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

Sarah Augustine and Daniel Peplow The co-directors of the Suriname Indigenous Health Fund give a joint lecture on the South American nation’s struggle to achieve economic stability, particularly where health care is concerned. Antioch University, 2326 Sixth Ave. (Room 100), 206-268-4906. Free. 7-9 p.m. Wed., Nov. 16.

Mark Jensen and Esmaeel Naeemi The Pacific Lutheran University and Seattle Central Community College profs, the latter an Iranian native, address the frightening question: “Is Iran Next?” They’ll talk about Iran’s nuclear program and the nation’s potential response if Dubya makes it his next target. Woodland Park Presbyterian Church, 225 N. 70th St., 206-781-3462. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., Nov. 16.

Jonathan Raban The local writer’s new book, My Holy War: Dispatches From the Home Front, examines the Northwest’s political relationship to the rest of the country, with emphasis on foreign policy and war. Co-sponsored by Elliott Bay Books. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-624-6600. $5. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 16.

Stephen Hawking The world-renowned cosmologist, math genius, and Brief History of Time author shares “New Perspectives on the Origin of the Universe,” including theories about “dark energy” and possible exceptions to Newton’s Law of Gravity. (Earlier in the evening, at an invite-only ceremony, he’ll officially donate a paper on black holes to the Science Fiction Museum.) Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., 206-467-5510. $35-$125. 8 p.m. Wed., Nov. 16.

William Hartung The military analyst (and director of the World Policy Institute’s Arms Trade Resource Center) denounces Dubya in How Much Are You Making on the War, Daddy?: A Quick and Dirty Guide to War Profiteering in the Bush Administration, which he’ll discuss at Central Lutheran Church. 1710 11th Ave., 206-720-0313. Free. Noon. Thurs., Nov. 17.

Mary Mapes The former Seattleite and CBS producer broke Abu Ghraib on 60 Minutes and oversaw Dan Rather’s investigation of Dubya’s National Guard record; the latter story got her fired. She’ll recount these events and discuss her new book, Truth and Duty: the Press, the President, and the Privilege of Power, at a CityClub luncheon forum. Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Ave., 206-682-7395. $40 ($30 CityClub members). Noon-1:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 18.

Film Screening Sound Nonviolent Opponents of War screens the well-reviewed Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, about the retail giant’s ongoing expansion into small towns across the country. Keystone Church, 5019 Keystone Pl. N., www.snowcoalition.org. Free. 7-9:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 18.

Paul Kivel The antiviolence activist makes a foray into current affairs in his new book, You Call This a Democracy? Who Benefits, Who Pays, and Who Decides, which he’ll elaborate on in an appearance sponsored by the Tools for Change Institute, a local social-justice nonprofit. University Friends, 814 N.E. 40th Street, 206-329-2201. $10-$25 (sliding scale). 7-9 p.m. Fri., Nov. 18.

Global Justice Conference South African reverend Mpho Tutu, the daughter of Desmond Tutu, is among the speakers at this Seattle University mini-conference on global poverty and AIDS relief. 914 E. Jefferson St. (Campion Tower), 206-223-1138. Free. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 19.

Dick Gordon The Apollo 12 astronaut (and Seattle native), a recent recipient of NASA’s Ambassadors of Exploration Award, appears at the Museum of Flight to speak on space travel and field audience questions. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5700. $14 ($13 seniors, $7.50 youth). 2 p.m. Sat., Nov. 19.

Bill of Rights Dinner Sponsored by the ACLU of Washington, this political soiree and supper includes an appearance by cartoonist Tom Tomorrow and the presentation of awards to gay-marriage activists. Red Lion Hotel, 1415 Fifth Ave., 206-624-2184. $50. Reception and dinner: 6-8 p.m. Program: 8 p.m. Sat., Nov. 19.

ANWR Panel In conjunction with its exhibit of Bellevue photographer Subhankar Banerjee’s ANWR images, the Burke Museum hosts a panel of University of Washington students that aims to examine the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from environmental, political, cultural, and other perspectives. Banerjee himself will be in attendance, as will Burke director Julie Stein. UW Kane Hall (Room 220), 206-543-5590. Free. 7:30 p.m. Mon., Nov. 21.

Doris Kearns Goodwin At Town Hall, the Pulitzer winner and historian talks about Abraham Lincoln’s political legacy, the subject of her new presidential biography, Master Among Men. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Mon., Nov. 21.