Hear My Rocket Roar

Send listings two weeks in advance to info@seattleweekly.com. For a more complete listing of events, go to www.seattleweekly.com.

Blood Drive You have plenty of it, so why not give some away? The Puget Sound Blood Center is holding an ongoing Seattle-area drive through the end of April; the times and places listed below are just the tip of the iceberg, so call 206-292-6511 for details on future opportunities to donate. 2324 Eastlake Ave. E. (#500), 8-11 a.m.; 801 Second Ave. (Third Floor), 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 1910 Fairview Ave. E. (parking lot), 12:30-3:30 p.m. Wed. March 17.

Tax Seminar for Artists Whoever thinks artists can't manage their money has bought into a nasty stereotype. This tax seminar should set it to rest once and for all. Let local attorney Neil Sussman teach you how to keep the term "starving artist" from applying to you. Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St., 206-328-7053. $45 for attorneys, $30 for paralegals, $15 for artists and students. 7-9:30 p.m. Wed. March 17.

A View From Space: The Missions of Janet Kavandi University of Washington alum and accomplished astronaut Kavandi will be in attendance at this seminar on space travel; her resume includes the final shuttle mission to Space Station Mir. Kane Hall (UW campus), 206-543-1208. Free admission. 10 a.m. Thu. March 18.

BYOB Workshop In this case, it means "build your own business" and "be your own boss." Learn how to make self-employment work for you at this Everett Community College-sponsored event, where a variety of small-business owners will be on hand to answer your questions and assuage your fears. 2000 Tower St. (Everett), 425-388-9278. Free admission. 11 a.m. Thu. March 18.

Whirligig! If inflatable rides, arts and crafts, and face-painting really do it for your kids, you'll want to check out this annual children's festival at Seattle Center. But be forewarned: Radio Disney and The Seattle Times are cosponsors. Seattle Center House, 206-684-7200. $6 for an all-day pass or $1 per ride. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Thu. March 18-Wed. April 14.

The Future of Radio Advertising in America Austin Howe will explain at a luncheon sponsored by the Seattle Advertising Federation. Washington Athletic Club (Crystal Room), 1325 Sixth Ave., 206-448-4481. $25 for Federation members, $40 for non-members. 11:15 a.m. Thu. March 18.

Nordex: The Fashion Element Seattle Design Center hosts a combination fashion and home show, with an emphasis on hot trends and glamour. Cocktails and prominent designers (by Seattle standards, anyway) are both likely to abound. SDC, 5701 Sixth Ave. S., 206-789-5668. $15. 4:30 p.m. Thu. March 18.

Helen Keller: The Myth and the Reality A discussion of Kim Nielson's book, The Radical Lives of Helen Keller, hosted by Ann Yzkanin, who is blind. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., 206-722-6057. $6.50 donation accepted for dinner. 6:30 p.m. Thu. March 18.

An Evening with Roger Fouts The acclaimed "animal/human communications expert" talks shop at this gala dinner and auction to benefit the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, a nonprofit devoted to animals down on their luck. Renaissance Madison Hotel, 515 Madison St., 425-742-4009 ext. 262. $95. 7 p.m. Thu. March 18.

Follow Your Nose! That's what search-and-rescue dogs do. You'll learn all about them at this Humane Society event featuring King County Search Dogs trainer Josh Gerstman. Note: "Please do not bring your pet." Humane Society, 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way (Bellevue), 425-649-7554. $10 7-9 p.m. Thu. March 18.

God Willing? Religious Fundamentalism, the "War on Terror," and an Echoing Press University of Washington communication prof David Domke describes how Dubya and Big Brother resemble one another at this edition of Town Hall's Election Series; a panel moderated by City Council ex-prez Sue Donaldson will help him (and you) make sense of the specious Patriot Act and other post-9/11 adventures in "homeland security." Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-543-3839. $15 ($12 for seniors, $5 for students). 7 p.m. Thu. March 18.

The Search for Extreme Dinosaurs The Burke Museum continues its recent dino jag with a lecture by Australian prof Patricia Vickers-Rich. The talk is subtitled "Denizens of the Polar Latitudes," since these chilly climes have been the focus of her paleontological efforts over the past 20 years. Kane Hall (UW campus), 206-543-7907. $5 ($3 for UW students/faculty and seniors). 7 p.m. Thu. March 18.

Victorian Festival in Port Townsend "Participants are invited, though not required, to wear Victorian era costumes" at this weekend-long celebration of Port Townsend and its claim to fame as a prominent 19th century seaport. Planned activities include a candlelight home tour, a Victorian grand ball, and an antique auction. Various locations throughout Port Townsend, 360-385-1003. Ticket prices vary by event. Various times. Visit www.victorianfestival.org for more information. Thu. March 18-Sun. March 21.

Lakeside School Spring Rummage Sale This is the big one. We Seattleites enjoy our rummage sales, but there's nothing casual about Lakeside's beloved blowout, where collectible books, artwork, furniture, glassware, electronics, toys, clothing, and who knows what else are available for scandalously little money. Sand Point Magnuson Park (Hangar 27), 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., 206-440-2925. Free admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. March 19. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. March 20. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sun. March 21.