WEDNESDAY 2/18 WEDNESDAY 2/18 Around Town Abike Jotayo ...

Around Town

Abike Jotayo New York Story Exchange pres. cultural historian, poet & storyteller Abike Jotayo; South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St. (betw. South & Front Sts.), 212-748-8735; 7-9, $3 sug. don.

Spring 2004 Sample Sale Amaya Arzuaga, Petro Zillia, Sally Smith, Vintage Frocks & more for wholesale & below?like you need anymore clothes (Photo ID needed for bulding access); Showroom Seven, 498 7th Ave., 24 flr. (betw. 36th & 37th), 212-643-4810; 10-7, free [through 2/27].

Film/Video

A Boy's Life Two-week screening of Rory Kennedy's 2003 documentary, that explores child abuse by following & recording the violent behavior of rural Mississippi-born seven-year old, Robert Oliver; Cinema Classics, 332 E. 11th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-677-1027; 7, $6 [repeats Thurs. & Fri. at 7, Sat.-Tues. at 7 & 9].

Bernardo Bertolucci Retrospective "Highlights include full-length versions of two epics: the director's cut of The Last Emperor, which won nine Academy Awards in 1988, and the original theatrical version of 1900"; American Museum of the Moving Image, 35 Ave. (36 St.), Astoria, 718-784-0077; call for times, $10, $7.50 st./s.c., $5 child 5-18, child 5 & under free [through 3/7].

Featuring...The African Diapora screens video of director Merzak Allouache's 2001 drama, L'Autre monde (The Other World)?French & Arabic w/English subtitles; Donnell Library Center, 20 W. 53rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-0618; 2:30, free.

"Making Light/Making Waves" Series screens the best, recent films from Scandinavia. Today, see director Ulf Malmros' 2002 drama, Bäst i Sverige (We Can Be Heroes!), about a young boy who yearns to fly?Swedish w/English subtitles; Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave. (betw. 37th & 38th Sts.), 212-879-9779; 6:30, $8.

Taking Sides Harvey Keitel stars as an American officer investigating Wilhem Furtwangler, the 1930s Berlin Philharmonic conductor who used his influence to help Jews escape Nazi Germany, in director István Szabó's 2001 drama?Thursday's early show followed by discussion (7 p.m., $15); Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-601-1000; 7:30 & 9:30, $9 [repeats Thurs.].

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg New 35mm-print of Jacques Demy's 1964 romantic musical, feat. Catherine Deneuve & Paris...in pastels!; Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St. (betw. Varick St. & 6th Ave.), 212-727-8110; 1, 2:50, 4:40, 6:30, 8:20 & 10:10, $10, $5 child. [repeats Thurs.].

Lectures

The Age of Homespun Dr. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich discusses her most recent book exploring the "production, consumption & social meanings of textile in pre-industrial New England"; the New-York Historical Society, 2 W. 77th St. (Central Park W.), res. req. 212-485-9269, www.nyhistory.org; 6:30, $7, $4 st./s.c.

Gothic at the Renaissance: the Persistence of Style in Architecture & Ornament Professor Henri Zerner examines the influences of "past masters on architects & sculptors of the Renaissance"?followed by book signing; Great Hall at Cooper Union, 7 E. 7th St. (3rd Ave.), 212-353-4196; 6:30, free.

Lewis Lapham Author & Harper's Magazine editor speaks about contemporary issues & personal experiences w/Canadian Consul General Pamela Wallin; Tishman Aud., New School, 66 W. 12th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), RSVP 212-229-8903; 6, free.

The Origins of Christian Anti-Semitism Dr. Judson R. Shaver highlights examples of Christian hostility & indifference toward Jews, incl. the Spanish Inquisition & the Holocaust; Marymount Manhattan Theatre, 221 E. 71st St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-220-4304; 7, free.

Passwords Poet Ammiel Alcalay explores the work of poet & author Charles Olson; Poets House, 72 Spring St., 2nd fl. (B'way), 212-431-7920, www.poetshouse.org; 7, $7.

Publishing in the News Reporters, Charlotte Abbot, Andrea Sachs & Dinitia Smith, discuss what "makes news" & how to "be in the news & get noticed"; Time & Life Building, 1271 6th Ave. (50th St.), 718-821-4996; 6, $10, $5 st.

Sicily's Seductive Splendors Janetta Rebold Benton reveals the "kaleidoscope of cultures" that have influenced the island; Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rogers Auditorium, 1000 5th Ave. (82nd St.), 212-570-3949; 6, $20.

"Talking Brought Me Here, Listening Made Me Stay" Cultural historian, poet & master storyteller Abike Jotayo brings "history to life" as she shares "freedom tales that have inspired generations of politcal resistance"; South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St. (betw. South & Front Sts.), 212-748-8735, www.southstseaport.org; 7, $3 sugg. don.

Third-Annual Gold Dishers Learn what "motivates Academy voters" & "who has the best chance to walk away w/gold" as an expert panel of film critics analyze & argue about this years Oscar picks?feat. Tom O'Neill, Thelma Adams, Gene Seymour & Michael Zam; Cantor Film Center, 36 E. 8th St. (betw. 5th Ave. & Greene St.), RSVP 212-998-7171; 7, $15.

Today We Say: Enough is Enough! Panelists celebrate 10th anniversary of the Zapatista uprising w/discussion about this "milestone in liberation struggles for Mexico & the repercussions for local movements globally"?feat. Jennifer Cendana Armas, Kat Lo, Sunnel Mubayi & Hector Luis Rivera, Jr.; Brecht Forum, 122 W. 27th St., 10th fl. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-242-4201, www.brechtforum.org; 7:30, $6-$10 sugg. don.

Readings

Another Day in Paradise: International Humanitarian Workers Tell Their Stories Carol Bergman & Patrick Dillon; Rocky Sullivan's, 129 Lexington Ave. (29th St.), 212-725-3871; 8.

Erotic Horror Stories What is this? Getting turned on by ghosts? As a killer walks on down the hall? Author Polly Frost explains herself w/the help of some actors & an ample bar; Telephone Bar & Grill, 149 2nd Ave. (betw. 9th & 10th Sts.), 212-529-5000; 8:30, free.

The Forest Lover From Publishers Weekly: "The Canadian artist Emily Carr (1871- 1945) could be a feminist icon...One of the pleasures of this beguiling novel based on Carr's life is the way [author Susan] Vreeland (Girl in Hyacinth Blue) herself has acquired a painter's eye"; Borders, 461 Park Ave. (57th St.), 212-980-6785; 6:30, free.

The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague In History Author John M. Barry appears; Barnes & Noble, 2289 B'way (82nd St.), 212-362-8835; 7:30, free.

The Happy Ending Reading Series Tom Lombardi, M. David Hornbuckle & Daphne Gottlieb appear; Happy Ending, 302 Broome St. (betw. Forsythe & Eldridge Sts.), 212-334-9676; call for times & prices.

Island Of Bicycle Dancers From Publishers Weekly: "A 20-year-old Korean-Japanese woman comes to New York City to work at her Korean uncle's grocery for one dramatic summer in Adachi's sometimes awkward but energetic debut"; Astor Place Barnes & Noble, 4 Astor Pl. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-420-1322; 7:30, free.

Madras on Rainy Days: A Novel From Publishers Weekly: "In this painstakingly detailed but strained debut, Ali explores the stifling world of Indian Muslim domestic life and the odd partnership forged by husband and wife in an arranged marriage fraught with secrets"; Astor Place Barnes & Noble, 4 Astor Pl. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-420-1322; 7:30, free.

National Book Award-Winning Authors Carlos Eire (Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy), Shirley Hazzard (The Great Fire), Polly Horvath (The Canning Season) & C.K. Williams (The Singing: Poems); Humanities and Social Sciences Library, New York Public Library, 5th Ave. (42nd St.), res. req. 212-685-0261; 6:30, free.

Workshops

The Labyrinth: A Portal to Creativity & Innovation Explore the use of brainteasers as a "tool for creativity & problem solving" & "experience a new level of consciousness that can lead you to a more creative & productive life"; Mid-Manhattan Library, 455 5th Ave. (40th St.), 212-340-0872; 6:30, free.

THURSDAY 2/19

Around Town

The Art Show The art fair for the "discerning collector" feat. art from the 15th century onwards; 7th Regiment Armory, Park Ave. (67th Sts.), tkts. 212-766-9200 x248; 12-8, $15 [repeats Fri. & Sat. 12-8, Sun. & Mon. 12-6].

Kinding Sindaw Classical Philippine dance & ritual by NYC-based company; Puffin Room, 435 Broome St. (betw. B'way & Crosby St.), 212-343-2881; 7:30, $5 -$10 [repeats Fri. & Sat.].

The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Symposium on Dr. King feat. attorney Xavier R. Donaldson, Bronx DA Robert johnson, Lenny Noisette of the Harlem Neighborhood Defenders, Manhattan general counsel Denise Outram & Fortune Society director JoAnne Page; Harlem State Office Building, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, 163 W. 125th St., 3nd fl. (7th Ave.), RSVP 646-442-3612; 6-8, free.

Tu Bi'Shevat Rabbi Meyer Leifer & lecturer Jay Schwartz celebrate the Jewish celebration for the Fruit of the Trees; Workmen's Circle Bldg., 45 E. 33rd St. (betw. Madison & Park Aves.), RSVP 212-869-9477; 2-4, free.

Film/Video

"Mid-Winter Movies For Children" Series screens kid-friendly flicks during school recess. Today, see 1995 family adventure Jumanji & learn all that can go wrong when you forgo familiar board games like Monopoly; Sony Wonder Technology Lab, 550 Madison Ave. (56th St.), 212-833-7858; 3:30, free.

NYFA Filmmaking Grant Winners Come see what your tax dollars are paying for; Abrons Arts Center Henry St. Settlement, 466 Grand St. (Pitt St), 212-598-0400; 7:30, free.

Paul Robeson: Here I Stand Documentary screening about accomplished black scholar, actor, athlete & activist?followed by discussion w/Moe Mitchell & Hector Rivera; Great Hall, City College, 138th St. (Convent Ave.), ; 6, $6-$10 sugg. don.

Rolling Three people spend 18 months documenting their lives from the vantage point of a wheelchair; Walter Reade Theater, Lincoln Center, 165 W. 65th St. (B'way), 212-721-6500; 6:30.

Viewpoint...Valentines: A Celebration of Love and Romance Month-long series screens 16mm shorts exploring the human condition, incl. at least, one animation, a dance film & a classic love story; Donnell Library Center, 20 W. 53rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-0618; 2:30, free.

Lectures

Captains of Industry Former chairman & chief executive officer of GE Jack Welch speaks w/Stephen B. Shepard about the wonders of capitalism; 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. (92nd St.), 212-415-5500, www.92y.org; 8, $25.

Connecting to Yourself & the World Through Meditation Rev. Joan Block teaches "simple meditation techniques & prayers" you can practice at home?great for beginners; DOROT Headquarters, 171 W. 85th St. (Amsterdam Ave.), 212-769-2850, www.dorotusa.org; 11, $5 sugg. don.

"Living Well Without Testosterone" Dr. Richard Wassersug shares his personal experiences & helps "patients deal w/the psychological effects of treatments" of prostate cancer; New York Presbyterian Hospital, 525 E. 68th St. (York Ave.), 516-295-2630; 6, free.

"Six Good Reasons Not to Paint a Landscape" Acclaimed artist Wolf Kahn speaks?in conjunction w/current exhibit "The Artist's Eye: Wolf Kahn as Curator"; National Academy of Design, 1083 5th Ave. (betw. 89th & 90th Sts.), 212-369-4880, www.nationalacademy.org; 6, $5.

Dan Winters Portraitist & art photographer speaks about his life & work; Amphitheater at the School of Visual Arts, 209 E. 23rd St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-358-5147; 6:30, $10.

Readings

Double Vision: A Self-Portrait From Publishers Weekly: "[Walter] Abish (How German Is It, etc.)...was six in 1938 when Hitler annexed Austria and the Jews were expropriated...At each stop, Abish watched European Jews recreate their familiar cultural fabric-their preoccupation with ironic repartee, their coffeehouses, even their synagogues for those still inclined to pray"; Astor Place Barnes & Noble, 4 Astor Pl. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-420-1322; 7:30, free.

Drunken! Careening! Writers! This week: Anne Elliott, Dr. Donna Gaines & Tina Howe; KGB Bar, 85 E 4th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-505-3360 ; 7, free.

Colum McCann reads from Dancer, "about Nureyev's life and art"; NYU's Ireland House, 1 Washington Mews (5th Ave.), 212-998-3950; 7, free.

Pattern Recognition From Amazon.com "The first of William Gibson's usually futuristic novels to be set in the present, [this] is a masterful snapshot of modern consumer culture and hipster esoterica"; Union Square Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St. (betw. B'way & Park Ave. S.), 212-253-0810; 7, free.

Small Publishers Group "offers readings of drama and nostalgia" from Turkey, Brooklyn & Newark (we're assuming Newark is not the nostalgia piece); Small Press Center, 20 W. 44th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-764-7021; 7:30, free.

Workshops

Bereavement Workshops: Losing a Mother as an Adult Trained group leaders encourage the use of "various tools incl. spiritual tools to explore issues of loss"; HealthCare Chaplaincy, 307 E. 60th (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-644-1111; 6:30, free.

The Essential Elements of Meditation Practice Dr. Andrew Vidich teaches the fundamentals using exposition of theory, preparatory exercises, incl. chanting, reading of scripture, prayer & visual aids, & interactive q&a; New York Open Center, 83 Spring St. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-219-2527; 6, $150/6 sessions.

FRIDAY 2/20

Around Town

"Immigrant New York" Join Big Onion Walking Tours & visit the multi-ethnic Jewish East Side, Chinatown & Little Italy feat. stops at the African Burial Ground, Mulberry Bend & other historic sites; Big Onion Walking Tours, meet at S.E. corner B'way (Chambers St.), 212-439-1090; 1, $12, $10 st./s.c.

Metro Tour Service History & landmark specialist Mauricio Lorence leads three-hour tour around the ethnic communities & institutions of Brooklyn Heights, Ft. Greene & Clinton Hill; Marriott Hotel Brooklyn, 333 Adams St. (betw. Pearl & Willoughby Sts.), Bklyn; 2-5, $25 [repeats Sat. & Sun.].

A Mid Winter's Night Swing Get your swing on at this upscale singles parties for the 35-55 range?jackets required; Branch, 226 E. 54th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-688-5577; 6-11, $20.

Skate Under the Stars Winter benefit for Prospect Park feat. ice skating, snacks, beverages & music?one last chance to enjoy winter before springs rears its ugly head; Kate Wollman Rink, Prospect Park, Parkside Ave. (Ocean Ave.), Bklyn, 718-282-7789; 9:30-12 a.m., $25-$100 incl. skate rental.

Song Jam Kids 8 & up can jam w/ songs about the changing seasons; Morningside Heights New York Public Library, 2900 B'way (113 St.), 212-864-2530; 4, free.

Film/Video

Godard Double Feature Every Man for Himself (1980) & The Old Place: Small Notes Regarding the Arts at the Fall of the 20th Century (1989); MOMA's Gramercy Theater, 127 E. 23rd St. (betw. Lexington & Park Aves.), 212-777-4900; 6:30 & 8:30, $6.

The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg Friday Film Salon examines "Jewish Outsiders on Screen" w/screening of Jerry Aronson's 1993 doc. about the Beat poet?followed by discussion w/Dr. Harvey Greenberg; Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-601-1000; 10 a.m., $25.

The Magnificent Ambersons New 35mm-print screening of Orson Welles 1942 b&w period drama, "chronicling the decline of a family and the end of an era," reedited & reshot at the behest of the studio?also, the film's original trailer, narrated by Welles himself; Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St. (betw. Varick St. & 6th Ave.), 212-727-8110; 1:20, 3:20, 5:20, 7:20 & 9:20, $10, $5 child. [repeats Sat.-Tues.].

"Men's Shorts" More than just a movie night! Monthly social event for gay & bi-sexual men, feat. short gay-themed flick, discussion & snacks; Identity House, 39 W. 14th St. #205 (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-243-8181; 8:30, $10 sugg. don.

"Mid-Winter Movies For Children" Series screens kid-friendly flicks during school recess. Today, Tommy Lee Jones & Will Smith, wearing matching suits, save the universe from evil aliens in 1997 hit Men In Black; Sony Wonder Technology Lab, 550 Madison Ave. (56th St.), 212-833-7858; 3:30, free.

"Rediscovering Dorothy Dandridge" "Friday Night At the Movies" series screens classics from the black actresses impressive, barrier-breaking career. Today, director Andrew L. Stone's 1958 drama, The Decks Ran Red, also starring James Mason; Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Pl., Flatbush Ave. (Prospect Park W.), Park Slope, 718-230-2100; 6 p.m., free.

Visages d'enfants Jacques Feyder's 1923 silent film w/live chamber music; Florence Gould Hall, French Institute, 55 E. 59th St. (betw. Madison & Park Aves.), 212-355-6160; call for time, $10.

Lectures

Fashioning the Modern Woman: Couture & Culture in Paris, 1919-1939 Renowned authors, curators & scholars gather for second-annual fashion symposium to discuss "fashion & femininity" incl. the legacy of Chanel & her rivals, Schiaparelli & the American market & the politics of fashion in France?feat. Dilys Blum, Caroline Evans, Lourdes Font, Mary Louise Robert, Valerie Steele & Eugen Weber; F.I.T.'s Haft Auditorium, 227 W. 27th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves), res. req. 212-217-5970; 9, $50, $75/2-day pass [repeats Sat.].

Readings

Akashic Authors Shawn Shiflett (Hidden Place) & Ben Greenman (Superworse); Bluestockings, 172 Allen St. (betw. Stanton & Rivington Sts.), 212-777-6028; 7.

More Like Wrestling: A Novel From Publishers Weekly: "Two sisters grow up on their own in Oakland in the 1980s in this rich, idiosyncratic, impressionistic first novel"; Barnes & Noble, 396 6th Ave. (betw. Waverly Pl. & W. 8th St.), 212-674-8780; 7:30, free.

Numbnuts Mom always had the funniest pet names for dad after the divorce...author Sinclair Rankin reads; Alligator Lounge, 600 Metropolitan Ave. (Lorimer St.), 718-599-4440; 8, free.

The Two Americas: Our Current Political Deadlock and How to Break It Author Stanley B. Greenberg appears; Barnes & Noble, 2289 B'way (82nd St.), 212-362-8835; 7:30, free.

Workshops

Poetry Workshop Learn the art w/Chavisa Woods; Tribes Gallery, 285 E. 3rd St. (betw. Aves. C & D), 212-674-3778, www.tribes.org; 7:30, free.

Women's Integrative Mediation Classes Ongoing workshop helps you get focused & learn specific techniques; Infinity Healing Center, 27 W. 20th St. #306 (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), RSVP 212-923-2495; 6, $15.

SATURDAY 2/21

Around Town

Build a World on Stone Learn how ice, wind & natural forces formed the hills & valleys of the Bronx?then make your own landscape out of rock & clay; Wave Hill, 675 W. 252nd St. (Independence Ave.), Bronx, 718-549-3200; 1, free.

Comedy & Crumbcakes Mixing live action & film, Brenda Bergman & Gregory K joins others in celebrating the great comic duos, from Abbott & Costello to Lucy & Desi; Walter Reade Theater, Lincoln Center, 165 W. 65th St. (B'way), 212-721-6500; 11:30 & 2, $16, $9 child.

Cross Park Promenade Discover the secrets of Central Park incl. a hidden bench that tells time & a sculpture "celebrating fresh water"; meet at E. 72nd St., 5th Ave. ; 11, free.

Museum of Natural Hysteria Hunt Watson Adventures' scavenger hunt leads you through most of the museum, "dinosaurs to diamonds," in just two-hours?that's better than any of our old school trips; American Museum of Natural History, Central Park W. (79th St.), 212-769-5100; 11 a.m., $22 incl. adm.

Origins of the Earth Why do dogs have fur? Why do animals dive in the water for mud? Tammy Hill answers the tough questions in song; Wave Hill, 675 W. 252nd St. (Independence Ave.), Bronx, 718-549-3200; 2:30 & 3:30, free.

"Tango Nights" Boost your sex appeal by learning to tango from the best, then dance the night away to live music in French restaurant?dinner available; La Belle Epoque, 827 B'way (betw. 12th & 13th Sts.), 212-254-6436; 8-2:30, $12.

A Vintage Vegas Affair Annual casino night to help fight Multiple Sclerosis; Marriott Marquis, 1535 B'way (betw. 45th & 46th Sts.), 212-463-7787 x303; 8:30-1 a.m., $125 & $175.

Winter Tales feat. stories to celebrate the colder season; Donnell Library Center, 20 W. 53rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-0618; 3, free.

Film/Video

Luvrgrl Lo-Fi Entertainment pres. world premiere of Lee Bennett Sobel's indie feature about "one young woman's dark descent into sexual addiction," w/live performance by Neurepublik; Freight Restaurant, Chelsea Market, 410 W. 16th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-242-6555; 7:30, $8 [repeats Sun.].

"Monday Nights with Oscar" Author Robert Osborne (75 Years of the Oscar) hosts afternoon screening of this year's Academy Award-nominated Animated & Live Action shorts, incl. Pixar's Boundin & Disney's Destino; Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, Ames Theater, 111 E. 59th St. (betw. Park & Lexington Aves.), 888-778-7575; 2 p.m., $5, $3 st.

"The 2nd-Annual Underdog Film Festival" screens three 76th-annual Academy Award nominated Documentary Shorts, incl. Sandy McLeod & Gini Reticker's Asylum, Maryann DeLeo's Chernobyl Heart & Katja Esson's Ferry Tales; Anthology Film Archives, 32 2nd Ave. (2nd St.), 212-243-0099, www.underdogfilmfestival.com; 1-4, $20 [repeats Sun.].

Sex and the City Marathon Last chance to catch up on what?not to mention, who?the girls, Carrie, Samantha, Miranda & Charlotte, have been doing before the HBO finale. Today, screenings of episodes 74-84 & Sunday, episodes 85 & 86; Museum of Television & Radio, 25 W. 52nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-6600; 1, $10, $8 st./s.c., $5 child.

Lectures

"Addressing Diet & Health Issues of the Black & Latino Communities, Part 2" Yoga nutrition therapist Manu Dawson discusses the causes of "uterine fibroids, diabetes, heart disease & high blood pressure" & how they can be prevented; Integral Yoga Institute, 227 W. 13th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-929-0585; 12:30, $18.

AIDS-the "New Apartheid" in South Africa Second part of three-part series on South Africa continues w/Dr. Teboho Moja, Elaine Epstein, Sduduzo Ka'Mbili, Nomazizi Sokudela & Francis Brown's roundtable discussion of the epidemic; American Museum of Natural History, Central Park W. (79th St.), 212-769-5200, www.amnh.org; 2:30, free.

The Art of Menahem Pressler: An Illustrated Talk on Beethoven Award-winning concert artist, teacher & mentor discusses Beethoven's Sonata in A flat Major, Op. 110; Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave. (82nd St.), 212-570-3949, www.metmuseum.org; 8, $35.

Readings

Segue Foundation Reading Series Anna Moschovakis (Ugly Duckling Presse) & John Yau (Borrowed Love Poems from Penguin); Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery (betw. Bleecker & Houston Sts.), 212-614-0505; call for times & prices.

Colson Whitehead & Jennifer Knox celebrate the publication of Robert Newman's Fountain at the Center of the World (Soft Skull Press); Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery (betw. Bleecker & Houston Sts.), 212-614-0505; 10, $10.

Workshops

Foreign Langauge Classes Beginner classes, conversation groups & private lessons offered in English, French, Spanish & Italian; LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-772-3511; call for times, $5-$85.

Jazz Masters Share Secrets to Improvisation Percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo provides commentary & advice on technique, style & execution during "intimate" interchange w/workshop participants?part of on-going series; Iridium Room, 1650 B'way (51st St.), 212-714-7722; 12, $49, $39 adv.

Medieval Arts Family Workshop Kids carve a block of limestone, sculpt gargoyles, make brass rubbings & design stained-glass collages?woo hoo!; Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave. (112th St.), RSVP 212-932-7347; 10, $5.

Rejection & the Games we Play to Avoid It Gay & bisexual men overcome their fear of rejection w/"playful improvisational exercises, meditative visualizations, open & honest discussion & helpful suggestions"; Identity House, 39 W. 14th St. #205 (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-243-8181, www.identityhouse.org; 11, $10 sugg. don.

Shade Gardening Learn helpful tips to create a "lush oasis of flowers & foliage" during three "shade-friendly classes"; New York Botanical Garden, 200th St. (Southern Blvd.), Bronx, 718-817-8747, www.nybg.org; 10, $23.

Yoga: Calm the Eyes, Open the Heart Susan Genis invites you to "shed your winter doldrums w/a calming & strengthening Yoga session"; New York Eye & Ear Infirmary, E. 14th St. (2nd Ave.), 212-873-9661; 10:30, free.

SUNDAY 2/22

Around Town

"The New York City Camera Show & Sale" Buy, sell or trade w/dealers from all over the world. Offering bargains on "every type of photographic equipment imaginable"; Holiday Inn, 440 W. 57th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 917-509-7531; 10-3, $6.

Cocoa with Clifford Clifford the Big Red Dog tells stories to the kids, while they munch snacks and drink hot cocoa?space is limited, so call ahead; Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park, 2 West St. (W. Thames St.), 212-344-0800; 3, $25.

Dandies, Dudes & Shady Ladies Explore the old school, low-life haunts of Soho & the Bowery?it's going to get risque, so don't bring the kids; Astor Place #6 Subway Kiosk, Lafayette St. (betw. 8th & 9th Sts.); 2, $10.

Manhattan Walking Tour explores African-American life at the core of the Big Apple; South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St. (betw. South & Front Sts.), 212-748-8735; 2-4, res. req., free w/adm.

Music in the Galleries feat. storyteller/musician Linda Humes & her tales from Africa, the Caribbean & the Americas; Brooklyn Museum of Art, 200 Eastern Pkwy. (Washington Ave.), Bklyn, 718-638-5000; 3-5, free w/adm.

New York City Record & CD Collectors Expo "Knowledgeable dealers" pres. large selection of new, used, rare & collectible records & CDs at great prices?plus, the first 100 customers get a free CD; Holiday Inn, 440 W. 57th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 917-509-7531; 10-4, $6.

Surveillance Camera Outdoor Walking Tour Come see where Big Brother are spying on all the NYU students; meet at S.E. corner Mercer St.(3rd St.); 2, free.

Times Square Walking Tour New tour of Times Square explores the history of the neighborhood; Big Onion Walking Tours, meet at S.E. corner of 6th Ave. (42nd St. ); 1, $12, $10 st./s.c.

Film/Video

Airborne is a "documentary about airplane pilots past & present"; Two Boots Den of Cin, 44 Ave. A (3rd St.), 212-254-0800; 2, call for prices.

"Constructive Engagement" Free103point9 pres. collection of audio recordings from the 2002 World Economic Forum, video shorts confronting issues of conflict & live performances by Tony Flynn, Barry London, Matt Mikas, Tom Roe, Brad Truax, Seth Price & Radical Cheerleaders; Ocularis at Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), Williamsburg, 718-388-8713; 7, $6.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised Screening of Kim Bartley & Donnacha O'Briain doc. about "failed coup to oust Venezuela's democratically elected President, Hugo Chavez," followed by lecture w/speakers Leonor Osorio Granado & Mario Murillo?proceeds benefit Peace Action of New York State; Walter Reade Theater, Lincoln Center, 165 W. 65th St. (B'way), 212-721-6500, tkts 212-870-2304, www.panys.org; 10:30 a.m., $35 incl reception.

Lectures

Norman Podhoretz in Conversation w/Terry Teachout Discussion of the "intersection of politics & culture in the last half century"; 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. (92nd St.), 212-415-5500, www.92y.org; 8, $25.

Workshops

Burlesque 101: Classic Strip Tease Whether you want to strip on stage or in the privacy of your own home, sex educator Ducky DooLittle teaches you to "twirl your tassels, flaunt your figure & lure the audience" w/"tantalizing moves" sure to delight & inspire "hot encores"; Toys in Babeland, 43 Mercer St. (betw. Grand & Broome Sts.), 212-966-2120, www.babeland.com; 8, $30.

Prep for Purim Kids create Purim groggers, masks & costumes; Children's Galleries for Jewish Culture, 515 W. 20th St. #4E (10th Ave.), 212-924-4500, www.jcllcm.com; 2, $5.

Purim Flag Workshop Families create "beautiful flags w/a variety of craft supplies" & celebrate w/"songs, noshes & more!"; JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave. (76th St.), 646-505-5708, www.jccmanhattan.com; 10:30, $10.

MONDAY 2/23

Around Town

Books for a Better Life Award Ceremony Meredith Vieira emcees awards show honoring the best self-improvement tomes of 2003?gala rasises money to fight MS; Hudson Theater, Millennium Hotel, 145 W. 44th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-768-4400; 6, $175.

Metro Walking Tour visits lower Manhattan, focusing on city's early history & the lives of its African-American inhabitants; Battery Park, State St. (West St.), 212-307-7171; 2-5, $25 [repeats Tues.].

Film/Video

The Hebrew Hammer Jonathan Kesselman revisits Shaft w/his 2003 "Jewsploitation" comedy, starring über Jew, Adam Goldberg as Mordechai Jefferson Carver, "Part man. Part street. 100% kosher."?todays late screening followed by discussion; Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-601-1000; 7:30 & 9:30, $9-$15 [repeats Tues.].

Israel Non-Stop Film Tonight, Alila, by Amos Gitai, a "chronicle of the ordinary and not so ordinary days of the inhabitants of a rundown Tel Aviv apartment building"; JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave. (76th St.), 646-505-5708; 8, $10.

Monday Night Shorts Weekly screenings showcase shorts from independent filmmakers. Tonight, docs. incl. Mark & Jerry Weinstock's Delray Beach & Joshua Moise's Supermax Wisconsin; Freight Restaurant, Chelsea Market, 410 W. 16th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-242-6555; 7:30, free.

Son of the Bride New Latin American film series serves three-course prix-fixe dinners & contemporary films. Tonight, sample director Juan José Campanella's 2001 dramedy, about a middle-aged son who reconstructs his past to deal w/the present; Suba, 109 Ludlow St. (betw. Rivington & Delancey Sts.), 212-982-5714; 8:30, $29.

Lectures

Conversations in the Humanities Professor David Nasaw speaks w/author & New Yorker film critic David Denby about the dot com boom & bust; Graduate Center, CUNY, 365 5th Ave. (34th St.), 212-817-8215, www.gc.cuny.edu; 7, free.

Open House Jeffrey C. Yuen provides introduction to classical Chinese acupuncture, information on the curriculum & the "clinical component"?followed by q&a; Swedish Institute, 226 W. 26th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), RSVP 212-924-5900; 6:30, free.

Readings

Movie Menus: Recipes For Perfect Meals With Your Favorite Films Francine Segan appears; Barnes & Noble, 1972 B'way (betw. W. 65th & W. 66th Sts.), 212-595-6859; 7, free.

P.S. I Love You From Amazon.com: "Cecelia Ahern's debut novel follows the engaging, witty, and occasionally sappy reawakening of Holly, a young Irish widow who must put her life back together after she loses her husband Gerry to a brain tumor"; Barnes & Noble, 2289 B'way (82nd St.), 212-362-8835; 7:30, free.

Workshops

Iyengar Yoga Learn the basics of standing poses, shoulder-stand & other "fundamental postures" w/instructor Hugh Millard; Iyengar Yoga Institute of Greater New York, 27 W. 24th St., #