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8. Operation Match
August 13, 2015
Finding a date by computer is pretty common. Not so in 1965, when a Harvard math whiz came along with an idea to harness technology in a way that was so big, so fresh, that it could change the game entirely. Junior Jeff Tarr was fed up coming home alone from mixers at women's colleges, and figured that a computer could do a better job at getting him dates. With the help of classmates, he created Operation Match, a subscription service where users filled out a questionnaire, which was transferred to punchcards and fed into a massive IBM 1041 to analyze. In return, they received a printed match list of names and contact info for compatible locals. The service exploded, spawning copycats, generating a small fortune and ushering in an era of the use of computers for personals marketing. Over 3 years Operation Match solicited more than a million respondents--a number of whom actually got married.
7. Tree Hunter
August 27, 2015
Is there an answer to the epic four-year drought that has befallen California? It may be found in the rings of trees studied by Dan Griffin, the subject of this piece in ESPN Films' Collectors series. By using trees as history books and tracking precipitation patterns, he is able to predict what's going to happen and advise water management experts. As bad as the drought is, Griffin has one piece of good news: "We still have time to act." But as this film also shows, we don't have time to be complacent.
6. Shock The World
May 13, 2015
1998. Minnesota. A heated race is taking place for the empty Governor's chair between District Attorney and Democratic nominee Hubert H. Humphrey III, Republican nomineeand current Mayor of St. Paul Norm Coleman and a third candidate, the mayor of a tiny town called Brooklyn Park running under the reform party named James George Janos... or as the rest of the world knew him, Jesse "The Body" Ventura. Chronicling Ventura's campaign, this short will examine how a grass roots campaign, great debating, and most importantly, polling, paved the way for the former WWF star to become Minnesota's governor.
5. In Deep Water
May 13, 2015
In 1857 off the Carolina coast, the SS Central America sank in a Category 2 hurricane and with it, thirty thousand pounds of gold valued today at roughly 548 million dollars. Over a century later and after many failed attempts to locate "The Ship of Gold", a team of explorers led by Tommy Thompson skillfully implemented Bayesian Search theory, statistically limiting the possible locations where the ship went down. Only months later, they ultimately struck gold. But when the financiers of his expedition came looking for their cut, Tommy Thompson disappeared. We will investigate this dramatic modern day treasure hunt and the incredible roots of Bayesian Search, as we go deep into the world of "The Gold Hunters."
4. By the Numb3rs
April 27, 2015
You know the name Kevin Durant. But unless you're a true basketball insider, you don't know the name of the man who helped Durant become an MVP: Justin Zormelo. A former student manager for the Georgetown basketball team, and a trained mathematician, Zormelo uses advanced analytics and film studies to propel players toward perfection, players like Durant. And now Zormelo has an intriguing prospect who just might make a name for himself: Thon Maker, a 17-year-old from Sudan with the height of a center (7'1") and the skills of a guard. Follow Zormelo as he trains and guides this unique student from promise into the spotlight.
3. The Queen of Code
April 27, 2015
Grace Hopper dedicated her life to bringing computers to the masses, when most supposed the technology was only useful for scientists and the military. Through her genius, she taught software English, so that everyone could communicate with computers.
2. The Cowboys and the Indian
April 27, 2015
In the early 1960's, the Dallas Cowboys wanted to develop a computer system that would evaluate draft eligible college players. Enter A. Salam Qureishi, a brilliant Indian computer programmer and statistician.
1. The Man vs. the Machine
April 27, 2015
On May 3, 1997, Garry Kasparov sat down to do battle against his nemesis, the IBM chess-playing machine "Deep Blue", though this time with an improved model, "Deeper Blue". Kasparov won the first game with ease. However, Game 2 proved to be However, Game 2 proved to be different.
Description
Where to Watch FiveThirtyEight Signals
FiveThirtyEight Signals is available for streaming on the website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch FiveThirtyEight Signals on demand at Amazon and Google Play.
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Premiere DateApril 27, 2015
