Dissent Is Alive in 2005

Dec. 29, 2004-Jan. 4, 2005

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

Seattle Weekly PickYiju: Songs of Dislocation Byron Au Yong’s “collaborative multimedia installation,” on display at Jack Straw New Media Gallery through Friday, tells the story of his family’s involuntary migration from China. 4261 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-634-0919. Free. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed., Dec. 29-Fri., Dec. 31.

Blackbird Tip-to-Tail Tour The Museum of Flight throws a spotlight on its M/D-21 Blackbird, the fastest piloted jet in the world, on a docent-guided tour of the aircraft. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5720. Free with museum admission ($12 adults, $11 seniors, $7.50 youth). 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wed., Dec. 29-Sun., Jan. 2.

Winter Break BlastOff! This week’s family workshops at the Museum of Flight include a chance to make “aviation art” and a session devoted to test-flying custom gliders. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5720. Free with museum admission ($12 adults, $11 seniors, $7.50 youth). Noon-3 p.m. Wed., Dec. 29-Thurs., Dec. 30.

Peace Vigil Westlake Park is the site of this protest against U.S. policy in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as America’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Scheduled to attend is the antiwar advocacy group Women in Black, profiled by Janet Bailey in the Oct. 6 issue of SW. Fourth Avenue and Pine Street, 206-208-9715. Free. 5-6 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 30.

Dating Violence Forum Intended for young people 16 to 19, this discussion sponsored by Youth Eastside Services emphasizes ways to avoid falling into either the victim or victimizer role in relationships. Kirkland Teen Union Building, 348 Kirkland Ave., 425-747-4937. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 30.

Walking Meditation Ambulant serenity is the goal of this interfaith event; bring “a candle with a protected flame” and warm clothes. Closing prayer and song circle to follow. Meet at Green Lake Community Center, 7201 E. Green Lake Dr. N., 206-684-0780. Free. 5-7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 31.

Nader Potluck and Work Party An organizing meeting for Naderites and like-minded activists; bring a dish to pass. Majority Visibility Project, 915 W. Blaine St., 206-650-9892. 6:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 31.

Seattle Weekly PickNew Year’s Eve Party It’s out with the old, in with the blue—states, that is—at Radical Women’s anti-Bush bash, whose rhyming slogan (“Resist Bush’s Jive: Keep Dissent Alive in 2005!”) is just the tip of the entertainment iceberg. Expect left-wing theatrical shenanigans, Latin American chow, plenty to swig, and shameless liberal dancing bereft of any “moral values.” New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., 206-722-6057. $5 at the door, $15 for the buffet (both donations). 8:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 31.

Parents of Multiracial Families Group A monthly meeting for parents of hyphenates. Bethany Community Church, 8023 Green Lake Dr. N., 206-778-7048. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Sat., Jan. 1.

Peace Meeting The subject of the day is America’s ongoing embargo against Iraq. Sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the People of Iraq and the Interfaith Network of Concern for the People of Iraq. Keystone Congregational Church, 5019 Keystone Pl. N., 206-632-6021. Free. 3-5 p.m. Sat., Jan. 1.

Reading the Bible with Joy and Justice An epic class befitting an epic text: 25 sessions between now and June 19 address the Bible’s relevance to modern times, with specific emphasis on nations’ struggles against political oppression. Trinity United Methodist Church, 6512 23rd Ave. N.W., 206-784-2227. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 2-June 19.

Auto Skills Class for ESL Students Shoreline Community College offers auto-shop training free of charge to immigrants in the process of learning English; classes cover everything from changing oil to performing full-scale safety inspections. 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-546-5827. Free. 8:30 a.m.-noon. Mon., Jan. 3-Mon., Mar. 14.

Iraq Working Group Meeting The division of SNOW (Seattle Nonviolent Opponents of War) that deals primarily with U.S. military involvement in Iraq hosts this planning session, where attendees can make proposals to be considered by the organization as a whole. E-mail gunnel1@w-link.net for location. Free. 7 p.m. Tues., Jan. 4.

The Film School Application Deadline Wednesday, Jan. 5, is the last day to register for this high-octane screenwriting academy, staffed by actor Tom Skerritt (recently seen in Intiman’s production of Our Town), local film-events kingpin Warren Etheredge, and Oscar-winning screenwriter Stuart Stern (The Ugly American, Rebel Without a Cause). Register online at www.thefilmschool.com. Classes held at “a private estate in Seattle.” 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Sat., Feb. 5-Sat., Feb. 26.

GIS Workshops Those with no prior experience using a geographic information system (GIS) need not fret, as Portland-based tech firm SmartGirl Technologies is offering three daylong seminars for beginners, emphasizing GIS capabilities in the fields of social service and sociological research. New Horizons Computer Training Center, 2601 Fourth Ave. (Suite 120), 877-241-6576. $299 (includes materials). 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed., Jan. 5-Fri., Jan. 7.

ISM Discussion Cafe The local branch of the International Solidarity Movement, a group in favor of “nonviolent resistance” to Israel’s occupation of Palestine, sponsors this monthly meeting to discuss the issues and plan trips to the area. B&O Espresso, 204 Belmont Ave. E., 206-633-1086. Free. 5-8 p.m. Wed., Jan. 5.

NION Fund-raiser Folk musicians take the stage to raise money for the Seattle chapter of Not In Our Name, the national organization responsible for extensive antiwar and anti-Bush activism since 2002. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030. $5-$15 sliding scale (no one turned away). 5-11 p.m. Wed., Jan. 5.

Jobs With Justice Meeting The Seattle Organizing Committee of the national labor advocacy organization holds its monthly confab. Labor Temple Hall, 2800 First Ave., 206-441-4969. Free. 5:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 5.

Seattle Weekly PickRedistricting Forum The second of four public hearings on the upcoming redistricting of King County, which includes reduction of the number of districts from 13 to nine, at Lake Forest Park Council Chambers. 17425 Ballinger Way N.E., www.metrokc.gov/council/districting. Free. 6 p.m. Wed., Jan 5.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Rally An evening celebration and march honoring the famed civil-rights leader. Meet at 722 18th Ave., 206-296-0321. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 5.