Who's in town
Talha Rathore, a classically trained contemporary artist born in Pakistan, visits the Asian Art Museum to demonstrate the techniques of South Asian miniature painting. [Noon to 4 p.m., 200 Larkin St., S.F.]
Lectures
David Pogue: The New York Times technology columnist appears in conversation with “Mythbusters” cohost Adam Savage. City Arts and Lectures presents the evening. [8 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Andrew Feinstein: The founder of Corruption Watch discusses legitimate multibillion-dollar government arms contracts, the illicit arms trade and the links between the two. [6 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
Pebble Mine: Opponents of the proposed Pebble Mine, which would be located in southwest Alaska, discuss the potential environmental and human impact of the project. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Japan’s earthquake: Planning, engineering and mental-health experts discuss what we can learn from Japan’s earthquake, and what’s next for Japan. [12:30 p.m., SPUR, 654 Mission St., S.F.]
Literary events
Scott Wallace: The journalist and photographer discusses “The Unconquered: In Search of the Amazon’s Last Uncontacted Tribe.” [7 p.m., Kepler’s Books and Magazines, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park]
Melinda Palacio: The debut novelist reads from “Ocotillo Dreams.” [7 p.m., Green Apple Books, 506 Clement St., S.F.]
At the colleges
Chancellor’s Concert Series: Cellist Angela Lee and pianist Temirzhan Yerzhanov perform Rachmaninoff’s “Sonata in G Minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 19.” [Noon, UCSF, Cole Hall, 513 Parnassus Ave., S.F.]
At the public library
LGBT poems: Editor Kevin Simmons and contributors read from “Collective Brightness,” an anthology featuring LGBT poets from around the world. [6 p.m., Main Library, James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
‘Great Teen Book Swap’: Teens receive free books with the understanding that they will give the library a bookmark review by the end of the month. [2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Parkside Branch, 1200 Taraval St., S.F.]
Local activities
Animated films: The San Francisco Film Society’s 2011 San Francisco International Animation Festival begins. Opening feature: “Glitch in the Grid.” [7 p.m. onward; SFFS/New People Cinema, 1746 Post St., S.F.]
Native American films: The American Indian Film Festival presents “Shouting Secrets,” a drama about a Native American family coming back together in the event of a parent’s illness. [7 p.m., Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St., S.F.]
Veteran event: Mosaic Multicultural Foundation presents “Voices of Veterans,” a welcome-home ceremony bringing together veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan and other wars. [7 p.m., First Unitarian church, 1187 Franklin St., S.F.]
Art reception: The Museum of Craft and Folk Art hosts an opening reception for “Fiat Lux,” an exhibit of newly commissioned work by Bay Area conceptual artist Randy Colosky. [6 to 8 p.m., 51 Yerba Buena Lane, S.F.]
Floral fundraiser: San Francisco Garden Club presents “Couture et Fleurs,” a fundraiser that includes a fashion show with floral accessories, a luncheon and a silent auction. [10:30 a.m., Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market St., S.F.]
Dining out
Zero Zero: Chef-pizzaiolo Bruce Hill’s pizzas include the “Townsend” — back on the menu due to its popularity. Ingredients include potato, rosemary oil, sopressata, roasted garlic, mozzarella and grana padano. Also recommended: a salad with grilled pan di zucchero (chicory), bacon, pear and Gorgonzola; and little-shell pasta with butternut squash, Gorgonzola and sage breadcrumbs. [826 Folsom St., S.F., (415) 348-8800]
