With so much of the District wrapped in a political bubble, sometimes it's nice to take a break and remember that there are things in this world not based on massive plumes of hot air -- science for instance. Café Scientifique, a monthly event organized by the National Science Foundation, (NSF) helps connect the scientific experts and the average viewers of NOVA. Held in Arlington last month, the first Café Scientifique had such a great turnout, that the science buffs are doing it again.

The NSF will be sponsoring their second Café Scientifique on Tuesday, May 2nd, at Top of the Hill on 319 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (Second Floor) on Capitol Hill. Kathy Sawyer, author of "The Rock from Mars" and Dr. Mike Meyer, Lead Scientist for NASA's Mars Exploration, will be discussing Are We All Martians?? What We Know, Don't Know and Want to Know About Mars. From 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. there will be light hors d'oeuvres (it's recommended that you buy your own drink or meal; specials will be available), with a presentation and Q&A going from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. It's organized by a small group of NSF volunteers, and they'd love to hear your feedback and suggestions for future events. Just email Mary Hanson at mhanson (at) nsf (dot) gov or Sarah Goforth at sgoforth (at) nsf (dot) gov.

If you're looking for other ways to get in touch with you inner science buff, check out the somewhat new (as of July 2004) Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Science over at 6th and E Streets, NW.

Also, the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum has two new NASA exhibits entitled "Atmosphere: Change in the Air" and "Arctic: A Friend Acting Strangely," that just opened April 15th, and the National Air and Space Museum always has plenty of hands-on science fun for all ages.

Ridiculously fun fractal fingers image from www.livescience.com