TONIGHT

For those of you with empathy, the Seattle Human Rights Commission is hosting a community forum to discuss changing laws that would affect how people's arrest and conviction records were viewed by landlords and employers. Basically, the commission wants to get ex-convicts better access to jobs and housing. Since most people would prefer NOT to have ex-offenders wandering the streets, there's a definite self-interest factor in attending this event, even if you don't have empathy (Republicans). (Garfield Community Center, 2323 East Cherry Street, 6 p.m., free)

WEDNESDAY

The Stranger, Seattle's Only Nonpartisan News Source™, is hosting a deep-bore-tunnel discussion at Town Hall. Mayor Mike McGinn, council member Mike O’Brien, and Drew Paxton of Move Seattle Smarter will talk about the state's visionary and/or fucking insane plans to drill a five story freeway underneath downtown Seattle. Moderated by the Stranger's ever-moderate Dominic Holden. (Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave, Seneca Street Entrance, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., free)

Events through Friday after the jump!

WEDNESDAY CONT'D

Meanwhile, what would happen if an oil spill hit Puget Sound? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, one of the more melodious governmental acronyms) explores this question and addresses how well-equipped scientists are to handle marine catastrophes after the Gulf spill. If you care about cute animals or the health of the region and planet, this one's for you. (Pacific Science Center - Eames Theater, 200 2nd Avenue North, 7:00 p.m., free)

Finally, if you're a student or if you're weary of police brutality, come to Seattle Central Community College for a forum about "police accountability, training, campus safety and more." Here you'll learn from SPD officers helpful tips on how to protest peacefully, for example, and not get your ass roughed up by cops. The forum starts with a panel discussion between students and officers and end with a question-and-answer session. (Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., free)

THURSDAY

Chris Hedges, one of the most badass journalists alive (he was a war correspondent for the New York Times before getting fired for speaking out against the Iraq War), will give a book reading at Town Hall for his new book, Death of the Liberal Class. Hedges is, by the way, a breathtakingly good writer. If you don’t know him, check out his book War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning and you’ll see why this is one of my most anticipated events of the year. (Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave, Great Hall Entrance, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., $5 tickets)

FRIDAY

Clay Jenkinson, a scholar and historical drag queen who hosts a podcast called The Thomas Jefferson Hour (which I freaking LOVE), will take on the spirit of Robert J. Oppenheimer, the father of the atom bomb. He'll be monologuing as Oppenheimer and answering questions. I know this sounds insanely stupid, but believe me — Jenkinson is awesome. (Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave, Seneca Street Entrance, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., free)