EVENTS WEDNESDAY 8/14 Around Town Insight Meditation Peter Doobinin provides ...

Around Town

Insight Meditation Peter Doobinin provides basic instruction for beginner & experienced meditators; 6th & B Garden, 6th St. (Ave. B), 212-982-5673; 8:30 p.m., free [raindate 8/22, 7 p.m.].

Salute to the Sun: Hatha Yoga for Beginners, but all levels are welcome to join Ruth Vargas' after-work yoga?bring mat & wear loose clothing; 70th St. Pier, fish table in Riverside Park S., Riverside Dr. (68th St.), 212-408-0219; 6:30 p.m., free [through 8/28].

Twilight Tours Prospect Park Alliance invites you to discover nocturnal wildlife (bats, raccoons & night-herons) in its waterways & forests during short walks & leisurely cruise aboard the Independence?refreshments & binoculars are provided; the Audubon Center, the Boathouse, Lincoln Rd. (Ocean Ave.), Bklyn, 718-287-3400; 6-8, $5.

Wednesday Night Skate Avoid sunstroke; skate after dark! NY recreational skate group moves in giant swarms through Central Park, Union Square, across Brooklyn Bridge & more; meet at Union Sq. N. (17th St.), 212-696-7247; 8, free.

Family

"Children's Books in Performance" Fantasy-themed film series pres. Otto Mesmer's short, "Felix Turns the Tide" (1922), Herbert Brenon's Peter Pan (1924) & Larry Semon's Wizard of Oz (1925)?musical score accompanies films; Donnell Library Center Aud., 20 W. 53rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-0609; 2:30, free.

The Peter Pan Game This take on Never Never Land feat. new marionettes, hand-painted scenery & original score?plus ask questions & learn the workings of marionettes; Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park, 79th St. (midpark), 212-988-9093, res. req.; 10:30 a.m. & 12 p.m., $6, $5 contrib. [repeats Thurs., Fri., Mon. & Tues.].

Sarah, Plain & Tall Theatreworks/USA pres. musical based on Patricia MacLachlan's novel about life on the American prairie in the 1800s?for ages 8 & over; Lucille Lortel, 121 Christopher St. (betw. Hudson & Bleecker Sts.), 212-627-7373; 2 & 6:30, free.

Film/Video

I Am Trying to Break Your Heart Sam Jones' 16 mm b&w documentary on alt-country band Wilco, their ordeals during recording of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot & its rejection by Reprise records. Geez, for a bunch of guys no longer being pimped by mainstream media, they're sure overexposed lately; Cinema Village, 22 E. 12th St. (betw. 5th Ave. & University Pl.), 212-924-3363; call for sched., $9.

Metropolis Digitally restored 35 mm print of Lang's sci-fi epic extends its run till tomorrow. We've heard that this new recording of the original orchestral score is worlds better than synth-laden restoration that made the rounds in the 90s; Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St. (Varick St.), 212-727-8110; 1, 3:15, 5:35, 8, 10:15, $9.75 [through 8/15].

"Movies Under the Stars" Free outdoor screenings in Hoboken, on the waterfront overlooking the Hudson River, continue w/one of the highest grossing movies, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone; Pier A Park, 1st St. (Frank Sinatra Dr.), Hoboken PATH Station, 201-420-2207; 9.

"New Filmmakers Series" pres. NewDocMakers program curated by MOMA's Paul Power, incl. Rocky Costanzo's tale of child molestation, Return to Innocence; Anthology Film Archives, 32 2nd Ave. (2nd St.), 212-505-5181; 6, $8, $5 st./s.c.

"RiverFlicks" Hudson River Park's series of movies, concerts, plays & dance performances, screens Carrie, Stephen King's uplifting paean to adolescent angst, w/free popcorn; Hudson River Park's Pier 54, 13th St. (West St.), 212-533-PARK; 8, free.

Readings

About the Author From Amazon.com: "Cal Cunningham calls himself a writer, but he's too busy?or too scared?to sit down and actually write anything. Sunday mornings, he spins tales about his conquests to his roommate, a reclusive, hard-working law student named Stewart Church. When Stewart is killed in auto accident, Cal finds in Stewart's desk a novel?a brilliant novel?based on Cal's own exploits. [Cal] sends the novel off to New York's leading literary agent, claiming it as his own. The book is a smash hit, and as he claims the rewards of literary lionization, Cal convinces himself that he is, really, at bottom?" But, of course, he isn't even halfway there?yet. John Colapinto discusses novel that finishes what 1991's excellent Little Voices began; Borders Bookstore, 461 Park Ave. (57th St.), 212-980-6785; 6:30, free.

The Frog King "chronicles the comings and goings of Harry Driscoll, an underpaid, oversexed editorial assistant working at Prestige Publishing, a prominent New York City house"; Astor Pl. Barnes & Noble, 4 Astor Pl. (betw. Lafayette St. & B'way), 212-420-1322; 7:30, free.

Workshops

Health Issues Anonymous Twelve-step group for those living w/a health concern; St. Luke's, Roosevelt Center, 324 W. 108th St. (betw. B'way & Riverside Dr.), 212-362-7214; 5:30, free.

THURSDAY 8/15

Around Town

Central Park at Twilight Idyllic time for muggers & rapists to frolic?no more! Big Onion Walking Tours explore unusual sites, unimaginable to original Park designers Olmstred & Vaux, incl. Seneca Village, rocking chair riot, the Ramble & Strawberry fields; meet at NW corner Central Park W. (66th St.), 212-439-1090; 6:30, $12, $10 st./s.c.

Dancing on the Plaza Central Park Conservancy lets you live out your Ginger Rogers/Fred Astaire ballroom dancing fantasy?first w/instruction, then glide w/a partner till 8:30; Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the plaza, Central Park, 110th St. (5th Ave.), 212-860-1370; 7, free.

Fifth-Annual Rock'n'Rollerblade RollerDisco party rivaling Roxy's! Everyone is welcome to check out the mobile skating rink coming to a borough near you. This week, travel to the Bronx & skate to tunes from WKTU. Plus,free skate & protective gear rentals!; Orchard Beach, Orchard Beach Rd., Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, 888-NYPARKS; 6:30-9:30 p.m., free.

Family

Afternoon Chess Teens who haven't succumbed to the allure of Grand Theft Auto 3 can learn strategy in a more constructive way Thursday afternoons through the summer. Chess in the park is free, lessons are also available Mondays for a $56 fee; Nelson A. Rockefeller Park (Chambers St.), 212-267-9700; 3:30-5:30.

Just for Kids Lincoln Center's "Out of Doors" Festival continues w/Philadanco; Lincoln Center, B'way (65th St.), 212-875-5108; 10:30 a.m., free.

"One-at-a-Time Gallery Talks" Children ages 5-10 & adult companions obtain a better understanding of Museum's permanent collection & temporary exhibitions during weekly activities & discussions. This week, "Drips & Drops: Artful Images of Water"; Museum of Modern Art, 33rd St. (Queens Blvd.), LIC, 212-708-9400; 3, $5/family.

Race the Sun Drama based on a true story, starring Halle Berry & James Belushi, follows adventure of inner-city kids who build & race their own solar powered car. Rated PG; Sony Wonder Lab, 550 Madison Ave. (56th St.), RSVP 212-833-7858; 5:45, free.

Film/Video

"David Bowie: Sound + Vision," five-part screening celebrates 30th anniversary of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars. We're on part three & four, which examines "China Girl" & "Tin Machine" period of our hero's life; Museum of Television & Radio, 25 W. 52nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-6800; 6, $6 [repeats Fri. at 7, Sat. & Sun. at 4, Tues. at 2, through 9/29].

"SummerNights" Annual series boasting movie screenings, tv classics, exhibits & live music, now in its fifth year, pres. "Crime Scenes" program feat. selections from Law & Order & N.Y.P.D. Plus, Spanish music by Sarah Aroeste & Friends; Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. (92nd St.), 212-423-3200; 5-9, pay-what-you-wish.

Readings

MacIntyre's Improbable Bestiary "Dark-fantasy author & Australian humorist" F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre makes rare physical appearance. Readers should note that "pentagrams & body restraints are strictly optional"; Barnes & Noble, 105 5th Ave. (18th St.), 212-675-5500; 6:30, free.

Ten Secrets of Successful Men that Women Want to Know Rule No. 1: When attending big corporate meetings, never stare too long at the CEO's cock if you meet him in the urinals; Barnes & Noble, 160 E. 54th St. (3rd Ave.), 212-750-8033; 6:30, free.

West Side YMCA Proudly Pres. the Writer's Voice Reading Series starring Lee Durkee & Rides of the Midway?new novel about a boy growing up w/an abusive, surrogate father after his own disappears as a POW in Vietnam (plus a cameo by the normally reclusive Jonathan Ames); West Side Y, 5 W. 63rd St. (Central Park W.), 212-875-4128; 7, free.

Workshops

Poetry of Dreams Harry Ellison hosts weekly poetry circle. This week's topic: Poetry of dreams as a "palimpsest projection" of experience & insight; Caffe Sha Sha, 510 Hudson St. (betw. Christopher & W. 10th Sts.), 718-651-1664; 7, $7.

FRIDAY 8/16

Around Town

DOGNY Forget cows, New York has gone to the dogs thanks to the American Kennel Club's public art program, which is placing statues of Search & Rescue Dogs, decorated by artists incl. Vera Wand & Charles Fazzino, throughout the city marking the one-year anniversary of 9/11; www.DOGNY.org & 866-DOGNY-911 [through November].

Wall Street Community Day Festival Community Board No. 1 sponsors sixth-annual event feat. food, arts & crafts, jewelry & more from over 50 local shops & restaurants; Wall St. (betw. South & Water Sts.), 212-809-4900; 11-6, free.

You Can Camp on the Beach! Who would've thunk it? Bring camping basics to fish, barbecue or relax outdoors under the stars; Fort Tilden Back Beach, Rockaway, 718-318-4300; call for application & availability, $50 per group.

Family

Just for Kids portion of Lincoln Center's "Out of Doors" Festival, which is dedicated to children's activities, pres. "Favorite Tales from Around the World" w/storytellers Chad Quartuccio, Lawrence Yamazaki & Bridget Burzo; North Plaza, 65th St. (betw. B'way & Amsterdam Ave.), 212-875-5108; 10:30 a.m., free.

Sunset Jam on the Hudson Young & old join Tamboura's Mary Knysh for ethnically-inspired call & response, traditional & creative drumming?borrow an instrument or bring one from home; Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park, Battery Park City (betw. Battery Pl. & West Side Hwy.), 212-267-9700; 6:30, free.

Film/Video

Bittersweet Dreams: New York Korean Film Festival 2002 Week-long program boasts "universal concerns of love, sex, class, crime, politics, and gender, but with twists and turns to reveal unique and imaginative perspectives on our modern society"; Anthology Film Archives, 32 2nd Ave. (2nd St.), 212-505-5181, www.koreanfilmforum.org for sched., $8, $5 st./s.c. [through 8/23].

King of the Jungle Coming-of-age story by director Seth Zvi Rosenfeld stars John Leguizamo, Rosie Perez & Rosario Dawson; Imagenation Digital Soul Cinema, 135 W. 118th St. (betw. 7th & Lenox Aves.), www.imagenationfilmfestival.org; 7 & 9:30, $7 [through 8/30].

"RiverFlicks" Hudson River Park's series of movies, concerts, plays & dance performances screen the funniest animated film from last year, Shrek, w/voices by Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy & Cameron Diaz, plus free popcorn!; Hudson River Park's Pier 25, N. Moore St. (West St.), 212-533-PARK; 8, free.

"Rooftop Films" Weekly showcase of independent shorts screened on top of a Brooklyn building. Tonight, shorts involving Texas or the Pacific Northwest; 265 McKibbin St. (Bushwick Ave.), 877-786-1912, www.rooftopfilms.com for info, 8:30, $6 [through 9/13].

Readings

Celebrate Charles Bukowski's Birthday For the discerning bon vivant, admission is free, "regular prices" on cerveza & sausage; Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery (Bleecker St.), 212-614-3040; 4.

Workshops

Medicare Orientations Empire Medicare Services offers free orientation for Medicare beneficiaries (senior citizens & disabled). Session consists of comprehensive presentation & q&a; 800 2nd Ave. (betw. 42nd & 43rd Sts.), 212-476-2289. 10-12, free.

Tai Chi Battery Park City hosts free weekly class at Esplanade Plaza, Liberty St. bridge (Church St.), 212-267-9700; 8:30 a.m.

SATURDAY 8/17

Around Town

The Great Hudson River Swim Good luck! Manhattan Island Foundation hosts sixth-annual 2.8 mile swim for fools (ages 15 & over) in Hudson River's 76-degree water (deemed unsafe for swimming by Health Department) from 79th St. Boat Basin to Hudson River Park's Pier 62; 79th St. Boat Basin, Riverside Park, 800-NYC-SWIM, www.nycswim.org; 8:45 check-in, $95.

New York City Record & CD Collectors Expo feat. new, used & collectable CDs, LPs, tapes & music memorabilia?plus first 100 customers receive free CD; Holiday Inn, 440 W. 57th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 973-773-6067; 10-4, $6.

Police Appreciation Weekend Show your love for our boys in blue & learn something too w/displays from the Bomb Squad, Scuba Team, Highway Patrol, Recruitment, Mounted, K-9, Harbor, Aviation & Emergency Service Units incl. narcotics bust, breathalyzer & jaws of life demos & fly-over; Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum, Pier 86, W. 46th St. (12th Ave.), www.intrepidmuseum.org, 212-245-0075; 1-4, free [repeats Sun.].

RUN NYC Runners can join Radu, trainer to the stars, for pre-race warm-up, then tackle the park solo; East Dr., Central Park (N. of 99th St.), www.nikerunning.com; 9:30 a.m., $30, $20 adv., $12 st./s.c., $10 st./s.c. adv.

Second-Annual Harlem Renaissance Farmers Market Harlem Renaissance Economic Development Corp. pres. flowers, handcrafted soaps & local farm-fresh produce?plus music to shop by; Lenox Ave. & Malcolm X. Blvd. (betw. 111th & 112th Sts.), 212-932-2141; 8 a.m.-4 p.m., free [through 12/20].

University Pl. Festival feat. more than 150 merchandise & food vendors selling their wares to benefit Village Visiting Neighbors; University Pl. (betw. 8th & 14th Sts.), 646-230-0489; 11-7, free.

Family

Barney w/friends BJ (tee hee hee) & Baby Bop perform sing-along concert to celebrate 10th year of brainwashing little ones. Plus it's the kickoff for 20 new episodes of Barney & Friends; Battery Park, Battery Pl. (Whitehall St.), 800-862-2763; 11-11:30 a.m., free.

Family Art Project: If I Were a Tree Examine one of many majestic trees, then make a tree self-portrait & "plant" it in a grove for the day; Kerlin Learning Center, Wave Hill, 675 W. 252nd St. (Indep. Ave.), Bronx, 718-549-3200 x211; 1-4, free w/adm. [repeats Sun.].

"Folklore & Fairytales" Storytelling series feat. colorfully costumed performers acting out tales, continues w/Jerry Joy Music's Luis Miranda; Everett Children's Adventure Garden, NY Botanical Garden, Bronx River Pkwy. (Fordham Rd.), Bronx, 718-817-8700; 2 & 3, $6, $4 st./s.c., $2.50 for child 12 & under.

Fort Fringe Junior Gehnaire pres. children's activities incl. theater games, music, crafts & storytelling from Tinamarie Panyard, as part of Fringe Festival; La Plaza Garden, 9th St. (Ave. C), 212-631-3612; 12-2, free.

Little Red Riding Hood: Little Red, Girl from the Hood Multicultural adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood walks fine line between the Brothers Grimm & Ice Cube lyrics. Find out if modernization is clever use or tiresome abuse of pop culture during this installment of "Tales in the Park" at QMA?blankets & pillows are encouraged for mobile, DIY seating; Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens Museum of Art, Grand Central Pkwy. (Northern Blvd.), 718-592-9700 x222; 1:30, $5 contrib.

Storytelling in the Park Children of all ages are welcome to hear classic tales in idyllic setting?today Katie Green tells Egyptian tale of Isis and Osiris; Hans Christian Andersen statue, Central Park, 72nd St. (5th Ave.), www.centralparknyc.org; 11, free.

Terribly Terrific Twos Meet toddlers like Indian rhino Peggy Frances, hear animal-themed stories from LuAnn Adams & let face-paint transform you into your favorite creature! Plus, see theater performances & be read to by NY Mets players (Sat. only); Bronx Zoo, Fordham Rd. (Bronx River Pkwy.), 718-367-1010; 11:30, $11, $6 child. [repeats Sun.].

Film/Video

"Carnal Knowledge: The Sexual Revolution on Film, 1967-1972" Fourth weekend of seven-weekend retrospective of foreign, underground, hardcore & underground films that challenged censorship. Tonight, Federico Fellini's spectacular Fellini Satyricon (2 p.m.) & an imported print of The Decameron, which was rated X (4:30 p.m.)?See the picks at the beginning of the Listings for more info; American Museum of the Moving Image, 35th Ave. (36th St.), Astoria, 718-784-0077; $8.50, $5.50 st./s.c. [through 9/8].

"Cinema of Shadows: The Hollywood Film Noir" series continues w/Otto Preminger's mystery romance, Laura, from 1944; YWCA, 610 Lexington Ave. (53rd St.), 212-735-9717; 4:30, $7 [repeats Sun.].

Harlem Week 2002 Black Film Festival Fifteenth-annual showing of 40 rarely screened & independent flicks concludes its run tonight w/Black Sugar, Sudan: On the Slave Trail & Sankofa; Art Gallery of the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Bldg., 163 W. 125th St. (7th Ave.), 212-749-5298, www.aboutharlemarts.org; 5, $5, $4 st./s.c.

Sunshine Daydream documents a house party from 30 years ago w/the Grateful Dead, which had more than 20,000 attendees; Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-601-1000; 9:30 & 11:30, $9 [repeats Sun.-Tues.].

Readings

Lesbian Erotica by Donna Allegra, Rachel Kramer Bussell, Bree Coven, Lisa E. Davis & Stephanie Schroeder for the many ladies & teenage boys at Ear Inn, 326 Spring St. (Greenwich St.), 212-226-9060; 3, free.

Workshops

Hobo Linguist? Matt Jones describes "hobo language" he invented that allows tech savvy geeks to physically mark locations of free wireless connections. Participants learn the language & walk through Manhattan on a "warchalking" tour; Eyebeam, 540 W. 21st St. (betw. 10th & 11th Aves.), 718-222-3982 x22; 2, free.

Inline Skating Scraped knees & bruised face got you down? Get "quick tips" on preventing road rash while improving your skating skills?beginners & advanced skaters welcome; Battery Park City, North Esplanade (Chambers St.), 212-267-9700; 2:30, free [through 10/31].

"(RE)collection" Open mic at the Asian American Writers' Workshop w/musician Imelda de la Cruz; 16 W. 32nd St., 10th fl. (betw. B'way & 5th Ave.), 212-494-0061; 7:30, $5.

SUNDAY 8/18

Around Town

Big Brother is Watching Surveillance Camera Outdoor Walking Tours reveal the abundance of cameras that monitor public spaces. This week, see who's watching you on the LES; meet at NE corner of Ave. D & Houston St., 212-561-0106; 2, free.

Makeover & More Sephora invites you to meet & get an autograph of star Jane McGregor from film Slap Her She's French, to be released 8/30, & get free makeover from Smashbox celebrity makeup artists at Sephora Time Square, 1500 B'way (betw. 43rd & 44th Sts.), RSVP 212-944-6789; 1-5, free.

Second-Annual NYC Triathlon & USA Triathlon Elite National Championship Be the best spectator you can be & follow 1000 athletes, incl. Olympians & locals, swim, cycle & run to the finish line at 72nd St. Bandshell, Central Park; start at 79th St. Boat Basin, Riverside Park, 504-454-6561, www.nyctri.com; 6:30-9, free

Shoreline Cleanup Everyone is invited to aid Urban Park Rangers in beautifying marshlands w/nets, canoes & fashionable hipwaders. Items removed will be recorded & alternative antipollution methods studied at Salt Marsh Nature Center, Marine Park, 3302 Ave. U, Bklyn, 718-421-2021; 1-3, free.

6th Ave. Festival Over 150 vendors providing food & quality merchandise to benefit 23rd St. Assoc. & St. Cecile Scholarship Fund; 6th Ave. (betw. 23rd & 33rd Sts.), 646-230-0489; 11-7, free.

Steinway Street Festival Over 400 vendors incl. arts & crafts, food, product demos, children's games & pony rides?to benefit Steinway Street BID; Steinway St. (betw. 28th & 34th Aves.), Astoria, 646-230-0489; 11-7, free.

Family

Etiquette Classes for Children Mortified that your children have improperly greeted the Japanese ambassador? Scandalized when they fumble w/escargot at society dinners? At these classes, children ages 6-18 receive hands-on instruction from a professional certified etiquette expert, incl. how to create proper place settings w/fine china & how to handle "difficult" foods, sponsored by the Plaza Hotel's "Young Plaza Ambassadors" program; Plaza Hotel, 5th Ave., 3rd fl. (59th St.), RSVP 212-843-9316; 11:30 a.m.; $40-$75 incl. lunch.

Readings

Unorganicized Reading Oh, the always-appropriate allusion to Taxi Diver?high school seniors will smile in smug self-satisfaction during this open reading at ABC No Rio, 156 Rivington St. (betw. Suffolk & Clinton Sts.), 212-254-3697; 3, free.

Workshops

Aggressive Inline Skating Grind your soul on the ramps & rails at Battery Park City?beginners & advanced skaters welcome; Battery Park City, North Esplanade (Chambers St.), 2:30, free [through 10/31].

MONDAY 8/19

Around Town

Haircut For Life Roberto Novo & his staff offer designer cuts to first time customers only, for a minimum donation of $30, w/all proceeds benefiting "NY1 for You" recipients?plus drawing for assorted prizes; Novo Salon, 192 8th Ave. (betw. 19th & 20th Sts.), 212-929-1652; 10-7, $30.

Reggae on the Hudson John Shop Records pres. riverside jam w/Stone Love, Hot 97's Bobby Konders & Jabba spinning dancehall classics & hiphop; authentic eats incl. jerk chicken, saltfish & fried sweet potato?plus Red Stripe to wash it all down; the Frying Pan, Pier 63, Hudson River (23rd St.), 718-231-9983; 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $20, $10 before midnight.

Yoga With free classes popping up everywhere incl. this one for early birds taught by Joan Coddington, there's no excuse for being yoga-phobic. Unless it's really just guys in leotards that scare you. Wear comfy clothes & bring a towel; 6th & B Garden, 6th St. (Ave. B), 212-982-5673; 7 a.m., free.

Film/Video

"Bryant Park Summer Film Festival" Annual outdoor festival closes out its 10-year "stars under the stars" season w/musical Bye Bye Birdie, starring Dick Van Dyke & Ed Sullivan?bring a blanket to sit on & arrive early; 6th Ave. (42nd St.), 212-512-5700, www.hbobryantparkfilm.com; sunset.

"Fear and Fury: The American Cinema of Fritz Lang" After a successful series last winter, BAM offers yet another retrospective on this German turned Hollywood filmmaker, focusing this time on the latter portion of his career. Today, Anna Lee stars in Fritz's 1943 anti-Nazi film noir, Hangmen Also Die; BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave. (Ashland Pl.), Ft. Greene, 718-636-4100; 4:30, 7, 9:30, $9 [repeats Tues., through 10/1].

"Mondo Mondays" Famous comedy duo Peter Cook & Dudley Moore star in surreal comic adventure, The Bed-Sitting Room (1969); Den of Cin, Two Boots, 44 Ave. A (betw. 3rd & 4th Sts.), 212-254-0800; 8, $5.

Les Blank Double Feature Park Slope joint screens Garlic Is As Good As 10 Mothers & Del Mero Corazon; Barbes, 376 9th St. (6th Ave.), 718-965-9177; 9, free.

Shadows John Cassavetes' debut film depicting the lives of a bi-racial couple; Brecht Forum, 122 W. 27th St., 10th fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-242-4201; 7:30, $6-$10 sliding scale.

TUESDAY 8/20

Around Town

Pure Country NYC Weekly country stomp & music night w/DJ Alan Kohn, line dance lessons from Rona Kaye; Jack Rose, 771 8th Ave. (47th St.), 212-247-7518; 6:30, $13.

Tuesday Night Trivia It's probably not as fun as VH1's Rock & Roll Jeopardy, but prizes incl. $10-$25 bar tabs; Baggot Inn, 82 W. 3rd St. (betw. Thompson & Sullivan Sts.), 212-477-0622; 7:30, free.

Film/Video

"Visions, Versions & Communities of New York" screens Parker Posey's Party Girl, about a New York club girl turned librarian. Wouldn't it be more interesting the other way around?; the New-York Historical Society, 2 W. 77th St. (Central Park W.), 212-873-3400; 6:30, $5, $3 st./s.c.

Lectures

"How to Get Up While You're Down?& Create Your Future Career Path" Work Talk hosts lecture w/personal & professional success coach (it's nice work if you can find it) Joyce Barrie; St. Jean Baptiste Church, Community Center, Lexington Ave. (76th St.), 212-844-8369; 6, free.

Readings

The Cell: Inside the 9/11 Plot, and Why the FBI and CIA Failed to Stop It John Miller reports on numerous tips they received during the 1990s & never acted upon, at Barnes & Noble, 2289 B'way (82nd St.), 212-362-8835; 7:30, free.

Constance: A Novel Disillusioned NYC editor (too unbelievable) has faith restored in literature by young poet (way too unbelievable); Barnes & Noble, 240 E. 86th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-794-1962; 7:30, free.

FDNY Firefighters: 2003 Calendar of Heroes Featured firefighters, Upper East Side sisters in sling-backs & Dennis Leary trying to get in on the action all (probably) appear today at Midtown Barnes & Noble, 600 5th Ave. (48th St.), 212-765-0592; 1-3, free.

The Four Temperaments Married father & son unwittingly fall for same woman (a la Louis Malle's too French Damage) in this debut novel; Lincoln Triangle Barnes & Noble, 1972 B'way (66th St.), 212-595-6859; 7, free.

Workshops

"Mr. Gu's Special Knee & Leg Exercises" "Grasshopper have much to learn" from tai chi master, Mr. Gu. During this workshop, learn about effective exercises specifically targeted to lower leg & knee problems; Dorot, 246 W. 80th St., 4th fl. (betw. B'way & West End Ave.), 212-769-2850; 10:30, $3-$5 sugg. don.