Lecture: Justice, Purity, and Sexuality in Modern Iranian History, Feb 12^th, free.  This spot of the world is receiving a lot of attention right now.  Understand Iran by understanding its background and culture.  ж  Also, HIV/AIDS: A Crisis in Africa and Around the World - What can you do? at Yesler Community Center, Feb 9^th, 7 PM, free.  A panel discussion on the HIV/AIDs pandemic crisis in Africa and why something a continent and ocean away affects us here.  ж  Also, Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble, Feb 9^th, $15.  Exploring the concept of environmentally sustainable development, this lecture ties together globalization into our well-being and economic prosperity.  ж  Also, The Windflower: An Alchemical Garden, Feb 8^th, free with admission.  An artist and architect collaborate together to produce art in the garden, showing how to add mythical meaning to your own garden.  ж  Also, City of the Pyramids Builder: A Local View, Feb 7^th, free, a discussion of the results of an archeological team at the foot of the Giza pyramids.

Activity: Gay Bingo, Feb 11^th, $20, age 21+.  It's outta this world, literally, this month, hosted at the Sci Fi Museum.  Dress up as your favorite gay space character, whatever that is.  You always suspected Kirk and Spock had that little dalliance going on.

Workshops: A Participatory Event for Women: Living with Intention and Imagination in the Second Half of Life, Feb 12^th, $85.  For women with the bulk of their busy careers behind them, here's how to move onto the next stage of life, of spirituality, volunteerism, leadership, and strengthening family and community.  ж  Also, Genealogical Research at the Archives Office, Feb 11^th, $10 requested donation: Searching for Family-Related Photos online, 10 AM - Noon, and Federal and Other Land Records, 1:30 - 4 PM.

Music: Music from the Heart, Feb 14^th, $14.  The most romantic music playing in Seattle on Valentine's Day, acoustical music as delightful as chocolate.  ж  Also, Andre Feriante, Feb 14th, $30.  The soft and saucy touch of Spanish guitar  ж  Also, Loop 2.4.2 at Chapel of St. Ignatius, Feb 11^th, $15 suggested donation.  A New York percussion-based ensemble of Tibetan prayer bowls, log drums, Indian flute, marimba, cello, a variety of drums, and a couple of other oddball instruments.

Family Activity: Chinese Lantern Festival, Feb 12^th, $5.  Welcome in the Year of the Dog: tea tasting, Chinese fortune telling, calligraphy, martial arts demonstrations, traditional songs and dances, and craft activities for the kids.

Outdoor: Introduction to Snowshoeing, Feb 11^th or 12^th, $75+.  All you have to do is bring two good feet: they provide snowshoe rental, snacks, hand warmers, orientation lessons, maps, and warm beverages.  This is a good winter leisure activity if the long ski lift lines are starting to get to you.

Event: Kinky Carnival, Feb 11^th, $20.  An event on the adventurous side, presenting twelve booths of libido liberation.  It's not sex, but at least you get a boner out of the deal.  At these events, the spanking booth is always the most popular.  For some reason, people really dig getting their ass smacked.

Gala:  Illuminating Langston, Feb 12^th, $50.  Seattle's cultural center puts together its fundraiser, showcasing poetry, song, and dance.  Since the cultural talent they bring in is so diverse, some of it is really cool while other parts are just a head scratcher.

Single's Event: 8 Minute Dating, Feb 9^th & 13^th, $35.  It's the speed dating gig, so if the prospect of being alone on Valentine's Day makes you feel pathetic, here's something proactive you can do.  ж  Also, Cancer Survivors Single's Mixer, Feb 10^th, free.  Music and refreshments and people with common experience.

Libations: Hops and Props, Feb 11^th, $50, age 21+.  If you didn't get your fill of beer over Superbowl, or you still want more, here's the craft.  50 breweries provide samples, brewmasters on hand, catering, dancing, and access to museum galleries.  Now try dancing the rumba after your sixth beer.

Seattle's Best Branded Chefs
You could argue all day over who the best chef in Seattle is.  More apparent is who best branded, the name that comes to mind when pondering Seattle food.  In a field where everyone is a prima donna and the egos are as big as a flavor burst of habanero powder, these folks stand out for at least making their impression.

Tom Douglas, probably number one in town in terms of dollars, owner of four restaurants and radio program host.  His restaurant became permanently etched into memory for its brief appearance in Sleepless in Seattle.  This guy is proof that Seattle can be used as a launching pad for national food fame.

Kathy Casey: Where do other chefs go when they need help?  To Kathy's food studios.  Like the silent chemist behind a celebrity perfume, Kathy is the food designer behind dishes and drinks you've enjoyed in some other restaurant.  Kathy is also a maven of the local media, with her column in the Seattle Times and her seemingly great knack for popping up on local TV programs.

Lisa Dupar: You've probably eaten her food without realizing it.  Lisa Dupar feeds the most people behind the scenes, catering over a thousand events a year, including the big name fundraising galas, corporate parties, and social events.  Her restaurants are pretty low key, so you wouldn't easily pick up that she's such a big influence on the food scene here.