In a Woody Allen film, a family sits comfortably around the table having dinner when someone casually asks: what do you prefer, God, or the truth?

This poignant question is appropriate to bring to light a curious movement proposed –and pushed behind the scenes- by the religious right and their republican allies, to re-introduce creationism into school curricula as a feasible alternative to the scientific theories about the beginnings of life and the origins of the universe.

You should worry immensely if your government or right wing party satraps are now in the business of salvation and redemption… especially your salvation and redemption.

Inform yourself. Spirituality has nothing to do with religious zealotry. The science behind the principles that make your multi-level building not collapse randomly, the science behind your med’s, your technical toys, cannot be suspended for the convenience of your religious bias.

Aiming to inform policy makers, school boards, libraries, teachers, parents, students and the public at large, The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, will host a Lecture entitled: SCIENCE AND CREATIONISM presented by distinguished UC Irvine Professor Francisco Ayala. He’ll explore with the audience the most recent National Report of The Academy of the Sciences –and no, this isn’t the Oscar’s Academy in case you were wondering-.

This report, prepared by a board of leading scientists from the Academy of Sciences is intended at providing scientific literacy for all those whose occupations and responsibilities often force them to weigh this thorny issue.

Remember, art also means to shake you off your complacency, so please, get involved, participate with a truly socially responsible institution like The Aquarium of the Pacific and have your voice heard on this important topic.

Visit http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/ or 562-590-3100 for further info…

Event Details follow:

             SCIENCE AND CREATIONISM GUEST LECTURE TO EXPLORE

       RECENT NATIONAL REPORT OF ACADEMY OF THE SCIENCES ON MARCH 2

WHAT: The Aquarium of the Pacific will host a special lecture exploring the topic of science and creationism on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. As a facilitator of important topic discussions relating to timely issues on our ocean and planet, the Aquarium hopes to provide a forum for educators and others to discuss this important topic. Professor Francisco Ayala from the University of California at Irvine will discuss the report by the National Academy of Sciences entitled Science and Creationism.

This report explores the nature of science and reviews the scientific evidence surrounding the origin of the universe and Earth and the evolution of life on our planet. This report is geared towards those interested in scientific literacy, including policy makers, school boards, libraries, teachers, parents, and students. Professor Ayala chaired the panel of distinguished scientists and educators that produced the report and has been appointed by the National Academy to chair a committee to update the report.

WHEN:        Thursday, March 2, 2006, from 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

WHERE:      Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST: $7 per person and $4 per Aquarium member

(Does not include Aquarium admission as the galleries close at 6 p.m.)

PUBLIC INFO:       www.aquariumofpacific.org or 562-590-3100

SPONSOR:    Thanks to our lecture program sponsor the Renaissance Long

Beach Hotel

AQUARIUM: The Aquarium of the Pacific, a non-profit institution, celebrates our planet's largest and most diverse body of water: the Pacific Ocean. A world of discovery awaits.