Events that will matter.

November 20–25
Digital Flicks
The Paso Robles Digital Film Festival in California promises to provide (both onsite and online) an insider’s look at the movie business in the digital age. Boasting a host of Hollywood personalities, the festival stages a special tribute this year to Clint Eastwood’s numerous films.

November 24–25
Mines Be Gone
Representatives from 158 countries that signed the 1999 Mine Ban Treaty will turn up the heat on the U.S. and other nations who have refused to sign. The 39 holdouts include five members of the UN Security Council. With over 250 million mines in the hands of 105 nations, it should be a contentious meeting. 

November 26
Got “Milk?”
Gus Van Sant’s Milk, a feature about the first openly gay man to be voted into public office in America, hits screens nationally while the gay rights debate rages in Harvey Milk’s home state of California. While it might seem like déjà vu in the Golden State, newlyweds in Connecticut might consider it romantic.

November 27
Shopping Clicks
Cyber Monday, which was introduced as a gimmick in 2005, has become a real trend. Four days after Thanksgiving, 72 million web shoppers went online last year and spent $733 million, which was 21 percent more than in 2006. Online coupons and shopping tips might encourage buyers to ignore the recession.

December 1
Cycle to Remember
All over the world people are honoring the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day by wearing red and riding in the simultaneous World AIDS Day Bike Ride. On American soil, hundreds of cyclists in Los Angeles tackle the 28-mile ride to remember the 28 years since the HIV/AIDS pandemic began.

December 1–12
Climate Change Redux
With the Kyoto agreement on climate change expiring in 2012, government negotiators will meet in Poland to advance discussions for a new agreement. The meeting is a set-up for next December’s make-or-break summit in Copenhagen.

December 4
More Rowling Magic
An offshoot of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling’s The Tales of Beedle the Bard hits bookshelves today. Proceeds will be donated to the Children’s High Level Group, a charity organization Rowling helped found to improve the lives of marginalized children.

December 8  
Say No to Drugs?
Mark McGwire, whose 538 home runs put him eighth on the career list, received 128 votes on the 2008 Hall of Fame ballot. The total—short of the 75 percent needed for induction—is considered to be a snub for his alleged steroid abuse. Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn were both elected with over 97 percent of the vote.