MONDAY: Democratic presidential candidate and Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd will make an appearance at Politics and Prose to talk about his book Letters from Nuremberg, which has nothing do with 2008 and everything to do with 1948 (or thereabouts). Dodd’s father, Thomas, was an attorney during the famous Nuremberg trials, in which members of the Nazi Party in Germany were prosecuted for their crimes, and the book consists of letters written by Thomas to his…

We always tell you where the free concerts are, but just because a concert is free does not mean that it will be good. This week, we are leading with the free concerts because they are so good. Other than the free stuff, there is so much to hear, we have selected a few options from what is less expensive, not sold out, and likely to be good. FREE, FREE, FREE: >> The Washington Bach…

Do strange sounds in your musty old Georgetown townhouse keep you up at night? Ever wonder who that bloody, transparent little girl is at the foot of your bed? Is George Washington, himself, sharing your bathroom? Who are you gonna call? Why, you’ll call the CPRI (Center for Paranormal Research and Investigation), of course. With Halloween right around the corner, we thought it might be helpful to prepare for the horrors that await by speaking…

>>The National Academy of Sciences is running an exhibition meant to “tickle your senses.” Patricia Olynyk’s installation, Sensing Terrains, merges scanning electron micrographs – of wild mouse taste buds, for example – with macro photographs of Japanese gardens where the particular sense was triggered. Wonder if she’s got a piece on toad licking… 2100 C St NW, Rotunda Gallery. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Runs until June 16. >>Does the onset…

Animal Care, Management at Zoo Improves, Says Report: Despite some highly publicized reports of animal deaths and mismanagement at the National Zoo, a report prepared by a committee of the National Academy of Sciences says that all in all, the Zoo takes good care of its animals and manages its facilities well. While there are still improvements to be made, as the Post reports, “important strides” have been already made. The Zoo responds to the…

DCist was excited to read in today’s Post that the imaginative fantasy architectural sketchwork of Giovanni Battista Piranesi is on display at the National Academy of Sciences. The 18th century Italian engraver was born a Venetian and studied stage design and had a love for ancient Roman ruins. These all intersect in his fantasy sketchwork, that involve grand staircases, great vaults, ropes, chains and instruments of torture. Piranesi’s work is coupled with the modern-day string…