Send listings two weeks in advance to braincity@seattleweekly.com.

Paper Panel A panel of experts on paper production, that is; discussion should range from pulp processing to the latest binding and design techniques. Seattle Design Center, 5701 Sixth Ave. S., 206-762-1200. $35 (includes dinner). 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 17.

Michael Meade The professional storyteller and mythology expert speaks on the relationship between ancient tales and modern times. Sponsored by the Mosaic Multicultural Foundation. Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St., 206-654-3100. $12 (suggested donation; no one turned away). 7 p.m. Wed., Nov. 17.

Peace Corps Event Former volunteers with the nation’s largest do-gooder organization talk about their experiences and advise aspiring vols. Greenlake Community Center, 7201 E. Greenlake Dr. N., 206-684-0780. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 17.

Travel Lecture Travel guide Matthew Brumley discusses the beauty and majesty of Costa Rica—home to volcanoes, beaches, and a rainforest region—with the help of slides. Reservations required! Bainbridge Island Regional Library, 1270 Madison Ave. N., 206-842-4162. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., Nov. 17.

Chimpanzee Lecture Roger and Deborah Fouts, founders of the nonprofit chimpanzee advocacy group Friends of Washoe, talk about chimp communication. Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N. (Shoreline), 206-546-7841. Free. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 17.

Grant Cogswell and Ketty Loeb Local poet Cogswell talks about the challenges of writing a book-length poem; University of Washington doctoral student Loeb discusses the plight of ethnic minorities in contemporary Chinese society. Sponsored by the Seattle Research Institute. Gallery of the Senses, 1402 E. Pike St., 206-992-6112. $5 (suggested donation). 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 17.

Richard Dawkins The acclaimed Oxford University biologist and science author (The Selfish Gene) reads from and discusses The Ancestor’s Tale, in which he traces the development of several species, including Homo sapiens. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 17.

Hydrology and Stormwater Management 101 Learn the ABCs of water systems from hydrologist Phil Noppe at a daylong seminar hosted by the Northwest Stream Center. 600 128th St. S.E., 425-316-8592. $25. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 18.

Education Talk JCC Early Childhood Services Director Peter Blair discusses his recent fact-finding trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy, where the education system emphasizes “critical thinking [and] social and emotional growth in a play-based environment.” Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way (Mercer Island), 206-232-7115. Free. 10-11:30 a.m. Thurs., Nov. 18.

Luncheon Forum A CityClub–sponsored panel of medical experts, moderated by KING-TV anchor Jean Enersen, talks about the recent spike in U.S. diabetes cases and how local physicians plan to fight the disease in the coming years. Columbia Tower Club, 701 Fifth Ave., 206-682-7395. $40. Noon-1:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 18.

China Slideshow/Discussion Chinese Studies scholar Mary Ann Curtis discusses her recent visit to China, where she met with migrant farm workers and learned how capitalism is affecting Chinese women. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., 206-722-6057. Free ($6.50 for dinner). 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 18.

PostElection Wrangle Richard Hugo House braces for Four More Years with a colorful panel of local pundits, including City Council member Nick Licata, rock writer and Experience Music Project senior curator Ann Powers, and somebody impersonating Dick Cheney. 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030. $6 (includes two drinks). 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 18.

Gem and Jewelry Show All that sparkles, on display all weekend. Seattle Center (Northwest Rooms), 206-684-7200. $6 (free for children 16 and under). Noon-7 p.m. Fri., Nov. 19. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., Nov. 20. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Nov. 21.

Popular Science Seminar Highline Community College continues its weekly lecture series with a talk titled “Combinatorics,” presented by Highline professor Terry Meerdink. 2400 S. 240th St., 206-878-3710 ext. 3283. Free. 2:10-3 p.m. Fri., Nov. 19.

Suzanne Arms The childbirth expert delivers a talk titled “The Roots of Violence or Love: Implications of Birth and Mother-Baby Practices in America” at Montlake’s Community Birth and Family Center. 2200 24th Ave. E., 206-720-0511. $8-$15 (suggested donation). 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 19.

Indonesia Lecture Albert and Eve Van Rennen discuss the seafaring crafts of Southeast Asia’s best-known archipelago, where they’ve lived for more than half a decade. Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley St., 206-382-2628. Free. 7-9 p.m. Fri., Nov. 19.

Geoffrey Stone The author of Perilous Times: Free Speech in Wartime speaks on the oft-rocky relationship between U.S. military involvement and the First Amendment. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 19.

Environmental Work Party Tidy the trails in Carkeek Park while meeting sensitive, eco-conscious people. Meet at Carkeek Environmental Education Center, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., 206-684-0877. Free. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 20.

Panel Discussion In recognition of National Survivors of Suicide Day, a University of Washington-sponsored panel talks about how suicide affects loved ones. UW Bothell (Building 2, Room 5), 18115 Campus Way N.E. (Bothell), 425-352-5320. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Sat., Nov. 20.

Travel Discussion The challenges and joys of visiting unfamiliar regions on your own is the topic of this informal chat. Wide World Books & Maps, 4411 Wallingford Ave. N., 206-634-3453. Free. 9 a.m. Sat., Nov. 20.

Festival of Hope Keystone Church hosts this holiday bazaar, which includes crafts from developing countries and all manner of Christmas decorations; proceeds benefit Northwest Harvest, Seattle Homeless Youth Garden Projects, and other local charities. 5019 Keystone Pl. N., 206-632-6021. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., Nov. 20. Noon-3 p.m. Sun., Nov. 21.

Museum Opening Renowned costumer Lindsey Cunningham threatens to become the Paul Allen of Capitol Hill with his new Movie Museum, which displays his extensive collection of film memorabilia, including “actual clothing worn by the Munchkins.” 623 Broadway Ave. E., 206-218-3969. $5 ($3 children). 10 a.m. Sat., Nov. 20.

New Exhibit A collection of fossils discovered almost a century ago in British Columbia arrives at the Burke Museum; the exhibit made its debut at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. N.E. 45th St. and 17th Ave. N.E., 206-543-5590. $8 ($6.50 seniors, $5 students). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Exhibit opens Sat., Nov. 20.

Concorde Jubilee A year ago, the Museum of Flight put its first Concorde jet on display; this weekend’s celebration includes talks by former Concorde pilots (each day at 2 p.m.), a thematic scavenger hunt for kids, and the chance to tour the plane itself. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5720. $12 ($11 seniors, $7.50 youth). Concorde tours from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Sat., Nov. 20-Sun., Nov. 21.

Energy Forum Local AFL-CIO leader Richard Feldman, climate policy expert K.C. Golden, and representatives from the Northwest Energy Coalition discuss energy conservation in environmental and political terms. Sponsored by the Sierra Club. Seattle Mountaineers, 300 Third Ave. W., 206-378-0114. Free. 1-4 p.m. Sat., Nov. 20.

Dinner Lecture The Museum of Flight hosts Sir Ralph Robbins of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a former chairman of the board at Rolls Royce, who’ll give a talk on the history of the famed British automaker. (Dress is black-tie formal!) 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5720. $110. 7 p.m. Sat., Nov. 20.

Environmental Work Party Help clean up the avian habitat at Llandover Woods; gloves and tools provided on site. Meet at parking lot off N.W. 145th St. and Third Ave. N.W., 206-386-4250. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Sun., Nov. 21.

Memories of Japantown Steve Fugita and Marilyn Fernandez, authors of Altered Lives, Enduring Community (on the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II), present a new, video-based oral history project that includes firsthand accounts of Seattle’s erstwhile Nihonmachi (Japantown) district. Hosted by KING-TV anchor Lori Matsukawa. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-320-0095. Free. 1 p.m. Sun., Nov. 21.

Community Forum The Seattle Pride Committee holds a state-of-the-union meeting to collect responses to recent LGBT events in the Puget Sound area. Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 1002 E. Seneca St., 206-324-0405. Free. 6-8 p.m. Sun., Nov. 21.

Birdwatching Trip Go “wherever the birds are” with Audubon guides and, hopefully, a pair of your own binocs. Meet at Newport Hills Park & Ride, 5115 113th Pl. S.E., 425-746-6351. $2. 9 a.m.-noon. Mon., Nov. 22.

Anwarul Chowdhury The United Nations Undersecretary General speaks on the UN’s potential role in combating poverty in such regions as Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St., 206-441-5910. $10 ($5 students/members). 7 p.m. Mon., Nov. 22.

John Gottman The University of Washington psych professor and self-proclaimed matrimony expert advises couples in a talk titled “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.” Stroum JCC, 3801 E. Mercer Way (Mercer Island), 206-232-7115. $10. 8 p.m. Mon., Nov. 22.

Senior Job Club Seattleites 55 and over are invited to attend this employment workshop, sponsored by the Mayor’s Office. Alaska Building, 618 Second Ave., 206-684-0500. Free. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Wed., Nov. 24.