WEDNESDAY 10/29 WEDNESDAY 10/29 Around Town Big Apple ...
Around Town
Big Apple Circus: Carnivale Big Top meets Cirque du Soleil in this multi-cultural, multi-dimensional, world-class performance feat. masquerade balls, puppets, confetti & floats; Damrosch Park Bandshell, W. 62nd St. (betw. B'way & Amsterdam Ave.), 212-721-6500, 212-307-4100; 6:30, $18-$72 [repeats Thurs. at 6:30, Sat. & Sun. at 12:30 & 4:30, Tues. at 2, through 1/11].
Grecian Masquerade Ball Toga party to help fundraise for "the African Action on AIDS"; Frying Pan, Pier 63, W. 23rd St. (12th Ave), 212-592-1950; 8 p.m.-12 a.m., $20.
Mystery & Masquerade Very fancy Halloween ball?proceeds benefit the Central Park Conservatory; Central Park Rumsey Playfied, 69th St. (midpark), 212-310-6658; 7 p.m.-12 a.m., call for prices.
Oribe Exhibition: Lifestyle, Craft and Sight of Gifu, Japan The Gifu Prefectural Government sponsors six-day exhibition of the Japanese heartland's crafts & culture?plus today through Friday, see performances by Taiko drummers, Kabuki performers, Shishimai dancers & Kimono models (1-5); Grand Central, Vanderbilt Hall, 42nd St. (Park Ave.), 212-725-3424; 11-8, free [repeats Thurs.-Sat. 11-8, Sun. 11-3].
"Thinking and Drinking" Smarty-pants compete in five fast rounds of random trivia for prizes of $10-$25 bar tabs; Dempsey's Pub, 61 2nd Ave. (betw. 3rd & 4th Sts.), 212-678-5126; 7:30, free.
Film/Video
Au Hasard Balthazar New 35mm-print of director Robert Bresson's 1966 b&w drama about a mistreated donkey & the people around it, in French w/English subtitles?feat. new translation; Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St. (betw. Varick St. & 6th Ave.), 212-727-8110, www.filmforum.com; 1:20, 3:20, 5:20, 7:20 & 9:20, $9.75 [repeats Thurs.].
"Ingrid Bergman: The Swedish Films" Series pres. ten films, incl. eight early works, from the Swedish actress. Today, an upper-class Bergman crosses classes for love in director Gustaf Molander's 1939 b&w drama, One Single Night?Swedish w/English subtitles; Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave. (betw. 37th & 38th Sts.), 212-879-9779, www.scandinaviahouse.org; 6:30, $8 [through 2/4].
"Bloodsucking Europeans!" No, not the Windsors, a series Eurohorror classics, silly! Today, see 1973 psychic thriller Don't Look Now, starring Julie Christie & Donald Sutherland?also playing Clive Barker's Hellraiser (Sat. at 12 a.m.) & Dario Argento's 1977 "gore-fest" Suspiria (Sat. at 5:45 & 10, Sun. at 9:15, Tues. at 10); Pioneer Theater, 155 E. 3rd St. (Ave. A), 212-254-3300, www.twoboots.com/pioneer; 9, $9, $6 st./s.c. [repeats Sat. at 7:45, Sun. at 7, Mon. at 10].
Flesh For the Beast Screening of director Terry West's 2003 occult-focused horror flick?plus Tuesday, see Takashi Miike's 2001 gore-filled, "violent opera of sadism," Ichi the Killer; VideoTheatre, NYC, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-868-4444, www.videotheatrenyc.com; 7:30, $5-$6, $3 st.
"For the Love of Kate" Month-long 16mm-screenings, celebrating the life & work of Katharine Hepburn, ends w/director Walter Lang's 1957 romantic office comedy, Desk Set, starring Hepburn & real-life lover Spencer Tracy; Donnell Library Center, 20 W. 53rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-0618; 2:30, free.
"Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" Series pres. the best from the man in black, incl. his 1957 tv debut & recent music video, in four programs. Today, check out "Part 1: Walking the Line (1957-69)" feat. his live performances on The Jackie Gleason Show, Ranch Party & Town Hall Party; Museum of Television & Radio, 25 W. 52nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-6600; 2, $10, $8 st./s.c. [repeats Thurs. at 2 & 6, Fri.-Sun. at 2].
"RIPFest #3" Raw Impressions, Inc. screens works created by six teams of filmmakers, who have just 16 days to write, shoot & produce a digital video short; Anthology Film Archives, 32 2nd Ave. (2nd St.), 212-505-5181, tkts 212-868-4444; 8 & 9:30, $10 [repeats Thurs.].
Lectures
CBS 75th Anniversary Panel of CBS "alumni & current personalities" discuss the "past, present & future of the network"?feat. Alan Alda, Leslie Moonves & Lesley Stahl; Museum of Television & Radio, 25 W. 52nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-6600; www.mtr.org; 6:30, $15.
Barbara Bush Former first lady speaks on her life, experiences & recently published memoir?maybe she'll where she went wrong w/son George W.; 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. (92nd St.), 212-415-5500, www.92y.org; 8, $25-$50.
Rabbi William Berkowitz discusses recent events in Israel & "its effects on the U.S." w/Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon; Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St. (5th Ave.), 917-606-8200; 8.
The Double Act Professor Lydia Goehr & pianist Stefan Litwin celebrate centenary of philosopher Theodor Adorno w/discussion & performance on the "relationship between philosophy & music"; Columbia's Miller Theatre, 2960 B'way (116th St.), 212-854-7799; 8, $10.
"JFK & Assassination: 40 Years Later" Journalists & television newscasters look back on the moments right before & after the event that "ended the Camelot era"?feat. Anthony Lewis, Dan Rather, Robert B. Semple Jr., Tom Wicker, Jill Abramson; Sylvia & Danny Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave. (68th St.), RSVP 888-NYT-1870, www.nytimes.com; 6:30, $25.
Readings
The Best Sports Writing 2003 Editor Buzz Bissinger & contributors read; Rocky Sullivan's, 129 Lexington Ave. (29th St.), 212-725-3871; 8, free.
Norman Mailer reads from Modest Gifts: Poems And Drawings; Union Square Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St. (betw. B'way & Park Ave. S.), 212-253-0810; 7, free.
Ty Pennington, "the sexy carpenter on Trading Spaces," signs Ty's Tricks of the Trade; Barnes & Noble, 600 5th Ave. (48th St.), 212-957-2890; 1, free.
Workshops
Cooking Kosher Montrachet sous chef Albert Richter demonstrates cooking techniques & secrets, then prepares a kosher dinner; Synagogue for the Arts, 49 White St. (betw. Church St. & B'way), RSVP 212-966-7141; 7, $40.
THURSDAY 10/30
Around Town
Bird Watching BPC Parks Conservancy invites bird watchers to join the NY Audubon Society's Sarah Elliott & Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge's Dave Taft in admiring our feathered friends; Battery Park City, Wagner Park, Battery Pl. (West St.), 212-267-9700; 9:30, free.
Doghouse Halloween Party Know for sure whether Bowser's secretly plotting your untimely death! Animal Communicator Donna Lozito reads pets & their owners for a reduced fee at pet friendly party?also feat. food & drinks for people & doggie bobbing for weiners; Downtown Doghouse, 259 West 18th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-924-5300; 4 [repeats Fri.].
Hunt for Housing Works Teams use guide books & clues to complete missions, eventually winning prizes?all participants get a free 2004 Not For Tourists Guide to New York City; Housing Works Used Book Cafe, 126 Crosby St. (betw. Houston & Prince Sts.), 212-334-3324; 6, $25.
Masquerade Ball Museum of Sex & theater company, One Year Lease, invite young, costumed, "up-and-coming" professionals to get wild & funky for Halloween, feat. open bar, dining, live entertainment & after hours tour of the museum?sex optional; Museum of Sex, 233 5th Ave. (27th St.), 212-352-3101; 8-12, $50-$250.
The Orange & Black Crystal Ball Bring a costume to Halloween celebration feat. psychic Frank Andrews, Norman Bates' mother, munchies & booze?proceeds the Merchant's House Museum; Merchant's House, 29 E. 4th St. (betw. Bowery & Lafayette Sts.), 212-777-1089; 7-9, $65, $50 adv.
Qui Wherehouse Sale Qui is moving to a new gallery space next month so take advantage of sale prices on furniture & ceramics incl. refurbished antiques & unique pieces by well known designers; Gallery Qui, 601 W. 26th St. #1341 (11th Ave.), 212-691-2240; 12-7 [repeats Fri. & Sat.].
Rockefeller Center Farmers Market Annual market brings fresh fruits & veggies, flowers & baked goods from regional farmers to citydwellers?plus, Saturdays, the Children's Museum of Manhttan pres. kids activities; Rockefeller Center Pl., 51st St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), www.rockefellercenter.com; 8-6, free [repeats Fri. & Sat., through 11/15].
Second-Annual Affordable Art Fair feat. affordable contemporary art, incl. drawings, paintings, photography & sculpture, from 120 galleries to brighten up your home?plus lectures, printmaking demos, guided tours & coffee bars; Pier 92, 12th Ave. (50th St.), 800-594-TIXX, www.affordableartfair.com; 11-6, $10, $7 st./s.c., child. under 12 free [repeats Fri. & Sun. 11-6, Sat. 11-7].
Film/Video
Fourth-Annual Reel Jews Film Festival pres. docs. & shorts showcasing emerging Jewish filmmakers. Today, director Karl Nussbaum's Thanatos & Eros: The Birth of the Holy Freak (2003), a look at "what a child learns growing up in the home of a Holocaust survivor"?followed by discussion w/Nussbaum; Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-413-8806, www.makor.org; 7:30, $9.
Orphans of Mathare New York City-premiere of directors Randy Bell & Pacho Velez's 2003 documentary, following former street children, now living at the Good Samaritan Children's Home, in Nairobi, Kenya; the Tank, 432 W. 42nd St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-868-4444, www.orphansofmanthare.com; 8, $7.
Polish Cinema Polish Cultural Institute & MOMA pres. exhibition of 82 Polish shorts "representing fifty years of creative and subversive animation, avant-garde, and experimental filmmaking" in two programs; MOMA's Gramercy Theater, 127 E. 23rd St. (betw. Lexington & Park Aves.), 212-718-9480, www.moma.org; see website for complete sched., $6 [through 11/2].
Lectures
"Home & Exile, Politics & Poetry" Poet Bei Dao & cultural critic Eliot Weinberger discuss the ways in which "poetry can respond to cultural & political disenfranchisement"; Poets House, 72 Spring St., 2nd fl. (B'way), 212-431-7920; www.poetshouse.org; 7, $7.
Picasso: The Man, the Women, the Work Marian Burleigh-Motley examines Picasso's "creativity as an artist" & how his art reflected his "relationships w/the women who shared his life"; Metropolitan Museum of Art Grace Rainey Rogers Aud., 5th Ave. (82nd St.), 212-570-3949, www.metmuseum.org; 11, $20.
Prospects for Peace in the Middle East Ambassador Dennis Ross analyzes the "facts & possibilites" for peace following the U.S. occupation of Iraq; New School University, 66 W. 12th St. #407 (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-229-5488; 6, $10.
A Symposium on the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of his life, legacy & impact on civil rights & poverty law?panel discussion feat. Andrew Scherer, C. Virginia Fields, Juan Cartagena, Ron Daniels, Angelo Falcon, Dr. Carolyn Goodman & Denise Outram; City Hall, 131 Duane St. (betw. Church St. & W. B'way), RSVP 212-431-7200; 5:30.
Readings
The Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide "Peter Balakian explores the efforts of US government officials and civillians to stop the Armenian genocide of 1915"; Union Square Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St. (betw. B'way & Park Ave. S.), 212-253-0810; 7.
Evil: An Investigation From Publishers Weekly: "Morrow, author of more than 150 Time cover stories, begins by responding to a variety of events, some of them on the scale of the Holocaust and September 11, others more modest, such as several particularly gruesome murders and the shootings at Columbine, trying to grasp where evil inheres"; Barnes & Noble, 240 E. 86th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-794-1962; 7.
The First Time I Met Frank O'Hara: Reading Gay American Writers Author Rick Whitaker discusses; Chelsea Barnes & Noble, 675 6th Ave. (21st St.), 212-727-1227; 7.
Anne Rice Note to any NYU freshman w/an inordinate amount of velvet in your closet: Lestat's mommy appears just in time for Halloween to promote Blood Canticle: The Vampire Chronicles?but you already knew that...; Astor Place Barnes & Noble, 4 Astor Pl. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-420-1322; 6, free.
Workshops
Laughter is the Best Medicine! Seniors 60 & up turn those "arthritic bones into funny bones" as they share jokes, perform skits & laugh during on-going humor workshop; McBurney YMCA, 125 W. 14th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-741-9210; 6:30, $48/4 classes.
Self-Inquiry Meditation: Uncovering Your Real Nature Meditation technique rooted in the Advaita tradition aims to lead us to an "awareness of our true nature" using specific yoga postures & breath; New York Open Center, 83 Spring St. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-219-2527; 6.
FRIDAY 10/31
Around Town
Hip-Hop for Health Care Dead Prez, Mos Def & more donate their time; Gallery 1199, Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center, 310 W. 43rd St. (8th & 9th Aves.), 212-260-5000; 6:30, call for prices.
Metro Tour Service History & landmark specialist Mauricio Lorence leads three-hour tour around Brooklyn Heights, Ft. Greene & Clinton Hill's historic ethnic communities & institutions; Marriott Hotel Brooklyn, 333 Adams St. (betw. Pearl & Willoughby Sts.), Bklyn, 718-789-0430, metrotourservice@yahoo.com; 2-5, $25 [repeats Sat. & Sun.].
The Wiggles Barney's a has-been & the Tele-Tubbies are still controversial, instead turn your tot on to Sydney-based children's group, the Wiggles, touring in support of their music, tv, video & film projects; Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave. (51st St.), 212-247-4777; 2 & 7, $15-$51 [repeats Sat. & Sun. at 10:30, 2 & 5, Mon. at 10:30 & 2].
Film/Video
Eyes Without A Face See new 35mm-print, feat. new translation & subtitles, of director Georges Franju's 1960 b&w "eerie arthouse shocker," about a surgeon & his penchant for kidnapping nice young girls?French w/English subtitles; Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St. (betw. Varick St. & 6th Ave.), 212-727-8110, www.filmforum.com; 1, 2:50, 4:40, 6:30, 8:20 & 10:10, $9.75 [repeats Sat.-Tues.].
Green-Wood Partnership pres. 1979 gang-drama, The Warriors (8 p.m.), director James Whale's 1931 b&w horror classic Frankenstein, starring Boris Karloff as the monster (10) & George A. Romero's 1968 b&w zombie hit, Night of the Living Dead (12 a.m.)?proceeds benefit Saved In Time; the Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave. (betw. Union & President Sts.), 718-857-4816, RSVP www.gowanus.com; $8 per film.
Reverend Billy & the Church of Stop Shopping NY-premiere screening of director Dietmar Post's 2002 documentary, following the Reverend (performance artist Bill Talen) into consumer centers, then NYPD shows up & hillarious consequences ensue; Anthology Film Archives, 32 2nd Ave. (2nd St.), 212-505-5181; 9:30, $8, $5 st./s.c. [repeats Sat.-Tues.].
Wet Hot American Summer becomes the next Rocky Horror Picture Show w/weekly midnight screenings (but please, no Janeane Garofalo masks?one is plenty); Village East Cinemas, 181 2nd Ave. (12th St.), 212-529-6998; 12 a.m.
Lectures
Borderless: Translations & Languages Writers discuss the function of "non-standardized English languages" in work, translation projects & poetry?participants incl. Meena Alexander, Arthur Sze, Luis Francia & Lois-Ann Yamanaka; Graduate Center, CUNY, 365 5th Ave. (34th St.), 212-817-8215; www.gc.cuny.edu; 10 a.m., $7.
Is the Melting Pot Still Simmering? Three-day conference focuses on the "aftermath of immigration to the U.S." & how it "differs today from the great immigration movement of a century ago"; NYU's King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, 53 Washington Sq. S. (betw. Sullivan & Thompson Sts.), RSVP 212-998-8980; www.iehs.org; 9.
Living One's Dream: My Year in Africa Emily Weinstein pres. slide show/talk on her experience as a volunteer w/the Abayudaya community of Ugandan Jews; DOROT Headquarters, 171 W. 85th St. (Amsterdam Ave.), 212-769-2850; www.dorotusa.org; 10:30, $5 sugg. don.
SATURDAY 11/1
Around Town
First Saturday Halloween doesn't have to end. Celebrate the Day of the Dead w/storytelling (7 p.m.), klezmer music (6), dance party, costume contest & screening of Wes Craven's 1998 horror, starring Bill Pullman, The Serpent and the Rainbow (9); Brooklyn Museum of Art, 200 Eastern Pkwy. (Washington Ave.), Bklyn, 718-638-5000; 5-11, free.
GreenFlea Market Dig through impressive array of antiques, crafts & vintage clothes at weekly flea market, and feel good about it?all proceeds benefit PS 41; Greenwich Ave. (betw. W. 10th & 11th Sts.), 212-721-0900; 10-6, free [repeats Sat.].
Greenwich Avenue Autumn Festival feat. arts & crafts, street fair stuffs, demos & food?proceeds benefit the Village Independent Democrats; Greenwich Ave. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 626-230-0489; 11-6, free.
Halloween Weekend Tour Visit the graves of Victorian big shots incl. Charles Ebbets, Louis C. Tiffany & Charlotte Canda on Big Onion's walking tour through the cemetery's more than 600,000 graves; meet at Green-Wood Cemetery, 25th St. (5th Ave.), Sunset Park, 212-439-1090; 1, $12, $10 st./s.c.
Film/Video
Cabaret & Psycho Green-Wood Partnership pres. scarey?in their own right?movies. First, Liza Minnelli & Joel Grey team up in Bob Fosse's 1972 musical, Cabaret (7:30), then Janet Leigh wishes she'd kept on driving in Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 b&w thriller Psycho (10)?proceeds benefit Saved in Time; the Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Ave. (betw. Union & President Sts.), 718-857-4816, RSVP www.gowanus.com; $8 per film.
Sammy Davis, Jr. Retrospective Weekend-long program incl. talk by biographer Wil Haygood, three films & a television montage; American Museum of the Moving Image, 35 Ave. (36 St.), Astoria, 718-784-4520; call for times & prices [through 11/2].
Lectures
Actorfest Back Stage pres. 11th-season of North America's largest actor's conference feat. free exhibit hall of industry professionals open to the public?plus focus sessions & career seminars; Marriott Marquis, 1535 B'way (betw. 45th & 46th Sts.), 646-654-5706; 9-5, $45.
"Breaking Walls, Building Bridges" Sixth-annual conference for the metropolitan area's sexually diverse youth addresses & shares info about safe sex, HIV/AIDS & cultural/political issues surrounding gay culture?followed by youth dance; LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-620-7310; 8:30-6:45, $50, free 22 & under.
Ibn 'Arabi & Modern Thought Peter Coates discusses the life & work of spiritual leader Ibn 'Arabi; Sufi Books, 227 W. B'way (betw. Franklin & White Sts.), 212-334-5212; www.sufibooks.com; 2, $10.
"Under Suspicion: Lessons Learned From the Wen Ho Lee Case" Panel feat. Randy Gener, Cherylene Lee, Jim Naureckas, Eugene Chudnovsky & Michael Ratner discusses the various issues surrounding the controversial case of the Chinese nuclear scientist; West End Theater Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew, 263 W. 86th St. (betw. B'way & West End Ave.), 212-591-0716; 4:15.
Workshops
Tantra: Sexuality, Sacredness, Spiritual Vision Day-long workshop focuses on the "tantric practices of meditation, breathwork, sound & movement" to "get in touch w/our inner lover"; New York Open Center, 83 Spring St. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-219-2527; 10-5, $120.
SUNDAY 11/2
Around Town
Champagne Sunday Brunch Screw coffee! MoÎt & Chandon offers unlimited champagne w/fancy three-course meals, so that you can end the weekend just as drunk as you started it; Regent Wall Street Hotel, 55 Wall St. (betw. William & Hanover Sts.), 212-699-5555; 12-3, $39 [through 11/30].
18th Street Festival Greenwich Village/Chelsea Chamber of Commerce pres. arts & crafts, food & certainly wool sweaters, lucky bamboo or cheap make-up; 18th St.(betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 646-230-0489; 11-6.
Metropolitan Klezmer David Krakauer pres. the notoriously exuberant musicians at the Klezmer Brunch series?brunch menu & full bar; Tonic, 107 Norfolk St. (betw. Delancey & Rivington Sts.), 212-358-7501; 1:30 & 3, $10, $15 both.
Open Cemetery For the first time "in living memory," the wrought-iron gates unclock for the public; New York City Marble Cemetery, 2nd St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-228-6401; 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free.
Union Square/Broadway Festival Stock up on tube socks at fest feat. arts & crafts, demos, food & clothes?proceeds benefit Gramercy Stuyvesant Independent Democrats; B'way (betw. 17th & 23rd Sts.), 646-230-0489; 11-6.
Upper Fifth Avenue Mansions Tour Get inside beautiful old apartments & pretend you're a Victorian era socialite while getting all sorts of 19th century gossip; meet at 2 E. 79th St. (5th Ave.), 212-475-6914; 1, $15.
Film/Video
"Forever FAMU" Czech Center of New York pres. screenings of work from the latest generation of innovative artists from Prague's state film school, FAMU, incl. David Sukup's Mechanika (2002), Michaela Tyllerova's Bones of My Uncle (1995), Stephan Kucera's Color Study (1991) & Tomas Hejtmanek's Journey (1992); Ocularis at Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), Williamsburg, 718-388-8713; 7, $6.
Fourth-Annual Reel Jews Film Festival ends w/director Ferne Pearlstein's 2003 doc. Sumo East and West, examines the traditional Japanese sport & its emergence in non-traditional venues?early screening followed by discussion & reception w/Pearlstein; Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-413-8806, www.makor.org; 6:30 & 8:30, $9.
David Lynch Series screens the director's 1999 drama, The Straight Story, written by John Roach & Mary Sweeney, about a 73-year old man's six-week journey to mend his relationship w/his older brother; Cinema Classics, 332 E. 11th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-677-1027; 7, $6 [repeats Mon. & Tues. at 8].
Lectures
Brundibar Playwright Tony Kushner & illustrator Maurice Sendak speak w/Robert Krulwich about the history & significance of the children's opera in Nazi Europe?incl. slide show & performance by the Young People's Chorus of NYC; 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. (92nd St.), 212-415-5500; www.92y.org; 7:30, $25.
Funny People: Sid Caesar Legendary comedian & television star recounts his "extraordinary career" w/host Larry King; Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 W. 83rd St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-415-5500, www.92y.org; 3, $25.
Life Purpose Symposium Dr. Judy Kuriansky, Sir Edward A. Artis & Puella Lunaris explore the purpose of life, how you discover it & how you live it; Joyous Life Center, 119 W. 23rd St. #700 (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), RSVP 212-352-9910; 9-6, $45.
"Scientific Conversations" New York Times reporter Claudia Dreifus conducts "probing" interviews w/today's leading scientists; Council Senior Center, 241 W. 72nd St. (betw. Amsterdam & West End Aves.), 212-273-5304; 1-2, $3.
Workshops
Day of the Dead Festivities Create "papel picados" & paper flowers plus decorate your very own paper mache "skulls"!; National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center, 1 Bowling Green (betw. State & Whitehall Sts.), 212-514-3700; 2.
Beginning Djembe Workshop Bashir Shakur teaches you traditional rhythms from Ivory Coast, Mali, Ghana, Senegal & Guinea?beginners welcome; Tribal Soundz, 340 E. 6th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-673-5992, www.tribalsoundz.com; 12:15, $15.
Indian Melody Pandit Vijay Kichlu teaches a brief history of Indian classical music incl. melody, improvisation & typical forms/techniques; Ahiri, 1133 B'way (betw. 25th & 26th Sts.), 212-990-5000, www.ahiri.org; 10:30, $35.
MONDAY 11/3
Around Town
Downtown for Dinner 48 restaurants offer three-course, prix-fixe dinners for $20.03 (see www.DowntownNY.com for more details); Alliance for Downtown New York, 120 B'way (Pine St.), 212-566-6700; [through 11/9].
Meeting "to discuss problems of feeding outdoor birds & wildlife"; Bagel Express, 1804 2nd Ave. (betw. 93rd & 94th Sts.), 212-369-1293; 6:30.
Metro Walking Tour visits lower Manhattan, focusing on the city's early history & the life of African American inhabitants at that time; Battery Park, State St. (West St.), 718-789-0430; 2-5, $25 [repeats Tues.].
Second-Annual Iron Skillet Cook-Off Firehouse chefs compete against "high calibur" chefs, or get things cooking at silent auction to music from French Cookin' Blues?proceeds benefit September Space; Metronome, 915 B'way (21st St.), 212-563-7570; 7, $100, $150 VIP.
St. Francis' Big Red Atkins says red meat makes you lose weight & everyone knows red wine is heart smart, so skip the gym & head to this tasting benefit for the American Institute of Wine & Food feat. St. Francis wines & meat dishes prepared by NYC's top chefs; Noche, 1604 B'way (betw. 48th & 49th Sts.), 718-229-6565; 6:30-9:30, $110.
Film/Video
"Lens On Latin American Jewry" Series focuses on "conflicts faced by Jews in more remote areas of Argentina and Mexico," screening director Guita Schyfter's 1993 Mexican comedy Like a Bride?Spanish w/English subtitles; Forchheimer Aud., Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St. (5th Ave.), 917-606-8200; 7, $8, $4 st./s.c.
"Monday Night Manhunt" Series screens rare crime films. Tonight, see director Robert Wise's 1946 b&w lawyer tale, Criminal Court; Cinema Classics, 332 E. 11th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-677-1027; 10, $6.
Lectures
Activating Advocacy Arts administrators, policy makers & advocates discuss how the art community "represents a point of view on broader issues relative to global concern"?panel discussion incl. Robert Lynch, Andrea Snyder, Peter Rider & Virginia Louloudes; Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-620-7310; 7, free.
Is Big Brother Here? Government Surveillance in Today's World Ashcroft is watching you! Technological advances have allowed the possibility of an "all-knowing, all-intrusive" government?to what extent are our "rights to privacy" threatened by "antiterrorism initiatives"?; Graduate Center, CUNY, 365 5th Ave. (34th St.), 212-817-8215, www.gc.cuny.edu; 7, $10 sugg. don., $5 st.
"My Life as A Writer" Nobel Prize winner Dr. James Watson speaks about his life, work & experiences as a scientist/author; Science Industry Business Library, 188 Madison Ave. (34th St.), res. req. 212-592-7000; 6.
Reclaiming the Edge: Waterfronts & Beyond Signe Nielsen discusses various public landscaping projects incl. Fulton Landing Pier, Hudson River Park, Scenic Park & others; Municipal Art Society's Urban Center, 457 Madison Ave. (betw. 50th & 51st Sts.), 718-817-8747; 6:30, $24.
Can One Find Spirituality, Religious Meaning & Ethics in Pop Culture? Film critic A.O. Scott examines the types of experiences that are "contrary to Jewish values" & those that may enrich our "understanding & practice of Judaism"; JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave. (76th St.), 646-505-5708; www.jccmanhattan.com; 8, $24.
Readings
Peter Carey Author of True History of the Kelly Gang reads from My Life As a Fake: A Novel; Union Square Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St. (betw. B'way & Park Ave. S.), 212-253-0810; 7.
Cause Celeb! "Dramatic readings of celebrity autobiographies...Laugh till you cry with the first-person, jugular stylings of the famous, infamous and almost were"; the Marquee, 356 Bowery (betw. Great Jones & E. 4th Sts.), 212-475-1975; 8, $5.
Pete Dexter From Publishers Weekly: "National Book Award winner Dexter's new book is about pain: the men and women who deliver the emotional and physical blows and the limits of those who bend and break beneath them"; Borders, 461 Park Ave. (57th St.), 212-980-6785; 6:30.
TUESDAY 11/4
Around Town
Arte Da Mangiare Chef Giovani Sias & artist Alisoun Meehan collaborate, creating a dinner meny representing a fusion of food & art?as part of the Arte Da Mangiare multi-media show; Cinque Terre, 22 E 38th St. (Madison Ave.), 347-351-1523; 7.
Tuesday Night Trivia Be proud that you're a geek?you could help your team win $10-$25 bar tabs by answering some pretty wacky & obscure questions; Baggot Inn, 82 W. 3rd St. (betw. Sullivan & Thompson Sts.), 212-477-0622; 7:30, free.
Film/Video
"Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" Series continues screening the best from the man in black in four programs. Today, see Johnny serenade prisoners in Johnny Cash In San Quentin (1969) & hop a boxcar in 1974 railroading documentary Ridin' the Rails; Museum of Television & Radio, 25 W. 52nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-6600, www.mtr.org; 2, $10, $8 st./s.c. [through 11/30].
Loulou Ciné-Club's retrospective of French art-cinema actress Isabelle Hubert ends w/screening of director Maurice Pialat's 1980 drama, starring Huppert as a bored wife who leaves her rich husband for sex-charged Gérard Depardieu?French w/English subtitles; Florence Gould Hall, French Institute, 55 E. 59th St. (betw. Madison & Park Aves.), 212-355-6160; 12:30 & 3:30, $8, $6 st.
Mystic Iran: The Unseen World Filmmaker Aryana Farshad traveled throughout her native Iran to capture rarely seen images of female worshippers, fire rituals & sacred dances for this 2002 documentary?followed by discussion w/Farshad; Asia Society, 725 Park Ave. (70th St.), 212-517-ASIA; 7, $10, $5 st.
The Promised Life Isabelle Huppert stars as a prostitute, fleeing Nice w/her daughter in the U.S.-premiere screening of director Olivier Dahan's 2002 drama, in French w/English subtitlesñfollowed by q&a w/Huppert; Florence Gould Hall, French Institute, 55 E. 59th St. (betw. Madison & Park Aves.), 212-355-6160; 7, $10.
Women In the Mirror Writer/director Yoshishige Yoshida & actress Mariko Okada introduce NY-premiere of 2002 drama, starring Okada as an elderly woman who travels with her granddaughter to Hiroshima to find her amnesia-stricken daughter who disappeared 24 years earlier?Japanese w/English subtitles; Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-752-3015, www.japansociety.org; 6:30, $12, $8 st./s.c.
Lectures
Barnard College & the Architecture of Women's Education Andrew Scott Dokart & James Marston Fitch discuss how Barnard's "early history" provides a "fascinating look into social issues of the Victorian era"; Metropolitan Chapter of the Victorian Society in America, 217 E. 85th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-886-3742; 6.
"James Thurber: His Life & Times" Author & editor Harrison Kinney discusses the life of America's "preeminent literary humorist"; Small Press Center, 20 W. 44th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), RSVP 212-840-1840; 6, $15.
The Making of A City Journalist Neal Bascomb describes the "fierce rivalry during the construction of the Chrysler, Manhattan Company & Empire State Buildings"; 92nd St. Y's West Side Satellite, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-415-5500; www.92y.org; 12, $15.
The Path to Buddha Photographer Steve McCurry pres. slide show & discussion of "rarely seen images of rural & city life in Tibet"; Explorers Club, 46 E. 70th St. (betw. M