• Author: Martin Fletcher
Television journalist Martin Fletcher will speak in conversation with KQED's Michael Krasny at 7 p.m. tonight (Nov. 2) on his book "Breaking News: A Stunning and Memorable Account of Reporting from Some of the Most Dangerous Places in the World." Fletcher has worked in the Middle East and Africa over the past 30 years, and is now the NBC news bureau chief in Tel Aviv. The event is at the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. Tickets bought in advance are $15 for JCC members and $20 for non-members; tickets at the door are $25. Call 650-324-4321 or go to www.keplers.com.

• Animation talk: Scott Clark
Tonight (Nov. 2) at 7 p.m., Pixar Animation Studios lead animator Scott Clark will give a talk on making films such as Disney/Pixar's "Up." He'll in be in conversation of Martine Paris, editor of Content NOW, at Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The talk is organized by the Commonwealth Club, with check-in at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for club members, $15 for non-members, and $5 for students. Go to tickets.commonwealthclub.org.