International Politics

Come over to the Ducosim game fair in Amersfoort. For a small fee (or become a member) many publishers are ready to demo their published games. Next to that you can meet up and network with game designers, playtest their games and bring what you are working on and put it on the table. More details: https://www.ducosim.nl/

Come and join us for a 7.5 km hike along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal in Utrecht on Saturday 10th of January! Starting and ending at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn train station, we will be walking a pretty straightforward route along the water, passing points of interest like the Douwe Egberts coffee factory, Sportpark Marco van Basten, the Daphne Schippers bridge and a mini Dom Tower. After the walk there's the option to go for a lunch together. Do you think about joining, but you're not sure if it's something for you? Let us explain. Utrecht Hiking Community aims to organise one hike per month in or around Utrecht. If you're in for a hike with a bunch of friendly other hiking enthusiasts, you're very welcome to join, no matter whether you're an expat, local, nomad, student, professional, beginner, alone or with friends. The hikes are a way to meet people while being active and going to places you otherwise might not be going to. We call this 'Social Hiking'. If your aim is to hike fast, we might not be the right hiking group for you though. We're organising our hikes together with UR-Glocal, the organisation of expats in Utrecht Region organising several kinds of activities. For an impression of our previous hikes, check www.instagram.com/utrecht.hiking.community We're gathering in the tunnel under Utrecht Leidsche Rijn train station at 10.30AM. Just look for a group of people who look like they're going for a walk and you'll probably find us. Please arrive before 10.30AM, as we don't want to let the whole group wait for you. If you're unexpectedly arriving late, you can send a message on WhatsApp to +31621177691. We'll then share our location with you, so you can try to catch up with the group. Please check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. It may be cold, snowing and slippery, so it may be wise to wear warm clothes and waterproof shoes with a good grip. Dogs are allowed on this route. As we'll have to climb down some stairs at the bridges over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, the route is not suitable for people with strollers. There is no public toilet at Utrecht Leidsche Rijn train station, so please visit a restroom before arriving. For those coming by car we recommend to either use the parking garage at Brusselplein (first two hours are free, after that it's €2.50 per hour), or park the car at the Laurierweg (free parking at about 5 minutes walking distance). Parking on the street closer to the train station costs €5.34 per hour. Participation in the hike is free of charge. We do have some costs for organising our hikes though, like the yearly subscription for MeetUp that costs quite a lot. Therefore we would really appreciate it if you could support us by making a small donation through this link: https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=hGMLSyFFHLGutO1Con05XYedRw8bB6V3 If you have any questions, please let us know. We hope to see you on Saturday!

Whether you are a veteran board gamer, or it is your first time playing board games, time to roll some dice, play some cards and flip the table!!! :P You can bring your own games and/or play those brought by others. Also, plenty of games to be chosen from Het Lab to be played. No need to know the rules to a game beforehand. Usually people are happy to explain the rules. Feel free to drop a comment in the event's comments section to look for players for a specific game. \- You can bring your own food or have it delivered. There are plenty of restaurants and food venues are around Het Lab. You can buy soft drinks at Het Lab. \- As usual\, voluntary contribution of 3 Eur per person is more than welcome to pay for the costs of the venue \- All participants get 10% discount on all games purchases on the day of the Meetup Hope to see you all there, happy gaming in the meantime!

Let us meet, have a coffee and code together, or just discuss :)! This Meetup is everyone that considers himself "Techie", in the broad sense and wants to socialize :). Join us and chat, ask your questions, or work on your own projects. The choice is yours! There is no agenda, this is simply a gathering of interested folks :). We're searching for places that are very accessible from Utrecht Centraal so at the moment we meet at Lebkov, right inside the station. We're typically sitting at the large table. Search for the folks with the laptops in the back! You are very welcome to join whether you are an experienced developer, or simply interested and want to chat!

Details are communicated through the Whatsapp group. Please sign up via the sign up form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAMAAJ0-AkBUQVdTSUk2SzFGSUxJWlZLVFJDNUI3RTVLVi4u&origin=QRCode

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

**Meetup & Mad Cow Comedy Show (please purchase a ticket in advance for the show [here](https://shop.weeztix.com/7644a480-d5a7-4264-a27a-ed697bb17fc9/events?shop_code=3qjd24qv))** 🎟️ TICKETS: https://bit.ly/Expats_Utr_Comedy 🕒 Show starts at 15:00 \| Doors open at 14:00 🍺🥨 Grab a drink or snack from Kartoffel’s tasty menu **From 14:00 – Join the Meetup!** Before the show kicks off, come by early for our pre-show Meetup from 14:00. It's a relaxed and friendly way to meet other internationals living in Utrecht, especially if you're new in town or just looking to connect. Our lovely host **Gisele** will be there to welcome you and introduce you to a few friendly faces. Whether you come solo or with friends, you're guaranteed a warm vibe and some easy laughs before the comedy even starts! 🐮 **From 15:00 - The Show!** Mad Cow Comedy hosts an afternoon of stand-up comedy performed by various international acts, all performing in English. Utrecht-based comedian, Rachel Morton-Young, introduces a different mix of comedians every 2 weeks, so no two shows are ever the same. **Kartoffel:** Our show now takes place in the Biergarten at Kartoffel, a German-themed restaurant along the historic Oudegracht (only a 10 minutes walk from Utrecht Central Station). The venue has great, affordable food, so considering coming early for lunch, or staying for a bite after the show. 🐮 **Hosted by Rachel Morton-Young** Rachel brings the energy, warmth and cheeky charm Mad Cow Comedy is known for. She’s a British comic living in Utrecht and the mastermind behind these monthly mayhem-filled shows. **Line-ups 11th January:** * **Adam Bloom** – UK comedy legend, TV favourite (*Mock The Week*, *Never Mind The Buzzcocks*), and master of sharp, clever stand-up. * **Nik Coppin** – award-winning globetrotting comedian and crowd-pleasing MC, bringing high-energy laughs from around the world. * **Frank Buytendijk** – sweet-looking but strikingly sharp, Frank blends life experience and wit for comedy that’s surprising and thoughtful. * **Alice Raffegeau** – French newcomer with a fun, chatty style and clever observational humour. Hosted by **Rachel Morton-Young**, Utrecht-based comedian and Mad Cow Comedy founder. **Upcoming Dates:** * 11th January 2026 * 25th January 2026 * 8th February 2026 * 22nd February 2026 * 8th March 2026 * 22nd March 2026 * 5th April 2026 * 19th April 2026 * 3rd May 2026 * 17th May 2026 (Season finale!) **What Customers Say about Mad Cow Comedy (from Tripadvisor):** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"The highlight of my visit to Utrecht!! I had tears laughing, the absolute perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Very professional show, lovely community vibe, cosy venue and fab food and drinks."\* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Great mix of comedians. Rachel the host is energetic and brings a different mix of stand up acts every two weeks. I have been a few times now and it's always a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon."\* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Amazing line up of comedians. A fun afternoon. The best 3 hrs full of laughter. Great line, witty people, well organised"\* 🐮 See you there?

Welcome to the event page for the city trip to Tilburg, held on Sunday January 11th, 2026. This event has a meetup at Arnhem Centraal (11:40) and Tilburg station (13:00), so you can easily join us from anywhere in the Netherlands. This is a social event open to everyone to meet new people in a friendly environment while exploring a city together! ***Summarized overview:*** 11:40 Arnhem Station meetup, near Burger King 11:53 Departure Arnhem: 63 minute train ride 13:00 Tilburg Station meetup, near Starbucks\* 13:10 Group city walk 14:25 Choice: Free time or continue walk With a coffee break at a café if there’s enough interest 17:00 End U&R event… But at 17:00 the Sterrentocht starts from Willemsplein! Sign up by RSVP on Meetup, OR via [Google Forms](https://forms.gle/C6JCCUH68X7QbQtV7). Travel by your own OV-chipkaart. Contribution: €3,- pp (to help maintain our Meetup page). \**Train delays and cancellations could affect the meetup time in Tilburg. If this is the case, it will be announced in the discussion chat of this event page.* *** **City walk, Free time & Sterrentocht** This event consists partly of a group walk in the city center of Tilburg and partly of offering free time. The group walk is at a slow pace so you can connect with others, while enjoying the scenery of the city and taking photos along the way. In case of bad weather: bring an umbrella! After about 75 minutes, free time starts: we’ll check in if people like to continue our group walk or if there are other ideas to do in the city. For instance going to a museum, a café, do photography or anything else. If we continue our walk it will be at the same pace, we’ll go to new areas and if there’s enough interest we’ll go for a coffee in between. At 17:00 we’ll stop hosting the event, but on this day the Sterrentocht is organized in Tilburg, starting at 17:00 @Willemsplein. This is a real recommendation if you like light, arts and Dutch cultural events. **Meetup in Arnhem & Tilburg** This event has a meetup in Arnhem (11:40) and Tilburg (13:00), as described above. If you're joining us in Arnhem, you have to use your own OV-chipkaart. Tip: check [ns.nl/reisplanner](http://ns.nl/reisplanner) on the day itself to be in time at either meetup spot! For car users, I suggest checking the official municipality website to find parking spaces and what fares apply. U&R is originally based in Arnhem, but invites people from anywhere to join our travels. **Sign-up: RSVP on Meetup or Google Forms** Sign up for this event by RSVP here on Meetup or sign up via Forms: [https://forms.gle/C6JCCUH68X7QbQtV7](https://forms.gle/C6JCCUH68X7QbQtV7). Everyone is asked to pay a 3 euro contribution to help us maintain our costs on Meetup. This is refundable if U&R cancels the event or reschedules it to a different day, or if you cancel 72 hours before the meetup. Hope to see you in Tilburg!

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Utrecht.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over coffee. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

🍂 **Weekly Anime Night Autumn Season 🍂** Your friendly neighborhood animeclub is there to get you through those dark days. We’re getting close to the finale of **Spy x Family Season 3**, so we’re slowing things down a little to really enjoy it together. *** 📅 **Event Series Details** **Date: January 11th** **Time: 19:00–21:00** **Location:** Buurtcentrum De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18, 3551 BR, Utrecht A spacious space to share and watch our favorite anime. *** 🎬 **What’s the Plan This Week?** Check-in & Meet & Greet – New faces and returning fans, let’s connect! **Spy x Family S3 – Episode 10** Break – Grab a drink, chat, and stretch those legs. **Spy x Family S3 – Episode 11** Since we’re only watching two episodes this time, we’ll have some extra time to hang out, chat, and enjoy the evening together 😊 *** 🎒 **What Should You Bring?** * Your favorite snacks and drinks (not provided) * Your love for anime * Friends, or just your awesome self – all are welcome! *** 🎟️ **Free & Open to All!** This is a **non-commercial, community-driven event** created by fans, for fans. Whether you’re new to anime or a seasoned otaku, there’s a seat on the couch for you. *** 🔍 **Questions?** Drop them in the event chat – we’re happy to help! Come for the anime, stay for the laughs, theories, and the awesome people. This is your Sunday night plan. See you there! ✨🎥🍿

**Start the new year with a Braver Angels gathering focused on speaking openly and listening deeply.** **In small, structured groups, each person will have five minutes to share a political or social issue that matters to them and why- no debate, no interruption, just genuine curiosity.** **Participants will practice curiosity, reflecting back values and emotions they hear, asking thoughtful questions, and- only with permission- offering their perspective.** **It’s a simple and powerful way to connect with one another and begin the year with a respectful and courageous conversation.** **Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026** **Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm** **Place: Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southeast Branch, 3980 Hamilton Rd, Groveport, Ohio** **All are welcome- bring a friend!** For additional information contact: Lee Evans at [LEvans@BraverAngels.org](mailto:LEvans@BraverAngels.org)

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/) 

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Evolve exists to connect women entrepreneurs connect with one another, serve one another, and help one another overcome challenges in marketing, sales, networking, and professional development. [Add to Calendar](evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com) What to Expect: \~ Welcome team to greet you, introduce you to others, and make sure you feel a part of the group from your very first meeting \~ Welcome & Introductions: 15 second introductions \~ 15 Minute Speaker Spotlight: Member speaker who shares a bit of her story, how she got to doing what she does, and a tangible tip she uses to gain success in her business. No hard selling...no expectations. Simply giving the group an opportunity to get to know her and her journey. \~ 20 Minute Break Out Sessions: Small groups is where we connect best. Extroverted and Introverted alike get the opportunity to share on a deeper level and learn from one another. \~ Take Aways: Hear what the other groups talked about and share resources to grow yourself and your business \~ Grow Time!: Do you need a specific connection to a person, company, or industry? Share it with us! We love to open our networks to one another and grow together! Guests are always welcome. Please contact Mentor Director Donna Schomer at Donna@EvolveWomensNetwork.com for more information. We'd love to meet you!

Join us as we get together to see the winner of the Best International Film at TIFF and a triple Golden Globe nominee: NO OTHER CHOICE! This top-reviewed dark comedy satirical thriller follows a man devises a unique plan to secure a new job: eliminate his competition. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a desperate paper industry expert who decides to kill off his competition to be assured of the job he seeks to maintain his way of life. The film is co-written / produced / directed by Park Chan-wook and is based on The Ax by Donald Westlake. It stars Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcz-RXMCyco BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews as the Venice International Film Festival and later at the Toronto Film Festival where it won the International People’s Choice Award! It just received 3 Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actor for Lee Byung-hun. It was also selected as the South Korean entry (and likely nominee) for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards! MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 2:00pm 4K showing and meet in the upstairs lobby area between 1:35 and 1:45pm! Tickets $11.25 via the GFC website and includes online ticketing fee. Advance purchase is advised. Once you have yours please list your seat number in the Comments below. DINNER PLAN: The new burger place isn’t open yet but we’ll still try someplace new! And someplace where the cuisine matches the film! Join us immediately following the movie at nearby TAKOREA, located just downstairs and next to the theater! We’ll try to grab the trio of tables just inside the door, which should work perfectly for our group! MENU: From small plates to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and bowls, they have a wildly inventive menu that offers a “Korean-Mexican fusion concept” that serves “delicious food that everyone can enjoy!” Popular entrees include tacos, nachos and burritos made with Bulgogi beef, pork carnitas, Korean fried chicken, and even BBQ Tofu, along with traditional sides, chips and a variety of dips. For the vegans in the group, the BBQ Tofu Burrito is listed as “vegan friendly” and that combo of ingredients can be used in just about any entrée! And, if you’re not into Korean food, they have several straight-Mexican options as well! You can check out their menu here: https://www.takoreacbus.com/menu PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

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