MON 7/27: Science & Food

For some reason, there are multiple science events and a couple food-related events. One option tonight even combines food and science. Descisions, decisions... There should be one that appeals to you more than others.

There may still be a chance for food and drink with Stuff magazine...

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MON 7/27

7pm to 10pm
Boston Skeptics in the Pub: "Race to the Moon" w/ Jonathan McDowell
at Tommy Doyle's (upstairs), 96 Winthrop St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
FREE

Let's celebrate the 40th anniversary of men on the Moon, so we don't have to wait for the 50th anniversary. I don't remember much hoopla 10 years ago, but Earthlings are much closer to embark on further space exploration.

Dr. Jonathan McDowell (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics) is going to revisit the space race but the US and USSR. We don't hear much about the Russian mission to the Moon since they never landed there, but the story is probably fascinating.

You'll be sure to hear some thoughts about our future destination: the Moon again or to Mars...

MON 7/27

7pm
Guacamole & Salsa Throwdown
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$3 / 18+

Oh, guacamole, you luscious avocado dip! Oh, salsa, you zingy blend of veg! How tasty you both are! On chips or just about anything bready and/or meaty, you make eating so much more enjoyable.

In the tradition of early June's "Deviled Egg-Off", three winners will be chosen in the categories of salsa (traditional & unconventional) and guacamole. The good news is that you can taste them on freshly made chips in one hand and a cold beverage in the other. Mexican beers (Negra Modelo, Corona, Pacifico Clara) are $3, and don't hesitate to order a margarita.

You can vote in the "people's choice" category, and I've heard Mayor "Call me, Joe" Curtatone will be a guest judge. Smack a piñata, grab some Corona shwag, eat, drink, and be alegre.

Proceeds will benefit the Walnut Street Center who provide assistance to those with developmental disabilities. Their budget took a hit with the State's recent cutbacks.

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MON 7/27

7pm
Cafe Sci: "Taste & Emotion"
at People's Republik, 876 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE / 21+

Every now and then, the folks at WGBH have an event that corresponds to the latest episode of Nova scienceNOW.

The current episode has a segment on taste and why people like particular flavors. Prof. Don Katz (neuroscience, Brandeis) researches the connection between the tongue and brain. You might understand why you like some foods and hate others. There's apparently more to your aversion to that particular booze you can't stomach after one bad episode. It may even be possible to change your taste for funky foods and drinks!

Cafe Sci makes a point of avoiding the usage of technical terms with which the average person may not be familiar. It's also a freewheeling forum for anyone to ask questions, and there's a lot of directions for the discussion to go.

When I went, there was a generous amount of free (flavorful) appetizers to be had.

MON 7/27

8pm
NerdNite: "Naughty Bits & Advertising" w/ I Have Ears
at Middlesex Lounge, 315 Mass Ave, Cambridge (near Central Sq)
FREE

After a few years of congregating in JP, Nerd Nite is heading north of the Charles for a night.

The first talk is charmingly titled, "What’s up with my down there? A quickie on women’s health." Sarah Kleinman is a nurse (specializing in gynecology and childbirth) and writer who may have some enlightening things to say about the female anatomy.

Advertising expert Lisa Haverty is going to talk about the effect of Super Bowl commercials on your mind in "Why Can’t I Remember the Name of That Ad?" If you're a hetero male, you're going to loads of new info.

If a band covers a Beatles song from the "White Album", they're already halfway onto my good side. Maybe I Have Ears will play "I'm So Tired" tonight; they do a good job. All the stuff I've heard sounds like they're thinking about the rock; that may not qualify as nerdy, but they'll perform after the talks.