Journalism

***Please read entire posting for details*** Travel the World in One Day (Passport DC) Join us for one of Washington DC’s most unique cultural experiences — the Around the World Embassy Tour during **Passport DC! For one special day, embassies across Washington DC open their doors to the public, giving us the chance to travel the world without leaving the city. We’ll explore different embassies together, experiencing international culture through food, music, art, performances, and cultural demonstrations from countries around the globe. ✈️ What We’ll Experience As we embassy-hop, we may encounter: 🌎 Traditional cultural performances 🍽 International foods and drinks 🎶 Music and dance from around the world 👗 Cultural fashion and crafts 🎭 Art exhibits and cultural displays Participating embassies: Angola, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belize, Burkina Faso, China, Costa Rica, Côte d’ivoire, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Fuji, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Lebanon, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Mexican, Cultural Institute, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine Last year, we only visited a few embassies due to long wait times. This year, we’re using a team strategy since we have over 400 RSVPs to this event, this way we can cover more ground and maximize the experience. 📍 How It Will Work We will split into teams (A, B, C, etc.), and each team will start in a different area of DC to avoid crowds. Each team will have 3 optional roles: Team Lead – Guides the group and navigates to assigned embassies Crowd Monitor – Monitors wait times and helps decide whether to stay or skip, can update the group chat with wait times. Photographer – Captures moments and shares photos in the group chat 👉 If you don’t want a role, no problem—you can simply join and enjoy. ⏱️ Strategy for Lines If the wait is under 20 minutes → stay If the wait is over 20 minutes → consider skipping 📝 Sign-Up Form Please sign up here and choose your team and role (if you don't want a leadership role select the option for "no role"): [https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/nqtzjk](https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/nqtzjk) Try to sign up no later than Thursday night/Friday morning so i have all the info needed to continue planning, and I will send follow up details after we have all the sign-ups. 📍 Team Starting Locations & Routes Each team has been assigned a starting embassy. This is where you will meet your group at 8:30 AM and begin your day. This way you can start assembling in the line and gear up for when the embassies opens their doors. After exploring your starting embassy, you will move on to the additional embassies listed for your team. 👉 We’ve intentionally grouped embassies into nearby clusters, so each team’s route is walkable and stays within the same area to save time and avoid unnecessary travel. IF YOU WANT TO VISIT AN EMBASSY NOT ON THE LIST - GO FOR IT! Once you arrive, your Team Lead will gather everyone and kick things off and you will enter the starting embassy. Team leads will be announced after sign-ups. Try to arrive on time so you don't get separated from your group. if you are planning to arrive later in the day and cannot find your group, then you are free to explore the embassies on your own, but its fun to do it as a group! 🅰️ Team A Start here: Embassy of Ethiopia (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Malaysia • Nigeria • Egypt • Pakistan • China • Singapore • Ghana • Bangladesh 🅱️ Team B Start here: Embassy of Nepal (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: South Africa • Lebanon • Panama • Sri Lanka • Azerbaijan 🅲 Team C Start here: Embassy of Qatar (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Uzbekistan • Chile • Colombia • Trinidad & Tobago • Peru • Philippines • El Salvador 🅳 Team D Start here: Embassy of Rwanda (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Indonesia • Grenada • Eritrea • Zimbabwe • Botswana • Jamaica • Mozambique 🅴 Team E Start here: Embassy of Moldova (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Gabon • Benin • Thailand • Barbados • Costa Rica • Dominican Republic • Zambia 🅶 Team F Start here: Embassy of Guatemala (ARRIVAL: 8:30 AM) Once finished, continue to: Kenya • Haiti • Burkina Faso • Cameroon • Malawi • Côte d’Ivoire • Korea • Japan • Turkey • Guyana 💡 Important Reminder Your starting embassy is your meeting point After that, follow your team’s route Stick within your cluster, but feel free to adjust based on wait times You’re not required to follow this plan—it’s simply a suggested structure to help your team stay organized and make the most of the day. Feel free to adjust your route as you go to maximize how many embassies you’re able to visit. ⚠️ Important Tips Wear comfortable walking shoes Bring water & snacks Use Metro/Uber (driving is not recommended due to crowds) 🍴 Quick & Casual Lunch Spots (Near Embassy Routes) Here are easy, fast options close to the main embassy clusters so you don’t lose time traveling. Each team can pick a lunch spot based on where they are located. feel free to choose other options not on this list. This list is to just help you stay on track. 🌳 Woodley Park / Zoo Area Best for Teams A & B routes Open City – quick sandwiches, burgers, coffee, very group-friendly Duke’s Counter – fast burgers + fries, good for grab-and-go Chipotle Mexican Grill – fastest option for large groups 🏛️ Mass Ave / Embassy Row Area Best for Teams C & D routes Roti Mediterranean Grill – quick bowls, wraps, healthy-ish Shake Shack – fast burgers, easy group orders CAVA – fast Mediterranean bowls, great for groups 🌆 Dupont / Connecticut Ave Area Best for Teams E & G routes Sweetgreen – quick salads and bowls &pizza – fast personal pizzas Five Guys – fast burgers, no wait planning needed 💬 Stay Connected Join the WhatsApp group for updates and coordination for the day of event: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KuqSMEeOAV8H4NHUgE77PQ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KuqSMEeOAV8H4NHUgE77PQ) We’re trying this team-based strategy this year to see how it works and whether it helps us visit more embassies. Based on how it goes, we’ll decide if we want to use this approach again next year or try something different.

Greetings from the capital! Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, people from all walks of life — students, diplomats, travelers, locals — gather to unwind and connect. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JFESzopY1OgJ5z4r3RINfL)] Our age range is mostly 20s to 30s. If you enjoy discussing culture, politics, travel, or just want to practice a new language, this group is for you. A perfect blend of diversity and dialogue, right in the heart of D.C.

You are Soul with a physical body. While the physical body is sleeping, Soul is awake. Dreams connect you to your true self – unlimited and free. We’ll discuss how to:  Use dreams to tap into new perspectives and higher consciousness.  Receive guidance in dreams about the smallest details of life and its deepest mysteries.  Learn to remember and interpret your dreams – even if you think that you don’t dream at all! All attendees will receive a copy of the books ECKANKAR – Key to Dreams and the Raise Your Spiritual IQ Experience Journal.

**NEW MEMBERS or 1st TIME EVENT GO-ERS** Before attending your first event, please take a moment to understand how our dinners work and what we ask of members. → **[Learn how DC Metro Dining works](https://tinyurl.com/Landing-Page-DC-Metro-Dining)** **RSVP CUTOFF (i.e. Final Change Your Mind if Registered YES)** → **RSVP Cancellation Cutoff for this Event is Saturday 10a, 5/2**. (*Late Cancel applies after this, repeat occurrences can impact membership*) I'm in the mood for a great French bistro-style dinner in DC. We are heading to **Amélie** in Logan Circle, known for its wine program and classic French fare in a relaxed, modern setting. **FOOD**: Modern French Bistro, well-executed. Amélie focuses on approachable French bistro cuisine with an emphasis on small plates and shareable dishes. Diners often highlight escargots, steak frites, and duck confit as reliable standouts, along with mussels prepared in classic broths. Cheese and charcuterie boards are frequently ordered to start, and lighter items like salads and tartines round out the menu for those looking for a less heavy meal. Executive Chef Anthony Lemortellec, a Parisian who has worked with the legendary chef Alain Ducasse in Paris, moved over from Boqueria where he was Chef. The wine program is a major draw, with a broad French-leaning selection and rotating options by the glass. Cocktails are quite good but the focus here is wine-driven, which pairs well with the menu structure. Most members should expect total spend to land roughly in the 55 to 85 dollar range depending on beverage participation. → **Explore Amélie's menu:** **[https://www.ameliedc.com/dinner](https://www.ameliedc.com/dinner)** **SPACE**: Cozy, stylish interior with a mix of bar seating and dining tables. Expect a lively, social atmosphere with moderate noise, especially on a Saturday evening → **Visit the restaurant site**: [https://www.ameliedc.com](https://www.ameliedc.com) - Tax/Tip combo is our required 30% tax/tip policy (see the FAQs for more details). - Limited to 8 slots. See you there! JoeN **CLOSEST METRO**: - **U Street–African-Amer Civil War Memorial–Cardozo station** (Green, Yellow) is the closest stop. Walk south via 14th St NW or Vermont Ave NW. The walk is about 15–18 minutes. - **Dupont Circle station** (Red) is also nearby. Walk east toward 14th St NW, then south. The walk is about 16–20 minutes. - For directions using the Metro, try using the Plan a Trip feature at the WMATA website ([click on your preferred Metro station](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/index.cfm) then at the Station page level click "Plan a Trip". **PARKING**: Street parking in this area can be difficult on weekend evenings. Several paid garages are located within a few blocks along 14th Street and nearby side streets. Plan accordingly. ***Attendance Notes:*** - **If you RSVP “YES,” please commit to showing up***\*\*.\*\ *With 5,400+ members and limited seating, we can’t afford no-shows. It’s not fair to other members or to our relationship with the restaurant.* - ****New Members / 1st Timers:*** Trying to get a slot? Join the Waitlist and check back frequently: spots (*often open up before Noon on the day of the event. You may also receive midweek confirmation emails to reconfirm your RSVP, so please check your Meetup DMs inbox).* -****Billing Reminder - Add 30% for tax and tip to your food and drink total.*** This is part of our group’s expectations and helps smooth out service with the restaurant. Looking forward to dining with you! JoeN

You are Soul using a physical body. While the physical body is sleeping, Soul is awake. Dreams connect you to your true self – unlimited and free. We’ll discuss how to: * Use dreams to tap into new perspectives and higher consciousness. * Receive guidance in dreams about the smallest details of life and its deepest mysteries. * Learn to remember and interpret your dreams – even if you think that you don’t dream at all! This class has three sessions. The two follow-on classes will be held on 9 an 16 May, at the same location. All attendees will receive a copy of the books \*\*ECKANKAR – Key to Dreams \*\*and the **Raise Your Spiritual IQ Experience Journal**.

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.
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Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions
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1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?
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Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles
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4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?
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Optional Questions: AI & Being Human
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7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?
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Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning
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10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?
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Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche
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13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?
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Optional Questions: Work & Purpose
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16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?
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Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection
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19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?
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Optional Questions: Time & Mortality
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22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?
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Optional Questions: Society & Culture
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25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?
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Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy
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28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **"Eugenics Then and Now,”** on a dangerous movement in science and its lessons for current research, with Carlo Quintanilla, molecular biologist and health science policy analyst at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-eugenics-then-and-now](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-eugenics-then-and-now) .] Global concerns about the return of eugenic thinking were reignited by Chinese scientist He Jiankui’s 2018 announcement of the first gene-edited babies, Lulu and Nana. He was quickly condemned by the scientific community and jailed for illegal medical practice, but he and others around the world continue experiments with goals echoing eugenic ambitions. As genetic technologies advance at extraordinary speed, society faces a new set of ethical questions about shaping the traits of future generations. Are we entering a new era of eugenics? If so, how should we respond? Hear such questions tackled by Carlo Quintanilla, who studied rare genetic mutations in human disease as a graduate research scientist and instructor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and now works at the intersection of genomic medicine, science, and society. Dr. Quintanilla will begin by discussing the origins and history of eugenics, tracing its development in the 19th and 20th centuries as an idea, a scientific movement, and a set of policies. He’ll examine the rise of Social Darwinism in the United Kingdom, forced sterilization programs in the United States, and the atrocities committed by the Third Reich in the name of “racial hygiene.” From there, he’ll explore how our ability to shape human health and heredity have been transformed by modern reproductive and genetic technologies such as in vitro fertilization, prenatal and embryo screening, and genome editing. You’ll learn how these tools hold enormous promise when it comes to the prevention and cure of rare and debilitating genetic conditions, yet also raise profound questions related to their potential enablement of a new, technologically driven form of eugenics. Dr. Quintanilla will then delve into the ongoing debate among scientists, bioethicists, and policymakers over what should be classified as eugenics today. He’ll highlight recent controversial uses of genetic and reproductive technologies that are pushing ethical boundaries faster than society can define them, from embryo selection for traits like IQ and height to speculative military interest in genetically enhanced soldiers. These examples raise urgent questions: Where should society draw ethical boundaries? Who gets to decide? And is the term “eugenics” still useful for guiding policy and public debate? We’ll close by examining the social, political, and regulatory forces that will determine the future, considering whether they will restrain the push toward further genetic control or accelerate it. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: The frontispiece of the 1883 book Inquiries into Human Faculty and Its Development, by pioneering eugenicist Francis Galton (Wikimedia Commons / Metropolitan Museum of Art).

Join us for a cozy, in-person journaling session! Whether you’re new to journaling or a seasoned writer, this meetup is a great opportunity to carve out some intentional time for self-reflection, creativity, and connection with others. Event Outline: • We’ll begin with brief introductions so everyone can get to know each other. • I’ll provide a journaling prompt to help guide your writing. • Afterward, we’ll take about 10 minutes to write quietly. You can use the prompts or go wherever your thoughts take you! • Once we’re finished, we’ll come back together and share (if you feel comfortable). This is a chance to reflect on the process or share insights, but sharing is completely optional. • We'll repeat this process with another prompt or two as time allows. Bring your favorite journal or notebook, and get ready to enjoy some thoughtful, reflective time in a welcoming community. Grab a coffee or tea from the café, settle in, and let’s journal together! Feel free to come as you are—no prior experience necessary. We can’t wait to meet you!

Start with a Pisco Sour, a signature cocktail or mocktail. Enjoy ceviche just like you get in Peru, a choripan sandwich, some Lomo Saltado, Peruvian Chicken or many more delicious choices! [Check out their menu here](https://autenticoperu.com/menu/) Auténtico is born from years of dreams, sharing the rich diversity of Peruvian cuisine with Northern Virginia. Their menu celebrates variety and creativity, where traditional recipes meet subtle touches of innovation. It’s more than food, it’s a fusion of authentic flavors crafted with care, turning every plate into a story worth savoring.

DC Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. It's community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels attend. Whether you’re dev-curious, aspiring, or a professional developer, we’d love to have you! Come chat or learn to code on a Sunday afternoon with coffee and cool-inclusive people. Bring your laptop! We typically meet every month on the weekend. **Join our online community!** For all things Tech in DC and to get latest updates and tech events from the DMV area, join the [DCTech Slack](https://dctech.chat/). All DC Code & Coffee announcements are in the #dccodecoffee channel **How it works** Near the beginning of the event, we do an introduction circle. You say your name, what you can help others with, and what you would like help with. You can also share job opportunities. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized.

Higher Grounds – Arlington is part of a growing network of gatherings where we create space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you you (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. MANDATORY: PLEASE REVIEW OUR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES IN THE GROUP DESCRIPTION. Everyone is expected to engage in respectful conversations and listen deeply as well as share. We have a zero tolerance policy of sexual harassment and hate speech. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Arlington who are also seeking deeper conversations. Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions * What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? * When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? * What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles * Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? * What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? * How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human * What human experiences will AI never truly understand? * If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? * What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning * What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? * How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? * What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche * What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? * Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? * What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose * When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? * What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? * How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection * What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? * When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? * What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality * What are you running out of time to say or do? * How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? * What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? Suggested Questions: Society & Culture * What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? * Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? * What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy * What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? * When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? * What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

Join us for a discussion of ***Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives* by Siddharth Kara** Here's the summary: An unflinching investigation reveals the human rights abuses behind the Congo’s cobalt mining operation―and the moral implications that affect us all. Cobalt Red is the searing, first-ever exposé of the immense toll taken on the people and environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by cobalt mining, as told through the testimonies of the Congolese people themselves. Activist and researcher Siddharth Kara has traveled deep into cobalt territory to document the testimonies of the people living, working, and dying for cobalt. To uncover the truth about brutal mining practices, Kara investigated militia-controlled mining areas, traced the supply chain of child-mined cobalt from toxic pit to consumer-facing tech giants, and gathered shocking testimonies of people who endure immense suffering and even die mining cobalt. Cobalt is an essential component to every lithium-ion rechargeable battery made today, the batteries that power our smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles. Roughly 75 percent of the world’s supply of cobalt is mined in the Congo, often by peasants and children in sub-human conditions. Billions of people in the world cannot conduct their daily lives without participating in a human rights and environmental catastrophe in the Congo. In this stark and crucial book, Kara argues that we must all care about what is happening in the Congo―because we are all implicated. **Let’s meet at Caboose Commons in Fairfax to enjoy some good discussion and meet new friends.**

Join us as we get together to see your choice of two VERY different movies – one sweet and wholesome – the other a terrifying folklore horror! Option 1 is the fun whodunnit-action-comedy-mystery led by Hugh Jackman, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES! Option 2 is the top-reviewed supernatural-horror-thriller starring Adam Scott, HOKUM! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: THE SHEEP DETECTIVES: Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found dead, the sheep realize at once that it was a murder and think they know everything about how to go about solving it. The film is directed by Kyle Balda and take a look at this ensemble cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI5oM6hWk HOKUM: In this film, a horror writer visits an Irish inn to scatter his parents' ashes, unaware the property is said to be haunted by a witch. It is written/directed by Damian McCarthy stars Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Austin Amelio. Hokum premiered to rave reviews at this year’s SXSW Festival and is being release by Neon. It is earning a stellar 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it, “A classic haunted house story enriched with atmospheric folklore and perfectly-timed shocks!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVCIK_MPyhc PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing of both films and will meet inside the theater lobby about 20 minutes before showtime. If the showtimes work out, we’ll try to get both groups together for a bite before the shows! Complete details and showtime will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

**Optional movie afterwards**

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Let’s meet, wander the exhibits and open galleries, and enjoy an evening out in the Franklinton Arts District. (Nearby pay parking is available in the garage on McDowell, right around the corner from One Line Coffee, and, past it along the curb as McDowell dead ends.)