Monday

“How To Lose an Argument — And Why: Exit Strategies for Political (and Academic) Warfare,” 6 p.m., with Colby College professor Dan Cohen; presented by The University of New England’s Center for Global Humanities at the WCHP Lecture Hall on the UNE Portland campus. A reception at the UNE Art Gallery will begin at 5 p.m. The lecture and reception are free and open to the public.

First-Time Homebuyer seminar, 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 7, 12 and 14, at Money Management International, South Portland. Pre-registration is required by today and there is a non-refundable charge of $30 per person or $50 per couple or co-buyer. To register and for more information call 882-7552, Ext. 177 or visit http://www.ceimaine.org/Workshops. 

Tuesday

Maine Lobster Promotion Council board meeting, 4 to 7 p.m., conference room 106, Natural Resource Service Center, 6 Beech St., Hallowell. Call 541-9310 for details.

DownEast Pride Alliance, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., gay and gay-friendly business networking group; meet at Pat’s Pizza Old Port, 30 Free St., Portland. Visit www.depabusiness.com for details. 

Wednesday

“QR Codes for your Small Business: What is a QR code and what can it do for you and your small business?” 10 to 11:30 a.m., free interactive workshop with participants encouraged to bring their smart phones. The program is offered by The Maine Centers for Women, Work, and Community and the Town of Camden Development Office and will be held at the Camden Opera House, 2nd floor. For more information or to register, call 596 2616.

“Why America Matters,” 6:30 p.m., with University of New England Professor Anouar Majid presented as part of the Camden Conference Community Events Series and held at the Rockport Opera House. Free and open to the public. Donations are welcome. 

Thursday

“Essentials of Exporting,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., several experts will cover topics such as international markets, global logistics, payments and legal issues. Held at Eastern Maine Development Corporation office, 40 Harlow St., Bangor. Registration is $35 for Maine International Trade Center members and $45 for non-members. Lunch is included. To learn more and register, visit www.mitc.com.

Maine Technology Institute, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. monthly office days offering funding help for entrepreneurs, researchers or businesses. Target Technology Center, 20 Godfrey Drive, Orono. For an appointment call Linda Adams at 582-4790, Ext. 206, or visit www.mainetechnology.org for more information.

Focus on Philanthropy: The Art of Leadership, 10 a.m., with awards for the top five nonprofit directors in Maine and several speakers including Lisa Walker, managing director of Newman’s Own Foundation and Lowell Weicker, former U.S. Senator and Governor of Connecticut. Sponsored by The Bank of Maine and held at Harraseeket Inn, Freeport. For reservations or more information, visit www.thebankofmaine.com.

Winter Social, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., presented by the Northern New England Chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services and held at Saltwater Grille, 231 Front St., South Portland, The cost is $50 for members and $70 for non-members. Register at www.smpsmaine.org/smps. 

Friday

Interview Workshop, 9 a.m. to noon, at York County Career Center, 9 Bodwell Court, Springvale. Call 324-5460 to register or for more information about other programs.

Snowball 2011, 6 p.m. to midnight, at Port City Music Hall, Portland. The holiday event for the creative community is presented by the Maine Marketing Association, Ad Club of Maine, AIGA Maine, and Maine Public Relations Council. Register at http://snowballmaine.com. 

Saturday

“Small Business Tax Issues: Review new 2012 tax provisions,” 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at SCORE offices, 100 Middle St., second floor, East Tower, Portland. The fee is $35 for each workshop with online registration. For more information and reservations, visit www.scoremaine.com or call 772-1147 weekday mornings.

Maine Media Women, 11 a.m. annual holiday party at a private home. A reading and book signing will follow from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Gibbs Library in Washington. Proceeds support the organization’s scholarship program. For more information, contact Carol Jaeger, at 563-8377. 

Coming Up

Responsible Alcohol Seller Training, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6, merchant and clerk training to prevent underage liquor sales, at Brunswick Landing. Spaces are limited and registration is required. Call Communities Against Substance Abuse at 373-6957 to register. There is a $10 fee that can be paid at the door. The training is co-sponsored by the police departments of Topsham, Bath, Richmond, Brunswick and the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department.