Space Exploration

​​**Important registration information: ​​To participate in this event, please sign up through [Apart Research's event page ](https://apartresearch.com/sprints/ai-manipulation-hackathon-2026-01-09-to-2026-01-11)before registering. You are also encouraged to make a team on [Apart Research's Discord Sever](https://discord.gg/Bu7h9qZJ) prior to the start of the hackathon.** ​The line between authentic interaction and strategic manipulation is disappearing as AI systems master deception, sycophancy, sandbagging, and psychological exploitation at scale. Our ability to detect, measure, and counter these behaviours is dangerously underdeveloped. ​This hackathon brings together 500+ builders to prototype systems that could help us measure, detect, and defend against AI manipulation. You'll have one intensive weekend to build something real – tools that could actually help us understand and mitigate one of AI safety's most pressing challenges. ​**Top teams get:** * ​**💰 $2,000 in cash prizes** * ​**The chance to continue development through Apart Research's Fellowship program** * ​**Guaranteed acceptance to present at the [IASEAI workshop in Paris](https://www.iaseai.org/our-programs/iaseai26) on the 26th of February 2026** ​​You will work in teams over one weekend and submit open-source benchmarks, detection tools, scenario analyses, monitoring tools, or empirical research advancing our understanding of AI trajectories. [​​​​​​Trajectory Labs](https://www.trajectorylabs.org/), the jamsite, provides a comfortable and spacious coworking space along with coffee, tea, and other refreshments (meals not provided, but there are many nearby options). Other locations will also be taking part!

*“At the time of each full moon a bridge of contact and communication is established between humanity and higher centers. It is said that this communication line even extends from planetary centers to the Solar Lord, thus building a unique channel between humanity and the Source of Life. This **opportunity for contact** is a moment of **regeneration**, a moment in which one can **again contact his lost vision** or **contact a new and greater vision**, **charge all his being**, and **set his steps right** on the path of **evolution** and **service**.* *"The contact, carried on all over the world with great spiritual centers, releases tremendous energy all over the planet. This energy makes the etheric body of the planet more sensitive to the Plan and to Divine Will and inspires all aspirants to reach a greater vision.”* — *Torkom Saraydarian, Symphony of the Zodiac* Across the world, groups gather at the Full Moon to meditate together, creating a shared field of intention. This collective act is understood as a form of group service, helping to distribute spiritual energy throughout the planetary environment and to strengthen humanity’s responsiveness to purpose, goodwill, and the Plan. You are warmly invited to join us for an evening of **Capricorn Full Moon Meditation and Reflection**, held in a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. The evening includes silent meditation and reflective focus aligned with the Full Moon energies. This gathering is open to all — no prior experience is required. 📅 **Thursday, January 8** 🕢 **7:30 PM** 📍 **Toronto Theosophical Society** 792 Glencairn Ave., North York, ON M6B 2A3 Facilitated by: *Vanig Jelilian*

*“At the time of each full moon a bridge of contact and communication is established between humanity and higher centers. It is said that this communication line even extends from planetary centers to the Solar Lord, thus building a unique channel between humanity and the Source of Life. This **opportunity for contact** is a moment of **regeneration**, a moment in which one can **again contact his lost vision** or **contact a new and greater vision**, **charge all his being**, and **set his steps right** on the path of **evolution** and **service**.* *"The contact, carried on all over the world with great spiritual centers, releases tremendous energy all over the planet. This energy makes the etheric body of the planet more sensitive to the Plan and to Divine Will and inspires all aspirants to reach a greater vision.”* — *Torkom Saraydarian, Symphony of the Zodiac* Across the world, groups gather at the Full Moon to meditate together, creating a shared field of intention. This collective act is understood as a form of group service, helping to distribute spiritual energy throughout the planetary environment and to strengthen humanity’s responsiveness to purpose, goodwill, and the Plan. You are warmly invited to join us for an evening of **Capricorn Full Moon Meditation and Reflection**, held in a quiet and contemplative atmosphere. The evening includes silent meditation and reflective focus aligned with the Full Moon energies. This gathering is open to all — no prior experience is required. 📅 **Thursday, January 8** 🕢 **7:30 PM** 📍 **Toronto Theosophical Society** 792 Glencairn Ave., North York, ON M6B 2A3 Facilitated by: *Vanig Jelilian*

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/769805277307?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/769805277307?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Laugh out loud every Thursday at 10 PM! Dynamic duo comedy at Backroom. Toronto's best stand-up. Hilarious night out!** Embark on a laughter-filled journey every Thursday at 10 PM with Toronto's premier Dynamic Duo Comedy Showcase at Backroom Comedy Club. Immerse yourself in the wit of local stand-up talent, promising a hilariously unforgettable night out. Join the laughter movement and experience comedy excellence at its best. Secure your seat now!

**ATTENDANCE** - *Only people on the 'Attendee' list and those who have received permission may join this event.* **ABOUT** FRIDAY NIGHT LASER TAG At Playtime Bowl (Men and Women welcome!) (with Socializing Before & After) \*No experience required\* -A fun event with socializing, mingling and of course playing Laser Tag! -This event is co-ed for all ages. -Free Parking all around the venue -Food & Drinks available for purchase at Venue (optional) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Costs** (Includes co-ordination of event & Laser Tag) * **Early Bird:** $20 (RSVP by Jan 6) * **Regular:** $25 (RSVP after Jan 7) ***Cash*** \- In\-person when you arrive ***E-transfer*** → \*\* themoja@outlook.com \*\* Use password = meetup ***Credit Card*** - [Click here to pay](https://buy.stripe.com/cNi8wP1da6KyfaA4u50oM03) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Please arrive between 6:30pm and 7:15pm**\- so I can get everyone registered when you arrive **Where to find us?** \*You will see us when you walk in through the front entrance in the seating area. \*We will have a small mix and mingle to settle in and get to know each other before we begin the laser tag :) 💬 **Stay Connected:** ***Join Whatsapp Group - [CLICK HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflzD3fDrU5sLARAT5yDF3OhEu3Vj-2P7ci8mP5FYX46rt1NQ/viewform)*** ***Follow on Instagram - [CLICK HERE](https://www.instagram.com/tam.club/)***

## Spanish Conversation & Coffee @ Cafe Panchita ☕ **¿Quieres practicar tu español en un ambiente relajado y con sabor latino?** Join us for our Spanish Conversation Club session in the heart of Port Credit! Whether you are a beginner looking to build confidence or an advanced speaker wanting to keep your fluency sharp, this is the place for you. We believe the best way to learn a language is through real conversation, laughter, and a good cup of coffee. This week, we meet at **Cafe Panchita**, a beautiful artisanal bakery known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious Latin-inspired treats (perfect for a full cultural immersion!). ### 🗓 Details: * **When:** Sunday, January 4th * **Time:** 1:30 PM – 3:00 * **Where:** Cafe Panchita (152 Lakeshore Rd E, Mississauga) * **Price:** $5 CAD per person (Cash only, please). * **Level:** All levels are welcome! * **WhatsApp group :** join here https://chat.whatsapp.com/CctREp712VE2XULn5upHMr ### 💡 What to expect: 1. **Relaxed Conversations:** We’ll have conversation starters and prompts to keep the flow going. 2. **Cultural Immersion:** Practice your Spanish while enjoying a *tortilla de patatas* or some *empanadas*. 3. **Small Groups:** We try to group people by level so everyone feels comfortable speaking. ### ⚠️ Important Notes: * **Support the Venue:** As the cafe is hosting us, we kindly ask every participant to purchase at least one drink or snack. * **RSVP:** Space is limited to ensure everyone gets a chance to speak. Please update your RSVP if you cannot make it. **¡Nos vemos el domingo para hablar, conocer gente nueva y disfrutar de un buen café!**

New Rules: Starting now, we are asking that each person contribute $2 towards maintaining this page. Without our space here on MeetUp, there is no group. So we ask that you bring a tooney when you come to keep us operational. Thank you very much! Thank you to everyone who has ordered something to eat or drink. It's very important that we each make a purchase, even just a tea or coffee, to maintain our welcome. Mil veces, gracias!

Join us for a fun afternoon checking out the ROM, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibit which is always cool to see. More info can be found here https://www.rom.on.ca/whats-on/exhibitions/wildlife-photographer-year-2025 You can purchase tickets here https://tickets.rom.on.ca/en/shop Use GETOUTSHOOTROM promo code for 15% OFF - total price after is $30. Hope to see you at the ROM! Paul

Join us for a Toronto meetup of creative coders! Every Sunday in January, we're having a meetup to work on generative sketches for Genuary! **What is Genuary?** Genuary is a series of prompts for you to do for every day in January! More info: [https://genuary.art/](https://genuary.art/) **What is creative code?** *Creative coding* refers to anything with an artistic component that uses code as a medium. We welcome artists who use code (for visuals, audio, poetry, or whatever else), designers, animators, toolmakers, researchers, or just enjoyers and people looking to learn more! **Location:** Impact Kitchen on Queens Quay (88 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 0B6) **Join our discord** if you want to talk to everyone before/after the event, or have any suggestions for things you'd like to see or do! [https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ](https://discord.gg/ux9txXPsdJ)

❄️🚶‍♀️ **EXPLORATION WALK: YORKVILLE & U OF T** – **6 KM** 🎓🏙️ **Because winter is temporary… but missing this walk is forever.** “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” So layer up, zip up, and let’s romanticize January like true Torontonians 😌❄️ This walk explores **two parts of the city that started out the same — and then went in completely different directions.** One got glitzier. One stayed timeless. Both are *very* walkable, dramatic, and worth showing up for. \*\*\* \#\#\# THE WALK 🗺️✨ We’ll start and end at **Rosedale Subway Station**, making a glorious winter loop. • **Rosedale Park** 🌳 – quiet, elegant, and shockingly peaceful. • **Yorkville** 💎 – once wealthy, then a hippie coffee-shop haven, and now one of the *richest* neighbourhoods in the city. Full-circle glow-up. • **University of Toronto** 🏛️ – once reserved for Toronto’s elite, now open to everyone. Unlike Yorkville, it’s beautifully **frozen in time**, with historic buildings that haven’t changed much — except for the degrees inside them. • **Bamboo Forest at U of T** 🎋 – we’ll try to sneak a peek if it’s open (because mystery is part of the fun). ☕ **WARM-UP BREAK:** We’ll make a **30-minute stop at Tim Hortons** to thaw our fingers, grab food and drinks, and question why winter feels personal. \*\*\* ⚠️ **IMPORTANT NOTES** • Do **NOT** sign up if you’re not ready to walk in winter ❄️ • This walk happens in **snow, cold, wind, or vibes** • Event will only be cancelled if it hits **-20°C** (because we are sensible, not soft) \*\*\* \#\#\# MEETUP DETAILS 🧤🧣 📍 **Meetup Location:** Outside **Rosedale Subway Station** 👀 **How you’ll spot me:** I’ll be wearing my **MOOSE HAT** (a winter icon) ⏰ **Meetup Time:** 11:00 AM ⏱️ I wait **5 minutes only** — *Early is on time, on time is late* 💰 **Meetup Fee:** $5 (cash 💵 or e-transfer 📲 to \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/)) You can send it before or on the day of the walk.**m** 🏁 **End Point:** **Rosedale Subway Station** \*\*\* 👀 **NOT SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT?** Just show up. Literally. Winter plans are fluid. \*\*\* \#\#\# WHAT TO BRING 🎒 • Water • **Good boots** (non-negotiable) • Gloves & hat • Something warm to drink ☕ • A snack \*\*\* ⏳ **HOW LONG?** About **3 hours**, including our warm-up break. 🚪 **Can you leave early?** Anytime you like — no judgment, only vibes. 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) Get updates, chat with other walkers, and stay in the loop for future events! \*\*\* Mathew is the organizer for this meetup. If you need to contact him, post on the wall or email: 📧 \*\*[torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com**](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) ✨ Cold weather builds character. ✨ Good walks build community. ✨ Missing this? That’s on you. ❄️🔥

Join us for an unforgettable Travel Talk with Gwladys Ilfix (@voyagewithbliss) as we explore: Discover the rich traditions, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply curious, this is your chance to explore Vietnam like never before! 📅 Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026 🕑 Time: 2:00 PM 📍 Location: Expedia Cruises, 2035 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON 🎤 Speaker: Glwadys Ilfix, IG @VoyageWithBliss ✅ Free admission; RSVP required. #TravelTalk #VietnamUnveiled #VoyageWithBliss #ExpediaCruises #TravelWithGwladys #EastYorkEvents #ECeastyork #travel ✅ Reserve your spot today

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.

While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome! Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here. Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Java Central Café and Roaster](https://javacentral.coffee/)**!**

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

**Click <<[here](https://online.innerengineering.com/en/program-details/yogasanas-cityprogram-staybridge-suites-columbus-university-area-ohio-us-jan-17-2026)\>\> to register\.** **[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZdcGKUQufU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZdcGKUQufU)** **Yogasanas** **Yogasanas are offered as a set of powerful postures to transform the body and the mind into a possibility for ultimate well-being. They are not taught merely for physical fitness and strength, but are a way of aligning the inner system to the celestial geometry, becoming in sync with the existence, thereby naturally achieving a state of health, joy and bliss.** **"Your physical health, your psychological wellbeing, and your spiritual possibility depend on how well aligned you are with existence. Essentially, hatha yoga is towards establishing this alignment." - Sadhguru** **Benefits of practicing Yogasanas regularly:** * **Stabilization of the body, mind, and energy system** * **Slows down the aging process** * **Relief of chronic health conditions** **Agility Level: Intermediate** **For ages 14+** **Open to everyone, no previous experience of yoga required**

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!

Happy New Year Colleagues, The next Columbus Futurists public forum will be **Thursday January 15 at 12:00 pm noon** (eastern) [https://osu.zoom.us/j/93451873651?pwd=RXIyZ2t5RjRqRG02UGQ1aEFVQ1NFZz09](https://osu.zoom.us/j/93451873651?pwd=RXIyZ2t5RjRqRG02UGQ1aEFVQ1NFZz09) Please come prepared to offer your **"What if?" questions for 2026**. (I will offer seven to begin our conversation.) I also would like to announce the publication of my latest book: *[Anticipatory Biographies: Personal Histories of the Future](https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-08912-0)*, the tenth volume in the “Anticipation Science” series. Grounded in design fiction, futures research, anticipation science, and scenario writing, *Anticipatory Biographies* envisions how the world will be reshaped by artificial intelligence, technological automation, climate change, political disintegration, and the decline of higher education. This work of creative non-fiction bridges literary and scholarly forms, blending biography and design fiction with research-based insights to offer a narrative-based method for exploring futures. Ed Finn, Director of the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University says: “In this book **David Staley has invented a delightful new genre: the future biography.** He invites us to step into gritty, thrilling, and inspiring futures elbow-to-elbow with the characters living those stories. *Anticipatory Biographies* beautifully synthesizes Staley’s training as a historian, his expertise as a futurist, and his desire to ignite the imagination of his readers.” Hope you'll be able to read it, and hope to see you all on the 15th. D. David J. Staley, Ph.D. President, Columbus Futurists 614.316.1348 [columbus.futurists@gmail.com](mailto:columbus.futurists@gmail.com) [http://columbusfuturists.org](http://columbusfuturists.org/) [https://davidjstaley.substack.com/](https://davidjstaley.substack.com/)