February 2012
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| | 1Events on February 1, 2012 Skeptics in the Pub in Kitsilano
Starts: February 1, 2012 - 7:30 pm
Ends: February 1, 2012 - 11:30 pm
Location: The Billy Bishop Legion, 1407 Laburnum St., Vancouver BC
Description: Join us on the first Wednesday of the month for an evening of skeptical fun, food, drinks, and conversation by the fireplace at the Billy Bishop Legion. Come out and discuss skepticism-related activities in Vancouver with your fellow science enthusiasts, rationalists, and critical thinkers, and maybe meet some new friends.
The Billy doesn't serve meals, but you are welcome to bring in food from the nearby restaurants, or go in with a few others and have pizza delivered.
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| 5 | 6 | 7Events on February 7, 2012 BCHA Book Club - Hitch 22
Starts: February 7, 2012 - 7:00 pm
Ends: February 7, 2012 - 10:00 pm
Location: Our Town Cafe, 245 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Description: https://www.facebook.com/events/132647756854683/
This will be the first book club for the new BC Humanists Book Club! In memory of Christopher Hitchens, who passed away on December 15, 2011, we will be discussing his memoir, Hitch-22.
The book club will be held on the first Tuesday of every month at Our Town Cafe. The event is free, but consider supporting the venue by purchasing a drink or snack. Please also suggest books for later months. We're currently thinking about doing either The Happiness Project or The Better Angels of Our Nature (which may be a bit long) for March, but are open to other suggestions.
Please also invite anyone who may be interested
| 8Events on February 8, 2012 UBC Freethinkers: Russell's Tea Party
Starts: February 8, 2012 - 5:30 pm
Ends: February 8, 2012 - 7:30 pm
Location: 6350 Stores Road, UBC, Vancouver, BC
Description: Room: Frank Forward Building, UBC Room 217
https://www.facebook.com/events/343101475710736/
We will probably use this location for the rest of these events this year. The building is usually locked around 6pm so if you are going to show up late message Daniel Gipps and he will give you his phone number so that they can go unlock the door for you. You can find the map here - http://goo.gl/97E96 .
This week the topic will be about how to effectively communicate and spread skepticism and atheism. Should we be vehemently oppose religion and superstition at every turn or should we heed Phil Plait's suggestion: "Don't be a Dick" http://vimeo.com/13704095 ?
When someone is perpetuating a myth, what is the best way to respond? A good starting point to answering that problem is the Debunking Handbook - http://goo.gl/8cjQh .
Next week we will be watching "Creation" in honour of Darwin Day!
| 9Events on February 9, 2012 RASC Vancouver Lecture: "Time's Up: 2012 and the Maya Calendar"
Starts: February 9, 2012 - 7:00 pm
Ends: February 9, 2012 - 9:00 pm
Location: HR MacMillan Planetarium, 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC
Description: http://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/46197702/
Dr. Ed Krupp, Director, Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
Title: Time's Up: 2012 and the Maya Calendar
Description: According to the rules of the Maya calendar system, which relied on multiple cycles of time, a primary interval, Baktun 13, ends on the winter solstice, 2012. Although pseudoscientific claims have linked this calendrical curiosity to a Maya prophecy of the end of time, there is no documented Maya belief in the world's end in 2012 or even in any unusual significance to the event. Recent claims, however, promote the date's galactic alignment and link it with the detailed structure of the Milky WayGalaxy, information known only through modern astronomy.
Griffith Observatory Director Dr. E.C. Krupp will detail how the 2012 beliefs about global transformation, solar system alignment, rogue planets, catastrophic pole shifts, and calamitous sunspots have been fabricated and marketed, and what the universe is really doing on the winter solstice in 2012.
| 10 | 11Events on February 11, 2012 CFI Vancouver Blood Donation
Starts: February 11, 2012 - 12:00 am
Ends: February 12, 2012 - 12:00 am
Location: Canadian Blood Services B.C. & Yukon, 4750 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC
Description: https://www.facebook.com/events/209958965765825/
*****Don't just click attend on Facebook if you want to donate! You must email s.milbradt@gmail.com. We need to fill out a sign-up sheet with details about these appointments. Please let Sonia know your name, birth date, postal code and telephone number, as well as donor ID if you have it. If you have a preferred time to donate, also indicate that information.*****
YOU MUST EMAIL BY THE TUESDAY (FEB 7th) BEFORE THE DONATION TO CONFIRM YOUR SPOT.
Centre for Inquiry is teaming up with Canadian Blood Services to be a Partner for Life, and has made a pledge of 50 units of blood per year!
***We will be making a group appointment to donate blood at Canadian Blood Services - 4750 Oak Street. Please confirm on the Tuesday prior to the blood donation so that we have the appropriate number of appointments booked.***
We've booked eight appointments for Saturday February 11th, in one group of eight donors.
The appointments will all be in the 9:30 a.m. time slot. We need to fill out a sign-up sheet with details about these appointments. Please let Sonia (s.milbradt@gmail.com) know your name, birth date, postal code and telephone number, as well as donor ID if you have it. If you have a preferred time to donate, also indicate that information.
This information will be kept confidential.
***If you do not email your information, you will not be confirmed to donate and will not have an appointment!***
Blood knows no religion, and the need for blood spans beyond such boundaries. Although not every member may be eligible to donate, and there may be concerns with certain eligibility requirements, we feel that the necessity for blood makes this contribution meaningful and a valuable program to participate in.
If you are planning to donate in the near future, please consider adding yourself to our Partner’s for Life team (as part of the Centre for Inquiry - ID# CENT011678) so that your contributions count towards our annual goal. We will have a number of group drives in the future months. Keep your eyes open for announcements once they have been planned.
To register online to be part of our team:
Go to: http://www.blood.ca/partnersforlife
Click "Join Partners for Life"
Click the "Members" puzzle piece
Click "Sign me up to donate with my team"
Fill in your information using your Partner ID number CENT011678 (four letters, six numbers)
For more information, please email vancouver@cficanada.ca
A Day to Defend Free Expression
Starts: February 11, 2012 - 12:00 am
Ends: February 12, 2012 - 12:00 am
Darwin Day Weekend Skeptics in the Pub
Starts: February 11, 2012 - 7:00 pm
Ends: February 11, 2012 - 11:30 pm
Location: 579 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, BC
Description: https://www.facebook.com/events/346296058730471
I've reserved our usual room at the Railway Club for another Saturday night event to celebrate Charles Darwin's birthday. If you can't often make it to our regular weeknight get-togethers, maybe a weekend event like this one will be more convenient for you.
Jamie Williams has offered to put together a Darwin Day pub quiz for us, so prepare to test your knowledge against your fellow skeptics. We might even have a prize for the winner.
Join us for another evening of skeptical fun, food, drinks, and conversation in the Railway Club's back bar. Come out and discuss skepticism-related activities in Vancouver with your fellow science enthusiasts, rationalists, and critical thinkers, and maybe meet some new friends. If you arrive late, let the doorman know you're there for the skeptics' event so they don't make you pay the cover charge.
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12Events on February 12, 2012 Darwin Day
Starts: February 12, 2012 - 12:00 am
Ends: February 13, 2012 - 12:00 am
Breakfast of Champions! - FEBRUARY
Starts: February 12, 2012 - 10:00 am
Ends: February 12, 2012 - 12:00 pm
Location: 317 E. Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Description: https://www.facebook.com/events/308396442539246/
Hey everyone,
Breakfast of Champions is a little early this month due to Spring Break, etc. I don't know how many of ya'll are going to be around during the break, so I thought I'd make it, you know, right in the middle of midterms to make it really convenient for everyone.
If I get pestered enough I could be convinced to change it to the day before classes resume. :) Let me know what you think.
I've also made the time sliiightly earlier and this is because the Rhizome tends to fill up fast in the mornings and I do want to ensure we get seats! So... I'm sorry for all those late-risers.
love,
Amanda
| 13Events on February 13, 2012 LSI Café Sci: Flights of Fancy: Using Fruit Flies to Shed Light on Health and Disease
Starts: February 13, 2012 - 6:00 pm
Ends: February 13, 2012 - 8:00 pm
Location: 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC
| 14 | 15Events on February 15, 2012 Science for All: A Challenge for our Times
Starts: February 15, 2012 - 7:00 pm
Ends: February 15, 2012 - 9:00 pm
Location: Science World at TELUS World of Science, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC
Description: http://www.scienceworld.ca/speaker-events
Join us for an evening of science as Professor Pierre Léna of the Académie des sciences in Paris examines leadership roles in reigniting interest in science among young people. To add a local British Columbian perspective, physicist Sandra Eix and educational consultant Bruce Beairsto will engage in discussion with Professor Léna.
Science for All: A Challenge for our Times will provide an opportunity for members of the community (with and without a background in science) to talk about the challenges of developing future citizens who love science and strive to act responsibly in an increasingly scientific and technological world.
Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Time: 7–9pm (with a special early opening of 6 pm so that confirmed guests can tour the newly renovated galleries at Science World at TELUS World of Science)
Location: Science Theatre, Science World at TELUS World of Science
Seating is limited. Register online to reserve a spot.
Jointly presented by the Consulate General of France in Vancouver and Science World British Columbia.
| 16Events on February 16, 2012 Vancouver hosts the AAAS Annual Meeting
Starts: February 16, 2012 - 12:00 am
Ends: February 21, 2012 - 12:00 am
Location: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Description: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2012/program/president/president.shtml
The Annual Meeting is one of the most widely recognized pan-science events, with hundreds of networking opportunities and broad global media coverage. An exceptional array of speakers will gather at the 2012 AAAS Annual Meeting from 16-20 February in Vancouver, B.C.
Biorenewables Café: To Bioenergy or not to Fossil Fuels
Starts: February 16, 2012 - 5:00 pm
Ends: February 16, 2012 - 6:30 pm
Location: 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC
Description: http://blogs.ubc.ca/biorenewablescafe/2012/02/07/february-biorenewables-cafe/
The speaker for the evening will be Catalin Ristea, Ph.D. Candidate at the UBC Department of Wood Science.
Abstract – To Bioenergy or not to Fossil Fuels
In light of recent biofuel policies in BC and Canada, we try to answer the Question: “Under what conditions it is feasible to displace fossil fuels with renewable wood biofuels, from both a financial and a greenhouse gas balance perspective?” First we analyze the climate mitigation potential of biofuels from wood, and we submit that both space and time matter, and they need to be considered in life-cycle GHG analyses. Then we take a closer look at the “magnificent three” – the carbon, the land, and the dollar. We discuss their impact on the Question and, in turn, what variables are they impacted by.
Feynman's Funtime (UBC Freethinkers game night)
Starts: February 16, 2012 - 7:00 pm
Ends: February 16, 2012 - 11:00 pm
Location: Room 460, 1961 East Mall, Vancouver, BC
Description: https://www.facebook.com/events/306401739406277/
The next Feynman's Funtime is ready to go; put on by the UBC Freethinkers! The low-key event of board, card, strategy and social games. This is a great opportunity to come meet and socialize with some like-minded skeptics for a great time!
***Due to booking conflicts we needed to bump the start time up to 7pm for this month only.***
There will be light food provided and small fee of $2 for non-members; members are free of course. You are of always encouraged to become a member for only $5 (I realize that I skimped on the food in January, it shouldn't happen again).
As always bring your own games!
| 17Events on February 17, 2012 Vancouver hosts the AAAS Annual Meeting
Starts: February 16, 2012 - 12:00 am
Ends: February 21, 2012 - 12:00 am
Location: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Description: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2012/program/president/president.shtml
The Annual Meeting is one of the most widely recognized pan-science events, with hundreds of networking opportunities and broad global media coverage. An exceptional array of speakers will gather at the 2012 AAAS Annual Meeting from 16-20 February in Vancouver, B.C.
| 18Events on February 18, 2012 Vancouver hosts the AAAS Annual Meeting
Starts: February 16, 2012 - 12:00 am
Ends: February 21, 2012 - 12:00 am
Location: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Description: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2012/program/president/president.shtml
The Annual Meeting is one of the most widely recognized pan-science events, with hundreds of networking opportunities and broad global media coverage. An exceptional array of speakers will gather at the 2012 AAAS Annual Meeting from 16-20 February in Vancouver, B.C.
Meet the Scientists at AAAS Family Science Days
Starts: February 18, 2012 - 11:30 am
Ends: February 19, 2012 - 5:00 pm
Location: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Description: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2012/program/fsd/
Some of the Vancouver Skeptics may be interested in attending some or all of this free two-day event that's part of the AAAS meeting. See the schedule at the link above.
Visit Family Science Days during the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Browse interactive tabletop exhibits, learn about cool science jobs, and have your questions answered by experts convened by AAAS! This FREE event is open to all, but organized especially for students in grade levels 6 to 12.
All Family Science Days events will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 18-19 February at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
This community science showcase—featuring hands-on demonstrations and other family and kid-friendly activities—shines a spotlight on a broad range of educators working to promote an interest in science among the general public.
No preregistration is required. Register for free on-site to receive your pass for this event.
Free Science Fun
At Family Science Days, you will be able to:
Create an earthquake
Touch live sea creatures
Learn about alien planets and distant stars
See the invisible- from the weather to electricity to DNA
Launch your own rockets
Meet cool scientists
And much, much more!
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19Events on February 19, 2012 Vancouver hosts the AAAS Annual Meeting
Starts: February 16, 2012 - 12:00 am
Ends: February 21, 2012 - 12:00 am
Location: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Description: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2012/program/president/president.shtml
The Annual Meeting is one of the most widely recognized pan-science events, with hundreds of networking opportunities and broad global media coverage. An exceptional array of speakers will gather at the 2012 AAAS Annual Meeting from 16-20 February in Vancouver, B.C.
Meet the Scientists at AAAS Family Science Days
Starts: February 18, 2012 - 11:30 am
Ends: February 19, 2012 - 5:00 pm
Location: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Description: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2012/program/fsd/
Some of the Vancouver Skeptics may be interested in attending some or all of this free two-day event that's part of the AAAS meeting. See the schedule at the link above.
Visit Family Science Days during the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Browse interactive tabletop exhibits, learn about cool science jobs, and have your questions answered by experts convened by AAAS! This FREE event is open to all, but organized especially for students in grade levels 6 to 12.
All Family Science Days events will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 18-19 February at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
This community science showcase—featuring hands-on demonstrations and other family and kid-friendly activities—shines a spotlight on a broad range of educators working to promote an interest in science among the general public.
No preregistration is required. Register for free on-site to receive your pass for this event.
Free Science Fun
At Family Science Days, you will be able to:
Create an earthquake
Touch live sea creatures
Learn about alien planets and distant stars
See the invisible- from the weather to electricity to DNA
Launch your own rockets
Meet cool scientists
And much, much more!
| 20Events on February 20, 2012 Vancouver hosts the AAAS Annual Meeting
Starts: February 16, 2012 - 12:00 am
Ends: February 21, 2012 - 12:00 am
Location: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC
Description: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/2012/program/president/president.shtml
The Annual Meeting is one of the most widely recognized pan-science events, with hundreds of networking opportunities and broad global media coverage. An exceptional array of speakers will gather at the 2012 AAAS Annual Meeting from 16-20 February in Vancouver, B.C.
Maggie Koerth-Baker: "Putting the fun back in infrastructure: The electric system and the future of energy"
Starts: February 20, 2012 - 7:00 pm
Ends: February 20, 2012 - 9:00 pm
Location: 579 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, BC
Description: http://www.bcsea.org/get-involved/events/2012/02/20/vancouver-chapter-meeting-maggie-koerth-baker-before-lights-go-out
A BC Sustainable Energy Association event at the Railway Club:
Join us as we welcome Maggie Koerth-Baker, author of the new book "Before the Lights Go Out." Maggie will deliver a talk titled "Putting the fun back in infrastructure: The electric system and the future of energy" Electricity just happens. Flip a switch, and the lights turn on. The system is reliable enough and invisible enough that it's easy to spend your entire life not knowing how it works, even though you use it every day. But in an age of limited resources and climate change, ignoring our electric infrastructure is a luxury we can no longer afford. The good news: Infrastructure is fascinating. Maggie Koerth-Baker explains how our flawed and surprisingly precarious electric system evolved, how it controls what we can and can't do to solve our energy crisis today, and what we can learn about the future of energy by studying its past.
| 21Events on February 21, 2012 Skeptics in the Pub Downtown
Starts: February 21, 2012 - 7:30 pm
Ends: February 21, 2012 - 11:30 pm
Location: 579 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, BC
Description: Join us on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm for another evening of skeptical fun, food, drinks, and conversation in the Railway Club's back bar. Come out and discuss skepticism-related activities in Vancouver with your fellow science enthusiasts, rationalists, and critical thinkers, and maybe meet some new friends.
In addition to the usual socializing we’ll have a short presentation by Natalie Reed followed by Q&A. You may know Natalie from her new blog, “Sincerely, Natalie Reed” on the Freethought Blogs network, from her earlier posts on the Skepchick blog or from her work as the founder of the Skepchick sister site Queereka. She will be speaking to us on the topic, “Getting skeptics to think skeptically about their skepticism.”
If you arrive late and they're collecting a cover charge at the door, just tell them you're with the skeptics' group to get in for free.
| 22 | 23Events on February 23, 2012 Occupy: The Movie - Screening Event & Fundraiser
Starts: February 23, 2012 - 7:30 pm
Ends: February 23, 2012 - 9:30 pm
Location: 111 West Hastings Street
Description: Occupy: The Movie is produced by Vancouver skeptic Andrew Halliwell, who passed along this invitation:
https://www.facebook.com/events/228529823908229/
We are hosting a film screening night at the W2 Media Cafe, which will showcase selected films from our Occupy series. The films will be followed by a short Q&A period with Corey Ogilvie, director of 'I Am Not Moving' and 'BC's Huge Gamble' as well as 'Occupy: The Movie' producer Andrew Halliwell.
The collection of short films that we have produced so far are merely the precursor to the to the full-length feature documentary that we are in the process of making. Currently, we have a month-long trip to the eastern seaboard of the US planned for the spring. There, we'll be conducting interviews with politicians, representatives from the media, and other key individuals.
We hope that you can make it as this will be a great opportunity for us to engage in conversation with our audience about the issues that surround the Occupy movement.
It doesn't matter if you're an avid supporter, a neutral observer or a skeptic, we want you there!
If you're not sure what any of this is about, please check out the following links below.
http://www.occupythemovie.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOccupyMovie
http://www.indiegogo.com/OccupyTheMovie
https://twitter.com/#!/TheOccupyMovie
CFI: Richmond Skeptics in the Pub
Starts: February 23, 2012 - 7:30 pm
Ends: February 23, 2012 - 10:30 pm
Location: Legends Pub, 6511 Buswell St., Richmond, BC
Description: http://www.cficanada.ca/vancouver/events/skeptics_in_the_pub_richmond/
CFI's Richmond Skeptics in the Pub is a casual social event for local science enthusiasts who value critical thinking and skepticism. Join us for drinks and food in a friendly atmosphere. It's a great place to meet local skeptics, make new friends, and get involved and informed about new events and activities.
We meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Legends Pub in Richmond, located at 6511 Buswell Street, minutes from the Brighouse Skytrain station and Richmond Centre. There's free parking on the roof for those who need it.
| 24Events on February 24, 2012 Science World After Dark: LEGO-themed
Starts: February 24, 2012 - 7:00 pm
Ends: February 24, 2012 - 10:00 pm
Location: 1455 Quebec St Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7
Description: http://www.scienceworld.ca/swad
Science World is not just for kids, but for grown-ups who want to recapture the kid-like thrill of discovery, whether it be finding out just how flexible those yoga classes have made you or whether or not you have the skill and patience to direct a beach ball through a hoop or two.
Science World After Dark (SWAD) lets those 19 and older experience Science World's galleries and exhibits while enjoying a glass of wine or beer—and without the little ones! Programming varies and includes anything from comedy to science shows to special themed programming, such as wine-tasting, snowboarding, and a murder mystery.
The next SWAD, with a LEGO theme, takes place Friday, February 24 from 7 to 10pm. Come be a kid again—without the kids!
Early bird (until February 22): $18
After February 22 and at the door: $25
(+$2.50 convenience fee for online and phone purchases)
Ticket includes one adult drink. 19+ only.
Follow this link for info on buying your tickets:
http://www.scienceworld.ca/swad
| 25Events on February 25, 2012 Lawrence Krauss, "Life, the Universe, and Nothing: A Cosmic Mystery Story"
Starts: February 25, 2012 - 8:15 pm
Ends: February 25, 2012 - 9:45 pm
Location: 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC
Description: Room: Woodward IRC 2
Vancouver Institute lecture: http://vaninst.ca/VbKrauss.html
Professor Krauss is an internationally known theoretical physicist with wide research interests, including the interface between elementary particle physics and cosmology. He is the author of over 300 scientific publications and is the recipient of numerous awards for his research and writing. He has helped spearhead national efforts to educate the public about science, ensure sound public policy, and defend science against attacks at a variety of levels. He is the author of many acclaimed popular books, including, The Fifth Essence: The Search for Dark Matter in the Universe which was named Astronomy Book of the Year by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and Fear of Physics now translated into 12 languages. His book, The Physics of Star Trek, was released in November of 1995 and sold over 250,000 copies in the U.S.
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| 26 | 27 | 28Events on February 28, 2012 February Café Scientifique: Dr. Janis McKenna, “Something's the Matter with Anti-Matter: There's not enough of it”
Starts: February 28, 2012 - 7:30 pm
Ends: February 28, 2012 - 10:30 pm
Location: 579 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, BC
Description: https://www.facebook.com/events/256202141127490/
Dear Café Scientifiquers,
Our next café will happen on Tuesday February 28th, 7:30pm at The Railway Club. Our speaker for the evening will be Dr. Janis McKenna, Physics professor at the University of British Columbia.
“Something’s the Matter with Anti-Matter: There’s not enough of it”
About 13.7 billion years ago, our Universe was born in a Big Bang. That early universe was a big steaming stew of radiation and exactly equal numbers of particles and antiparticles. But somehow, a symmetry was broken, and a lopsided-ness arose, leaving a very small excess of matter over antimatter. And by the time the universe was less than a second old, essentially all the antimatter had annihilated with matter in bursts of light/energy, leaving a small residual excess of matter – which is all the matter we see in our universe; this is the matter we’re all made of.
The 2008 Nobel Prize in Physics was given to three particle physicists whose theory can explain how this lopsided universe evolved as having unequal parts matter and anti-matter, as predicted in the simplest Big Bang models.
The Standard Model of Particle Physics has been a triumph of particle physics – many thousands of experiments have confirmed predictions of this simple and elegant model. But it has at least 2 severe shortcomings: while it has been shown to accommodate matter-antimatter asymmetry, it can only do so at a level orders of magnitude too small to explain the matter-antimatter asymmetry of our universe. The other shortcoming is that it predicts a Higgs Boson, which has not yet been observed.
We’ll discuss the experimental program which has observed and studied the decays of hundreds of millions of B mesons (“beautiful mesons”), testing the Standard Model of Particle Physics to great precision. An overview of the experiment and results will be presented.
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