Cryptography

What does it mean for something - or someone - to be "strange"? What does it in fact mean for someone to be "a stranger"? Nowadays, can we truly ever experience any thing or person as _"strange"_ as our ancestors presumably did? What impact might our replacing the adjective "strange" and the noun "stranger" with new terms have on our collective social and political cultures? How would our attitudes towards other individuals or groups of people be if we removed all notions of "strangeness" from our assessments of them? Should the fact that we no longer truly experience strangeness be a sufficient reason for us to behave _very differently_ from how our ancestors did? Alien, foreign, unfamiliar, unknown, weird, bizarre, eccentric, inappropriate - or merely different - how are all these common perceptions and judgments interrelated? We can, and do, of course often find ourselves applying the description "strange" not only to people, but to things, ideas, experiences, phenomena... in fact potentially to anything and everything. If, however, nothing in our world and in our individual or collective life-experiences is any longer experienced _truly_ as strange, how is this impacting our relationships to the world, to others, to life, to knowledge, and to the unknown in general? How _big_ is our world actually? Even if we choose to systematically replace the word "strange" with "foreign", how foreign is anywhere or anyone in our world these days? "6° of separation" can also be framed as "6° of proximity"... The 6° phenomenon, moreover, observably applies not only to distances among people, but also to distances among _everything,_ including all our ideas, actions, languages, customs, beliefs, knowledge, etc. not to mention the propagation of toxicity and malevolence... The question then becomes no longer if, but _how_ are we each connected and related to any (and every) other particular person, thing and idea in the world? It can be mind-boggling just how much we do _not_ know (>99%?) about which shared people, places and experiences we in fact have in common with any one of the vast majority (<99%?) of the people we encounter in our daily lives... Just as in our collective culture we are becoming increasingly more demanding when it comes to being informed about what ingredients are in the foods we buy and what the supply chain has been of items we purchase, so too might we want to know more truly and clearly how any given person has ended up in our lives - and all of the hundreds, even thousands, of ways they are in fact connected to us without our realizing? This session will be a celebration of the phenomena of connections, friendships, threats, and, ultimately, of "strangeness". Recommended watching (33.17): https://youtu.be/CYlon2tvywA?si=vUrcibsjQM6cQeCZ Ideas explored in this video: 1) "Small world" problem/paradox/networks 2) Shortcut links 3) The strength of weak ties 4) Propagation of disease 4) Watts-Strogatz modelling 5) Barabási: hubs, natural growth, preferential attachment 6) Prisoner's Dilemma 7) The power of choice Further reading: https://plus.maths.org/content/six-degrees-separation It's A Small World: https://youtu.be/2rTZ9UndNeI?feature=shared Image: photo from kaleidoscopefightinglupus org modified according to my instructions by ChatGPT (requiring much pulling teeth and tons of patience 😬😅)

**20th December Nude Art Class – Drawing and/or Painting – Grand Hospice** Welcome to the fourth session of the nude drawing and painting classes, which will take place at Grand Hospice, in Brussels city centre, until June 2026! When: Saturday 20th December, **1.45 - 4.30 pm**. The class will focus on drawing and painting the human figure, using both previously seen and new live models. We will continue studying the human figure, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with multiple poses and different posing times, and objects integrated in the composition. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting, this art class is open to all skill levels! Two tickets possible: only with **drawing material**, or **drawing + painting** material. Limited "**pay 1 get 2"** tickets have been added: get them quickly! Please book via **this Eventbrite link**. Only Eventbrite tickets will count as participation, due to limited capacity: https://www.eventbrite.be/e/20th-december-nude-art-class-drawing-andor-painting-grand-hospice-tickets-1977762997365?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl Where: **Jardin Hospice**, **Rue du Grand Hospice 7**, 1000 **Bruxelles**. Meeting point: at the **main door** of Jardin Hospice, **at 1.45 pm**. The group will be guided upstairs. **The session will start at 2 pm o'clock**. If late, please contact Elio via WhatsApp: **+39 324 62 17 652**, in order to allow the other participants to start on time. Last but not least: here are all dates for the season, until June 2026, on Saturday, 13.45 – 4.30 pm: **31 Jan – 28 Feb – 28 Mar** – **25 Apr** – **30 May** - **27 June** Refreshments and finger food provided as usual. This time we will have some wine, too. See you there!

Hey Folks, Grands Carmes is hosting their 3rd annual winter queer Market this coming weekend. Whether you need a last minute gift for a loved one ( or for yourself) or just want to enjoy some crêpes come enjoy the holiday spirit and support queer artists and places that foster them ! Nb: I'll need to leave around 3:30 pm as I'm catching a train later that day, but you're very welcome to stay until 8pm See you soon, Janai

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ KAWA - Galerie Bortier! Saturday, 20 December 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. It's limited to 65 attendees. Therefore, please, cancel if you can't join anymore. **Galerie Bortier opened its doors about a year ago, and KAWA café is inside the gallery.** **The bar, however, is at the entrance of the gallery. Get your drink there, and then walk into the gallery to the café/sitting area.** Its Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/gallery.bortier/ https://www.instagram.com/kawaclub.bxl/ **The address is:** KAWA - Galerie Bortier Rue de la Madeleine 55 1000 Bruxelles *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

*IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership).* As the year reaches its darkest night, we gather in warmth and friendship to welcome the return of the light. Join **Sunday Vacations** on **Saturday, December 20th**, for a special **Winter Solstice Fondue Evening** in one of Brussels’ best hidden gems: **Secret Chalet**, a cozy Alpine refuge tucked above the Grand Place. 🍷 **What to expect** * A welcoming evening in chalet atmosphere, as if transported to the Swiss Alps. * A rich, authentic **Swiss cheese fondue** (or raclette), prepared with care by maître fromager Julien Hazard. * Stories of the **Winter Solstice** – a tradition older than Christmas, celebrated across Europe from Celtic bonfires to Alpine feasts, marking the turning of the seasons and the promise of light’s return. * Great company, laughter, and the warmest way to close the year together. 📍 **Location**: Secret Chalet, Grand Place 24-25, 1000 Brussels 🌍 In the spirit of Sunday Vacations, this is not just a dinner but a chance to connect, share, and celebrate traditions both ancient and modern — together, in the heart of Brussels. 👉 Places are limited — reserve early to secure your spot By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

_IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here.](https://forms.gle/PsmYJ3vQKocXQCAY6)_ Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

Things are going to get ugly... at our Ugly Sweater Edition! 'Tis the season to be tacky! Dust off that attic-bound, tinsel-covered, light-up masterpiece and join us for a night of festive fun and fashion faux pas. This is your chance to shine in the most outrageously bad holiday knitwear you can find! The goal is simple: the uglier the sweater, the better the party.We may be holding a vote with awards for the most creatively terrible creations. Categories include: "Ugliest Sweater Overall" (The ultimate bragging rights!) "Most Likely to Be a Fire Hazard" (For the brave souls with excessive lights) "Best DIY/Most Creative" (For the hot glue gun heroes) WHERE. ALOFT Schuman WHAT WE PLAY. We play social interaction games : Dixit, Codenames, Werewolf, Secret Hitler, Exploding Kittens, Bang...They are fun to play with and easy to learn. We gather on Mondays for strategic games, but you are free to play strategic games on Thursdays and Saturdays as well. SCHEDULE. We will gather at 7 PM and have the introduction round at 7:15 PM. If you want to come later, don't hesitate. See the host, who will try to arrange it so you can find a table. You may have to wait for a game to finish to join the next game. WHAT TO BRING. As usual, a good vibe ! we will play the games that people bring. Don't hesitate to mention them in the comments. When the location is in the park, you can also bring snacks and drinks and something to put under your royal buttocks because the lawn is sometimes a bit wet. DRINK AT THE BAR. You are encouraged to order at least one drink during the event and pay for it yourself at the bar. The meetup is Free, but the venues like Us more when they have some business😇 EVENT REGISTRATION. Please register for adequate venue planning and security measures. Don't forget to add it to your calendar, So you don't miss an event you registered for. WHEN THERE IS A WAITING LIST. Please, out of respect for people on the waiting list, don't cancel later than 7 PM the day before so they can plan their evening correctly. If you are on the waiting list, please cancel your attendance if you can no longer come for the same reason. SUGGESTIONS. Don't hesitate to write with comments or suggestions! Take care and see you soon!

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

Easy walk & talk of approx. 1,5 -2 hours starting at the music pavilion of Bois de la Cambre (see Google maps & photo in event info), thru' the park and thru' the Forêt de Soignes, and back. Coffee or snack at the buvette (somewhat confusingly also called "le kiosque"). https://maps.app.goo.gl/n251GsZhoY8aC3mv6 If you're more than 10 min. late, go to the following next point en route https://goo.gl/maps/ak8wL3ZLqgtvu8ER9 The parc has easy access by public transport, e.g. trams 8, 25 Solbosch stop, or by bicycle, car ...

What's up Friends! 👋 Let's meet at Le Pantin for another round of games and laughs. Special theme: light strategy games (Catan 🐑🪵🌾 or similar). Games: 🎲 The pub has a fair collection of games. Feel free however to bring any of your own favorites. Food & Drinks: Le Pantin serves only drinks🍸🍺🍹, however you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks 🍟🍩🍿 to enjoy during the games. Ordering: 🤑 At least one drink is mandatory - this is how we support cool places like this! Timing: ⏱️ We kick off at 14:00, and you’re welcome to stay for as many games as you like. Joining later? Just let me know in advance in the chat so we don’t slow down the start 😊 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing any mega important 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code: 👉 Which games are played will be agreed by the group 👉Depending on preferences and group size we usually split into several tables 👉 Got a favorite game? Bring it along or drop a suggestion in your reply 👉 Can't make it? Cancel on time so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 👉 Don't show up (or show up at your own risk:) if you are on the waiting list. There may be no space for extra players and you risk to get disappointed. See you folks 😉

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Join us on the **Winter Solstice** \- the shortest day of the year \- for a spectacular light adventure\! We are heading to the **Luminexus Festival** in the beautiful domain of Terhills. ### **👇 How to Join** 1. Send a WhatsApp message "Your name + Lum" @+32 483 464 569 2. Buy your entry ticket online. **Let’s light up the darkest night of the year together! ✨**

Start the festive season with a run in the woods! we head back into the Forêt de Soignes, we meet at the entrance to Bois de La Cambre - in front of the white pavilions. We will go over light trails and firm forest paths (trail shoes aren't a necessity but advisable) - depending on the weather conditions the route may be adapted. [Find us on Strava](https://www.strava.com/clubs/1211350/group_events/3431563936572874958) What to Expect: * Distance: \~15 km * Pace : 6-6:15 min/km * Good Company: Run with like-minded individuals and make new friends. * Post-Run Coffee: Optional gathering at 'Cafe de La Presse' for coffee and refreshments. * **Bag Drop: Available** Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers 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.

Bring your work or your hobby, hang out, and code with us. Follow @buckeyecocoa for more information.

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!