Colorado Café Scientifique in Denver

News 3 July 2008: Confusion and contradiction continue to plague US science policy. In December 2007 Congress zeroed out Fermilab’s budget for NOvA, a project on matter-antimatter asymmetry in neutrinos. Most other projects were slashed and the Tevatron, the US’s last particle collider, is scheduled to close down in 2010. But inserted quietly into the war budget signed by the President on Monday was an extra $62.5 million for DOE which will keep NOvA and some other projects, at least temporarily, afloat. At the same time, the Bureau of Land Management, after an outpouring of protest, reversed itself on its two-year moratorium on licensing solar energy projects on BLM property
News 22 April 2008: If you (like half of Denver) were at the Café to hear Erica Ellingson talk about dark matter, you heard some comments frrom Martin Huber about crystal WIMP detectors deep underground that may ring in a special way when struck by a weakly-interacting massive particle. Here's the YouTube video of the CDMS group's (very silly) simulation. Any of it sound familiar?
News 2 April 2008: Do you want the presidential candidates to debate their views on contemporary science issues, from global warming to stem cell research? So do many major organizations including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Sciences. You can join their discussion and sign a petition; click the logo:

News 27 March 2008: Denver's fine newspaper, Westword, selected our Café Sci as the 2008 Best Place to Get Your Geek On. Kind of a problem for those who never take their Geek off. This is the work of intrepid reporter Joel Warner, in whose lap you are invited to sit if you can't find a chair next time.
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The Café Scientifique idea started in England a few years ago, based on the French Café Philosophique. In the Café Scientifique, people (often science buffs) come together in a friendly pub after work and hear an informal (no PowerPoint!) introduction to an interesting current scientific topic, led by an expert. We take a short break for refreshments, to meet new people, and chat, and then we return for questions and answers and general discussion. All questions and comments are welcome, as this isn't a seminar, it's a chance for all of us to express an opinion, expert or otherwise.

Grady Booch, Chief Scientist at IBM, who spoke at the Café in 2004, wrote: "While I typically speak only to fellow geeks, this was absolutely the most refreshing encounter I've had in a very long time. It's wonderful to be among a group of such intelligent and diverse people who are passionate about pursuing knowledge and understanding." Dennis Van Gerven said of his talk: "I can honestly say I haven't had that much fun without losing consciousness in years!" Gene Abrams, who had to be convinced that Security would protect him from the angry mob if he tried to talk about mathematics, wrote: " In what ranks as one of the most satisfying and rewarding opportunities of my career, I had the privilege to share what I do with a group of tavern-goers who were thirsting for more than just the local microbrew." Dr. Connie Price described her talk about antibiotic-resistant MRSA as "Probably one of the most fun things I've done in my career."