Start the week by jamming & learning

If the night time's not the right for you gals, get into the learning mode with a free talk and workshop in the St. Francis Room at UNE's Biddeford campus. Liz Funk, author of "Supergirls Speak Out," talks on the subject of "The Female Idea in Generation Y." The talk and workshop are both free.

Tuesday's also a good night for listening to those who know more than you. Spend this evening with Jonathan Safran Foer, author of "Everything is Illuminated," at Bowdoin College's Packard Theater in Brunswick. The book about the life journeys of a young American Jew was made into a movie starring Elijah Wood. You can meet and listen to Foer for free starting at 7:30 pm.

Want to grab a quick drink and do a little networking after work? Check out the DownEast Pride Alliance's Business After Hours event at Saltwater Grille (231 Front St., South Portland) from 5:30-7:30 pm. It's a GLBT networking event but all friendlies are welcome.

Feel like some tunes? You're in luck with Jesse Pilgrim performing at Slainte (24 Preble St., Portland) along with Lady Lamb and the Beekeeper. Show's at 9 pm, and Slainte doesn't charge a cover.

If you can break early for lunch on Wednesday, you can be informed and entertained all in one shot. "The Thin Line" is a one-woman show from Add Verb Productions focusing on eating disorders. You'll need reservations (772-1167) for the 11 am start at Freeport Performing Arts Center (Holbrook Street, Freeport) but the show's free. Though it may put you in a different frame of mind when you chomp into your next buffalo chicken wrap.

If hump day's got you down, head to Vintner's Winery Cellar (1037 Forest Ave., Portland) for the weekly Wednesday wine tasting. Sip some free samples from 4-7 pm and give yourself a lift for those final two days of the work week.

Thursday's your night to make a difference. The Conservation Law Foundation & The League of Young Voters are hosting "Carbon Nation: Maine's Role in Solving the Climate Crisis at Gulf of Maine Research Center (350 Commercial St., Portland). See the film that strives for global warming solutions locally and learn what Maine can do to address the crisis. The 6-8 pm event is free but please call 729-7733 ext. 10 because space is limited.

If you'd rather just sit, watch and shirk all responsibility, head over to Luther Bonney Hall on USM's Portland Campus for the WMPG Thursday Night Film Festival. Showing are "The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins" and "A Well Spent Life." See both Les Blank films for just $5.

Don't forget to check back Thursday to make your Fri-Sun plans. First Friday's coming 'round again and there will be plenty to do.