This whole “Michelle’s mother moves into the White House” story has to be the only White House scenario not explored on film. It’s like Guarding Tess meets First Kid with a dash of Head of State. Or something.

Here are five things to do today:

BOOKS - Benoit Denizet-Lewis
The Medill School grad-turned-author returns to Northwestern to kick off this year’s Crain Lecture Series. He’ll discuss some of the subjects he has covered as a journalist, namely teen sex, fraternities, addiction, young gay newlyweds and more. 4pm. 1870 Campus Dr, Evanston. Northwestern University, McCormick Tribune Center Forum. 847-491-5401. FREE!

FILM - Stan Brakhage retrospective
Is there a proper night of the week for watching experimental films? Right now, due to Doc’s Stan Brakhage retro, the answer is Monday. This week’s program, showcasing work from 1958–62, includes key work “Window Water Baby Moving” and less familiar works like “Thigh Line Lyre Triangular.” 7pm. Doc Films, University of Chicago, 1212 E 59th St between Kimbark and Woodlawn Aves (773-702-8574). Bus: 4 (24hrs), X4, 14, 28, 59, 171. Metra: Elec Main to 59th St. $4, Sunday matinee $3.

MUSIC - Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash’s legendary performance at California’s Folsom Prison (recently reissued on CD/DVD by Columbia/Legacy) is captured in a series of photos and interviews with Merle Haggard and Rosanne Cash, among others. The film screens as part of the Siskel Center’s Stranger Than Fiction series. 6pm. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N State St at Randolph St (312-846-2600, siskelfilmcenter.org). El: Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to State/Lake; Red to Lake; Blue to Clark/Lake. $4–$9.

SPORTS & REC - Chicago Backpackers Meeting
If your resolution included getting to know Mother Nature, this monthly is for you. The Chicago Backpackers hope to help you get hiking in the great outdoors, even if you’re a newbie. Learn more about the group and its outings at this get-together. 7pm. REI-Lincoln Park, 1466 N Halsted St (312-951-6020). El: Red to North/Clybourn. Bus: 8 Halsted, 72 North. FREE!

THEATER - The One About the Green Detective
Based on Jonathan Lethem’s neo-noir short story, Gregory Peters’s adaptation features a live jazz score. Kaitlyn Bird directs. 8pm. The Plagiarists at Black Rock Bar, 3614 N Damen Ave at Addison St (info@theplagiarists.org). El: Brown to Addison. Bus: 50 Damen, 152 Addison. $15.