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Defining Democracy At Highline Community College, a panel tackles the potentially depressing theme “How to Live With the Election Results.” 2400 S. 240th St. (Building 7), 206-878-3710 ext. 3283. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wed., Nov. 3.

Feminist Research and Activist Forum Psych professor Vindhya Undurti (from India’s Andhra University) delivers a talk on domestic violence, sponsored by the University of Washington Women’s Center. UW Cunningham Hall, 206-685-1090. Free. 3:30-5 p.m. Wed., Nov. 3.

Film Screening A Jamaican film from the ’80s, Countryman tells the quasi-mythical story of two pilots saved by a mysterious fisherman. Soundtrack by Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, and other classic reggae groups. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., 206-633-3470. Free (dinner available for $6.50). 6 p.m. Wed., Nov. 3.

Stephen Garfinkle In ancient times, Egypt and Mesopotamia served as linguistic incubators, producing what is possibly the oldest written language in the world (Akkadian). Egyptologist Garfinkle, a professor at Western Washington University, reveals what else the 15th century B.C.E. has to teach us at this Burke Museum lecture. N.E. 45th St. and 17th Ave. N.E., 206-543-5590. Free. 6:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 4.

American Heritage Series This edition of the Central District Forum’s ongoing cultural inquiry is a panel discussion on “the Black Native American experience.” Scheduled panelists include Choctaw artist E. Benote Hill and Dian Million, a professor in the University of Washington’s American Indian Studies Program. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S., 206-323-4032. $7 ($5 students/seniors). 7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 4.

Birdwatching Mini-Course Spot some local winter species—including loons, grebes, and alcids—with Audubon avian expert Brian Bell. (The first two sessions are classes; the third is a field trip.) Classes take place at Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church, 308 Fourth Ave. S. (Kirkland), 425-576-8805. $70 (all-inclusive). Classes: 7-9:15 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 4 and Thurs., Nov. 11. Field trip: Sun., Nov. 21 (call for time).

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Seminar OCD sufferers and their loved ones can learn strategies for treatment, as well as day-to-day coping, at this free session with specialists Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz and Dr. Bradley Riemann. Renaissance Seattle Hotel, 515 Madison St., 206-583-0300. Free. 7-9 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 4.

Gloria Mound In a lecture presented by the University of Washington’s Jewish Studies Program and other local Jewish organizations, Glasgow University professor Mound discusses “secret communities” of Jews who have found refuge in unexpected places (like Spain’s Balearic Islands). Stroum JCC, 3801 E. Mercer Way (Mercer Island), 206-232-7115. Free. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 4.

Dating Workshop University of Washington psychiatry prof Sharon Romm speaks on “Negotiating the Minefields of Midlife Romance.” Stroum JCC, 3801 E. Mercer Way (Mercer Island), 206-232-7115 ext. 269. Free. 8 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 4.

Family Resource Fair A confab of community-service programs in Woodinville. Among the highlights: free blood-pressure tests. Woodinville City Hall, 17301 133rd Ave. N.E., 425-877-2267. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fri., Nov. 5.

Popular Science Seminar Highline Community College continues its weekly lecture series with a talk titled “God and Science: Are They Compatible?” (presented by Highline professor Tina Ostrander). 2400 S. 240th St., 206-878-3710 ext. 3283. Free. 2:10-3 p.m. Fri., Nov. 5.

Cultural Crossroads Bellevue’s Crossroads Shopping Center hosts a veritable swarm of performances, including classical Japanese dance by Kabuki Academy, traditional Mexican dance by Baile Folklorico, Brazilian music, Argentine tango, and various other attractions. N.E. Eighth St. and 156th Ave. N.E., 206-443-1410. Free. 5-10 p.m. Fri., Nov. 5. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat., Nov. 6. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun., Nov. 7.

T.G.H. James The famed Egyptologist discusses his work at the British Museum. UW Kane Hall, Room 110, 206-722-9171. $5. 7 p.m. Fri., Nov. 5.

Juan Williams The senior correspondent for NPR’s Morning Edition and a Fox News commentator, he speaks on Brown vs. Board of Education, the landmark civil-rights verdict that turned 50 years old in May. Sponsored by Humanities Washington. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 206-682-1770. $12-$18. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 5.

Work Party Plant, rake, weed, and help maintain trails during a hands-on morning at Carkeek Park. Carkeek Environmental Education Center, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., 206-684-0877. Free. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 6.

Ramesh Manocha A doctor at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney, Australia, Manocha will talk about the potential applications of yoga-style meditation in treating medical ailments like asthma and migraine headaches. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E., 425-602-3107. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., Nov. 6.

Cedar River Salmon Journey Join Seattle Aquarium volunteers at Cedar River for a lively lesson in sockeye salmon spawning behavior. Call 206-386-4300 for site. Free. Volunteers are present from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Nov. 6.

Hmong New Year Celebration A culture spread across Laos, Vietnam, Burma, and Thailand, the Hmong tradition encompasses music (often played on the Jew’s harp or bamboo pipes), colorful costumes, and carefully choreographed ritual dance. Seattle Center (Center House and Fisher Pavilion), 206-684-7200. Free. Noon-6 p.m. Sat., Nov. 6.

World Languages Open House The Central Library hosts a daylong conference/festival featuring Thai storytelling, Eritrean and Filipino dance, and Russian opera singing, all assembled to showcase the library’s Literacy, ESL, and World Languages Department. 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-684-0580. Free. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (ongoing). Sat., Nov. 6.

Jefferson Davis The local ghost expert, not the dead Confederate president, talks about haunted places in Washington and Oregon at the Museum of the Mysteries. 623 Broadway Ave. E., 206-328-6499. $5 (suggested donation). 7-9 p.m. Sat., Nov. 6.

Education and Enrichment FairSeattle’s Child magazine is co-sponsoring this info expo packed with speakers, seminars, and even stage entertainment. Seattle Center (Center House and Conference Rooms), 206-441-0191. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., Nov. 7.

“Riverworld” Slideshow Like a latter-day Phileas Fogg, Canadian conservationist Mark Angelo attempted several years ago to circle the globe traveling solely by river—and, against considerable odds, succeeded. He tells his remarkable story with the help of slides at the Central Library. 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4650. Free. 2 p.m. Sun., Nov. 7.

Craig and Cindy Corrie The parents of The Evergreen State College activist Rachel Corrie, killed last year by an Israeli bulldozer during a peace protest in the Gaza Strip, talk about their daughter’s legacy; they’re joined by the director of Another Side of Peace, a documentary about Palestinian and Israeli parents who, after losing children in the conflict, formed a pro-peace alliance called the Parents’ Circle. (The hour-long film will be screened at the event.) St. Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., 206-323-0300 ext. 217. Free. 6 p.m. Sun., Nov. 7.

Heather Tartan Ball Scottish pride and meat pies will equally abound at this annual fiesta, featuring the kick-ass traditional music of the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band and a whole lotta country dancing, too. Semi-formal attire required; no one under 21 admitted. South Lake Union Park Great Hall, 860 Terry Ave. N., 206-522-2541. $30 ($25 in advance). 6 p.m.-midnight. Sat., Nov. 6.

Santiago Calatrava The architect behind the new PATH transportation terminal at the site of the Twin Towers in New York speaks on that and other recent projects as part of the University of Washington’s Solomon Katz Distinguished Lectures series. UW Kane Hall, Room 130, 206-543-3920. Free. 7 p.m. Sun., Nov. 7.

Birds Are Awesome! You heard it here first. Bird expert Candy Brown addresses foraging, migration, and other avian topics at a Northwest Stream Center event for families. 600 128th St. S.E., 425-316-8592. $6. 11 a.m. Mon., Nov. 8.

Laughter Workshop Designed for seniors, this session—led by local actor Jordan Cohen—emphasizes the health benefits of chuckling. Stroum JCC (Room 207), 3801 E. Mercer Way (Mercer Island), 206-232-7115. Free. 12:30 p.m. Mon., Nov. 8.

Adoption Information Meeting Open Adoption and Family Services, a nonprofit adoption and counseling firm based in Portland, hosts this session for prospective parents at their Ballard offices. 1737 N.W. 56th St. (Suite 102), 206-782-0442. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 9.

Travel Lecture The merry isthmus that contains Panama and Costa Rica is teeming with life forms both gorgeous and strange; learn about macaws, poison arrow frogs, butterflies, and sea turtles at this talk, presented by travel guide Kurt Kutay. Wide World Books & Maps, 4411 Wallingford Ave. N., 206-634-3453. Free. 7 p.m. Tues., Nov. 9.

Election Aftermath Former Clinton strategist Frank Greer (a Seattle native) and Bob Moore, founder of the conservative think tank Moore Information (partly based in Portland), dissect the election results. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 9.

Garden Walk Stroll through Bellevue Botanical Garden with an Audubon guide. Bring binocs! 12001 Main St. (Bellevue), 425-576-8805. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Wed., Nov. 10.

Parenting Workshop Psychiatry professor Jack Raskin explains how a child’s mind works, and how knowing that process can help you be a better parent, at a lecture and Q&A hosted by Jewish Family Service. 1601 16th Ave., 206-461-3240. $20 ($15 in advance). 7-9 p.m. Wed., Nov. 10.