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Film Discussion Series UW/Bothell’s extracurricular survey of world cinema continues with Autumn Spring, the story of a Peter Pan–type facing old age in the Czech Republic. (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. 23.

Community Alliance for Global Justice The local political group meets to discuss the Central American Free Trade Agreement. 606 Maynard Ave. S., 206-405-4600. Free. 6-7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Bike Maintenance Class Intended especially for women, and taught by an REI staffer. (“Please bring your front wheel for hands-on experience.”) REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., 206-223-1944. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Community Conversation “Culture and Standards of Beauty” is the topic of this panel discussion led by Change Your Mind, Change Your Body author Ann Kearney Cooke and triathlete/model Alesia Massingale. Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Ave. S. (Tacoma), 253-591-5666. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Film Screening The recently relocated 911 Media Arts Center screens Mission Against Terror, a Cuban documentary about five political prisoners arrested for antiterrorist activities. 409 Ninth Ave. N., 206-682-6552. $10. 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Karsten Heuer The biologist and park ranger explains why he journeyed from Yellowstone National Park to the Canadian Yukon and what he discovered along the way. Sponsored in part by the Mountaineers and the Burke Museum. UW Kane Hall (Room 210), 206-223-6303. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

West Seattle Then and Now Former Department of Neighborhoods director Jim Diers, John Chaney of Historic Seattle (the event sponsor), and King County Council member Dow Constantine discuss West Seattle’s evolution from city birthplace to homeowners’ hotspot. South Seattle Community College (Olympic Hall), 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 206-622-6952. $12. 7-9 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Roger Penrose The Oxford math professor talks about his new book, The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe, in which he reveals little-known connections between mathematical theory and natural phenomena. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 23.

Blood Drive Donate some hemoglobin to the Puget Sound Blood Center. (Visit www.psbc.org for a full list of times and places to give blood.) Westlake Tower, 1601 Fifth Ave. (Fifth Floor), 800-398-7888. Free. 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 24.

Cognitive Therapy Workshop Hosted by Antioch University and taught by Indian-born mental health counselor Anil Coumar, this seminar covers the basics of “mindfulness-based cognitive therapy,” which encourages collaboration between patients and physicians. 2326 Sixth Ave., 206-268-4111. $55 ($25 Antioch students). 1-5 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 24.

Art Lecture Sculptor and writer Tony Angell examines the relationships among art, nature, and environmental activism in a talk sponsored by People for Puget Sound. REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., 206-382-7007. $10 ($8 advance). 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 24.

Warren McDonald The climber, who suffered a double amputation after a fall in 1997, reads from and discusses his new book, A Test of Will, in which he recounts the incident and its aftermath, including his recovery and return to climbing. REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., 206-223-1944. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 24.

Nordic Film Series This week’s feature: the Swedish film Good Evening, Mr. Wallenberg, the true story of a man who saved tens of thousands of Jews in Hungary during World War II. Nordic Heritage Museum, 3014 N.W. 67th St., 206-789-5707. $5 (suggested donation). 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 24.

Karen Spears Zacharias The daughter of a Vietnam soldier killed in action talks about her new memoir, Hero Mama, at the Tacoma Public Library. 1102 Tacoma Ave. S. (Tacoma), 253-591-5666. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 24.

Greg Nickels The mayor of Seattle, up for re-election in November, talks with Essex Porter of KIRO-TV about his plans for the next four years (chief among them: the redevelopment of South Lake Union). Sponsored by CityClub. Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Ave., 206-682-7395. $40 (includes luncheon). Noon-1:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 25.

Science Seminar Highline Community College continues its winter seminar series with a talk titled “AIDS: An Update,” presented by Highline professor Bob Baugher. 2400 S. 240th St., 206-878-3710, ext. 3283. Free. 2:10-3 p.m. Fri., Feb. 25.

Black History Month Film Festival The fest, co-sponsored by Blac Urban Professionals and SEED, concludes with the star-studded 1974 caper comedy Uptown Saturday Night, featuring Bill Cosby, Harry Belafonte, Richard Pryor, and Sidney Poitier (who also directed). Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 3515 S. Alaska St., 206-309-8331. $5. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Fri., Feb. 25.

Carol Moseley Braun At Benaroya Hall, the former U.S. ambassador, senator, and presidential candidate speaks on the Bush economic plan and its potential effect on Social Security. 200 University St., 206-218-4747. $20 ($40 VIP ticket includes post-event reception). 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 25.

Joanna Kadi The “working-class Arab lesbian cultural worker” reads some of her post–9/11 poetry and talks about politics and hope at Chinatown’s Bush Hotel. 409 Maynard Ave. S., 206-324-8165. $5 (suggested donation). 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 25.

Nonviolence Event Bothell’s Center for Spiritual Living continues its weekly series of peace happenings with a workshop on “compassionate listening” taught by Peter Hwoschinky. 18102 102nd Ave. N.E. (Bothell), 425-941-9717. $25 (a third of proceeds benefit peace organizations). 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fri., Feb. 25.

Language LessonParlo italiano? Early risers can start learning the other language of love at this free session sponsored by the Seattle Language Academy. Wide World Books & Maps, 4411A Wallingford Ave. N., 206-634-3453. Free. 9:30 a.m. Sat., Feb. 26.

Introduction to Buddhism A daylong primer on its philosophical and meditative precepts, at Ballard’s Kadampa Buddhist Temple. 6556 24th Ave. N.W., 206-526-9565. $40. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26.

Gardening Class Join a Swanson’s Nursery staffer for “Bareroot Basics,” a hands-on guide to selecting and properly planting bareroot trees and shrubs. 9701 15th Ave. N.W., 206-838-2722. Free. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26-Sun., Feb. 27.

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. 26-Sun., Feb. 27.

Sheley Secrest A member of the Seattle NAACP’s Racial Profiling Task Force, she addresses “Youth Leadership in Social Justice” at this week’s meeting of the Michelle Randall Ealy Social Justice Foundation. Ebenezer AME Zion Church, 1716 23rd Ave., 206-329-0562. $5 (suggested donation). 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26.

Mount St. Helens Lecture U.S. Forest Service Park Ranger Gregg Pohll provides both a brief history and a status report on everyone’s favorite local volcano. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, 117 S. Main St., 206-553-7220. Free. 2 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26.

Talking Circles: Community Conversations The Seattle Public Library forum series on education continues at the Green Lake and Columbia City branches, with SPL trustee Eric Liu, state Rep. Ed Murray (D-Seattle), Trish Millines Dziko of the Technology Access Foundation, and others. 7364 E. Green Lake Dr. N., 206-684-7547. Free. Green Lake: 2 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26. Columbia City: 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 27.

Benefit Auction Seattle Holistic Center hosts an Indian-themed fund-raiser for tsunami relief: Sample chai and traditional food, then bid in the silent and live auctions. 7700 Aurora Ave. N., 206-524-7669. Free. Silent auction: 4:30-6:45 p.m. Live auction: 7-8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26.

Film ScreeningStruggles in Steel, a 1996 Sundance selection, is an hour-long documentary about black steel workers and their relationship to the American labor movement. A panel discussion follows the screening. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., 206-722-2453. $3. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26.

Rick Steves The Edmonds-based travel writer and PBS host (Travels in Europe) reflects on (and shows slides from) Scandinavia. All proceeds benefit the Lutheran Alliance to Create Housing, which builds homes for low-income King County residents. Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th Ave. S.W., 206-682-9541. $15. 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26.

Driver Safety Course Boost your behind-the-wheel prowess on a driving course sponsored by the Mercer Island JCC and intended for motorists 55 and up. 3801 E. Mercer Way, 206-232-7115. $10. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mon., Feb. 28.

Flights and Feng Shui Let feng shui consultants Phyllis Grand and Robbin Reiser teach you how to arrange your furniture harmoniously, then sip your way through a wine-tasting class with Purple Cafe wine director Christine Larson. Articles, 222 Park Place Mall (Kirkland), 425-828-6657. $15. 6 p.m. Mon., Feb. 28.

Diesel Engine Troubleshooting Workshop Learn to keep the electrical, fuel, cooling, and exhaust components of your boat engine running smoothly at a class cosponsored by the Port of Seattle and the Washington Sea Grant Program. Nordby Building (Fisherman’s Terminal), 4005 20th Ave. W., 206-543-1225. $60. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Mon., Feb. 28-Tues., March 1.

Fire Station Forum Seattleites interested in learning about the city’s plan to relocate the firehouse at 7300 35th Ave. S.W. are encouraged to attend this public discussion. Gatewood Elementary School Cafeteria, 4320 S.W. Myrtle St., 206-252-9400. Free. 7 p.m. Mon., Feb. 28.

Navigation ClassNational Geographic staffer Jeff Caulfield demonstrates the usefulness of the Global Positioning System (GPS) during hikes and other outdoor activities. REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., 206-223-1944. Free. 7 p.m. Mon., Feb. 28.

Dharma Social Club Sakya Monastery hosts this philosophical discussion group, which addresses love, anger, compassion, and other key issues from a Buddhist perspective (though all faiths are welcome). 108 N.W. 83rd St., 206-789-2573. Free. 7:30 p.m. Mon., Feb. 28.

Discussion Forum Representing Mormonism in Sakya Monastery’s ongoing religious discussion series, Greg D. DeArton leads a chat about marriage in the context of faith. 108 N.W. 83rd St., 206-789-2573. $5. 7:30 p.m. Tues., March 1.

Paul Rusesabagina The real-life hero of Hotel Rwanda, he used his influence as manager of a luxury hotel to save nearly 1,300 refugees from death during the Rwandan genocide. Tonight at Town Hall, he’s likely to recount the experience in his own words, discuss his opinion of the film, and talk about the genocide’s legacy. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-628-0888. $20. 7:30 p.m. Tues., March 1.

Michelle Garb In observation of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the nationally known comedian and recovering anorexic speaks at Everett Community College on the topic “Fat Brain/Skinny Body.” ED-related exhibits remain on display at ECC from Feb. 28 through March 4. 2000 Tower St. (Everett), 425-388-9505. Free. Noon. Wed., March 2.

Roger Bumgarner Stem-cell research demystified, courtesy of the UW microbiology professor. Tacoma Public Library, 1102 Tacoma Ave. S. (Tacoma), 253-591-5666. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., March 2.

Armin Chermue The field officer for anti-hunger organization Heifer International speaks at Seattle University’s Wyckoff Auditorium on new methods of battling global poverty. 901 12th Ave., 206-296-6000. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., March 2.

Nature Talk Ian Young and Mary Maxwell-Young of the Washington Butterfly Association give you the skinny on Utah’s unique ecosystem. Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 N.E. 41st St., 206-364-4935. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., March 2.