Tuesday, Dec. 5
"Freedom and Tolerance in Shi'a Islam and the Future of Iraq" 4 p.m. John Paul II Cultural Center, 3900 Harewood Road N.E. Metro: Brookland/CUA (red line) H. E. Sayed Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim, president of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq and leader of the United Iraqi Alliance, will lead a discussion about the current situation in Iraq. The event is sponsored by Catholic University's Columbus School of Law and AU's Center for Global Peace. A reception will follow. To R.S.V.P., e-mail pathtopeace@cua.edu or call (202) 319-6081.
Thursday, Dec. 7
Discussion with NPR's Moira Gunn 12:30-1:30 p.m. Koshland Science Museum, Sixth and E streets N.W. Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown (red, green and yellow lines) Moira Gunn of NPR's "Tech Nation" will guide listeners on a biotech discovery as she talks about her experiences in science and technology reporting. She will share her perspective on how science and policy come together on radio. Cost is $5. For more information, visit www.koshland-science.org, call (202) 334-1201 or e-mail ksm@nas.edu.
Lighting of the National Christmas Tree 5 p.m. The Ellipse in front of the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Metro: Metro Center (red, orange and blue lines) Join President Bush and others in the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, as well as Christmas trees representing all 50 states, five territories and D.C. During the Pageant of Peace there will be performances by Eartha Kitt, Cathy Rigby, B.J. Thomas, John Conlee, the U.S. Army Band, the Singing Angels Choir from Cleveland, Ohio, and an appearance by Santa Claus. The trees will be lit every night from dusk until 11 p.m. until Jan. 1. Free musical performances will be held nightly on the Ellipse from Dec. 9 to Dec. 23. For more information call the White House visitors' center at (202) 208-1631.
Saturday, Dec. 9
"Laugh Riot at the Hyatt" 8-10 p.m. Hyatt Regency Bethesda Hotel, 7400 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. Metro: Bethesda (red line) This weekly comedy show features five local standup comics, including comedy by Chris Palmer, AU's distinguished film producer in residence. After the show, there is a segment called "Everybody's A Comedian," where audience members tell a joke on stage. The best joke wins $25 cash, a T-shirt and two passes to the next show. Cost is $5. For more information, call (301) 657-1234 or visit www.bethesda.hyatt.com.
Sunday, Dec. 10
Norwegian Christmas at Union Station - Taste of Norway 2-4 p.m. Union Station Main Hall, 50 Massachusetts Ave. N.E. Metro: Union Station (red line) Taste the traditional holiday food of Norway. Get a free sample platter of hot food and assorted Christmas cookies served by Norwegians dressed in "bunad," the national costume. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.norway.org/xmas/unionstation2006.htm or call (202) 333-6000 or (202) 289-1908.
