kracht kunnen geven en ondersteuning kunnen bieden met de strubbelingen die we op ons levenspad tegenkomen. Aanmelden via: https://susannehazen.com/voorouderrituelen/

Op 18 januari (ja, een zondag) organiseren de Nederlandse QGIS gebruikersgroep, Openstreetmap gebruikers en OSGeo weer de traditionele nieuwjaarsborrel. We heten iedereen deze middag welkom in de Kargadoor in Utrecht. Aanmelden graag via [onze Pretix aanmeldomgeving](https://pretix.eu/foss4gnl/nieuwjaar/). Toegang is gratis, maar we weten graag met hoeveel personen we rekening moeten houden... ook voor de borrelhappen! We heffen deze middag het glas op het mooie open nieuwe jaar, en geven ook een podium aan mensen die wat over hun open project willen vertellen. Er is een scherm beschikbaar, maar het idee is wel dat we het leuk en luchtig houden. Kort en snel werkt het beste in deze setting. Dus als je iets wil laten zien: super. Mail even aan [bestuur@osgeo.nl](mailto:bestuur@osgeo.nl), dan weten we welke verhalen we kunnen verwachten. Aanvang 14:00 Formele programma 15:00 Einde 17:30. Ter plekke kijken we wie er na afloop mee wil nog iets eten (eigen kosten).

⚠️ **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 Utrecht.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over coffee. 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.

A fun evening full of oooohh's and aaahhh’s and this is why: https://youtu.be/9Usnkt4mEvM It’s all about having fun, so don’t worry if this is your first or second time playing. We will help you and we always cheer every player to victory so everyone has a great experience. Pls be aware - paid event - read all information! I reserved 2 lanes for 1,5 hrs, so we play from 20.00 - 21.30 Since I have to pay in advance I ask anyone that joins to pay their part as well in advance. If you join the list for this event, please transfer 15 euros immediately or make someone on the waiting list happy by giving your spot to him or her. I will sent a tikkie or publish it in the comments. Your spot is only confirmed after payment. No pay. No play. Please note that there is no refund for cancellation, since I have reserved bowlinglanes and have to pay full price wheter we are with 10 people or 3 people. In case you can't make it, I suggest you find someone to take your spot and he or she pays you the money back. If someone on the waiting list takes your spot then a refund is possible. If someone takes your place, pls let me know in advance. Pls be on time. We start bowling at 8 pm sharp. So be there at least 15 minutes early since u need to change shoes and maybe want to get a drink at the bar. After the bowling we usually go to a café in the city for drinks but if u feel like going home this is ofcourse also okay.

**❄️ It’s snowing outside, and it’s the perfect time to warm up with paint!** **Kick off the year with our first winter workshop in a small group of five only— “Winter Landscape in Watercolours.”** **Join us for our first workshop of the year - “Winter Landscape in Watercolours.” This calm, winter-themed watercolour session is an invitation to slow down and paint simple with limited palette, peaceful winter scenes. We’ll focus on the wet-on-wet technique and a limited colour palette to capture soft light, misty skies, and quiet snowy landscapes.** **Workshop Details** **📅 Sunday, 18 January** **🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM** **📍 Schepenbuurt, Utrecht** **💶 €75 (all artist grade materials included)** **✨ Early booking offer:** **Use the code SAVE15 to receive €15 off your ticket.** **🎟 Reserve your spot:** **[https://eventix.shop/jwj79yxy](https://eventix.shop/jwj79yxy)** **What We’ll Learn & Create** **During this workshop, you’ll create two winter paintings while learning how to:** * **Use wet-on-wet techniques for soft skies and snowy surfaces** * **Mix and pour diluted colours for natural tonal variation** * **Create grainy, foggy textures for a quiet winter mood** * **Work with a limited palette to keep compositions simple and balanced** **I’ll begin with a short demonstration, after which we’ll paint together at a relaxed, easy pace.** **Materials :** **All artist-grade materials are provided - just bring yourself.** **Refreshments** **Tea, coffee, and light snacks will be served. (Feel free to bring your own lunch during 15 min break)** **Parking** **Free street parking is available.** **Stay connected for future workshops:** **[https://www.instagram.com/rangartbypooja/](https://www.instagram.com/rangartbypooja/)** **[https://www.instagram.com/poojavermastudio/](https://www.instagram.com/poojavermastudio/)** **I am looking forward to starting the year creatively with you.** **Warmly,** **Pooja**  **email address - [poojavstudio@gmail.com](mailto:poojavstudio@gmail.com)**

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Venezuela’s Future—and Ours,”** an analysis of how the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela will affect that nation, the U.S., and the rest of the world, with Ernesto Castañeda, Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab at American University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future) .] On January 3rd, after a long military buildup, the United States used special forces to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence in Caracas, Venezuela to stand trial here on criminal charges. The development marked a major turning point in our relationship with Venezuela and the rest of Latin America and raised a host of complex questions, not just for Venezuelans living inside and outside that country but for American citizens and other nations of the world. Coming to the stage to break down what all of this means is Ernesto Castañeda, a scholar of Latin America who has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks on immigration policy and has given dozens of interviews to media outlets around the world in the wake of the U.S. raid. In a talk offering informed perspective on the latest news developments, Professor Castañeda will discuss various theories about why the U.S. conducted the operation to get Maduro out of Venezuela. He’s put our nation’s current plans for Venezuela into context by touching on previous U.S. military interventions in Latin America and beyond. Professor Castañeda will look at the implications of recent events for U.S. politics and U.S. citizens and what such developments tell us about the balance of power in the United States. He’ll examine the distance between decisions made by the White House and public priorities, touching on how it all relates to our immigration policies and our views about peaceful protest and democracy. He’ll consider how the Venezuela raid and our actions since have altered relations between the U.S. and other nations and provide scenarios about what the future might hold. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics could range from the political, to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Federal Executive GovCon - "Supporting Government Efficiency with Thought Leadership" When: Thursday, January 22, 2026, 5:30 – 8:00 Location: Lost Rhino, 21730 Red Rum Dr, Ste 142, Ashburn, VA 20147 (\*\* NEW LOCATION \*\*) Come network with other local GovCon Executives and enjoy a few free beers on us and engage with our sponsors and Industry speakers. Please register here for your spot and please enter full name and company so a badge will be waiting for you. Sponsorships: 1 of 2 spots are available. DM me to claim the 2nd sponsorship to highlight your company to an invitation-only executive audience.

**Note the address says SE but it should be SW** HSLC is excited to collaborate with October One Vineyard for a monthly Yappy Hour! To support our local animals, please bring a pet food donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle for free tastings and glasses! You can also purchase raffle tickets. Your monetary donations help cover much-needed medical expenses for homeless and at-risk animals. This event will be 5-8pm on the last Friday of every month at the October One Vineyard tasting shop in Downtown Leesburg. This event is free to the public, so stop by and raise a glass. HSLC will be on hand to answer questions and let you know about available animals. Let’s “cheer” up our local area animals in need!

Since 1961, Amnesty International USA has fought to protect human rights as the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Our local group generally meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Cleveland Park Library. Each month, we do letter writing actions, discuss human rights issues in the news, and plan for hosting or participating in occasional events area events. For more information, email Mike Duffy at michaelbernardduffy@gmail.com.

0700 Buffalo Wing Factory (BWF) Hunter Woods Shopping Center this week only, with the following weeks located at the RCC Hunter Woods meeting rooms 4-5-6-7 with a free medium Ledo's Pizza. This event is for active political party participants engaging in conversation & political discourse. The primary focus of this event is recorded for YouTube Debate Practice Trials beginning at 0704-0705 after Ledo's Pizza from next door. A projector will be used throughout most of the event, especially during the 45-minute-long trial debate sessions. It is open to all 6-7 political divisions and parties & constructive comments & criticisms are welcome. VICTORY SONGS FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGNS WITH TULSI GABBARD RUNNING ON THE DEMOCRATIC TICKET FOR THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION FOR THE WHITE HOUSE WITH EVENING NEWS BRIEFINGS ON THE TOPIC WITH THE FORMALLY ANNOUNCED AND NEWLY ANNOUNCED DEI COMMANDER IN CHIEF THATS YOU TULSI GABBARD $& PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK AND READ MY EMAILED NOTES ABOUT THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN AND RELATED EMAILED NOTES AND SPEECH TOPICS AND RELATED BILLS THAT I SPONSORED WITH TRICRAFT’S FREELY DONATED MONEY FROM KELLY JOPLIN AT NSA HQ BLDG AND ROOM 10 BEFORE HE LEAVES BECAUSE ITS HIS LAST DAY AND YOU CAN GET THE REST FROM CNN BECAUSE I FORWARDED THESE WORDS WITH MY EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION LIKE I DID WITH CODE WORD JAMES DEAN WHICH IS RELATED TO FBI REQUESTS WRITTEN BY YOURS TRULY FOR THE FBI’S JAMES DEAN TO READ BUT NOT ACT ON IT RIGHT AWAY Victory and some democratic Campaign songs in Proper Sequence and some used for Campaign Speeches and used for ***code words*** during the campaign:; [Verse 1] Love spreads her arms, waits there for the nails I forgive you, boy, I will prevail Too much to take, some cross to bear I'm hiding in the trees with a picnic, she's over there, yeah [Interlude] Yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah [Verse 2] She didn't scream, she didn't make a sound I forgive you, boy, but don't leave town Cold black skin, naked in the rain Hammer flash in the lightning, they're hurting her again [Chorus] Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen [Post-Chorus] I have a dream, I've seen the light Don't put it out, and she's alright, yeah, she's my sister [Guitar Solo] [Verse 3] She didn't scream, she didn't make a sound I forgive you, boy, but don't leave town Cold black skin, naked in the rain Hammer flash in the lightning, they're hurting her again [Interlude] Oh, oh, oh Yeah, yeah, yeah [Chorus] Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen Let me put you in the picture Let me show you what I mean The messiah is my sister Ain't no king, man, she's my queen [Outro] I've had a dream, I've seen the light Don't put it out and she's alright, yeah, she's my sister I want it all I want it all And I want it now Only just after Aerosmith Walk This Way Talk This Way JUST-BLOW-ME-A-KISS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN May 08 0709 AM SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE JUST BEFORE THE ABOVE

Per Collective: Ooooh party people. LISTEN UP: we're doing something fun yet again. It's the only way we know how! On Friday Jan 23 Collective is holding a "Dark of Night" event at Rai's Rendezvous. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?!?!? Come in black - your fanciest, your most emo, your most badass black leather...it ALL goes. And we're pulling a bunch of older Collective songs out of the shadows and putting them back on stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY. We can't wait to see you!