Are you stirred up by the inequalities exposed by the nation's response to Hurricane Katrina and eager to learn more? Ira Silver '91 will present "What Do Urban Crises Tell Us About the Poverty in Our Midst?" His talk will address the aftermath of both Hurricane Katrina and the 1992 L.A. riots and the unsettling truths these crises revealed about poverty in the U.S. Silver debunks the widespread myth that poverty is the fault of the individual and asserts that it instead arises from inequality of opportunity. This event is the second lecture in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology's "Old Students with New and Nifty Ideas" series. (Thurs., 4 p.m., Babbott Room, Octagon. No admission charge.)

Don't you just love the sweet, gooey taste of mochi? To learn how to make this scrumptious Japanese dessert yourself, come to the Asian Culture House's Make Your Own Mochi Night. A sticky rice cake typically stuffed with red bean paste, mochi is a special treat eaten both during the Japanese New Year and year-round. (Fri., 8 p.m., Fourth Floor, Moore Dormitory.)

Come revel in multicultural poetry at "Voices for the Voiceless," the Eighth Annual Historic Poetry & Spoken Word Concert, featuring live performances by 12 nationally renowned African American, Asian and Latino poets including Louis Reyes Rivera and Jose Montoya. The program will include music, book signings and award presentations. The event is sponsored by La Causa and Chicano Caucus. Free food will be provided by local restaurants. (Sat., 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Friedmann Room, Campus Center. No admission charge.)

"Golden Girls" chronicles the story of a racially mixed team of female relay runners on their way to compete in the Athens Olympics 2004. The team's new sponsor, Golden Girl Shampoo, hoping to live up to its "Golden Girl" image, favors a white, blonde runner over a more deserving black athlete. The play raises questions of beauty, race, health, performance-enhancing drugs and age in sports and in society. (Wed. to Fri., 8 p.m., Hallie Theatre, Mendenhall Center, Smith College. Tickets $5 for students.)

With the recent success of the "Pride and Prejudice" film remake starring Keira Knightley, why not return to the beloved 1996 BBC mini-series considered by many to be the best interpretation of the beloved Jane Austen novel? Released on DVD in 2001, the lengthy five-hour production is able to more deeply explore the complicated novel and the relationship between the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and proud Mr. Darcy, the latter played by a spot-on Colin Firth. Fans new and old are sure to swoon.