UA draws many people from many walks of life, even authors. Today, UA associate professor Lane Johnson will sign and discuss his book, "Pocket Guide to Herbal Remedies," today from noon to 2 p.m. in the Arizona Health Sciences Center, Medical Bookstore, 1501 N. Campbell Ave. The book takes a look at 185 of the most commonly used herbal remedies and how to use them in a myriad of situations. For more information, contact the Medical Bookstore at 626-6669.

Contradiction makes the world go round. So maybe I made that up, but at least it fits with the name of the following lecture. Today at noon, Brackette Williams examines two cases and what they reveal about configurations of race, sex, gender and mental competence in "Two moments in the life of the living dead." The discussion revolves around an excerpt from a book. Expand your horizons and join Williams in Room 306 of the Psychology building. For more information, call 621-5665.

We want to go to Mars. Not the Wildcat staff, but humans in general and, specifically, the scientific community. William Boynton of the Lunar and Planetary Sciences Laboratory will discuss "Getting to Mars: Personal, Political, Scientific and Engineering Issues" today from 12:15 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. in the Integrated Learning Center, Room 150. The lecture is free and is one of many in the 2002 Building Academic Community: The Speaker Series. For more information, contact Jael Walker at 621-7060 or send e-mail to osegoj@email.arizona.edu.

Want to become, and help others become, more aware of the issues facing gay, lesbian and transgendered people at UA? Join SAFE ZONE, an organization sponsored by Residence Life, as it prepares people to become mentors, helpers and support leaders for gay, lesbian and transgendered people and help UA become a tolerant, nurturing place for everyone to coexist. Today's workshops take place between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 626-4855; or to register, send e-mail to safezone@life.arizona.edu.

The classics play at Centennial Hall. Tonight, UApresents introduces "The Phantom of the Opera." The Andrew Lloyd Webber blockbuster became a worldwide phenomenon and continues to sell out playhouses and theatres everywhere. The show begins at 8 p.m. and runs for about two hours and 30 minutes. Tickets cost $62.50, $52.50, $39.50 or $22.50, depending on seating. For more information, contact Centennial Hall Box Office at 621-3341 or visit one of the Web sites at http://uapresents.arizona.edu/0102performance.html or http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com.