OMSI Science Pub: Science Circus— The Physics of Fun October 28, 2008

Science Circus— The Physics of Fun
with Rhys Thomas
Tuesday, October 28
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Mission Theater & Pub, 1624 NW Glisan, Portland http://mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=72&id=168
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Come early for food and drinks!

Come see physics in action! Jugglers, acrobats, and other circus artists often base their acts on simple Newtonian principles of motion and balance taken to extremes. How does gravity's constant rate of acceleration affect the juggling of bowling balls? Why would a Nobel Laureate beg a vaudevillian to spin a ball on his finger? Which tricks are created using math? Did the Japanese really acquit a 17th-century prisoner on the strength of his inertia skills? Which came first: the bed of nails or the ladder of swords? How many new performance ideas can a desperate juggler glean from a room full of science-minded folks?

Rhys Thomas http://www.jugglemania.com/ has been making a living performing hilarity and dexterity for over 20 years. His science shows have been presented in Trinidad, Singapore, at museums across the U.S. and Canada, and even toured by dogsled across frozen ocean to Siberian Yupik villages. Thomas has served as artist-in-residence at the Smithsonian Institution and performs as an OMSI educator at schools in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and other western states.

Joining Rhys will be Stanley Micklavzina http://physics.uoregon.edu/physics/faculty/micklavzina.html otherwise known as "Dr." Stan", a physics educator and demonstration expert. Dr. Stan has been a faculty member in physics department at the University of Oregon since 1985.

Science Pub is open to anyone and everyone; no RSVP is necessary. Tell your friends. We hope to see you there!

Questions? E-mail sciencepub@omsi.edu or call 503.797.4517. Visit http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepub for a description of upcoming topics.

Official Website: http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepub