Open Source

TOG Watch Night: The Secret Life of Components (Tim Hunkin) We’re kicking off a new bi-weekly Monday Watch Night at TOG. We’ll watch an episode of Tim Hunkin’s “The Secret Life of Components” together, then have a relaxed Q&A and discussion afterwards. This is a friendly, low-pressure way to learn the kind of practical tips you normally only pick up through years of making, fixing, and building. Perfect for beginners, makers, repair folks, and engineers who enjoy the practical side of components and mechanisms. How it works \- Watch together \(one episode per night\) \- Q&A and chat after: questions\, examples\, tangents\, and “how would we do this at TOG?” \- If you miss a week\, no stress\. Watch it at home and come along to the next one First session \- Monday 26 January \- Episode 1: Chain \- Free and open to all \- TOG Hackerspace \(Dublin 12\, D12 CF6V\) Full details: https://www.tog.ie/2026/01/tog-watch-night-the-secret-life-of-components-tim-hunkin/

Come join us at The Playground with our weekly drop-in improv workshop! Running on Monday evenings, this is a chance to experience improv among like minded people. No experience necessary and all levels are welcome! Each week we will have a different theme with exercises and activities to allow us improve our improv skills. Whether you are interested in developing the skills for your professional or personal life, or you are someone who currently performs or would like to perform on stage, then there is something for everyone. The long-term objective of The Playground is to create a place for people to develop and create projects and shows, providing regular opportunities for those who wish to perform in shows. Facilitated by two very experienced improvisers, Neil Curran and Quinton O'Reilly, join us for some play! We also have guest teachers join us too. **Important Info** \* Each drop-in session lasts 2 hours and starts at 7pm in the Teachers' Club. \* Each drop-in costs just €12. \* You can also sign up for membership which costs just €30 per calendar month and gets you access to all workshops. \* No experience necessary and all levels welcome. \* Events run on a drop-in basis offering flexibility for those who can't commit to doing a course. \* Payment can be made on arrival. \* After the workshop, many of us stick around for chats in the bar upstairs so do stick around for it. For more about Neil Curran please visit www.lowerthetone.com Check us out on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/improv_playground/

You'll meet your local guide at the meeting point a little before 11AM and show your booking. Then we'll commence a fascinating walking tour through the streets, sights, and sounds of Dublin old and new. You'll get an unrivalled insight to the history and culture that has shaped the capital you see today - warts and all, discover the lesser-known, intriguing oddities of our city, and get unique insider tips for the rest of your stay. Sites and topics covered include: Dublin Castle, Christchurch, Viking & Medieval Dublin, Temple Bar, fables, folklore and mythology, Trinity College, Stephen's Green, risings and rebellions, writers & rogues and so, so much more... please remember, places are limited and you must book your spot via: https://www.generationtours.com/dublin See you soon!

Join us to **practise and improve your target language with native speakers on Monday in River Bar**(1 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins other language, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal opportunity to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the table changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+ years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations Languages: We usually have **native speakers of English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese** and more depending on who shows up. **Admission fee €7** (€6 for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people since 2012 have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) NOTE: The MeetUp attendance does not reflect actual attendance. There are usually around 100 people at each event. We are also in the River Bar every Thursday at 6.30pm

Join us to **practise and improve your Spanish/English with native speakers every Monday at River Bar** at 1 Burgh Quay (Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins Spanish, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal chance to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the seat changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations **Admission fee €7** (€1 off for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) We also have the events every Thursday at River Bar on Burgh Quay at 6.30pm.

Come along to get rid of the number one fear people have. Every week we have new members and people starting from scratch so you will not be alone. Everything is based around what you're comfortable with and you don't have to stand up, talk or do anything if you don't feel like it. But you will have the opportunity to speak at least 4/5 times a night. You can come along to see what we're doing and take part if you like. We will be running this for beginners every week and anyone is welcome to join us to learn and get better together. Hope to see you there :D We charge €5 to help towards the room rental.

🎶 **Monday Night Jam Session at Ha’penny Bridge Inn** 🎸 Join us every Monday night for a relaxed, welcoming jam session in the heart of Temple Bar. This is an open music night—come to play, sing, collaborate, or just soak up the tunes. All styles, all levels welcome. **What to expect:** • Open jam / sing-along vibes • Solo acts & group jams • Bring your own instrument if you play • Sign-up on the night 🕗 **Music starts at 8 PM** 📍 **Ha’penny Bridge Inn, Temple Bar** No pressure—just good music and good craic.

TOG will be open on Tuesday evenings from 19:00 to 21:30 for a general Open House event. Expect to find members and visitors in the space up to all sorts of activities. It's a great time to drop in and see what the space is about. If you're an artist, tinkerer, maker or just plain curious, come in and see what the space is about. Maybe you already have something to work on (or want to), have something to fix, create, design, bodge or tinker... drop in. We're also open for just for plain old social chat and hang out, with plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits. We have lots of free parking right outside our door.

**NEXT OPEN MIC - Wednesday 11th February - 8 -10.30pm** Join us for our next exciting event , featuring original singer-songwriters and spoken word. This weeks special guests are the brilliant The Lines. These guys played a blinder at last year's Electric Picnic This is a unique opportunity to share and enjoy, original songs and connect with fellow artists in a vibrant, supportive atmosphere. This is a night not to be missed! Come celebrate the power of music and creativity. With limited performance spaces available, reserve your spot today! We want to ensure that as many people as possible get to play on the night, so we ask that you do *two* things: 1. **RSVP here on MeetUp.** 2. **Get to the venue as early as possible to confirm your attendance** 3. Please note we do our best to accommodate everyone. 4. We would be grateful if you only sign up if you fully intend to go as we have had a number lot of no shows in recent weeks which dampen the night for others . (Walk-in's are welcome but you might only get to play one song). **BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND CREATE A FANTASTIC AUDIENCE!** (Audience members and friends don't need to sign up, just performers.) We are **now asking that you made a conscience effort to .....** **BRING A FRIEND THIS HELPS GROW YOUR AUDIENCE !!!!** **DONATION** A **donation of €5.00** will be requested on the night to help us keep these great events going. **Sound** Killian Denny will be on sound. **LOCATION** (Upstairs) The 51 BAR 51 HADDINGTON ROAD, D4, D04 FD83 *Just one minute walk from Baggot Street Bridge* **COVID 19 AND OTHER RESPIRATORY ILLNESS** If you have any cold, flu or Covid symptoms please do not attend. **PARKING** There is free parking available on Haddington Road and Mespil Road, after 7.00pm but always double check.

This is the first in-person working session for the Abundance Federation Dublin group. We’re bringing together a small group of engineers, designers, and data-minded people to work on real civic tech. We already have: * a working Kindness & volunteering platform (profiles, communities, messaging, tasks, incentives) * early infrastructure plans for building public, ethically governed AI datasets To reach our goals we need focused work to deliver usable MVPs. On the night we’ll: * walk through the current platform (warts and all) * outline the data infrastructure work at a high level * break into small groups to identify: * what’s most broken * what’s feasible for volunteers * who wants to keep working on what This first session is primarily aimed at people interested in helping shape and build the technical foundations — engineering, design, data infrastructure, or product. That said, the wider group is deliberately mixed. Not everyone here will write code, and that’s expected. Over the coming months we’ll also be forming: * data collection and annotation teams (including student and adult groups), * testing and feedback groups for the platform, * and field-based activities (e.g. environmental and farming data days). If you’re interested in those kinds of contributions, you’re very welcome — this first meetup is just the starting point. The Meet Up will be: * In-person, in the Digital Hub, Dublin * Thursday Feb 12th , 7–9pm * Pizza and soft drinks provided * We’ll aim to finish on time around 9pm. * For anyone who’s up for it, a few of us will likely head to a nearby pub afterward

🔐 **Hack and Chill – Weekly Meetup** 🔐 📍 **Tog Hackerspace** \| 🕖 **Fridays, 7–9 PM** *(Except the first Friday of the month – we’re at 2600 Dublin then!)* Are you into cybersecurity, hardware hacking, or just love the hacker mindset? Bring your laptop, your curiosity, and your latest digital mischief to our chill Friday night sessions. No talks, no pressure — just hacking, learning, and chatting with like-minded folks in a relaxed space. 💻 BYO projects, hacks, and war stories ☕ Tea, tools, and toggers provided 💬 New faces always welcome Come hang out. We don’t bite — unless you’re a vulnerable service. https://www.tog.ie/2025/08/new-weekly-group-night-hack-and-chill/

**Talk: How to bring a Python monolith back from the brink.** A real life case study on a Python monolith: it was the key business driver, but in 2022 is was about to be officially designated as 'deprecated', and a huge project to break it into micro services launched. Learn about what we did instead. This talk touches on python best practices for code readability, performance, ORM use (sqlalchemy), code architecture and the pitfalls of microservices. **Author:** [Paul Harte](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-harte-78032261/) [https://www.paulspetprojects.net/] [I've been a Python developer since 2012! I spent many years working with Bank of America, but am now working as a Staff Engineer on the platform team at Qualio. I have build many production apps in python, and also dabble in a little machine learning in my spare time (see my GitHub). Long term fan of the group and Pycon (I still have my Pycon 2013 t-shirt!)] ============================= **Talk: TBA** Author: **=============================** **Lightning Talk:** 1. TBA **=============================** **Venue:** [TU Dublin, Grangegorman Lower, Dublin 7, D07 C972](https://www.tudublin.ie/explore/our-campuses/grangegorman/getting-here/) * Room CQ-009 * The room is in the Central Quad building of the Grangegorman TU Dublin campus * [https://use.mazemap.com/#v=1&config=TUDUBLIN&campusid=732&zlevel=1&center=-6.281612,53.355798&zoom=18&sharepoitype=poi&sharepoi=1000862573](https://use.mazemap.com/#v=1&config=TUDUBLIN&campusid=732&zlevel=1&center=-6.281612,53.355798&zoom=18&sharepoitype=poi&sharepoi=1000862573) Big thanks to our sponsor for this edition: 1. [Dr. Brian Keegan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-keegan-phd/), Head of School 2. [Matt Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smith-33a7b92b9/), Senior Lecturer in Computing, School of Informatics & Cybersecurity TUD

We are in the midst of a trilogy of topics - three topics that connect with one another to form a story. In January we discussed ‘The Role of the Soul.’ What does it mean to be a human being? This month we are going to look at ‘What is Evil?.’ What is wrong with us and the world? Then in March we will have a conversation about Hope. So what classifies somethings as Evil? We all would think that this world has elements to it that are bad, undesirable and harmful. But are those same elements evil? Is it a matter of kind or degree or both? Would something good have the potential to become evil? What role might intent be a part of our conception of evil? Can evil be eliminated or merely controlled? Is evil a part of human nature? Do we all have a dark side? What does evil look like out there in the world? You are welcome to join us for a discussion about Evil at Smithfield Third Space cafe, Tuesday, 10.Feb.. at 7:15. Newcomers welcome. NOTE: we ask for a 3 euro donation to cover costs by coin or Revolut on the night. Thanks.

## Details MoCo Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal, co-working session. We're community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels are invited. Especially new devs! Bring a laptop, ideas, and we'll provide the coffee and snacks. **Here's how it works** At 2:30pm, everyone introduces themselves and briefly mention what brought them to Code & Coffee today (project, homework, networking, etc.) Round 1: 1. Your name 2. What you're working on 3. What you can help others with Round 2: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. Round 3: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. **After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized!** 1. For the rest of the day, folks work on their projects, providing one another with help, and/or socialize. It's fully up to you. **Location** We will be at the Rockville Science Center, right across from the library in The Square at Rockville. Note this is NOT the makerspace location, but the other one near the Garage B entrance. 36 Maryland Ave C, Rockville, MD 20850 The event will be held at a spacious science center with plenty of tables and chairs. Light refreshments (coffee and tea) and snacks will be provide. **Parking** * Rockville Town Square garages up to 90 minutes of free parking. Parking at the Rockville Metro station would be free on weekends. **Public transit** * Located near near the **Rockville** metro station (Red Line).

Join Squad8 Volleyball for **indoor open play** in **Manassas** on **Sunday, Feb 8th from 5:00–8:00 PM**. This run is best for **B/BB-level players** (intermediate to high-intermediate). We keep it **social and welcoming**—competitive enough for good games, but not overly intense. Our focus is more on **community and having fun** than winning every point. 💲 **$15 per person** 👥 **Limited spots available** — please RSVP/confirm early. Questions? Contact **Shirley: (571) 480-2910**

**Title**: Powering AI Through Data Modernization: Modernizing ETL with Databricks & Unity Catalog In this session, we will discuss how enterprises are modernizing their data platforms by migrating from legacy ETL tools (such as Informatica and traditional data warehouses) to Databricks Lakehouse architecture, and how Unity Catalog enables enterprise-grade governance, security, and discoverability across data and AI assets. We will start with food and drinks at 6pm and then move into the presentation at 6:30pm. The session will cover: * Why traditional ETL platforms are becoming a bottleneck for scale, cost, and AI adoption * How Databricks changes the data engineering and analytics operating mode * The role of Unity Catalog in centralized governance * How this foundation enables AI and Gene.AI use cases on trusted data * Q&A Our speaker for this event is **Hirenkumar Dholariya**. Hirenkumar Dholariya is a Senior Data Engineering Architect with 18+ years of experience modernizing enterprise data platforms for global Fortune 500 organizations, delivering up to 40% system performance improvement and 20–35% infrastructure cost reduction through large-scale migration from legacy ETL platforms to cloud-native Lakehouse architectures. He specializes in Databricks-based data engineering, Unity Catalog–driven governance, and building scalable, secure, and real-time analytics platforms. He has led multiple enterprise-wide transformations from tools such as Informatica and traditional data warehouses to Databricks, establishing governed data foundations using Unity Catalog and enabling advanced analytics and AI use cases on top of trusted data platforms. His leadership focuses on architecting durable data platforms, enabling teams to move faster with confidence, and translating data and AI investments into measurable business outcomes. *

**Agenda :** * 4.30 to 4.45 PM ET: Food and Networking * 4.45 to 5.30 PM ET: "Practical Applications of Model Context Protocol (MCP) (Feb 2026 Edition)" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our Feb 10th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided.** **Title:** Practical Applications of Model Context Protocol (MCP) (Feb 2026 Edition) **Description:** This session explores how the Model Context Protocol (MCP) can be used to connect AI models with real-world tools and data. Attendees will learn practical patterns for implementing MCP in production workflows and applications. Through examples and use cases, the session highlights how MCP enables more capable, context-aware AI systems. **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

**Inflow 6:00 PM - Talks Start \~6:30 PM** **Reston Community Center - 2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston, VA 20191** NoVA Hackers is a group located in the Northern Virginia area and is made up of Information Security Professionals from all walks of life, from government and private sector, to students and beginners. The monthly meetings are held much like a mini-conference with 4-8 speakers and only a few basic but strict rules. Participation and Permission Active Participation is required for continued membership and is the only due required. Permission is required to be obtained from anyone providing information to the group from the person providing it to be made public by anyone other than the provider. Historically our talks generally run a bit late and we have a hard stop at 9:30pm for the room. If you want to socialize we recommend you arrive at 6 to meet and greet before the talks. Agendas and remote meeting option available after you join the group.

**Meet Warren Cross, Jr., University of Richmond Alumnus** Warren founded Cross Services Group, Inc. in 1989. He serves as the President & CEO of the company. A classic serial entrepreneur, Warren loves the challenge of starting or acquiring businesses that have complimentary features and then leveraging his extensive customer data base to promote his services. Warren owns businesses in the following areas: Car Cleaning, Residential House Cleaning, Window Cleaning, Power Washing and Gutter Cleaning, Landscaping, Irrigation, Commercial Cleaning and Carpentry/Painting. In 2007, Warren developed Cross Courts Squash and Fitness Center. Cross Courts now boasts one of the most active Junior Programs in the country with over 175 juniors. Cross Courts also has a very active adult program. The Club has (4) International Squash Courts, (4) Squash Professionals, Fitness facilities, Yoga/Stretch Studio, Lounge area and well appointed Locker Rooms. Besides his service businesses, Warren is the owner of (8) commercial buildings, totaling approximately 150,000 square feet, in various Natick Business Parks, Natick Center and Needham Center. He also owns a two-family investment property in Watertown. Warren graduated from Belmont Hill School, University of Richmond, and received his Executive MBA from Northeastern University. Warren lives in South Natick with his wife, and they have three children. He and his wife also have three beautiful granddaughters and one grandson. Warren is a Trustee at Tenacre Country Day School, where he is the Treasurer and Chairs the Finance Committee, a Trustee at Belmont Hill School, where he sits on the Facility Committee and Audit Committee, and a Trustee at Babson College, where he is Co-Vice Chair of The Board and is Chair of the Facilities Committee. He is on the Board of Advisors at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Warren is a former Trustee at Dana Hall School and at Lynchburg College in Virginia. Warren enjoys spending time with his family, reading and working out. He also loves spending time at his homes in Jackson, NH and Osterville, MA. **The Discussion.** This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design. At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers share about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors. **Logistics.** A light lunch is served, as entrepreneurs connect with one another, learn from peers, and contribute to the conversation: * Friday, February 13, 2026 * 11:30am EST - Coffee & Connection * 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST - Presentation & Discussion No pre-registration is required. Join us: Robins School of Business 102 UR Drive, iLab Room 123 University of Richmond, VA 23173 **Parking.** Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor. Please note that visitors have a two-hour parking window. Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number. **On Zoom Webinar:** https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89608419334?pwd=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILYsvNAwJ.1