Who's in town

Jose L. Cuisia Jr., the Philippines' ambassador to the United States, discusses business opportunities and security alliances between the nations. [Noon, World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]

Lectures

Inspiring Lincoln: Historian Richard Brookhiser discusses the major influences in President Abraham Lincoln's life: George Washington, Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson. [1 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

After communism: Polish journalist and activist Adam Michnik speaks about his country's nonviolent transition from communism to democracy. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

Focus on Israel: Shalom Hartman Institute Muslim Leadership Initiative co-founders Rabbi Donniel Hartman and Imam Abdullah T. Antepli discuss Israel and ways to improve relations between Jews and Muslims. [7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]

Author talk: Acclaimed novelist Marilynne Robinson discusses her work with writer Isabel Duffy. [7:30 p.m., Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes St., S.F.]

Literary events

Jam session: Learn how jam can become part of any meal — sweet or savory — as Rachel Saunders discusses her new book, “Blue Chair Cooks with Jam & Marmalade.” [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]

Inside the mental hospital: Psychiatrist Stephen Seager discusses his book “Behind the Gates of Gomorrah,” an inside look at a forensic mental hospital for the criminally insane. [7 p.m., Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera]

At the public library

Cuban documentary: Documentarian Gloria Rolando appears at a screening of her film “Reembarque,” which highlights Cubans of African ancestry. [6 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]

At the colleges

Ethics and film: “Who Cares?,” a film about social entrepreneurs, screens as part of San Francisco State University's Business Ethics Week. [5 p.m., J. Paul Leonard Library, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave., S.F.]

Local activities

Museum discount: The first Tuesday of the month is pay-what-you-wish day at the Cartoon Art Museum. Current exhibitions include "Slinging Satire: Masters of Political Cartoons” and “The Art of the Boxtrolls.” [11 a.m.-5 p.m., Cartoon Art Museum, 655 Mission St., S.F.]

Stand-up comedy: Jasper Redd, who has appeared on “Def Comedy Jam” as well as his own Comedy Central special, performs. [8 p.m., Punch Line Comedy Club, 444 Battery St., S.F.]

Rock show: Scottish rockers We Were Promised Jetpacks headline a bill that also includes the Twilight Sad. [8 p.m., Bimbo's 365 Club, 1025 Columbus Ave., S.F.]

Celtic rock: The Dropkick Murphys blend punk and Celtic folk influences on their sixth and latest album, “The Meanest of Times.” [8 p.m., Warfield, 982 Market St., S.F.]

arts