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

Rename Seattle Parks Help rename York Substation and three other poorly named (or unnamed) city parks by sending suggestions to Paula Hoff at Seattle Parks & Rec (paula.hoff@seattle.gov) by Monday, Feb. 28. (The other parks are Ballard Civic Center Park, Smith Cove, and the park at Lake Union Waterway 14 and Northlake Way on Lake Union.) Submit names by Mon., Feb. 28.

Film Discussion Series UW/Bothell’s extracurricular survey of world cinema takes off with Window to Paris, which chronicles the zany exploits of a Russian émigré in the French capital. (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. 2.

Environmental Issues Course A catchall for the eco-conscious, this class taught by “local environmental experts” touches on global warming, forest conservation, agriculture, earth-friendly economics, and low-pollution transport solutions. The Mountaineers, 300 Third Ave. W., 206-284-8484. $50 ($45 for Mountaineers members). (Single lectures: $8/$7.) 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 2-April 6.

Northwest Stream Center Class The winter series continues with “Fascination With Crows and Ravens,” taught by University of Washington science prof John Marzluff. 600 128th St. S.E. (Everett), 425-316-8592. $6. 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 2.

Maritime Career Day Learn how to spend your life at sea (and get paid for it) at Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center’s annual open house. 2205 Alaskan Way (Pier 66), 206-374-4000. Free. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 3.

Chinese New Year Celebration Welcome the Year of the Rooster with Chinese food, music, martial arts, and a traditional Lion Dance. Viking Union (Multipurpose Room), 516 High St. (Bellingham), 360-650-7271. $12 ($10 advance). 6-10 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 3.

Egyptology Lecture University of Chicago doctoral student Jacqueline Jay examines the archetypes of ancient Egyptian literature in a talk sponsored by the Burke Museum and the University of Washington. Burke Museum, 17th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 45th Street, 206-543-7907. Free. 6:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 3.

Fire Safety Meeting Seattleites interested in the upcoming relocation of Fire Station 6 (currently at 101 23rd Ave. S.) are encouraged to attend this informational meeting. Bailey-Gatzert School, 1301 E. Yesler Way, 206-252-2810. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 3.

Holocaust Lecture In conjunction with the recent PBS documentary series Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State, KCTS-TV and other sponsors present a talk by historian Robert Jan van Pelt (author of The Case for Auschwitz: Evidence from the Irving Trial) on the most notorious of all concentration camps. Seattle University (Shafer Auditorium), 901 12th Ave., 206-441-5747. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 3.

Sharon Romm It’s a jungle out there for daters, especially when you’re over 50. Psychiatrist and University of Washington faculty member Romm addresses the topic as part of the JCC’s evening lecture series. Discussion to follow. 3801 E. Mercer Way (Mercer Island), 206-232-7115 ext. 269. $5. 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 3.

Philip Rose The longtime Broadway producer talks about American theater in the 1950s and ’60s, when shows like Raisin in the Sun, originally produced by Rose in 1959, achieved lasting fame. Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Ave., 206-706-7018. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 3. Seattle University (Fine Arts Bldg.), 901 12th Ave., 206-296-5360. Free. 7:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 4.

Willie Weir At the University District’s R+E Cycles, the KUOW-FM personality and cyclist talks about his 2,000-mile biking adventure in Cuba. 5627 University Way N.E., 206-527-4822. $7 ($5 advance). 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 3-Sat., Feb. 5.

The Vagina Monologues Eve Ensler’s feminist hybrid of oral history and performance rolls around again, this time staged intimately at Wallingford’s Stone Soup Theater with a five-woman cast. 4035 Stone Way N., 206-633-1883. $18 ($15 students/seniors). 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. (also 3 p.m. Sat., Feb. 12 and Sat., Feb. 26). Thurs., Feb. 3-Sat., Feb. 26.

Science Seminar Highline Community College continues its winter seminar series with a talk titled “Salmon, Currents, and Three-Tree Point,” presented by University of Washington professor Parker MacCready. 2400 S. 240th St., 206-878-3710 ext. 3283. Free. 2:10-3 p.m. Fri., Feb. 4.

Gardening Class Learn to grow your own tea at Sumner’s Windmill Gardens. 5823 160th Ave. E. (Sumner), 253-863-5843. $10. 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 4.

Nonviolence Event Bothell’s Center for Spiritual Living begins its weekly series of peace happenings with a “candle-lighting chant service” led by the Rev. MaSanda LaRa. 18102 102nd Ave. N.E. (Bothell), 425-941-9717. Donations accepted. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 4.

Ocean Career Day Aspiring Steve Zissous can learn about jobs in ocean science from marine biologists and teachers at this free Seattle Aquarium Q&A. 1483 Alaskan Way, 206-386-4300. Free. 8 a.m. Sat., Feb. 5.

Asia Pacific New Year Celebration Ring in the Chinese New Year (which begins February 9) at the Tacoma Dome. 2727 East D Street (Tacoma), 253-572-3663. Donations accepted. 9 a.m. Sat., Feb. 5.

Nature Cruise Check out the bald eagles, loons, herons, seals, otters, and other creatures native to La Conner on a four-hour aquatic excursion organized by the Audubon Society. Meet at Viking Cruises, 109 N. First St. (La Conner), 888-207-2333. $40. 9:30 a.m. Sat., Feb. 5.

Tét Festival The Chinese New Year gets a lot more press than its Vietnamese counterpart, but that’s no reason not to enjoy the firecrackers, ceremonial Lion Dance, and other festive customs that make up Seattle Center’s Tét Festival. Seattle Center (Center House and Fisher Pavilion), 206-684-7200. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 5. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun., Feb. 6.

Family Fun Workshop Make your own flying machine at this kid-friendly Museum of Flight event. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5700. $12 ($11 seniors, $7.50 youth). 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Sat., Feb. 5-Sun., Feb. 6.

Cultural Exhibit The Taoist Studies Institute hosts a collection of unusually shaped Chinese “scholars’ stones” that represent a bridge between Eastern thought and art. 225 N. 70th St., 206-784-5632. Free. Noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Feb. 5-27.

Hydroplane Exhibit If you didn’t get enough of ’em at Seafair last summer, come out to Kent for the unveiling of the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum’s inaugural exhibit. 5917 S. 196th St. (Kent), 206-764-9453. $5 ($3 students 6-15). Noon-4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 5.

Panel Discussion At the Museum of Flight, Tuskegee Airmen William Broadwater and Ira O’Neal talk about overcoming racism and long odds to become one of the first black pilots in the U.S. Army. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-768-7166. $12 ($11 seniors, $7.50 youth). 2-4:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 5.

Melanie May The acclaimed theologian, a professor at New York’s Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, discusses contemporary Christian views of war, terrorism, and other forms of violence in three talks and a sermon at Seattle First Baptist Church. 1111 Harvard Ave., 206-325-6051. Free. 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 5. 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. (sermon). Sun., Feb. 6.

Tsunami Relief Concert Downtown’s First United Methodist Church hosts an evening of musical performance featuring the City Cantabile Choir, cellist Paige Stockley, the Seattle Peace Chorus, and the Shades of Praise Gospel Choir. All proceeds benefit World Vision, Red Cross/Red Crescent, and other aid organizations. 811 Fifth Ave., 206-622-7278 ext. 24. Pay-what-you-can donation requested. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 5.

Kan Zaman Ensemble The renowned Arab folk music group, 17 members strong, makes its Seattle debut with traditional tunes from Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $22 adults, $20 students/seniors ($20/$18 advance). 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 5.

Family First Sunday Crafts activities for families at the Seattle Aquarium. This month’s theme: “Jellyfish: Beautiful Drifters.” 1483 Alaskan Way, 206-386-4300. $12 ($8 youth, $5 children 3-5). 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun., Feb. 6.

Gardening Class Dr. Margriet Dogterom explains how bees help your garden grow (hint: pollination) at the first in a series of classes hosted by Swanson’s Nursery. 9701 15th Ave. N.W., 206-838-2722. Free. 1 p.m. Sun., Feb. 6.

Community Forum The Mayor’s Council on African American Elders convenes a panel to discuss several health care topics—including Alzheimer’s, mental health, and hospice care—as they relate to the local black community. Catholic Community Services, 100 23rd Ave. S., 206-684-0706. Free. 2-4 p.m. Sun., Feb. 6.

Kitsap Library Humanities Forum An evening of storytelling with S’Klallam artist Roger Fernandes. Sylvan Way Library, 1301 Sylvan Way (Bremerton), 260-405-9100. Free. 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 6.

Science and Religion Lecture Westmont College biology professor Jeffrey Schloss delivers a talk titled “Can Evolution Explain Moral Purpose?: Scientific and Theological Perspectives on the ‘Nature’ of Ethics.” Seattle Pacific University (Demaray Hall, Room 150), 3307 Third Ave. W., 206-281-2347. Free. 7:30 p.m. Mon., Feb. 7.

Baby Sign Language Class Your bundle of joy doesn’t have to be a Baby Genius to learn ASL, according to JCC instructor Carla Hershman, who says you can teach your six-month-old to sign useful messages like “more food” and “all done.” 3801 E. Mercer Way (Mercer Island), 206-232-7115 ext. 304. $15. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tues., Feb. 8.

“The Crusades” Lecture Series The five-week series, sponsored by the University of Washington, ends with a session on the Crusades’ ultimate importance in the context of history. UW Kane Hall (Room 130), 800-289-2586. $15 ($5 students). 7 p.m. Tues., Feb. 8.

Panel Discussion Travel agents answer questions about their trade at Wallingford’s Wide World Maps & Books. 4411-A Wallingford Ave. N., 206-634-3453. Free. 7 p.m. Tues., Feb. 8.

Erich Gruen The University of California/Berkley professor examines the tension between tradition and assimilation in Jewish history, from ancient times to the ongoing Middle East crisis. UW Kane Hall, Room 110, 206-543-5900. Free. 7 p.m. Tues., Feb. 8.

David Nicandri The director of the Washington State Historical Society recounts his many experiences “in the heritage trenches” during three decades of museum work. Red Lion Hotel, 2300 Evergreen Park Dr. (Olympia), 360-586-0219. $25 (includes dinner). 7 p.m. Tues., Feb. 8.

Flower and Garden Show There’s plenty for amateur and professional gardeners alike at this annual expo, which includes seminars, dazzling displays, and all kinds of gardening doodads to take home. Washington State Convention Center, Pike Street and Seventh Avenue, 206-789-5333. $19 ($7 children). 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed., Feb. 9-Sat., Feb. 12; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun., Feb. 13.

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., Feb. 9.

Career Workshop Everett Community College hosts an info session for women looking to enter “the cabling, fiber optics, or networking fields.” 2000 Tower St. (Everett), 425-388-9292. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Wed., Feb. 9.

Film Discussion Series UW/Bothell’s extracurricular survey of world cinema continues with In the Mood for Love, Wong Kar-wai’s masterful study of a romance that develops in the ’60s between two residents of the same Hong Kong apartment complex. (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. 9.

John Mitchell The economist addresses recent signs that America’s economy is recovering from its post-9/11 downturn. Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Ave., 206-362-6975. $40. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 9.

Soil Workshop Washington State University “soil scientist” Craig Cogger tells you everything you need to know about the use of compost and manure in gardening and landscaping. WSU King County Extension Office, 919 S.W. Grady Way (Renton), 206-205-3130. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 9.

Historic Home Restoration Seminar Tool-belt divas and dons alike are invited to learn a thing or two about bringing This Old House up to snuff without compromising its period design. Waltz Building, 116 Avenue B (Snohomish), 360-568-2889. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 9.

Ron Nagle The respected West Coast ceramicist speaks at Kane Hall, cosponsored by the UW Ceramics Program and Seward Park Art Studio. UW Kane Hall, Room 110, 206-722-6342. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 9.