NERD NITE

Only two Nerd Nites remain in 2015, so please join us back in Brooklyn on Friday November 20 for three funny-yet-smart presentations about James Bond technology (Seth Porges will set a Nerd Nite record with this one), bed bugs (you’ll start itching), and evolutionary psychology (to explain why big boobs are bootylicious). Phantom bed bugs…spooky…. Oh, and we’re bringing trivia back instead of speed dating (perhaps cozy-up to a single fella or lass and let the seductive art of answering questions take its natural course?). Fun fun fun!

Back to the Lectures At-Hand:

*Presentation #1
The Man With The Golden Gadgets: The Secret History of James Bond Gadgets
by Seth Porges

Description: From invisible cars to space lasers to prosthetic nipples, James Bond’s seemingly endless supply of impossibly convenient gadgets have been a big part in making the film franchise so iconic. And for more than 50 years, these Q Branch creations have developed into a sort of shadow technological history that has both been inspired—and been inspired by—real-life tech. Here, journalist Seth Porges takes a look at the surprising stories behind many of Bond’s most famous—and infamous—toys.

Bio: Seth Porges is a technology journalist, entrepreneur, TV commentator, and co-founder of Cloth for iOS. A former editor (and current contributor) at Maxim and Popular Mechanics, he also contributes to InStyle, Fast Company, Self, Men’s Journal, Mashable, and Forbes. In addition to making regular appearances on cable news as a science and technology analyst, he appears on four series currently in rotation on History, Discovery, and National Geographic. His recently produced documentary series “The Most Insane Amusement Park Ever” was based on a prior Nerd Nite talk. You can follow him on Twitter at @sethporges, or Facebook.

*Presentation #3
Why You Like Big Boobs: An Evolutionary Perspective on Beauty Standards
by Melissa Blundell Osorio

Description: Are beauty standards created solely by the media? Why are we attracted to what we’re attracted to? Take a look into the science of beauty, seen in the context of a Darwinian struggle for survival.

Bio: For fun, Melissa is a proud nerd and Co-Boss of Nerd Nite Miami, following years of being a fan and audience member for Nerd Nite NYC. For work, she is the founder of Night School, a learning lab and a community initiative, offering classes and events for Miamians who are intellectually adventurous and constantly curious.