THURSDAY 8/2
CIRCUS--The circus is here! The circus is here! I wish I lived in the times when the circus was the biggest event of the year. But now that we have talk shows and presidential politics, no one seems to get excited about clowns who actually wear makeup. Nevertheless, the Circus Chimera is pitching what it boasts is the "world's tallest big top" in Auburn, and the two-hour show includes performers from nine countries from around the globe. But get on the ball! Today is the last day. Circus Chimera, 4:30 and 7:30 at the SuperMall grounds near the Regal Cinemas in Auburn. Check www.circuschimera.com for details.
FRIDAY 8/3
BALLROOM DANCE COMPETITION--People are seriously lobbying for ballroom dancing (or, as they call it for that extra sparkle, "dancesport") to be an Olympic sport. So seriously, in fact, that the Seattle Star Ball is claiming that you will watch "future Olympians" at this year's competition. Tonight's event will include Latin and American "Smooth Rhythm" competitions, and Saturday will feature International and American standards such as the waltz, tango, foxtrot, and quickstep. In addition to competitions, there will be professional shows both evenings. SeaTac Hilton Hotel, $15 per night. Call 550-6461 for details, or e-mail info@dancesportseattle.com.
SATURDAY 8/4
IMPORT CAR SHOW--Toyo Tires Import Revolution, an entertainment production, will be showing off hot rods like the ones in the movie The Fast and the Furious. In addition to the 300-plus show cars to look at, there will also be digitized surround sound, models, live performances, and interactive vendor displays. Stadium Exposition Center, 4-11 pm, $19. Check www.HotImportNights.com for more ambiguous information.
SUNDAY 8/5
MEDITATION--Every Sunday in August, this Tibetan Buddhist monastery offers free meditation classes. The instruction is focused on the two Chenrezi meditations (described as "meditations on compassion"), but not exclusively so. Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, 108 NW 83rd St, 789-2573, 9 am, free.
MONDAY 8/6
DISCUSSION--The Radical Women study group will talk about Rosa Luxemburg's 1898 pamphlet, "Reform or Revolution." This small but potent work is a cornerstone of socialist thought, one that caught the attention of Lenin and Trotsky. Radical Women, 1903 NE 82nd St, free. Call 722-6057 for more info.
TUESDAY 8/7
MEETING--On the premise that one in five American families is affected by a serious mental illness, and that people of color have unique needs in accessing treatment and support, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill will hold an informational meeting. Psychiatrist Sandra Walker will share her knowledge on mental illness in the African American community, and discuss treatments, educational opportunities, and advocacy. Holgate Street Church of Christ, 2600 S Holgate St, 7:30 pm, free. Call 343-0250 to RSVP.
