Nerd out

Post

Subscribe

Who says you can't learn anything in a bar?

Various "nerd nights" throughout the city urge you to embrace your inner (or outer) geek and nerd out over topics in science, history and general obscurities.

Here's a look at four monthly series in Brooklyn that are about both adult education and fun.

The not-so-secret Secret Science Club, a science lecture, arts, and performance series, converges on the Bell House once a month, bringing all sorts of professionals with "ist" titles (botanists, anthropologists, biologists) to the Gowanus venue. Their next event, on October 13, welcomes an astrophysicist, as Columbia professor Janna Levin will discuss a new effort to record the "soundtrack" of space. While listening to black holes sing, don't forget to try to the "Cosmos-politan."

Gelf Magazine's Geeking Out monthly series at JLA Studios art gallery in DUMBO, has recently had nerds geeking out over consumer behavior and the history of subliminal advertising. On October 15, the topic turns to America's favorite pastime: drinking alcohol, with speakers including Mark Denny, the author of "Froth!: The Science of Beer." On hand, of course, will be drinks (alcoholic and otherwise).

The mother of all nerd nights, the aptly titled Nerd Nite (also dubbed The Discovery Channel with beer), meets once a month at Galapagos Art Space in DUMBO for some history-related nerdery, and, occasionally, speed dating. Next up for the series on October 16 is a diverse lineup, with presentations on Jewish gangsters, the exploration of Whitopias, and the sexploration of swingers. There's sure to be something for everyone.

Last but not least, the aptly named Adult Ed series, which meets once a month at Union Hall in Park Slope for some trivial pursuit, unites its multimedia lectures around a theme, much like "This American Life." Coming up in November (date TBD), it turns its eye on "The Proper Prank," with variations on the theme to include aspects of pranking, hoax engineering and merrymaking from the likes of PT Barnum, political campaign hoaxes, and tactics to outwit your peers. No joke.

#fun_things_to_do
%wnnewyork