Send listings two weeks in advance to braincity@seattleweekly.com.
AIDS Research Fund-raiser W Seattle hosts a cocktails-and-appetizers gala to raise money for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, a leading supporter of AIDS research and education. On display at the event: local sculptor Steven Jensen's new artwork "Flight," dedicated to AIDS victims worldwide. 1112 Fourth Ave., 206-264-6000. $20 (suggested donation). 6-8 p.m. Wed., Dec. 1.
Interfaith Gathering Seattle Unity Church begins its bimonthly series of mixed-faith events with a get-together called "Adventures in Spirit"; invited are Moslems, Jews, Christians, and those whose spirituality eludes classification. 200 Eighth Ave. N., 206-622-8475. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 1.
Oliver Sacks The neurologist-turned-author transformed case studies into memorable character studies in Awakenings and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. His recent memoir Uncle Tungsten, on the other hand, reveals the origins of his interest in science. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 206-621-2230. $20-$25 ($10 students/under 25). 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 1.
World Citizen Award Banquet Outgoing Gov. Gary Locke is the honoree at the World Affairs Council's 14th annual luncheon recognizing a Washingtonian of outstanding "global citizenship." Washington State Convention and Trade Center, 800 Convention Pl., 206-441-5910. $75. Noon-1:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 2.
Film Screening In response to the buying bloat of the holiday season, Evergreen Peace and Justice Community presents a screening of Affluenza, a documentary about capitalism's dark side, at Woodinville Unitarian Church. 19020 Woodinville-Duvall Rd., 425-788-6044. Free (donations accepted). 7 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 2.
David Gitlitz The Nextbook lecture series on Jewish literature and culture continues with a talk titled "Jews and Crypto-Jews," on the development of the Jewish diaspora in the wake of the Spanish Inquisition. Historian/author Gitlitz will be preceded by Yemenite musician Asher Hashash, who will perform Sephardic songs. Seattle Art Museum (Nordstrom Lecture Hall), 100 University St., 425-369-3298. Free. Music: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Lecture: 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 2.
Jonathan Lear In a talk titled "Authenticity and Our Commitment to Values," the psychologist and philosopher examines what makes American values and identity unique, especially in the post-9/11 era. UW Kane Hall, Room 120, 206-543-3920. Free. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 2.
Gary Snyder The famed Japanese-influenced beatnik nature poet hits Town Hall with his latest book of verse: Danger on Peaks, his first new collection in 20 years. Proceeds from the reading benefit Port Townsend's Copper Canyon Press. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-624-6600. $10. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 2.
The Mysterious Marbled Murrelet Fans of seabirds and alliteration alike should savor this Northwest Stream Center class, taught by biologist Julie Stofel, on the local bird that divides its time between forest and ocean. 600 128th St. S.E. (Everett), 425-316-8592. $6. 11 a.m. Fri., Dec. 3.
Popular Science Seminar Highline Community College concludes its fall lecture series with a talk titled "Water: It's Cooler Than You Think," presented by Highline professor Woody Moses. 2400 S. 240th St., 206-878-3710 ext. 3283. Free. 2:10-3 p.m. Fri., Dec. 3.
Pablo Neruda Centennial Chile's Nobel-winning poet would be 100 years old this week; the University of Washington celebrates his life and work with two entire days of panels and readings, plus a screening of the 1995 film Il Postino, which imagines a friendship between Neruda and a humble postman. Panel discussion: Mary Gates Hall (Room 241), 206-543-2022. Free. 3:30-5 p.m. Fri., Dec. 3. Poetry recital: Smith Hall (Room 120), 206-543-2022. Free. 7-9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 3. Film screening: Communications Bldg. (Room 120), 206-543-2022. Free. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4. General reception: Communications Bldg. (Room 204), 206-543-2022. Free. 7-9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4.
Family Friday at Carkeek Park You never know what's in store at this activities evening for parents and children. Past Fridays have included collage-making sessions, science workshops, and film screenings; call for details about this week's agenda. Carkeek Environmental Education Center, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., 206-684-0877. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 3.
Film Screening Theater Off Jackson hosts a screening of the documentary, Bhopal: The Search for Justice, about the notorious 1984 factory accident that felled thousands in Bhopal, India. 409 Seventh Ave. S., 206-779-9561. $5 (suggested donation). 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 3.
Cat Show For fans of the feline, Seattle Center throws open its doors. Seattle Center (Olympic Room), 425-745-5087. $5 ($3 seniors/children). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun., Dec. 5.
Music Law Seminar Washington Lawyers for the Arts presents a half-day class on legal matters pertaining to the music industry, including contract negotiation and licensing. Garvey Schubert Barer, 1191 Second Ave. (14th Floor), 206-328-7053. $80 for attorneys, $60 for paralegals, $30 for artists and students. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4.
Aviation Art Exhibit Flight-themed paintings by Roy Grinnell, an internationally known artist, go on display at the Museum of Flight; Grinnell himself will be conducting a hands-on youth workshop in the morning and giving a lecture in the afternoon. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5720. $12 ($11 seniors, $7.50 youth). Workshop: 10:30 a.m. Lecture: 2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4.
Search and Rescue Workshop The Museum of Flight continues its series of "family fun workshops" with a hands-on lesson in rescue techniques employed by the U.S. Coast Guard. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-768-7126. $12 ($11 seniors, $7.50 youth). 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Sat., Dec. 4-Sun., Dec. 5.
