Who’s in town Water 1st International founder and executive director Marla Smith-Nilson, talks about how to end the cycle of poverty by first providing people with clean water. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]Lectures Joe Cirincione: The Ploughshares Fund president discusses Iran’s nuclear program as well as the debate in Washington about how to deal with it. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
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The big shots took a backseat to two championship trophies Wednesday. The America’s Cup and World Series trophies stood out as, from left, Mayor Gavin Newsom, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, Giants owner Bill Neukom and Giants president Larry Baer, gathered at City Hall.WHAT TO READThe Secrets of People Who Never Get SickBy Gene Stone ($23.95)
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FRIDAY
EATING
Food: Spice Kit serves the utmost in street food based on hand-held meals from Korea and Vietnam. Try the ssäm, a wrap filled with delicious beef, or the pork buns.
DRINKING
Wine: Start the new year with Burgundy — it pairs extremely well with food and is especially good with winter menus that feature root vegetables, wild mushrooms, turkey or ham.
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PERSON IN TOWNFrench pianist Helene Grimaud appears with the San Francisco Symphony, performing Schumann’s “Piano Concerto.” Ukrainian conductor Kirill Karabits conducts the orchestra. [2 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]LECTURESBarry Eichengreen: The economics professor and author of “Exorbitant Privilege” discusses the fate of the U.S. dollar and the future of the international monetary system. [Noon, World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
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Singer-songwriter: Pop and rock singer-songwriter Ash Reiter performs. [9 p.m., Hemlock Tavern, 1131 Polk St., S.F.]WHO’S IN TOWN Tom Rhodes: The comedian kicks off a string of shows. [8 p.m., Punch Line Comedy Club, 444 Battery St., S.F.]MUSEUMSZeum: The museum features experiences for kids. Attractions include the annual Global Youth Media & Arts Festival Celebration, an exhibit of immigration- and identity-themed art by hundreds of youths. [1 to 5 p.m., 221 Fourth St., S.F.]
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Who’s in townComedian Patton Oswalt appears in conversation. His new book, “Zombie Spaceship Wasteland,” is an autobiography of sorts told through essays on Edgar Allen Poe and Dungeons & Dragons, among other things. The evening benefits 826 Valencia college scholarships. [8 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]Around townLectures
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PERSON IN TOWNRecent philosophy graduate Kara Cohen speaks at tonight's edition of Monday Night Philosophy. Her scheduled topics include milestones in the history of aesthetics, including Plato's and Kant's observations, and what it's like to be a student of philosophy in contemporary society. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]MUSEUMS
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WHAT TO READThe Interpretation of Dreams: The Illustrated EditionBy Sigmund Freud; edited by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson ($45)The famed work by the founder of psychoanalysis is accompanied by gorgeous artwork, essays and biographical information in a critical volume compiled by the best-selling author, analyst and scholar. LEND A HANDSurfrider Foundation: Volunteers are needed to help clean up Ocean Beach. [10 a.m. to noon; details at www.parksconservancy.org]GET OUTSIDE
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Holiday Glee Club The Examiner asked The City’s songbirds and community chorus members to describe their favorite seasonal music and why it inspires them. Michael Morgan, Oakland East Bay Symphony, music directorFavorite music: “All I Want for Christmas is You” recorded by Vince Vance and the Valiants; “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Hugh Martin
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HOLIDAY GLEE CLUB The Examiner asked The City’s songbirds and community chorus members to describe their favorite seasonal music and why it inspires them. Jessica Wang, 8, piano studentFavorite music: “Old Saint Nicolas”Why: “I like it because of its beautiful melody and lyrics. Now I’m practicing it on piano and guitar, and going to perform it for my family on Christmas Eve.”ON IN TOWN
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URL: http://www.sfexaminer.com/archive/17701/17701?page=51&type[story]=story&quicktabs_1=0&quicktabs_6=0