Walter Dean Myers
Did you know there is a National Ambassador for Young People's Literature? Well, it's true. And his name is Walter Dean Myers, a decorated writer sporting two Newbery Honor Awards, five Coretta Scott King Awards, and the first Michael L. Printz Award. You might know him for his dark and provocative young adult novels such as Monster or Fallen Angels, but even if you don't, the topic he is speaking on is nevertheless important, "Why Reading is Not Optional." Meaning, of course, that it's not an option to read the Seattle Weekender — it's a must, a necessity; the only remaining path to Seattle-y enlightenment.
If you go: Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave, April 21, 2-3 p.m., Free, more info
Magnuson Series Earth Day Runs
According to the Weather Channel, Seattle is supposed to be mostly cloudy and get to a high of 64 degrees on Saturday, meaning that it should be the perfect, not-too-hot, not-too-cold day for you to go on a run. And what better place to run than Magnuson Park, where you will be treated to views of Lake Washington and, if given a break in the clouds, the Cascades? So arise, couch potato, and compete in one of the many races going on (5k, 10k, half marathon, kids dash). You'll even get a sapling that you can plant in your yard. The event is sponsored by Club Northwest.
If you go: Magnuson Park, Sand Point Way NE and NE 65th St, April 21, registration 8:45-9:45 a.m., $12-$37, $10 more DOR, more info
12 Beers of The Apocalypse: Peste
To be fair, probably nobody wants to drink something inspired by Pestilence, the apocalyptic Horseman known infamously as the bringer of disease. But Peste, this month's drink from Elysian Brewing Co., looks to be just about the most delicious disease-bringer that ever existed. Not many horrifying death-inducing plagues consist of chocolate chili ale, after all. Yes. Chocolate chili ale. If that is what the Apocalypse looks (tastes?) like, then I hope the Mayans' calendar is accurate.
This Saturday will be the kickoff for the beer and, according to the website, there will be some sort of entertainment. The "official tapping" of Peste is at 2 p.m., which will be followed by Peste vaccinations, rat games, and a survival demo ... your guess is as good as mine.
If you go: Elysian Tangletown, 2106 N 55th St., April 21, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Free entry, more info
"The Great Beer Hike"
Toast a beer to Mother Nature and celebrate her on her special day — Earth Day! Which is this Sunday, if you didn't know. And not only is the beer you receive at Latona Pub limited edition and most likely delicious, it'll be environmentally friendly, too. That's because the beer will be delivered by handtruck, all the way from Sodo to Green Lake, powered by nothing more than the leg-powered, carbon-free engine that is the human body.
What's more, you could be one of those engines if you call in and request to volunteer. Or, if you're down with a case of the Sunday lazies, you can just purchase a ticket and plop down for a beer. Either way, Mother Nature wins.
If you go: Latona Pub, 6423 Latona Ave. NE, April 22, 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., $20, more info
Science Fiction Film Festival
To extrapolate on what the Science Fiction Film Festival is would be little more than an exercise in the pointless. So, instead, let me offer you the following movie titles as evidence for why you should go: Barbarella, Brazil, E.T., Forbidden Planet, Ghost Busters, Mad Max, Road Warrior, Omega Man, Planet of the Apes, Solaris, Terminator, Terminator 2, Tron, and Soylent Green.
If none of those titles whet the appetite of your inner-nerd, then I fear you are lost.
If you go: Cinerama, 2100 4th Ave, April 19-May 2, various showings, more info
