Men's Issues

✨ A Stand-Up Comedy Show about fixing ourselves, our parents, and our dating life… ANOTHER DAY!✨ 🌟This stand-up comedy show features the wildest stories and observations about the Berlin party life, his parents, and his dates…sometimes all at once🌟 The show will end around 22:00, so there will still be plenty of time to hit the bar and club scene afterwards. **🎟️ Get your Tickets here:** [https://fienta.com/fixmelater120226](https://fienta.com/fixmelater120226) 🕗**Times:** **12th of February** Doors open: 19:30 Show Start: 20:00 Show ends: 22:00 **📍Location:** **SaliGari** Simplonstraße 23, 10245 Berlin **🎟️ Tickets:** **Standard Admission:** 15€ **Student Admission:** 12€ Tickets for students with valid student ID **Walk-Ins:** €17 at the door (subject to availability) **❓FAQ:** **How funny is it going to be?** Very funny! It will be a mix of clean, dark, and emotional jokes and maybe even some dirty jokes, so whatever your style of comedy is will be part of the show. **How relatable are the jokes?** Like we grew up together! Ludwig was born in Bavaria and is based in Berlin now, which means that whether you come from a village or the big city, you will find the struggles more than relatable. **Should I bring my friends?** Comedy is always best with great company, so yes! Bring your friends and laugh together! **Can I bring my kids?** The show is meant for an audience of at least 16+. **What do audience members say about the show?** Hilarious! - Marcus, Austria 🇦🇹 Great show! - Jenny, Australia 🇦🇺 So funny and weird in a great way! - Josephine, USA 🇺🇸 **More about me:** **LUDWIG BENECKE (CH/GER)** Ludwig Benecke, the relentlessly funny and charming "nice guy" of stand-up comedy! For the past three years, he has been tirelessly showcasing his wit and humor to audiences all over Europe and the United States. As a Swiss-German nice guy navigating the unpredictable world of comedy, Ludwig hilariously recounts his journey from a life as an economic engineer to pursuing a creative career. His material covers everything from dating miseries and his upbringing to sharp observations about his former corporate job, offering a unique and relatable perspective on life's challenges. He is now based in Berlin and has been described by various people as “funny.” **IG @Ludwigcomedy**

👋 Hallo und 💜-lich Willkommen to the Elixir Berlin Meetup. Let's get 2026 started with some Elixir. If you're new to the community the best way to introduce yourself is [to submit a talk](https://github.com/elixir-berlin/planning/issues/new?template=talk.yml) ⏰ Schedule 18:45: Doors open 19:05: Welcome & Announcements 19:15: 🗣 SSH OTP application by [Cara](https://github.com/cararemixed) 19:45: 🍺 break 🍵🧃 20:15: 🗣 Structuring Unstructured Text using structured generative AI by [Oren](https://github.com/orenmatar) 20:45: ⚡️ Lightning talks and Socializing 🪩 We want to encourage members of the Elixir community to share what they're working on. If you want to give a lightning talk at this Meetup, contact one of the organizers with a short description of your talk - or [submit a talk](https://github.com/elixir-berlin/planning/issues/new?template=talk.yml) See you all there 💜💜💜

The Language Café is primarily aimed at people who are struggling with their mental health which can make it hard to go to regular courses. We want to create a safe space for everyone to learn and practise without pressure. Everyone is welcome! Please try to be on time so we can all get started together :) We mainly practise on a beginner/lower intermediate level and adapt to everyone's prior level of German. The Language Café will focus on teaching you the most important words and phrases and basic grammar in German. The content of the course is adapted to real life. (everyday life in Germany, dealing with authorities, etc.) We will cover different topics every week and you can join us anytime, since the topics do not necessarily build on each other. The Sprachcafé is for free. \*If you cannot make it please cancel your participation so someone else from the waiting list can join, thank you!\* \| \| \| \|

YAAAS QUEEN! Hilarious monthly comedy show with fierce and fabulously funny queens! **[TICKETS LINK](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yaaas-queen-women-lgbtq-comedy-show-tickets-1094698806599)** Yaaas Queen is a monthly celebration of fierce and fabulously funny queens, kings and royal criminal queers! The show is in English and on second Thursday of every month. This is not just a stand-up comedy open mic – it is a fun and safe space for women & LGBTQIA+ comics who want to either try stand-up for the first time, work on their funny bits or experiment with other comedy formats. There’s always a different line-up of experienced and less experienced jesters and we try to make it as varied as possible! It is also a cosy opportunity for you, our lovely audience members, to meet like-minded, open-hearted people who enjoy laughing, can take a joke and just want to have a marvellous evening. You are welcome to come and support us with your ecstatic applause, roaring laughter and loving support no matter who you are or what you have or don’t have in your pants, bags and cupboards! Curious to try stand-up? Talk to us after the show! Doors: 20:00 Showtime: 20:30-22:30 (with break) This comedy show is produced by the fabulous Queen Bees Comedy collective consisting of Anja Woot, Carmen Chraim and Kat Nip.

**Von Einsamkeit zu Gemeinschaft \| Verbindungen schaffen** **mit *Marco Obermüller*** **Geschlossene Gruppe \| 6 Mal donnerstags \| auf Deutsch\*** für **LGBTQIA**+ kostenlos mit **[Anmeldung](https://wearevillage.org/shop/einsamkeitserien1/w04-2026/)** Einsamkeit kann entstehen, wenn Menschen wenig Gelegenheit haben, eine echte Verbindung zu anderen zu erleben. Hier setzt die Gruppe an, indem sie Räume schafft, in denen Zugehörigkeit aktiv erfahrbar wird. Im gemeinsamen Arbeiten an persönlichen Themen entsteht ein sozialer Resonanzraum, der Isolation durch Beziehung und Kontakt ersetzt. Durch das strukturierte Teilen von Erfahrungen wird Einsamkeit sichtbar, besprechbar und damit veränderbar. Durch moderierte Interaktion, Perspektivwechsel, kleine Experimente des Kontakterlebens und dem gemeinsamen Reflektieren, entwickeln Teilnehmende neue Formen von Verbundenheit und Strategien für soziale Wirksamkeit. Die Gruppe fungiert nicht nur als Unterstützung, sondern als Lernfeld für Beziehungsgestaltung. So entstehen tragfähige Verbindungen, die über das einzelne Treffen hinaus wirken und helfen, Einsamkeit nachhaltig zu reduzieren. **Hinweise** Diese Serie ist offen für alle. Diese Gruppe besteht aus maximal 15 Teilnehmern. **Sprache:** Dieses Reihe wird auf Deutsch sein. Dein Deutsch sollte fließend genug sein, um eine Veranstaltung auf Deutsch zu folgen. **Wichtig**: Du musst dich für die 6 Termine verpflichten. **Termine**: 22./01, 12./02, 26./02, 12./03, 09./04, and 23./04. **Geschlossene Gruppe**: Diese Struktur schafft eine vertrauensvolle Umgebung, in der Teilnehmer tiefergehende Verbindungen aufbauen können. **Kosten**: kostenlos mit Anmeldung *\*\* Diese Veranstaltung ist Teil unseres Programms ‚****[Gemeinsam statt einsam](https://wearevillage.org/village-quartiere/addressing-queer-lonliness)****‚, unterstützt von der* ***[LADS](https://www.berlin.de/sen/lads/)****.* *Erfahre mehr über das Programm [hier](https://wearevillage.org/village-quartiere/addressing-queer-lonliness).* 🔵 **From Loneliness to Community \| Creating Connections** **with *Marco Obermüller*** **Closed Group \| 6 Thursdays \| In German\*** für **LGBTQIA+** Free event with **[registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/einsamkeitserien1/w04-2026/)** Loneliness can arise when people have few opportunities to experience genuine connection with others. This is where the group comes in, creating spaces in which a sense of belonging can be actively experienced. By working together on personal topics, a social space of resonance emerges that replaces isolation with relationship and contact. Through the structured sharing of experiences, loneliness becomes visible, discussable, and therefore open to change. Through facilitated interaction, shifts in perspective, small experiments in experiencing contact, and shared reflection, participants develop new forms of connectedness and strategies for social effectiveness. The group functions not only as a source of support, but also as a learning environment for shaping relationships. In this way, resilient connections are formed that extend beyond the individual meeting and help to sustainably reduce loneliness. **General Information** This group consists of a maximum of 15 participants. **Language**: This series will be held in German. This series is open to everyone. Your German should be fluent enough to follow an event in German. **Important**: you must commit to all 6 sessions. **Dates**: 22/01, 12/02, 26/02, 12/03, 09/04, and 23/04. **Closed Group**: This structure creates a supportive environment where participants can build deeper connections. **Cost**: free event with registration *\*\* This event is part of the we are village program ‘****[Belonging versus Lonelines](https://wearevillage.org/village-quartiere/addressing-queer-lonliness)****‘, with the support of* ***[LADS](https://www.berlin.de/sen/lads/en/)****.* *Learn more about the program [here](https://wearevillage.org/village-quartiere/addressing-queer-lonliness).*

🌸 Galentine’s Night – Girls’ Dinner & Friendship in Berlin 🌸 Just arrived in Berlin or simply looking to meet new friends? Join us for a warm and friendly Galentine’s Night on February 12th, the night before Valentine’s Day 💖 Galentine’s Night is a girls’ night out to celebrate friendship, sisterhood, and new connections, over a delicious home-cooked meal, conversation, laughter, and good vibes ✨ 📍 Where? At my place, in my Berlin apartment (the exact address will be shared later only with the participants). 🕯 When? 📅 February 12th 🕖 8pm 🍽 On the agenda : \- Friendly dinner at my place \- Open discussions & meeting new people \- Cozy\, welcoming\, and safe atmosphere \- Zero pressure\, just fun and human connection Whether you're new to Berlin or simply curious to meet new people, you're welcome 🌷 The idea is to create a simple and authentic moment between women who don't yet know each other. 💌 Participation Requirements To ensure the evening runs smoothly for everyone: 👩 This event is for women only. ✔️ You must speak english (sorry I only speak French & English). 👥 Limited to 6 participants (to maintain an intimate and comfortable atmosphere). 📝 Please write a short introduction when registering (age, how long you've been in Berlin, what you're hoping to gain from this event). ✅ Registration will be manually validated (I will confirm after reading your introduction). 🚫 Commitment to attend is mandatory (please only register if you are certain you can attend). 🤍 Respect, kindness and open-mindedness are essential. 💡 It would be great if each participant could bring a dish or a drink (or both), and one small gift (it doesn't need to be extravagant). We will do a Secret Santa to exchange them between us. 💖 Black Women and International Women friendly.

**Village Heart Circle** hosted by **Marco Astolfi** & **Torsten Bless** for **GBTQ men\*** [free event with registration](https://wearevillage.org/shop/heart-circle/w46-2025) Are you looking for a space where you can express your feelings and share your experiences in a loving and supportive community of GBTQ men\*? In this circle we can sit together peacefully to speak from the heart and listen with our hearts, honouring the different ways from which we come in a safe and non-judgemental space, honouring the different ways from which we come in a safe and non-judgemental space. The Heart Circle is a practice originated by Native Americans and adopted by the Radical Faeries to build community. **General Information** We open the doors at 7:30 p.m. To protect the integrity of the Heart Circle, we ask that you arrive before 8:00 p.m. **Language**: This event will be in German and/or English depending on participant needs. 🔵 Suchst du nach einem Ort, an dem du deine Gefühle und Erfahrungen teilen kannst, in einer unterstützenden Gemeinschaft von schwulen, bisexuellen, trans und queeren Männern\*? Der Kreis ist ein Ort, an dem wir friedlich zusammensitzen, aus dem Herzen sprechen und mit dem Herzen zuhören können. Ein Ort, an dem wir die unterschiedlichen Lebensumstände, aus denen wir kommen, respektieren, ohne zu urteilen. Der Heart Circle ist eine Praxis, die von den Ureinwohnern Nordamerikas stammt und von den Radical Faeries übernommen wurde, um Gemeinschaft zu bilden. **Hinweise** Wir öffnen die Türen um 19.30 Uhr. Um die Unversehrtheit des Heart Circles zu bewahren, bitten wir dich, vor 20:00 Uhr zu erscheinen. **Sprache**: Je nach Bedürfnissen der Gruppe werden wir Deutsch und/oder Englisch sprechen.

Play basketball

Welcome to Sunday Tech Coffee. This is a **networking** event for those in the tech industry in Berlin. We are usually inside and to the right. Ask the barista/bartender if you can't find us.

Fermentation and Pickling as Culinary and Cultural Practice: Exploring Koryo Saram Cuisine and Intangible Heritage with Tobias Stefan (HU Berlin) Join us for a Fermenta Collective workshop that delves into fermentation not only as a culinary technique, but also as a form of intangible cultural heritage. This session places a special focus on Koryo Saram cuisine - the food traditions of the Korean diaspora community in Central Asia, formed largely through the forced deportations of Koreans within the Soviet Union in 1937. Koryo Saram foodways have evolved in unique ways, distinct from contemporary Korean cuisine on the peninsula. Through generations, communities adapted their culinary practices to Central Asian tastes, ingredients, and environments. Today, their dishes have become an integral part of the broader Central Asian culinary landscape. In this workshop, we will explore these traditions through practice and conversation: • Learn about the history and everyday cultural significance of Koryo Saram cuisine, with insights from Tobias’ doctoral research in social and cultural anthropology focusing on Koryo Saram heritage in Uzbekistan • Prepare morkovcha, the iconic Koryo Saram carrot salad - often referred to as Koryo Saram carrot kimchi • Make our own chimchi, a Koryo Saram version of kimchi to take home • Enjoy our dishes alongside staples of Central Asian cuisine As someone with family roots in Central Asia, Tobias is looking forward to sharing not only techniques and recipes, but also the personal and historical stories that make Koryo Saram food a rich expression of intangible cultural heritage.

**Berlin’s Only Comedy Show That Fixes Your Problems (Kind Of) brings you a Valentine's Special - so if you ever wanted to complain about your ex or your friend's toxic relationship you have to hear about all the time, this is your moment to shine!** Stand-up comedy meets hilarious, unqualified life advice! Comedians tackle your anonymously submitted problems live on stage—roasting, dissecting, and turning them into comedy gold. **Where?** Das Werkhaus in **Heckmann-Höfe!** **When?** Doors: **5**:**00 PM** \| Show: **5:30 PM** **Tickets?** FREE seat reservation —**but seats are limited, so book now!** Come for the stand-up, stay for the therapy—just bring your problems (or a friend with worse ones). We are a free entry show, and **have been running solely thanks to the support of the audience**, so to help us keep making this world a drama free place we **suggest a donation of around €15!** This show is a fresh mix of **four experienced comedians and audience problems**—so you never know what to expect! Hosted by **Lena Stolby** — she’s Russian, so she *really* knows about problems!

Kuscheln für Frauen darf echt sein. Leicht. Tief. Bewegend. Hier darf Frau kichern, Nähe spüren und Kraft tanken. Es entsteht eine Verbindung, die nährt – achtsam, klar und wohltuend. Kuscheln kann vieles sein: spielerisch, ruhig, tief, warm oder einfach nur entspannend. Finde heraus, was dir gut tut. Wir – Ava & Melanie – begleiten dich durch deine Kuschelerfahrung in Berlin. Als ausgebildete Therapeutinnen mit einer tiefen Liebe für Körperarbeit, Verbindung und Präsenz schaffen wir Räume, in denen du dir selbst und anderen echt begegnen kannst – spielerisch, liebevoll, nährend. Unsere Kuschelevents sind geprägt von Achtsamkeit, Klarheit und innerem Einvernehmen. Hier darf Frau lachen, kuscheln – und einfach sie selbst sein. Wir glauben, dass Berührung ein menschliches Grundbedürfnis ist – kein Luxus. Deshalb gestalten wir Räume, in denen du dich entspannen, auftanken und dich frei entscheiden kannst, wie nah du wem sein möchtest. Kuscheln ist immer freiwillig, respektvoll und im Einklang mit den vereinbarten Regeln. Unser Wunsch ist es, dir einen sicheren und achtsamen Raum zu eröffnen und zu halten, in dem du in respektvoller Atmosphäre Nähe, Berührung und Entspannung erleben kannst – ganz ohne Leistungsdruck oder sexuelle Absicht. Lachen, Weinen und Stille sind hier gleichermaßen willkommen. **ABLAUF** Wir starten mit einem gemeinsamen Ankommen, leiten dich durch Übungen zur Wahrnehmung und zur Einvernehmlichkeit von Berührung, bevor wir in die freie Kuschelzeit übergehen – je nach Wunsch in Gruppen, zu zweit oder in Ruhe für dich allein. **ORT** Berlin Weißensee Der genaue Ort wird dir nach Anmeldung bekannt gegeben. **DATUM und ZEIT** 10.01.2026 17:00 – 20:00 Uhr (Einlass ab 16:35 Uhr, bitte sei pünktlich, nach 17 Uhr bleiben die Türen geschlossen.) **PREIS** Unsere Kuschelzeit bieten wir zum Preis von 35–45 Euro nach Selbsteinschätzung an. Du bezahlst bitte passend vor Ort in bar. **ANMELDUNG** Deine Anmeldung für die Veranstaltung ist notwendig, da wir nur über eine begrenzte Anzahl von Plätzen verfügen. Schreib uns eine Mail und melde dich gern an. Mit unserer Zusage ist deine Anmeldung verbindlich.\* Mail: [[kuscheln.fuer.frauen@gmx.de](http://kuscheln.fuer.frauen@gmx.de/)]([mailto:kuscheln.fuer.frauen@gmx.de](http://mailto:kuscheln.fuer.frauen@gmx.de/)) \*Du kannst bis 24 Stunden vor Beginn kostenfrei stornieren. Danach wird die volle Teilnahmegebühr fällig, da wir den Platz nicht mehr anderweitig vergeben können. **WICHTIGES** * Für Frauen – auch für Neueinsteigerinnen geeignet. * Die Kuschelparty findet ab 5 Teilnehmerinnen statt. Zu deiner Orientierung, die TN Zahl liegt zw. 8 und 15 Personen. * Solltest Du in Therapie sein, bitte stimme deine Teilnahme vorab ab. Bitte lass uns wissen, ob du in therapeutischer Behandlung bist. * Mitbringen von Haustieren ist nicht möglich. Bitte bring mit: * kuschelige Kleidung
- komme frisch geduscht * verzichte auf intensive Gerüche (z. B. Parfum/starkes Deo, Knoblauch, Rauch, Alkohol) Danke für deine Achtsamkeit Berührung involviert alle unsere Sinne. [Erfahre mehr zu Kuschelpartys.](https://kuschelraum.de/kuschelpartys/#informationen) Lies gern [unsere FAQ](https://kuschelraum.de/faq/#faqkuschelparty) oder [unseren Kuschelknigge](https://kuschelraum.de/kuschelknigge/).

### The Question of Feminism: History, Politics, Society, and Psychology Feminism addresses the historical and ongoing disadvantage of women in society. It begins with the recognition that women were long denied legal rights, political participation, economic independence, and control over their own bodies. From this starting point, feminism examines how inequality has been created and maintained through laws, institutions, social norms, knowledge production, and cultural practices—and how these structures shape everyday life and women’s internal experiences. In this session, we will focus on the following topics: 1. **Historical exclusion of women from legal rights, education, political power, and economic independence** 2. **Political regulation of women’s work, income, citizenship, and bodily autonomy** 3. **Social expectations surrounding motherhood, care work, and emotional labor** 4. **Psychological effects of gender norms, including self-confidence, ambition, guilt, and mental health** 5. **Social, medical, and political control of women’s bodies and sexuality** 6. **Marginalization and underrepresentation of women in science, education, and cultural production** 7. **Differences in women’s experiences shaped by class, race, migration background, disability, and age** 8. **Contemporary forms of discrimination against women in workplaces, healthcare, relationships, and public space** This will be an open and focused conversation grounded in historical realities, political structures, social practices, psychological experience, and intersectional perspectives. Together, we’ll reflect on how feminism connects material conditions, power relations, and inner lives—and why addressing all of these dimensions is essential for understanding and challenging women’s inequality today. 📅 **Event Details** 🗓️ **Date:** Saturday, 14 February 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 14:00 📍 **Location:** Hardenbergstraße 10, 10623 Berlin 📱 **WhatsApp (for prep materials and directions):** 👉 **[Join Group Chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)**

Welcome! This football session is for individuals who like playing on moderate to high intensity (run a lot and change position to give player with the ball option to pass). Usually play on a pretty competitive level. Our football skills are average to good. To keep things fair and enjoyable for all, we follow a few simple rules: * **Show up at 07:45** so that you can get checked by the organiser * If you are not checked by the organiser then \*\*1 match penalty applies\*\*(being moved to waitlist) * **No studs** * If you show up with studs, then you wont be allowed to play * No dangerous tackling * If you get tackled, you need to call the foul * In case of handball only people close (1-2m) can call handball * Since we play 12v12, we have offsides (0-1m difference is still tolerated) * No penalties for handball in penalty box(no way of proving handball and please be fair) * In case of handball, the other teams goalkeeper gets the ball

**Welcome to Men's Circle, hosted at Sticks and Stones!** This is a group oriented towards fostering connection between men in our local community, while also accomplishing magickal working and intentional discussion around metaphysical topics. Please read the following code of conduct for our group, and message the facilitator or call the shop and ask for Merlin for any questions. Code of Conduct 1. We are all, in good faith, men. Whichever way that manifests, we take it on good faith that all attendees are male identifying. 2. We respect all walks of life and spiritual practice. We honor and respect men from every walk of life and spiritual practice. Freedom ends where it infringes on the practice of another. We do not evangelize, prostelitize, or talk down on others. There is no initiation, or universal code of spiritual conduct here. 3. What happens in Men's Circle stays in Men's Circle By attending, you accept a sacred duty to keep the trust and faith of the other attendees, do not share or discuss anything we share in circle. *(The secret answer to the question is "Salt on the Wind")* 4. Respect the circle Once the circle is cast, we are focusing our energy on magickal topics, and making the best use of everyone's time. With great love, we may ask you to redirect or keep a line of thought shorter or more intentional. 5. Arbitration is immediate and help-oriented If you run into a pain point or offense in our group, please speak up immediately and let your thoughts be heard. We are here to respect and grow and support each other as a community, let us help and grow together. **The next few weeks, we will be focusing discussion and practices around the following topic:** What does self-love and esteem mean for men?

Finally, a young adult group that includes ages 25+ This is a brand new small group! We will be studying the sermon on the mount 🤗

**A relaxed, good-vibe Valentine’s Day afternoon for adults who don’t want the pressure, awkwardness, or heaviness today.** Not a dating event. Not a support group. Just a warm room, good people, and simple **conversation games that make it easy to meet others who are also starting fresh.** If Valentine’s Day feels weird, quiet, or emotionally loaded this year, spend it in a space where you can actually laugh, feel lighter, and connect with grounded adults who get it. *** **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • Simple partner rotations (guided and easy) • Light, feel-good Valentine’s prompts **• Fun conversation games (not cheesy, not romantic)** • A mix of divorced and separated adults in similar life chapters • A comfortable, pressure-free room • Good energy without oversharing or awkward silence **Everything is structured. You show up — the flow does the rest.** *** **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced adults • Separated adults • People navigating midlife transitions • Anyone starting fresh and not wanting to spend Feb 14 alone Most attendees are in their **late 30s to mid 50s** — grounded, normal people who want something better to do today than sit at home replaying the past. This is a chance to be around others in similar seasons without labels, pressure, or expectations. *** **✅ Location, Cost & Time** 📍 **Rented facility:** **Ashburn (zip 20147)** — exact address shared after RSVP 🕒 **2:00 PM – 4:00 PM** 💵 **$15 per person —** feel free to bring a guest (just have them RSVP separately). ☕ **Coffee + light snacks provided** *** **🎯 The Vibe** Think: **calm, warm, easy, friendly, real.** Not romantic. Not forced. Just a space where people talk, laugh, and feel human again on a day that can feel heavy. **And if a natural connection happens — great.** If not, you still walk away lighter than you came. **✅ Space is limited to keep the room comfortable and conversational.** RSVP if you’d like to join this small-group Valentine’s gathering. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)

Join us for a gay men’s lunch meetup at Upside on Moore in Arlington, VA. It’s a relaxed, friendly gathering to enjoy good food and good conversation. Come make new connections and spend a welcoming afternoon with the group.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Love and Monsters,”** on the inescapable bond between romance and horror, with Joshua Barton, scholar of horror and lecturer in English at Virginia Commonwealth University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-love-monsters) .] Romance and horror might seem like opposite genres, but they share a deep emotional core, and the combination of them has captivated audiences across time and culture. Put even your worst Valentine’s Day in perspective by hearing this strange relationship discussed by Joshua Barton, who has earned a big following among Profs and Pints fans with his past talks on cryptids, American horror, and Christmas ghosts. He’ll explore the undeniable and unsettling intersection of romance and horror and examine how and why love and fear intensify each other and combined to create tension, drive narratives, and explore human vulnerability. We’ll look at works that have blended passion and terror, including Gothic literature like the vampire novella *Carmilla* and modern films like *Spring* and *Crimson Peak*. We’ll study the fine line between obsession and adoration running through Stephen King’s “I Know What You Need,” Adrian Lyne’s *Fatal Attraction*, and the timeless *The Phantom of the Opera.* We’ll discuss the seeds of monstrous love that were planted with *Beauty and the Beast* and *Creature from the Black Lagoon* and bloom ferociously in works like *Twilight* and *The Shape of Water*. Through it all, we’ll find the threads of otherness and the taboo that intertwine horror, love, and reflections on identity. Join us for a journey through storytelling that combines the grotesque and the scintillating as we uncover why romance and horror are a match made in the dark. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From the original 1954 advertising poster for *Creature from the Black Lagoon* (Artist: Reynold Brown / Public Domain).

Join us for our first meetup! We will have a discussion on Fiat vs Bitcoin, a little bit of learning and discussions that are important to the group. This a social group so bring your questions and curiosity, prepared to listen and share. Too often, women are left out of the conversation while they prepare to live longer, care for more people and are the heart of any community. Wouldn't it be great if we could be more educated on ways to beat inflation, have more choices, and be prepared for the changes to come? Please bring your questions, so that we can plan topics for future meet-ups.

**Women Over 40: Understanding Our Natural Transitions with Ayurveda** This seminar is for all women over or approaching 40. Understand the changes that your body, mind and spirit will inevitably go through, and how you can prepare for the transition to a new stage of life. Dr. Jain will give you the real picture of perimenopause and beyond, what it entails and what it means from an Ayurvedic perspective, and share concerning truths about our medical system's approach to supporting women during this important time. This is rare information not to be found in any AI bot. Dr. Amita shares deep, ancient knowledge that is practical, sensible and critical for our long-term well being. ***About Dr. Amita Jain***\*: Dr. Jain is a Doctor of Ayurveda, Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, and the Founder of [Vedic Health Inc](https://www.vedichealth.org/ "https://www.vedichealth.org/"). in Rockville, MD. With over 20 years of experience in Ayurveda and yoga, she holds a Doctor of Ayurveda degree from Sai Ayurvedic College, clinical training from Swasthyam Ayurvedic Hospital in Kerala, and a certification in Hatha Yoga from SVYASA Yoga Research University in Bangalore. She has helped countless individuals heal from chronic conditions, trained thousands in Yoga and Ayurveda, and is a passionate advocate for affordable and accessible holistic healthcare. Her primary focus is working with chronic and complicated health problems western medicine has been ineffective. Sun., Feb.. 22nd, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Held at Brahma Kumaris, 14020 Thunderbolt Pl, Suite 200, 2nd Floor, Chantilly, VA. Free Event – Register at: [https://shorturl.at/2qhPl](https://shorturl.at/2qhPl)