In 2002 SESAME, Students Educating Students About the Middle East, was created by students returning from Palestine after volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) and in response the looming threat of war on Iraq. Rachel Corrie's death and the beginning of the occupation of Iraq occurred within days of each other. Since then SESAME has expanded to include solidarity, advocacy, education and action on issues surrounding racism, human rights and foreign policy.

The 5th Annual Middle East Film Festival
Jan30 to Feb12, 2008
The Evergreen State College

Films about the Middle East, surrounding regions and the diaspora with guest speakers - film makers, veterans, political prisoners and artists. Topics include War and Resistance, Racial Profiling, Solidarity, Art, Refugees, and Identity.

Keep a look out for upcoming festival schedule available soon at www.evergreen.edu/sesame

The Illuminated Ball is not only a key fundraiser for Olympia's Procession of the Species, it is an artful experience in its own right. This year's theme is the Tree of Life and will feature a floor show dance, live music, light and luminaria. At the end of the floor show, the New Orleans funk band, Bump Kitchen will perform. All of this plus food and drink at the amazingly cool Eagles Grand Ballroom at Fourth and Plum. Advance tickets are $40 at Traditions or $45 at the door. I recommend getting advance tickets.

Or go here.