Odds are when you hear the words "Social Security," they're generally followed by some opinion on how "broken" the system is and how you should be very afraid to reach a ripe old age.

Well, today, you can find out the deal with the New Deal-era program. Marc Johnson, professor, lecturer and aficionado of the era's politics, will speak about how and why Social Security got started and what all the hubub in today's society is about.

His lecture, The Origins of Social Security, begins at 7 p.m. and is slated to wrap up at 8:30 p.m. The FREE talk will take place in the Hayes Auditorium of the Boise Public Library's downtown branch. So if you're sick of feeling like the political dummy at dinner parties or are finally getting around to your New Year's resolution of becoming a more-engaged citizen, go check it out.

Birds are everywhere—they star in terrifying Alfred Hitchcock horror films, inspire myriad idioms (bird brain, free as a bird) and dot skies, sidewalks, trees and bodies of water.

It's no wonder, then, that there's a day dedicated to them. Today is International Migratory Bird Day, and you can celebrate locally at the MK Nature Center.

The center will offer an array of feather-themed fun, including face-painting and picnic concessions. At 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., you can get some exercise with a bird walk; you can watch birds get some bling with a live bird banding from 10 a.m.-noon, and enjoy bird presentations from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., on the hour. There will also be activity stations and bird games (duck duck goose, anyone?).

This bird bash will only cost you $3, and you can buy tickets at brownpapertickets.com or at the MK Nature Center.

• moonsongmals.org

Few things are as cute as fuzzy puppies. And few things are as heart-breaking as hearing that adorable malamute puppies have been mistreated.

More than 160 Alaskan malamutes were rescued from a Montana puppy mill in the fall of 2011, and today, you can help the people who help the pups and celebrate their rescue.

The Mally Rally will take place at 7 p.m. at the Rose Room, where you can enjoy the music of Michael Shaw and
The Adjustables, as well as the Boise Rock School bands. Enter a raffle to win a Raleigh cruiser bike, which might come in handy after you learn about bikejoring and skijoring with your pup. You can also learn all about what to feed your beloved pet with advice from Melissa Weinblatt, an animal nutrition expert.

There isn't a cover charge for the event, and donations go to help the homeless malamutes, who have found refuge at the Lewis and Clark Humane Society in Helena, Mont. The shelter hopes to have them released soon so that they may find permanent homes.

The event is being put on by the local Moonsong Malamute Rescue group.

People love penguins—why else would we have movies about them marching and sequels to their animated adventures? The tuxedo birds are inarguably popular, so much so that there's a whole day dedicated to them. Yup, today is World Penguin Day, and you can get in on the fun with a trip to Zoo Boise.

Zookeepers will give presentations and demonstrations throughout the day, and a "penguin character" (We're thinking its something like Billy Madison's invisible foe) will dole out Seafood Watch cards from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which give tips on what seafood delights are safe, so you don't end up making poor dinner selections.

Attendees will learn all about World Penguin Day, which is timed to coincide (roughly) with the annual northern migration of the Adelie penguins in the arctic.

You can get in on the penguin party from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Standard Zoo Boise admission rates apply: $7 adults, $4.50 seniors, $4.25 ages 4-11 and FREE for children ages 3 and younger.

Feeling like a fuddy-duddy on your Friday? Need something to do with the family other than a quick jaunt to Redbox? Even if you're on a tight budget, you can get rid of your boredom with a trip to the Ada Community Library's Lake Hazel branch.

Don't worry, you're not in for an evening of quiet book-reading. The folks at the library have created Anti-Bored Game Night, during which you can bring in your favorite game to share with others, while playing some out-of-the-ordinary games. Sure, you can get your fill of Chutes and Ladders, but there will be plenty of other games to try as well.

The un-boredom starts at 7 p.m., and it won't cost any of your Monopoly money. All ages are encouraged, but some games may be too complex for very young players. Visit the library's website for more info.

Did you battle that cowlick all morning and slather it in gel, yet your hair still looks like something you pulled out of your bathroom sink drain with a metal coat hanger? Relax. Today, you can get your strands perfectly coiffed for FREE.

From 3-7 p.m., the hair gurus at Lunatic Fringe salon in BODO will treat you to a free five-minute hair styling session, using swanky Bumble and Bumble products. The master stylists will also teach you tricks of the trade, so you can get a polished look on the regular.

Prizes will be doled out and you can snack on refreshments while your hair is transformed into a work of art. Like the feel of upscale products in your hair? Everything by Bumble and Bumble is 20-percent off during the event when you buy three or more. Call the salon at 208-955-0400 for more info.

So you have a penchant for alliteration, do ya? Today is your day. Slip on a suit and saunter over to these super sweet salsa Saturday events.

From 11 a.m.-4 p.m., you can taste a slew of homemade salsas at High Desert Harley Davidson. You can enjoy salsa-dancing demonstrations and vote for your favorite salsa concoction. The people's choice winner will be determined at 4 p.m.

Or you can swagger over to Dance Arts Academy for some salsa-dancing workshops. From 2:30-3 p.m. a FREE mini workshop for beginners will precede full workshops for beginning and intermediate dancers.

Session one, geared toward beginners, will be held from 3-4:30 p.m., and session two, for intermediate dancers, will be held from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Take one session for $20, or $35 per couple. Or if you're in an extra salsa-y mood, take both sessions for $35, or $60 per couple. Visit teachmetango.com for more info.

What is it about glowing stuff that's so darn cool? Glowing takes a variety of forms: lava lamps, glow-in-the-dark paint, stars stuck to the ceilings of adolescent bedrooms and, of course, those bendable sticks at raves.

Tonight, you can get your glow on at the third Go Glow Ball at the Knitting Factory. This space-themed bash features a dance party, demonstrations by Ophidia Studios instructors, LED hula-hoopers, go-go dancers and the beats of six Boise DJs. In addition, there will be work by local artists, including a large black-light mural by Tony Caprai.

Costumes are encouraged and everyone ages 18 and older is invited to attend. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and music starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8, or $6 for students. Visit toentertainu.com for more info.

Today is the day to celebrate gender stereotypes—be they legit or completely bogus. The Treasure Valley Man Show Expo takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Expo Idaho in Garden City.

No, it isn't a Chip 'n' Dale display of greased-up biceps. And it has nothing to do with Jimmy Kimmel or Adam Carolla. According to the show's website, it's "a celebration of what it is to be a REAL man!" Which in this case, involves a Black Ops night vision simulator course, a putting green, Hummers, animal-calling competitions and, of course, a Ms. Man Show bikini competition. There's probably also beer, football, razor demos and any other dude-related stereotype you can come up with. And even if you're not that into the displays, the people-watching should be primo.

Buy one, get one FREE tickets are available at Treasure Valley Les Schwab and Maverick locations, the Sierra Trading Post, Idaho Athletic Club and the Sportsman's Warehouse. Admission is $5 for adults, and FREE for children 12 and younger.

It's nearly here—the day that combines Jesus with eggs, rabbits (which don't lay eggs) and spring. For children, it's a day filled with biting the ears off chocolate rabbits and discovering hidden gems in the grass (that aren't compliments of the family dog).

Today, you can take your little ones to enjoy all things Easter without neighbors seeing you tromping around your yard in your bathrobe hiding plastic eggs. Zoo Boise is hosting its Eggstravaganza today from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and it's replete with holiday-themed activities, including a bean-bag toss, pictures with the Easter Bunny, face-painting and egg scrambles. Oh, and since it's a zoo, there are probably some real bunnies to look at, as well.

Admission is $7 for adults, $4.50 for seniors, $4.25 for ages 4-11 and FREE for pass holders and children younger than 3. Proceeds go toward improvements at the zoo.