SPOTLIGHT

She’s been called “Her Deepness” by the New York Times and “the Carl

Sagan of our oceans” by USA Today, but on Friday marine biologist Sylvia

Earle will earn a new title, that of distinguished speaker.

Earle, who has been the explorer-in-residence at National Geographic,

will be the first to give a talk for the 4th Annual Martin W. Witte

Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series at the Newport Beach Central

Library. Earle will speak on caring for our seas.

The series, which ends May 19. will also include Pulitzer Prize-winner

Jared Diamond and former CIA director Robert Gates.

FYI

Where: Newport Beach Public Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.

When: 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $50 for Friday, including dinner, $15 for Saturday

Call: (714) 740-2000.

What thou lovest well remains

LOVE POETRY CONTEST

The annual Valentine’s Love Poetry Contest promises everything from

the “erotic to the tastefully sublime.” Organized by love poet Lee

Mallory, this duel of love words is open to competitors. Neil Miranda

will add to the romance with his guitar performance.

FYI

Where: Alta Coffee House, 506 31st St., Newport Beach.

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Cost: Free, but $4 to compete

Call: (949) 675-0233

PLANNING AHEAD

FOREVER PLAID

The musical about four guys who almost made it to the top in the ‘50s

opens at Orange Coast College.

Sunday, Feb. 18

TOSHIBA GOLF CLASSIC

The annual Senior PGA golfing event starts at the Newport Beach

Country Club.

Monday, Feb. 26

NUMERICALLY SPEAKING

23: The number of different types of Valentine’s Day cards sold at

Remember Me in Costa Mesa.