Critical Thinking

Stuck behind a desk all week? Time to climb some walls instead! No skills needed, just good vibes. Join us this evening at **RijnBoulder (Arnhem)** for a fun and relaxed bouldering session! Whether you're a seasoned climber or wanna try it for the first time, everyone is welcome. We’ll meet outside at the entrance, warm up a bit, and then hit the walls. Afterward, there’s always the option to grab a drink and chat. * **Where:** [Bouldercentrum RijnBoulder, Olympus 3, 6832 EL Arnhem](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fPR4qg7wdRTJHcYU6). We will be waiting inside, in/near the café. * **Experience needed:** None! (Bring your own climbing shoes if you have them. Rentals are also available.) * **Vibe:** Casual, fun, supportive Let’s climb, laugh, and maybe even impress ourselves a little! For more information on pricing of day passes and gear rentals, [check out this page](https://mountain-network.nl/klimcentra/locaties/bouldercentrum-arnhem/tarieven-rijnboulder-2025/) on the RijnBoulder website. First time? No problem! [Some information here](https://mountain-network.nl/klimcentra/sporter/eerste-keer-boulderen/). Their website is only in Dutch, but Google Translate to the rescue: [prices](https://mountain--network-nl.translate.goog/klimcentra/locaties/bouldercentrum-arnhem/tarieven-rijnboulder-2025/?_x_tr_sl=nl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=nl&_x_tr_pto=wapp) and [instructions](https://mountain--network-nl.translate.goog/klimcentra/sporter/eerste-keer-boulderen/?_x_tr_sl=nl&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=nl&_x_tr_pto=wapp). And if you have any questions, just let us know. ⚠️ Disclaimer: Participants are responsible for their own safety.

# **A new chapter is opening ... literally.** Dutch Testing is gathering momentum again, and the MoT Netherlands Chapter is ready for its next meetup‑turned‑Chapter moment. As the Ministry of Testing shifts from Meetup to the MoTaverse, we’re embracing the new format with the same spirit: community first, quality always. For our second Chapter event, we’re going back to the essentials: the craft, the conversations, the curiosity. Because strong foundations aren’t old‑school; they’re what make everything else possible. Join in, connect, share, learn and help shape the future of Dutch testing as we step fully into the Chapter era. **PROGRAM:** **17:00 – Arrival & Dinner** *Join us for a warm welcome and a bite to eat as we kick off the evening.* **18:15 – Opening Remarks** *Let's get this party started.* ***18:20 – Talk 1: Linda van de Vooren*** *Dashboard or Management P\*rn?* ***18:50 – Talk 2: Remco Ridder*** *Performance Testing as a Pipeline Essential* ***19:20 – Break*** *Grab a drink, stretch your legs, or catch a breath before the next speakers.* ***19:40 – Talk 3: Tom Broekmans*** *A Quest for Code Quality* *– A Short Star Wars Story* ***20:10 – Talk 4: Martijn Goossens*** *Maximum Quality with Minimum Manual Testers* **20:40** **– Closing & Lightning Talks** *A chance for attendees to share quick insights, pitches, or questions with the group.* **Followed by – Networking Drinks** *Unwind, connect, and continue the conversation over drinks. No fixed end time* – *stay as long as the energy lasts or the alarm system warns us to leave.*

¡Compartamos juntos con el grupo de personas más divertido de la ciudad!... ¡en español! No necesitas ser un hablante fluido o nativo.... ¡Solo atrévete a compartir! Te esperamos a las 20hrs.... ¡Entrada gratuita! ¡Nos vemos! ¡Hasta entonces! 😃 Let's share together with the funniest group of people in town!... in Spanish! You don't need to be a fluent or native speaker.... Just dare to share! We wait for you at 20hrs ....Free entry! Nos vemos! Tot dan! 😃 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/habladores/ Meetup Link: https://www.meetup.com/nl-NL/los-habladores/ Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/los_habladores_utrecht/ Los Habladores!

Hi all, This will be our sixth meetup. It will be inside at our local watering hole; Mick O'Connells. We have the right side reserved just for us. When you walk in, turn right at the bar and walk **passed** the dart boards. Its the single side room. Bring your smiles, your stories and your good vibes. This can be a place to discuss business, to meet like-minded people and/or to let a load off. Truth be told, we deserve it! All we ask, is that you are an Entrepreneur, Freelancer or plan to be in the next 3 months. (If you're not, the timer starts then😉) **Follow our new grey and brown gnome in the photo below to find us - Our new mascot.** Any questions, feel free to ask.

Fancy some Thursday night laughs? Then come on over to Tierney's Irish Bar & Restaurant for some top headline acts from the UK and European comedy circuits! Seats will be reserved based on RSVPs, so please do introduce yourself to me (Sharon) at the door and I will introduce you to any other meetup attendees at the show. Tix via Eventbrite/ Tix4All and link below: https://fienta.com/nl/international-stand-up-comedy-attierney-s-nijmegen-93570 Headliner in February is Tamer Kattan, a powerhouse of a comedian who sharpened his skills over 13 years across Los Angeles, NYC & London. He has lived in Berlin and often found at in the renowned Cosmic Comedy Berlin. He maintains a heavy touring schedule & has been tearing up the European comedy scene. He is the proud owner of multiple 4 & 5 star reviews from The Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland and was recently featured on Seth Rogen’s Hilarity for Charity event with Todd Glass and Hannibal Buress in the U.S. He is the winner of The World Series of Comedy, Comedy Knockout on truTV, “Best of Fest” at Big Pine Comedy Festival, The Portland Comedy Festival and multiple others. He holds several TV & Radio credits on BBC and SkyTV in the UK as well as in the U.S. on Fox, HULU, Netflix, Amazon & truTV. In 2022 he joined the writing staff of the soon to be released animated series “Tantrum Jesus” as Writer/Producer. Don't delay get your ticket soon as the show sells out! See Tamer & Support acts at an hilarious monthly show featuring some top names in comedy, a great night out with friends, a date, you work crew or just come alone and meet other comedy fans.

**The human side of data: systems thinking before AI** Many data and AI initiatives struggle not because of technology, but because of unclear questions, missing structure, and overlooked human behavior behind the data. In this Almere Tech Meetup, [Lauren Haan-Gilbert](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-haan-gilbert/) explores why many data problems are not really data problems at all. Using systems thinking and human centered analysis, Lauren shows how teams can ask better questions before applying analytics or AI. This leads to more reliable insights, better decisions, and solutions that actually work in practice. This talk is for anyone working with data, AI, products, or decision making, and for those curious why AI succeeds in some organizations and quietly fails in others. **Almere Tech** is the meetup for the larger Almere area for startups, entrepreneurs, developers and those interested to discuss new technology. Everybody can join in for a drink and hopefully interesting and inspiring conversations. The program is as follows: * **17.30** Door open, welcome drinks * **17.45**: Word of welcome by [Wouter ten Brink](https://www.linkedin.com/in/woutertenbrink/), serving of snacks * **18.15** Talk of [Lauren Haan-Gilbert](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-haan-gilbert/) * **18.45** Q&A, discussion * **19.00** Drinks and talks * **20:00** End Just show up, bring your curiosity, and join the conversation.

Veel ondernemers houden **niet** van netwerkborrels. Te druk. Te luid. Te gemaakt. Daarom is dit *anders.* Geen rondje voorstellen. Geen visitekaart-jacht. Geen verkooppraatjes. Je komt binnen, pakt koffie en gaat zitten. Soms ontstaan gesprekken vanzelf. Soms werk je een uur in stilte. En juist daar ontstaan de beste connecties. Voor freelancers, coaches, makers en zelfstandigen die liever echte gesprekken hebben dan small talk. 📍 Jainy’s Loods – Utrecht 🕰 Inloop tussen 11:00 en 14:00 ☕ koffie & thee inbegrepen Blijf 10 minuten of 2 uur — ***beide normaal.*** ***

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS] Travel / Parking info: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS]

**Join us for Winter Drinks for Expats & Locals!** Shake off the winter blues with warm vibes and even warmer company! ❄️ We’re excited to invite you to Winter Drinks on **Friday 20 February**, **from 20:00 at** **Bloemerbar** **in** **Nijmegen**. This evening is all about meaningful connections, laughter, and cozy conversations in a relaxed and friendly setting. **What to Expect** * A warm and welcoming atmosphere to brighten up the winter season. * Conversations with a diverse group of attendees from all over the world. * A laid-back evening of cultural exchange and new opportunities. **Who Should Join** * **Expats** eager to meet new people and expand their network. * **Locals** looking to connect with an international crowd and share their culture. * **Anyone** ready to enjoy a fun, informal evening with great company. Don’t miss this chance to beat the winter chill with our vibrant community. **RSVP now** and join us for an unforgettable evening at Bloemerbar!

We’re heading into the heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug for a beautiful loop hike starting and ending at station Driebergen Zeist. From the station we quickly enter the wide open heather fields of Groote Heidestein, with heather fields, sandy paths, and a wonderfull spacious feeling. We follow these open landscapes all the way to the forests surrounding the Pyramid of Austerlitz. After about 10 kilometers we take a well deserved break at the pyramid. You can grab a snack or drink there, or enjoy your own packed lunch. This is the area where the famous wolf Bram once roamed and made the news. The situation has since settled, so the coast is clear again, but it adds a touch of wild history to the landscape. From here we loop back towards Driebergen Zeist through landgoed Heidestein. This section is full of surprises, including narrow passages and small tunnels that make the walk feel playful and slightly adventurous. We finish back at station Driebergen Zeist, completing a varied and scenic hike through one of the most beautiful parts of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 10h30 under the tracks of train station Driebergen Zeist. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JdRccArNqxzvFb6U8 ⏰ 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?** You can park here but please also do your own research: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WSMa4XaaP7U5awwf8 **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After 10 km: Lunch break at Pyramid of Austerlitz (Speeltuin & Restaurant) https://maps.app.goo.gl/XKazfvaa24VvWrq66 **💸 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 event is full, so the payment link has been removed. **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 13 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. * 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.

Join us for a beautiful hike on the Amerongse Berg * We **start at 12:00:** P+R Veenendaal West Dichterslaan, 3906 EN Veenendaal https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVjPTE2c6HsmLqQi6 * Length: \~16 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by Train:** * To train station: Veenendaal West https://maps.app.goo.gl/H7LyWsb8KRdenzWT6 **Getting there by Car:** * Free car parking at P+R Veenendaal West Dichterslaan, 3906 EN Veenendaal https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVjPTE2c6HsmLqQi6 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=vezo1ouZS0yORJXINF58jA * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation 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.

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

The emotional pain from past bad experiences easily lingers in the present, making it hard to enjoy life and create your future. Even when you think you've moved on, the negative emotions can be triggered, sending you back into the pain of that experience. And we are talking about pain; emotions such as grief, depression, anxiety, fear (or terror), boiling anger, simmering resentment, feelings of shame, blaming and regret can leave you incapacitated to a greater or lesser degree. In this local event we will be discussing the reasons why these past bad experiences have the power to affect you long after they occurred. We'll go over why the emotional pain can be so strong. We'll also discuss some simple solutions to overcome your emotional pain and be free to fully enjoy your life again. Examples of painful experiences include: * A broken relationship or divorce. * Death or loss of a loved one. * Death of a pet. * A sudden shock or bad news. * A betrayal. * Being part of an abusive relationship. * A bad injustice. * Loss of a job, position or business. * A grave illness or injury. The negative emotions from these experiences don't just go away on their own. But the good news is there is a way to clear them out of your way. 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 sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!