Events of Interest—July 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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Featured Events in July

Summer Swamp Festival at Mercer Slough

Thursday, July 23, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.:
Join the Northwest Science Writers Association for a summer gathering at one Seattle's most delightful wetlands - Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue. We'll learn about the ecological value of wetlands, stroll around the grounds and explore some of the creatures who make their home there. It's also a chance for an up-close look at the facility's innovative green buildings. Enjoy delivered BBQ, drinks and socializing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $10 per person, $15 for non-members. All guests of members get the member rate. Space is limited.
Please RSVP to: Program Chair Michael Bradbury at mbradbury@realscience.us.

Stories in Stone with David B. Williams

Tuesday, July 14, 6:30 p.m at the Northgate Branch of The Seattle Public Library
Wednesday, July 29, 7 p.m. at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (Rock Jock Brew Talk to follow)
NSWA member David B. Williams will discuss Stories in Stone: Travels Through Urban Geology. When most of us pass through the Concourse A food court at Sea-Tac Airport, we're likely to notice coffee cups, bagel crumbs and frenzied fliers trying to retie their shoes outside the security checkpoint. Williams sees beyond all that: He sees Jurassic-era fossils in the concourse's limestone walls. In fact, Williams says every stone structure has a geological story that goes back to Earth's creation. And it's his job, and his pleasure, to unlock them. His 20-year passion has grown into a new book, Stories in Stone, which weaves together natural and cultural history to connect people and geology through building stone. Enjoy a Rock Jock Brew Talk with NSWA members following the July 29 talk at the Burke Museum.

A podcast with David discussing urban geology in Seattle and his influences for writing Stories in Stone is available here:
http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/interactive/podcast.php

Third Monday NSWA Freelance Science Writing Networking Night

Monday, July 20, 4 pm. -
All NSWA members are invited to a freelance science-writing networking night. Friends and family are welcome. RSVP to Andy Cutler, (425) 557-8299 or AndyCutler@aol.com, or just show up. Venue: St. Andrew's Pub and Grill, 7406 Aurora Ave N, Seattle. St. Andrews does open at 4 p.m. for those who get off work early and wish to beat traffic.

NSWA Board Meeting

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

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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Tuesday, July 7, 7:30 p.m.:
Josh Haney, a biochemist for Seattle-based General Biodiesel, will give a talk titled "Future of Fuels." The talk is presented by KCTS 9, The Pacific Science Center and Science on Tap. Haney will discuss some of the alternative methods for biodiesel, ethanol and butanol production happening right here in the Pacific Northwest. Venue: T.S. McHugh’ Irish Pub & Restaurant.
Information: http://scienceontap.org

Wednesday, July 8, 7:30 p.m.:
Environmentalism is all the rage these days, gaining followers, momentum and exposure. But outside the mainstream's gentle "green" movement lies a different kind of rage: radical environmentalists who take eco-defense into their own hands. Rod Coronado, an animal-rights activist and arsonist who was recently released from prison and has claimed to denounce direct action, spearheaded a movement that has led to more than 1,200 acts of sabotage, a billion dollars in damages, and a legal showdown that will define America's relationship with environmentalism, raising tough questions, such as: What is the definition of non-violence? Should environmentalists be tried for terrorism? Los Angeles Times editor Dean Kuipers, author of Burning Rainbow Farm and Operation Bite Back: Rod Coronado’s War to Save American Wilderness, looks into the radical Animal Liberation and Earth Liberation fronts through Coronado’s story.This event is sponsored by Town Hall Seattle 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 Seattle members receive priority seating. Venue: Town Hall Seattle.
Information: http://www.townhallseattle.org

Tuesday, July 14, 6:30 p.m.:
David B. Williams will discuss Stories in Stone: Travels Through Urban Geology. When most of us pass through the Concourse A food court at Sea-Tac Airport, we're likely to notice coffee cups, bagel crumbs and frenzied fliers trying to retie their shoes outside the security checkpoint. Williams sees beyond all that: He sees Jurassic-era fossils in the concourse's limestone walls. In fact, Williams says every stone structure has a geological story that goes back to Earth's creation. And it's his job, and his pleasure, to unlock them. His 20-year passion has grown into a new book, Stories in Stone, which weaves together natural and cultural history to connect people and geology through building stone. Venue: Northgate Branch of The Seattle Public Library.
Information: http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_open&branchID=21

Monday, July 20, 11 a.m. to noon:
The Museum of Flight presents "The Apollo Legacy: The Moon and Beyond - Apollo 11 40th Anniversary Event." On July 20, 1969, as he became the first human to walk on the moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong uttered the famous phrase, "That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the historic flight, the museum will host a special program on the future of space discovery. Veteran journalist Nick Clooney moderates a panel discussion with Buzz Aldrin of Apollo 11, Alan Bean of Apollo 12, Charlie Duke of Apollo 16, John Grunsfeld, of the recent Hubble mission, and Goddard Space Flight Center deputy director Laurie Leshin. The discussion will air on NASA TV and will be simulcast to science centers across the United States. A question-and-answer session will follow the program. Program is Free with museum admission or membership. Venue: Museum of Flight, William M. Allen Theater.
Information: http://www.museumofflight.org/event/apollo-11-40th-anniversary-event-nasa-tv

Monday, July 20, 5 p.m.:
All NSWA members are invited to a freelance science-writing networking night. Freelancers, want-to-be science writers, those interested in being freelance, other independent writers, or anyone who writes about scientific and technical topics for a living may attend. Friends and family are welcome too. Enjoy collegiality, talk about what we're doing, get ideas and inspiration, and discuss all those issues freelancers have that people don't run into until they're out on their own - what are reasonable terms, how much to charge, what kind of behaviors suggest you're being led on or won't get paid, how to figure out where there is work, etc. It's a great opportunity to eat good food, indulge in good drinks, and share stories, advice and useful information with fellow science writers. RSVP to Andy Cutler, (425) 557-8299 or AndyCutler@aol.com, or just show up. Venue: St. Andrew's Pub and Grill, 7406 Aurora Ave N, Seattle. St. Andrew's does open at 4 p.m. for those who get off work early and wish to beat traffic.
Information: E-mail Cutler at AndyCutler@aol.com

Monday, July 20, 5:30 p.m.:
Lydia Mpanga-Sebuyira, head of the training department at the Makerere University’s Infectious Diseases Institute in Kampala Uganda, will give a talk titled "Partnerships Across Boundaries: The West African Infectious Diseases Institute Model.” The talk is part of the Washington Global Health Alliance Discovery Series. Venue: Foege Auditorium, Room S-060, 1705 NE Pacific St.
Information: http://depts.washington.edu/deptgh/resource_center/ghevents_lect_wghads.php

Thursday, July 23, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.:
Join the Northwest Science Writers Association for a Summer Swamp Festival at one Seattle's most delightful wetlands - Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue. We'll learn about the ecological value of wetlands, stroll around the grounds and explore some of the creatures who make their home there. It's also a chance for an up-close look at the facility's innovative green buildings. Enjoy a BBQ dinner, drinks and socializing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is $10 per person, $15 for non-members. All guests of members get the member rate. Space is limited. Please RSVP to: Program Chair Michael Bradbury at mbradbury@realscience.us. Venue: Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, Bellevue.
Information: http://www.nwscience.org

Friday, July 24, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday July 25, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.:
Jeevan Perera, risk manager for the Orion space vehicle, will discuss NASA's new spacecraft. The Orion will replace the Space Shuttle, service the International Space Station, return astronauts to the moon and eventually mount expeditions to Mars. Perera has been with NASA for more than 19 years. He is responsible for risk management policies, processes and analytical tools that ensure the successful deployment and operations of this new spacecraft. Venue: Museum of Flight, William M. Allen Theater.
Information: http://www.museumofflight.org/event/apollo-11-40th-anniversary-event-nasa-tv

Friday, July 24, 7 p.m.:
Americans have pondered how to reform healthcare since the days of Harry Truman. But little has changed except that healthcare costs have soared, health-insurance companies have grown, and millions of Americans lack health insurance, or pay for coverage that doesn’t protect them from serious illness. In his new book, Howard Dean’s Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform, the physician (and former Democratic National Committee Chairman, presidential candidate, and six-term governor) argues that all Americans need the option to participate in a public health-insurance program, much like Medicare. The book, co-written with Faiz Shakir and Igor Volsky, also explains President Obama’s healthcare plan; how other countries handle healthcare; which special interests are standing in the way of progress, and why; and how healthcare reform will help American businesses prosper. Presented by the Town Hall Center for Civic Life and the Future of Health Lecture Series, with Elliott Bay Book Company. Tickets are $5 at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006, and at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Town Hall members receive priority seating.

Wednesday, July 29, 7 p.m.:
David B. Williams will discuss Stories in Stone: Travels Through Urban Geology. When most of us pass through the Concourse A food court at Sea-Tac Airport, we're likely to notice coffee cups, bagel crumbs and frenzied fliers trying to retie their shoes outside the security checkpoint. Williams sees beyond all that: He sees Jurassic-era fossils in the concourse's limestone walls. In fact, Williams says every stone structure has a geological story that goes back to Earth's creation. And it's his job, and his pleasure, to unlock them. His 20-year passion has grown into a new book, Stories in Stone, which weaves together natural and cultural history to connect people and geology through building stone. Enjoy a “Rock Jock Brew Talk” with NSWA members following the talk. Venue: Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture Venue: Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.
Information: http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/events/index.php

Thursday, July 30, 7:30 p.m.:
Witnessing a planet seemingly bound for the breaking point—socially, economically, and environmentally —radio commentator Thom Hartmann sees plenty of looming crises, as well as reasons for hope. Hartmann, author of “Threshold: The Crisis of Western Culture,” says religious fundamentalism, capitalism run amok, and militarism are draining Earth of its natural and human resources, endangering millions for the benefit of a few. But by examining cultures that have thrived, and by targeting policy for specific reform, Hartmann offers solutions, and motivation for anyone hoping to build a better, more sustainable world. His nationally-syndicated radio show airs in Seattle from 9 a.m. to noon, on AM 1090. Presented by the Town Hall Center for Civic Life, with KPTK-AM 1090 and Elliott Bay Book Company. Tickets are $5 at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006, and at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Town Hall members receive priority seating.

Additions? Corrections? Write calendar@nwscience.org.