5 Things To Do Today: Graphic Novel Book Club, Monday Meditation, Northwest Repertory Singers, Jimmy Chin: The Impossible Climb and The Lady

By Nikki McCoy on October 8, 2012

1. Join this book club perfect for people just starting to read graphic novels or confirmed geeks. October's book is The Underwater Welder by Jeff Lemire, books available for purchase at King's Bookstore. Meet the second Monday of every month at 1022 South, Hilltop's book-themed cocktail lounge. NOTE: Must be 21 to go to 1022 South. Books available for purchase at King's Bookstore.7 p.m., free, 1022 South J Street, Tacoma, (253) 627-8588.

2. Meditation Meetup. Join in relaxation, meditation, and quiet. Please bring a mat, pillow, and blanket for comfort. Shoes, pacifier and teddy bear optional. 6 -8 p.m., $10, The Center, 6108 Mt Tacoma Drive SW, Lakewood, (253) 320-0764.

3. It's Christmas in October! No, it's not a mattress sale, it's an opportunity to experience one of the premiere choral ensembles prepare for their always-sold-out Christmas concerts. They'll be there from 7 to 9:30 p.m., but you can come and go as you wish. Free, Mason United Methodist Church, 2710 N. Madison St. Tacoma,(253) 759-3539.

4. Part of the Northface speaker series, Jimmy Chin is one of the most sought-after adventure photographers working today. He’s been a photographer, climber and skier on cutting edge expeditions around the world, from first ascents in the Karakoram to a ski descent from the summit of Everest. For such feats, he was named an Emerging Explorer by the National Geographic Society. Jimmy’s toughest expedition was his ascent of an ice-coated granite fang in the Himalayas called Meru. The quest began in 2008, when he and his partners were defeated by a massive storm that held them captive on the wall for 19 days with just 8 days’ worth of food. Determined to finish the job, Jimmy and his team returned in 2011, and successfully scaled one of the planet’s most treacherous rock walls. Their adventure is a testament to the art of suffering, and the strength of teamwork. 7 p.m., free - $20, State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia,(360) 786-0151.

5. The director of Leon: The Professional,  The Fifth Element, and La Femme Nikita doing a biopic about one of the most famous activists in the world? Sure, why not? Michelle Yeoh plays Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize Winning pro-democracy activist in Myanmar who spent the greater part of 20 years in house arrest. The movie begins when Suu returns to Myanmar after attending the funeral of her mother. As she is the daughter of  her father (an activist himself who was assassinated by rivals when Suu was a child) the government wants to get rid of her without outright turning her into a martyr as well. Most of the film takes place during the 1990’s when she refuses to leave the country and is placed under house arrest.  A.O. Scott of The New York Times: “The drama of the event is powerfully conveyed — Mr. Besson has a Spielbergian flair for creating emotion through cross-cutting.” 6:30 p.m., $5.50 - $8.50, Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave, Olympia, (360)754-6670.