Nerd Nite London OLD

Nerd Nite London is a monthly event where three speakers give 18-21 minute fun-yet-informative talks across all disciplines, while the audience drinks along. This February we're going to be learning about the megahuman, disgust and the archeological treasures of the Thames.

Be there and be square.

Address: The Backyard Comedy Club, 231 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 0EL / Online

Details: February 16th 2022. The stream will go live at 7PM, with the speakers starting at 7.30PM and will be available for couple hours after that.

How We Became Disgusting (Some More Than Others)

Disgust is thought of as a basic, universal emotion. An evolved feeling all humans share everywhere. And it makes sense. Surely everyone, everywhere, everywhere, found things yucky and revolting. Well, it turns out it's not, entirely true. They did, sort of, but disgust is much more complicated than just saying "err" when you see a spider. 

Rich will explain that disgust as we now understand it came from something called "Taste Theory", how it's different to older versions of disgust, and how you can use it to find out if you're a political extremist or not. I mean, hopefully, your not, but it's a good idea to check.

Bio: Richard is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Centre for the History of Emotions, Queen Mary University of London. His academic work focuses on the history of desire and disgust, but he is more interested in talking to the public.

Already translated into nearly a dozen languages, his new book, A Human History of Emotion, is released on 17th February. It explores the roles emotions played in shaping history - from ancient Greek philosophy to the world's great religions, to modern Japanese culture, the Chinese Revolution, the Cold War and more. He tweets @DrRichFG. He promises his talk won't be in bad taste. At least, not all of it.

Tresures on the Thames

When the tide is out, the Thames becomes an open–air archaeological site, with remains dating from all periods of London's history and before the city existed. Much of the archaeology is vulnerable to damage from erosion and sea level changes; the Thames Discovery Programme works with people from across London to record it before it's lost.

Bio: Helen Johnston is an archaeologist with the Thames Discovery Programme, she's been enthusing people about the wonders of old wood in the mud for 12 years. The most valuable thing she's found is an iPhone which had spent the night in the river, so please don't ask that question. Find Thames Discovery on social media @ThamesDiscovery

Smoosh Theory
(A groundbreaking and EXTREMELY SCIENTIFIC new way of thinking about the entire human species all at once)

There are eight billion of us humans. All breathing, eating, fidgeting and thinking deep thoughts. It’s an unimaginably large number. Or is it?
Meet the mega human: the result of smooshing all the people in the world together into one spectacular giant (don’t try this at home). Colossal and clueless… the megahuman is also the biggest hope for life on earth.
Making use of brain-bending stats and illustrated visuals, Rob and Tom will take you on journey of self-discovery suitable for anyone and everyone identifying as human.

Bio: Rob and Tom’s creative partnership began in the 1980s when Tom (the younger brother) was born. Now, Rob is a bestselling author and Tom is an illustrator and museum exhibition developer. Between them they’ve created everything from zoo exhibits and ice cream van designs to sitcoms, newspaper cartoons and movie scripts. They made a book, The Biggest Footprint, as an experiment to try to understand the species that they are a part of, and that you’re most likely a part of too. Despite everything they learned, they’re still hopeful about what’s next for humans and the planet. Book website: thebiggestfootprint.com instagram: tomofsears

All proceeds from Nerd Nite London go to charity. this year we are partnering with The Shine Trust to help foster a new generation of nerds.
 
More information about Nerd Nite London can be found by following us on Twitter @nerdnitelondon, liking us on Facebook www.facebook.com/nerdnitelondon or visiting www.london.nerdnite.com. for more information about The Shine Trust visit www.shinetrust.org.uk