Synthpop

Welcome ! OM Chanting is a group practice that uses the transformational power of OM to activate the self-healing potential of participants, promote inner peace and purify the environment. OM Chanting is a free practice, however, donations are welcome to help cover the rent of the studio. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- EVENT DETAILS: address: 283 Spadina Avenue; 3rd floor. ( SE corner of Spadina and Dundas). We will start at 6:30 pm. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. We will be sitting on chairs; you can also sit on the floor if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a bottle of water. Looking forward to seeing you ! For more information about Om Chanting, please visit: [https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/](https://bhaktimarga.org/yoga-meditation/) Much Love, Veda Cell: 416-845-9375

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

**ATTENDANCE** - *Only people on the 'Attendee' list and those who have received permission may join this event.* **FRIDAY NIGHT LASER TAG At PlayTime Bowl (Men and Women welcome!) (with Socializing Before & After)** \*No experience required\* -A fun event with socializing, mingling and of course playing Laser Tag! -This event is co-ed for all ages -Bring along your friends too if you like or come on your own; either way it's a blast -Free Parking all around the venue -Food & Drinks available for purchase at Venue (optional) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Event Fee:** 29.99 dollars (Includes co-ordination of event & Laser Tag) ***Cash*** \- In\-person when you arrive ***E-transfer*** → \*\* themoja@outlook.com \*\* Use password = meetup ***Credit Card*** - [Click here to pay](https://buy.stripe.com/3cI00j4pmd8W9QggcN0oM02) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Where to find us?** \*Joined by another meetup group so we can certainly anticipate a fabulous, fun turn out! You will see us when you walk in through the front entrance in the seating area. \*We will have a small mix and mingle to settle in and get to know each other before we begin the laser tag :) **Please arrive between 6:30pm and 7:15pm**\- so I can get everyone registered when you arrive

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

***Ready to ditch small talk and dive into some seriously fun social games?*** Join us for an evening packed with laughter, friendly competition, and creative chaos! This isn’t your average game night — it’s a **social playground** where everyone gets involved, teams clash in good fun, and every round brings something exciting and unexpected. **🧩 What’s in the lineup?** 🧱 **Hands-On, Physical Games**: * **Connect Four Face-Off** – outthink your opponent, four moves at a time * **Jenga: Wobble Battle** – steady hands win, one block at a time * **Building Blocks Showdown -** build and stack Legos * **Body Talk** – communicate using only body language 🧠 **Mental & Word Games** * **People’s Choice Showdown** – think *Family Feud*, but spicier * **Pictionary** – unleash your inner artist * **Story Wars** – craft wild tales on the fly * **The Great Divide** – take a stand and defend it * **Truth Quest** – get real… or ridiculous * **Forbidden Words** – fast-paced, brain-twisting wordplay **🔥 Why come?** Because you’ll laugh. You’ll think. You’ll act out something embarrassing. And most importantly — you’ll meet awesome people who love a good game night as much as you do. **💡 Come prepared to:** * Jump in and participate — this is not a spectator sport! * Bring your quick wit, open mind, and sense of humour. * Expect surprises, twists, and maybe even a few friendly rivalries. **Where to Meet (MADO Cafe at the Food Hall inside The Well):** * The easiest way to get to the venue is to make your way to La Plume restaurant or The Dorset restaurant and turn towards the statue then take the stairs to the lower level. * Shoppers will be on the right and across from Shoppers will be an entrance to The Well's food court. * Make a left and you should see the long tables and MADO cafe. * **We'll meet at the long tables in front of MADO Cafe** **Get ready for a night of connection, creativity, and competitive fun. RSVP now — and may the most social gamer win! 🎭✨**

**Happy Hour Event!** Come beat the winter blues with a HAPPY HOUR event at **Fox and Fiddle** (York Mills) on **Friday, January 9th, 2026**. The venue features a great selection of discounted beverages and mouth watering apps. Please view the menu in the photo gallery below. Meet friends and make some new ones in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Each participant will cover their own food and drink costs. **There is a non-refundable / non-transferable $5.00 cover fee** to attend this group event. This charge will reserve your spot, help with group costs and hopefully minimize no shows. **Payment of the $5 cover charge is due by FRIDAY, January 2nd 2026.** After this date, non payment of the cover fee will result in the Member's name being moved to the "not going" list so that those "waitlisted" have an opportunity to attend the Brunch. **Note - attendees may bring one guest (subject to space availability) under this cover charge.** n consideration of others, if you are not able to attend, please advise 48 hours prior to the event to allow other people on the waitlist to have your spot. No shows and less than 48 hours notice of non-attendance will be noted. 2 or more such occurrences will unfortunately lead to removal from the group. Thank you all for your understanding and consideration. Looking forward to connecting soon! Here are the details for the $5.00 e-transfer - E-mail - [weekendbrunchover50@hotmail.com](http://weekendbrunchover50@hotmail.com/), Security Question - What is the time of the event? **Happyhour** Hope to see you there!

Living On Video + DJ Lazarus presents... **Sat Jan 10 - NINE INCH NAILS Fest Video Dance Party** An entire evening of NINE INCH NAILS music & videos. This will be a great event to meet fellow NIN fans and a warm up party to the NIN gig on Feb 18 in Hamilton. \*\*WIN A pair of tickets to see NIN Live on Feb 18\*\* Sat Jan 10, 2026 NINE INCH NAILS Fest Ground Control - 1279 Queen St West - Toronto 9pm Lounge with covers of NIN 10pm Mainroom with DJ Lazarus $10 Advanced: https://NINFestGC.eventbrite.ca $20 at the door INVITE: www.facebook.com/events/1526240391993274 (please INVITE your friends) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- SOCIAL: www.facebook.com/groundcontroltoronto www.instagram.com/groundcontroltoronto www.facebook.com/livingonvideoclub www.facebook.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitch.tv/livingonvideoclub www.mixcloud.com/livingonvideo www.instagram.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitter.com/djlazarusrocks \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Living On Video + DJ Lazarus presents... **Sat Jan 10 - NINE INCH NAILS Fest Video Dance Party** An entire evening of NINE INCH NAILS music & videos. This will be a great event to meet fellow NIN fans and a warm up party to the NIN gig on Feb 18 in Hamilton. \*\*WIN A pair of tickets to see NIN Live on Feb 18\*\* Sat Jan 10, 2026 NINE INCH NAILS Fest Ground Control - 1279 Queen St West - Toronto 9pm Lounge with covers of NIN 10pm Mainroom with DJ Lazarus $10 Advanced: https://NINFestGC.eventbrite.ca $20 at the door INVITE: www.facebook.com/events/1526240391993274 (please INVITE your friends) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- SOCIAL: www.facebook.com/groundcontroltoronto www.instagram.com/groundcontroltoronto www.facebook.com/livingonvideoclub www.facebook.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitch.tv/livingonvideoclub www.mixcloud.com/livingonvideo www.instagram.com/djlazarusrocks www.twitter.com/djlazarusrocks \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a fun and relaxing holiday season. **We're back with our weekly Expressive Art Classes for 2026.** **Weekly Expressive Art Classes** Our weekly **Expressive Art Saturdays** weekly sessions are an invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself through creativity and mindfulness. Each class weaves together meditation, connection, and expressive art, guiding you toward stillness, clarity, and calm. We will explore different expressive art activities designed to support ongoing self-discovery and emotional release. Some practices may return over time, allowing for deeper reflection and new insights with each experience. To sign up please complete the form: https://forms.gle/v6NWdEXNsfsKnKY66

Bring any piece of music in any form. We'll deconstruct it's musical elements and share with each other what the music evokes and what insights arise. Then, consider how this musical work fits into the broader world of music and sound. After a break well do a musical exercise together and end with a short slent meditation. Advance registration with pay pal $20. Please call Gary to confirm your registration. 647 292 5415 Generosity policy: limited spots available for no or low charge fir those who need it.

Have a completed manuscript and ready to take the next step? Need to polish up your submission materials? Curious about the submission process for trad publishing? Then you'll want to join our query letter and synopsis workshop. The meeting will run the same way as our usualy Saturday in-person meetups, but we'll be reviewing query letters and synopses instead of actual stories. Feel free to bring in a query letter, a synopsis, or both. Not sure what any of this means? In trad publishing, with few exceptions, publishers don't accept unsolicited manuscripts (which means you can't submit to them without an agent). But before an agent will even read your full manuscript, they usually ask that you send a query letter, possibly along with a synopsis and sample pages. A query letter is basically a one-page pitch for your book, providing all the relevant stats (genre, age category, word count), a brief summary of the premise meant to entice them into reading more, and a bio. See here for a more detailed breakdown: https://janefriedman.com/query-letters/ A synopsis outlines all the major beats/plot points of your novel, including the ending. They can range anywhere from one page to a few pages (usually on the shorter side), depending on the agent. See here for more details: https://janefriedman.com/how-to-write-a-novel-synopsis/ We'll start the session with some time for questions and then launch straight into the critique, so come prepared! Listeners are also welcome. We'll be meeting at the MaRS Building in the usual writing sprint spot (up the stairs near Teabot). Note: This process only applies to traditional publishing, but all are welcome to attend. If there's enough demand, more of these will be scheduled in the future.

Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station. **In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.** Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak. Our group values and meeting structure can be found here: [https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines) We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary. To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week! **\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\*** And, that's everything! See you there!

This cutting edge rom-com translates the familiar "love triangle" to the 2025 luxury driven NYC culture. Can our successful matchmaker find true love herself? Watch it and cast your opinion at the group discussion,

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. I've been hardware hacking a See N Say to make it say whatever I want - while the project is in progress still, it should be working by this meetup! I'll bring it for demo. [See N Say Project](https://github.com/cdeever/esp32-see-n-say) While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

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/) 

# **Band: The Pegheads; Caller: Liz Burkhart** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.