Grad School @ AI: The reality they never told you about

["mark a. foltz" <mfoltz@>]

the reality television phenomenon has swept america, growing more and 
more voyeuristic with each passing wave.  first `survivor,' then `the 
bachelor,' and finally `the osbournes.'  we here at den mothers think 
it's about time the peering eyes of viewers turn their attention to:
            GRAD SCHOOL @ AI:  THE REALITY THEY NEVER TOLD YOU ABOUT

featuring:

"Supervisor Survivor"
Outwit your officemates by sending them off for non-existent free food, 
trick your advisor into signing thesis proposals and budget requests, 
steal publications from the guy down the hall by snooping his lab 
files.  Be the last to be voted off your grant!
"American PhD"
Give a proposal, have it shot down by your committee, or have slated 
for fast track graduation.  Be the next Minsky or the lastest grad 
sudent drop out slinging double lattes at the Central Square 1369.
"Software Roadshow"
Is it an algorithm to solve the halting problem or just an obfuscated 
quicksort?  Experts review the code and deliver the verdict.  Fortune 
or dot-bomb?
"Robotics Mole"
Who can you trust?  Kismet's fluttery eyes and cute ears, or Cog's 
trustworthy gesticulations and expert drumming?  One is trying to 
evolve the true AI, one is trying to take over the world.  Who will 
lead the lab to fame and fortune and who is the mole trying to sabotage 
the future of humankind?
"Nerds Gone Wild:  MadDoggy Style"
Hackers get wet'n'wild in the tropical outdoors of Cambridge mid-winter.
All the broomball and Lisp macros we couldn't show you on television!
With thousands of nerds out of control, it's the hottest Nerds Gone 
Wild ever!
Come one, come all!  Casting call at tonight's

         +-                                                 -+
           girl scout benefit -+-  5:30 pm  -+- 7ai playroom
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           [ for those coming from elsewhere: building ne43,
             http://whereis.mit.edu/bin/map?locate=bldg_ne43 ]

             [ Credits: Mike Oltmans for show ideas #1-4 ]