Nerd Nite XI 9.10.15
The bosses led a fascinating game of Cards Against Humanity during our 6-7pm nerdy gaming session and set the mood for one of our most eclectic speaker line ups yet.
“Art, Craft, Beauty, Mingei and Malcolm Galdwell’s 10,000 hours” by James Herring
How skilled work, the creative process, the importance of beauty and intimacy with materials has evolved within this one persons practice. How learning through making can inform design, art, engineering, and a host of other fields while engendering a sense of satisfaction. James, a ceramic artist and past president of the Ceramic League of Miami, spun pottery on his wheel while giving the history of pottery and sharing his personal experiences.
“Why do passwords suck, and what you can do about it” by Alan Goldman
Alan is a computer programmer who thinks it is important for everyone to understand how security works as our lives become increasingly digital. Alan shared lots of tips and tricks for taking control of your own virtual safety.
“Sex Underwater: A Slightly Inappropriate Musical Revue” by Gary Bremen
Sex has a purpose. Sex can be violent. Sex can be a solo experience. Sex can be kinky. The really cool, nerdy connection is that all of these are happening RIGHT NOW in the waters off Miami. Marine science educator Gary Bremen shared a humorous (and maybe even inspirational) look at everyone’s favorite “hobby,” with a soundtrack to match. Amazing!
Nerd Nite X 8.13.15
Pre-Nerd Nite Periodic Table BINGO!
Amazing success and lots of fun! We played 3 rounds and each of our 3 winners received $15 Gramps gift certificates! Yum! Join us at 6pm in September for more nerdy games with the Nerd bosses.
A Look at the Uncanny Valley by Dean Lyon
A term coined in 1970 by the Japanese scientist who was involved in creating humanoid robots to describe the eerie sensation one gets when experiencing a “not quite right” representation of a human being. It turns out that it may stem from our basic primitive instincts of “fight or flight”, but it is unproven speculation. Hollywood visual effects and computer graphics filmmakers & highend computer game creators have made amazing headway in achieving onscreen digital “humans” but have consistently bumped into the “Uncanny Valley” thwarting them from the ultimate goal of believability.
The future of IVF: flirting with the limits by Amanda Butler
Butler took us on a mind-blowing journey that transforms a female skin cell into a functional, mature sperm. Science is closer than we realize to giving homosexual couples the possibility of having their own genetic offspring.
How Playing Board Games Can Save Your Life by John Gulla
Over the past two decades, board games have been enjoying a significant and steady increase in overall popularity worldwide, as well as a large rise in the amount of new and different games being created and played. Gulla discussed some of the reasons behind the phenomenon, introduced us to some excellent examples of modern board games that you should try, and finally, examined why board games may be more important to humanity now than ever before. One of our best presentations so far!
Nerd Nite IX 7.9.15
* Team Trivia 7-8pm
* We love Miami Summers: Mosquitos! by Tanjim Hossain
There is a lot of misinformation out there about msoquitoes – which is bad because Miami is at high risk for mosquito-borne diseases. There is also a lot of pseudoscience out there about genetic modification about mosquitoes. Hossain, an NSF-funded UM graduate research fellow, shared the truth about mosquitos.
* We love Miami Summers: Hurricanes! by Angela Colbert
Hurricanes are a reality for Miamians every summer. Hurricane season is technically from June 1st – November 30th (you know, when you can’t stand going outside because you sweat and wonder why you bother to shower). That same humid air that makes Miami so lovely in the summer is one of the many ingredients needed to create a hurricane. Hurricanes are forever intertwined with Miami’s history.
Nerd Nite Miami VIII at Gramps Bar, Wynwood
6.11.15
“The E.T. Files: Move Over Men in Black!” by Derek Demeter
You may have heard of the Men In Black (M.I.B) before, but I bet you have never heard of the super-top-secret Men In Silver Ties (M.I.S.T)! M.I.S.T.’s very own Agent D took the audience on a truly scientific exploration of extraterrestrial life in the universe. He helped us understand the implications of ET for the human race as well as how we can and do search for signs of other intelligent beings!
“The Rise of Low T – The Marketing of Testosterone Past and Present ” by Vineeth Mohan
Vineeth Mohan is a clinical endocrinologist who discussed the fascinating history of testosterone, from the origins of its use in ancient times to a multi-billion dollar industry diagnosing and treating “low T.” He shared fascinating info on the marketing efforts which fueled sales of testosterone products over the past several years – even in the face of ongoing drug safety concerns.
“DNA Nanotechnology: A Breakthrough For Us All” by Felix Sosa
Felix taught us about the history, development, and possible future of the great breakthrough known as DNA Nanotechnology. He gave us a unique look into the exciting research being conducted by him and his colleagues in Orlando, as well as by others around the world. Then discussed the astounding effects this new technology may have on our lives. We are witnessing a revolution in medicine, computing, and more in our lifetime with this advent!
