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T U E S D A Y

The great paradox of city life is that people are everywhere, yet making friends is difficult. Urbanites live atomized lives, far removed from the intimate (if suffocating) ties of the village. Maybe it’s not that bad. The Washington area is crawling with fellow board sailors, Jane Austen fans, and contra dancers—if you know where to look for them. Finding Fun and Friends in Washington, a guide to more than 900 activities and organizations, is a good place to start. Finding Fun editor Roberta Gottesman offers a few pointers at noon at the Martin Luther King Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. FREE. (202) 727-1186. (David Plotz)