Even in re-runs, something astonishing keeps cropping up on
TV’s “The Big Bang Theory” and its highly successful spinoff,
“Young Sheldon” – namely, actual science. What’s so hilarious
about Schrodinger’s cat, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, and
glow-in-the-dark jellyfish? Though both shows are comedies,
they’re peppered with real-life scientific references: Characters
chat about cutting-edge and classical experiments; historic
formulae adorn living room whiteboards; and famous techno
luminaries and science educators guest-star as themselves. The
Big Bang Theory, which is still watched regularly on at least ten
different local stations, cable channels, and streaming services
around the world, features an assortment of very smart characters
wisecracking about these and other real-life high-IQ concepts —
and now you’ll be able to, too.
Join us at 7:00 pm (EDT) on Saturday, March 15 to learn why
CBS became PBS… sort of. This month’s guest speaker, science
humorist Dave Zobel argues that the two hugely popular “funny
nerd” shows still fill a vital (if nontraditional) role in popularizing
science: Their subtle celebration of scientific inquiry draws
viewers into conversation about science, technology, math – even
philosophy. And that’s a gift to every science geek … or science
denier. Part one-man colloquium, part comedy routine, Mr. Zobel’s talk just might show you enough of what’s fun and funny about
science to earn you a spot on Sheldon’s couch!
Dave Zobel has appeared on the TV channels G4 and Discovery
and has penned segments for the radio shows “StarDate”, “Day to
Day”, “Says You!” and “The Loh Down on Science”. For the LA
nonprofit “T4T” (Trash for Teaching), he designs STEM teaching
kits out of rescued and repurposed manufacturers’ discards.
Please note that this program will be presented only via
Zoom.
There is no charge for the Zoom presentation, but, due to rising
costs, (Meetup charges alone are up 70% this year!) your
donation via PayPal is greatly appreciated. Please donate $5! To
donate go to PayPal.com, login, and click on the “Send” button.
Enter the e-mail address: treasurer@nullmensadetroit.com, click on
“Next”, fill in your payment amount, and in the “What’s this for”
dialogue box enter: “SEMM Zoom Presentations.” Click “Next”,
select your payment method, and click “Send”.
Please remember that all attendees need to pre-register by
clicking on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/SEMM-2025-
Gathering. The Zoom room opens at 6:30 pm (EDT) for mingling.
The program starts at 7:00 pm (EDT).