Joomla Login LightBox powered by WowJoomla.com

Pacific Science Center is buzzing with activity this spring with new exhibits, IMAX® films, festivals, lectures and more.

It’s the 50th anniversary for the museum and to mark this notable milestone, the center is bringing the blockbuster exhibition, “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs,” to Seattle.

This will be the last time the celebrated exhibit will be on display in North America.

Featuring more than 100 objects from King Tut’s tomb and ancient sites representing some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, the exhibition contains twice the number of artifacts than the original Tut exhibit that toured in the 1970s.

Visitors will come face-to-face with the largest image of King Tut ever unearthed  —  a 10-foot statue of the pharaoh discovered at the remains of the funerary temple of two of his high officials.

Other highlights include authentic objects from King Tut’s tomb including jewelry, furniture and ceremonial items, as well as the boy king’s golden sandals, which were created specifically for the afterlife and seen covering his feet when his tomb was found by British explorer Howard Carter in 1922.

To further enhance the King Tut experience, two special IMAX® films will be shown during the run of the exhibition.

“Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs” follows researchers and explorers as they piece together the archaeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies.

“Mysteries of Egypt,” a National Geographic production, explores the architectural feats and fascinating history of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Now open in the Portal to Current Research space is the new exhibit, “Investigating Arctic Ice Melt,” featuring UW’s Polar Science Center researchers Axel Schweiger, Bonnie Light and Ignatius Rigor. On display is an interactive sea ice table where visitors can affect ice flow through changing wind direction and build different variations of a seascape, while testing their reflectivity via a sensor activity.

There’s also a multi-touch table that shows different ice extent maps, along with videos and artifacts from the scientists’ research on the ice.

In June, the first ever Seattle Science Festival, spearheaded by PSC, will be held at numerous venues citywide.

It’s an event geared toward raising awareness in our community about the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to the community’s culture and its prosperity.

Participating research labs, libraries, museums, companies and organizations will offer programs designed to introduce the public to the innovative endeavors taking place.

Included will be a Science Expo Day, featuring over 150 exhibitors offering engaging activities and hands-on experiences in the fields of science, technology and engineering.

There will also be a Science Luminaries series consisting of several evening events incorporating science, music, dance and other forms of art together, featuring top names in multi-media and multi-disciplinary programs.

Other activities on tap for the center include the opening of the visually stunning new IMAX® film, “To the Arctic 3D,” a tale of survival involving the lives of a mother polar bear and her two cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home; a lecture series on architecture and design of the World’s Fair; and the 4th annual Family Astronomy Weekend.

At the end of the year, the museum will open “Professor Wellbody’s Academy of Health & Wellness,” a new interactive exhibit, sponsored by Bartell Drugs, which emphasizing health as a life-long process that balances the crucial components of exercise, nutrition, proper rest and hygiene.

Spring is also a time when PSC offers its popular “Camp-in” experiences — after-hours events for families, students and youth groups. Then in summer, the center goes into full gear with its wide array of interactive science-themed day camps at different locations in the region.

For more information on current and upcoming activities and programs at Pacific Science Center, visit www.pacificsciencecenter.org.

Photo by Chris Bennion. Pictured are Aaron (Eric Ankrim) and Casey (Kelly Karbacz) in the world premiere of “First Date,” a co-production of ACT and the 5th Avenue Theatre.

First dates, especially blind first dates, are often awkward and uncomfortable.

They can be full of embarrassing moments, insecurities, self-conscious mannerisms and plenty of presumptuous judgments.

Two people, who’ve never met before, are now in a situation where they are exploring how they might connect with one other.

To make the scenario even more challenging, add the emotional baggage each brings to the table, which can come in the form of past relationships, family, friends, religious beliefs and more.

That’s the concept behind “First Date,” a co-production between ACT and The 5th Avenue Theatre, now having its world premiere on the stage of ACT’s Falls Theatre.

Created by seasoned screen writer Austin Winsberg, with music and lyrics by the dynamic team of Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, this delightful romantic comedy chronicles the perils and pitfalls of blind dating, along with the promise of new beginnings.

Aaron (the incredibly talented Tacoma native Eric Ankrim), a nebbish, nervous investment banker, is on a first date with the artsy, hip, yet very cynical and jaded Casey (New Yorker Kelly Karbacz).

It’s a blind date set-up at a bistro, but joining the couple (in spirit) and serving as inner critics are their parents, gal and guy pals, exes and one therapist, who are all very willing to dispense advice to them whether they want it or not.

These outside influences provide the audience with insight into what’s going on in the minds of the daters, divulging their nagging doubts, fears, longings and hopes.

They project themselves in the form of song whenever one of the characters has a revelation as a result of what the other person is saying.

In the interim, these characters (played by a strong ensemble featuring Richard Gray, Benjamin Harris, Vicki Noon, Brandon O’Neill and Billie Wildrick) portray restaurant patrons.

In one of the more uproarious numbers, “The Girl for You,” Aaron’s Jewish ancestors react in horror to the notion that one of their clan might possibly marry a shiksa (non-Jew).

In “That’s Why You Love Me,” images of Casey’s macho, bad-boy ex-boyfriends (Brandon O’Neill and Benjamin Harris) appear and attempt to lure Casey away from “nice guy” Aaron.

A recurring gay BFF character (Benjamin Harris) continues to leave messages for Casey, offering the proverbial bailout phone call.

And then there are appearances by Allison (Vicki Noon), Aaron’s ex-fiancé, who stood him up at the wedding “chuppah.”

In a nod toward modern day communication, “The World Wide Web is Forever” illustrates the ability of people to find out all types of information about each other before they even meet via Facebook, Twitter, Google and other cyber-stalking vehicles.

Yes, the show has its share of the typical romantic comedy elements and clichés, however under Bill Berry’s capable helm, they’re handled with a heaping dose of charm and plenty of wicked wit.

Chemistry abounds and sparks fly between the two leads, who both have great stage presence and terrific vocals, as well as comic chops to boot.

The musical score is eclectic, ranging from rap and punk rock to romantic ballads and the blues, and the lyrics are clever and humorously irreverent.

Josh Prince’s perfectly timed musical staging allows the production to seamlessly zip along, keeping the audience fully engaged and entertained.

Special kudos also need to go to Matthew Smucker and his fun and innovative set design.

“First Date” a coproduction of ACT and 5th Avenue Theatre, runs through May 20 at ACT Theatre. For ticket information: (206) 292-7676 or www.acttheatre.org.

Construction is in full swing at The Dirty Bucket  Brewery (DBB) in Woodinville.  I know what you are thinking: “Yes, another brewery” because that’s what I’m thinking.  DBB is located in the north industrial district next to Long’s Automotive and right behind the Shake ‘n Go on the corner of 144th Ave NE and NE North Woodinville Way.

I caught up with Steve Acord at the brewery as he was cleaning up construction debris and got the grand tour.  Steve and his brother Chris started this venture literally over a dirty bucket resulting from their long time of home brewing.  These brewers had a passion for making beer and wanted to create a place to show off their talents to the public.

The DBB will be running a half barrel (15 gallon) SABCO brewing system.  With such a small brewing capacity they are considered a nanobrewery. Alright Steve, what’s up with this nanobrewery business in a town of jumbo consumption, just saying?

Anyway, their plan is to have a continuing rotation of 5 “Dirty Ales” taps with the prospect of a 6th handle.  The brewery will have a tasting room that you will be able to offer samples, pints, growlers and kegs to go.

The day I stopped in and caught Steve off guard he was out of beer in the warehouse so I wasn’t able to sneak a taste. A couple days later he generously dropped a couple bottles by.

Full Nelson Black IPA Wow, my palette has been loving Black IPA’s lately and this one is no exception.  It is a delicious complex beer, full of body and a  great amount hoppiness. The dark flavor isn’t heavy like a porter or stout; it has the characteristics of a traditional IPA, crisp and hoppy.

Dirty Blonde Ale This blonde is anything but dirty.  It is light, clean and crisp with a smooth citra finish. This one hits the spot for me.  The grand opening is scheduled for April 14.  The Chamber of Commerce and the City of Woodinville are sure to be there showing their support for this new business.  Make sure you mark your calendar and attend this event and if you tell them Toren sent you they will give you a free sample.  You are going to love this place!

Skål!

The evening started with beer reception and hors d’oeuvres in the lobby of the Heathman where we were able to do a little mingling with other like-minded beer people. There weren’t any restrictions on this portion of the event; folks just walking through were offered beer and food samples. Some of the appetizers were homemade potato chips, crab-topped deviled eggs and fried rabbit with sweet potato fries served up with HUB’s Organic HUB Lager and Organic Crosstown Pale.We were seated in the dining room at 6:30 for our delectable five-course dinner. We had wild prawns and bone marrow bruschetta served with the Galactic Imperial Red.  Next was the stuffed grilled quail with farm foraged bean ragout matched with a delicious Deluxe Organic Ale (DOA). We had a refreshing intermission with a sorbet with a splash of Aces IPA accompanied with of course, the Aces IPA.  Mouth watering boneless short ribs was nicely paired with Sessions Cascadian Dark Ale.  Last but not least was a hazelnut flourless chocolate cake and yes, beer was served with dessert as well; the Dark Helmet Schwarz Bier (this name is a reference to the movie Space Balls).

The price of the event was $75 per head which seems high but you definitely get more value added.   Keep this on your radar for next year if you are looking for a great evening out.  Cheers!