MON 12/1: Science Flick, Aqua Talk, AIDS Day Art

Funny, but I didn't see a cheap music tonight that wowed me. There's always free music at places like Wally's, Toad, Atwoods Tavern, etc.

--------------------------------------------------------------

MON 12/1

7pm
"Contact": Science on Screen w/ Dr. Paul Horowitz
at Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St, Brookline
$9.75 / $7.75 seniors & students

Without reading the novel it was based on, I doubt Carl Sagan cringed often -- with the exception of the Jodie Foster-Matthew McConaughey romantic scenes. This movie offers a compelling hypothesis about potential contact with intelligent life beyond our planet.

Foster plays the scientist that discovers the extra-terrestrial message and leads the effort to build the "travel machine". Paul Horowitz is a scientist who teaches at Harvard, is actually involved in SETI, and may have been Sagan's inspiration. He'll speak before screening about what's happening in the field. I imagine he'll touch on his thoughts about the movie and why we haven't been contacted yet. Maybe the stock market crashed on another planet, and they cut their space program budget...

You may have already seen the film, but the strong visuals would be better enjoyed on the big screen.

MON 12/1

7pm
Brian Skerry, "Crucial Waters--Reporting on the World's Oceans"
at Aquarium’s Harborside Learning Lab, New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston (Waterfront)
FREE w/ RSVP

As one of the leading underwater photo-journalists, Brian Skerry is not only watching aquaculture with a keen eye for its beauty. When he isn't submerged in aquaculture, Skerry oftens gives talks about the dangerous decline in the environment below sea-level.

He's also associated with the New England Aquarium, so there's a free chance to listen to what's going on in the vast ocean beyond the shores. After diving for more than 20 years, I'm sure he has plenty to say.

I didn't know there was a "learning lab" in the parking garage, but this is where the action is happening tonight. The program should last about an hour with a reception afterwards. T would be a good idea to register to ensure admission.

MON 12/1

All Day until Midnight
Medicine Wheel
at Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts, 539 Tremont St, Boston (South End)
FREE

As you may know, today is "World AIDS Day". The Medicine Wheel is annual installation in remembrance of those who've lived and died with AIDS, and it centers around 36 shrine-like pedestals arranged in a circle with different designs and various items left by visitors over the years. Every year, it changes slightly with a different theme; it's the Paper Project this year.

I've been there once before, and it's a heavy experience. It's dimly lit, and most people are respectfully quiet, but there are periodic performances. It's a quite a special experience.