Reason

In time honoured fashion, our first DubJUG events of the year are linked with the jChampions Conference, and today we're announcing our second visiting Java Champions of 2026, Tom Cools. **TALK ONE: Optimizing Santa's travels in Java with Timefold** Every Christmas Eve, Santa faces a monumental challenge: delivering gifts to millions of children around the world in just one night. There’s no time for detours, and a well-crafted plan is essential! Tom has helped Santa find the optimal travel route for his journey using Timefold, an open-source AI solver. By setting up some basic domain classes, he's been able to tackle vehicle routing problems without getting lost in the magic (aka math). Through a series of live demos using our favourite programming language (ahem, Java!), Tom will show you practical examples in action and which ensured everyone got their presents under the Christmas tree! And you will leave with a powerful new tool in your problem-solving toolbox. **TALK TWO: Braving the Change: Recalibrating to new realities** Change is the only constant in our industry’… but they never told us it would go this fast. With the recent evolutions in AI, ‘change’ has shifted from a ‘constant’ to something better described as ’exponential,’ sparking excitement for some and existential dread for others. In this session, Tom will discuss some insights into dealing with change inspired by the real big changes in our lives, exploring the emotional aspects of change, contextualize our relation to change and discuss the three essential skills needed to deal with evolving landscapes. After leaving this session, you’ll be better prepared for whatever change might come on your path, whatever shape that change might be. OFFICIAL SEATS >>>>> Check your schedule first (it's not cool to not show!) https://ti.to/dublin-java-user-group/2603-jchampions-tom-cools

Hello there! Learn to Meditate in 2026 - Free 10 Week Ongoing Sahaja Yoga Meditation Course - hosted by Jayant, Violeta, Vivek, Seamus and friends every Tuesday - All Welcome - Join any Week - The address: Fringe Lab, Sycamore Building, Sycamore Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, DO2 TD81 - on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm With Sahaja Yoga Meditation, we usually sit on chairs to achieve yoga effortlessly & spontaneously. So there is no need for mats or special clothing. All across the globe, many are seeking new sources of energy. Meanwhile, the most transformative energy is hiding in plain sight within us, and it's natural, sustainable, and infinitely renewable. It's called inner kundalini energy. And everyone already has it — everyone!. It is often likened to an inner feminine or motherly energy which automatically knows about us and what is needed to help us restore balance and harmony within our subtle being. It works spontaneously, effortlessly, organically, and cannot be paid for. Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a simple, time-honoured technique that lets you tap into that energy and harness its power to become better balanced and better connected to yourself — emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. If you're having trouble juggling the challenges in your life, Sahaja Yoga Meditation might help you manage stress, master your emotions and find solutions to your problems. You may enjoy better health, better focus, and a deeper understanding of the universe and your place in it. Meditation is not just for mystics and monks. Sahaja Yoga meditation is for everyone. Anyone can do it. It's that easy. But with the Sahaja Yoga experience, you'll quickly realise it isn't your typical Meditation. It's much more than just feeling peaceful and relaxed. Sahaja Yoga Meditation has many layers, varied and deep. Explore at your own pace, in your way. Our volunteer experts are always available to help. Ready to plug into your inner energy? A few minutes of your life may be all it takes to connect to your inner energy and light the path to lifelong transformation. It's all about energy — guaranteed pure and carbon neutral, and you can never have too much of it. All classes are free. No strings, no catch. Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend. ONLINE GUIDED MEDITATION Mondays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm To Join Zoom Meeting, please click the below link (Recurring meeting) http://online.freemeditation.ie/ Sahaj Yoga Ireland 🤗🙏😇 https://www.facebook.com/groups/MeditationOnlineIreland Facebook Group: "Meditation Online Ireland" for about 30 minutes On this group, you can scroll through past guided meditations and watch any one of the hundred or so meditations there, and you can watch them anytime, day or night. Also available: https://wemeditate.com/ Our website: www.freemeditation.ie For classes in London visit: www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk

We’re starting the new year with **Frank Herbert’s *The White Plague*** — a chilling, near-future thriller about bioterrorism, grief, and the consequences of scientific obsession. Written in 1982, its themes feel more relevant than ever. The story follows a molecular biologist who unleashes a deadly engineered plague, reshaping society, politics, and humanity itself. It’s intense, thought-provoking, and guaranteed to spark conversation. 📅 **Monday, 27th January 2026** 🕢 **7:30 pm** 📍 **Tog Hackerspace, Dublin 12** As always, you don’t have to finish the book to join in — all readers welcome for the discussion, tea, and company.

Hello Everyone, For this meetup, we'll have a presentation by Derek Molloy entitled : **Teaching Edge Programming: C++, Rust and Embedded Linux in the age of LLMs** \-\-\- Bio \-\-\- Prof. Derek Molloy is a Professor in the School of Electronic Engineering at Dublin City University (DCU), where he lectures on Digital & Analogue Electronics, C/C++, Rust, Embedded Linux, and Connected Embedded Systems at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His teaching focuses on practical edge and IoT systems, spanning embedded Linux, low-level device drivers, real-time computer vision, and hardware–software integration. He is the author of the widely adopted Wiley embedded Linux textbooks *Exploring BeagleBone* and *Exploring Raspberry Pi*, used internationally in both industry and academia and translated into Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. In addition to holding leadership roles within the Faculty, he led the creation of DCU’s industry-focused MSc in IoT and collaborates extensively with applied research and industry partners in the areas of edge computing, AIoT, computer vision, and embedded systems. \-\-\- Abstract \-\-\- This talk reflects on practical experience teaching C, C++, and Rust for edge programming in Electronic and Computer Engineering at Dublin City University, where language choices are shaped by emerging industry needs and sound educational pedagogy. It explores why C and C++ remain the backbone of embedded development and userspace device drivers, where Rust improves safety and concurrency, and where it can introduce additional cost or complexity. The talk also reviews how frameworks and tools such as Qt and MQTT are used to build complete, end-to-end edge, IoT, and emerging AIoT applications. Finally, it considers assessment design and the challenges posed by large language models -- focusing on how to evaluate genuine understanding, discourage superficial code generation, and adapt systems-programming education to a world in which AI tools have significant pedagogical strengths and weaknesses. While the talk does not claim to offer definitive answers on how best to teach edge programming for industry-ready C++ engineers in the age of LLMs, it aims to provide a foundation for informed discussion. The great folks at Anseo are graciously letting us use their upstairs room again. You are all very welcome ! I also take the opportunity to let you know about our matrix chat rooms: [https://matrix.to/#/#cppdug:gitter.im](https://matrix.to/#/#cppdug:gitter.im) Let me know if you have any issue connecting. You can find recordings of previous meetups here: [https://indymotion.fr/c/cppdug/videos](https://indymotion.fr/c/cppdug/videos) Our code of conduct is available here: [https://cppdug.github.io/codeofconduct](https://cppdug.github.io/codeofconduct) and we encourage anyone to share any concerns with the organisers.

Sangha (or 'spiritual community') Night is a chance for those practicing meditation and Buddhism to come together. The evening usually consists of a period of meditation, a talk about Buddhism and a Puja after a short tea-break. **Practical details:** The night will start at 7pm sharp so arrive a little early to ensure a punctual start. **7 pm** – Meditation **7.25 pm** – Talk with Questions and Answers **8.10 pm** – Tea-Break **8.30 pm** – Puja **9.15 pm** – Finish This event is for: * Sangha members both new and long-standing. * Meditators or Buddhists with some experience who want to visit the Dublin Buddhist Centre for the first time. * Those totally new to meditation or Buddhism who want to jump in at the deep-end. Each month there will be an overarching theme, and each week will be a Buddhist Talk on some aspect of that theme. All our Sangha Nights are led by members of the Triratna Buddhist Order. No need to book in advance, just show up before one of the sessions. On a donation basis.

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.

David Horan is a dedicated scholar known for his recent completion of a fifteen-year project to produce a modern translation of the entire works of Plato (over a million words!). Dr Horan has agreed to share his expertise in conversation with our Socrates Cafe participants; he will help us to better appreciate the culture, the time and place, occupied by Socrates and his star student, Plato. How did what has now become known as the *Socratic Method* of Inquiry develop? In a world that desperately needs the art of serious inquiry and critical thinking, how can we practice this method well? Expand your horizons with this evening discussion at Third Space. Space is limited so please sign up only if intending to attend. NOTE: there will be a 3 Euro fee to cover costs. Payable on the night by coin or Revolut. Socrates Cafe: a space where ideas and dialogue can flourish.

Movie to be announced soon -

**NEXT OPEN MIC - Wednesday 28th January - 8 -10.30pm** Join us for our next exciting event , featuring original singer-songwriters and spoken word. This weeks special guest - ARREN (straight from his sold out gig in Whelan's a few months back) 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.

Dear curious minds, I recently watched Sentimental Value, and it sparked reflections on how emotions, patterns, and unspoken histories travel across generations—often quietly, often powerfully. This meetup is an open conversation on transgenerational trauma: what we inherit psychologically, how much it explains, where it genuinely constrains us—and where it might sometimes become a story we lean on a little too comfortably. No lectures, no therapy session, no moral verdicts. Just thoughtful discussion, different perspectives, and curiosity. If you’d like some inspiration, you’re very welcome to watch Sentimental Value beforehand, though it’s absolutely not required. Come with an open mind. Leave with better questions.

### **Location:** **Ballinteer Community School (BCS) – Prayer Room,** Ballinteer, Dublin, Ireland ### **Schedule:** **Every Thursday, 8:20–9:00pm** ### **Ticket Options:** * **Drop-In Class:** €10 * **4-Week Pass (Prepaid):** €35 *** ### **Event Description** **Shake off the stress of the week.** This 40-minute class blends **breathwork, mindful movement, therapeutic shaking and deep relaxation** to reset the body and calm the mind. Suitable for all levels. ### **What to Expect** * Guided breathwork to open the lungs and release tension * Mindful movement to connect with the body and improve flow * Shaking practice to discharge stress and activate the fascia * Guided relaxation to finish feeling grounded and centred No experience required — everything is guided step by step. ### **Benefits** * Reduces stress and nervous system overload * Releases held tension from the muscles and fascia * Improves mood, sleep and emotional balance * Helps you feel lighter, clearer and more present ### **What to Wear** Loose, comfortable clothing. An extra layer (cardigan/hoodie) is ideal for the relaxation at the end. ### **To Book or Ask a Question** Text or WhatsApp **Catherine — 087 932 0165** ***

Come to sing in community to celebrate Ireland’s saint/goddess Brigid and the Celtic festival of Imbolc, the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. We will meet on the weekend of Ireland’s St. Brigid’s Day bank holiday and Imbolc (1 February) to celebrate the healing power of the feminine and the fertility of the Earth as it springs back into life after winter. Let’s gather to sing uplifting songs, shake off the cobwebs, enliven ourselves and celebrate the innate healing powers and wisdom of women and of the Earth. Singing together will help us welcome the return of the warmth to the land and the fire in our bellies associated with Imbolc. Adults of all ages and abilities are welcome. You don’t need any singing or voice-work experience, and no one will be asked to sing solo. This is a relaxed, friendly and safe space, and participants frequently report leaving feeling recharged, grounded, and uplifted. Click [here](https://fullcirclechange.ie/offerings/self-care/singing/) to learn more about the style of singing at this workshop. Harmony singing is extremely beneficial to our physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing, and you will leave feeling recharged, grounded, and uplifted. Adults of all ages and abilities are welcome. You don’t need any singing or voice-work experience, and no one will be asked to sing solo. This is a relaxed, friendly and safe space. Please book a ticket in advance [here](https://fullcirclechange.ie/event/brigidenchantment/). Prices from €35

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH