What do humpback whale songs and fiber optic cables have in common? Before you cry out “ABSOLUTELY NOTHING,” watch Thaddeus Phillips speak about his 2011 Live Arts Festival show WHaLE OPTICS at July’s Science on Tap event at National Mechanics. The show is Thaddeus’ fourth Live Arts Festival offering and connects worldwide telecommunication systems, humpback whales, Carl Sagan, and dinner at Applebee’s.

–Jason Magnes