New solar observatory telescope sunspot close-up

It’s the holidays again, and right now, writing is probably the furthest thing from our minds. And if we do manage to get a single moment of silence to write anything, it’s bound to be filled with family drama, alcohol, or one of those other trite associations we have with what it means to be “festive”. Predictable and depressing.

Time to find some new inspiration. And Mary Paynter Sherwin has just the remedy.

Science.

Yup, that’s right. This week at the Living Room, we’ll look in the very last place you’d expect to find any romance, beauty, or spiritual power this time of year: the minds of scientists. Mary will bring an excerpt from Schroedinger’s mystical writings (the cat guy, remember him?) and some science-spawned poetry to get you going. And no, we don’t mean clichéd lonely moons or silly shooting stars. We’re talking full-on Upanishads-meets-quantum-theory brain food for your soul. You won’t believe what the nerds have been thinking about.

No previous science experience is required. You don’t even have to like science. Promise. But you do have to be there at 7pm. The universe has a pretty strict timetable.

There’ll be plenty of time to read some of your work too, geeky or not. Bring at least 8 copies of something you’ve been working on, and we’ll give you supportive and helpful commentary. And of course, listeners are always welcome. Living Room happens in the new SPLAB in the Cultural Corner of the old Columbia School, between Rainier AV S and 36th AV S, on Edmunds. We’re 2 blocks from the Columbia City Link Light Rail Station. Parking is available on the school grounds. Bring a fin ($5, or more) for the bowler’s hat so we can keep the doors open.

Hubble Anniversary