Send listings two weeks in advance to braincity@seattleweekly.com.
TheFilmSchool 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 the Portland-based firm SmartGirl Technologies offers three daylong seminars this week, 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, an organization responsible for extensive antiwar 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 labor advocacy organization holds its monthly confab. Labor Temple Hall, 2800 First Ave., 206-441-4969. Free. 5:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 5.
Redistricting 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. (Lake Forest Park), www.metrokc.gov/council/districting. Free. 6 p.m. Wed., Jan 5.
Global Issues Lecture Series Ahna Machan, director of the humanitarian aid group CARE USA, christens Antioch University's new series with a talk titled "Rights, Responsibilities, and the Root Causes of Poverty: Holistic Approaches to Sustainable Development." 2326 Sixth Ave., 206-268-4906. Free. 7-9 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.
American Historical Association Annual Meeting The AHA occupies various downtown venues for a four-day blowout sure to tempt history buffs. On the agenda: panels, some including local scholars, on such topics as the theft of public records and exploring China's history through its artifacts. Various locations; visit www.historians.org/annual for details. Panels and lectures are free to the public; $110 registration fee to visit exhibit hall and attend other events. Thurs., Jan. 6-Sun., Jan. 9.
New Year's Lunch for Seniors Want a little music with your Talmud? Richard Dean and Asher Hashash provide the piano and guitar, respectively, and Don Armstrong and Rivy Poupko Kletenik deliver the punditry at Stroum Jewish Community Center's first event of 2005. 3801 E. Mercer Way, 206-232-7115 ext. 269. $7. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 6.
Redistricting Forum The third of four public hearings on the upcoming redistricting of King County, which includes reduction of the number of districts from 13 to nine, at Auburn City Council Chambers. 25 W. Main St. (Auburn), www.metrokc.gov/council/districting. Free. 6 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 6.
Anger Management Course Nicknamed WHOA! (Why Hang Onto Anger?), this eight-week class for parents emphasizes staying cool during a crisis. Burke Gilman Community Room/Office, 5100 40th Ave. N.E., 206-992-2831. $240 ("payment plans available"). 6:30-8:30 p.m. First session: Thurs., Jan. 6.
Women's Advisory Board Meeting The WAB monitors women's rights in King County; its monthly meeting is open to the public. Safeco Center, 306 23rd Ave. S. (Suite 200), 206-205-6486. Free. 6:45-8:45 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 6.
League of Women Voters Forum The League meets monthly to discuss current issues; this week, they'll be planning programs for the coming year. Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave., 206-329-4848. Free. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 6.
Athens Boys Choir The "queer, political, poetry-spittin' duo" rolls into town for a show at the Wildrose. 1021 E. Pike St., 206-324-9210. Free. 8 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 6.
New Art Exhibit "Asian and Pacific Islander Adoptees: A Journey Through Identity," which runs through Sept. 4 at the Wing Luke Asian Museum, documents the struggles and achievements of adopted children seeking to retain their heritage while adapting to Western culture. 407 Seventh Ave. S., 206-623-5124 ext. 115. $4 ($3 students, $2 children). 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; noon-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Fri., Jan. 7-Sun., Sept. 4.
CityClub Forum The new year at CityClub begins with a state legislative preview conducted by a panel that includes House majority leader Lynn Kessler (D-24th District) and Senate minority leader Sen. Bill Finkbeiner (R-45th District). Crowne Plaza, 1113 Sixth Ave., 206-682-7395. $40. Noon-1:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 7.
Web Browsing Workshop Using the Web efficiently for research is easy in theory but tricky in practice. This class, sponsored by local nonprofit NPower Seattle, teaches savvy surfing and antivirus protection in one fell swoop. 403 23rd Ave. S., 206-286-8880. $20. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 7.
