SPRING INTO SPRING!
FACULTY SPEAKER (VIRTUAL), CHERRY BLOSSOMS, HIKING,
MICRO-VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY, BOOK CLUB, AND MORE!
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Virtual Faculty Speaker: Using AI to Learn the Laws of Nature
Department Chair of Mathematics & Statistics
Sunday, April 3, 2022
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
virtual, via Zoom
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Mathematics is a language that allows us to experience reality in a quantitative way. Traditionally, mathematicians have expressed the governing systems of nature as encoded through mathematical models, derived from expert knowledge and first principles. In recent years, the availability of large amounts of data has resulted in a growing interest in data-driven and automated mathematical models discovery through artificial intelligence (AI). This presentation will explore the application of system identification, the collaborative work I am doing with neural networks, and some ethical consequences of the use of machine learning.
Members will receive Zoom information ahead of the event date.
Not a member? Click here and become a member today! https://www.peninsulasmithclubca.org/join-renew/membership
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Care Package Assembly (a micro-volunteer event)
Sunday, April 3, 2022
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Bowers Park, 2582 Cabrillo Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051 [map]
As a way for students to look back on their year at Smith, we are sending picture frames for students to put a picture of themselves with fellow Smithies. Come help decorate Smith colored frames, insert a motivating note from our club for finals, print names, and seal packages.
In addition to assembling the care packages, this is a great opportunity just to get together and hang out. This “micro-volunteer event” will last around one hour, and not more than 1.5 hours maximum. Look for fellow Smithies at picnic tables in the park. There is a playground within view if you would like to bring your children. All are welcome!
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Smithies and friends at a previous micro-volunteer gathering in November 2021,
assembling care packages to students for their first semester finals.
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Hakone Gardens: "Hanami at Hakone Night Viewing"
Thursday, April 6, 2022
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
We're meeting as a group at Hakone Gardens on 21000 Big Basin Way in Saratoga, CA for their annual night viewing of the cherry blossoms at 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 6, 2022. IMPORTANT: Please purchase your tickets a.s.a.p. for the 6PM tour. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors over 65. We're planning to all go for the 6PM tour, but if this time sells out it's not a big deal. Please get the next available time and meet us there.
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Hiking at Mori Point Loop Trail near Pacifica
Saturday, April 9, 2022
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
4600 Pacific Coast Highway Pacifica, CA 94044 [map]
Please join us for a hike at Mori Point Loop Trail. This 2.50 mile trail near Pacifica is generally considered a moderately challenging route, and takes an average of 1:15 to complete. PARKING: 4600 Pacific Coast Highway Pacifica, CA 94044 [map]. According to the map, just turn into the road heading east, and you will immediately see a small parking lot to your left, next to the “running trail” icon. It fits about 10 or so cars. THERE WILL BE SNACKS. All are welcome, and a proactive evite will be sent to members.
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Book Club: Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
virtual, via Zoom
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Suggest a Group Event
As opportunities to gather in person emerge, we're always looking for new ways to meet up and connect. If you have great ideas for group events, there's a new way to make those suggestions: Go to our website under the Events tab, or just click here, and you will be presented with a Google form to guide you through your event suggestion. Please complete the form, including as much information as you can. After you submit the form, someone from the club's events team will contact you.
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STAY APPRISED OF MORE UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Follow us on social media to stay up to date on our virtual and in-person gatherings.
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The book club meets at 7:00 p.m., generally on the third Wednesday of each month.
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UPCOMING: APRIL 20
“Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman was originally published in 1855 and the author continued to rework and expand it until his death in 1892. Upon its initial publication, the Boston District Attorney and the New England Society for the Suppression of Vice worked to block publication of further copies/editions of Leaves of Grass, and got retailers and bookshops to blackball the book because it was far too sensual for proper folks. That's reason enough to delve into this classic and have a rollicking discussion with your well-read Smith friends! Remember, all of our book club books are available at Kepler’s -- mention the Peninsula Smith Club purchase for a 15% discount.
REVIEW: FEBRUARY 2022
On Wednesday, Feb. 16, seven of us gathered on Zoom to discuss “The Souls of Black Folk” by W.E.B. Du Bois. We were all glad we’d read this multifaceted classic. We were very impressed with Du Bois’ impactful writing, by turns scholarly and poetic, with moving descriptions of the conditions of the freed slaves and powerful arguments for improving those conditions. It’s a telling commentary on America in 2022 that a lot of what Du Bois says is still relevant today.
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February's virtual gathering of the Smith College Club of the Peninsula Book Club. |
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