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

Women of Wisdom Conference The weeklong empowerment confab includes a workshop devoted to the sexuality of women over 50, plus the usual seminars, dance and music performances, and feminist speakers. Sand Point Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., 206-684-4946. Workshop prices vary; visit www.womenofwisdom.org for details. Wed., Feb. 16-Mon., Feb. 21.

Karen Kurt Teal Always grist for academic and literary mills, Jack the Ripper is the partial focus of her lecture “Toxic Repetition: Cultural Uses of the Whitechapel Murders, 1888,” which examines the serial killings in terms of Victorian gender conventions and social mores. Edmonds Community College (Triton Union Building 202), 20000 68th Ave. W. (Lynnwood), 425-640-1313. Free. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 16.

Film Discussion Series UW/Bothell’s extracurricular survey of world cinema rolls onward with Good Bye Lenin!, about a young man’s struggle to deal with German reunification in 1989. (Discussion after the film.) UWB2 Building (Room 021), 18115 Campus Way N.E. (Bothell), 206-543-4852. Free. 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 16.

Peace Corps Event Former volunteers with the nation’s largest do-gooder organization talk about their experiences and advise aspiring vols. Queen Anne Library, 400 W. Garfield St., 800-424-8580. Free. 6-7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 16.

Tracy Dahlby While Afghanistan and Iraq have claimed countless headlines since 9/11, Indonesia is home to more Muslims than any other nation. Dahlby, a longtime Asian correspondent for The Washington Post and Newsweek, talks tonight about the rise of religious extremism on the island of Java and in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. UW Kane Hall (Room 110), 206-441-5910. $10 ($5 students). 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 16.

Peter Jennings The ABC World News Tonight anchor and senior editor addresses the state of American news media and reflects on his career. Sponsored by CityClub. Westin Seattle, 1900 Fifth Ave., 206-682-7395. $125 ($100 CityClub members). 7:15-9 a.m. Thurs., Feb. 17.

Cherry McGee The University of Washington professor examines the challenges and rewards of a diverse classroom in Improving Multicultural Education: Lessons From the InterGroup Education Movement, which she’ll read from and discuss. UW Bothell Library (Room 205), 18225 Campus Way N.E. (Bothell), 425-352-5340. Free. 4 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 17.

Diabetes Workshop A two-session mini-course on dealing with diabetes through diet and exercise, led by a nutritionist from the University of Washington Medical Center. VFW Hall (Post 2995), 4330 148th Ave. N.E. (Redmond), 425-836-4315. $40. 7-9 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 17 and Wed., Feb. 23.

Nordic Film Series This week’s feature: the Finnish film David. Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 N.W. 67th St., 206-789-5707. $5 (suggested donation). 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 17.

Travel Lecture Travel guide Matthew Brumley reveals the sexy, gothy spirit of Eastern Europe in a slide-show lecture covering Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Bohemia, and Moravia (in the Czech Republic), and other vampire-friendly regions. Reservations required! Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E., 425-450-1765. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 17.

Seattle Follies The political cabaret puts on its first show of 2005, with ex-City Attorney Mark Sidran as guest host and a list of performers that includes Town Hall staffer Spider Kedelsky and SWDownstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $18 ($15 advance). 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 17.

Health Conference Dr. Mirta Roses Periago of the Pan American Health Organization is the keynote speaker at this summit on worldwide medical issues. On the agenda: tsunami relief efforts, the current state of women’s health, and the well being of Iraqis under U.S. occupation. Keynote address: 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18 at Husky Union Building (UW campus). Call 206-616-1159 or visit www.pspgh.org for full schedule. $50 ($25 students). Fri., Feb. 18-Sun., Feb. 20.

Festival of Workers’ Culture Workshops, a talent show, and a musical storytelling session highlight this celebration of labor activism, pegged to the 100th anniversary of the Industrial Workers of the World. Seattle Labor Temple, 2800 First Ave., 206-524-0346. $50 ($30 low-income/student/retired/unemployed). Fri., Feb. 18-Sun., Feb. 20.

Science Seminar Highline Community College continues its winter seminar series with a talk titled “The Science of Persuasion: Why Did You Just Buy a . . . ?” presented by Highline professor Sue Frantz. 2400 S. 240th St., 206-878-3710, ext. 3283. Free. 2:10-3 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18.

Eric Devericks The Seattle Times editorial cartoonist talks about his art and the best way to lampoon blowhard politicos at the School of Visual Concepts. 500 Aurora Ave. N., 206-525-6257. $3 (suggested donation). 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18.

Nonviolence Event Bothell’s Center for Spiritual Living continues its weekly series of peace happenings with a forum on nonviolence techniques. 18102 102nd Ave. N.E. (Bothell), 425-941-9717. Pay what you can. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 18.

Great Backyard Bird Count Help the Audubon Society catalog America’s feathered friends by staking out your own backyard, then reporting on the birds you spot at www.birdsource.org/gbbc, where you can also find the info you need to get started. Wherever you live. Call 425-576-8805 for information. Free. Fri., Feb. 18-Mon., Feb. 21.

Arthur’s World The Children’s Museum unveils its new exhibit (“an exciting educational adventure”) based on the PBS series Arthur, whose title character is a geeky young aardvark. Seattle Center House, 206-441-1768. $7.50 ($6.50 grandparents). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Opens Sat., Feb. 19.

Travel Discussion Voice your concerns about traveling alone and get tips from those who’ve done it at a Q&A hosted by Wide World Books & Maps. 4411A Wallingford Ave. N., 206-634-3453. Free. 9 a.m. Sat., Feb. 19.

Northwest Scale Modelers Show Aviation history writ small: Check out scale models of planes from the major eras of air travel—hopefully including the Spruce Goose—at a weekend expo hosted by the Museum of Flight. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5720. $12 ($11 seniors, $7.50 youth). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 19-Sun., Feb. 20.

Octopus Week This year’s tentacle-fest at Seattle Aquarium includes two octopus releases (Feb. 19 and 26), an octopus census, daily feedings and lectures (by people, not octopuses), and Octopus Enrichment Day (Feb. 25): “See how the octopus responds to different items put in the exhibit. Can an octopus open a jar?” 1483 Alaskan Way, 206-386-4320. $12 ($8 youth). Admission: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (exhibits close at 6 p.m.). Sat., Feb. 19-Sun., Feb. 27.

Family Fun Workshop “Imagine That!” offers parents and kids alike the chance to learn about cutting-edge spacecraft technology. Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5720. $12 ($11 seniors, $7.50 youth). 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Sat., Feb. 19-Sun., Feb. 20.

Festival Sundiata Seattle Center hosts two days of gospel music, soul food, ceremonial drumming, traditional dancing, and storytelling in celebration of African (and African-American) culture. Seattle Center (Center House and Fisher Pavilion), www.festivalsundiata.org. Free. Noon-8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 19-Sun., Feb. 20.

ACLU Annual MeetingSeattle Weekly political columnist Geov Parrish, ACLU board member Suzanne Holland, and PBS personality Rick Steves examine the meaning of “morals” and “values” from a civil-libertarian standpoint. UW Kane Hall, 206-624-2184. $10 (suggested donation; no one turned away). 1 p.m. Sat., Feb. 19.

Genealogy Workshop Trace your roots with help from the Bainbridge Island Historical Society. Island Center Hall, 8395 Fletcher Bay Rd., 206-842-2773. $5 ($2 teens). Noon. Sun., Feb. 20.

Lantern Festival Celebrate the Chinese New Year at South Seattle Community College with tea, calligraphy, ornamental knotting, martial arts, traditional dance, and plenty of food. 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 206-282-8040. $5 ($3 children 4-12). 2-5 p.m. Sun., Feb. 20.

Dahr Jamail The journalist recounts his experience as a U.S. reporter in Iraq. Sponsored by the University of Washington and local Iraqi cultural organizations. UW Kane Hall (Room 120), 206-632-6021. Free. 7:30 p.m. Sun., Feb. 20.

Driver Safety Course Boost your behind-the-wheel prowess on an instructional driving course sponsored by the Mercer Island JCC and intended for motorists 55 and up. 3801 E. Mercer Way, 206-232-7115. $10. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mon., Feb. 21.

Senior Job Club People 55 and over are invited to this employment fair, organized by the Mayor’s Office. Alaska Building, 618 Second Ave. (Elliott Bay Conf. Room), 206-684-0500. Free. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Tues., Feb. 22.

Travel Lecture In a multimedia presentation sponsored by the Royal Aeronautical Society, local couple Bob and Dianne Dempster describe their Pacific-spanning adventure in a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub aircraft. Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5720. Free. 6 p.m. Tues., Feb. 22.

Alan Page The Minnesota Supreme Court judge and former Minnesota Viking talks about the difficult transition from professional football to the bench. UW Kane Hall (Room 120), 206-543-5401. Free. 7 p.m. Tues., Feb. 22.

Travel Lecture Travel guide Chris Torrison-Mackay tells you everything you always wanted to know (but were afraid to ask) about journeying through Thailand. Wide World Books & Maps, 4411A Wallingford Ave. N., 206-634-3453. Free. 7 p.m. Tues., Feb. 22.

Biology Lecture WSU Extension Service entomologist Dave Pehling explains the benefits of “Getting Buzzy: Raising Native Bees.” Northwest Stream Center, 600 128th St. S.E. (Everett), 425-316-8592. $6 ($4 NWSC members). 11 a.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Steve Hailey The president of CyberSecurity Institute talks about computer forensics, a field that uses “data trails” to track down those who commit identity theft or credit-card fraud (or dabble in online child pornography). Edmonds Community College (Triton Union Building 202), 20000 68th Ave. W. (Lynnwood), 425-640-1313. Free. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Film Discussion Series UW/Bothell’s extracurricular survey of world cinema continues with Autumn Spring, the story of a Peter Pan type facing old age in the Czech Republic. (Discussion after the film.) UWB2 Building (Room 021), 18115 Campus Way N.E. (Bothell), 206-543-4852. Free. 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Community Alliance for Global Justice The local political group meets to discuss the Central American Free Trade Agreement. 606 Maynard Ave. S., 206-405-4600. Free. 6-7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Community Conversation “Culture and Standards of Beauty” is the topic of this panel discussion led by Change Your Mind, Change Your Body author Ann Kearney Cooke and triathlete/model Alesia Massingale. Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Ave. S. (Tacoma), 253-591-5666. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Karsten Heuer The biologist and park ranger explains why he journeyed from Yellowstone National Park to the Canadian Yukon and what he discovered along the way. Sponsored in part by the Mountaineers and the Burke Museum. UW Kane Hall (Room 210), 206-223-6303. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

West Seattle Then and Now A panel featuring former Dept. of Neighborhoods director Jim Diers, John Chaney of Historic Seattle (the event sponsor), and King County Council member Dow Constantine discusses West Seattle’s evolution from city birthplace to homeowners’ hotspot. South Seattle Community College (Olympic Hall), 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 206-622-6952. $12. 7-9 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Roger Penrose The Oxford math professor talks about his new book, The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe, in which he reveals little-known connections between mathematical theory and natural phenomena. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.