lecture

Livable universe

Ever thought about setting up housekeeping on a different planet? The Anchorage Science Pub will present a free talk by NASA scientists at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Cyrano's, 413 D St. They'll talk about and show photos and video from the Kepler Mission -- a project searching for habitable planets in our galaxy. After the slide show, they hope to hang around for a brew and the chance to meet locals and find out a little bit about what life is like on this planet we call Alaska.

comedy

'Follies' return

Mr. Whitekeys and crew bring the latest edition of "Whale Fat Follies" to Tap Root, 3300 Spenard Road, at 6:45 p.m. Monday-Wednesday through the end of August. Since it's a big election year, 'Keys promises that this show will have a decidedly political angle -- complete with the Follies' fabulous "Sarah Palin" (Bridget Sullivan) and rockin' "Barack Obama" (Kelly Lee Williams). The last Whitekeys revue, "Christmas in Spenard," sold out almost as fast as it was announced. So move fast. Tickets are $11-$21 at centertix.net

literature

In from the cold

Mat-Su author Eowyn Ivey has made a big international splash with her first novel, "The Snow Child," the ethereal recasting of a Russian folk tale in early 20th century Alaska. The publisher has sent her around the U.S. and off to Europe to meet fans. Back home now, Ivey will sign copies of her book for local fans from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Barnes & Noble, between Northern Lights and Benson boulevards on A Street.

Livable universe