Lord of the Rings

Known as the book that turned millions of high school students off hot dogs, "The Jungle" was originally published in the socialist newspaper "Appeal to Reason" after muckraking journalist Upton Sinclair spent seven weeks working incognito in Chicago's infamous meatpacking plants. A realistic depiction of the struggles and harsh conditions of plan workers and the corruption of powerful people in charge, the descriptions of health issues and unsanitary practices prompted the passage of sanitary reforms such as the Meat Inspection Act. Sadly, the concerns of the book feel increasingly relevant today.

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

Michael Martin will discuss his most recent trip to Nepal, a trek to Gokyo Lakes in the Khumbu region. The highest freshwater lake system in the world, Gokyo Lakes offers visitors access to views of the highest mountains in the world, without the press of the highly traveled route to Everest Base Camp. Michael will also briefly discuss his past trips to Nepal, and offer tips to those considering a future visit.

The title character is an alien resembling a Black man (albeit with somewhat irregular feet) who has crash-landed on Earth. He finds himself stranded in New York City and tries to find safe haven in Harlem. The plot is an allegory for the immigrant experience in the USA. It may be even more relevant today than it was when first released, especially when a couple of alien bounty hunters arrive with the intention of capturing him and deporting him back to his home planet. ■ Title — *The Brother from Another Planet* ■ Director — John Sayles ■ Cast — Joe Morton, Rosanna Carter, Ray Ramirez ■ Rating — R■ ©1984 \| 1h 48m \| Comedy\, Sci\-Fi ■ Watch it free with ads on Fawesome: https://fawesome.tv/movies/10640586/the-brother-from-another-planet ■ Watch it free with ads on Flixhouse: https://flixhouse.com/video/3362/the-brother-from-another-planet ■ Watch it free with ads on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/682142/the-brother-from-another-planet ■ Available free without ads to Kanopy subscribers (details below): https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/13820157 ■ Kanopy streaming service is available free to holders of DC library cards. DC libraries will issue cards to residents of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and other nearby areas. Visit any branch to obtain your card. Kanopy is also provided free to Loudoun County library card holders who live, work, or study in Loudoun County. ■ As with most of our online features, you can watch this one whenever you like. Members who watch at the scheduled time may enjoy exchanging comments with other members on this page. If you post a comment before the show, please avoid spoilers. Comments posted after the show may contain any content, but Oddball Cinema encourages members to always avoid spoilers unless there’s some particularly important details you need to mention. ■ Many of the movies on our online events from as far back as March 2020 are still available for viewing. However, titles sometimes move from one streaming service to another. If you find that the links on an old event no longer work, you can search for the current providers of any title here: https://justwatch.com

Join We Power DC, the Energy Democracy Coalition (EDCO), and author Sandeep Vaheesan (Democracy in Power) for a deep dive into the history and future of public power. Learn how movements across the country and in the nation’s capital are reshaping America’s electric grid! [https://luma.com/xnvixyj4?tk=y9IVyS](https://luma.com/xnvixyj4?tk=y9IVyS) \* \* \* This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters. Not a Member? Please consider [becoming a Member](https://dsausa.org/join?source=Metro%20DC). Fees are on a sliding scale according to what you feel you can afford.

**Please Note:** This game has limited slots, and you must RSVP. If the event is full, please signup for the Waitlist, and you will be moved up as people update their RSVPs. In ***Rebuilding Seattle***, you're responsible for managing the zoning and expansion of a major neighborhood! Each round your population grows, and you can either build a new building, expand into a new suburb, activate an event, or build a landmark, before earning profit based on your neighborhood's commerce. You'll buy building types from a shared market, looking to find shapes that fit your grid and types that fit your strategy. Triggering citywide events can change the tide of the game, offering points, money, and expansions for the players ready for it. You can even enact laws to give yourself the advantage! At the end of the game, whoever's neighborhood has earned the most points wins. Light Refreshments are provided. Please RSVP so we can account for Snacks.

In one of his finest performances, James Mason stars as IRA leader Johnny McQueen, who ends up gravely wounded after a botched robbery and is forced to wander alone through the shadowy, labyrinthine streets of post-war Belfast—a hunted animal seeking solace where none is given. Brilliantly directed by Carol Reed (The Third Man), Odd Man Out stands as one of the greatest British noirs of all time. ■ Title — Odd Man Out ■ Director — Carol Reed ■ Cast — James Mason, Robert Newton, Kathleen Ryan, Cyril Cusack ■ Rating: Not Rated ■ ©1947 | 1hr 56 mins | British Film Noir

* **Are you seeking your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Would you like to connect more deeply with the source of life?** Join us for the **Friday HU Chant** and discover how this simple, sacred sound can bring **love, happiness, and inner stability**. **What to Expect:** * 20 minutes of chanting HU, either aloud or silently, whichever feels right for you * Gentle contemplative time afterward * Friendly conversation with others of like heart Everyone is welcome—whether you’re new to chanting or have been practicing for years. Come and experience the uplifting sound of the HU!

*"We solemnly swear that we are up to no good!"* Calling all Muggles, Wizards, Squibs and Elves! Grab your cloaks, brooms, owls and wands, and get ready for the Wizarding bar event of the year! We’re casting a spell on the best bars in Dupont Circle on **Saturday, April 25th.** ⚡🧙‍♂️ We do this event every year and ALWAYS have an amazing time. Prepare to meet tons of new friends as you enjoy ALL-DAY drink specials, and visit numerous participating bars. **There'll be over 100 Meetup members in attendance.** **When:** 2PM – 10PM, Saturday, April 25th, 2026 **\*\* Use promo code "[MEETUP](https://dcpottercrawl2026.eventbrite.com/)" and save on your tickets. [You can sign up HERE.](https://dcpottercrawl2026.eventbrite.com/) \*\*** For more event info and to see the participating venues visit: **[https://dcpottercrawl.com](https://dcpottercrawl.com/)**

**LOCATION CHANGE as of APRIL 1, 2026:** **Body Grace has moved to 133 Maple Avenue East, 3rd Floor, above the Bear Branch Tavern.** Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

Let's celebrate Brandon's birthday

1850s Kentucky, 1950s NY, and 2019 Wash DC. “A fascinating saga based on the famous 19th-century racehorse -Publishers Weekly. Smithsonian scientists find themselves unexpectedly connected through their shared interest in the horse—one studying the stallion’s bones for clues to his power and endurance, the other uncovering the lost history of the unsung Black horsemen who were critical to his racing success. “Brooks makes a masterly case for the power of retelling.” —NYTimes. “There’s something bordering on the supernatural about Brooks. She seems able to time travel. Boston Globe. (401 pgs) In March 2025, the Defense Dept ordered that the book removed from the library of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, listing it as one of 381 books banned for addressing topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Winner of Library of Congress (LOC ) new Prize for American Fiction 2025

The Alliance is part of the Greater Central Ohio Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. We are an all-voices chorus dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all those who love to sing, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation or musical background. The Alliance is the first and only all-voices barbershop chorus in Central Ohio. **Who:** Anyone with a passion for singing at a high level. Previous barbershop chorus/quartet experience not required. **When:** The Alliance rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 7pm-10pm. **Where:** Lord Of Life Lutheran Church: 2480 W Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 To become a full member of The Alliance, we welcome you to start by visiting us for a few rehearsals to experience the group and sing with us! Then, you may begin the 2-part audition process for membership: the assessement, and audition. We strive to make our auditions as stress-free as possible to help you let your best singing self shine.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of two great new films! Option 1 (and the one I'll be seeing) is the top-reviewed comedy-drama, THE CHRISTOPHERS! The film is set in the art world and follows the estranged children of a former artist who hire a forger. It is directed by Steven Soderberg, stars Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel and has been earning rave reviews on the indie circuit. Option 2 is the latest action-thriller starring Bob Odenkirk, NORMAL! The film follows a temporary small-town sheriff who uncovers dark mysteries after a local bank robbery. Here are descriptions, trailers and our plan for this event: THE CHRISTOPHERS: The children of a once famous artist hire a forger to complete some unfinished, long ago abandoned canvases so they'll have a better inheritance when he dies. It is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, Jessica Gunning and James Corden. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film is earning an excellent 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it a “dynamic, emotional and surprising journey” and a “compelling chamber piece that works like intellectual comfort food.” Others call the film, an “incredibly funny, comedy drama with plot reversals that make it feel like it’s on the verge of a thriller!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H79-EqzmdwY&t=20s NORMAL: This action-crime-thriller follows a man who comes to the sleepy town of Normal, Minnesota to serve as the temporary sheriff. But a bank robbery leads him to a criminal underground reaches throughout the entire town. The film is directed by Ben Wheatley and stars Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler and Lena Headey. The film comes from the same team that brought us Nobody and the John Wick series, so expect an over-the-top, action-filled thrill ride! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmm-lM33Qw0&t=19s PLAN: Details for this event have been confirmed! For THE CHRISTOPHERS, please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm! For NORMAL, please purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and meet in the upstairs lobby between 7:10 and 7:20pm! For both films, tickets just $5 ($6.50 after online fees when purchased on the GFC website). Advance purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

Join us for a fun Dinner & a Movie event as we get together to see MICHAEL + Dinner at CAP City! The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) as the King of Pop! Early buzz is strong for what should be an excellent musical-biopic! Here are details, a trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: This biographical musical drama follows the life of Michael Jackson, from his time with the Jackson 5 to his early solo career! Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson’s nephew) stars in the title role alongside Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Juliano Krue Valdi, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbtgEE6rkxw) MOVIE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 3:35pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 3:10 and 3:20pm. Tickets already on sale and advance purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event! DINNER PLAN: Dinner immediately following the movie (around 6pm) at nearby CAP City Fine Diner! Seating is limited for the dinner portion of this event, so separate RSVP required. If you plan to join for Dinner AND the movie, please be sure to RSVP in both places. CAP CITY FINE DINER: This upscale diner from Cameron Mitchell is known its “retro-cool” atmosphere, modern twists on classic comfort food and their “showstopper” desserts! The menu reimagines nostalgic dishes like meatloaf, beef stroganoff, and pot roast with gourmet twists. The menu also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options with lots of apps, cocktails, salads, sandwiches, burgers (including a black bean veggie burger), the most welcome return of their Veggie Plate (with Hummus) and more. Desserts include their 24K Carrot Cake, Coconut Cake and Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pie. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan