Readings, Lectures, Workshops and More

Art and Crafts

IKEBANA WORKSHOPS -- Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn the Japanese art of flower arranging. The morning workshop teaches basic principles and the afternoon teaches three styles. Johrei Center, Upper Floor, 6 Grant Ave., Takoma Park. Morning workshop $25, afternoon workshop $60. For reservations, call 301-441-3214.

Books and Authors

MADELEINE ALBRIGHT -- Today at 3:30 p.m. The first female secretary of state speaks, then signs her book "Madam Secretary: A Memoir." Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 S. Park Ave., Chevy Chase. Free. For reservations, call 301-656-2797.

ASRA Q. NOMANI -- Tuesday at 7 p.m. The former Wall Street Journal reporter discusses and signs her latest book, "Standing Alone in Mecca: An American Woman's Pilgrimage into the Heart of Islam," in which she recounts her journey to Mecca and explores the role of women in modern Islam. Olsson's, 418 Seventh St. NW. Free. 202-638-7610.

ROGER EBERT -- Thursday at 4 p.m. The movie critic discusses and signs his second collection of reviews, "The Great Movies II." Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. 202-364-1919.

JANE FONDA -- Friday at 7 p.m. The actress-workout guru discusses and signs her new memoir, "My Life So Far." Tickets for a place in line for the book signing are available Friday at 9 a.m. at the store. Olsson's, 2111 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Free. 703-525-4227.

Comedy

THE GREAT COMEDY TEAMS -- Today at 1 p.m. Lawrence J. Epstein discusses funny folk including Abbot and Costello and the cast of Seinfeld, then signs his book "Mixed Nuts: America's Love Affair with Comedy Teams from Burns and Allen to Belushi and Aykroyd." S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. $18. 202-357-3030.

Espionage

INTRIGUE IN THE PYRENEES -- Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Belgian Charles L. Schepens, once a young ophthalmologist who fooled the Nazis into thinking he was on their side, talks about how he transmitted intelligence and helped refugees across the French-Spanish border. Meg Ostrum, who authored his story, joins him after the lecture to sign "The Surgeon and the Shepherd: Two Resistance Heroes in Vichy France." International Spy Museum, 800 F St. NW. $20. For reservations, call 202-397-7328.

SPIES OF CAPITOL HILL -- Saturday at 1 p.m. Retired Air Force intelligence officer Carol Bessette leads a walking tour that explores the espionage activities conducted in and around the Capitol, Supreme Court and other famous buildings. Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE. $30. 202-797-5102.

Fitness

NATIONAL PILATES DAY -- Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The studio offers a full day of classes, demos, tours and talks, including pilates for neck and back pain and a lesson targeted at young dancers and athletes. Orchid Pagoda, Suite 200, 8626 Lee Hwy., Fairfax. Free. For reservations, call 703-207-9120.

Food and Drink

WINE TASTING -- Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Wine consultant Scott Holman offers four different vintages to complement a dinner that includes pesto crusted salmon. Proceeds benefit Adams Morgan Main Street. Chloe, 2473 18th St. NW. $25. For reservations, call 202-232-1960.

GOURMET FINGER FOODS -- Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Staff member Dean Gold teaches how to make spring party appetizers, including prosciutto-wrapped shrimp and chicken skewers. Whole Foods Market, 7511 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Free. For reservations, call 703-448-1600.

History

HOW DID MEDICINE GO SO WRONG? -- Tuesday at 7 p.m. Arthur Caplan, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Bioethics, discusses the ethical violations in the medical and scientific fields during the Nazi era, and explores how looking back can help confront controversial issues today. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition, "Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race." U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW. Free. For reservations, call 202-488-0407.

Literature

JANE AUSTEN 101: WHY THE WORLD LOVES JANE AUSTEN -- Tuesday at noon. Joan Klingel Ray, president of the Jane Austen Society of North America, discusses the appeal of the novelist's works to literary critics and young girls alike. Library of Congress, Madison Building, Mumford Room, 101 Independence St. SE. Free. 202-707-2692.

Movies

SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL: THE JOURNEY OF ROMEO DALLAIRE -- Monday at 7:30 p.m. Director Peter Raymont screens his 2004 film about the Rwandan genocide and the U.N. serviceman who saw it all happen. In French and English with English subtitles. A discussion with the director follows. AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. $8.50, seniors and students $7.50. 301-495-6720.