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

Follies Theatrical rock band Awesome hosts this regular cabaret with a political twist, which, this time, includes City Council member Sally Clark. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255, www.townhallseattle.org. $18. 7:30 p.m. Wed., March 29.

Five Italian Cities University of Washington Italian Studies professor Claudio Mazzola teaches a course that links the complex histories and contemporary cultures—including art, literature, and cinema—of Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome, and Venice. Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington, 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 41st Street, 206-621-2230, www.lectures.org. $75. 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays, March 29-May 24.

David Brancaccio The veteran journalist and host of PBS’s weekly newsmagazine Now moderates a discussion about the role of media in our democracy. Advanced registration recommended. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255, www.kcts.org. Free. 8 p.m. Wed., March 29.

How to Write a Novel Despite Your Day Job Mystery writer and corporate attorney Pam Samuels-Young hosts a workshop for aspiring writers. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030, www.hugohouse.org. Free. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., March 30.

Seattle’s Role as a Center for Global Health Hear firsthand expertise from doctors and moderator Margaret Larson about the politics of global health, the business of saving lives, and the incredible pool of talent in this area. Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Ave., 206-682-7395, www.seattlecityclub.org. $40. Noon-1 p.m. Fri., March 31.

Seattle architecture The Seattle Architecture Foundation kicks off its 2006 Green Building Tour Series with a look at the University of Washington’s Merrill Hall. University of Washington, register by calling 206-667-9184, www.seattlearchitecture.org. $10. 1 p.m. Fri., March 31.

Sweden Diabetes Awareness Day Leading researchers from Seattle and Sweden present state-of-the-art studies and promising new developments for children and adolescents with diabetes. Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, 206-838-5153, register at www.jdrfnorthwest.org. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., April 1.

Charles Eldredge The eminent American-art historian talks about the career of Georgia O’Keeffe and recent writings about her. Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253-272-4258, www.tacomaartmuseum.org. Free with admission. 2 p.m. Sat., April 1.

Doing Business in the New China Featured speaker Ethan Gutmann, author of Losing the New China: A Story of American Commerce, Desire, and Betrayal, joins the discussion about whether free U.S. and international trade with China has promoted positive economic and political change in Chinese society.University of Washington Kane Hall, 206-251-3657. Free. 3-5:30 p.m. Sat., April 1.

Facing the Truth about 9/11 Two international researchers will address unresolved questions: Barrie Zwicker, independent documentary producer and Canadian journalist, and Webster Tarpley, historian, author, and terrorism expert. University of Washington HUB, 800-838-3006 for tickets, seekinglight.net/911vis. $15/$10 students, seniors. 6-10 p.m. Sat., April 1.

Star parties The Seattle Astronomical Society hosts its monthly public star soirees at two locations to take a look at what’s in the sky, especially Saturn, which will be beautifully placed for viewing. Poor weather cancels the event. Green Lake west of the Bathhouse Theater and Paramount Park, Northeast 155th and Northeast 8th Street, Shoreline, 206-523-2787, www.seattleastro.org. Free. Dusk Sat., April 1.

Sistah2Sistah Sistah Bowl The group that promotes visibility and unity among lesbians of African descent hosts a night of bowling to strengthen its diverse membership.Acme Bowling, 100 Andover Park West, Tukwila, 206-369-1270. $3/shoe rental, $5.50/game. 7 p.m. Sat., April 1.

Baby and Toddler Fair Expecting parents and families with young children can get information from child-support groups, labor doulas, prenatal yoga specialists, lactation specialists, and more. Entertainment and hands-on classes for kids throughout the day. Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way, Mercer Island, 206-232-7115, www.sjcc.org. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun., April 2.

Death and Survival in the Lodz Ghetto Dr. Thomas Weber from the University of Pennsylvania talks about the work of Jewish photographer Henryk Ross, whose images documented the public and private lives of Jews during Nazi occupation. Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave. S., 206-622-9250. Free. 1 p.m. Sun., April 2.

Gardening: Magic, Murder, and the Weather Australian designer William Martin lectures on the magic of gardens, the murder of wasteful garden practices, and the importance of working with the climate for sustainability. Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 N.E. 41st St., 425-828-3005. $10. 1 p.m. Sun., April 2.

Israeli and Palestinian Election Results Discussion Jonathan Jacoby, director of Israel Policy Forum, and Edward Abington of Bannerman and Associates, a lobbying firm that has represented the Palestinian Authority, discuss what the recent elections mean for Middle East peace. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-441-5910, www.world-affairs.org. $15. 7 p.m. Mon., April 3.

Donald P. Nielsen The chairman of TeachFirst, a public education startup dedicated to transforming schools, speaks at the 15th-annual CEO Lunch Series produced by the University of Washington Business School and Alumni Association. Columbia Tower Club, 701 Fifth Ave., 206-543-0545. $40. Noon-1:30 p.m. Tues., April 4.

Toxics in Puget Sound Mammals Orca researcher Peter Ross and human-health policy developer Robert Duff illustrate the shared danger faced by all mammals—orcas, seals, and humans—living in and around the Sound. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-382-7007, www.pugetsound.org. $10/advance, $15/door. 7 p.m. Wed., April 5. Also, a daylong workshop runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Washington Butterfly Association Ian Young and Mary Maxwell share photos of butterflies and other creatures from their trip to Central America. Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 N.E. 41st St., 206-364-4935, www.naba.org/chapters/nabaws. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., April 5.