Much of military science is necessarily preoccupied with the study of violence, the development of strategy, of weapons and armaments, of warfare. But not all the battles of war involve drone technology and Bradley Personnel Vehicle. On a daily basis, soldiers also fight more esoteric battles against less considered adversaries—for example, exhaustion, shock, panic, disease, extreme heat, cataclysmic noise, gastrointestinal distress, and assorted waterfowl.
In "Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War," America’s favorite science writer, Mary Roach—the author of "Stiff," "Spook," "Bonk," "Packing for Mars," and "Gulp"—explores those aspects of war that no one makes movies about—not the killing but the keeping alive. Grunt salutes the scientists and surgeons running along in the wake of combat, lab coats flapping. With her characteristic sense of humor, her indefatigable enthusiasm, and her sharp eye for telling detail, Roach, as always, proves to be the ideal tour guide, whether observing two maggots devour a third on the tip of her index finger, courtesy of George Peck, resident filth fly expert at the Entomology Branch of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; sniffing Stench Soup, a superlative malodorant (i.e., stink bomb) described as “Satan on a throne of rotting onions,” designed to efficiently clear buildings or disperse violent mobs; or attending medic training with the $57,000 Strategic Operations Cut Suit, a “human-worn” patient simulator with skin that actually “bleeds” when pierced. At this Science on Tap, Roach will talk about her book and will introduce us to a range of quirky but essential scientific endeavors.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
***EVENT DETAILS***
DATE: Thursday, June 22, 2017
TIME: Doors at 6 p.m. event at 7 p.m.
LOCATION: 3000 NE Alberta Street, Portland, Ore.
COST: $15* general admission, $25 for ticket and book combo ticket, (Books will be $15 at event)
Minors under 21 with parent/guardian only
Buy tickets online (see link above) or at the Alberta Rose Box office
FOOD & DRINK: Beer, wine, popcorn, hand pies, and an assortment of sweets and snacks available.
Event Website: http://www.viaproductions.org/events/alberta_june_22_grunt/
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*A note on the ticket price: Science on Tap is largely supported by money collected at the door, and this theater is larger and more expensive than our regular venues. We are committed to offering educational opportunities to adults who want to learn, so if the ticket price is a hardship for you, please contact info@viaproductions.org for reduced-price tickets.
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