Ecology

Drinking & Networking in Brussels. For newcomers, temporary in town - couch surfers and regulars to meet & socialize. What a better day to start the week than drinking & socializing starting on Monday evening?

Be inspired by our best speakers! We have motivational speeches and Tall Tales in store. All of them in English, Dutch and French. Next meeting: 📅 Second Monday of the month 🕗 19:30 – 21:00 📍 Elzenhof, Kroonlaan / Avenue de la Couronne 12, Elsene / Ixelles (Room 2.1) Why join Armada Toastmasters? ✔️ Practise public speaking with prepared speeches and impromptu exercises ✔️ Improve your communication and leadership skills ✔️ Receive constructive feedback in a positive environment ✔️ Meet a vibrant, multicultural community – many of us speak Spanish too! Meetings are in English – but we celebrate linguistic diversity. Whether you’re new to Toastmasters or a seasoned speaker, you’ll find space to grow at your own pace. Guests are always welcome – no pressure, just participation. 📩 Interested? RSVP on Meetup and come experience Toastmasters for yourself!

WHAT we play. As you know, we have two events, one more for social games on Thursday and another for **strategic games** on **Monday**. Depending on what people bring, we may play brainy games, not limited to chess and classic games. So, feel free to bring other ones. And this is only indicative. Some games like Decrypto fit both events, **and if people feel like playing a social game on Monday or a more strategic one on Thursday, they are free to do so.** WHERE. Because we have many strategic players on Monday and these games take longer, we moved to a café closing much later than the previous one. CHATBOX USE. In the event chatbox, you are invited to discuss the games you bring and want to play for this session. The idea is to gather people around game tables beforehand. Of course, it's also possible to show up and arrange this after the introduction round, which starts at 7h15. HOST. If you want to become a host and have your board game event for a specific game with a small group of people or in another place, Great! Let me know, and I'll help you set up your event with this group. Hosts don't pay fees. TIMING: Because strategy games are often longer, we start at 7 pm (instead of 8 pm on Thursdays). So, those who play long games can have 3 hours and 30 minutes for their game. You can come later, but you may have to wait before joining a game. WHERE. We play upstairs. Ask which room at the bar downstairs. DRINK. You have to order a drink at the bar, pay for it, and come up with it. **PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT, UNFORTUNATELY, THE AUTOBUS ACCEPTS CASH ONLY.** EVENT REGISTRATION. Please register to allow us adequate venue planning. IN CASE OF A WAITLIST. 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 change your mind and can no longer come. Don't hesitate to send me a message to comment or make suggestions! Take care and see you soon! Baudouin

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? Come and join the Atomium Toastmasters of Brussels. You'll find a supportive learn-by-doing environment. It doesn't matter if you are an experienced speaker or if you are a guest. We are there to support you, to make you feel good about yourself and to help you learn in a way that's fun. We have lovely Table Topic sessions (impromptu speeches) and 3 to 4 prepared speeches. Through practice, peer evaluation and educational tools, we learn how to present our messages effectively, concisely and professionally. And.. we are excited to welcome you on Monday. Entrance free on the first Monday of the month. Atomic Team

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

This is a ticketed event. Your spot is only reserved upon purchase. Please note: For all tickets purchased on or after 1 January 2026, a short application will be required when booking. For full details and to book your official ticket, please visit our website: https://www.minutedating.eu/ Reserve your spot for our premium speed dating launch event in Brussels. It will be held at the elegant 4-Star Hotel The Dominican, located in the heart of the city of Brussels. This is a great opportunity to connect with other discerning singles from the professional and expat community. We look forward to providing you with a fantastic social environment to meet your potential match.

*Originally scheduled for November 25, 2025 — postponed due to national strike* **REGISTRATION IS COMPULSARY [HERE](https://www.science-by-trianon.com/event-details/security-through-environmental-social-and-economic-sustainability)** **Stop pretending sustainability and security are separate conversations. They never were.** Here's the uncomfortable truth most security establishments refuse to acknowledge: Environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic instability aren't peripheral "soft issues", they're direct threat multipliers that undermine both national and international stability. While defense ministries obsess over conventional threats, the real security challenges are already here: climate-induced state failure, resource wars masquerading as territorial disputes, and social fragmentation that external powers exploit like a geopolitical cheat code. This panel brings together people who actually work at these intersections, defense strategists, environmental policy experts, economists, and social governance specialists, to do what should have been done decades ago: integrate sustainability into security doctrine, not as a nice-to-have, but as strategic necessity. ### Why this actually matters (And why now) The scramble for critical minerals essential to the green transition, lithium, cobalt, rare earths, is creating new spheres of influence and dependencies. Control over sustainable technologies and resources is becoming as strategically significant as fossil fuel dominance was in the 20th century. Yet most security frameworks still treat this as "environmental policy." Meanwhile: Rising seas are redrawing maritime boundaries and creating stateless climate refugees at unprecedented scales. Climate impacts are forcing geopolitical realignments, from small island states forming new coalitions to food exporters gaining leverage, to climate-induced state failure creating power vacuums that major powers vie to fill. The question isn't whether sustainability matters for geopolitics. It's who will shape the rules of this new geopolitical order, and whether cooperation or competition will define the transition. (Spoiler: current trends suggest the latter, which is precisely why we need different thinking.) ### What we're actually discussing **Geopolitical competition & Resource control** How control over renewable energy supply chains, Arctic resources amid ice melt, and transboundary water basins is reshaping strategic competition. Because apparently we learned nothing from oil-driven conflicts and are determined to repeat the pattern with green tech. **The new energy geopolitics** The transition away from fossil fuels is fundamentally restructuring global power relationships. Petrostates face existential challenges while nations controlling green technology and manufacturing capacity gain strategic advantage. We're watching the greatest power shift since industrialization, and most security establishments are cosplaying like it's still 1985. **Climate change as a geopolitical disruptor** Maritime boundaries, climate refugees, and state failure. This isn't theoretical, it's happening now. **Environmental security as national security** The nexus between climate change, resource scarcity, and conflict, water stress, climate-induced migration, food security disruptions, and extreme weather impacts on critical infrastructure. The stuff that actually destabilizes regions while we debate missile counts. **Social cohesion & Stability** How inequality, lack of access to services, and social fragmentation create conditions for instability, extremism, and state fragility—with particular attention to how external powers exploit social divisions for geopolitical advantage. Because nothing says "national security threat" like a population with nothing to lose. **Economic resilience & Security** The relationship between economic sustainability, supply chain vulnerabilities, and strategic autonomy, examining how economic disparities and unsustainable development models generate security risks. Turns out you can't bomb your way out of economic dependency. **Breaking Institutional Silos** Practical approaches to integrate sustainability considerations into defense planning, foreign policy, and security frameworks—and conversely, to integrate security thinking into environmental and development policy. Revolutionary concept: maybe different government departments should talk to each other. ### Who's Speaking **Hélène de Rengervé** \- Business & Human Rights Advocate\, Forced Labour expert\, currently Senior EU Corporate Accountability Advocate at Human Rights Watch\. She led the advocacy that resulted in the EU's Forced Labour Regulation and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive\. **Serge Stroobants** \- Director Europe & MENA at the Institute for Economics and Peace\. Former Belgian military officer with 25 years operational experience\, now focuses on political science\, international relations\, security and defense\, global risk analysis\, and crisis management\. **Two additional speakers TBD** \- Because we're selective about who gets to challenge the status quo on this stage\. ### The Bottom Line Nations that fail to integrate sustainability into their security doctrine will find themselves strategically disadvantaged. Those that control clean energy technologies, critical minerals, and sustainable food systems are emerging as the new power brokers. This event aims to foster cross-sectoral dialogue, develop integrated policy frameworks, and build coalitions that can translate the sustainability-security nexus from concept to operational reality. Because good intentions and conference declarations have gotten us precisely nowhere. Time to stop treating security and sustainability as competing priorities and start recognizing that in 2025, they're the same damn thing. **REGISTRATION IS COMPULSARY [HERE](https://www.science-by-trianon.com/event-details/security-through-environmental-social-and-economic-sustainability)**

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

Making new friends in a new city doesn’t need to be a struggle at all.

Vandaag vergaderen we over: 1. De opgewaardeerde luchtkwaliteit display (fijnstof), nu met web-interface, met opvolging voor 32 locaties met elk 4 sensoren, met interface naar project Telraam (verkeerstellingen). Dit is eigen ontwikkeling van InfluencAir, en suggesties voor aanpassingen & verbeteringen zijn mogelijk, zelfs samenwerking tot doorontwikkeling van de software van de display. De source van de software is public domain (GNU GPL V3) en is gepubliceerd op Github (displayPM_32x4) 2. Er kunnen in deze sessie stand-alone displays van 53cm lang worden gebouwd. Het materiaal daarvoor wordt ter beschikking gesteld voor een bijdrage van 40 euro per display. 3. Een doorontwikkeling van deze display resulteerde recent in een kleine LCD display voor gebruik thuis, met dezelfde mogelijkheden. Deze LCD display zal ook kunnen worden gebouwd, en het materiaal daarvoor wordt ter beschikking gesteld voor een bijdrage van 20 euro per display. 4. Natuurlijk kan je ook een (gebouwde & geteste) fijnstofmeter met SDS011 en BME280 meenemen uit deze sessie. De prijs hiervoor is 45 euro. Breng je laptop mee.

🤝 Comment améliorer le vivre ensemble ? 🌍 **Dialogue philo** Dans un monde où les divisions semblent s’accentuer, comment recréer du lien, du respect et une véritable fraternité ? Le “vivre ensemble” ne se décrète pas : il se cultive, jour après jour, par une meilleure connaissance de soi et une ouverture sincère aux autres. Lors de ce dialogue philosophique, nous explorerons ce qui favorise l’harmonie entre les individus et les communautés, à la lumière des sagesses d’Orient et d’Occident. Un moment d’échange accessible à toutes et à tous, dans un esprit d’écoute, de réflexion et de bienveillance. ✨ Venez avec vos idées, vos questions, et la curiosité d’apprendre des autres ! Tarif : 5€ (boisson comprise)

_IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here.](https://forms.gle/PsmYJ3vQKocXQCAY6)_ **🏮 Please bring a red-light headlamp or torch (Decathlon has them).** Red mode is required to minimize light pollution, respect wildlife, and keep the peaceful night-walk atmosphere. As winter approaches and daylight fades earlier, we’ll take advantage of the calm, blue-hour mood for a gentle **late-afternoon walk through Parc de Woluwe** - one of Brussels’ most elegant urban parks. We’ll follow an easy loop along the lakes and the Woluwe River, enjoying that unique winter serenity: silhouettes of trees against the sky, reflections on the water, and the quiet shift from day to night. After the walk, we’ll warm up together with a drink at **Brasserie des Étangs Mellaerts**, our meeting and parking point. ### **🕯️ A bit of history, softly told at dusk** Created during the **Belle Époque** (1896–1898) as part of King Leopold II’s urban vision, the park was designed as a landscaped corridor linking Brussels to Tervuren. The gentle river, the chain of lakes, and the elegant avenues still echo that era’s idea of blending beauty, nature, and modern city life. ### **🕓 Plan** * Meet at **Brasserie des Étangs Mellaerts**, Bd du Souverain 275, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre * **Parking** available on site * Easy access via **Tram 39/44** from Montgomery or **Tram 8** from Roodebeek - get off at *Musée du Tram* * We start and end the walk at the ClubHouse, followed by warm drinks together ☕ ### **🌿 Expect** 🍁 Winter foliage, calm lakes, and soft evening light 🦆 Ducks, herons, maybe even a fox if we’re lucky ✨ A cozy, slightly scout-like night walk with red headlamps 🐕 Gentle pace - dogs welcome ### **💶 Symbolic Contribution** This recurring walk is **free**. If you’d like to support the Sunday Vacations community, you may make an optional **€5 symbolic contribution** to our non-profit ASBL. **UJAMAA ASBL** **IBAN:** BE35 7380 4663 9137 **Reference:** Woluwe 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)

Hallo Freunde der deutschen Sprache, wir laden alle, die gern ihr Deutsch üben wollen und in Brüssel geblieben sind, zum nächsten Treffen ein! Bei schönen Wetter sitzen wir im Garten des James Joyce. Falls Ihr angemeldet seid, aber nicht kommen könnt, wären wir dankbar für Eure Abmeldung (WhatsApp - Mike: +32 475 60 88 68). Wir freuen uns auf den Austausch mit Euch!

First attempt at this. If it's good, we'll do it again. If it sucks, we tried. (Event photo is from a recent trip to Flagstaff. Stock photos of fake people drinking coffee are the worst.) **Why I'm doing this:** You're the average of the people you spend the most time with. Running a business solo means I've been spending most of my time with myself. And AI tools, which are great for thinking through business problems, but terrible for actual human connection. I want to raise that average. Looking for people who want real conversations. Not networking, not pitches, just the kind of talk that makes you think differently about what you're building and why. If we all end up making a few friends along the way, even better. **What to expect:** Coffee. Conversation. No pitches, no elevator speeches, no going around the table introducing ourselves like it's a corporate icebreaker. Just show up and talk like a normal human. **Ground rules:** * No pitching your business * No recruiting * No MLM talk * No hustle porn **RSVP cap:** 6 people max so it doesn't turn into a crowd. **Location:** Transcend Coffee & Roastery in Grove City **Time:** Friday, January 16th at 11 AM. See you there!

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

**NEW LOCATION: Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: * 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. * 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). For this first meeting of the year, we will be reviewing submissions for the Your Program is Hideous and Obfuscated Challenge (YPHOC). Submissions for this challenge are due by January 12th, 2026. The details can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13zbxwElpJqPMuAN4Ele2hUgsqtFKzH3OCTL5NEeiLKQ or on our website http://www.cohpy.org We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact centralohpython@gmail.com

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg