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

Noam Chomsky The MIT professor, author, and famed political thinker appears at Meany Hall to speak on the topic “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 (pre-registration 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.

Edward P. Jones The author of last year’s Pulitzer Prize–winning Civil War novel The Known World reads from and talks about his oeuvre, which deals extensively with the African-American experience. Sponsored by Seattle Arts & Lectures. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., 206-621-2230. $20-$25 ($10 students/under 25). 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 emcee and Seattle Times columnist Joni Balter, comedian Cathy Sorbo, and KVI-AM host John Carlson in the cast. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $18 ($15 advance). 7:30 p.m. Wed., April 20.

Washington Weekend The University of Washington’s Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses host three days of free events, including departmental open houses, science and history lectures, dance performances, and documentary film screenings. UW campuses; visit www.washington.edu/alumni/weekend for complete schedule and directions. Free. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thurs., April 21. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri., April 22-Sat., April 23.

Panel Discussion Artist Cheryl Dos Remedios, arts administrator Cath Brunner, and attorneys Cinnamon Stephens and James Greenfield talk about the legal complexities of public art commissions. Sponsored by Artist Trust. Second & Seneca Building, 1191 Second Ave. (14th Floor), 206-328-7053. $40 attorneys, $30 paralegals, $15 students/artists. 11:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Thurs., April 21.

Job Search Workshop Put your résumé to the test at a critique session hosted by North Seattle Community College. 9600 College Way N., 206-527-7656. Free. 1:30-3 p.m. Thurs., April 21.

Exploring Our World The University of Washington–sponsored science lecture series continues with “How Ocean Biology Shapes the Health of our Planet,” presented by UW oceanography professor Virginia Armbrust. UW Kane Hall (Room 130), 206-543-0540. Free. 7-8:15 p.m. Thurs., April 21.

Gardening Class Nursery owner Tory Galloway advocates simple abundance in a class titled “Beautiful Plant Combinations for Worry-Free Gardening.” Shoreline Conference Center, 18560 First Ave. N.E. (Shoreline), 206-368-4122. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., April 21.

Lewis and Clark Lecture Series Washington State University professor Jacki Peterson discusses “Northwest Indian-Missionary Encounters in the Wake of Lewis and Clark.” Museum of History and Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E., 206-324-1126. $7 ($5 youth/seniors). 7 p.m. Thurs., April 21.

Panel Discussion Col. James Powers of the Joint Special Operations University and International Crisis Group worker Kathy Ward are among the panelists to discuss “Wars, Disasters, Governance: The Need for Civil-Military Collaboration in the Post-9/11 World.” Sponsored by the World Affairs Council. University of Washington, Parrington Hall Commons (Room 308), 206-441-5910. Free. 7-9 p.m. Thurs., April 21.

Dave Pelzer His memoir A Child Called IT dealt frankly with child abuse and shot to the top of the New York Times best seller list; at Town Hall, he talks about that work as well as his personal involvement in fighting child abuse. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 800-530-0045. $15. 7 p.m. Thurs., April 21.

UnFashion Show Not your usual runway extravaganza, this Seattle University event celebrates Earth Day with a show of locally made hemp and organic-cotton clothing and stone jewelry. 901 12th Ave. (Student Center), 206-296-6000. $3. 7 p.m. Thurs., April 21.

Mary Robson As part of Seattle Pacific University’s spring lecture series, the Seattle Times gardening columnist explains how to set a timetable for planting, trimming, and beautifying your garden. 3307 Third Ave. W. (Demaray Hall 150), 206-281-2138. $12. 7:15 p.m. Thurs., April 21.

Guerry Hoddersen At a meeting of Seattle Radical Women, she reports on unionizing efforts in El Salvador, where she visited the organization’s sister chapter. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., 206-722-6057. Free. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., April 21.

Art and Math Symposium Bellingham’s Western Washington University hosts a weekend of lectures by prominent mathematicians on the relationship between math and art. Topics include “Geometric Sculpture” and “Opt Art: Using Math Optimization Techniques to Create Pictures, Portraits, and Sculpture.” Arntzen Hall (Room 100), 516 High St. (Bellingham), 360-650-3801. Free. Fri., April 22-Sat., April 23.

Sustainability Conference Packed with panels featuring West Coast environmental experts, this confab at the Mountaineers Conference Center advocates sustainable practices at both micro (household) and macro (corporate) levels. (Visit www.nweec.org for a full schedule.) 300 Third Ave. W., 206-762-1976. $20/day ($50 weekend pass). 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri., April 22-Sun., April 24.

Cherry Blossom and Japanese Culture Festival At Seattle Center, chow down on sushi and sip green tea to the beat of taiko drums, then take in a dazzling display of ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement). Seattle Center (Fisher Pavilion and Center Pavilion), 206-684-7200. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri., April 22-Sun., April 24.

Earth Day Expo King County Executive Ron Sims will be on hand to give Green Globe Awards to local eco-activists; kids can amuse themselves at the worm bin or pal around with Bert the Salmon, “Puget Sound’s environmental mascot.” Westlake Park (Fifth Avenue and Pine Street), 206-296-8359. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fri., April 22.

Engineering Open House Check out virtual-reality booths, fuel-cell watercraft, and self-assembling robots (!) at the College of Engineering on the University of Washington campus. UW Loew Hall, 206-685-1785. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fri., April 22. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Science Seminar Highline Community College continues its spring seminar series with a talk titled “Printing Electronics: New Frontiers in Ink and Beyond,” presented by Highline printing coordinator Bill Cox. 2400 S. 240th St., 206-878-3710, ext. 3513. Free. 2:10-3 p.m. Fri., April 22.

Family Friday at Carkeek Park Learn what you can do around the house to aid the environment at an event titled “Every Day Earth Day.” Carkeek Environmental Education Center, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., 206-684-0877. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Fri., April 22.

Bill Moyers The recently retired author, journalist, and producer of groundbreaking documentary television has of late focused his attention on “how the right-wing media has become a partisan propaganda arm of the Republican National Committee,” a subject he’s sure to discuss this evening. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., 206-467-5510. $17.50-$72.50. 8 p.m. Fri., April 22.

Spring Cleanup The roving cleanup project visits the International District/Chinatown. Erase graffiti, pick up litter, and improve the neighborhood’s landscaping, then claim your free T-shirt and lunch. Hing Hay Park, 423 Maynard Ave. S., 206-621-1815. Free. 8 a.m. Sat., April 23.

Earth Day at Carkeek Park Join other eco-volunteers in making Piper’s Creek Watershed more hospitable for salmon. Carkeek Environmental Learning Center, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., 206-363-4116. Free. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Buddhist Healing Workshop Psychologist Craig Matsu-Pissot, who divides his time between Harborview Medical Center and Bastyr University, leads an interactive workshop on the Eastern view of mind-body relations. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E. (Kenmore), 425-602-3075. $95. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Health Seminar Learn about the latest research efforts in the fight against the autoimmune disorder lupus. ZymoGenetics, 1201 Eastlake Ave. E., 877-774-2992. Free. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Landmark Nomination Workshop Find out how to nominate your favorite local building, staircase, or sewer grate for landmark status at a seminar sponsored by Historic Seattle. Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. (Room 202), 206-622-6952. Free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Alternative Fuel Rally Kick the SUV habit for good at Magnuson Park, where electric cars, bikes, and trucks fueled by natural gas offer plenty of eco-friendlier options. 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., 206-733-9434. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Kubota Garden Tour Take a guided stroll around the South End’s biggest authentic Japanese garden. Renton Avenue South and 55th Avenue South, 206-725-5060. Free. 10 a.m. Sat., April 23.

Gardening Workshop One man’s trash is another man’s planter: Let the folks at In Bloom show you how to transform so-called pieces of junk into receptacles for container gardens. 4437 California Ave. S.W., 206-932-2588. Free. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sat., April 23.

Gardening Class Get the 4-1-1 on perennials at Swanson’s Nursery. 9701 15th Ave. N.W., 206-838-2722. Free. 11 a.m. Sat., April 23.

Nature Walk “Native plant steward” Donna Gleisner leads a tour of the colorful fauna surrounding the Northwest Stream Center, pointing out edible and medicinal plants along the way. 600 128th St. S.E. (Everett), 425-316-8592. $6. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Family Fun Workshop Find out everything there is to know about hovercrafts at a session intended for kids and their parents. 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 23-Sun., April 24.

Community Summit A day of speakers and workshops at Everett Community College on the topic: “Violence Can’t Live Here.” 2000 Tower St., 425-388-7407. Free. 1-8 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Psychic Fair Plenty of readings and aura healings, ESPecially of interest to clairvoyants. CDM Psychic Institute, 2402 Summit Ave. (Everett), 425-258-1449. Free ($10/reading). 1-5 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Women’s Body Esteem Workshop Oppressive beauty trends, the fat-acceptance movement, and “historic vulvic myths” are all game for discussion at a workshop led by Seattle-based writer Kirsten Anderberg, a contributor to Infoshop.org and Eat the State!E-mail kirstena@resist.ca for location and further info. $15. 1-3 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Michael Stern, et al. The interpreter of political songs performs some favorites, with a little help from his musical friends, to raise money for the Rauschenbusch Center for Spirit and Action at University Baptist Church. 4554 12th Ave. N.E., 206-547-1124. $10-$25 (suggested donation; includes hors d’oeuvres). Reception: 6:15 p.m. Concert: 7 p.m. Sat., April 23.

John Shelby Spong The former Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Newark advocates a kinder, gentler read on the Good Book in The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible’s Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love. St. Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., 206-323-0300. Free. 7 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Frog Concert More of an improv session, really, but still a good chance to get to know the amphibians of Pritchard Beach Park. 8400 55th Ave. S., 206-684-4075. Free. 7:30-9 p.m. Sat., April 23.

Vintage Guitar Show Punch up your garage band with a purchase from the Northwest’s biggest guitar show, attended in past years by Pearl Jam, the Posies, and that guy who played Ed on Northern Exposure. Eagles Hall (Aerie #1), 6205 Corson Ave. S., www.randysguitars.com/show.html. $7 ($5 if you bring an instrument to sell). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., April 24.

Library Tour Local architect Susan Boyle leads a tour of the Northeast Branch Library, designed by Paul Thiry, the man responsible for much of the architecture on display at the 1962 World’s Fair. 6801 35th Ave. N.E., 206-622-6952. Free. 6:30-8 p.m. Mon., April 25.

Praxis Lecture Series North Carolina State University architecture professor Henry Sanoff talks about “Designing With Community Participation.” UW Architecture Hall (Room 147), 206-543-7679. Free. 6:30 p.m. Mon., April 25.

Victor Navasky The renowned political thinker and publisher of The Nation, one of America’s premier left-wing magazines, chats with outgoing Town Hall director (and SW founding editor) David Brewster about his new memoir, A Matter of Opinion. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Mon., April 25.

Talk of the Times Town Hall’s semi-regular forum returns with a panel discussion featuring University of Washington coaches and moderated by Seattle Times sports columnist Blaine Newnham. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Mon., April 25.

Fareed Zakaria The political analyst (ABC’s This Week) and former managing editor of the magazine Foreign Affairs addresses the current threats to American democracy. University of Puget Sound (Schneebeck Concert Hall), 1500 N. Warner St., Tacoma, 253-879-3419. $8 (free for students and UPS staff). 8 p.m. Mon., April 25.

CityClub Forum State party chairs Chris Vance (R) and Paul Berendt (D) join Secretary of State Sam Reed for a discussion of Washington’s primary elections, converted to a “top two” format after the 2004 election and possibly headed for another change this year. Women’s University Club, 1105 Sixth Ave., 206-682-7395. $40 ($30 CityClub members). Noon-1:30 p.m. Tues., April 26.

Bob Goldstein His travel memoir, The Gentleman From Finland, recounts the story of his journey on the Trans-Siberian Express, during which he accidentally impersonated a Finn. Wide World Books & Maps, 206-634-3453. Free. 7 p.m. Tues., April 26.

Mel LevineSeattle’s Child magazine hosts the childhood-development specialist at Town Hall for a talk on learning disabilities. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-675-3370. $22 ($18 advance). 7 p.m. Tues., April 26.

Marshall Rosenberg The author of Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life explains the root causes of conflict, and how to nip them in the bud. Sponsored by the Puget Sound Network for Compassionate Communication. Ballard High School, 1418 N.W. 65th St., 206-382-8576. $15-$30 (sliding scale; $10 or under for students). 7-9:30 p.m. Tues., April 26.

Film Screening and Discussion Pastor Tom Martinez and youth antiviolence expert Jim Hernandez lead a discussion of Sidney Lumet’s 1964 post-Holocaust meditation The Pawnbroker. Sponsored by Mercer Island’s Ernest Becker Foundation. UW Kane Hall (Walker-Ames Room), 206-232-2994. Free. Screening: 5 p.m. Discussion: 7:30 p.m. Tues., April 26.

Bob Dylan Lecture In conjunction with EMP’s ongoing Dylan exhibit, this presentation by artistic director Bob Santelli deals with the songwriter’s self-titled 1962 album. Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave. N., 206-367-5483. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., April 27.

Hot Spots in Our World The University of Washington–sponsored lecture series continues with “The North Korean Nuclear Issue,” presented by Korean Studies chair Clark Sorensen. UW campus (call 206-897-8939 for exact location and to register). $15. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., April 27.

Tariq Ali The journalist, activist, and novelist, much of whose work deals with class issues and imperialism, discusses the process of writing Street Fighting Years: An Autobiography of the Sixties and Speaking of Empire and Resistance. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-624-6600. $5. 7:30 p.m. Wed., April 27.