Events of Interest—January 2009

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Note: Some events may require advance reservation, admission fees and/or a minimum age (for example, for events where alcohol is served).

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NSWA Presents: Sea of Science

January 22, 2009, 7-10 p.m.
Seattle Aquarium
Click for Details

Featured Events in January

Dava Sobel: “Galileo and the International Year of Astronomy”

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m.:
Dava Sobel gives a talk entitled “Galileo and the International Year of Astronomy” as part of the John and Jesse Danz Lecture Series. Sobel, a former New York Times science reporter, is the author of Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, and The Planets. She will discuss Galileo and his handmade telescope, a relationship that led to enormously important astronomical discoveries, and the way we, in 2009, have access to the same technology. Sponsored by The UW Graduate School and University Book Store. Free and open to the public. Venue: UW Kane Hall, Room 130.
Information: http://www.bookstore.washington.edu.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
NSWA members are invited to a private reception with Sobel at the home of UW astronomer Julie Lutz. Venue: 2604 N.E. 70th St (the No. 68 bus stops a block away and the No. 273 and No. 71 buses stop five blocks away).
Information: Julie Lutz, jlutz@astro.washington.edu

NSWA Board Meeting

Contact Michael Bradbury at mikeb@seanet.com to RSVP for the time and venue of the next NSWA Board meeting.

NSWA Freelance Friday Happy Hour

Contact Lisa Farino at LisaFarino@gmail.com about the next freelance happy hour. You don’t need to be a freelancer to attend. Everyone is welcome.

Join NSWA

As an NSWA member, you get discounts on some of our events, inside information on job openings and other opportunities, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting the Pacific Northwest’s community of science communicators. Annual dues are just $20.

For information or to join, visit our Join page.

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Monday, Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m.:
Steven Johnson discusses The Invention of Air: A Story of Science, Faith, Revolution, and the Birth of America. Johnson provides a compelling narrative of world-changing ideas, genius, violence and friendship in the midst of sweeping historical change. It is the story of Joseph Priestly—scientist and theologian, friend of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson—an eighteenth-century radical thinker who played pivotal roles in the invention of ecosystem science, the discovery of oxygen, the founding of the Unitarian Church and the intellectual development of the United States. Sponsored by Town Hall and University Book Store. Tickets are $5 and are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com, (800) 838-3006 and at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Town Hall members receive priority seating. Venue: Town Hall Seattle, downstairs.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.org

Monday, Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m.: (EVENT SOLD OUT)
Michael Pollan discusses In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, in which he says simply: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Pollan connects everyday experiences such as eating and gardening with the natural world with which they are interlinked. Most recently known for assailing the conventional American food supply system, urging us to plant vegetable gardens to reduce our carbon footprints, and calling into question the collective nutritional advice of the entire 20th century, Pollan has revolutionized the way we think about food, urging us to eat locally and sustainably. The event is part of the Seattle Arts & Lecture series. Venue: Benaroya Hall.
Information: http://www.lectures.org/pollan.html

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 8:30 a.m.:
Dyanne Sheldon, natural resources manager for Otak, delivers a lecture entitled “Natural Wetlands in an Unnatural Location: Consequences of Urbanizing Watersheds on Landscape Processes and Wetland Function” as part of the Water Center seminar series. Venue: UW Anderson Hall 223.
Information: http://water.washington.edu/Outreach/Events/Tuesday/tuesdayschedule.html

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 3:30 p.m.:
Sebastian Thrun of Stanford University gives a talk entitled “Robotic Cars: Challenges and Perspectives.” As the United States automotive industry faces major challenges, the nation has a unique opportunity to “begin more intelligently,” as Henry Ford once said. Today’s automobile industry is wasteful along many dimensions, such as energy consumption, resource utilization, human comfort and safety. Thrun will talk about innovative ideas for “Car 2.0,” which heavily rely on computer science. He will specifically address the topic of robotic cars, discuss his experiences with the DARPA Challenges and highlight ongoing research on smarter, safer and more efficient transportation. Venue: UW Electrical Engineering Building, Room EEB-105.
Information: http://www.cs.washington.edu/htbin-post/mvis/mvis?ID=744

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m.:
Dava Sobel gives a talk entitled “Galileo and the International Year of Astronomy” as part of the John and Jesse Danz Lecture Series. Sobel, a former New York Times science reporter, is the author of “Longitude,” “Galileo’s Daughter,” and “The Planets.” She will discuss Galileo and his handmade telescope, a relationship that led to enormously important astronomical discoveries, and the way we, in 2009, have access to the same technology. Sponsored by The UW Graduate School and University Book Store. Free and open to the public. Venue: UW Kane Hall, Room 130.
Information: http://www.bookstore.washington.edu.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.:
NSWA members are invited to a private reception with Sobel at the home of UW astronomer Julie Lutz. Venue: 2604 N.E. 70th St (the No. 68 bus stops a block away and the No. 273 and No. 71 buses stop five blocks away).
Information: Julie Lutz, jlutz@astro.washington.edu

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m.:
Clinical nutritionist Cherie “The Juice Lady” Calbom discusses how juicing vegetables provides concentrated nutrition found in virtually no other source. Vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals and antioxidants. Calbom, who earned her master’s degree in nutrition from Bastyr University, where she now serves on the Board of Regents, will speak about how juices, smoothies and soups made from vegetables can help promote alkaline balance and weight loss, strengthen the immune system and cleanse the body and soul. Presented as part of the Future of Health Lectures with Bastyr University and PCC Natural Markets. Tickets are $5 and are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com, (800) 838-3006 and at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m.. Town Hall members receive priority seating. Venue: Town Hall Seattle, downstairs.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.com

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.:
Mark Bittman discusses Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating with More Than 75 Recipes. He told us How to Cook Everything. Then he told us How to Cook Everything Vegetarian. Now in a special joint appearance at Seattle Arts and Lectures’ Wednesday University, Bittman discusses responsible, sustainable, healthy eating. Bittman joins UW professors Ann Anagnost and Lucy Jarosz. Free. No registration necessary. Venue: UW Kane Hall, Room 120.
Information: http://www.lectures.org

Thursday, Jan. 15, 8:30 a.m. to 1:25 p.m.:
The UW Engineering Advising and Diversity Center hosts the 16th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Math and Science Celebration at the Pacific Science Center (PSC). More than 400 fourth- and fifth-graders from local elementary schools will attend. UW student volunteers will lead children through PSC exhibits. Venue: The students will meet at UW Loew Hall.
Information: https://catalysttools.washington.edu/webq/survey/dass/66618

Thursday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.:
Discover the science of attraction as you sip seductive cocktails, sample aphrodisiac-inspired snacks and savor Theo chocolates at the second annual Sultry Science program as part of Science with a Twist. Does chocolate really help set the mood? Hear from Joe Whinney, chief executive officer for Theo, as he delves into the chemistry of dark chocolate and discusses whether or not the foods we eat can affect our sexual appetites. Later, learn about the unspoken language of love from local tango experts and then venture into the Laser Dome for a special show. Due to the popularity of the event last year, advance tickets are recommended. Tickets are $15, $12 for Pacific Science Center members. 21+ with ID. Venue: Pacific Science Center.
Information: http://www.pacsci.org/twist

Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.:
Local author Helen Thayer discusses Walking the Gobi, the story of her 1600-mile trek across some of the earth’s least hospitable terrain. Free. Venue: Ballard Branch of The Seattle Public Library.
Information: http://www.spl.org

Friday, Jan. 16, 7:30 a.m.:
Sharon Romm, clinical associate professor in the UW Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, delivers a lecture entitled “The Unwelcome Intruder: The Story of Freud’s Cancer.” Venue: UW Health Sciences Building, Room T-639.
Information: http://www.uwpsychiatry.org/News/GrandRounds.html

Saturday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m. to noon:
The Society for Technical Communication hosts a workshop entitled “Planning for Passion in Your Career: Making Passion Your Competitive Advantage.” Venue: Digipen Institute of Technology.
Information: http://www.stc-psc.org/events/stcevent-2009-01-17.php

Saturday, Jan. 17, 1 p.m.:
Cliff Mass discusses Weather of the Pacific Northwest. Mass is a UW atmospheric scientist and popular radio commentator. Venue: University Book Store.
Information: http://www.bookstore.washington.edu

Saturday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.
With his beguiling blend of storytelling and academic social science, Malcolm Gladwell (Tipping Point, Blink) is back with Outliers, an examination of why some people are so accomplished, while so many more never reach their potential. Gladwell asserts that environmental factors such as the role of culture, work ethic and accidental opportunity are as important as intellect and talent in shaping the lives of extraordinary men and women. Presented with Elliott Bay Book Company. Remaining tickets available for purchase at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. $5 or check only. Venue: Town Hall Seattle, Great Hall.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.com

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.:
The historic nature of Barack Obama’s presidency and his speaking ability all but guarantee his inauguration will be one for the ages. If you weren’t among the 250,000 Americans to score a ticket, visit Town Hall and watch the historic event for free on a big screen in the company of friends, neighbors and the community. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. (coffee, tea and pastries available for purchase). Presented by Town Hall Center for Civic Life. Please register at www.brownpapertickets.com (no calls). Venue: Town Hall Seattle.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.com

Thursday, Jan. 22, 5:30 p.m.:
A panel of experts will discuss vaccines as part of the Washington State Global Health Alliance’s Discovery Series. Venue: Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Discovery Room.
Information: http://depts.washington.edu/pspgh/events.html

Friday, Jan. 23, 1 p.m.:
A group of 20 people will deliver a report on Ashley, a little girl who in 2007 became the center of a controversy about bioethics when doctors at the Seattle Children’s Hospital Artificially prevented her puberty. Registration is required. Venue: Moot Court Room at the UW School of Law.
Information: http://bioethics.seattlechildrens.org/events/symposium_2009_register.asp

Thursday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m.:
Dive into 2009 with the NSWA and explore the submerged world of marine science research in SEA of SCIENCE. Spend time with old friends and make some new ones. Celebrate 2008 and usher in 2009, the Year of Science. Hear about programs from regional zoos and aquaria while munching on delicious food and sipping satisfying beverages. Please join us for the annual NSWA post-holiday party at the remodeled Seattle Aquarium. Food and drink provided (no-host bar available). Price: Members $15 (become a member), Non-members $25. Venue: Seattle Aquarium. Information: Click for Details
Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
Venture into the winter wonderland of Snoqualmie Pass for an exciting family snowshoe adventure. Follow the trail of snowshoe hares, ground squirrels and ravens. Look for signs of animal life, including tracks, scat, fur and burrows. Participate in introductory activities, then strap on snowshoes and hit the trail. No prior snowshoe experience is necessary. Expect to walk two to three miles during the program. Snowshoes and day passes are included in the price. Venue: Meet at Nordic Center, Snoqualmie Summit.
Information and registration: http://www.pacsci.org/events

Saturday, Jan 24, 2 p.m.:
On Jan. 2, 2004, the Stardust spacecraft flew through the coma of Comet Wild 2 and collected approximately one million bits of dust from the comet. Two years later it flew back past Earth and dropped the sample return capsule off in the Utah desert. These are the first extraterrestrial samples returned to Earth since the 1970s. Stardust Principal Investigator Don Brownlee will share details of this exciting mission and what it has shown us about the formation of our solar system. Program is free with museum admission. Venue: Museum of Flight, William M. Allen Theater.
Information: http://www.museumofflight.org

Monday, Jan. 26, 5 p.m.:
The Sustainable Path Foundation of Seattle invites the general public for a discussion on how to protect fresh water. The organization was formerly named the Seattle Biotech Legacy Foundation. Venue: Sustainable Path Foundation Office, 2101 4th Ave., Suite 650.
Information: http://sustainablepath.org/category/idea-club-blog

Thursday, Jan. 29, 6 p.m.:
The Society for Technical Communication hosts a “Peer Review Showcase.” Check out displays of all award-winning projects and meet with the project creators. Enjoy a light meal and network with other content developers. Venue: Bellevue Coast Hotel.
Information: http://www.stc-psc.org/

Monday, Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m.:
Mario Livio, astrophysicist and author of The Golden Ratio, examines the power of mathematics to explain both the physical universe and human behavior in his latest book, Is God a Mathematician? Livio also takes on the question of whether mathematics is a creation of the human mind or a virtual world awaiting discovery. Presented as part of the Seattle Science Lectures with Pacific Science Center and University Book Store. Tickets are $5 and are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com, (800) 838-3006 and at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Town Hall members receive priority seating. Venue: Town Hall Seattle.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.com

REMINDERS:
Mentors are needed to advise high school students in the winter for their Student Biotech Expo projects. The expo is on Wednesday, May 29, 2009.
For more information, visit http://www.nwabr.org/studentbiotech/advisors/advisor_info.htm

Sea Grant programs in California, Oregon and Washington have posted the draft West Coast Regional Marine Research and Information Needs report for public comment. Please go to: http://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/research/RegionalPlanning/index.html to download the draft and comment instructions. The comment period lasts until Friday, Jan. 16.

The UW Libraries and the Elisabeth C. Miller Library host an exhibit on botany entitled “Art Meets Science” through Friday, Feb. 27. Venue: UW Suzallo Library, Exhibition Room 102.
Information: http://www.lib.washington.edu/natsci/exhibit/

Additions? Corrections? Write calendar@nwscience.org.

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