Who’s in town Historian John McMillian talks about “Smoking Typewriters: The Sixties Underground Press and the Rise of Alternative Media in America.” [7 p.m., City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Ave., S.F.]LecturesSusan Jacoby: The journalist discusses marketing hype vs. realistic hope in terms of what awaits the millions of Americans who will be beyond the traditional retirement age by 2030. [5:15 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.] Read More

PERSON IN TOWNAnya Schiffrin, director of the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs, discusses the role of the business press leading up to the financial crisis and how the media may have contributed to the crash itself. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]LECTURESGray Brechin: The historian discusses New Deal contributions to San Francisco and the Bay Area. The San Francisco History Association presents the talk. [7:45 p.m., St. Philip's Church, 725 Diamond St., S.F.] Read More

Around townWho’s in town Dambisa Moyo: International economist and best-selling author speaks and signs copies of her new book, “How the West Was Lost.” “Salvaging global economic power” is the theme of her talk. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]LecturesTalking Turkey: Speakers provide a broad perspective on the economic, political and social changes taking place in Turkey and their implications for U.S.-Turkey relations. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.] Read More

Around townWho’s in town Polina Barskova, who is regarded as one of Russia’s finest poets under the age of 40, reads from “The Zoo in Winter,” her first collection translated into English. [7 p.m., City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Ave., S.F.]LecturesCharles MacCormack: The Save the Children president discusses the consequences of natural disasters, and whether nongovernmental agencies are adequately suited to respond. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.] Read More