Forget Newton; Evel Knievel was really the one to discover gravity -- in 1971, no less. That is, according to the hypothesis of the Rory Sazama Science Explosion.
The beauty part about a science experiment is a scientist's ability to help us understand the world through careful, measured data. The beauty part about a Weird Science experiment is essentially the same, sans the lab coat and masters in physics.
The third installation of Cedar Block's Weird Science series, known this year as "Nikola Tesla has a Posse," welcomes any curious mind to theorize an idea about the universe and prove it in equal parts creativity and scientific theory.
It's like art for the academic set.
"'Weird Science' is a new venue in which those who might not be trained artists are free to showcase their creativity, humor, and intelligence," says Brent Gohde, Cedar Block's founder and director. "It's something a little different for the public, as well. While this isn't the same old art exhibit, rock show, or lecture, the science fair backdrop is familiar. It combines the best of all worlds."
"Weird Science III" -- the science fair for grown-ups -- takes place at Turner Hall Ballroom, 1432 N. 4th St., on Friday, Sept. 7 from 7 to 11 p.m.
So what are the hot topics in the world of Weird Science right now? How about the idea of the human race being reduced to brains in jars in the future? Or, which god will answer your prayers with the greatest rainfall? And don't forget the question that's been on everyone's mind, does listening to "Weird Al" Yankovic improve one's Boggle score?
"I think people really 'get it' now after seeing Weird Science in action a couple of times," says Gohde. "It's evolved to a pretty nice crew of smart, funny, creative individuals who take this traditional venue of a science fair to what I believe is really jus an art exhibit. The group is likeminded enough to create a cohesive show, but diverse enough in their interests and abilities that you'll get something completely different at each table."
Anything from the Chaos Theory to the calming effects of smoking on our nerves can be tested within the means of scientific method and Milwaukee mad scientists Kevin Barry with James Strassburg, Corey Dixon, Monica Drake, Holly Emmer, Dave Hendrick, Joe Kirschling, Anneke Lisberg with Mike Knop, Peter Morateck, M. Neuman, Rory Sazama, Chris Thompson and Joey Zocher are ready to prove it before your very eyes.
Experts in the various fields of science judge the projects based on three criteria: adherence to the scientific method, originality, and presentation
Last year's "Weird Science" champion, Matt Wild, is expected to defend his title, awarded to him for his project which accurately measured how much playing on an old Nintendo Power Pad affected one's psychic and cognitive abilities.
Of course, libations are there for anyone with a valid ID and be sure not to leave without your copy of the "Weird Science III" soundtrack -- a collection of the hot science-devoted tracks by local rockstars such as Seventeen Stories, Red Paper Whale, Jeff Baumann, ESVC, Picobots and Andy Wise.
If last year's "House of Stars" by Lunaversol 9 or 2005's Kyoto Protocol contribution "Memes in Harmony" are any indication, it's way more than worth t he $5 suggested donation (which goes to the Urban Ecology Center).
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
