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**WHAT TO EXPECT** Ready to get hands-on with real-world cybersecurity challenges? Join us for an interactive Hack The Box Auckland meetup, hosted at [Lightspeed](https://www.lightspeedhq.com/au/). Whether you're thinking about being a hacker or are already a seasoned one, this event has something for everyone. You’ll take part in a guided walkthrough of a Hack The Box challenge, learning the tools, techniques, and thought processes used to tackle real security problems. After the walkthrough, you will have the opportunity to explore an additional HTB machine, collaborate with other members, and tackle various challenges together. We’ll wrap up the night with a raffle, giving away Hack The Box prizes including VIP platform access and HTB Academy cubes. **VENUE** This is a hybrid event. **In-person:** [Lightspeed Commerce New Zealand](https://www.lightspeedhq.com/au/) 2 Nuffield Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023 **Online:** Google Meet (6:00–8:00 pm NZDT on January 22, 2026) **WHAT YOU GET** * Access to a dedicated Hack The Box lab during the event * A chance to win Hack The Box giveaways * Hands-on learning in a supportive, community-focused environment * Opportunities to connect with other cybersecurity professionals, students, and enthusiasts **WHAT YOU NEED** * A laptop. * A HTB account. * Discord application. **HOUSE RULES** * Follow all rules and guidelines in the **[HTB TOS: HTB Terms of Service](https://www.hackthebox.com/tos)** * Active HTB content cannot be shared publicly. Retired challenges or machines are fair game. * [Lightspeed](https://www.lightspeedhq.com/au/) is proud to host and support this community-led event as part of our ongoing commitment to growing cybersecurity skills and talent in Aotearoa. * Respect for the venue and people is expected from all the attendees. **ADDITIONAL NOTES** * Join our Discord for event discussion, upcoming event announcements, and CTFs here: **[discord.gg/aDWymsDxWu](https://discord.gg/aDWymsDxWu)** **CODE OF CONDUCT** We strive to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all attendees. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, the following behaviors are strictly prohibited: * Smoking * Drinking alcohol * Any form of discrimination or racism * Any other forms of misconduct Any attendee found engaging in these behaviours will be immediately banned and permanently removed from the group. Thank you for helping us maintain a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere for all.

**Join globally respected cardiologist , Dr. Mohit Gupta, as we explore how our thoughts impact our physical health and overall well-being.** Our thoughts are far more powerful than we often realize. A single thought has the capacity to influence our emotions, shape our health, strengthen or strain our relationships, and quietly guide the course of our lives. The Power of One Thought is an insightful session that explores how conscious and intentional thinking impacts the brain, heart, and overall well-being. Through a thoughtful blend of scientific evidence and meditative practice, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how thought patterns influence stress, emotional resilience, mental clarity, and long-term health. In this session, Dr. Mohit Gupta seamlessly integrates modern neuroscience and cardiology with the wisdom of Raj Yoga meditation, offering practical insights into emotional regulation, cardiovascular health, and the slowing of biological aging. He uses his own life stories of Belief and Resilience. The experience is designed to be reflective, engaging, and immediately applicable to both personal and professional life. This session is ideal for individuals seeking inner clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper understanding of how one consciously chosen thought can create lasting transformation. **About Dr. Mohit Gupta** *Dr. Mohit Dayal Gupta, MD, DM, FACC, FRCP, is a globally respected interventional cardiologist and Director–Professor of Cardiology at GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, and serves as Cardiologist to the Parliament of India. A four-time TEDx speaker, he has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific publications and is a Fellow of leading international cardiology institutions.* *A distinguished clinician–scientist, Dr. Gupta’s current research focuses on the effects of Raj Yoga meditation on biological aging and cardiovascular resilience. Associated with the Brahma Kumaris since childhood, he is widely known for his rare ability to bridge cardiology, neuroscience, meditation, and spirituality, offering a compelling perspective on holistic health and conscious leadership.* Fri., Jan. 30th, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris Center, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2ndFloor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/wt8yd](https://shorturl.at/wt8yd)

Join us on Wednesday, January 28, 8:00-10:30 PM. Tom Spilsbury calls to the music of Jeff Steinberg (fiddle), Anna Rain (recorders) and Diane Sorenson (piano) Register: [https://www.fsgw.org/event-6430935](https://www.fsgw.org/event-6430935?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExTjhlUFhYZGc1Q3M3REhucXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6v4KPCj86RRd2xQX9LVPyVyP4hBTOgMzWUhdf_zBhJC8k6GdErfy5pBcGxYA_aem_XscfzKnOb-Zllsq5s26hbw) (Please note, you are not registered by responding on meetup, you must register through the FSGW website, or at the door if tickets are available) The FSGW weekly English Country Dance offers delightful dancing, led by talented callers, accompanied by top-notch musicians playing a wide variety of instruments. The crowd is friendly and enthusiastic; new dancers are always welcome and can get an informal lesson if they arrive around 7:30. You don't need to bring a partner, or dress up. * If you have not previously attended a Wednesday night English country dance at Glen Echo, you may select "first time free" when registering. New dancers are welcome. If you have no previous English country dance experience or would like a refresher, please arrive at around 7:30 for a lesson. Covid Protocol: masks and vaccinations are encouraged but not required. Some dancers are sensitive to fragrances, and they are grateful when you skip the perfume and scented after-shave. Additional information about this weekly event is available on the English Country Dance (in-person) web page. [https://www.fsgw.org/ecd](https://www.fsgw.org/ecd) **Pay at the door:** Admission - $15 FSGW Members, $8 Students and those with limited income, $17 Others. **Questions?** Email English Country Dance * **We look forward to dancing with you!**

Register at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at [Writing in Nature (New Location) - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/writing-in-nature-february/) Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this regular monthly workshop, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. Registration for each session is open through the morning of the workshop. For directions, click on the Google Map link at the bottom of this page. ***Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

Join us for an exciting language exchange event where Spanish speakers and bilingual individuals come together to practice Spanish and English. Our group focuses on fostering a welcoming environment for cultural exchange while improving language skills. Whether you are a native Spanish speaker looking to practice English or vice versa, or simply interested in learning more about Spanish culture, this meetup is perfect for you. Reignite your passion for language learning and immerse yourself in a diverse community of language enthusiasts. Bring your curiosity and willingness to engage with others in meaningful conversations. Let's come together to share language tips, cultural insights, and build connections that go beyond just words. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your language skills and make new friends in a fun and interactive setting.

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

Improve your speaking skills in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where speakers of all languages are welcome. This program is supported by library volunteers and requires a basic working knowledge of English. Registration required. Registration is required. RSVPing on Meetup does not register you for the program. [To register and see more details, visit our events calendar. ](https://pwcgov.libnet.info/events?start=today&end=2023-2-28&term=english)

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching.