Two things you might find interesting, Portland nerds, seeing as how Seattle is fairly close: First, Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Pacific Science Center...

Experience the amazing craftsmanship of more than 200 authentic costumes and props from the Harry Potter films displayed in settings inspired by the films sets—including the Great Hall, Hagrid's hut and the Gryffindor™ common room. While touring through the exhibition space, discover iconic items such as Harry's original wand and eyeglasses, the Marauder's Map, Gryffindor school uniforms as well as costumes worn at the Yule Ball. Enter the Quidditch™ area and toss a Quaffle, pull your own Mandrake in the Herbology vignette, encounter Buckbeak™ the Hippogriff and even a giant Acromantula spider....

Harry Potter: The Exhibition [makes] its west coast premiere and final U.S. stop at Pacific Science Center in Seattle on October 23, 2010 through January 30, 2011.

... and second, Battlestar Galactica: The Exhibition at the oft-derided Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum...

Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum (EMP|SFM) is proud to announce its latest exhibition, Battlestar Galactica: The Exhibition. Organized by EMP|SFM and in partnership with Universal Cable Productions and Syfy, Battlestar Galactica features three stunning, full-size prop spaceships, iconic costumes, new exhibition films, music and other props from the original and reimagined series. Battlestar Galactica opens to the public Oct. 23, 2010 and runs through March 4, 2012 at EMP|SFM in Seattle.

[sounds of: running feet; the Mercury office door slamming; Erik's car starting; Harry and the Potters blasting at maximum volume; tires screeching as car peels out]

[pause]

[sounds of: Erik's car quietly returning; the Mercury office door slowly creaking open; shuffling, dragging feet; sad Charlie Brown music]

So... I guess these things don't start for another week or two. But WE ARE TOTALLY GOING YOU GUYS. You can tell the Harry Potter one will be authentic 'cause the press release uses four million ™ symbols! And you can tell the BSG one will be authentic 'cause I can already hear old-school BSG fans still whimpering about how Starbuck's a girl, and new-school BSG fans still whimpering about the concept of god, and Caprica fans... oh, wait. Right. There aren't any Caprica fans.

ANYWAY: WHO'S IN. LET'S FRAKKING AMTRAK HOGWARTS EXPRESS THIS SHIT.*

*For the second time in this blog post, I'd like to offer my apologies.