Matthew Brehmer

Un-Distinguished Lecture Series

The Un-Distinguished Lecture Series (UDLS) is a series of free, casual lectures on a variety of topics held Fridays at 5:30 in the 8th floor boardroom (X836) of the ICICS/CS building at UBC, Vancouver. These are given by and for students, staff, and faculty at UBC; though they've been from computer science primarily, all are welcome. The series has included over 130 lectures since it first began in early 2007"

Abstract: I recently spent several weeks in Romania. I now know more about Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who (partially) inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula character. This talk contains references to holy sects, sibling rivalry, dragons, Leslie Neilson, cheap paraphernalia, and Russell & Norvig's AIMA. Like one of my earlier [1] talks, it'll also feature gory death and mutilation, and the infamous 16th century 'blood countess' Elizabeth Bathory

Abstract: The HeLa cancer cell line has contributed to countless medical and scientific discoveries over the past 60 years, but at what cost? This talk will touch on medical ethics, unprecedented legal cases, race relations, media sensationalism, con artists, tobacco farming, capitalism, opportunism, and the poor African-American Baltimore family at the centre of it all.

Abstract: CBC radio is one of my favourite things. If you are new to Canada or don't already listen to CBC Radio, I will convince you of its many merits. CBC radio has something for everyone: from ideas, news, current affairs, humour, arts, music, to the spaces in between. I'll cover the history of the CBC network and the past and current effects on Canadian culture (i.e. the Polaris music prize, Canada Reads, the Massey lecture series). My presentation won't be strictly limited to the FM/AM variants of CBC radio, but also to its online radio-on-demand channels and podcasts, and its growing social media and music network, CBC-R3. PS: (CBC-R1 is 88.1 FM / CBC-R2 is 105.7 FM in Vancouver).

Abstract: Imagine yourself building a house out of Lego; do you use only one colour? Or do you make your house out of whatever colour brick you happen to grab? Do you cringe at the sight of toy store displays stocked with movie-franchise-tie-in Lego sets? (And why are the pieces so big these days?) Do you have an unusual fear of vacuum cleaners? Do you remember Blacktron vs. the Space Police? Perhaps the Black Knights castle sets were more of your thing. If you've answered passionately to any of these questions, you will undoubtedly enjoy a discussion of Lego nostalgia, history, and philosophy, as well as a showcase of constructions by contemporary Lego hobbyists and artists.

Abstract: Prior to the advent of modern medicine and the scientific method, many cultures prescribed strange and fascinating treatments for various ailments. Some of which were known to involve ingredients of human origin. While in many cases the patient may have been better off not relying on folk wisdom, hearsay, or their local apothecary, modern medicine and chemistry tells us that some of these treatments may have actually worked. During this presentation, we will venture to Renaissance Europe, black market bazaars of the Middle east, Sung Dynasty China, and Soviet Russia, examining several unorthodox treatments within their cultural backdrop. As for the modern era, have we become more squeamish when it comes to such forms of unorthodox medicine? Or are our "cannibalistic" treatments subtly disguised: we no longer prescribe blood baths, but blood transfusions.

travels

things that i like

misc.