Dave Knows Portland

August 12: OMSI Science Pub

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Omsi Science PubOMSI’s Science Pub event for August 2010 takes place Thursday, August 12 at the Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne).

Science author Mary Roach discusses her new book Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void

Space is a world devoid of the things we need to live and thrive: air, gravity, hot showers, fresh produce, privacy, beer. Space exploration is in some ways an exploration of what it means to be human. How much can a person give up? How much weirdness can they take? What happens to you when you can’t walk for a year? have sex? smell flowers? What happens if you vomit in your helmet during a space walk? Is it possible for the human body to survive a bailout at 17,000 miles per hour? To answer these questions, space agencies set up all manner of quizzical and startlingly bizarre space simulations. As Mary Roach discovers, it’s possible to preview space without ever leaving Earth. From the space shuttle training toilet to a crash test of NASA’s new space capsule (cadaver filling in for astronaut), Roach takes us on a surreally entertaining trip into the science of life in space and space on Earth.

The event runs from 7 to 9pm, but arrive early (5pm doors open) to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $3.00 suggested donation/cover charge. Minors are allowed in with parents.

August 14: PDX Adult Soapbox Derby 2010

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Soapbox Derby 2010The 2010 PDX Adult Soapbox Derby takes place Saturday, August 14 at Mount Tabor.

The 2010 roster includes 42 teams, divided into two categories: art, and science.

The races begin at 10am, and should complete around 4pm. Watch from one of the designated viewing areas (see map – pdf), one option is the BYOB beer garden.

In the evening participants and fans are invited to the Tonic Lounge (3100 NE Sandy) for the after party. Awards will be handed out at 8pm, and at 9pm the music starts. The lineup: Muddy River Nightmare Band, Punk Rock Collective, Hogwild, and Pistol Killers.

Visit SoapboxRacer.com for more details, including FAQs, how you can volunteer, and galleries of past events and winners.

The video below will give you an idea of the sense of humor and surprising artistry and craftsmanship of the entries:

August 12-15: Free Science Days at OMSI

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Omsi Free!Visit OMSI (1945 SE Water Ave) between August 12 and August 15 2010, and admission is free!

That means adults save $12, kids and seniors $9. (You’ll still have to pay regular admission to the OMNIMAX Theater, planetarium, and submarine however).

Receive $40 off OMSI Memberships during Free Science Days as well, and OMSI will be staying open longer hours – 9am to 9pm.

Via @OMSI

July 20: Seeing Things in a New Light: Infrared Imaging – Science Pub

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Omsi Science PubOMSI’s Science Pub event for July 2010 takes place this Tuesday the 20th at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan).

Join us to see the world in a “new light.” John Lester Miller (a.k.a. Dr. Strangephoton) will give an energetic presentation on the history, phenomenology, and applications of infrared imaging. The evening starts with Hershel’s discovery of infrared light in 1800 and traces the fascinating story to modern day astronomy, military, law enforcement, and commercial applications. The talk will be augmented with numerous infrared video clips, images, and a live infrared camera.

The presenter, John Lester Miller, has designed and developed infrared systems for astronomy, commercial, and military applications for three decades. He currently works for Wilsonville based Flir Systems.

Science Pub runs from 7 to 9pm, but arrive early (5pm doors open) to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $3.00 suggested donation/cover charge.

June 7: The Cheese Stands Alone Science Pub

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Omsi Science PubOMSI’s Science Pub event for June 2010 takes place this Monday the 7th at the Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne).

Oregon State University professor of Food Science and Technology Lisbeth Goddiki, Ph.D. presents The Cheese Stands Alone: The Science Behind Oregon’s Acclaimed Artisan Cheeses.

Oregon wine is mighty fine, but, increasingly, no one does cheese like the Beaver State, either. In recent years, Oregon’s specialty artisan cheeses have achieved international acclaim. Oregon’s Rogue River Blue, for instance, was named Best of Show in 2009 in the prestigious American Cheese Society’s annual artisan cheese competition, beating out more than 1,300 other entrants. Oregon cheeses took a jaw-dropping 22 prizes overall in the competition. Business for our cheese makers, even in a down economy, is booming.

What’s so special about the way we separate the curds from the whey? What’s different for manufacturers today as they approach the ages-old craft of cheese making? What do they know that you can benefit from in shopping for and/or making your own cheese?

Science Pub runs from 7 to 9pm, but arrive early (5pm doors open) to secure your beer, grub, and a seat! There’s a $3.00 suggested donation/cover charge.