For Today

Can We Beat the Surveillance State? 

Author Ramez Naam will be at Ada's Technical Books to discuss Nexus and Crux, his dystopian novels about government mind control, the surveillance state, international espionage, and how people might use both technology and the political process to move the world toward greater freedom.

U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA, 1), who has led a long battle against NSA spying, recently cast a vote against the so-called USA Freedom Act, which will add guidelines to the NSA's metadata surveillance programs. It passed 303-121 despite her concerns that the Act didn't sufficiently protect U.S. citizens from government surveillance. 

Naam's insights may become even more important if Rep. DelBene's concerns turn out to be true. 

Can We Beat the Surveillance State?, Wed, May 28, 7–9 pm, Ada's Technical Books, 425 15th Ave E, free

For Thursday

Unpacking McLeary at Town Hall

Confused by the impact of the State Supreme Court's 2012 ruling in McLeary v. State, which determined that the state legislature has failed in its constitutional obligation to fully fund public education? Town Hall and the Washington State Budget and Policy Center are hosting a meeting to explore the effects of the decision, discuss upcoming funding priorities, and develop methods to maximize educational equity in the state.

The McLeary ruling says the state needs to come up with an additional $3.5 billion to fund basic education by 2018.

Who knows—the state might have to start selling things on Craigslist. We call dibs on George!

Unpacking McLeary at Town Hall, Thu, May 29, 7:30–8:45 pm, Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 8th Ave, $5.

For Friday

KEXP Hood-to-Hood Day

Ballard claimed its fifth KEXP Hood-to-Hood annual fundraiser title in nine years last June, and their reward is an all-day party on Friday. 

There will be prime deals at many local businesses, but the real draw is the music, including a live broadcast at Hilliard's Beer Taproom and shows and signings by local artists.

KEXP Hood-to-Hood Day, Fri, May 30, 11 am, multiple Ballard venues, free to attend.

Want to see your nerdy event featured on the PubliCalendar?
Send the details to Ezra Parter at [email protected]