Upcoming Events: January 2006

The following are some events that you might be interested in checking out if you’re in the area:

Now Through March 6, 2006
Robots: The Interactive Exhibition
Chicago Children’s Museum

www.chichildrensmuseum.org/exhibit_special.cfm

This educational and multimedia exhibit lets visitors interact with characters from the 20th Century Fox animated movie Robots, as well as learn more about robotics. The Chicago Children’s Museum is the U.S. debut of this exhibition, which will continue on a national tour managed by Becker Group, an experiential marketing firm.

“This exhibit captures the wit, excitement and imagination of Robots and translates it into an interactive, educational experience that entire families can enjoy together,” said Glenn Tilley, President of the Becker Group.

The 5,000 square foot multimedia exhibit has more than 15 interactive stations, as well as unique displays, combining film magic and artistic inspiration with educational benefits. Exhibits include a station where you can build a robotic probe to explore the Martian surface, a simulator ride where you get a taxi tour of Robot City and several stations where you can “test drive” a variety of robots.

“This museum tour will enable fans of any age to interact with their favorite Robots characters and expand their knowledge of robotics in a way that is both educational and fun,” said Amy Lorbati, VP of Worldwide Promotions, 20th Century Fox.

Museums on this exhibit’s tour will include: Arizona Science Center, Detroit Science Center, Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Maryland Science Center.

Now Playing
Black Holes
Clark Planetarium, Salt Lake City, Utah
www.clarkplanetarium.org

Narrated by John De Lancie (“Q” on the Star Trek series), Black Holes is an original Clark Planetarium production using the latest full-dome, 3D animation visualization technology. This presentation explores the phenomena of black holes, asking:

  • Where do they come from?
  • Where to they go?
  • How do we find them?
  • Is there one on Earth’s horizon?

On Jan. 17, there will a special event celebrating the opening of this presentation. For $15 (Clark Planetarium members) or $20 (non-members), you will get to see Black Holes, as well as listen to Dr. Stacy Palen of Weber State University discuss the latest research into this phenomenon. A reception afterward will have light refreshments. Reservations are required and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (801) 456-4966.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., with Black Holes starting at 6:45 p.m. Dr. Palen’s lecture is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., followed by the reception ending at 9 p.m.

Jan. 20-22, 2006
The One Ring Celebration:
The Official Convention for Lord of the Rings Fans
Pasadena, Calif.
www.creationent.com/cal/one_ring_line.htm

Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and other actors from the Lord of the Rings films will be making guest appearances at The One Ring Celebration later this month. Other guests include behind-the-scenes artists, as well as Tolkien scholars.

The convention will begin on Friday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m., with an Entertainment Show at 9 p.m. In addition to the traditional dealers room, there will several events throughout the weekend, including a presentation of bloopers from the films, a costume competition, a presentation of Dominic Monaghan’s documentary, Ringers: Lord of the Fans, and more.

Several ticket packages are available, ranging in price from $30 for a single day ticket to $399 for “Wizard Circle Seating.”

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About the author

As The Genre Traveler, Carma Spence loves to view the world through Genre-Coloured glasses. In other words, she sees the world through a lens of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, where trash cans can be Daleks in disguise and neighborhood forests can harbor faeries and sprites. Magic realism is real! Or at least you can choose to see the world that way to add to the fun and awe of life.