Roughs on the Diamond

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SAME GENDER MARRIAGES: ADDRESSING FAITH COMMUNITY ISSUES Part of the "Out of the Closet, Into the Pulpit" series co-sponsored by Multifaith Works, the HRC, and several other religious and gay-rights organizations, this brown-bag lunch will deal with theological and social ramifications of gay marriage in the context of "faith communities." St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1245 10th Ave. E., 206-725-2293. Free admission. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wed., Feb. 18.

OPENING DOORS, MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE The Center for Career Alternatives holds its annual fundraising dinner and silent auction at the Sheraton. To quote the press release: "CCA is a community based non-profit agency with a twenty-four year history of education and employment services for disadvantaged residents of Snohomish and King Counties." Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers, 1400 Sixth Ave., 206-322-9080. $70. Auction at 5 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 p.m. Wed. Feb. 18.

PSYCHIATRIC EDUCATION SESSIONS The Bellevue branch of Seattle's Community Psychiatric Clinic hosts a series of open forums addressing salient issues in modern mental health. The major topic for tonight is housing for the mentally ill; future sessions will deal with medication, chemical dependency, and depression. CPC Eastside Regional Service Center, 13133 Bel-Red Rd. (Bellevue), 425-454-3021. Free admission. 6-7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 18.

FENG SHUI: THE CHINESE ART OF PLACEMENT Now that you're back from IKEA, where to put that new $20 chair? "Certified feng shui practitioner" Kate Austin has all the answers at this workshop on Capitol Hill. Holiday Gift & Craft Shop, 526 19th Ave. E., 206-328-7158. Free admission. 7 p.m. Wed. Feb. 18.

WORLD TRADE CLUB DINNER "Avoiding Common Pitfalls While Doing Business in China" is the subject of this networking dinner organized by the WTC. Sea Garden Restaurant, 200 106th Ave. N.E., 206-686-3736. $45 ($35 for WTC members). 5:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 19.

SAPPHO'S SISTERS LITERARY DISCUSSION GROUP "Lesbian, bisexual, and transgender womyn" are invited to gather and discuss Beebo Brinker by Ann Bannon. Rainbow Center, 917 Pacific Ave. (Tacoma), 253-383-2318. Free admission. 7-8:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 19.

JIM HIGHTOWER Besides Molly Ivins, fellow Texan Hightower might be the loudest, most insistent voice in progressive politics today. At Evergreen, he should find the perfect platform for his populist viewpoint; under Bush II, the author of Thieves in High Places: They've Stolen Our Country And It's Time to Take It Back has more reason to propagate his class-based critiques of American government than ever. This could be a barnburner. The Evergreen State College (Olympia), College Recreation Center, 360-357-4137. $12 ($8 for students). 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 20.

PRO BASEBALL TRYOUT Those with diamond dreams, take note: The Northwest Scouting Bureau is looking for men 15 years and up to run, pitch, catch, hit, and throw in front of 30 professional hardball scouts and college recruiters. A major-league career (or a scholarship) could be one sunny afternoon away. Edmonds Woodway High School Football Stadium (Edmonds), 7600 212th Ave. S.W., 425-273-6152. Free admission. Noon-4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 21.

STEVE SHAPIRO The ACLU's national legal director discusses the legislative aspect of the war in a talk titled, "The Supreme Court and the War on Terror: Will It Learn From Past Mistakes?" The question itself seems overly optimistic. Kane Hall (University of Washington campus), 206-624-2184. $10 suggested donation ($5 for students). 1 p.m. Sat., Feb. 21.

BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL OF WASHINGTON Bid the last gasp of winter a fond adeus at this annual celebration of all things Brazil. Expect samba lessons, dozens of performers, and as much capoeira you can stand. The Mountaineers, 300 Third Ave. W., 425-643-4181. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Sat., Feb. 21.

BRIDGES TO THE BAYOU BALL Zydeco, masquerade, and many other types of French Quarter lunacy await you at this Mardi Gras event. Revelers are encouraged to "dance until you drip." All proceeds benefit Bridges to Understanding, a Web-based educational program. ATM Blues Club (Historic Georgetown Concert Hall), 6010 Airport Way S. $25 (includes dance lesson). 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sat., Feb. 21.

DAVID ROVICS IN CONCERT The folk singer performs "songs of social significance" to benefit the International Solidarity Movement, a Palestine liberation group. Before the show, explore a photo exhibit based on ISM's recent sojourn to Palestinian territories. Capitol Hill Arts Center, 1621 12th Ave., 206-633-1086. $10 suggested donation. Doors at 6:30 p.m.; performance at 7:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 22.

SEATTLE TOY SHOW Your child may succumb to spasms of happiness upon seeing "100 tables filled with every kind of toy and collectible under the sun," including vintage lunchboxes, Tonka trucks, Barbie dolls, action figures, yo-yos, and toy cars. Parents of kids with asthma are advised to bring the inhaler. Lake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave. N.E., 206-841-0584. $3 for adults, $1 for kids under 12. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 22.

DICK GREGORY Activist/author/performer Gregory first emerged as a comedian in the 1960s; since then, he's participated in various political struggles, including a 1970s campaign for tribal fishing rights in the Northwest. His engagement at the University of Puget Sound, a talk titled "The World According to Dick Gregory: An Evening of Humor and Humanity," promises to be a thoughtful reflection on a lifetime of entertainment and activism. Kilworth Chapel (UPS campus), N. 18th St. between Union Ave. and Lawrence St., 253-879-3419. $7. 8 p.m. Mon., Feb. 23.