Math: Combinatorial Optimization in Action, Jan 22, free. The math PhD's at the UW are eager to show us what they've been sketching out on their chalk boards, so they've put together a series of lectures accessible to mere (non-math) mortals. Here's a chance to expand the mind where you wouldn't go otherwise.
Coffee: The World In Your Cup, Jan 24-25th, $9.50 regular museum admission. This is the story behind the drink, kicking off the Burke Museum's new exhibit. Coffee experts from around the world come to share their knowledge and provide samples of their own blends. Seattle is the coffee capital, after all.
Theater: Memphis starts Jan 27th, $22+. This is the pre-Elvis 50's. This musical centers on the birth of rock when a DJ played controversial selections by black performers. * Also, The Importance of Being Ernest, starting Jan 21st, $16+, this cheeky comedy by English powerhouse wit Oscar Wilde. There's a reason why this play has been around for a hundred years - it's good. * Also, A Man of No Importance, Jan 24-25th, $24. This is a softer story of a 1960's bus driver, who happens to be an Oscar Wilde fan. * Also, Video Games Live, Jan 24th, $25+. Since there's big money in video games, some of the best-produced music is associated with gaming. Listen to orchestras and choirs perform along with video footage, synchronized lighting, and unique interactive segments.
Lectures: Tommy Lasorda, Jan 23rd, $75, the hall-of-famer provides the keynote at a pre-season dinner. This guy certainly has some tales to tell. * Also, Egyptology in the Nazi Era, Jan 21st, free. One normally doesn't combine these two subjects. At this lecture, learn how they actually influenced each other.
Children's: Curious George; Let's Get Curious, starting Jan 24th, regular admission of $7.50. There's plenty here to keep young minds excited, by means of learning-based fun. The kids help George stay out of trouble and get those bananas. * Also, Children's Film Festival, starting Jan 23rd, starting at $6.50. The kids get to cram 86 movies from 25 countries into their wee heads. There's plenty of education and activities to keep budding film makers engaged, too.
Home Buying: First-Time Home-Buyer Seminar, Jan 24th, free. If you believe the news, the housing bottom is here, and now is the time to buy. It's unlikely housing is going to get any cheaper. So, if you're fortunate to have the bucks, here's how to purchase a new house that'll having you looking like a genius in five years.
Health: ChiWalking, Jan 25th, $100. Even though you've been walking most of your life, apparently, you've been doing it wrong. Engage your core muscles for propulsion instead of your wobbly legs. You'll practically have the gracefulness of a walking ballerina after this class.
Japanese Studies: Japan Colloquia, ongoing and free, including Outsiders on the Outskirts; Negishi as Suburban Aesthetic Space in Pre-Modern Japan, Jan 26th. Even if you have no idea what the title of this lecture is referring to, you'll still probably find it fascinating.
Entertainment: Parlor Live, ongoing, cost varies. The swanky pool place on the Eastside injects entertainment into the mix. The schedule gets more impressive as the week goes on. On Mondays and Tuesdays, you’ll see locals doing Karaoke; Wednesday and Thursday, the locals are dueling it out on pianos; and then, on Friday and Saturday, the management brings in national talent.
Organization: Dutch-American Chamber of Commerce, the good folks of the Netherlands, are interested in reaching out to us, and this group helps make it happen. You don't need those particular genes running through your blood to join, just an active interest in the motherland. Most people join for business reasons, but the social activities themselves provide ample justification. Now, can you even point to the Netherlands on a globe?
