There's a lot of genuine science built into the kinetic creations of "Almost Scientific" artist Alan Rorie. That doesn't necessarily mean that his mechanisms comply with the natural laws that govern our world—although they might.

From an early age, Alan Rorie knew that he wanted to study science. So he did. But as he neared completion of his Ph.D., his interest in making art eclipsed his passion for research. But he's found that there's really no separating of the two interests.

The dramatic photo above is a device Rorie called a Neuron Chamber. See it in action in this video:

While his post-graduate training in neurobiology has informed his art, Rorie says he also has found his education as good training for learning the new skills he's needed to develop to create his art.

 Alan Rorie will offer alive demonstration of his  Uira Engine Tuesday evening, Nov. 16 at 6:30 pm as part of the current Mad Science exhibit at the Sonoma County Museum. Here's a preview:

In addition to the six beds available to shelter homeless and runaway teens at the Rev. Coffee House, the facility offers numerous other drop-in servcies for a wider age range, explains shelter manager Anita Rosales.

There are more homeless teens in Sonomna County than one might imagine, says SAY's Matt Martin. And they aren't always easy to identify.

 

No one has a better first-hand view of the problems with this country’s health care system than the doctors who work in it, a vantage point that has made some of them “mad as hell” about it.

As a strong advocate for a single payer health care system, Dr. Paul Hochfeld had hopes that the federal health care reform debate this year would lead to some major improvements. When the final bill was passed, however, he was deeply disappointed. From his position inside the current system, Dr. Hochfeld recognizes the power of the fiscal incentives to provide maximized, specialized care during the final few weeks or days of a patient's life. Yet he argues, it is widely acknowledged that this approach is both highly expensive, and often contrary to the comfort and well-being of the patient.

You can find out more about Dr. Hochfeld and his film at his website.

 Who could spend three years riding a bicycle completely around the globe without bringing home a wealth of stories. Certainly not Rick Gunn. One of the extended high points of his 25,811 mile trip was cycling along the historic silk road through central Asia, which Gunn enjoyed in the company of a fellow rider he met along the way.

Rick Gunn will present his multi-media Soulcycler program this week at the following North Bay venues

Wednesday, Sept. 8, Sonoma Veterans Hall, Sonoma, 7 pm

Thursday, Sept, 9, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, 7 pm

Friday, Sept. 10, Marin Civic Center Showcase Theater, 7:30 pm. Ticket information for all shows here. Watch a preview below.