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

Joseph Wilson The former U.S. ambassador’s name has been in the headlines for more than two years after he shed doubt on Dubya’s theory that Iraq was developing WMDs and the White House revealed his wife’s status as a CIA operative, seemingly in retaliation. His talk at Town Hall is sponsored by Foolproof Performing Arts. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-325-2993. $35. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Oct. 26.

Nina Totenberg The NPR legal-affairs correspondent discusses “The Supreme Court and Its Impact on You” at the University of Puget Sound. UPS campus (Schneebeck Concert Hall), 1500 N. Warner St. (Tacoma), 253-879-3419. $10 (free for UPS students/faculty). 8 p.m. Wed., Oct. 26.

Thomas Pickering The career diplomat of the U.S. State Department will visit Seattle University and discuss the crisis in the Middle East, U.S. dependency on Middle Eastern oil, the Israel and Palestine conflict, and the influence of Islamic fundamentalism across the world. Campion Ballroom, 901 12th Ave., 206-441-5910. $15 ($10 for members and students). 7 p.m. Wed., Oct. 26.

Candidates for Seattle Port Commission Debate For the upcoming election on Nov. 8 for three of five seats, learn where the candidates stand on issues from job creation to developing Port property for commercial and residential use. Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Ave., 206-682-7395. $40 ($30 for members and $35 for guests and members of co-presenters). 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 27.

Peace Corps Returned Peace Corps volunteer Julie Congdon will speak to the community about her experiences abroad and be a voice for the other 7,000 Peace Corps volunteers serving in 72 countries and participating in business, education, technology, health, and environmental opportunities. Peace Corps Seattle Regional Office, 1601 Fifth Ave., 206-553-5490. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 27.

Robert D. Kaplan The correspondent for The Atlantic Monthly and author of books on foreign affairs and travel, including Imperial Grunts: The American Military on the Ground, discusses his cynical view of democracy. Eagle Harbor Book Company, 157 Winslow Way E., 206-842-7901. Free. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 27.

Pre-Election Seattle Follies KIRO-AM radio host and former congressional candidate Dave Ross hosts this edition of “Seattle Follies: Cabaret With a Political Twist.” Guests include Reggie Watts, Sarah Rudinoff, pianist Jovino Santos Neto, and the “haunted” Paul Dorpat. Expect political commentary and satirical sketches—and, of course, beer and wine available for purchase. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $13-$18. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 27.

2005 Climate Change Conference At this King County–sponsored forum, speakers from government, education, and nonprofit organizations talk about preparing for the future. Qwest Field (Conference Center), 1000 Occidental Ave. S., 206-38107555. 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 27.

Elouise Cobell The Native American activist is coming to town for Social Justice Fund Northwest’s annual fund-raising dinner. Her plaintiff role in a class-action lawsuit about government mismanagement of Native American assets from trust lands is one of her many gutsy accomplishments. The Westin Hotel, 1900 Fifth Ave., 206-721-9540 or www.socialjusticefund.org. $100/person. 7 p.m. Fri., Oct. 28.

Dia de Muertos Celebrate this important Mexican tradition at the Center House in Seattle Center. Community altars, candy and special food, candles, music, and dance. 305 Harrison St., 206-684-7200. Free. Noon-8 p.m. Sat., Oct. 29.

Dr. George Weigel He’s one of the world’s leading commentators on religion and public life and the author of The Polish Roots of John Paul II’s Vision. Kane Hall, University of Washington, 206-616-0632. $50 donation includes paid reception with Weigel. 5-7 p.m. Sun., Oct. 30.

National Live Broadcast of “The Al Franken Show” Seattle’s Air America affiliate, KPTK-AM (1090), hosts a second visit of the radio network’s flagship program to Seattle, at Town Hall from 9 a.m.-noon, with a book signing from 1-2 p.m. 1119 Eighth Ave., 800-838-3006. $25. Mon., Oct. 31.

Jonathan Kozol Boston-born, he’s best known for books on public education and his unyielding passion for civil rights. Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., 206-323-0300. Free, donations appreciated. 7:30 p.m. Mon., Oct. 31.

Elections in U.S.: “Steal this Vote” Andrew Gumbel of the Independent of London discusses the history of how votes have been bought, lost, and even stolen in this country. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5 at door only. 7:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 1.

Religions Across Borders and Time The last in a series of lectures about globalization. This lecture focuses on the world’s religious communities. University of Washington faculty will discuss Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. Panelists include professors from the Jackson School of International Studies and others, with Steve Scher of KUOW-FM moderating. Kane Hall, room 130, University of Washington, 206-543-0540 or visit www.UWalum.com for ticket info. 7-8:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 1.

Brigadier General Janis Karpinksi In town to discuss her new memoir, One Woman’s Army, about her experiences with the shameful events at Abu Ghraib, Karpinksi wants to share stories about Iraqi prisoners, corruption in the military, and her meeting with Saddam Hussein. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5 at the door only. 7:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 1.