TUESDAY, JAN. 30 

Tuesday is for the Birds An early morning walk for birders through Bay Area parklands. Bring water, sunscreen, binoculars and a snack. This week we will visit Kennedy Grove. For meeting location or to borrow binoculars, call 525-2233.  

Return of the Over-the-Hills Gang Hikers 55 years and older who are interested in nature study, history, fitness, and fun are invited to join us on a series of monthly excursions exploring our Regional Parks. This month we’ll visit Sobrante Ridge Regional Park. From 10 a.m. to noon. To register call 525-2233.  

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

WriterCoach Connection seeks volunteers to help students improve their writing and thinking skills. Commit to 1-2 hours per week during the school day and work one-on-one with students in their English classes. Training from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. For information call 524-2319. www.writercoachconnection.org 

“Extraordinary Rendition and International Law” with the screening of a short documentary at 6:30 p.m. at the Free Speech Movement Cafe at Moffitt Library, UC Campus.  

Exploring the Amazon in Southeastern Peru A slide presentation with Pepe Rojas-Moscoso at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Let It Snow Day at Habitot Children's Museum Make snow and conduct fun ice experiments from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. 

Building Success from the Inside Out with Nina Ham, career coach, at 7 p.m. at El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Cerrito. 526-7512.  

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. In case of questionable weather, call around 8 a.m. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Donna Covey from Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education will talk to us about osteoporosis risks and prevention at 11 a.m. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31  

Report from Chiapas with music, video and speakers at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Donations of $5-$10 benefit Zapatista health care. 654-9587. 

“Environmental Policy and Planning: From Academia to Action” with Tim Duane at 1 p.m. at Wurster Hall, 315A, UC Campus. http://laep.ced.berkeley.edu/events/colloquium 

Bay Area Seed Interchange Library Information Meeting Learn how to promote local seed sharing at 6:30 p.m. at the at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220. 

New to DVD “Scoop” at 7 p.m. at the JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

Know Your Rights Training at 7 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Sponsored by Copwatch. 548-0425. 

Bayswater Book Club discusses “Fast Food Nation” by Eric Schlosser at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, El Cerrito. 433-2911. 

Pacific Boychoir Academy Winter Auditions for boys ages 5-9 at 4 p.m. at 410 Alcatraz, Oakland. 652-4722.  

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. 548-9840. 

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. 848-1704.  

THURSDAY, FEB. 1 

Palestinian-Americans Mona & David Halaby will share stories and photos, as well as updates about facts on the ground from their recent trip to Jerusalem and the West Bank at 7 p.m. at La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Donation $10-$20 benefits the Middle East Children's Alliance. 548-0542. www.mecaforpeace.org 

Tim Wise: Anti-Racism Activist and Author will speak at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. Tickets are $5-$10 available from 1-800-838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/9397 

“I Cried, You Didn’t Listen” Readings and discussion of Dwight Abbott’s life in the California Youth Authority system at 7 p.m. at AK Press, 674-A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700.  

“Adventures in Wild California” a program for older adults at 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

Class for Family Members of Mentally-Ill Relatives begins at 6:45 p.m. in Albany, and runs Thurs. nights for 12 weeks. For information or to register, please call NAMI-East Bay at 524-1250.  

WriterCoach Connection seeks volunteers to help students improve their writing and thinking skills. Commit to 1-2 hours per week during the school day and work one-on-one with students in their English classes. Training from noon to 3 p.m. 524-2319. www.writercoachconnection.org 

Family Story Time for children ages 3-7 at the Berkeley Public Library, North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, at Hopkins. 981-6107. 

Storytime for Babies and Toddlers at 10:30 a.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club meets at 6:45 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline at Alcatraz. namaste@avatar.freetoasthost.info  

FRIDAY, FEB. 2 

Impeachment Banner Fridays at 6:45 to 8 a.m. on the Berkeley Pedestrian bridge between Seabreeze Market and the Berkeley Aquatic Park, ongoing on Fridays until impeachment is realized. www. Impeachbush-cheney.com 

“Why We Fight” Eugene Jareki’s documentary on American militarism at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Informal discussion follows. 482-1062. 

Discover Wild Mushrooms with biologist Debbie Viess at 7:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St. Followed by field trip on Sat. from 10 a.m. to noon. To regsiter call 238-6641. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at Unit 4 Dorms, UC Campus. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com (code UCB) 

Financial Health Checkup with Josephine White at 11 a.m. at North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. 981-5190. 

Circle Dancing, simple folk dancing with instruction at 7:30 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut St. at University. Donation of $5 requested. 528-4253.  

SATURDAY, FEB. 3 

“New Era/New Politics” A walking tour of Oakland which highlights African-American leaders who have made their mark on Oakland. Meet at 10 a.m. and the African American Museum and Library at 659 14th St. 238-3234. www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours 

Kid’s Garden Club for ages 7-12 to explore the world of gardening, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Dress to get dirty! Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 636-1684. 

French Broom Removal Help remove this invasive plant which has been displacing native plants in Redwood Park. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Skyline Gate staging area, 8500 Skyline Blvd. Oakland. 925-756-0195. 

“Bug of the Month Club” Explore the bizarre and fascinating world of insects, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church Office, 1255 First Avenue, Oakland. Cost is $20. Call for reservations 581-3739. 

Sick Plant Clinic Dr. Robert Raabe, plant pathologist, and Dr. Nick Mills, entomologist, will diagnose plant illnesses and recommend remedies. Bring a piece of the plant in a securely sealed container. A zipperlock bag is ideal. From 9 a.m. to noon at Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755. 

Bookmaking with Recycled Materials from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $10-$15. Registration required. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

Benefit Drag Show to benefit Vital Life Services, an HIV/AIDS organization at 6 p.m. at the Bench and Bar Club, 2111 Franklin St. Cost is $10. 655-3435. 

Introductory Workshop in Projective Dream Work from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $45. 528-3417.  

Produce Stand at Spiral Gardens Food Security Project from 1 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon St. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732.  

Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755.  

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, FEB. 4 

“A Coca Farmer President and Gas Nationalization?” A slide show and Andean music and a report back on a recent delegation to Bolivia at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 415-924-3227. 

“Open Garden” Join the Little Farm gardener for composting, planting, watering and reaping the rewards of our work, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cancelled only by heavy rain. 525-2233.  

French Broom Removal Help remove this invasive plant which has been displacing native plants in Tilden Park. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Area. 525-2233. 

Berkeley Hiking Club Explores the Santa Fe Right of Way This 4-mile hike begins at 9 a.m. For information on how to join, please call 524-4715. 

Combatants for Peace Israeli and Palestinian combatants who have forsaken violence in order to promote peace will speak at noon at Grand Lake Theatre, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $5. Sponsored by Brit Tzedek V'Shalom. 524-1993.  

“Taking Heart in Tough Times” A workshop with Joanna Macy from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists 1924 Cedar St. Cost is $25-$100 sliding scale, includes lunch. For reservations call 841-4003. 

Spring Pruning 101 Learn how prune perennials, shrubs and roses at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 

“The Spirituality of Deep Democracy” with Tim Weitzel at 9:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. 535-0302, ext. 306.  

Holistic Pet Health A free consultation from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at RabbitEars, 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington. For information call 525-6255. 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Tu B'Shvat Seder Jewish Holiday of the Trees, benefitting Rabbis for Human Rights, at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley JCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $10. For reservations call 415-789-7685. 

MONDAY, FEB. 5  

“Restoring America’s Estuaries: Winning Battles But…,” with Friends of Five Creeks president Susan Schwartz at 7 p.m. at the Edith Stone Room, Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave., Albany. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

“Steelhead (Ocean-Going Trout) in East Bay Creeks” Andy Gunther, ecosystems expert, will talk about the life cycle of steelhead trout, and the technical and political challenges of restoring these fish to streams in the Bay Area, at 7:30 p.m. at Montclair Presbyterian Church, 5701 Thornhill Rd., Oakland. 655-6658.  

Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Course Meets for eight Mon. from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Keller WIlliams, 4341 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Free, but registration required. 652-8885. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at MLK Student Union, UC Campus. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com (code UCB) 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425. 

ONGOING 

Berkeley Winter Campaign for Cats We are providing free trapping assistance and spay/neuter to feral and homeless cats in Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville and Piedmont, through March 2007. The cats will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for fleas and returned safely back to their neighborhoods. To report a neighborhood in need or to volunteer, please contact Caitlin at 908-0709. 

Albany Berkeley Girls Softball League Open to girls in grades 1-9. Spring season begins March 3. To register call 869-4277. www.abgsl.org 

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., Jan. 30, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Downtown Area Plan Advisory Commission meets Wed., Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7487. 

Energy Commission meets Wed., Jan. 31, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5434.  

Homeless Commission meets Wed., Wed. Jan. 31, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5426.  

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 1, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/landmarks 

Community Environmental Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 1, at 7 p.m., at 2118 Milvia St. Nabil Al-Hadithy, 981-7461. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/environmentaladvisory 

Public Works Commission meets Thurs., Feb. 1 , at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Jeff Egeberg, 981-6406. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/publicworks

TUESDAY, JAN. 30 

CHILDREN 

Children’s Illustrator Elaine Chu introduces her new book “The Year of the Pig” for ages 3 and up at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. Free. 524-3043. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Unveiling of a New Tapestry by Elisa Kelven at 3 p.m. in the Story Room, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Family concerts with Juan Sanchez at 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. 981-6224. 

“Looking for Hope: Paintings About Oakland by Daniel Camacho” Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, César Chávez Branch, 3301 East 12th St., Oakland. 535-5620. 

FILM 

Yoko Ono: Imagine Film “Bed-In” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Richard Schwarzenberger reads from “In Faro’s Garden” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Neal Pollack describes his role as “Alternadad” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Itzhak Perlman, violin with Janet Guggenheim, piano at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $34-$88. 642-9988.  

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054.  

Teja Gerken and Vicki Genfan, acoustic guitar, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Ellen Hoffman Trio and Singers’ Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ.  

Paula Morelenbaum at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Randy Craig Trio at 7:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Jazzschool Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31 

THEATER 

Word for Word “Strangers We Know” Wed.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $25-$33. 415-437-6775. www.zspace.org  

FILM 

History of Cinema: “Show People” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Maxine Hong Kingston in conversation with her husband, Earll Kingston, at 7 p.m. at College Prep School, Oakland. Tickets are $12.50-$15, students $5. www.college-prep.org/livetalk 

“Art and Violence” with Tim Clark, Tom Laqueur and Francine Masiello in conjunction with the exhibition “Paintings of Abu Ghraib” by Columbian artist Fernando Botero at 4 p.m. in the Morrison Library, Doe Library, UC Campus. 643-5651. www.clas.berkeley.edu 

Mary Anderson Parks reads from her novel “They Call Me Bunny” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Jay Griffiths decribes “Wild: An Elemental Journey” at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik and Three Blind Mice, at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5-$7. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Jazz Trio at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Paco de Lucía, flamenco, jazz guitar, at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Sontraud Speidel, piano, at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Cost is $10-$15. 845-1350. 

Wild Wind at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Bandworks Recitals at 7:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $5. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

“Body Tales” Improv movement performance at 8 p.m. at Western Sky Studio, 2525 8th St. Donatoin $5-$20. 532-1020. 

Savant Guard at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Paul Manousos at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Bill Kirchen, dieselbilly and truck-stop rock, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Paula Morelenbaum at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, FEB. 1 

EXHIBITIONS 

Michael Howerton “Portraits” opens at Chachie’s Coffee Shop, 1768 Broadway at 19th St., Oakland. Though Feb. 28. www. 

howertonphoto.blogspot.com 

“Used and Re-Used: decorative objects made from utilitarian materials” opens at the The Ames Gallery, 2661 Cedar St. through March 31. 845-4949. www.amesgallery.com 

“The Children of Chaguitillo” Photographs by Harold Adler opens at Au Coquelet Cafe, 2000 University Ave. and runs through March 31. 

“Fire in the Heart” Paintings by Foad Satterfield influenced by African art opens at the Community Gallery, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2450 Ashby Ave., through March 2. 204-1667. 

“Love Dream” and other limited ed. prints by Richard Franklin (1961-1997) on display at Solano Fine Art Gallery: 1654 #B. Solano Ave. through Feb. 24. Gallery hours are 1-6 p.m. Wed.-Sun. 524-7009. 

“Environmental Surrealism” works by Guy Colwell and Michelle Waters at Esteban Sabar Gallery, 480 23rd St., Oakland, through Feb. 23. 444-7411. www.estebansabar.com 

“100 Families in Oakland: Art & Social Change” at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts.. Oakland, through April 22. 238-2200. 

Paintings by Allan Reynolds at the Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter, 3rd flr., 101 Eighth St., Oakland. Exhibition runs through March. 817-5773. 

“Transforming Vision: The Wood Sculpture of William Hunter, 1970-2005” at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts.. Oakland, through March 18. 238-2200. 

“Berkeley: 75 Years Ago” at the Berkeley History Center, Veterans Memorial Building, 1931 Center St. Hours are Thurs.-Sat., 1 to 4 p.m. Exhibit runs through March. 848-0181.  

“Art of Living Black” at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., Richmond, and runs through March 16. 620-6772. www.richmondartcenter.org 

Oakland Art Association Juried Show at the MTC Offices, Bort MetroCenter, 3rd floor, 101 Eighth St., Oakland. Exhibition runs to March 30. 817-5773. 

FILM 

The Lubitsch Touch “I Don’t Want to Be a Man” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Free first Thursday. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“A Rose Has No Teeth: Bruce Nauman in the 1960s” Guided tour at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m.. lecture at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

Lunch Poems with Dunya Mikhail at 12:10 p.m. in the Morrison Library, in the Doe Library, UC Campus. http://lunchpoems.berkeley.edu 

Robert Pinsky talks about the “Favorite Poem Project” at 7:30 p.m. at Wheeler Hall, UC Campus. Free tickets issued at 6 p.m. 

Jack Marshall, poet, at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Stephen Klaidman decribes “Coronary: A True Story of Medicine Gone Awry” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Adina Sara reads from “100 Words Per Minute: Tales From Behind Law Office Doors” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Paco de Lucía, flamenco, jazz guitar, at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Leslie Helpert “28 Teenage Angst” at 8 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Donation $10, or a damn good joke/story. 544-2204. 

Shinehead with Reggae Angels and Razorblade, reggae, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13-$15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Laurie Lewis & the Right Hands with Tom Rozum, Todd Phillips, Craig Smith and Scott Huffman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Randy Moore Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $9. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Laura Klein & Ted Wolff, piano and vibraphone, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

The Sweet Nothings, Jack Killed Jill, Vicious Denial at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Joe Cardillo at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Tourettes without Regrets at 8:30 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. All ages. Cost is $8. 763-1146. g 

Pieces of a Dream at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $22-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

FRIDAY, FEB. 2 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “True West” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave., through Feb. 17. Tickets are $12. 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org 

Altarena Playhouse Rogers and Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing” Fri and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 1409 High St., Alameda, through Feb. 17. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553. www.altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre Company “The Birthday Party” Wed. - Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through March 4. Tickets are $38. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

Berkeley Rep “The Pillowman” at 8 p.m. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., through March 11. Tickets are $33-$61. 647-2949. 

Black Repertory Group “Wild Roots” at 8:30 p.m. and Sat. at 2:30 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $5-$25. 652-2120. 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., at Moeser, El Cerrito., through March 3. Tickets are $15-$24. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Impact Theatre “Cartoon” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid, through March 10. Tickets are $10-$15. www.impacttheatre.com 

The Marsh “Shopping for God” Thurs.-Sat. at 7 p.m. at 2120 Allston Way, through March 3. Tickets are $15-$22. 1-800-838-5750. www.themarsh.org 

Masquers Playhouse “Arsenic and Old Lace” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., though Feb. 24, at 105 Park Playhouse, Point Richmond. Tickets are $15. 232-4031. 

Ragged Wing Ensemble “The Tempest” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at The Metal Shop Theater, 2425 Stuart St., behind Willard Middle School. Runs through Feb. 17. Tickets are $15-$25. 800-838-3006. www.raggedwing.org 

Word for Word “Strangers We Know” through Sun. at 8 p.m. at 2640 College Ave, through Feb. 4. Tickets are $25-$33. 925-798-1300.  

EXHIBITIONS 

Michael Howerton “Portraits” Reception with the artist at 8 p.m. at Chachie’s Coffee Shop, 1768 Broadway at 19th St., Oakland. Exhibition runs though Feb. 28. www.howertonphoto. 

blogspot.com 

“Often Forgotten” New work by Derek Weisberg and Percy Fells. Opening reception at 7 p.m. at the Boontling Gallery, 4224 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 295-8811. 

Maya Kabat and David Seiler “New Works” opens with a reception at 6 p.m. at the Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave. at Broadway, Oakland, and runs through Feb. 28. 

Tony Bellaver “Interventions” Performance art from 1 to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. Donations accepted. 644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

“Still I Rise” Recent art by Bryan Keith Thomas. Opening reception at 5:30 p.m. at Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th St., Oakland. Runs through Feb. 26. 465-8928. 

“Piece of My Heart” Group show reception at 7 p.m. at Back Room Gallery eclectix at 7523 Fairmount Ave., El Cerrito. 364-7261. 

FILM 

African Film Festival “The Night of Truth” at 7 p.m. and “U-Carmen eKhayelitsha” at 9 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“A Rose Has No Teeth: Bruce Nauman in the 1960s” Symposium at 1 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

Mike Henderson “Art & Singing the Blues” a slide talk at 6:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St. Cost is $5-$10. 238-2200. 

Tim Wendel reads from his sports novel set in pre-revolutionary Cuba, “Castro’s Curveball” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

“UnPacking” Spoken word and dance performance by Marissa Saunders to benefit the Women's Cancer Resource Center at 8 p.m. at 2232 Martin Luther King, Oakland. Cost is $40-$50. unpackingmy@yahoo.com  

Barbara Kantrowitz and Pat Wingert on “Is It Hot in Here, Or Is It Me? The Complete Guide to Menopause” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Songs and Stories of the African American in the 21st Century with Rhodessa Jones at 8 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St. Free. 238-3842. 

Matt Rahaim, Hindustani vocal music, at noon at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Grupo Cacique y Kongo, Afro-Puerto Rican, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Kodo at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Free Jazz Fridays with Simon Rose, saxophone, Kjell Nordeson, percussion, Damon Smith bass, at 8 p.m. at 1510 8th Street Performance Space, 1510 8th St., Oakland. Cost is $5-$15.  

A Night of Voices at 9 p.m. at The Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave. Oakland.  

Vicki Burns & Her Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Slammin, all-body band, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Hal Stein, jazz, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Tin Hat, chamber folk ensemble, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Bill Bell Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Stuart Rosh and Miena Yoo at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

The Happy Clams, Pickin’ Trix, Dan Lange at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Dave Stein BubHub at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Pieces of a Dream at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $22-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, FEB. 3 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Derique, the high-tech clown, at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Street Portraiture” Photographs by Tom Stone Reception at 5 p.m. at The LightRoom Gallery, 2263 Fifth St., through Feb. 28. 649-8111. 

FILM 

The Lubitsch Touch “One Hour with You” at 6:30 p.m., “The Merry Widow” at 8:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Bay Area Poets Coalition 27th Annual Poetry Contest and open reading at 3 p.m. at Strawberry Creek Lodge, Dining Hall, 1320 Addison St. Please park on the street. 527-9905. 

African American Celebration through Poetry from 1 to 4 p.m. at the West Oakland Branch Library, 1801 Adeline St. Free. 238-7352. 

Ellis Avery introduces her debut novel, “The Teahouse Fire” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

“UnPacking” Spoken word and dance performance by Marissa Saunders to benefit the Women’s Cancer Resource Center at 8 p.m. at 2232 Martin Luther King, Oakland. Cost is $25. unpackingmy@yahoo.com  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Kodo at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Birdmonster, Poor Bailey, Minipop, Cold Hard Crash at 8:30 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. All ages. Cost is $10. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

Pellejo Seco, contemporary Cuban son, at 9:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Medicine Ball with Pee Wee Crayton at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Zydeco Flames at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Naomi Adiv at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

House Jacks, a capella, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Ben Stolorow Trio at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Third Ave., hip hop, at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7. 558-0881. 

The Flux, Socket at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. All ages show. Cost is $10. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Pieces of a Dream at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $22-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, FEB. 4 

THEATER 

Black Repertory Group “The Trial” a gospel play at 7:30 p.m. at 3201 Adeline St. Tickets are $10-$15. 652-2120. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“A Rose Has No Teeth: Bruce Nauman in the 1960s” Guided tour at 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

“Art from the 1960s” by Gayle Kaplan opens at 11 a.m. at Start Here Gallery, 2295 B San Pablo Ave., Entrance east of San Pablo on Bancroft. 707-937-3204. 

FILM 

The Lubitsch Touch “Rosita” at 2 p.m., “Design for Living” at 3:45 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Conversations on Art “The (Fabric)ation of Memory” intergenerational dialogue through the medium of textiles at 2 p.m. at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. Cost is $10-$12. 549-6950. 

Sandra Lim and Rebecca Black, poets, read at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

“Are You Good Enough to be Published?” Symposium at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Kodo at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra “Six Seasons” at 3 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. pre-concert talk, at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Free. 415-248-1640. 

Cheap Suit Serenaders, ragtime and jazz, at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$35.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Berkeley High Jazz Combos at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Twang Cafe with Town Mountain and Jimbo Trout, Bluegrass and Old Time music at 8 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10. www.twangcafe.com 

Los Mapaches, Andean music, at 7 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Kathy Zavada, singer/songwriter, at 6:30 p.m. at Unity of Berkeley, 2075 Eunice St. Cost is $15. 528-8844. 

Lakay, Rasi-n Banbou Band, Haitian, at 6:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $12. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Philips Marine Duo at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

MONDAY, FEB. 5 

THEATER 

Shakespeare Intensive “A Midsummer Nights Dream” staged reading at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Fellowship, Fireside Room, 1925 Cedar at Bonita. Other plays to be read each Mon. to Feb. 26. Cost is $5. 276-3871. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Revisions” Works by Amy Berk using Jewish ceremonial textiles on display at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St., through Aug. 5. 549-6950. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Paul Giganti will speak on “How a Book Goes from Idea to Hardbound” at 12:30 p.m. at the Albany Library, Edith Stone Room, 1247 Marin Ave. Bring your lunch. 526-3720. 

Monday Night Blues Lecture and performance held every Mon. night during Black History Month at 8 p.m. at Kimball’s Carnival, 522 Second St. Donation $5. 836-2227. 

Rafe Esquith and the Hobart Shakespeareans on “Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire” at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $5 in advance at Cody’s or $10 at the door. Benefits the Berkeley Public Education Foundation. 559-9500. 

Actors Reading Writers “Odd Couples” Stories by Russell Banks and Padgett Powell at 7:30 p.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Free. 

David Smethurst reads from “Tripoli: The United States’ First War on Terror” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Poetry Express with Stephanie Manning and Erik Haber at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

Last Word Poetry Series with Julia Vinograd at 7 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

S.F. Bluegrass & Old Time Festival with Lost Coast, Homespun Rowdy, and Diana Jones at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $15.50-$16.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

“Hot Frittatas” international cafe music, at 6 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre , 2629 Telegraph Ave. 849-1100. www.lebateauivre.net 

Trovatore, traditional Italian music, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

El Cerrito High and Portola Middle School Jazz Bands at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $12. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com  

NEW TAPESTRY TO BE UNVEILED 

An unveiling of a new tapestry by Elisa Kelven will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Story Room of the Berkeley Public Library, preceded and followed by family concerts with Juan Sanchez at 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6224. 

A THOUSAND DECISIONS IN THE DARK 

Film critic David Thomson continues his film and discussion series examining the state of cinema toward the end of the 1950s with a screening of Some Like it Hot at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Pacific Film Archive. $4-$8. 2575 Bancroft Way. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu. 

A DISCUSSION OF ART AND VIOLENCE 

Tim Clark, Tom Laqueur and Francine Masiello will discuss art and violence in conjunction with the ongoing exhibition of “Paintings of Abu Ghraib” by Colombian artist Fernando Botero at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Morrison Library at the Doe Library on the UC Berkeley campus. 643-5651. www.clas.berkeley.edu. 

DANGEROUS DAMES AND DARK STREETS 

OK, so it’s not in the East Bay, but the fifth annual Noir City film noir festival, running through Sunday night at the Castro Theater, is more than worth the trip across the bay. The series screens double features every night for just $10, and often includes onstage interviews with actors and actresses from the heydey of the genre in the 1940s and ’50s, including Marsha Hunt and Richard Erdman.This week the festival will spotlight the work of Charles McGraw, Glenn Ford, Burt Lancaster, screenwriter Roy Huggins, cinematographer John Alton, and the queen of noir, Joan Crawford.  

429 Castro St., San Francisco. www.thecastrotheatre.com.

A rather involved tale of the appearance (and disappearance) of a boarder in a Parisian flat, a young woman from Marseille, studying acting ... but is she from Marseille? Or studying acting? Certainly she proves to be “enceinte”—and the effect of the ephemeral tenant on the family, narrated wistfully by Madame, especially after seeing her again, years later, for an instant in a commercial on TV, while the background of the 13ieme Arrondisement constantly changes as Asian immigrants move in ... 

Followed by an adult mother-and-daughter act, tooling around Ireland on vacation, bristling with old “issues,” as daughter Abby just waits for the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone as a boost for her forthcoming promotion from achievement test question writer to inspirational speaker. 

Such is the fare in store when Word for Word brings Strangers We Know to the Julia Morgan for one week, tomorrow night (Wed.) through Sun. afternoon, after a run at SF’s Magic Theater, with an adept cast simultaneously narrating and acting out “Mlle. Dias De Corta” by Canadian storyteller and elective Parisienne Mavis Gallant and “Which Is More Than I Can Say About Some People” (Abby’s mother’s constant tag-line) by Lorrie Moore, author of Birds of America. 

Mavis Gallant’s wry tale is seen through the eyes of the lady of the house (Susan Harloe), addressing her long-lost boarder (Maria Candelaria, a would-be surrogate daughter?), the long, raconteurish storylines switching back and forth from past to present, the life of the neighborhood flowing in and out. 

It’s an engaging work, directed by Amy Kossow, though Word for Word’s eponymously literalistic approach doesn’t always match up to the resilient, almost hypnotic flow of the second-person narrative; their quick, indicative turns of family or neighborhood characters breaking into the flow to illustrate what’s been said can distract from the ambient sense of its telling, contradicting rather than fleshing out its charm. 

“Which Is More Than I Can Say ...” is almost a burlesque, a hapless familial takeoff of Buddy and Roadtrip adventures, Abby kvetching while her imperious mother takes the helm of what was originally a solo voyage, plying the rent-a-car wheel and bursting into song (Country-&-Western) as they brave the tourist life and the open road, beset by disapproving, guidebook-browsing sheep (Maria Candelaria in a funny routine) and cranky local folk, many with suspiciously pointed leprechaun ears (Joe Mullinex, who also directs, in a panoply of roles, subbing in some for Paul Finnochiaro). Comedic and a little picaresque (though Abby would quail over so testy a word), the story doesn’t have the sophistication or artfulness of Gallant’s raconte, but it works perfectly for Word for Word and their style, bringing out two splendid performances by Sheila Balter as indecisive Abby, and Patricia Silver as her seemingly flinty mother, who, as Abby comes to realize, has always acted so aggressively that she “never was courted before.” 

Word for Word’s been at it for 13 years now, and have developed a real following. These selections, with choreography by Andrea Weber, set and video design by David Szlasa (a nice arc of emerald green like a rainbow) delight those coming back for yet another story. 

STRANGERS WE KNOW 

Presented by Word for Word at 8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday at the Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. $25-$33. 

(415) 437-6775, www.zspace.org

TV news clips of a contrite James Frey being castigated by Oprah for adding fictional sins to his (until then) best-selling memoir “A Million Little Pieces,” reminded me of G. B. Shaw’s hilarious character “Rummy” in Major Barbara. (1905) Rummy is a regular at Salvation Army rallies, where he confesses long lists of imaginary sins, making good money in contributions for himself and for the charity. Probably our appetite for vicarious sin and redemption goes back even further than a century.  

So does our appetite for cheap escape. The latest in the formulaic romance genre is “chick-lit” for teenagers. Kaavya Viwanathan, a nineteen-year-old Harvard sophomore, must have decided that it was a waste of her intellect and time (I would agree) to invent incidents for such a formula, so she just cut and pasted bits from published chick-lit novels. Her wild success was quickly followed by disgrace. Since Ms. Viwanathan was smart enough to get into Harvard, one would assume she had heard of the term “plagiarism”—violation of copyright, theft. Or is she suicidal?  

It’s a relief to turn to the hoax recently devised by biographer Bevis Hillier, after his biography of poet John Betjeman was panned by A. N. Wilson. Knowing that Wilson was working on his own biography of Betjeman, Hillier took revenge. He faked a letter to Betjeman from Honor Tracy, “proving” that they had been lovers; then he sent it by devious means to Wilson, who swallowed it, and included the bogus love affair in his book. After other scholars called the letter an obvious phony, the chortling Hillier owned up. No disgrace here—rather, the exposure of the hoax becomes an act of one-up-man-ship, proof that the great A. N. Wilson isn’t so smart, after all. That kind of hoax, in that small world, might do little except cause a few scholarly giggles and complicate research for future graduate students. 

There were more raised eyebrows at the news that, in his new collection of “original” songs, Bob Dylan lifts whole verses from Civil War poet Henry Timrod. Since Timrod is not likely to complain, and Dylan has not violated any copyright law, this example of plagiarism—where there could have been a gracious acknowledgement—is just tacky. 

More troubling is the ease with which students now can and do plagiarize papers off the net. (I’m glad I left teaching before the age of the internet. I remember occasionally spotting a clumsily plagiarized paper and feeling that the student was spitting on me and my unending, underpaid hours of work for him.) Some students plead the ruthless Darwinian laws of academic survival. Do they really believe so deeply in the myth of the Almighty College Degree? Someone should remind them of the well-known Car Talk Brothers’ joke: 

Question—“What’s the first thing you’ll say after you get your PhD?” 

Answer— “Do you want mashed potatoes or fries?” 

Yet, it’s hard to blame students when teachers set a bad example, like the practice referred to in the NY Times as “the echoing textbooks.” It seems that the same concluding paragraph about 9/11, word for word, has turned up in several new history textbooks submitted for adoption by schools. Although textbooks are published under the names of one or two professors, dozens of anonymous academic peons do much of the research and writing. In such cases, it’s hard to say who has stolen what in order to offer an “up-to-date” text. The motive here has little to do with academic prestige; state adoptions of text books equals big money. 

Worse yet are the more personal violations, like a teacher stealing a student’s work. It never happened to me when I was a student—probably I never wrote anything that good—but a friend of mine has never forgotten the day she opened a scholarly journal to find a paper she had recently written for a graduate seminar, published under the professor’s name. I’m told this happens more frequently than we hear about—because students don’t know quite what to do about theft and betrayal by someone they may have to depend on for thesis approval and recommendations. 

Some “borrowing” hurts even more: the brazen, non-credited appropriation of the work of a long-time friend, in the service—supposedly—of shared ideals. I had a recent telephone call from a friend who needed to vent his feelings of betrayal. A well-known peace and justice leader, who also happened to be his friend of forty years, called to ask what he knew on one aspect of Middle East culture. My friend was just finishing a painstakingly researched article on this topic. He e-mailed his as-yet unpublished article, and waited for questions, feed-back. The whole article suddenly appeared on the peace and justice organization’s website, under the leader’s name. No request for permission, no credit, no mention of the author, who then telephoned to him to say, wait a minute, how come—? The plagiarist didn’t even bother to pretend a misunderstanding, though his tone was a bit squirmy as he mumbled something about web site technology (the computer did it? yeah). They haven’t been in touch lately. “The worst thing is, he knows I’m not going to make a fuss about it. He also knows he’s lost my trust, my friendship—and he just doesn’t care.” 

Probably the record for the longest career as hoaxer/plagiarist was Bruno Bettelheim’s forty years as The Authority on childhood psychosis. After Bettelheim’s death in 1990, his over-inflated reputation finally exploded into fraudulent pieces, the least of which was his plagiarized Freudian book on fairy tales. Julius Heuscher, the author from whom he lifted the most, only shrugged, “We all plagiarize. I plagiarize. Many times, I am not sure whether it came out of my own brain or if it came from somewhere else.” Heuscher was overgenerous—long verbatim passages from Heuscher’s book prove that Bettelheim knew exactly what he was doing. Nevertheless, Heuscher’s attitude may be sensible. It’s easier for writers to stay sane if we’re good at shrugging off most literary thefts that, like mosquitoes, suck a bit of our blood. (no, I’m not going to bore you with examples from my experience). 

The big guys seem to get away with the biggest cons. In the 1980s, Alex Hailey was sued for plagiarizing substantial parts of his blockbuster Roots from Margaret Walker’s 1966 Civil War novel Jubilee. Hailey settled out of court with Walker, and perhaps with others. It is said that he ran a writing factory—correction—a team of “student researchers” who combed books for material he could use. 

The fine line between research and plagiarism entered into a recent suit against another blockbuster, Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code. Last April, the plaintiffs lost their case, much to the relief of historical novelists who feared being sued for “plagiarizing” historical sources they consult. But, as Joseph Finder pointed out in the NY Times, Brown is nevertheless a hoaxer, by virtue of the epigraph he printed at the beginning of the Da Vinci Code. “Fact: The Priory of Sion—a European secret society founded in 1099—is a real organization. In 1975 Paris’s Bibliothéque Nationale discovered parchments known as Les Dossiers Secrets, identifying numerous members of the Priory of Sion, including Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Leonardo da Vinci.” 

What Brown’s statement of “Fact,” leaves out, according to Finder, are the true facts, well known to historians, that during the 1960s a Frenchman named Plantard planted these forged parchments in the Bibliothéque Nationale to support his own “wild tale about Jesus and his bloodlines.” Brown’s hoax doesn’t seem to bother anyone but people who find fantasies about ancient Vatican conspiracies a bit tiresome and beside the point.  

I lack the wit and the time to dream up a hoax that might embarrass nasty reviewers (though I have, once or twice, spent a few minutes planning their torture and slow death.) And I find it hard to understand what might tempt anyone to spend time plagiarizing someone else’s work. The possible rewards for this kind of theft—money, status, advancement—may be tempting, but hardly worth the risk. 

Or is the risk part of the reward? The classic con artist, the spy and the imposter enjoy a sense of power gained by deceit, by knowing more than, feeling superior to the people who are deceived. Like the gambler, the con artist knows that everything could suddenly be lost—money, reputation, even freedom—but that’s the thrill at the very heart of the game. There are a few con artists in every profession. Why should we expect writers—by definition inventors of tales—to be exempt? 

In any case, it seems that writers who get high on the risks of stealing other writers’ work would be well advised to find another addiction. Plagiarism, until now exposed mostly by accident, is instantly detectable by new software like iParadigms, invented by John Barrie. Barrie’s most recent coup was exposing the plagiarism of Ann Coulter, right-wing columnist and TV abuser of liberals. Today, many teachers, publishers, companies with “intellectual property” to protect use this software which instantly brings up matching phrases, passages, identifying the source. John Barrie promises to turn all of us writers into honest folk. Unless, like other creative con artists, plagiarists and hoaxsters manage to devise another scam.