On the topic of other science cafes: though Juliana and Keith have since posted answers to the question "where can I find one near me?" let me also suggest that such a cafe might be something you find worth organizing in your area, wherever you are. As both a fan of Juliana's series and also a participant (I'm her "Puzzle Master" for the twice-a-year special-edition Ask A Scientist "Puzzle Nights"), I can say that there's an incredible "stone soup" energy that I've found at each of these gatherings: every single attendee seems glad to be there and interested in contributing.

Fred and Kishore, I wonder: isn't distrust in general (and specifically of the power of personality in lieu of hard evidence) the very core of science? It seems to me that a science cafe is the perfect place to bring together people who distrust science; the conversation that ensues might well be educational for all concerned. The non-scientist might come to better appreciate the degree to which science recognizes its own limits; the scientist (or fan of science) might come to better recognize ways in which they can explain their goals and methods, so as to reach people from many non-scientific backgrounds.

Science is, after all, much better when we all understand it, and to an appropriate degree, avoid accepting its conclusions without each digging a bit ourselves.

One person asked about Palo Alto, and it happens there is already one there: http://www.cafescipa.org/

And for the north bay folks, keep checking the cafe scientifique website. There is someone who is hoping to start something in Napa but I don't think it's up and running yet.

http://bnhm.berkeley.edu/about/sciencecafe.php

Enjoy!

I believe you raise an excellent question. How do we engage folks who distrust expertise, research, and all of the things science stands for?

I don't think you do.

I'll make a analogy to Al Gore's current work. To put it simply, all he is done is connect the public with active scientific research. His opponents remain intractable, as evidenced by the latest senate hearings. However, how many more people are engaged in the conversation of climate change vs 2 years ago?

That I see is the power of the science cafes. Engaging the disengaged. Bringing the conversation to the forefront. Having a civic discourse fueled in part by science.

I'm not banking on converting any opponents of science. My goal is to engage a public, who simply don't get it straight from the horse's mouth. Don't get the impact, Don't get the possibility.

I am starting another science cafe in San Francisco called Down to a Science. The focus of Down to Science is on scientific issues of significant local impact. The mission is to promote civic discourse through scientific dialogue. To support the mission, each cafe will be geared towards creating a dialogue. Each speaker will also come prepared with resources for anyone to get further involved. DtaS also has an online blog to enhance and promote the dialogue between cafes (always welcoming comments).

The first event is Tuesday April 24th @ Cafe Royale (Post @ Leavenworth). Topic is "Shakin' in our Boots: The Hayward Fault" with Jack Boatwright from the USGS speaking.

In the next 2 months, we'll be discussing Biofuels and Fertility.

I encourage everyone to check out the website at http://www.sciencecafesf.com

Just one quick shout out to Juliana. Ask a Scientist is an awesome series that I encourage everyone to attend. Her gracious support has fueled my cafe series.

Sorry for the technical issues. It appears the problem has been resolved for the moment (famous last words ;- > )

Come listen to Andrea's terrific story at:

http://www.kqed.org/quest/radio/view/235