Dolphins

IMPORTANT: Please Register on Luma to Attend: https://luma.com/217n5i7x ​The Open Source Analytics Community is excited to bring an evening of insights and networking to **Brussels.** ​Real-time databases are converging with data lakes to lower storage costs, improve performance, and make data more accessible for AI and data science. Our speakers will share challenges, solutions, and real-world experiences as organizations move from closed storage systems to open formats like Apache Iceberg. # ​**Speakers** * Robert Hodges, CEO @ [Altinity](https://altinity.com/) * ​Andrew Madson, Head of Developer Relations @ [Fivetran](https://www.fivetran.com/) * ​Imma Valls, Senior Developer Advocate @ [Grafana](https://grafana.com/)​ * Will Martin, Evangelist @ [Dremio](https://www.dremio.com/) # ​**Agenda** * ​**6:00 pm -** Check-in and networking * ​**6:15 - 8:00 pm** \- Talks * ​**8:00 - 9:00 pm** \- Networking

**Ursula Blythe - The Philosophy of Grief: Love, loss, and the so-called human condition** ATTEND IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM Can Philosophy Inform Grief? Death is part of the human condition, yet we tend to avoid the subject in everyday conversations and philosophical discourse. Engaging with Grief reminds people of their own inevitable losses and demise during their life-cycle. However, death remains a curious mystery where our sense of loss and confusion is somehow out of our control. This phenomena generates the concept and real-life experience of Grief itself. As a starting point, it is important to understand or appreciate: Why we avoid the topic of Grief, particularly across Western cultures? Indeed, there are many social, psychological, and philosophical reasons for avoiding the discussion of Grief. As a prelude to my talk, I have signposted some significant examples of why we may avert discussions of Grief, as follows: Emotional Discomfort: Grief is an intensely painful and overwhelming emotion. Discussing it openly can make both the grieving person and others feel uncomfortable, as it forces an acknowledgment of vulnerability and mortality. Fear of Saying the Wrong Thing: Many folks are unsure of what to say or how to support someone who is grieving. They fear causing further pain or appearing insensitive which often leads them to avoid the elephant in the room! Social Norms and Stigma: Western culture often emphasises resilience and “moving on” quickly. So, open displays of intense emotions, especially prolonged sadness can be seen as a sign of weakness or an inability to cope, leading to avoidance of the subject. Lack of Personal Experience: If an individual has not experienced a significant loss themselves, they may struggle to empathise or appreciate the depth of another’s pain. Pace of Modern Life: Everyday life moves quickly, and there is often little time or space for the extended period of mourning that Grief requires. People may feel pressure to maintain normalcy and avoid “bringing down the mood” in social interactions. In Philosophical Terms: Traditional philosophy, particularly from the Stoics onward, has often focused on how to overcome or control emotions like ‘Grief’ through reason, rather than exploring its inherent value or meaning. The goal was often ataraxia (a state of freedom from emotional disturbance) which positions Grief as something to be managed, rather than discussed openly. Solomon (2007) states that the avoidance of Grief stems from a human disposition to: Shield ourselves and others from intense pain and the profound existential challenges that Grief presents. On reflection, normative definitions explain Loss as the event of losing something or someone. However, death remains a curious mystery here a sense of loss and bewilderment is out of our control known as the ‘process’ or ‘stages’ of Grief, which I will strongly argue against. For me, Grief is nether inherently rational or irrational, as it a natural emotional, mental, and physical response to the loss of a loved one. However, everyone’s experience of Grief is different, both culturally and individually. When endeavouring to “draw out meaning” from Grief. Perhaps it is very subjective in the early stages, and more objective in the later stages, which may generate a new understanding of Grief as a philosophical concept. In this talk, I will be drawing on the work of C.S. Lewis (1963), Robert C. Solomon (2007) and Michael Cholbi (2022), in order to assess if philosophy can actually inform our understanding and meaning of Grief. **Ursula Mary Blythe** is a public philosopher, essayist, researcher, and someone who has experienced profound loss and grief in recent years. This event is sponsored by the Royal institute of Philosophy. Lecture and discussion! See you there? For the full programme of events pls see [pfalondon.org](http://pfalondon.org)

Looks like you survived the Monday, join us for to wind down, discuss the struggles and prepare for the rest of the week.

ATTEND IN PERSON OR ONLINE This event is sponsored by the Royal institute of Philosophy. Lecture and discussion! See you there? For the full programme of events pls see pfalondon.org

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

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

**A cacao & drum ritual to nurture your 2026 intentions** ​✨ About the Ritual ​Early February carries a quiet but potent energy. Winter is not yet over — and yet, beneath the surface, life is already moving. ​This ritual is an invitation to **slow down, soften, and consciously nourish the seeds of what you wish to bring to life in 2026**. ​Cacao, as a sacred plant medicine, supports the opening of the heart — not by force, but by gently expanding our capacity for **self-love, compassion, and inner listening**. As a plant, cacao also reconnects us to the Earth, reminding us that growth happens through care, patience, and presence. ​Supported by breath, sound, movement, and community, this ritual offers a grounded space to: * ​reconnect with what truly matters to you * ​clarify intentions for the year ahead * ​embody love not as an idea, but as a lived experience *** ​🌿 What to Expect \| Ritual Flow ​The experience unfolds in a carefully held and progressive way: * ​**Welcoming & arrival** Grounding into the space and the group * ​**Breathing and somatic practices** To calm the nervous system and prepare the body * ​**Guided cacao ritual** Drinking high-quality, ritual-grade cacao, prepared with intention Accompanied by a gentle guided meditation * ​**Drum meditation** A deep, rhythmic journey to support inner clarity and emotional release * ​**Conscious dance** Allowing insights and emotions to move through the body * ​**Closing circle** Integration, sharing (optional), and grounding before returning to daily life ​No previous experience with cacao ceremonies, meditation, or dance is required. *** ​🤎 About the Cacao ​The cacao used in this ceremony is: * ​**100% pure, ritual-grade cacao** * ​ethically sourced * ​prepared slowly and mindfully, with intention for the process and the group ​Cacao is **not** a psychedelic substance. Its effects are subtle, heart-opening, and grounding. *** ​⚠️ Important Health Information (Please Read) ​Cacao is generally safe for most people, but **it is important that you inform the host *before registering*** if you have any of the following: * ​serious heart conditions * ​uncontrolled high blood pressure * ​are taking antidepressants (especially MAO inhibitors) * ​are pregnant or breastfeeding ​If you are unsure, you are warmly invited to contact the host to check whether this experience is suitable for you. ​This helps ensure the ritual remains safe, respectful, and supportive for everyone. ​📩 *Contact:* +32 477 96 78 99 *** ​🍵 Practical Information * ​**Please avoid heavy meals** for at least 2–3 hours before the ritual * ​**Drink water** during the day and bring a water bottle * ​Wear **comfortable clothes** that allow movement * ​Bring anything that helps you feel grounded (warm layers, shawl, notebook) *** ​🎟️ Tickets & Contribution **Places are limited.** Reserve your spot soon! ​**Standard ticket:** On 07/02/2026: 48 EUR Advance ticket (03/02 till 06/02): 44 EUR Early bird (till 02/02) and joining the [whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D2jAzaL7MI31z7btdFfDiv): 38 EUR ​**CHB members:** Please check Lu.ma event page **Contribution via bank transfer:** Please transfer your contribution to the bank account below. Your spot is confirmed once the transfer is completed. IBAN BE55 3631 9673 5844 Mara Mendes Message: Cacao + your name ​✨ *Your contribution supports not only this ritual, but the continuity of conscious community events.* ​ *** ​🌕 Who This Ritual Is For ​This ritual may resonate especially if you: * ​are in a moment of transition or re-orientation * ​feel the need to reconnect with yourself after a demanding period * ​want to set intentions in a **felt, embodied way**, not just mentally * ​are curious about cacao, sound, and movement as tools for inner work *** ​💛 Final Note ​This is not a performance. Not therapy. Not self-improvement. ​It is a **pause** — to listen, to feel, and to let love take a more lived form in your life. ​ **About Your Host:** ​​​​This experience is guided by Mara [Regina D’Gaia](https://linktr.ee/reginadgaia), an alchemist, healer, and holistic therapist. Regina holds transformative spaces for inner exploration and renewal. ​​​​📧 Contact: integractiveconnections@gmail.com ​​​​📸 Follow on Instagram: [@reginadgaia](http://www.instagram.com/reginadgaia) ​​​​Come and tune into the rhythms of your soul—align, manifest, and step into your journey! 🌿🌀

_IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here.](https://forms.gle/PsmYJ3vQKocXQCAY6)_ This winter we’re combining **Alpine magic** with the charm of **Lake Como** — all in one unforgettable weekend! **Join the WhatsApp group for details.** ## 🌍 Highlights ✅ UNESCO World Heritage: ride *both* the Albula & Bernina railway lines in one journey ✅ Winter landscapes of Switzerland + Italian lakeside beauty ✅ Group atmosphere: travel, hike, and dine together --- 👉 **Interested? Please fill out the Google Form (link in comments) so we can coordinate tickets & logistics.**

Join us on Sunday, 8 February 2026 for a relaxed Photoresk photo walk through the Marolles, Brussels’ most characterful quarter. We’ll meet at 11:15 at Place du Jeu de Balle, explore lesser‑known corners and textures, then visit at least one exhibition linked to the PhotoBrussels Festival. We’ll wrap with lunch in the Marolles (vegetarian option available), with Matonge as a backup lunch zone. **Plan** * 11:15 Meet at Place du Jeu de Balle – entrance of the church Maria Immaculata. * Hidden‑gems walk: flea market, Rue Haute/Rue Blaes, murals and courtyards. * Exhibition: one PhotoBrussels Festival venue * Lunch: Marolles bistro/café; one vegetarian option guaranteed. * Public transport only; short, frequent hops; mostly walking. **Who’s coming** * Brussels and members traveling from Heerlen (NL), Cologne, Luxembourg, and elsewhere (primarily by train). Aim to arrive Brussels‑Central 10:30–10:45. See also [Photoresk.com ](https://photoresk.com/events/photoresk-brussels-hidden-gems-in-the-marolles/) **What to bring** * Compact kit, comfortable shoes with grip, rain/wind shell, and a sense of curiosity for “hidden gems.” Non‑flash museum etiquette. **Weather plan** * We’ll adapt for rain/wind/cold with covered routes and indoor photo options (churches, galleries, arcades). Final go/modify/pivot posted on the morning. **RSVP** * Please RSVP early and update if your plans change. If you have dietary/access needs, tell us by Friday so we can coordinate lunch and access with venues. **Notes** * PhotoBrussels Festival Sunday hours differ by venue; we will verify week‑of. Place du Jeu de Balle flea market is active mornings (ends \~14:00). Many shops in the Marolles have variable Sunday opening; we’ll treat browsing as a bonus.

Let's gather for an afterwork drink in a nice and cosy area

Need some quiet time for reading? Want to share the experience with others? Join us at the charming venue of La Belladone to read in the company of others. It’s alone, but also together, get it? We read for an hour, then chat over a drink, then go back to reading (if we feel like it) This is a free activity except for drinks.

**This is an In-Person Evening Session** Detailed information and registration can be found here : https://dataminds.be/mcp-❤%ef%b8%8f-azure-the-real-story-conversational-bi-a-comparison-between-environments-and-key-decisions-to-be-made-in-person-element61/ ### MCP ❤️ Azure: The Real Story **Speaker**: Chidi Nweke & Konstantin Lazarov MCP is everywhere right now, but much of the discussion is hype-heavy and light on real engineering. In this session, we’ll focus on what actually changes, what doesn’t, and what MCP genuinely enables in a Microsoft stack. We’ll look at how MCP on Azure and Microsoft 365 has helped us deliver more with less. You’ll see practical examples of how MCP connects with AI agents with the broader M365 ecosystem. We’ll then dive into how Azure-native tools like API Management can be used to quickly build MCP servers, along with the trade-offs such as cost and flexibility versus creating them from scratch. Expect architecture patterns, lessons from the field, and a clear-eyed view of what MCP means for AI agents today (and what it absolutely does not magically fix). ### Conversational BI: A comparison between environments and key decisions to be made **Speakers**: Artur Tyvaert Conversational BI is gaining traction as the next big step in analytics. It promises to bridge gaps left by traditional BI by answering one-off questions in a natural Q&A format and adapting to changing business needs. But how should its architecture look, and when do we choose Databricks Genie, Microsoft Copilot, or a custom solution? In this session, we’ll compare scenarios across key dimensions to answer: “Which conversational BI setup fits which use case?” * Semantic layers: Power BI vs. Databricks—how they’re built, the role of metric views, and whether YAML-based definitions offer advantages over TMDL. * Governance: Permissions and security—RLS in Power BI vs. role-based access and data masking in Unity Catalog. * Environment: Does Genie’s Lakehouse integration give it an edge? What if you already invested in Power BI? How is conversation history handled for user insights? If you’re new to conversational BI or planning your first implementation, join us to gain clarity on building reliable, scalable conversational analytics.

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.

**Caller: Dan Kappus** **Band: Trillium** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

Our group, KIND MEALS, will be picking up the tab for pizzas, at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT SLICE, on Sunday, February 8th from 12-2pm. We will be trying out MIKEY'S Vegan Fake-ass BBQ Chick'n pizza and Vegan Fake-ass Pepperoni pizza, as well as some other special vegan pizzas that are served there. All the vegan pizzas are covered with Selfish Cow vegan cheese. The pizza is free, drinks on your own. Join us to learn more about **[KIND MEALS](https://kindmealscolumbus.org)** (a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Cols. Ohio, providing hunger relief services to those in need). All of the food we serve is fresh and vegan! If you love working with community, being of service, looking to hang with some fun like-minded people, and just love to socialize on a Sunday afternoon, join us for some FREE vegan pizzas at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT on 4th and Main. Mikey said the more the merrier!

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. 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 & Scientology life improvement center.

Start the year surrounded by Love From the Earth—with delicious vegan eats, sweet treats, artisan goods, and a chance to win one of our raffle baskets filled with plant-based goodies. Support small businesses, enjoy great food, and spend a cozy day with the community. We will reserve a table for this group if there is enough interest. Just comment "interest" below. Don’t miss out—see you there! Check [event page](https://www.facebook.com/events/893838639773267/) for a vendor list.

**Photography 101: Discover The Photographer Within** **Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your camera? Then this beginning photography course is perfect for you!** This beginner-friendly photography class is your gateway to unlocking the power of your camera and developing a confident artistic vision. This course offers an engaging and practical approach to essential techniques and creative principles for impactful photography. We will explore the use of camera settings, composition, and light to tell a story that evokes emotion in the viewer. **Through hands-on exercises and insightful lessons, you will learn to:** * **Master Your Camera:** Learn fundamental camera functions, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, so you can confidently control exposure and creative effects in any lighting situation. * **Compose Captivating Images:** Explore and apply classic composition principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create visually appealing and impactful photographs. * **Harness the Power of Light:** Understand how different light sources (natural and artificial) affect your images and learn to manipulate them to create mood, texture, and enhance the overall quality of your photos. * **Control Focus and Depth of Field:** Discover how to effectively utilize depth of field to isolate your subject and achieve captivating background blur (bokeh) or ensure sharpness throughout your landscape shots. * **Work with Lenses and Filters:** Explore the impact of various lens types and focal lengths on photographs and learn how filters can add creative control and protection. **This class provides the foundation needed to confidently create high-quality images and begin a photographic journey, regardless of the camera used.** **Prerequisites:** * A camera (film, DSLR, or mirrorless) that has manual controls is required. Hands-on exercises make having the camera in class highly beneficial. You will need at least one lens to evaluate the results of control exercises. * You may attend this class in one of two ways: 1. With a class voucher provided by your retail camera store 2. Purchasing a seat in the class

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! 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