International Politics

Thursday nights just got an upgrade. Join us every Thursday from 8PM at The Raven, a 7,000 sq ft underground electronic venue right beside Eaton Centre. Expect immersive sound, elevated vibes, and a space built for connection. 🔊🖤 This season, we’re blending electronic lineups with pop-up health & wellness experiences featuring healthcare professionals, local wellness brands, and barbershops all under one roof. 🎧👨‍⚕️🥗✂️ This isn’t just a party. It’s a Thursday ritual. Come dance with intention, meet like-minded people, and leave inspired, energized, and already planning your next visit. 🔥 New look. New energy. Same mission: Building a community like no other. Be part of the rebrand. Be part of the movement. Portfolio Sessions - you don’t want to miss this. ⭐️ [Check out our YT](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaNYL3z7CSAZNN1PRrHT0Ow "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaNYL3z7CSAZNN1PRrHT0Ow") [Checkout our IG](https://www.instagram.com/portfolio.sessions/ "https://www.instagram.com/portfolio.sessions/")

\#\# Details * Details * \#\# About the event \- tickets are only available on our website at [https://www.wtpg.ngo/event-details/65-boxing-week-sale-fire-effect-wtpg-signature-series-art-and-form-shutter-dragging-and-multi-flash-setup](https://www.wtpg.ngo/event-details/65-boxing-week-sale-fire-effect-wtpg-signature-series-art-and-form-shutter-dragging-and-multi-flash-setup-1) 8:30pm-10pm A flame - The flame dances only for a moment as it strains to perform its story to the audience We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Fire effect - Art and form lighting workshop, the technique to combine shutter dragging and multiple flashes in a single frame . Join us for this exciting opportunity to explore some epic show stopping Dramatic studio lighting setups and create some beautiful ethereal looks to enhance your photography portfolio and skills set. **Workshop Details:** Are you passionate about photography? Do you aspire to learn the secrets of beautiful and creative lighting techniques? We are dedicated to lighting and sharing our photographic knowledge with you. Our small, intimate workshop with professional instructors is designed to cater to your interests. Throughout the workshop, we will discuss the specific lighting setups for each scenario, explaining the choice of modifiers and angles to effectively illuminate the subject and accessories. Instructor - Phil Sutherland Model - Kallopsia - an amazing professional art nude model from Toronto Assistant - TBD **Techniques:** During the workshop, we will focus on various framing techniques, including: * Shutter dragging * multiple flashes in a single frame * planning the exposure and movement * colour gels and exposure \*\*Instructor:\*\*Phil Sutherland \*\*Assistant:\*\*TBD **Model:** TBD To ensure a high-quality experience for participants, we are limiting the workshop to a maximum of six participants. As an indigenous-run, not-for-profit arts group, we are dedicated to serving the artistic community and advocating for the photographic arts. At our core, we believe in sharing knowledge and the joy of photography with the community. We strive to make art accessible to everyone and work hard to bring arts programming to the community. **Workshop Details:** * Maximum Participants: 6 * Workshop Fee: CAD$95 plus hst and vendor fee (boxing day sale through our website only $65 plus hst and vendor fee) **Items to Bring:** * Camera/Lenses of choice (DSLR, medium format, or mirrorless) * Fully charged battery * Freshly formatted memory card(s) * General lenses * Pen and paper (if you wish to take notes)

Contact Alex for location and information.

*Solitaria Vita Description* Solitaria Vita Autentica is a community for matured Single Catholics 30+ years interested in learning about the Catholic Faith and building a circle of like minded friendships. Join us as we explore the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, the early Church Fathers and Mothers, Saints and Doctors of the Church to Grow Spiritually, Bond, Forge New Partnerships, Evangelize, Socialize and Win Souls for the Kingdom, while at the same time Honing Skills to live an Authentic Single Life, while waiting for the ***ONE*** God has destined for you. *This group is for Evangelization, Soul winning, Socializing, Education, Information, Building Community and much more*. *This group is “NOT A MATCHMAKING OR SPEED DATING FORUM” but a community initiative to help us cultivate attributes and qualities to empower us to live a WHOLESOME, TRUE, RICH, HOLY and COMPLETE LIVES.* A group where community members can talk about every and anything with each other in a respectful and safe space. Looking forward to many opportunities to build experiences and cherished memories. **January will be in a Workshop format **Activities planned for the evening include Prayers, Reflections, Meditation, Icebreakers and 3 Talks. There after a Panel session by Financial Experts to educate us on how to manage our finances Gods way, Debt Audit, Investment Planning for Early Retirement. Estate/Will/Trust.* We kindly ask for a minimum donation of $10 to offset cost of light refreshments and drinks. E-Transfer to solitariavitaauthentica@gmail.com https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/authentically-you-tickets-1835879919259?aff=oddtdtcreator For any questions or Inquiries: **Contact: Martina - solitariavitaauthentica@gmail.com** **With subject Line: Solitaria Vita**

## Overview Experience the rich musical tapestry of the Mediterranean with Luna Llena, performed by the acclaimed **Compagnie Rassegna.** https://compagnierassegna.com/creations/luna-llena/ Ticket details are below. $18 per person. For 23 years, Compagnie Rassegna has passionately explored the abundant repertoire of popular songs from the Mediterranean. Led by composer Bruno Allary, this vibrant multilingual ensemble immerses audiences in timeless songs of love, struggle, and hardship, as well as classics from the 50’s and original compositions. *The group will be on tour across the Alliance Française network of Canada (Toronto, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Vancouver).* **Ticket link:** https://www.alliance-francaise.ca/en/art/cultural-season/265-luna-llena https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/luna-llena-tickets-1422553709439?aff=oddtdtcreator Venue is 5 mins walk North of Spadina TTC station.

**Psychic Readings with Andy Li** Unlock powerful insights with Andy Li, a certified and experienced psychic reader. Combining classical psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, professional tarot readings, business/family constellations, and ancient rituals, Andy offers professional guidance and solutions tailored to your needs. **Services and Pricing:** - **30 min** – 75 cad Session inculdes advanced reading + personal family constellation + additional energy and homeopathy support during 2 weeks. Full session - *60 min* – 150 cad Session includes everything that is in brief session plus advanced imagerial therapy and homeopathy support of inner parts of the soul. Express Session online - is free. To get it you need to - briefly explain your request - send the drawing of you and your request and - get your express reading in text format. Special Promo: Free donation express readings is available in online format. **Available Online and Offline in Toronto.** **Weekly Offline Sessions:** Join us every Thursday at 8:30 PM at the Toronto Music Garden for an enlightening experience. Bring a seat for comfort as we'll be on the grass. **TAROT READINGS @ Music Garden** ### Discover Clarity and Insight **Experience Professional Readings:** - **Tarot Reading**: Gain valuable hints for your goals and situations. - **Scandinavian Runes Reading**: Tap into ancient Norse traditions for guidance. - **Family Constellations**: Resolve family issues and understand deeper dynamics. - **Business Constellations**: Unlock your professional potential and clarity. **Why Attend?** - **Personalized Guidance**: Receive tailored insights for any issue or question. - **Flexible Contributions**: Free participation with a video testimonial or a recommended donation of $10 CAD for 10 minutes of reading. **Event Details:** - 📅 **When:** Every Thursday, 8:30 PM - 📍 **Where:** Music Garden (detailed location provided upon registration) - **Online Readings Available**: Join from the comfort of your home. **How to Participate:** - **Pre-Registration Required**: Secure your spot by registering at least one day before the event. - **Easy Registration**: Send a message to WhatsApp to reserve your place at 437-606-6502. 🔗 [Register Now](https://wa.me/%2B380934788827) Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and enhance your well-being. Reserve your spot today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation! **Details & Testimonials:** [PsiTrends.com](http://www.psitrends.com) --- **About Andy Li** Certified Professional Psychic Reader: - **Hypnotherapist** - **Psychologist** - **Instructor of Family Constellations** - **Instructor of Business Constellations** - **Master Teacher of Runic Reiki, Tantra Reiki, and Kundalini Reiki** - **Magister and Grand-Magister of Egyptian Temple Magic and Greek Mysteries** - **President of the Academy of Temple Arts**

Join us for an in-depth history discussion on Interwar Britain, the turbulent period between the end of the First World War in 1918 and the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. These two decades were marked by sharp contrasts: victory and decline, social reform and mass unemployment, cultural experimentation and political anxiety. Britain emerged from the Great War as a global power in name, yet struggled with economic stagnation, imperial overstretch, and deep social divisions at home. At the same time, everyday life was transformed by new media, changing class relations, and the expanding role of the state, setting the foundations of modern Britain. ### **Topics for Discussion** * The Aftermath of World War I and the Post-war Settlement * Economic Decline, Unemployment, and the “Depressed Areas” * The 1926 General Strike and Class Conflict * The Rise of Labour and the Crisis of Traditional Politics * Empire, Immigration, and Britain’s Global Position * Social Change: Housing, Welfare, and Living Standards * Mass Culture: Radio, Cinema, and the BBC * The Abdication Crisis of 1936 * Appeasement, Rearmament, and the Road to War

**Join [TILE.]** at the **most popular Saturday Language Learning Social Event & Party in Toronto! 🍁** **We have a new 2-for-1 (Language class + Social event/party) format for 2026!** **[TILE.] = Toronto International Language Exchange [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tilelearning/)** Contact us at : \*[info@tilelearning.com.*](http://info@tilelearning.com.%2A/) **The New [TILE.]** **2-for-1 special event every Saturday ($5 total)** includes: **1.** From **[7:00 - 7:30 PM](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher):** A new small group 30-minute **[Language class](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)**[ ](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)led by a certified award-winning language teacher **2.** From **[7:30 - 11 PM](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto):** Our usual huge group **[BIGGEST LANGUAGE EXCHANGE SOCIAL EVENT AND PARTY IN TORONTO](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto)** Both events happen Saturday on the 2nd floor of the Madison Pub (14 Madison Avenue). ***Attend either or both events for just $5 total!*** Meet Toronto locals and international friends. Talk to language teachers and speakers to learn English, French, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and much more! **Join us for:** ✅ Language Exchanges and Learning in a Fun Setting ✅ Meeting New Friends & Networking ✅ Board Games & Activities ✅ (Post-event) on-site Madison Pub dancing, piano bar, singing & more! Make sure to get a nametag from one of our helpers. *You **must** read the full event description below before attending. By attending, you agree to all the terms listed.* **[TILE.] Toronto International Language Exchange** event details: * We are on the 2nd floor of the Madison pub on the patio with all the international flags! *The dance floor opens around 10 PM, and the live piano bar singer start around 10:30 on the 1st floor.* * **PAY** **$5** right at the event by **CASH, CREDIT or DEBIT**, or **SEND $5 E-TRANSFERS** to: **TILETORONTO1@GMAIL.COM**. **\*** The second event ends late at night. It is 100% your own responsibility to ensure you get home safe. \-\-\-\-\-\- **IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Meetup Group** By attending any TILE events, including these ones, you acknowledge and agree to the following: * *The organizers and hosts of TILE events are are not liable for any loss, injury, damage, or other unforeseen outcomes that may occur before, during, or after any event.* * *Photographs will be taken* *at TILE* events. *By attending these events, you understand that you may end in photographs*. * *Participation in TILE events is entirely voluntary and at your own risk. You are solely responsible for your own safety, personal belongings, transportation, behavior, and well-being. It is your responsibility to assess the risks involved in any activity or location and to act accordingly.* * *TILE and its organizers do not provide insurance and cannot guarantee the safety, accuracy of information, or quality of venues, third-party services, or other attendees.* * *By attending, you release TILE, its organizers, and affiliates from any and all claims or liability, and you agree to conduct yourself respectfully and in accordance with local laws and venue rules.* * ***If you do not agree with this disclaimer, please do not attend TILE events.***

Hey Toronto! This is your weekly escape into global cultures. [[Click this WhatsApp Groupchat Link to join ]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GyoGCkYt392Bi8c9nOP2d4) Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people in their 20s and 30s gather for a mix of language practice, travel stories, and community. Whether you’re new in town or born here, this is where world citizens connect. No judgment, no pressure — just pure, human interaction.

Come join us for Tapas and drinks at Madrina’s Bar Y Tapas in the Distillery District. Afterwards we can explore the Distillery together. The Distillery District is a beautiful area to explore in the winter, with lots of neat shops, historical buildings and events going on. https://www.madrinatapas.com https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/about/ Please note there is a $3 charge for this meetup. Payment Options:
E-transfers should be sent to torontofriendsmeetup@gmail.com
Or
PayPal Link:
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/torontofriendsmeetup
Or you can pay cash in person.
 
Please note: refunds will only be issued in the case where the organizer has to cancel or reschedule the event.
 Hope to see you there!
 Jess

～English description below～ イベント参加費として、日本人の方(日本で生まれ育ち、現在英語を勉強している方)は$2、日本人以外の方(日本語を勉強している方)は$5頂いております。 皆さんから頂いたお金は、こちらのサイトの維持費や将来のランゲージエクスチェンジ施設利用料やソーシャルイベント等のために使われます。ご理解の程、よろしくお願いいたします。 予約受付開始：土曜日5:00PM(前イベント終了後) 予約取消締切：土曜日12:30PM(当日) 予約受付締切：土曜日1:30PM(当日) スケジュール 5.15 PM - 5:30PM - チェックイン、グループ分け 5:30 PM - 6:15PM - 日本語の時間［または英語の時間］ 6:15PM - 7:00 PM - 英語の時間［または日本語の時間］ イベント内容 ・対面でのLanguage Exchangeを再開しています！参加者のレベルに応じて、事前にオーガナイザーが3〜4名のグループをつくり、そのメンバーで各45分間、それぞれ英語と日本語でセッションを行なっていただきます。決まったディスカッショントピックなどはございませんので、気軽にフリートークや質問をしながらそれぞれのセッションを楽しんでいただければと思います。 ・体調が優れない方、あるいはここ数日中に体調が優れない人との接触があった方は、申し訳ありませんが参加をお控え願います。 開催場所：Atrium フードコート 地下鉄Dundas駅と直結していますが、多少分かりにくいため、特に初めて参加される方は次の方法で来れることをおすすめします。 Dundas駅から地上に出ていただき、Dunsas Streetを西にまっすぐ3分ほど歩いていただきます。 Bay Streetとの交差点北東角にある階段を降りてください。 階段を降りた場所にある入り口から入ったところがフードコートですので、そちらでTJEXのサインボードを持ったオーガナイザーにお声がけください。(わからなければメッセージをお願いします！) 予約規約（⚠️重要） ・当日の不参加、もしくは15分以上の遅刻(5:45PM以降)、また予約取消締切後の変更(13:00以降)は原則不参加(No-Show)とみなします。不参加(No-show)が3回になりますと会員登録が抹消され、退会となりますのでご注意ください。 ・イベントに遅れそうな場合は必ずオーガナイザーまでメッセージをお願いします。イベント開始時間にいるメンバーでグループを組み直すこともあるので、連絡なしで到着された場合はイベントに参加できない可能性もあります。原則、30分以上遅れての参加はご遠慮いただいております。あらかじめご了承ください。 キャンセル待ち ・満席の場合、”キャンセル待ち”リスト(waiting-list)にご登録いただくことが可能です。“参加予定”リスト（going-list)中に空席が発生した場合は、”キャンセル待ち”への登録が早かった方を優先に、”参加予定”へ移動いただけます。 ※ご注意※ ・空席ができた際は、自動的に”キャンセル待ち”より”参加予定”へ変更されます。この時にMeetupよりお知らせがあるかはわかりません。 ・システムにより自動的に”参加予定”とされ、それに気づかずに参加しなかった場合でも、不参加とみなされますのでご了承ください。 ・上記の理由により、確実に参加できる場合のみ”キャンセル待ち”への登録をお願いします。予定が入ってしまった場合は、”キャンセル待ち”にいる場合も必ずイベント当日の午後1時までに予め”不参加”リストに移動させてください。 質問 こちら (https://www.meetup.com/tjex-ca/pages/1274142/FAQ/)をご参照ください。または、オーガナイザーまでお問い合わせください。 Instagramアカウント @tjex.ca 最新情報やミートアップの様子を掲載しています。 ぜひこちらもフォローお願いします！ ***Although our group is a non-profit organization, we collect $ 5per member for every event. These proceeds are used to run this website, for social events and room booking fees for future sessions. Thank you for your kind understanding. RSVP open: 5:00 PM (Saturday after previous event) RSVP cancel deadline: Saturday, 12:30 PM (day of the event) RSVP close: Saturday, 1:30 PM (day of the event) 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM - Check-in and Group placement 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM - Japanese half [or English] 6:15 PM - 7:00 PM - English half [or Japanese] Event Description This is an in-person language exchange! Members are placed into groups of three or four based on their language level. Each 45 minute session consists of friendly casual conversation, and/or informal study. Event Location: Atrium Food Court The food court is directly connected to the Dundas subway station, although it is a bit difficult to find. Especially for those who will join our event for the first time, we recommend the following directions, Leave the subway station and walk west for about three minutes along Dundas Street. At the intersection of Bay Street and Dundas Street, you will find an entrance. Proceed down the escalator. The food court is on the basement floor. Please talk to the organizer with the signboard showing TJEX. (If you can’t find them, please send a message to the organizer.) ⚠️RSVP & Late Policy Failure to show, arriving after 5:45 PM (15 minutes late), and cancelling after 1:00 PM on the day of the event all constitute a "no-show". Members are removed from the group after their third no-show. If you are running late, please ensure you send a message to the organizer so we can keep a spot open for you. We will rearrange the groups for members who show up on time. If you show up late without letting us know, we will no longer allow you to join so please be mindful of the time. Waiting List: Members can join the waiting list if an event is full. In case a spot becomes available, it will be automatically assigned to a member on the waitlist on a first-come first-serve basis. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Members from the “Waiting” list are moved automatically to the “Going” list by the system when a spot opens up. You may or may not get a notification from Meetup when this happens. So only sign up on the “Waiting list” for an event if you are sure you can come for it. If the system automatically puts you on the “Going” list and you don't show up to the event, you will receive a strike. Group Instagram - @tjex.ca Feel free to follow us! Questions? We have answers! Please see our Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.meetup.com/tjex-ca/pages/1274142/FAQ/) page.

Let’s start the new year by attending the annual New Year celebration at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre - Oshogatsukai (New Year's Festival), filled with food/marketplace vendors, as well as many traditional Japanese activities and entertainment such as * Mochi tsuki (making mochi) * Shishi Mai Dance (lion dance) * Kagami Biraki * Kakizome (calligraphy) * Taiko Performance * Fukuwarai * Traditional games for kids * Food and market vendors, and more! The New year celebration is happening at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre on Sunday Jan 18 from 11 am to 5pm. You can find more information here, including how to purchase tickets ($10 for non-members, $5 for JCCC members) https://www.jccc.on.ca/event/2026/01/oshogatsu-kai-2026 \*Some vendors may only accept cash. Since there is no ATM at the JCCC, please be sure to bring cash with you. **Where and when to meet:** Meet me (Michelle) at 11:30 am inside the AROMA cafe 2300 Yonge street (Yonge and Eglinton). I will wait around for 15 minutes for people to arrive and will cross the street and head towards the subway. We will be taking the 34C bus. Keep an eye on this event page for any future updates.

[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.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Satanic Panics,”** a look at waves of fear of demonic activity as an American tradition, with Luxx Mishou, cultural historian and former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy and area community colleges. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-satanic-panics) .] The 1980s found the United States gripped by fear of Satanic cults targeting children. They were believed to be corrupting young ones in daycare centers and tempting teens through subliminal messages on heavy metal albums or through the quiet inclusion of demonic rituals in role-playing games. Satanic serial killers supposedly stalked the suburbs. Doctors helped patients uncover what were claimed to be repressed memories of ritualistic satanic abuse. Parents, police, and politicians were urged to protect impressionable youths from both moral and physical danger. With Satanic cults deemed to be a real and material threat, it was a frightening time for everyone, including those who suddenly came under suspicion for doing evil deeds. Then, suddenly, it all faded from public consciousness, just as surely as did eighties fads such mullet haircuts, leg warmers, and Cabbage Patch Kids. Why did it all start? Why did it stop? And has this happened before or since? Hear such questions tackled by Luxx Mishou, a cultural historian and media specialist who has long researched the devious and villainous in cultural artifacts. She’ll discuss moral panics as a longstanding cultural tradition, with each new one stemming from fear of cultural shifts and shaped by the time and place where it occurred. Among the panics we’ll look into are the Red Scare of the 1950s and the public response to the gruesome 1969 murders committed by the Manson Family. Delving into the 1980s panic, Mishou will describe how it began with the 1980 publication of psychiatrist Lawrence Pazder’s memoir *Michelle Remembers*, detailing the suppressed memories of ritualistic abuse reportedly suffered by a patient. As that book quickly became a best seller, its ideas saturated American culture. A California daycare center became the focus of a three-year investigation, followed by three years of trials, based on allegations that its owner had engaged in secret ritualistic abuse of the children in its care. Mishou will lead you through the media that convinced the public that devil worshipers were among them, and she’ll talk about how reactions to imagined threats can have very real social costs. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics could range from the political, to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

**✨ Join Us at Nunu's Thai Dishes!** Join your DTs family and friends for delicious food and great conversation following our **Thursday night Happy Hour** at **Nunu's Thai Dishes**, 1100 Elden St, Herndon, VA 20170. 🌶️ **Authentic Thai flavors**, a cozy atmosphere, and a menu full of exciting dishes await! 🔗 [Check out their menu here](http://www.nunusthaidishes.com/) If possible, please RSVP on our **Facebook** or **Meetup** pages so we can let the restaurant know how many people to expect. We will have a few extra seats available for last-minute joiners, but we get a big crowd, so please let us know! We don't want to leave you sitting at the bar!

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Life of Frankenstein,”** on the birth, evolution and impact of a tale of man-made monstrosity, with Bernard Welt, an emeritus professor of arts and humanities at George Washington University who frequently lectures on Frankenstein in literature, cinema, and culture. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein) .] Guillermo del Toro’s lush and lovingly produced film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is just the latest of many iterations of the story to capture the public’s imagination. People have watched Victor Frankenstein give life to his monster in numerous films, on television, and on stage, and even perform “Putting on the Ritz” with him thanks to the comic genius of Mel Brooks. Mary Shelley did not just tell a tale. She spawned the modern genre of speculative fiction and gave rise to a myth that would crop up in debates over nature versus nurture and other matters. Even today it stokes anxieties over the potential impacts of robotics, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering, by evoking the image of a monster turning on its progenitor. Come gain a new appreciation of Mary Shelley’s creation with the help of Dr. Bernard Welt, who has studied the relationship between nightmares and the horror genre and is the author of *Mythomania: Fantasies, Fables, and Sheer Lies in Contemporary American Popular Art.* Dr. Welt will start by telling a literary origin story almost as famous as Frankenstein itself, of how an 18-year-old Shelley started writing *Frankenstein* in 1816 while staying in a villa on Lake Geneva with two of her era’s leading poets, Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, her lover. Housebound by foul weather, the three read Gothic tales of ghosts and monsters and challenged each other to produce something even more terrifying. Mary dreamed up a story of a man who defied death by creating a living being out of scraps of deceased men harvested from graveyards and anatomy labs. The resulting novel, *Frankenstein*, published anonymously in 1818, would by that century’s end become a touchstone in philosophical discourse on the nature of humanity and in political discussions of imperialism and populism. By the 21st century, Mary Shelley (as she became) had earned a more significant place in the literary canon than Byron and her husband Shelley. We will examine how this grisly tale became a landmark of modern thought and look at the part played by numerous film adaptations from the first years of cinema to the present day. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From a Theodor von Holst engraving in an 1831 edition of *Frankenstein* published by Colburn and Bentley of London.

Join fellow book club members for an evening out at MyHome Thai, at 19890 Belmont Chase Dr., Ashburn. Each person is responsible for any food and drinks selected. If you sign up and need to cancel, you need to notify us at least 24 hours in advance.

Federal Executive GovCon - "Supporting Government Efficiency with Thought Leadership" When: Thursday, January 22, 2026, 5:30 – 8:00 Location: Lost Rhino, 21730 Red Rum Dr, Ste 142, Ashburn, VA 20147 (\*\* NEW LOCATION \*\*) Come network with other local GovCon Executives and enjoy a few free beers on us and engage with our sponsors and Industry speakers. Please register here for your spot and please enter full name and company so a badge will be waiting for you. Sponsorships: 1 of 2 spots are available. DM me to claim the 2nd sponsorship to highlight your company to an invitation-only executive audience.