World Cinema

**After Work Painting in der Kreativwerkstatt Zürich** Feier den Feierabend mal anders! Tauche ein in Farbe, Pinsel und gute Vibes – ganz ohne Druck oder Vorkenntnisse. Wir malen, plaudern, trinken vielleicht ein Glas und lassen den Alltag einfach draußen. Kleine Runde – max. 10 Personen – so bleibt’s persönlich, gemütlich und kreativ. Ab 18:30 Uhr geöffnet – komm, wann es dir passt! Donnerstags (check die aktuellen Daten auf unserer Homepage) Anmeldung: [www.kreativwerkstatt.design](http://www.kreativwerkstatt.design) \-\-\- End your workday in a creative way! Join us for a relaxed evening of painting, chatting, and unwinding — no pressure, no experience needed. Just drop in, grab a brush, and let your creativity flow. Small group – max. 10 people – cozy, personal & inspiring. Doors open at 6:30 pm – come whenever it suits you! Thursdays (check the latest dates on our website) Sign up at [www.kreativwerkstatt.design](http://www.kreativwerkstatt.design)

⬇️⬇️⬇️ **EN/DE/PR** ⬇️⬇️⬇️ **🎶 Samba Drumming,** **Open Bateria** **🎶** Beginners and experienced drummers... all are welcome! This session is about discovering samba, or discovering a different samba instrument if you are already playing. ***Note:*** if you are experienced with samba enredo drumming and would like to dive straight into an ensaio please reach out to us. We are always looking to grow our core team! **💥 What to Expect:** \- All Skill Levels: From newbies to seasoned drummers\. \- No Instruments Needed: We provide everything\, but you can bring your own\. 💰 **Cost** 💰 First-timers try-out for free! 12 CHF per session thereafter (open bateria is included in full association membership). **🥁 Ready to Drum?** 🥁 Don't miss this fun, energizing session! Connect with the samba community and drum your heart out. **📌 What to Bring:** **\- Ear Plugs:** Recommended "Alpine Music Pros." **\- Water Bottle:** Stay hydrated. **\- Spare T\-Shirt:** It gets warm! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **"🎶 Samba Trommeln, Offene Bateria 🎶** Anfänger und erfahrene Trommler... alle sind willkommen! In dieser Session geht's darum, Samba zu entdecken oder, wenn du schon spielst, ein anderes Samba-Instrument auszuprobieren. ***Hinweis:*** Wenn du bereits Erfahrung mit Samba-Enredo-Trommeln hast und direkt in eine Probe einsteigen möchtest, melde dich bei uns. Wir sind immer auf der Suche, unser Kernteam zu erweitern! **💥 Was dich erwartet:** * Alle Erfahrungsstufen: Von Neulingen bis zu erfahrenen Trommlern. * Keine Instrumente nötig: Wir stellen alles zur Verfügung, aber du kannst gerne dein eigenes mitbringen. **💰 Kosten 💰** Erste Session kostenlos! Danach 12 CHF pro Session (offene Bateria ist in der vollständigen Mitgliedschaft enthalten). 🥁 Bereit zum Trommeln? 🥁 Verpass diese spaßige und energiegeladene Session nicht! Verbinde dich mit der Samba-Community und trommle aus vollem Herzen. 📌 Was du mitbringen solltest: * Ohrstöpsel: Empfohlene "Alpine Music Pros." * Wasserflasche: Hydriert bleiben. * Ersatz-T-Shirt: Es wird warm!" \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🎶 Samba de Bateria, Bateria Aberta 🎶** Iniciantes e bateristas experientes... todos são bem-vindos! Essa atividade é pra você conhecer o samba ou, se você já toca, descobrir um instrumento diferente de samba. ***Nota:*** se você já tem experiência com samba enredo e quer ir direto para um ensaio, entre em contato com a gente. Estamos sempre buscando crescer nosso time principal! **💥 O que Esperar:** * Todos os Níveis: De novatos a bateristas experientes. * Sem Necessidade de Instrumentos: Nós fornecemos tudo, mas você pode trazer o seu se quiser. **💰 Custo 💰** A primeira sessão é grátis! 12 CHF por sessão depois (bateria aberta está incluída na associação completa). **🥁 Pronto para Tocar? 🥁** Não perca essa sessão divertida e energizante! Conecte-se com a comunidade do samba e toque com o coração. **📌 O que Levar:** * Protetores de Ouvido: Recomendamos "Alpine Music Pros." * Garrafa de Água: Fique hidratado. * Camiseta Extra: Vai esquentar!" \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-

Join us for an exciting meetup as we delve into the world of Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) and other Web3 developments. At this event, we will discuss the governance design and tokenomics implications of these new organisational structures to align the incentives of different stakeholders with the DAO's mission. Whether you're a crypto enthusiast, a blockchain developer or simply curious about the future of organisational structures, this event is perfect for networking, learning and engaging in stimulating discussions. Connect with like-minded people, exchange ideas and explore the possibilities of DAOs. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the Optimal DAO Community and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of technology and finance. Join us on Signal: https://signal.group/#CjQKIDQRtCSnYIuwmKeOUE69hEMzpF8YqxoibUkGRZzQM_lKEhCwgeogZ3oGE_s8EAdzbLzB

A New Year and a New Start to improve in that language you've always loved! To celebrate and motivate you all, our partner school [Vox Sprachschule](https://www.vox-sprachschule.ch) in Zurich has kindly offered a free drink to all participants! Here's how our language exchange works: * **18:45–19:15** → Registration (scan the QR code to tell us your fluent and target languages). * **19:15–20:30** → Language Exchange, powered by our “Learn by Flipping” method * **20:30 onwards** → Optional to stay around and enjoy the rest of the evening. We'll have a tapa included for all, so feel free to try and see if you're feeling it. (We're the open minded, curious type who like to explore new cultures **—** an outgoing nice mix of Swiss and expats) What does *Learn by Flipping* mean? * **Practical** → Speak with fluent speakers in your target language. * **Collaborative** → Every 5 minutes, you flip roles: "teacher", then "student". * **Fun** → Small groups, a lively setting, and the energy of a bar without the chaos, we all join at the end and becomes social and great to meet new people. [Check our Instagram page for more info.](https://www.instagram.com/fliplingoes/) Save some time by [Signing up to our web app](https://fliplingoes.com/) beforehand. * Entrance Fee: 10 CHF + Tapa incl. * Free beer for all, thanks to [Vox Sprachschule](https://www.vox-sprachschule.ch) We'll offer you the free drink token once the exchange starts. Please note, event registration closes after 7:15PM. Any questions, feel free to send us a Whatsapp: 079 426 6768

Ciao! L'appuntamento di **gennaio** è per **giovedì 15 alle 19** con un altro interessante talk in presenza, sempre al [Politecnico di Milano](https://www.google.com/maps/place/45%C2%B028'41.3%22N+9%C2%B013'43.6%22E/@45.478127,9.228763,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d45.478127!4d9.228763?entry=ttu)! Questo mese lo speaker sarà **Marco Nicastro**, con il talk **Il mondo dei gestionali con WordPress fra sogni e realtà.** Durante questo talk vorrei parlare di come è possibile realizzare dei veri e propri gestionali direttamente con WordPress e dei vantaggi e degli svantaggi in cui si incorre se si decide di intraprendere questa strada. Oltre a questo vorrei poi presentare un caso studio per rendere il tutto più pratico. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Saremo in diretta streaming** Non puoi partecipare di persona? Noi non ti giudicheremo! :) Se vuoi, puoi seguirci anche in diretta streaming su YouTube. Il link sarà visibile solo una volta che avrai fatto la tua iscrizione all'evento. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **In breve, ecco come sarà organizzata la serata:** 19:00 Benvenuto + networking 19:20 Presentazione (di circa 50 minuti) 20:10 Domande e risposte 20:30 Fine; Chi vuole può continuare il networking in un bar o pizzeria vicino al luogo dell’evento. All’inizio dell’incontro faremo il conteggio per prenotare: per non creare disguidi conferma la presenza solo se sei sicuro di venire. Networking significa che ci sarà tempo per chiacchierare con chi partecipa e fare amicizia. Potresti trovare una persona interessante, un futuro cliente, un futuro fornitore o un nuovo partner di lavoro, chi può dirlo? Non riesci a venire, o devi dare la tua disdetta? Nessun rancore, sarà per la prossima. Ti chiediamo solo di farci sapere 24 ore prima così - liberiamo il tuo posto per altre persone. **Vuoi essere speaker?** Beh, nulla di più facile: **Compila il modulo [cliccando qui](https://wpmilano.org/speaker-form/)**. Ti risponderemo per fornirti tutti i dettagli. Ci vediamo lì! 😉

Join us for a flavour-packed Thai dinner at **Tamnansiam Thai Restaurant**, a spot known for authentic recipes, bold seasoning, and real Thai comfort food. ### 🍛 What to Expect * Classic Thai dishes prepared with authenticity * Proper balance of **sweet, sour, salty, and spicy** * Curries, stir-fries, and salads that stay true to Thai tradition * Generous portions and honest cooking [You can check the menu here](https://bin.staticlocal.ch/restaurant-menu/ab/ab6f5c37b34e83ab99f1a8ccb0f5e39347cf2f0c/manu%2018-3%20eue%20namnansiam.pdf) *** ### 🗓 Event Details 📍 **Where:** Tamnansiam Thai Restaurant, Zürich ([Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fFP2SeJCeFLb6TpZ8)) 📅 **When:** **Thursday, 15 January • 19:30** 💸 **Cost:** Pay what you order (à la carte) 🪑 **Reservation:** Marco Azzari *** ### 💬Some reviews from Google * *⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of the best Thai restaurants in Switzerland! ชอบเมนูปลาดุกผัดเผ็ดมากค่ะ เผ็ดหอมแบบไทยแท้ อาหารสดและอร่อยทุกจาน* * *I’ve had two dishes from here and I was super impressed!! Great portion, amazingly tasty. Service is also very friendly* * *Best red curry duck in Zurich. I’ve had many anT*

Set immediately after the events of last year's *28 Years Later*, **The Bone Temple** follows young Spike (Alfie Williams) as he is forced into the nightmare world of "The Jimmys," a sadistic cult led by the eccentric Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O'Connell). While Spike fights to survive their brutal rituals, Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), who maintains a massive skeletal memorial, develops a strange connection with the massive "Alpha" infected, Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry). As their paths cross, two disparate worlds of human depravity and scientific curiosity collide, set in a post-apocalyptic Britain ravaged by the Rage virus. Tickets: https://bluecinema.ch/en/movies?date=2026-01-17&cinemas=afa91289-6085-432a-9fbe-4b40d3f12d04 Our group is getting tickets for row 4. Meeting point: to be coordinated on our WhatsApp Group, TBD Not a member of the WhatsApp Group? Ask the organizer for the invitation link. *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple* Director: Nia DaCosta UK, USA 2026 109 min https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32141377/ Entrance fee: 21,90 CHF English, with German and French subtitles.

I'm really excited to announce our next Meet Up event. It will take place at Core studio in Rennweg Rennweg 12, 8001 Zurich. The is dedicated to everyone who likes the idea of exercising with the music, dancing and learning a bit of ballet. Find out how to set up the a great posture, learn about body conditioning as well as mind & body connection. Unlike at most general adult ballet classes we will show you how exercise with the precision and focus, getting great results. A great class for those that are just starting with ballet, or those who are conscious about using their body precisely and targeting correct muscle groups in order to achieve greater results. The class is structured as a unique combination of ballet exercises, Pilates, stretching and motivation. Open to all levels. You will need to bring a smile, some water and wear comfortable exercise cloths. The class will be 60 minutes which should be more than enough to get those muscles warmed up and you posturised ready for the next session. There's a small cost to cover the venue and facilities - CHF 40.- For more details about the training provider please see: https://www.balletbodysculpture.com/ballet-body-sculpture-classes-in-zurich

Start 2026 the right way — by making new friends. 🎉 Join us for an exciting fast-friending event! Whether you’re new to the city or simply looking to grow your circle, this is your chance to connect, laugh, and have a great time with amazing people. **You will need to buy a ticket for attending -** [https://zurich17thjan.eventbrite.co.uk](https://zurich17thjan.eventbrite.co.uk) \*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account. TICKETS:- Early bird - CHF 10 Regular ticket - CHF 15 Cash at the meetup - If you have not purchased your ticket in advance then you can pay CHF 20 per person in cash on the day of the meetup to Daryna (Please bring exact change) 'Fast friending' is our fun and quick way to help you make new connections quickly with both ladies and gentlemen. These are people in the age group of 21 and 35 and so you will be on a similar wavelength. Naturally you can always choose who to speak with based on your preference! **Here’s how our Fast Friending works:-** \- We will meet at 7\.00 and have time to get settle down and get a drink\. \- From about 7\.30 to 8\.30 we will run the fast friending system\. Half of the group \(mixed gender\) will stay in a fixed place and the other half of the group \(mixed gender\) will be asked to rotate\. During these intervals\, each pair of people will get the opportunity to talk to each other\. \- Daryna will be hosting the evening and she will organize the fast friending process\. She will indicate when you should move to the next person\. \- From 8\.30 onwards we will stop the system and people will have to chance go chat and interact with those they have met as well as others\. If you are a bit shy or anxious then please come early. Daryna will help you meet other members in a small group and help you settle down and get comfortable. \- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\! \- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\. \- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 25 to 40 age group\. \- Our evenings are not about 'dating' or for 'romantic' connections\. 'Fast friending' is NOT 'Speed dating'\. 'Fast friending' is designed to help members meet other like minded ladies and gents\. It is about new friendships and connections\. Naturally\, new friendships can lead to dating or romantic connections\, but that is not our focus\. Why do we have tickets? 1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication. 2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved. 3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity. ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)- We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.** Secrets of socializing at our meetups - [http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing ](http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing) How to make new friends - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs) How to make people like you at our socials -[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4guProkKrI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4guProkKrI) Why you should attend our evenings - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEjwGBXzJE8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEjwGBXzJE8) Member feedback - [https://youtu.be/bF_oxrWGqus?si=8ewukkeawt1N12nm](https://youtu.be/bF_oxrWGqus?si=8ewukkeawt1N12nm)

Hi there! I’m happy you have come across **Afro Dance Fitness classes**! Are you interested in group fitness (all levels) or dancing, Afrodance and Working out in a group of likeminded women to Afrobeats music, then this is for you! Afro Workout is an Afrodance inspired Dance Fitness Class in Zürich that combines dynamic dance moves and intensive Workout to Afrobeats. Similiar to Zumba but to Afro music including dance movement, fitness and sculpt. Afro is all about Good Vibes! Expressing a joy of living, to be confident and feel good in your body. This class takes place on **Saturday from 10:30-11:30** in Zürich Wiedikon, 10 min from HB Zürich. We run other classes during the week, check the other times. For all levels! You don’t have to be a dancer or a fitness geek. Party, Dance and sweat with us to Afrobeats! First class is always free for first timers! Sign up for the FREE class [Free class](https://afroworkout.as.me/free-class) Single class: 28.- CHF 10-class Package: 250.- CHF Please always sign up and RSVP to every class, via Meet up Event, [Email](vanessa@afroworkout.com) vanessa@afroworkout.ch, DM on Instagram or Sign up link on Website. There will be always more people in a class then shown on Meet up. Don‘t hesitate to sign up via above mentioned channels. Can‘t wait! Check daily updates and classes on [Instagram](https://instagram.com/afroworkout.ch?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=) Website for more information and class info [www.afroworkout.ch](https://www.afroworkout.ch) Move, Dance and Stay Fit to Afrobeats!

[⚠️>>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/dating/other-events/brunch-museum-visit-singles-only-30-45-y-7415813450700469713.html) 🥐 Brunch & Museum of the Future **Singles only \| Ages 30–45** Want to meet new people in a relaxed and meaningful way — without loud bars or forced small talk? Join us for a **curated brunch followed by a shared cultural experience** at one of Zurich’s most exciting exhibitions. Join our group for this event : [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FoJN0DzRQgF232huSHiGOi](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FoJN0DzRQgF232huSHiGOi) We begin with a cozy brunch at **Uhmami**, a stylish and welcoming spot known for its high-quality food and relaxed atmosphere. Expect thoughtful conversations, mixed seating, and an easy, natural way to connect with other singles in your age group. You will receive a form to pre order what you want to eat. After brunch, we head together to the exhibition **“Museum of the Future – 17 Digital Experiments.”** This immersive exhibition explores how **digitalization and artificial intelligence** are reshaping the way we experience art and museum objects. Transformed into a future lab, the museum invites you to explore, interact, and reflect — offering perfect conversation starters and connections that go beyond surface-level chat. Discover **17 experimental installations**, including the **largest digital image ever created**, and get a glimpse into what museums of the future might look like. 🖼️ Museum of the Future – 17 Digital Experiments 📍 Ausstellungsstrasse 60, 8005 Zürich 🗓️ On view until 1 February 2026 ✨ Why join? * Meet **like-minded singles (30–45)** in a natural, pressure-free setting * Connect through a **shared experience**, not just small talk * Enjoy the perfect mix of **social interaction and culture** * Ideal for those who appreciate **deep conversations, curiosity, and good vibes** ℹ️ Practical info * **Brunch location:** Uhmami – [https://uhmami.ch/ueber-uns/](https://uhmami.ch/ueber-uns/) * **Included: Welcome drink & museum entrance** * ❗Food is not included - order à la carte :) * **Limited spots** to keep the group balanced and intimate Come solo — leave inspired, connected, and maybe with someone new to explore the future with. ​📸 Photos and short videos may be taken during the event. Let the host know if you prefer not to be in them. Tickets are non refundable. Want more events like this? Join our community! [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IN37htEEuH2Gdl73EQCqGV](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IN37htEEuH2Gdl73EQCqGV)

⚠️[>>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/sport-fitness/yoga/pilates-tea-workshop-optional-lunch-7409680111543320057.html)⚠️ ✨**Mat Pilates + Chinese Tea Workshop + Optional Japanese Lunch**✨ Enjoy your weekend with movement, culture, and connection! Join us for a rejuvenating **mat Pilates class** designed for all levels, followed by a **Chinese tea workshop** led by **Felix**, an expert in traditional Chinese tea. 📲 Join our WhatsApp chat to keep up with the event: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EsTccDt6vB2A8z3OXbPUbW](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EsTccDt6vB2A8z3OXbPUbW) (if you run into trouble open it in WhatsApp Web on your desktop) After the workshop, we’ll optionally head together to **Maru** for a Japanese lunch. Everyone who joins us for lunch receives a **matcha voucher** for their next visit! 🍵💚 🧘‍♀️ **What to expect** * 60-min guided mat Pilates session (all levels welcome) * Chinese tea workshop with Felix on the floor of the Pilates studio * Optional group lunch at Maru * Matcha voucher for those joining lunch * A relaxed and friendly atmosphere to move, learn, and meet new people 📍**Where:** xoxo Studio Zürich 🗓 **When:** Saturday (Pilates → tea workshop → optional lunch) Come for the movement, stay for the good vibes. 🌿✨ **Pictures** might be taken — please tell the host if you prefer not to be in them. Tickets are **non-refundable**. Join our WhatsApp community to stay updated on future events: 👉 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GNeM1ALKpu48z70nwNqy1O](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GNeM1ALKpu48z70nwNqy1O)

**Movie Watch Party: Border 2 + Lunch Hangout** 📅 Date: Saturday, January 24 📍 Location: Theater (TBD) + Lunch spot nearby ⏰ Time: Late morning / early afternoon (final time after showtimes are out) Join us for a movie watch party to catch Border 2, followed by a relaxed group lunch to hang out, discuss the movie, and enjoy good food together. **🎥 About the Movie** Border 2 is an upcoming sequel to the blockbuster of its time, Border, which continues the legacy of powerful storytelling centered on courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie. **🗓️ Tentative Plan** 🎥 Movie: Border 2 (theater and showtime to be finalized closer to the date) 🍽️ Lunch: Casual sit-down restaurant nearby (options shared once headcount is confirmed) ℹ️ **Good to Know** * Please RSVP so we can coordinate tickets and lunch reservations * Movie tickets and lunch are self-paid * Come solo or bring a friend—everyone is welcome ✨ A great weekend plan if you enjoy Indian cinema, meaningful conversations, and community vibes. RSVP to save your spot — details coming soon!

**✅ First class is FREE – only 10 spots available!** Learn real self-defense skills in a small-group setting. No experience needed, open to all adults. 📲 RSVP now and text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm—once spots are gone, they’re gone. ## **Free Intro Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema** Want to learn how to protect yourself while also improving your health, focus, and confidence? Join us for a free first class at **Maryland Systema**, a unique approach to self-defense that blends both physical and mental training. *** ### **Why This Class is Different** Unlike most programs that only teach physical moves, Systema trains your body **and** your mind. You’ll explore: * **Structure** – staying balanced under pressure * **Breathing** – keeping calm and controlling fear * **Relaxation** – avoiding panic and wasted energy * **Movement** – adapting naturally to any situation You’ll also learn to read an attacker’s intentions and respond proportionately—aligned with Maryland’s self-defense laws. *** ### **What You’ll Gain** ✔ Practical skills you can use right away ✔ Better stress control and awareness ✔ Improved strength, mobility, and coordination ✔ Confidence in handling real-world situations *** ### **Class Info** 📍 **Location:** Woodley Gardens Park in the brick building (free parking) 🕒 **Length:** 1.5 hours 👥 **Small Group:** Max 10 students for personalized guidance 👖 **What to Wear:** Comfortable long pants and clothes you can move in 💵 **Cost:** Free for first-time students *** ### **How to Join** RSVP here on Meetup to save your spot, then text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm. Spots are limited—once the group fills, we close registration. *** **Maryland Systema** Real-world self-defense training for adults—helping you stay ready, stay calm, and stay safe.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Life of Frankenstein,”** on the birth, evolution and impact of a tale of man-made monstrosity, with Bernard Welt, an emeritus professor of arts and humanities at George Washington University who frequently lectures on Frankenstein in literature, cinema, and culture. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-life-of-frankenstein) .] Guillermo del Toro’s lush and lovingly produced film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* is just the latest of many iterations of the story to capture the public’s imagination. People have watched Victor Frankenstein give life to his monster in numerous films, on television, and on stage, and even perform “Putting on the Ritz” with him thanks to the comic genius of Mel Brooks. Mary Shelley did not just tell a tale. She spawned the modern genre of speculative fiction and gave rise to a myth that would crop up in debates over nature versus nurture and other matters. Even today it stokes anxieties over the potential impacts of robotics, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering, by evoking the image of a monster turning on its progenitor. Come gain a new appreciation of Mary Shelley’s creation with the help of Dr. Bernard Welt, who has studied the relationship between nightmares and the horror genre and is the author of *Mythomania: Fantasies, Fables, and Sheer Lies in Contemporary American Popular Art.* Dr. Welt will start by telling a literary origin story almost as famous as Frankenstein itself, of how an 18-year-old Shelley started writing *Frankenstein* in 1816 while staying in a villa on Lake Geneva with two of her era’s leading poets, Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, her lover. Housebound by foul weather, the three read Gothic tales of ghosts and monsters and challenged each other to produce something even more terrifying. Mary dreamed up a story of a man who defied death by creating a living being out of scraps of deceased men harvested from graveyards and anatomy labs. The resulting novel, *Frankenstein*, published anonymously in 1818, would by that century’s end become a touchstone in philosophical discourse on the nature of humanity and in political discussions of imperialism and populism. By the 21st century, Mary Shelley (as she became) had earned a more significant place in the literary canon than Byron and her husband Shelley. We will examine how this grisly tale became a landmark of modern thought and look at the part played by numerous film adaptations from the first years of cinema to the present day. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From a Theodor von Holst engraving in an 1831 edition of *Frankenstein* published by Colburn and Bentley of London.

**The Beloved Community:** What does the concept of a "beloved community" mean to you, and how can we work towards creating it in our own neighborhoods? **Martin Luther King Jr's Beloved Community** is his vision for a global society built on justice, equity, peace, and unconditional love, where poverty, racism, and hatred are eliminated through nonviolent means and genuine human disconnectedness, fostering universal care and reconciliation. It's a realistic, achievable goal requiring individual transformation and collective action to resolve conflict peacefully and build a world where everyone belongs and thrives

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Venezuela’s Future—and Ours,”** an analysis of how the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela will affect that nation, the U.S., and the rest of the world, with Ernesto Castañeda, Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab at American University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future) .] On January 3rd, after a long military buildup, the United States used special forces to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence in Caracas, Venezuela to stand trial here on criminal charges. The development marked a major turning point in our relationship with Venezuela and the rest of Latin America and raised a host of complex questions, not just for Venezuelans living inside and outside that country but for American citizens and other nations of the world. Coming to the stage to break down what all of this means is Ernesto Castañeda, a scholar of Latin America who has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks on immigration policy and has given dozens of interviews to media outlets around the world in the wake of the U.S. raid. In a talk offering informed perspective on the latest news developments, Professor Castañeda will discuss various theories about why the U.S. conducted the operation to get Maduro out of Venezuela. He’s put our nation’s current plans for Venezuela into context by touching on previous U.S. military interventions in Latin America and beyond. Professor Castañeda will look at the implications of recent events for U.S. politics and U.S. citizens and what such developments tell us about the balance of power in the United States. He’ll examine the distance between decisions made by the White House and public priorities, touching on how it all relates to our immigration policies and our views about peaceful protest and democracy. He’ll consider how the Venezuela raid and our actions since have altered relations between the U.S. and other nations and provide scenarios about what the future might hold. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

**Applying Dr. King’s Legacy Today** Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision was not only about hope—it was about action. This meetup invites people from all backgrounds to explore how Dr. King’s principles of justice, nonviolence, and the Beloved Community can be lived out in today’s world. Together, we’ll reflect on Dr. King’s teachings, connect them to current challenges, and discuss practical ways to apply his legacy in our daily lives, communities, and institutions. Through respectful dialogue and shared learning, we aim to move beyond remembrance toward meaningful engagement and positive change. Whether you’re new to Dr. King’s work or have long been inspired by it, this gathering offers space to listen, learn, and act—together. **All are welcome.**

Let’s meet at Thai Tanium in Kentlands for some of their delicious food. Please only rsvp if you will attend. It is not fair to the restaurant to have no shows.