A Computer Called Watson: David Ferrucci in conversation with Richard WatersIn an historic event in February 2011, IBM's Watson Computer competed on Jeopardy! against the TV quiz show's two biggest all-time champions. Watson is a computer running software called Deep QA developed by IBM Research. While the grand challenge driving the project was to win on Jeopardy!, the broader goal ...
Shaking the Fungal Tree of LifeDr. Matt Trappe, author of The Field Guide to North American Truffles, examines connections between truffle genera and the mushroom genera they are related to.Dr. Trappe is a research ecologist with over 15 years experience working in western forests. His specialties are disturbance ecology (particularly fire), mycology and soil microbiology, ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Wednesday, 11/16/11
Free Wednesday at Cal AcademyFree admission is available to visitors on the third Wednesday of every month, through the generosity of The Bernard Osher Foundation. Admission is on a first come, first served basis, and early arrival is recommended due to the likelihood of high demand. Also, please note that final entry to the ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
Jupiter Picture of the DayThe rich history of time-domain Jupiter data is of great value because it provides a whole new angle of attack, distinct from spatial-domain (imaging) data or from spectral-domain data. Time-domain Jupiter data provides a unique way to learn more about processes such as heat transport, atmospheric structure and evolution, composition, ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
Quantum Reality - Why physicists do not understand it yet?What is the exact nature of quantum reality? Quantum mechanics, nearly a century old, still defies a clear answer to this question. Textbook presentations of quantum mechanics don't go beyond pragmatically useful but ontologically infertile conceptions such as wave-particle duality, non-locality, and entanglement. Some interpreters have attempted to make far-fetched ...
The California HealthCare Foundation works as a catalyst to fulfill the promise of better health care for all Californians. CHCF supports ideas and innovations that improve quality, increase efficiency, and lower the costs of care. CHCF is a philanthropy based in Oakland California, with a history of funding and supporting ...
Where: BerkeleyCost:
The problem with concrete buildings Non-ductile concrete buildings are some of the most seismically vulnerable in San Francisco and are extremely costly to retrofit. The worst of these buildings have deficiencies like the Cypress Freeway that collapsed in Loma Prieta. What should be done about San Francisco's stock concrete buildings? What is there to learn ...
The Islands of San Francisco BayJoin author James A. Martin as he takes you throught a visual journey of the San Francisco Bay's 48 islands. Martin's collection of over 220 images captures the wildness of these island habitats and boosts environmental awareness of their unique ecology.
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Sudden Oak Death in the Sausal Creek WatershedFriends of Sausal Creek Member Meeting. All are welcome! Dr. Matteo Garbelotto leads the UC Berkeley Forest Pathology and Mycology Laboratory. In spring 2011, he and his team mobilized more than 400 community members to collect nearly 2000 samples to analyze for Sudden Oak Death (SOD). SOD is a fungus-like ...
Where: OaklandCost: Free
Nerd Nite SF #18: electric vehicles, championship skeeball, concentrated solar power!Come to the Rickshaw Stop for more nerdy lectures and beers! This month, we have lots for you to learn and laugh about. We're featuring speakers on: electric vehicles! And one solution to the chicken/egg dilemma of EV infrastructure. Skeeball! The history, the sport, the beer-drinking. Concentrated solar power! No, ...
Join Dr. Nick Kanas, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at UCSF, for a presentation exploring psychiatric and interpersonal issues that can affect astronauts in space. Better identifying and understanding these issues can improve crew safety and the accomplishment of mission goals. UCSF Professor Nick Kanas has studied such issues for more ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: Free
The Large Hadron Collider: What it is and what we have Learned from it so farMarin Science Seminar for Teens, Educators & their Families presents:Beate Heinmann Ph.D. of UC BerkeleyWatch the protons fly as Dr. Heinemann returns to tell us the latest on CERN's Large Hadron Collider and the ATLAS project. Dr. Heinemann tells us,"The field of "particle physics" tries to understand the physics of ...
Where: San RafaelCost: Free
Urban Gardens to Open Range: The Present and Future of Bay Area Food Landscapes Come for an evening forum/reception in downtown Berkeley to highlight and promote discussion of the issues facing local farms and farmers in the Bay Area The Bay Area is known as the cradle of the environmental movement. And it has been a major source of energy for the emerging movement ...
Dr. Meyerson will introduce IBM Smarter Planet solutions, where natural and engineered systems can be made "smarter" with the use of information and systems technology. Systems such as Water, Transportation, Energy and Healthcare can be instrumented, analyzed and optimized to make cleaner water, less congested traffic, cost-efficient energy, and safer ...
Seismic forces that shaped the cityIt's no secret that we San Franciscans frequently feel the earth move under our feet. Here, near the ol' San Andreas, the landscape's been shoved around for thousands of years, leaving behind some pretty twisted rock 'n roll stories. Munch your way through some edible ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $30 with discount code 'Schmooze'
Antarctic Toothfish and the Ross Sea (New Date)Speakers: Cassandra Brooks, News Director for the The Last Ocean ProjectRed Barn ClassroomEditor's Note: Was originally scheduled for 12/8/2011
Medicine in an Era of Health Care ReformLife expectancy doubled in the past century, driving an unprecedented expansion in the health care sector to nearly 20% of the economy. Meanwhile, dramatic advances in molecular biology and telemedicine, combined with the introduction of electronic data systems and comparative effectiveness criteria, are transforming traditional medical practice into 'personalized medicine.' ...
Where: LafayetteCost: $10 Genreal, Free OLLI Members
Medical Device Product Design: Developing Today's Technologies to Address Tomorrow's ChallengesMedical technology has advanced the practice of healthcare and improved countless lives over the past 50 years. Going forward, new technologies will also need to demonstrate cost benefits through better management of chronic disease in order to solve both clinical and economic healthcare challenges. Medtronic is the world leader in ...
Join Suzanne Gurton, the Education Manager at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and Price Sheppy from Park Stewardship as we enjoy our night time National Park. We will be exploring the stars above through education, activities, and star gazing opportunities. This will be a great experience for all ages.Gaze ...
Where: PacificaCost: Free
Into Space NightlifeIn honor of humanity's efforts to explore the final frontier, NightLife celebrates space and space exploration this week. Check out the live view through NASA's GLAST Optical Robotic Telescope (GORT for short), which views gamma rays, allowing scientists to discover exoplanets and answer persistent questions about supermassive black-hole systems, pulsars, ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $12 General, $10 Members
Praised by critics as one of the best films of the year, The Elephant in the Living Room takes viewers on a journey inside the controversial American subculture of raising the most dangerous animals in the world, as common household pets. Set against the backdrop of a heated national debate, ...
Where: OaklandCost: $12 General, $10 members
Eco-Amazons – Women Environmental Leaders Who Are Transforming the World Join Earth Island Institute and our Women's Earth Alliance on Thursday November 17th for a celebration of environmental leadership by women here in the Bay Area and around the world for Eco-Amazons – Women Environmental Leaders Who Are Transforming the World. Rose Aguilar, host of KALW's "Your Call", will be ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $10-$20
Microfluidics in Next Gen ProteomicsWhile the genomics revolution has had sweeping impact on our understanding of life processes, the "proteomics revolution" still remains unrealized. Proteins are more directly linked to function than genes, but proteins are also dynamic and more biochemically complex. Consequently, protein analysis often demands multi-stage biochemical assays to measure not one, ...
New insights from recent Glen Canyon Dam high-flow experiments on the Colorado River Are these high flows doing more than building large sand bars in Grand Canyon National Park? The challenge of adaptively managing a highly regulated river USGS Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center: www.gcmrc.gov Speakers: Jack Schmidt & ...
Where: Menlo ParkCost:
Curious About Mars? Learn About the Mars Science LaboratoryNASA's David Blake will give a free public lecture about Mars and NASA's next mission to Mars – the Mars Science Laboratory in the NASA Ames Exploration Center. Doors to the Exploration Center will open at 6 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served. The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft, including the rover ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
The Brazilian Pantanal: Birds and Jaguars in the World's Largest Wetland The Pantanal of southwestern Brazil is the world's largest wetland, a vast mosaic of rivers, creeks, marshes, swamps, lagoons, tall riparian forest, lower dry forest, and savanna. The area extends into extreme eastern Bolivia and extreme northern Paraguay, but the majority lies in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $5 General, Free for members
Why Did the Turtle Cross the Pacific? Leatherback turtles in the California currentDr. Scott Benson, NOAA Leatherback turtles that originate from tropical western Pacific beaches perform trans-Pacific movements to temperate California Current foraging grounds. This lecture will include some underwater video footage of a leatherback eating jellies off our coast.
Where: Pacific GroveCost: free to Museum Members; $5 for the general public
Reclaiming the Art of Natural HistoryJohn (Jack) Muir Laws will lead us on a virtual walk across the Coast Range. We will explore a three-step process to help us see & think more like a naturalist . Jack will also discuss conservation challenges and stewards efforts to confront them.
The Market for Conservation and Other Hostages A conservation good, such as the rainforest, is a hostage: it is possessed by S who may prefer to consume it, but B receives a larger value from continued conservation.A range of prices would make trade mutually bene.cial. So, why doesn't B purchase conservation, or the forest, from S?If this ...
Where: BerkeleyCost:
The Dammed BaySan Francisco Bay could have been dammed back in the 60's. Where were the dams going to be built and wheat was their purpose? Whad did this plan have to do with the Army Corps of Engineers? Join Ranger Tom to find out.
Where: SausalitoCost: Free
Night School: CuriosityAt NightSchool, students of life can explore, imagine, create and mingle in an incredibly inspiring and magical setting. Themes and activities reflect current events, favorite pastimes and playful experiences, each celebrating the unique, resourceful and exciting community of the East Bay.Get back to school and unleash your inner nerd, spark ...
Where: OaklandCost: $15 General, $5 Members
Telescope MakingAmateur telescope making, why, how and where. With members of the Chabot Science Center's Telescope Maker's Workshop.
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Come to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory Friday Evening ProgramCome to Foothill Observatory and join us in the exploration of our Universe!Foothill Observatory is open for public viewing every clear Friday evening from 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Visitors can view the wonders of the universe through the observatory's new computer-controlled 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Views ...
Where: Los Altos HillsCost:
Saturday, 11/19/11
Mushrooms and other Fungi at PepperwoodExplore the amazing world of mushrooms and lichens with Chris Kjeldsen on Saturday, November 19, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Pepperwood Preserve. The class is $45. Students can register at www.santarosa.edu/communityed. Chris Kjeldsen is a retired Sonoma State University botany professor and a local expert on mushrooms, other fungi ...
Where: Santa RosaCost: $45.00
San José Clean Energy ShowcaseCome see the latest in solar, wind turbine, electric vehicle and solar hot water technologies. Bring the family and get everyone excited about clean energy! The time for clean energy is now! With money-saving rebates from the State, making home energy improvements has never been easier or more affordable. Come ...
Where: San JoseCost: Free
Greywater, Rainwater Catchment, Earthworks Tour at the EcoHouse - WAIT LISTEDTurn your house and yard into a water saving site with greywater systems, rainwater catchment, earthworks, and appropriate landscaping choices. You'll learn about the greywater system at the EcoHouse, the first permitted residential constructed wetland/greywater system in the State of California and the first greywater system in Berkeley to be ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: $15 General, $10 members
Leapin Lizards and ToadsDo snakes feel slimy or smooth? What's the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Can toads really give you warts? Be a herpetologist for a day and meet YSI's amphibian ambassadors. Come see and touch our turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes, newts, frogs and more for a toad-ally exciting time!
Where: Los GatosCost: $10 Adult, $5 Children, free for members
From Gas into Galaxies: Just Add Gravity!Galaxies, like our own Milky Way, are not eternal or changeless. They are born in the early universe out of massive clouds of gas. In their early years, they experience rapid growth, forming lots of new stars out of the matter that streams in to feed them. As teenagers, they ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
Robert Ferguson Observatory - Public Solar ObservingDay: Solar Viewing and PlanetWalk are FREE. (Donations are gratefully accepted.)State Park Admission: $8.00Docents will be on hand to show you our only star; the Sun, through specially filtered telesccopes and other devices. This is both a fun and safe experience for the whole family!**Handicapped parking and wheelchair access are ...
Where: KenwoodCost: $8.00 Parking
Mars Expert David Des Marais to Share Insights about Red PlanetNASA's David Des Marais will share insights about Mars – what we know now and what we expect to learn from the Mars Science Laboratory Mission – during a free public lecture Nov. 19, 2011. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about Mars-related citizen science programs. Mars is the ...
Where: Mountain ViewCost: Free
Late Autumn Stargazing at PepperwoodEscape from the city lights to experience nature's autumn night sky on Saturday, November 19, 2011, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Pepperwood Preserve. Bing Quock and Ron Dammann will guide you in an exploration of the night sky over Pepperwood, including the still-visible wonders of the summer sky, ...
Where: Santa RosaCost: $10.00
Robert Ferguson Observatory - Public Observing NightPublic Observing NightFee: $3.00 per. person (under 18yrs free)Parking: $8.00 per. vehiclePark in the gravel area near the horse corrals just outside the gate to the Group Camp/Observatory site. There is a short walk up a paved road to the Observatory entrance. **Handicapped parking and wheelchair access are available at ...
Active Solar AstronomyViewing the sun using various filters, and how to build a spectrohelioscope.Speaker: Dr. Joseph Bartolick, Lawrence Livermore Labs
Where: OaklandCost: Free for members
Saturday Night StargazingSee the Moon, Planets, Stars, Galaxies and More* Stargaze through astronomical telescopes* Ask questions and talk with amateur astronomers* Learn how to use a star map to find constellations* Share in the wonder of the universe with your friendsStargazing is always weather permitting-be sure to dress warmly. Foggy and overcast ...
Where: BerkeleyCost: Free
SMCAS Star Party Come out and bring the kids for a mind expanding look at the universe.Setup of telescopes begins around sunset, with observations beginning about 1 hour later.
Where: San CarlosCost: Free
Sunday, 11/20/11
Trouble in Paradise: the Struggle for Survival by the Endangered Hawaiian Monk SealHawaiian monk Seals are one of the last tropical seal species on Earth. With a critically endangered population of roughly 1000 individuals (less than half the number of giant Pandas) in the world, it is important now more than ever, for scientists to understand their biological needs in order to ...
Seismic forces that shaped the cityIt's no secret that we San Franciscans frequently feel the earth move under our feet. Here, near the ol' San Andreas, the landscape's been shoved around for thousands of years, leaving behind some pretty twisted rock 'n roll stories. Munch your way through some edible ...
Where: San FranciscoCost: $30 with discount code 'Schmooze'
Monday, 11/21/11
Thanksgiving Camp: Green Power, The Science of Renewable EnergyAt our Thanksgiving Camp "Green Power", we will explore what energy is and the various forms it comes in. We will learn about the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy and why that is of concern in our world today. While making devices powered by the sun (with solar cells) ...
Where: OaklandCost: $95/day
Galaxy Clusters and the Dark UniverseObservations of galaxy clusters provide powerful cosmological constraints via two separate methods. The first method uses measurements of the baryonic mass fraction of the largest, dynamically relaxed clusters. It leads to tight constraints on the mean matter density of the Universe and, like type Ia supernovae studies, traces the effects ...
