WEDNESDAY 10/15 WEDNESDAY 10/15 Around Town BiZBash Expo ...

Around Town

BiZBash Expo Caterers, venues, "ice sculptors and more" display their wares." Don't miss the "which city creates the coolest events?New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami?" debate (10:30 a.m.); Jacob Javits Convention Center, 11th Ave. (38th St.), 800-243-9774; call for times & prices.

The Commissioners: Central Park's Official Gaurdians NYC Parks commissioners, past & present, chew the fat for the enlightenment of park goers & history buffs. Reservations required; the New-York Historical Society, 2 W. 77th St. (Central Park W.), 212-873-3400; 6:30, $7/$4.

Mr. Lower East Side Pageant Saint Reverend Jen hosts a pageant in search of the man who best represents LES. Contestants don't have to live there, as long as they posess that special something to impress the crowd in the talent , swimwear & evening wear comp. Spec. Prizes for Best Male Tits & congeniality; Collective Unconscious, 145 Ludlow St. (betw. Stanton & Rivington Sts.), 212-560-7235; 7:30.

"Vida Positiva: Stories from El Barrio" Settlement Health & East Harlem HIV Care Network pres. performance & music feat. testimonials from NYC Latinos struggling w/AIDS?commemorating the first National Latino AIDS Awareness Day; El Taller Boricua Gallery, Latino Cutural Center, 1680 Lexington Ave. (betw. 105th & 106th Sts.), 212-360-2683; 4-7.

Film/Video

"For the Love of Kate" Celebrate the life & work of Katharine Hepburn w/month-long 16mm screenings of her best-loved films. Today, Hepburn is as head strong as ever in director George Steven's b&w romantic comedy Women of the Year (1942), co-starring her off-screen lover Spencer Tracy; Donnell Library Center, 20 W. 53rd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-0618; 2:30, free. [through 10/29]

"The 41st New York Film Festival" pres. 26 features & 15 shorts in 17-day showcase. Festival continues today w/screening of director Tsai Ming-liang's minimalist 2003 drama, Goodbye Dragon Inn?Mandarin & Taiwanese w/English subtitles (6 p.m.) & Nuri Bilge Caylan's 2002 drama & "character study," Distant?Turkish w/English subtitles (9, repeats Thurs. at 6); Alice Tully Hall, 1941 B'way (65th St.), 212-875-5050; see website for complete sched., $15. [continues Thurs.-Sun.].

"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. & Tues. at 2, through 11/2].

Chris Marker New 35mm print screenings of the French director's 1962 sci-fi short, La Jetée?the inspiration for Twelve Monkeys?& 1983 "free-form" doc. Sans Soleil?French w/English subtitles; Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St. (betw. Varick St. & 6th Ave.), 212-727-8110, www.filmforum.com; 2, 4:30, 7 & 9:30, $9.75. [repeats Thurs.].

Muppet Rarities: The Unseen Work of Jim Henson Rare footage from the master puppeteer's career incl. commercials, outtakes & promos?feat. Jane Henson, Jerry Nelson & Craig Shemin; Museum of Television & Radio, 25 W. 52nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-621-6600, www.mtr.org; 6, $15.

Scrabylon World Series of Poker beware! Learn more than you cared to about Scrabble?a name meaning "to grope frantically"?at NY-premiere of director Scott Petersen's 2003 doc. "on the cut-throat world of tournament Scrabble," culminating w/the 2001 Championships in Las Vegas; Millennium, 66 E. 4th St. (betw. Bowery & 2nd Ave.), 212-673-0090; 7:30 p.m., $6.

Spellbound Eight pre-teens, from all backgrounds, spell words you've never even heard of, hoping to win the 1999 National Spelling Bee, in director Jeffrey Blitz's hilarious 2002 documentary?Thursday early screening followed by discussion w/distributor Mark Urman; Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-413-8806, ww.makor.org; 7:30 & 9:30, $9-$15. [repeats Thurs. at 7:30 & 9:45].

"Zombie Ha Ha" Week of horror screenings begins w/screenings of 1987's Evil Dead II, starring Bruce Campbell?also playing, Peter Jackson's 1992 romantic horror, Dead Alive (Fri. & Tues. at 10, Sat. at 6, Sun. at 9) & George A. Romero's 1968 b&w classic Night of the Living Dead (Sat. at 12 a.m.); Pioneer Theater, 155 E. 3rd St. (Ave. A), 212-254-3300, www.twoboots.com/pioneer; 7, $9, $6 st./s.c.. [repeats Fri. at 8, Sat. at 10, Sun. at 7].

Lectures

The Angolan Famine & National Geographic Nils Hennig, Mira Chang & Glenda Hersh recall their experience in Angola working on upcoming doc. series Doctors Without Borders: Life in the Field; FIT's Katie Murphy Amphitheater, Bldg. D, 7th Ave. (27th St.), RSVP 212-847-3151, www.doctorswithoutborders.org; 7.

Authors on Auteurs Edmund White discusses the work & contemporary relevance of French author Jean Genet; Florence Gould Hall, French Institute, 55 E. 59th St. (betw. Madison & Park Aves.), 212-355-6160, www.fiaf.org; 7, $20.

"Brooklyn's Creative Economy" Panel, feat. Jonathan Bowles, Barbara Corcoran, John Flansburgh, Robert Lanham & David Walentas, explores the role of artists in revitalizing Brooklyn's economy; Pratt Institute, 200 Willoughby Ave. (betw. Hall St. & Emerson Pl.), Bklyn, res. req. 718-636-3657, www.pratt.edu; 6:30.

The Experimental Disposition: Nietzschean Proving Grounds "Why does everything need to be tested or tried?"?Avital Ronnell reflects on the role of "testing in our society" & our need to "situate ourselves in the world"; Guggenheim Museum, 1071 5th Ave. (89th St.), RSVP 212-423-3587; 6:30, $10, $7 st./s.c.

Form & Fusion Jerry & Andy Gonzalez, Ray Santos & others discuss the Latin jazz movement, past to present; Aaron Davis Hall, W. 135th St. (Convent Ave.), 212-650-7100, www.aarondavishall.org; 7, $10.

Gotham in the Second World War Mike Wallace explores the city's role during WWII & the way its "citizens experienced life on the urban home front"; Graduate Center, CUNY, 365 5th Ave. (34th St.), res. req. 212-817-8215; 6:30.

"New York Wits at the Round Table" Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Aviva Slesin discusses the history of American literature w/focus on the "Algonquin Round Table" & The New Yorker; Small Press Center, 20 W. 44th St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-840-1840, www.generalsociety.org; 6, $15.

Readings

Antiquity: The Civilization of the Ancient World From Publishers Weekly: "An NYU emeritus professor of history, sociology and comparative literature, [Norman] Cantor does for antiquity what he did for medieval times in his acclaimed The Civilization of the Middle Ages"; Barnes & Noble, 240 E. 86th St. (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 212-794-1962; 7:30.

The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness Joel Ben Izzy appears; Auburn Theological Seminary, 3041 B'way (121st St.), 212-662-4315; 7.

Chaka! Though the Fire Chelsea empties as every gay man in the city heads to midtown for signing of singer's memoir; Barnes & Noble, 600 5th Ave. (48th St.), 212-957-2890; 1.

Jamie's Kitchen It's Oliver Twist meets Julia Childs when Jaime Oliver arrives; Union Square Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St. (betw. B'way & Park Ave. S.), 212-253-0810; 7, free.

KGB Fantastic Fiction Series This week, Peter Straub (Lost Boy, Lost Girl) & Stewart O'Nan (The Speed Queen, A Prayer for the Dying, The Night Country); KGB, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd Ave. & Bowery), 212-505-3360; 7, free.

Adrian McKinty reads from Dead I May Well Be at New York's real Filthy MacNasty's; Rocky Sullivan's, 129 Lexington Ave. (29th St.), 212-725-3871; 8.

Workshops

Meditation Class w/SistaShree Focus on sound for meditation & relaxation using "108 repititions of the Gayathri Mantra"; Amrita Yoga Center, 125 4th Ave. (betw. 12th & 13th Sts.), 212-614-6993; 8:15, $5 sugg. don.

Stars, Constellations & Legends Learn about "sky-related" myths & how to identify seasonal constellations; Hayden Planetarium, American Museum of Natural History, 81st St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), res. req. 212-769-5200, www.amnh.org; 6:30-8, $80/5 sessions, $60 st./s.c.

THURSDAY 10/16

Around Town

Cocktail Reception Liechtenstein's representative invites you over to see portions of Jim de Seve's Sundance submission, Tying the Knot, documenting same-sex marriage?plus music from Gaijin a Go-Go, a silent auction & the chance to be in this dude's house; Residence of His Excellency Ambassador Christian Wenaweser, 250 E. 40th St., Penthouse 1 (betw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.), 718-245-8107; 7:30, $75.

Fall Wine Tasting Astor Wines & Spirits & the Merchant's House pres. the best wines of autumn, snacks & kickass 19th century atmosphere; Merchant's House, 29 E. 4th St. (betw. Bowery & Lafayette Sts.), 212-777-1089; 6:30, $35.

IMWF Courage in Journalism Awards 2003 A luncheon in honor of women journalists who risk their lives reporting on corruption, human rights abuses & war; Waldorf Astoria, 301 Park Ave. (48th St.), 908-322-1100; 12, $200.

Film/Video

Andy Warhol: I Don't Know What I'm Doing Festival screens late "pop" artist's flicks, w/the warning (well, warnings, if you count the title of the series) "while the majority of these films are unrated, they are for mature audiences only"?today, see 1965's Screen Test #2 & The Life of Juqanita Castro; BAM Rose Cinema, 30 Lafayette Ave. (Ashland Pl.), Ft. Greene, 718-636-4100; call for times, prices & complete sched.. [through 10/28]

Germaine Dulac: Duty, Deviance and Desire Retrospective on female, French, avant-garde director; MOMA's Gramercy Theater, 127 E. 23rd St. (betw. Lexington & Park Aves.), 212-777-4900; call for times & prices. [through 10/23]

The Revenge of Frankenstein Peter Cushing plays the twisted doctor, escaped from the guillotine & back to his old experiements, in Terence Fisher's 1958 horror sequel; Sony Wonder Technology Lab, 550 Madison Ave. (56th St.), 212-833-8100, RSVP 212-833-7858; 6, free.

Video Thursdays Three whimsical stories, all revolving around a rye field, become one in director/writer/actor Roman Vávra's 1999 dramedy In the Rye?Czech w/English subtitles; Czech Center New York, 1109 Madison Ave. (83rd St.), 212-288-0830; 7, free.

Lectures

Eating for Immunity Learn to "recognize signs of poor immunity" & how to boost your immune system by "eating your way to health"; McBurney YMCA, 125 W. 14th St. (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), res. req. 212-741-9210; 7-8, $15.

Free-Thinking Design America's "foremost image makers," incl. Betsey Johnson, Vivienne Tam, Cynthia Rowley & Kate Spade, reveal secrets behind creating "multi-million dollar image-driven campaigns"; 92nd St. Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. (92nd St.), 212-415-5500, www.92y.org; 8:15, $25.

"Lost Liberties: America in the Age of Ashcroft" Forum addresses how "government actions in the wake of Sept. 11th violate the civil liberties of both American citizens & foreign nationals"?feat. Floyd Abrams, Tanya E. Coke, David Cole, Aryeh Neier & Burt Neuborne; NYU Law School, Martin Lipton Hall, 110 W. 3rd St. (betw. Sullivan & MacDougal Sts.), 212-564-4406; 7:30.

Middle Essence?Age 55-80: A Wonderful Life Stage Perk-up old timers! Evan Levine explains how great life can be after AARP; Science Industry Business Library, 188 Madison Ave. (34th St.), 212-592-7000; 5:30-7.

David Rees Comedic author hosts book signing & discussion of his most recent work; Chelsea Barnes & Noble, 675 6th Ave. (21st St.), 212-727-1227; 7.

Ambassador Dennis Ross Former Clinton advisor discusses the current "state of negotiations" between Israel & Palestine & possibilities for peace in the region; St. Bartholomew's Church, 109 E. 50th St. (Park Ave.), 212-378-0222; 7:30.

Readings

The Known World From Publishers Weekly: "In a crabbed, powerful follow-up to his National Book Award-nominated short story collection (Lost in the City), [Edward] Jones explores an oft-neglected chapter of American history, the world of blacks who owned blacks in the antebellum South"; Barnes & Noble, 2289 B'way (82nd St.), 212-362-8835; 7:30.

The Mourner`s Dance: What We Do When People Die "[Katherine] Ashenburg looks at worldwide traditions of mourning, which cut across historical, cultural, religious, and socio-economic lines, while interweaving her own, first-hand experience"; Fordham University's Lincoln Center, 113 W. 60th St. (9th Ave.), 212-596-1676; 6:30.

Workshops

Moving On Aerobics Marthy Eddy leads women who have or had breast cancer through "gentle yet invigorating workout"; JCC, 334 Amsterdam Ave. (76th St.), 212-523-7082, www.jccmanhattan.com; 12, free.

FRIDAY 10/17

Around Town

Aperitif Live jazz by the Laurent Coq trio, a sampling of red & white burgandies from Bouchard Pere et Fils, hors d'oeuvres, et vous; Gallery of the French Institute Alliance FranÁaise, 22 E. 60th St. (betw. Park & Madison Aves.), 212-355-6100; 5:30-7:30, $35.

Deep Sea Dozing Sleep w/the fishes at educational overnight incl. afterhours tour of the aquarium, pillow painting, behind-the-scenes morning tour & continental breakfast; NY Aquarium, Education Hall, W. 8th St. (Surf Ave.), Coney Island, 718-837-4455; 7 p.m.-10 a.m., $145 adult & child. [through 10/18]

"Light & Illusion" Benefit Exhibition of installations by noted designers & architects?proceeds benefit non-profit, the Family Center, providing legal & social services to parents who are seriously ill; Joan Sherman's Loft, 135 Greene St. (betw. Houston & Prince Sts.), 212-766-4522 x126; 6, $100-$800.

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.].

Oktoberfest at Oscar's Hearty four-course, nine-beer extravaganza in celebration of fall, beer & all things German; Oscars, 50th St. (Lexington Ave.), 212-872-4920; 6, $70.

Remembrance Vigil Park Slope Safe Homes Project holds its 10th-annual vigil in honor of victims of domestic violence feat. reception, speakers, candlelight procession & self-defense demo; PS 321, 180 7th Ave. (betw. 2nd & 3rd St), Park Slope, 718-788-6947; 6:30.

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

We Remember Stan Getz Jazz musicians incl. Sarah Jane Cion, Duduka Da Fonseca & Jackie Naylor put on a show, celebrating the grand opening of the Steve Getz Music Hall; Steve Getz Music Hall, 119 Kent Ave. (N. 7th St.), Williamsburg, 718-388-3320; 8, $7.50 & $15 min.

Woman's Song: The Story of Roro Mendut Learn about the 17th century legend w/shadow screens, wayang puppets, Balinese & Javanese masks/dances, stilts & martial arts; Kitchen, 512 W. 19th St. (betw. 9th & 10th Aves.), 212-255-5793; 12, $10.

Film/Video

Au Hasard Balthazar New 35mm-print of French director Robert Bresson's 1966 b&w drama about a mistreated donkey & the people around it, feat. new translation & subtitles; 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 Sat.-Tues.].

Big Wednesday New 35mm-print of director John Millius' 1978 surf drama, that follows three friends, played by Jan-Michael Vincent (Airwolf), William Katt & Gary Busey, through 12 turbulent years in California; Landmark Sunshine Cinema, 143 E. Houston St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 800-555-TELL; 12 a.m., $10, $6.50 s.c.. [repeats Sat.].

"Cinema India" Program pres. director Buddhadeb Dasgupta's character-driven drama, A Tale of a Naughty Girl (2002), about Lati, the daughter of a Bengali prostitue, who is sold to a sleazy businessman in 1969?Hindi & Bengali w/English subtitles; American Museum of the Moving Image, 35 Ave. (36 St.), Astoria, 718-784-4520; 7:30 p.m., $10, $7.50 st./s.c.

Horror Doubleheader Green-Wood Partnership pres. director Roman Polanski's 1968 thriller Rosemary's Baby, starring Mia Farrow & John Cassavetes (7:30 p.m.) & William Friedkin's 1973 classic, The Exorcist (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.

"Horror Film Festival" Two days of B-movie double features. Today, enjoy The Return of the Living Dead & Night of the Living Dead 3 (aka Night of the Day of the Dawn of the Son of the Bride of the Return of the Terror)?plus, tomorrow see Creepshow & Creepshow 2; MF Gallery, 157 Rivington St. (betw. Suffolk & Clinton Sts.), 917-446-8681; 7, $5, $2.50 w/mask. [continues Sat.].

"John Mills: Forever English" Series ends w/British actor Mills 1970 WWI romantic drama Ryan's Daughter, starring Mills as a village idiot?for which he won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar?& Robert Mitchum, directed by David Lean; MOMA's Gramercy Theater, 127 E. 23rd St. (betw. Lexington & Park Aves.), 212-777-4900, www.moma.org; 2, $6.

Zigeunerwisen Director Seijun Suzuki's 1980 16mm supernatural mystery, set in the 1930s, about "two couples floating between time and space, reality and hallucination"?Japanese w/English subtitles; Japan Society, 333 E. 47th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-715-1253; 6:30, $10, $5 st./s.c.

Readings

Breathing for a Living: A Memoir "Laura Rothenberg wrote this moving memoir at 21, as she was dying of cystic fibrosis, and it has inspired those who have read it for its courage, strength, and most of all, its love of life. Come hear Debra Winger (her godmother) and Brian Doerries (her boyfriend) read from the book"; Coliseum Books, 11 W. 42nd St. (5th Ave.), 212-803-5890; 6.

David Foster Wallace finally answers the question was "Infinite Jest" just the name of both a fictional cult film and the central philosophy behind his second novel, or a more elaborate, veiled reference to his enduring predilection for doo-rags?; Union Square Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St. (betw. B'way & Park Ave. S.), 212-253-0810; 7, free.

LeRoy Neiman Artist signs copies of latest?Five Decades; Chelsea Barnes & Noble, 675 6th Ave. (21st St.), 212-727-1227; 7, free.

Workshops

The Listening Hand: Humor & Other Martial Arts Ilana Rubenfeld shows you how to develop a "compassionate, listening touch that can open gateways for contacting & expressing feelings"; New York Open Center, 83 Spring St. (betw. B'way & Lafayette St.), 212-219-2527; 7-10, $40.

SATURDAY 10/18

Around Town

Celebrating 30 Years of GCN-Inspired Activism Day-long gathering feat. workshops & conversations analyzing queer activism & changes in sexual politics over the last 30 years?celebrating 30th-anniversary of Boston's LGBT weekly, Gay Community News; LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-620-7310; 10-6, free.

Go Fish Join BPCPC's anglers w/barbless hooks?sparring both fish & people?& catch some of the 30 varieties of local fish known to bite. Rod & bait provided for those who don't bring their own; Battery Park City, Wagner Park, Battery Pl. (West St.), 212-267-9700; 10-2, free.

Halloween Harvest Festival Story telling, face painting, live bluegrass, artmaking workshops & food are just a few of the reasons to come to this community event; Socrates Sculpture Park, B'way (Vernon Blvd.), LIC, 718-956-1819; 11-3.

Halloween Haunted House Get into the Halloween spirit at haunted house feat. games, treats & storytelling w/Sonia Manzano (Sesame Street)?there's also a costume contest, so don't forget the face paint!; Leonard Nimoy Thalia, Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 B'way (95th St.), 212-864-5400; 11-2, $5.

Little Cakes Little Sale Clothing, crafts & artwork acquired designed by nonconformists & sold at reasonable prices?cash only; Little Cakes Little Gallery, 240 E. 4th St. #1D (betw. Aves. A & B), 212-979-9736; 1-7.

Teacher Appreciation Day Overworked & underappreciated teachers deserve this day incl. free admission, family discounts, a free gift & 15%-off at the Museum store; Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, Pier 86 W. 46th St. (12th Ave.), 212-245-0072, RSVP 212-957-3701; 11-3, $14, $10 vets./reservists/st./s.c., $7 child. 6-11, $2 child. 2-5, active duty/child. 0-2 free.

23rd Street Fall Festival Over 100 local vendors pres. wares in support of the 10th Precinct Community Council; 23rd St.(betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 626-230-0489; 11-7, free.

Film/Video

"Audio/Visual" New York Underground Film Festival pres. music video screenings. Today see works by LoVid, Jamie Arcangel & the Arcangels, the Plantains, Dr. Doo & Ssion?plus DJs & visuals by the Mighty Robot Audio/Visual Squad; Northsix, 66 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), Williamsburg, www.ticketweb.com; 9 p.m.

"Bela Lugosi Weekend" Series screens six films feat. the memorable Hungarian actors. Today, see horror classics incl. 1931's Dracula (2 p.m.), 1932's The White Zombie (3:30) & 1934's The Black Cat (5); American Museum of the Moving Image, 35 Ave. (36 St.), Astoria, 718-784-4520; see website for full sched., $10, $7.50 st./s.c.. [continues Sun.].

"Saturday at the Movies" Green-Wood Partnership pres. director Danny DeVito's 1996 version of Roald Dahl tale Matilda (3 p.m.), George Cukor's 1964 musical My Fair Lady, starring Audrey Hepburn & sexy Rex Harrison (6) & Elia Kazan's 1951 b&w drama, A Streetcar Named Desire (9)?proceeds benefit Saved In Time; Green-Wood Cemetery Chapel, 500 25th St. (5th Ave.), Sunset Park, 718-857-4816, RSVP www.gowanus.com; $5-$8 per film.

Two Groundbreaking Documentaries Screenings of director AJ Schnack's 2002 They Might Be Giants rockumentary, Gigantic: A Tale of Two Johns (9:15 p.m., repeats Sun.) & Tom Peosay's Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion (2003), ten-years in the making, it's a "moving account of the captive nation" (7, repeats Sun. at 2, 4:15 & 7); Leonard Nimoy Thalia, Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 B'way (95th St.), 212-864-5400; $10, $8 s.c.

Lectures

Adoptive Parents Committee Meeting Share your concerns & experiences w/those considering adoption & those who have gone through the process; FIT, Bldg. C, 27th St. (7th Ave.), 917-432-0234, www.adoptiveparents.org; 7:30.

Aquarium Foundation Class Al DiSpigna teaches you to set up, care for & maintain your fresh/marine aquariums?decorative deep sea diver & tresure chest optional; Prospect Park Audubon Center, Park Dr. (Ocean Ave.), Bklyn, 718-377-7749; 9-12, $44.95.

The Merce Cunningham Legacy?Four Key Discoveries Panel, feat. Merce Cunningham, Joseph V. Melillo, David Vaughn, Thecla Schiphorst, Laura Kuhn & Carolyn Brown, discusses the influence of Merce Cunningham Dance Co.; BAM Hillman Attic Studio, 30 Lafayette Ave., 4th fl. (Ashland Pl.), Bklyn, 718-636-4100, www.bam.org; 4, $8.

True Courage: Compassionate Living in Uncertain Times Renowned Tibetan master Shyalpa Rinpoche demonstrates how a life lived w/"true compassion" is more emotionally, physically & spiritually fulfilling; Sufi Books, 227 W. B'way (betw. Franklin & White Sts.), RSVP 212-340-4716; 10-4, $75.

Workshops

Babysitter Training When The Baby-Sitters Club series fails, boys & girls, 11-15, turn to this two-part safety course covering essentials incl.first aid, safe play & basic care skills; Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, 2 South End Ave. (W. Thames St.), res. req. 212-267-9701; 10-2:30, $30.

Children's Drum Circle Natalie Hull teaches world rhythms on "many different drums"; Tribal Soundz, 340 E. 6th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), res. req. 212-673-5992, www.tribalsoundz.com; 2-3, $15.

"Discover the Healing Power of Meditation" Dr. Matthew Raider demonstrates the "significant health benefits of meditation" to promote "physical, mental & spiritual well-being"; Community Church of NY, 40 E. 35th St. (betw. Park & Madison Aves.), 888-794-0814; 2.

Kundalini Yoga Spend the morning stretching w/Francoise; Joyous Life Center, 119 W. 23rd St. #700 (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-352-9910; 9:30-10:45, $10.

Making Work Lois Weaver leads performance/writing workshop designed to "create performance from the ordinary details & extra-ordinary fantasies of our lives"; Brooklyn Arts Exchange, 421 5th Ave. (betw. 7th & 8th Sts.), Bklyn, 718-832-0018, www.bax.org; 2-5, $110/2 sessions. [repeats Sun.].

Our Stories, Our Selves Day-long fiction/poetry/memoir writing workshop w/author & actress Judith Searle; NY Genealogical & Biographical Society, 124 E. 58th St. (betw. Park & Lexington Aves.), RSVP 212-737-7536; 9-5, $80.

Tricks of the Trade: Making Gay Life Work For You Join other gay men on a "journey to self-acceptance" & learn how to create your own "abundant gay life"; Identity House, 39 W. 14th St. #205 (betw. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-243-8181, www.identityhouse.org; 11-1, $10 sugg. don.

SUNDAY 10/19

Around Town

American Oligopoly Interactive theatrical performance where you get to take on the Bush administration's major players & foreign policy is a giant game of Monopoly; Union Square Park, 17th St. (betw. B'way & Park Ave.), 212-252-3700, www.theorphanagenyc.org; 12, free.

Bear Cafe Bake-Off Larry Kohn award-winning member of the NYC competitive BBQ team joins guest judges in awarding the "best dessert" award to a fuzzy chef; LGBT Community Center, Norman White Bldg., 221 W. 13th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), 212-620-7310; 3-6, $4 & 1 drink min.

Dream Halloween Trick-or-treaters of all ages invited to Children Affected by AIDS Foundation benefit feat. Sponge Bob Square Pants, a haunted house, ice cream & more; Hammerstein Ballroom Manhattan Center, 311 W. 34th St. (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-643-6870; 2-6, $250, $150 13 & under.

Dyke Knitting Circle Wild & crazy knitting circle open to all levels of experience. Sit, chat, and finally make that scarf you've been talking about all these years; Bluestockings, 172 Allen St. (betw. Stanton & Rivington Sts.), 212-714-8375; 5-7.

Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz Hayes Greenfield hosts family program to get kids hooked on late nights & cigarettes (okay, just the music); Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, 58 7th Ave. (Lincoln Pl.), 718-622-3300; 3, $5-$10.

12th-Annual Broadway Fall Festival The NAACP sponsors street festival feat. "handcrafts from third world nations," food booths from over 22 countries & exhibits from non-profits?plus live music from the Michael Grey Jazz Trio & the Delta Blues (12-5); B'way(betw. 86th & 96th Sts.), 212-764-6330; 11-6, free.

Film/Video

"Audio/Visual" New York Underground Film Festival pres. music video screenings. Today see videos feat. the Shins, Stairway at St. Paul's, Kid 606, Red Smoke & Sigur RÛs?plus world-premieres by Black Dice, Rolling Stones & Fatboy Slim, Kill Me Tomorrow & Lighting Bolt; Northsix, 66 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), Williamsburg, www.ticketweb.com; 4 p.m.

"The British Are Coming!" 3rd I NY pres. "the best of independent film and music from the South Asian diaspora" incl. Parv Bancil's 2002 doc. short Goodness Ungracious Me!, Ian Iqbal Rashid's 1997 short Surviving Sabu & music videos?followed by after party feat. DJs spinning Asian underground; Ocularis at Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St. (betw. Wythe & Kent Aves.), Williamsburg, 718-388-8713; 7, $6.

"NYC Midnight Moving Making Madness" Screening of 24 film shorts, by 24 teams, scripted, shot, scored & edited in just 24 hours?the best film wins $10,000; United Artists Theatres, 102 North End Ave. (betw. 4th & 5th Pl.), www.nycmidnight.com; 12:30 & 4:30, $15-$18.

"Silent Slapstick Family Tree" Ken Gordon pres. silent comedies feat. live piano accompaniment by Stuart Oderman. Today, in "Buster After Arbuckle," see 16mm b&w shorts incl.1919's Back Stage & 1921's The 'High Sign', The Haunted House & The Boat; Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Pl., Flatbush Ave. (Prospect Park W.), Park Slope, 718-230-2100; 2, free.

Lectures

Islam, Sufism & the African-American Experience Dr. Ibrahim Nur Al-Amin Farajaje uncovers the "traces of the African presence in Islam in the U.S."; Sufi Books, 227 W. B'way (betw. Franklin & White Sts.), 212-334-5212; www.sufibooks.com; 4, $10.

"Men Growing Together In Christ" Day of "celebration" & "recognition" of men who have given back to their communities?feat. the Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts III; St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 290 Henry St. (betw. Governeur & Jackson Sts.), 212-673-5300, www.staugnyc.org; 4-6, don.

Workshops

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.

Introduction to Massage Therapy Learn basic anatomy & physiology, Swedish massage & Shiatsu techniques; Swedish Institute, 226 W. 26th St. (betw. 7th & 8th Aves.), res. req. 212-924-5900; 10-6, $75.

The Work of Byron Katie: UN-learning For Your Freedom Day-long "immersion" in which stressful beliefs are "undone" by "meeting them with understanding & gentle reversals"; Joyous Life Center, 119 W. 23rd St. #700 (betw. 6th & 7th Aves.), 212-352-9910; 10-5, $75, $65 adv.

MONDAY 10/20

Around Town

"Delight in the Middle East" Fundraiser Treehouse shakers throw a wild party complete w/belly dancers, snake charmers, a comedian & tasty middle eastern snacks in support of their upcoming show,"Desert Travels"; Kevin St. James, 741 8th Ave. (betw. 76th & 77th Sts.), 212-715-1914; 7-10, $15.

Ideas Cafe In the true spirit of the cafe this weekly event provides a comfortable, stimulating environment to enjoy refreshments & conversation; Makor, 35 W. 67th St. (betw. Columbus Ave. & Central Park W.), 212-507-9580; 8, $15.

Rock & Wrap it Up Dominic Chianese, Unkle Jr. from the Sopranos does his thing while guests enjoy Italian food & cheesecake. Proceeds go to Wrap it Up, an international food collection volunteer service; Sophia's, 221 W. 46th (betw.B'way& 8th Ave.), 516-295-0670; 6, $45.

Thrift On! DJ Shakey & Man "S" provide music & entertainment while you swap your tired old clothes for someone else's old clothes?plus contests, raffle & comedy; Botanica, 47 E. Houston St. (betw. Mulberry & Mott Sts.), 212-343-7251; 9 p.m.-1 a.m, free.

Film/Video

Art: 21-Art in the Twenty-First Century Screening of PBS doc. series focusing on contemporary artists. Today, "Humor" program feat. visual artists Eleanor Antin, Raymond Pettibon, Elizabeth Murray & Walton Ford; Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery (betw. 1st & 2nd Sts.), 212-614-0505, www.pbs.org/art21; 5:30, free.

"Creature Double-Feature" Weekly exploration of 1950s sci-fi classics w/commentary by Daivd O. Sarnoff, Howard Schafer & Keith Orpheum pres. director Byron Haskin's Conquest of Space (1955)?plus free popcorn; Cinema Classics, 332 E. 11th St. (betw. 1st & 2nd Aves.), 212-677-1027; 10, $5.

The Holy Land Director Eitan Gorlin's 2001 coming-of-age drama, about an Israeli rabinical student who falls for a Russian