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

Business Lecture Larry’s Markets head Barry MacKechnie talks about the pros and cons of corporate expansion, and how best to handle it, at a talk sponsored by the Association for Corporate Growth. Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Ave., 206-362-6975. $40 ($25 ACG members). Reception: 5:30 p.m. Presentation: 6:30 p.m. Wed., April 13.

Paul Dorpat The local historian recounts the past—and predicts the future—of Seattle’s waterfront. Sponsored by Allied Arts of Seattle. Central Library (Microsoft Auditorium), 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4636. Free. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wed., April 13.

Fair Trade Forum In a panel discussion at Town Hall, producers and retailers discuss the facts and figures of the global fair-trade movement. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., April 13.

Hot Spots in Our World The University of Washington–sponsored lecture series continues with “Kosovo Final Status: Independence or Something Less?” presented by European Studies professor Frederick Lorenz. UW campus (call 206-897-8939 for exact location and to register). $15. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., April 13.

Nature Class Learn all about our productive, flat-tailed friend the beaver at a Northwest Stream Center class taught by Jake Jacobson of Snohomish County Surface Water Management. 600 128th St. S.E., 425-316-8592. $6. 7 p.m. Wed., April 13.

Tony Kushner As part of the Nextbook series on Jewish culture, the outspoken, Pulitzer-winning playwright (Angels in America) talks about his latest work, Caroline, or Change, as well as the political issues of the day. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 888-621-2230. Free (tickets required). 7:30 p.m. Wed., April 13.

EMP Pop Conference This epic four-day confab of music critics, music enthusiasts, and actual musicians has a beguiling theme this year (“Music as Masquerade: Poseurs, Playas, and Beyond”) and is really a must for any pop/rock fan worth his or her weight in vinyl LPs. Visit www.emplive.org for the complete schedule. Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave. N., 206-367-5483. Full conference pass: $20 ($18 EMP members). Day pass: $8 ($6 EMP members). Thurs., April 14-Sun., April 17.

Birdwatching Trip Spot ducks, hawks, eagles, gulls, and other flying wildlife on Spencer Island. Meet at Kingsgate Park & Ride, 13001 116th Way N.E. (Kirkland), 425-881-5422. $3. 8 a.m. Thurs., April 14.

Puyallup Spring Fair Clint Eastwood won’t be perched outside the ring, squinting and cursing, but you can still enjoy plenty of women’s boxing at the spring edition of the Puyallup Fair. There’ll also be a garden show, nausea-inducing rides, and everything else you might expect. Puyallup Fairgrounds, Ninth Avenue Southwest and Meridian Street (Puyallup), 253-845-1771. $8 ($6 teens and under; $6.50/$5 in advance). 3-10 p.m. Thurs., April 14. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri., April 15-Sat., April 16. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun., April 17.

Thandiwe Chikomo A project manager with Africa Resources Trust and a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at the University of Washington’s School of Public Affairs, she relates her ideas for environmental justice, conservation, and resource equity in sub-Saharan Africa. UW Cunningham Hall (Women’s Center Gallery), 206-685-1090. Free. 3:30-5 p.m. Thurs., April 14.

Art Out Loud The art-forum series concludes with a session devoted to local photographer Joanne Petrina. She’ll talk about “Portraits and Stories From the Rainier Valley,” her current exhibit at Columbia City Gallery. 4864 Rainier Ave. S., 206-760-4287. $6. 6 p.m. Thurs., April 14.

Chakaia Booker The sculptor, nicknamed “the rubber tire queen,” discusses her interest in recycled materials and African-American themes. Seattle Art Museum (Lecture Hall), 100 University St., 206-654-3100. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., April 14.

Exploring Our World The University of Washington-sponsored science lecture series begins with “The Science Behind the Controversy Over Genetically Engineered Foods,” presented by UW biology professor Toby Bradshaw. UW Kane Hall (Room 130), 206-543-0540. Free. 7-8:15 p.m. Thurs., April 14.

Gardeners’ Question Time Sponsored by Sasquatch Books, this Q&A session features local gardening experts Ed Hume, Cass Turnbull, and Marty Wingate (author of The Big Book of Northwest Perennials). UW Kane Hall (Room 110), 206-826-4325. $5. 7 p.m. Thurs., April 14.

David Nicandri The director of the Washington State Historical Society kicks off a series of Lewis and Clark lectures at MOHAI with a talk on the explorers’ relationship to the Columbia River. Museum of History and Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E., 206-324-1126. $7 ($5 youth/seniors). 7 p.m. Thurs., April 14.

Shakti Butler African-American with both West Indian and Russian Jewish roots, Butler serves as executive director of the World Trust, a nonprofit that foments “public dialogue” on issues of race, class, and gender. Her talk at Shoreline Community College addresses “Transformative Learning: Social Justice and Compassion.” 16101 Greenwood Ave. N. (Shoreline), 206-546-4606. $10 ($4 SCC students). 7:30 p.m. Thurs., April 14.

Journalism Conference University of Washington’s Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma hosts a conference on the responses of journalists around the world to the recent tsunamis in Asia. UW Kane Hall, 206-543-0405. Free. Events begin at 9:30 a.m.; visit www.dartcenter.org for full schedule. Fri., April 15.

Symposium: 150 Years of the Northwest Treaties The U.S. government acquired much of what we now call the Northwest from local Indian tribes between 1854 and 1856. This weekend conference at Evergreen examines the personalities involved in the so-called Northwest Treaties—most notably Isaac Stevens, then governor of the Washington Territory—as well as their political, legal, and cultural aftereffects. Scheduled speakers include Gov. Christine Gregoire, Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, and many others. The Evergreen State College (Longhouse Education and Cultural Center), 2700 Evergreen Pkwy. N.W. (Olympia), 360-753-2580. $65 (includes lunch and dinner; $35 students, includes lunch only). 1-7 p.m. Fri., April 15. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., April 16.

Science Seminar Highline Community College continues its spring seminar series with a talk titled “Nuclear Applications: Pet Scans and More,” presented by HCC chemistry professor Jennifer Holmes. 2400 S. 240th St., 206-878-3710, ext. 3513. Free. 2:10-3 p.m. Fri., April 15.

Family Friday at Carkeek Park “Early Naturalists” is the theme of this week’s kid-friendly session. Carkeek Park Environmental Education Center, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., 206-684-0877. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Fri., April 15.

Lars Vilks The boundary-bending Swedish artist discusses a few of his favorite contemporaries, including Peter Johansson and Olafur Eliasson. Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 N.W. 67th St., 206-789-5707. $6 (free for NHM members). 7 p.m. Fri., April 15.

Lymphoma Workshop Tips on treatment from a panel of medical experts, including lymphoma specialist and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center professor Oliver Press. Westin Hotel, 1900 Fifth Ave., 800-500-9976. Free (reservations required). 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., April 16.

National Youth Service Day Celebrate at Seattle Center by packaging comestibles for Food Lifeline, listening to Mayor Greg Nickels, and finding new ways to get involved in community betterment. Seattle Center (Amphitheatre), 305 Harrison St., 206-684-7200. Free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., April 16.

Welcome the Whales Day Whidbey Island’s migratory grey whales return; greet them with open arms alongside author Brenda Peterson (Sightings: The Grey Whale’s Mysterious Journey) and amid workshops, a parade, and other festive activities. Waterfront Park, First Avenue and Anthes Street (Langley), 360-678-3451. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Visit www.orcanetwork.org/news/events.html for events schedule.) Sat., April 16.

April Pools Day Sometimes it takes a spoonful of sugar (free swims and pool games) to help the medicine (water-safety instruction) go down. This Red Cross–sponsored event, for kids and adults, is one of those times. For a full list of pools, visit www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/Aquatics/AprilPoolsDay.htm. Ballard Pool, 1471 N.W. 67th St., 206-684-4094. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Sat., April 16.

Body/Mind/Spirit Expo This yearly New Age show fills Fisher Pavilion with crystals, astrologers, “angelic counseling,” psychics, aromatherapy, spiritual healing, and “aura exploration.” Seattle Center (Fisher Pavilion), 206-684-7200. $10 (includes both days). 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., April 16. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun., April 17.

Gardening Class Bellevue Botanical Garden staffer Carrie Becker sings the praises of perennials at Swanson’s Nursery. 9701 15th Ave. N.W., 206-838-2722. Free. 10:30 a.m. Sat., April 16.

Gardening Workshop Fresh vegetables can be as close as your own backyard, according to Laura Niemi of Seattle Tilth, who leads this City People’s class on growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, et al. 2939 E. Madison St., 206-324-0737. Free. 11 a.m.-noon. Sat., April 16.

Family Fun Workshop First examine the Museum of Flight’s new exhibit on the history of kites, then make one of your own. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5700. $14 ($13 seniors, $7.50 youth). 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Sat., April 16-Sun., April 17.

History Lecture Jay Wells, the program director at the Chittenden Locks visitor center, talks about the evolution of the Locks in relation to Seattle as a whole. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, 117 S. Main St., 206-553-7220. Free. 2 p.m. Sat., April 16.

Tapestry Slideshow/Lecture Nancy Hoskins, an expert on Egyptian Coptic Tapestry Albums, discusses the subject at the Henry Art Gallery. 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 41st Street, 206-325-8907. Free (space is limited). 2 p.m. Sat., April 16.

Monty Reed The local inventor of Lifesuit, a mechanized full-body brace designed to help para- and quadriplegics walk, talks about his work on the device. Museum of the Mysteries, 623 Broadway Ave. E., 206-328-6499. $3 (free for kids under 15). 7-9 p.m. Sat., April 16.

Africa in America Eritrean and Malian singers, West African drummers, a griot (storyteller), and a lecture on African folk traditions are among the many highlights of this one-night music festival, part of Town Hall’s Global Rhythms series. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $22 ($20 seniors and students; $20/$18 in advance). 8 p.m. Sat., April 16.

Chenrezi Meditation Class A session devoted to one of Buddhism’s most accessible meditation techniques. Sakya Monastery, 108 N.W. 83rd St., 206-789-2573. Free. 9 a.m. Sun., April 17.

Plant Sale Stock up on hardy green things at the Northwest Perennial Alliance’s spring sale. Sand Point Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E. (Bldg. 67), 425-488-9748. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun., April 17.

Sunday Meaningful Matinees The screening series, hosted by West Seattle Neighbors for Peace and Justice, continues with Johnny Got His Gun, a 1971 antiwar film in which a wounded World War I vet tries to communicate despite grave injuries. 2306 42nd Ave. S.W., 206-932-9522. Free. 2-4 p.m. Sun., April 17.

History Lecture Journalist and writer Linda Carlson speaks on “Company Towns: Their Importance in the Modern West,” a theme especially relevant to the Northwest. Sponsored in part by the Bainbridge Island Historical Society. Island Center Hall, 8395 Fletcher Day Rd. (Bainbridge Island), 206-842-2773. $5 ($2 teens and under). 4 p.m. Sun., April 17.

Film Screening 911 Media Arts Center screens Speak Out: I Had An Abortion, a documentary in which women talk about the experience. Director Jennifer Baumgardner, a former Ms. magazine editor, will be in attendance to discuss the film and answer questions. 402 Ninth Ave. N., 206-682-6552. $10 (suggested donation). 6:30 p.m. Sun., April 17.

Half-Marathon Training Panel Daunted by the marathon but desperate to get in shape? Ask fitness experts from the University of Washington Medical Center how best to train for the Seattle Half Marathon. REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., 206-598-3748. Free. 7 p.m. Mon., April 18.

Legal Panel Two local rabbis and a Seattle University law professor contemplate “Contracts and Covenants: Religious and Legal Perspectives”—specifically, those relating to same-sex relationships—at a forum cosponsored by the LGBT Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. UW Hillel, 4745 17th Ave. N.E., 206-527-1997. Free. 7-9 p.m. Mon., April 18.

Garden Walk Stroll through Juanita Bay Park with an Audubon guide. Bring binocs! 9703 N.E. Juanita Dr. (Kirkland), 425-576-8805. Free. 8 a.m. Tues., April 19.

Blood Drive Donate some hemoglobin to the Puget Sound Blood Center. Everett Community College, 2000 Tower St. (Everett), 425-388-9508. Free. 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:15-3 p.m. Tues., April 19.

Digital Media Panel Though the big-time directors may not shoot their movies here, this WSA-sponsored panel of video-game execs and tech-sector experts will argue that Seattle is the Hollywood of the digital media industries, including software and music production. Westin Hotel, 1900 Fifth Ave., 206-448-3033. $56 ($40 WSA members). Reception: 5 p.m. Panel: 6:45 p.m. Tues., April 19.

Health Lecture Acupuncturist Greg Anderton demystifies Eastern medicine at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy. 4130 E. Madison St., 206-324-0701. Free. 5:45-6:45 p.m. Tues., April 19.

Mayor Greg Nickels Hizzoner lays out Seattle’s Climate Action Plan, followed by a panel discussion on local climate change. REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., 206-378-0114. Free. 6:30 p.m. Tues., April 19.

Social Justice Forum Representatives of Bellingham’s Community to Community Development join Community Alliance for Global Justice chair Heather Day to discuss family farms’ struggle to survive in the shadow of agribusiness, both here and in South America. 2100 Building, 2100 24th Ave. S., 206-405-4600. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tues., April 19.

Sister Helen Prejean Sponsored in part by the University of Washington, the famed anti–death penalty advocate (portrayed by Susan Sarandon in Dead Man Walking) discusses her continuing fight against government-sanctioned execution. UW Kane Hall (Room 130), 206-634-3400. Free (tickets required). 7 p.m. Tues., April 19.

Complete Cartoons of the New Yorker Since 1924, The New Yorker has balanced high-minded cultural commentary with reliably droll cartoons by such masters as Charles Addams and Roz Chast. Sponsored by Foolproof, New Yorker cartoon editor Robert Mankoff appears at Town Hall to discuss the publication’s nearly 69,000 cartoons, and how he culled the best of them for a massive new compilation. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-325-3554. $15. 7:30 p.m. Tues., April 19.

“Green Building” Lecture Series Sponsored by Seattle Public Utilities and the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild, the series continues with “Beautiful Salvage: Finding and Incorporating Used Architectural Elements.” Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4636. Free. 6-7:30 p.m. Tues., April 20.

Noam Chomsky One of America’s best-known political thinkers, the MIT professor and author appears at Meany Hall to deliver a talk titled “Illegal But Legitimate: A Dubious Doctrine for the Times.” UW Meany Hall, 206-634-3400. Free (tickets required). 7 p.m. Wed., April 20.

Hot Spots in Our World The University of Washington–sponsored lecture series continues with “Human Rights in Southeast Asia,” presented by International Studies chair Mary Callahan. UW campus (call 206-897-8939 for exact location and to register). $15. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., April 20.

Meet the Mammals The biweekly lecture series at the Burke Museum continues with “Encountering Whales: The Historic Return of Mammals to the Sea.” 17th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 45th Street, 206-543-9681. Free (preregistration required). 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., April 20.

Miriam Rajkumar One of the world’s foremost thinkers on the subject of WMD proliferation, she speaks at Kane Hall on the current U.S. policy toward Iran’s nuclear program. Sponsored by the World Affairs Council. UW Kane Hall (Walker-Ames Room), 206-441-5910. $10 ($5 WAC members). 7 p.m. Wed., April 20.

Keith Boykin The author of Beyond the Down Low: Sex, Lies, and Denial in Black America, about the phenomenon of black men who identify as straight but sleep with other men, talks about the research that went into the book and the media hoopla that followed. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S., 206-624-6600. $7 ($5 CD Forum members/students/seniors). 7:30 p.m. Wed., April 20.

Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind A study session at Sakya Monastery that addresses four pillars of Buddhist thought: karma, death, impermanence, and rebirth. 108 N.W. 83rd St., 206-789-2573. $12. 7:30 p.m. Wed., April 20.

Seattle Follies The monthly political cabaret show at Town Hall rolls on, with Microsoft’s Mike Egan as host and Seattle Times columnist Joni Balter, comedian Cathy Sorbo, and KVI-AM talk-show host John Carlson in the cast. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $18 ($15 advance). 7:30 p.m. Wed., April 20.