Dear Nerds,
Please join us as we make plans to take over the world. If you attend the March Nerd Nite, you will learn how to build a nuclear fusion reactor, how to manipulate vast swaths of data to generate art (or whatever your little heart desires), and how to harness the power of the pig nose to become vastly wealthy.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
doors at 7:00, show at 7:30
Frankford Hall at Frankford & Girard
$5 cover
For your edification:
“DIY Nuclear Fusion or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Particle Physics” by Ian Gallagher
Most of what is heard nowadays regarding advances in high-energy physics takes place in enormous, far-off laboratories that are far removed from our everyday realm; however, this was not always the case. Many advances in our understanding of physics were undertaken by a handful of scientists, often demonstrated using completely self-constructed apparatuses. Several of these experiments can be – and have been – undertaken by resourceful individuals, using what more or less amounts to spare parts. This presentation will highlight a bit of the rich history of nuclear/particle physics, and give a brief overview of how to [safely] construct a nuclear fusion reactor.
Bio: Ian Gallagher is a senior at Drexel University, studying Electrical Engineering, and is part of a small team developing and constructing an all-electric car for competition in the 2012 Formula Hybrid competition. He has a great desire to learn how things work, and loves to tinker with all sorts of machines. Aside from his academic pursuits, he is an avid mountain biker. There is more to his life than just these things, but he’s been so busy lately that they’ve momentarily slipped from his mind.
“Data as Art” by David Clayton
Data is everywhere, it is constantly being collected, filtered, organized, searched, filed, archived, and deleted. More and more, artists and designers are exploring the unique aspects of data as a mode of creative expression.
Bio: As curator of programs for Breadboard at the Science Center, David Clayton plays at the intersection of Art and Technology. The program explores creative applications of technology in art. He also co-organizes Ignite Philly and still dreams of being an astronaut.
“Pigs, Pits and Peccadilloes” by Marcia Pelchat
The nose and mouth are gateways to the body and thus are essential for good nutrition. We also rely on odor cues for social interactions. Yet, as you will discover, everyone has an unique sensory world: Learn about specific anosmias (profound insensitivities to particular aromas in individuals with otherwise normal senses of smell), swine pheromones, and human sweat. Find out what Collette said about truffles and revel in the splendor – and shame – of truffle oil. Experience some revolting odors if you can. Bring tears to your eyes with asparagus pee. Learn whether you can smell your own stench or must leave that to others. What could go better with beer? (P.S. Don’t pass any pig farms on the way home.)
Bio: Marcia Pelchat is a Senior scientist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. Monell is a non-profit, multidisiplinary basic research institute where everyone studies some aspect of the chemical senses (taste and smell). Dr. Pelchat studies food cravings, learning mechanisms in food selection and the relationship of individual differences in chemosensory function to nutrition. She is a frequent public speaker and tap dancer who once dressed 27 oompa loompas. She particularly enjoys disgusting her children.
And featuring performances by: Emily Bate and Michael Knight with Amir Gollan.
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