Nerd Nite Orlando XXII: Water Harvesting, Mountaineering Methods, and Ideas in Motion!

Nerd Nite Orlando XXII: Water Harvesting, Mountaineering Methods, and Ideas in Motion!

Join us for our 22nd Nerd Nite in Orlando to learn how to collect rain in the sunshine state, explore a system engineer’s approach to scaling mountains, and witness the invisible art of video editing.

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation is a brief Q&A with the audience.

Quench your curiosity! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

EVENT IS FREE!

EVENT INFO:

Thursday, December 11th

Talks 7:00 – 9:00pm

Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL 32803.

TALKS:

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Water Harvesting: Collecting Rain in the Sunshine State”  by Banks Helfrich

Banks Helfrich’s talk is about how he became a water harvester, from using Youtube to imagination to trial and error to designing his new home.  This four year journey of capturing, guttering, filtering, storing and transporting water opened his mind to how water can efficiently be utilized in the home.

Banks Helfrich. Human, filmmaker, compulsive flosser, Orlando resident, former professional triathlete circus clown, Harpo Marx look-alike, David Letterman’s the Ball Guy from “Is this Anything?” and  loofah grower.

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Mountaineering Methods: A System Engineer’s Approach to Scaling Mountains”  by Howard Kanner, Ph.D

Howard has summited Mt. Rainier in Seattle, Washington, Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Imja Tse in Nepal, as well as explored the ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru.  Howard shares his experience, methodically laid out as would be expected from an engineer, for planning, execution and post-trip analysis, from his most recent adventure to Nepal, reaching altitudes of over 20,300 ft.

Howard Kanner is a Systems Engineer at Kennedy Space Center. Crunching data and making colorful presentations by day but using his analytical skills to plan and explore the world by night.  Howard has a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering and Physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from The George Washington University, and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

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Ideas in Motion: The Invisible Art of Video Editing” by Karen Avizur

The work of an editor can be infuriating, hilarious, gut-wrenching, and wonderful. From rendering footage to working with producers to the way editors manipulate emotion, Karen Avizur will take you through the daily work of a video editor!

Karen Avizur has been working as a professional video editor for over four years. She lived and worked in LA freelance for three years for a huge variety of clients before moving back to Orlando and  currently works mostly editing weddings. In her free time, Karen enjoys reading urban fantasy and nonfiction, writing, seeing the latest movies and watching the latest Doctor Who episodes.

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If you have any questions about Nerd Nite Orlando or are interested in being a future presenter, email us at

Nerd Nite Orlando XXI: To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before!

NovEventHeader Join us for our 21st Nerd Nite in Orlando to learn about how NASA will travel farther into space than any human has gone before and what they are doing in preparation to pioneer Mars!

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 20-25 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way.Following the presentations is a brief Q&A with the audience.

Quench your curiosity! Come meet up, drink, and learn something

EVENT IS FREE!


EVENT INFO:
Thursday, November 13th
Talks 7:00 – 9:00pm
Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL 32803.

 

TALKS:

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“Intrasteller: NASA’s Journey to Mars” by Jason Hopkins

Jason Hopkins is the Flight Test Integration Manager for the Orion Program and the Multi-Use Manager for the Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) Program, both at Kennedy Space Center (KSC).  In his Orion capacity, he is supporting Orion Operations in preparation for the launch of Exploration Flight Test-1 this December.  For GSDO, he works to develop partnerships within the space industry to enable commercial space. He previously served as a NASA Fellow for U.S. Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, providing the Senator with technical advice in support of developing science and space legislation.  He has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an M.S. in Systems Engineering from George Washington University.

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“NASA Swamp Works: Back to the Future – in Space” by Rob Mueller

Rob Mueller is a Senior Technologist for Advanced Projects Development at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in the Engineering & Technology Directorate and co-founder of the KSC Swamp Works.  Rob is the chairman of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Aerospace Division, and the Committee for Regolith Operations, Mobility and Robotics, and he is also a member of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Space Resources Technical Committee. Rob has recently been leading the development of technologies required for the utilization of resources on target bodies such as Asteroids, the Moon,  Mars moons and Mars. He earned a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami, an M.S. in Space Systems Engineering from the Technical University of Delft, in the Netherlands, and an M.B.A. from Florida Institute of Technology.

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“Total Recall: The Simulated Martian” by Anne Caraccio

Anne Caraccio is a chemical engineer on several projects that support deep space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. As a crew member of the 2014 HI-SEAS Mars analog simulation, she supported a 120 day psychological study and performed various research projects while living in an isolated Mars-like habitat with an international crew. She is from Long Island, New York and earned her B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College. She is currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of South Florida.

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If you have any questions about Nerd Nite Orlando or are interested in being a future presenter, email us at

Nerd Nite Orlando XX: Fear and Learning in Orlando

Join us for the 20th consecutive Nerd Nite in Orlando!

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 20-25 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way.Following the presentations is a brief Q&A with the audience.

It’s like the Discovery Channel – with beer! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

EVENT INFO:
Thursday, October 9th
Talks 7:00 – 9:00pm
Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL 32803.

EVENT IS FREE! 

NERDY COSTUMES ARE ENCOURAGED.

Alluring Illusions: Magic Is Fake and That’s OK” by Nick Paul

The popular perception of a magician is usually Criss Angel or David Blaine, and Nick Paul wants to tell you why that’s wrong. Magic is meant to be seen as engaging well rehearsed entertainment, not some creepy guy trying to gross you out. Deeply rooted in the science of perception, there is certainly more to “magic” than meets the eye – but that is by design. 

Nick Paul has been performing professionally as a magician for over 13 years. He can be seen regularly at Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk as well as various corporate events, colleges and theaters all over the US. In 2004 he was given the award for “Least Athletic” from his high school gym class Team Sports for Boys.

Auto-Self-Destruct: Living With Autoimmune Diseases” by Emma Krygowski

What is life like when your body’s own immune system is the enemy? Who gets these diseases? Why? Can they be treated? How do they affect people? And what do Storm Troopers have to do with any of this? Join us for a talk about the ins-and-outs of humanity’s most complicated subset of disease, knowledge culled in part from Emma’s own experiences!

Emma Krygowski was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at the age of twelve. After years of dealing with doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and loads of drugs, she’s pretty well versed in the subject. Aside from being knowledgeable about diseases, Emma also is a Business Analyst with an IT firm, an artist, a comic book fanatic, bookworm, and generally nerdy girl. She was also one of the winners of our first ever Nerdy Speed Dating event!

Cosplay : The Art of Dressing Up” by Elizabeth Ling

Costumes are not just for holidays, movies and the stage, they are also the basis of an artistic hobby that celebrates Fandom by turning the 2-D into 3-D. Where can you meet others with a flair for Cosplay? What does it entail, exactly? Why would a grown man with a magnificent beard want to dress up as a female superhero in a mini skirt? Come learn the who, what, why, where, and how of Cosplay!

Elizabeth Ling grew up in the Midwest and started Cosplaying in 2007 at the insistence of a friend. Since that time she’s happily invested time and money into becoming “one of those nerds wearing a costume” (a hobby that has also helped her make friends from all over the country). She also has a love of role play, reading, and visual media to help her cosplay wish list continue growing. Liz and Emma are best friends in real life!

**NERDY COSTUME CONTEST**

By audience approval, the Top 3 Nerdy Costumes will win gift certificates to The Geek Easy at A Comic Shop!

Nerd Nite Orlando XIX: Trivia, Steampunk, and Bird Nerd!

Join us for the 19th consecutive Nerd Nite in Orlando and our first ever Nerd Nite Trivia! We will also create the future from the past and get nerdy birdy about plumage, sex, and social selection!

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 20-25 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way.Following the presentations is a brief Q&A with the audience.

It’s like the Discovery Channel – with beer! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

EVENT INFO:

EVENT IS FREE!

DETAILS:
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“Nerd Nite Trivia!” with Ricardo Williams

Join us for a special evening of Nerd Nite Trivia. Bring a team of up to 4 people and compete against other smarty pantses from across the city. As always, winners get special prizes!

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“Steampunk: Creating the Future out of the Past!” by Richard Young

Steampunk: A combination of Victorian Aesthetics with Science Fiction Technology. Speaker Richard Young takes a look at this Sub-Genre of Science Fiction . Including it’s history, it’s effects on modern culture, and his own experiences exploring this strange and beautiful world.

Richard Young has been a member of the Central Florida Steampunk Association for over two years. He spends most of the time at work staring at computer screens, and a lot of time outside of work looking for things to do that do not involve staring at computer screens.

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“Bird Nerd: Plumage, Sex, and Social Selection!” by Angela Tringali

The plumage of birds isn’t just beautiful, it serves a function. To determine if the plumage of Florida scrub-jay juveniles had a function I changed it, and their social behavior changed too. Join me for a story about bird color, coloring on birds, and a bird found only in Florida. This nerd nite is a bird nerd nite.

Angela Tringali is a conservation biologist and behavioral ecologist. She earned her PhD in 2013. When Angela isn’t chasing birds she is thinking about it. Some people say she has a one-track mind.

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If you have any questions about Nerd Nite Orlando or are interested in being a future presenter, email us at

Nerd Nite Orlando XVIII: Highway to Helvetica, West of West, and The Orisha Pantheon!

Join us for another nerdy nite as we discuss why every font is a work of art worth appreciating, take a trip to the end of America, and learn about ancient gods in a modern world!

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 20-25 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way.Following the presentations is a brief Q&A with the audience.

It’s like the Discovery Channel – with beer! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

EVENT INFO:

EVENT IS FREE!

PRESENTATION DETAILS:

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Highway to Helvetica: Why Every Font is a Work of Art Worth Appreciating” by Daniel Koster

Mona Lisa. Bach’s Concertos. Times New Roman? Fonts are the sets of letters that appear in a list on our word processors. Some fonts are good for setting specific tones, and some don’t seem to be good for much of anything. But how do these letters get on our computers? Who are the shadowy figures designing them? And what’s the deal with Comic Sans? Join us as we discover the human stories behind the fonts we use every day. Explore the surprisingly complex anatomy of a letter, see what happens when type goes horribly wrong, and learn how a font won the presidency… twice! It will be nerdy, and yes, it will be bold.

Daniel Koster is too young to remember a time without computers. Most of the school papers, posters, and love letters he has composed have used type. Over time, curiosity got the best of Daniel, and he went on to learn everything he could about fonts. He is a second-year at UCF, where the official font is Gotham. When he is not typing, he is out saving the world from theocracy.

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West of West: The End of America” by Robin Cowie

Think you know US geography? Ever thought about where might be the most isolated place in the country, or maybe even the world? While researching a script about a pandemic, Rob Cowie discovered an underground military base in Adak, Alaska — the furthest place you can go in the western United States. Once home to 150,000 people, today there are roughly 50 inhabitants making Adak one of the largest ghost towns on the planet. This will not be your typical history or geography lecture. Join us on a trip back to Adak to hear the story of what Rob discovered while investigating there.

Robin Cowie is a feature film and television producer with 8 films and 2 TV series behind him. He is currently the Creative Director for the Dr. Phillips Center with several projects in development.

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The Orisha Pantheon: Ancient Gods in a Modern World” by Danielle McKinley

Move over Zeus! There are some new gods in town….well, not exactly. The Orisha pantheon of West Africa predates Christianity and the African Diaspora. Despite the impacts of slavery, religious infusion, and geographical distance, the Ifa religion has survived centuries of change and continues to grow throughout the modern world. This Nerd Nite talk will introduce you to a new yet ancient pantheon of bad-ass gods and goddesses who refuse to die, in a historical and anthropological context.

Danielle McKinley is a self-proclaimed grassroots anthropologist, dedicated Ifa practitioner, and avid nerd. When she’s not huddled over a text on African theology, she models, acts, and actively blogs at YouAreTheTruth.com. Did we also mention that she’s an actual priestess?

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If you have any questions about Nerd Nite or are interested in being a future presenter, email us at

Nerd Nite Orlando XVII: The Singularitease, The Physics of Fiction, and This Talk is Full of Crap!

Join us for another nerdy nite as we discuss “the singularity”, debate science fiction vs science fact, and learn life lessons from the sewage plant.

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 20-25 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following the presentations is a brief Q&A with the audience.

It’s like the Discovery Channel – with beer! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

EVENT INFO:

EVENT IS FREE!

PRESENTATION DETAILS:

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The Singularitease” by Max Jackson

The singularity is the idea that human history is just about to end, the final event being the creation of an intelligence (human or otherwise) that surpasses our own. This probably won’t happen – Intelligence Augmentation has been going on for as long as there have been humans, and even if technology takes our minds someplace radically new we’ll still have the same sort of stories to tell and problems to solve.

Max Jackson is a graduate student in Bioinformatics at the University of Central Florida. He helps to develop ‘Brains-on-a-chip’, focusing on analyzing their neurotransmission on both the network and the nano level. Through the Orlando Hackerspace FamiLAB he works with OpenBCI, an open-source Brain-Computer Interface group out of New York City.

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“The Physics of Fiction: Can Superman Lift Thor’s Hammer?” by Dr. Ricardo Williams

Science fact and science fiction. The not so distant foes have a long history of influencing each other; from the communicators of Star Trek to the universal translator of Star Trek to… well, almost everything else from Star Trek. But what facts can we postulate from the world of fiction? Can we find logical answers from the realm of fantasy? Can endless debates of the most ridiculous questions finally be put to rest?

Ricardo Williams is a film artist, musician, and self-proclaimed expert in comic book fiction. Since studying communications at Pace University in New York City, he has appeared in commercials and independent films, produced numerous albums, and read tons of comic books. He has also guest lectured on film theory and video production at New York’s School of Visual Arts. Currently, Ricardo is the media director at IDEAS For Us, Inc. and one of the bosses of Nerd Nite Orlando.

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This Talk is Full of Crap: Life Lessons From the Sewage Plant” by David Russell

Throughout life you’ll undoubtedly have to deal with lots of crap. It just so happens that Dave had to do that for real as well as figuratively when he took a job at the Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment plant in St. Paul, MN to help pay his way through college. He learned some valuable lessons about life, dealing with day to day crap, and the fascinating process of how our sewer water is collected, treated, and returned to the area’s water supply.The process of Wastewater Treatment is interesting? Who knew? There’s science, fun facts and humor – everything but the smell. And to top it off its a great metaphor for dealing with the crap in our lives.

David Russell is a seasoned improviser as well as an entertainment producer, director and performer. He is a founding member and now President of SAK Comedy Lab, and author of “Impossible is NOT a Word,” a professional and personal development book and creator of the Quantum Vision, a program to help you constantly and consistently move forward toward your goals, dreams and visions.

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If you have any questions about Nerd Nite or are interested in being a future presenter, email us at

Nerd Nite Orlando XVI: Clever Crowdfunding, Race’y Dialogue, and Sexy Selection!

Join us as we learn to leverage social media to change the world, deconstruct terminologies of ‘race’ and ethnicity in America, and discuss the importance of shape in scrub-lovin’ grasshopper genitalia!

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 20-25 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way.

It’s like the Discovery Channel – with beer! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

EVENT INFO:
Thursday, June 12th
Talks 7:00 – 9:00pm
Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL 32803.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/589980251100592

PRESENTATIONS – FREE!:

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Clever Crowdfunding: Leveraging Social Media to Change the World” by Ishaan Vadhera

What do field trips, prototypes, and community gardens have in common? Can’t figure it out? No worries, the answer is that they can all be crowdfunded by compassionate strangers! Social media has given artists, entrepreneurs, teachers, activists, and ordinary citizens an opportunity to engage with the public like never before. Crowdfunding, in which a person lists an idea or project online to ask for public donations, is an extension of this newfound social cohesion. People are intrigued by the empowerment it offers, by the idea that they are part of something larger than themselves. Ishaan will share fascinating insights about his firsthand experience with the power of crowdfunding, as well as teach you the basics! You might just learn how to save the world!

Ishaan Vadhera loves reality hacking and being present. After moving to the U.S. nearly 5 years ago, he pursued a B.A. in Digital and International Marketing from Indiana State University. He loves listening to people’s stories and sharing them through art, films, and storytelling on digital media. Find out more about him at www.facebook.com/ishaaninamerica and via @iVadhera.

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“Race’y Dialogue: Deconstructing Terminologies of ‘Race’ and Ethnicity in America” by Kimberly Erwin

Does PC mean “politically correct” or “plainly confused?” You decide, but language has been shown to impact how we think about others as well as whether we define ourselves by color, culture, nationality, profession, heritage, etc. Deconstruction is a philosophical analysis of the internal workings of language and conceptual systems, not to mention the assumptions implicit in forms of expression. It’s a way of understanding how certain terms, such as “Asian” or “African American,” were first conceived. Be prepared for a “race-y” presentation examining how language informs our thoughts and interactions.

Kimberly Erwin, author, educator, and coach, has over 25 years in teaching language and in higher education administration. Currently, Ms. Erwin is completing her first interactive, enhanced media book and guide on race and ethnicity with a primary emphasis on promoting a sense awareness and appreciation of the self and Other. She holds three degrees. Her Master of Science degree in Education, with a specialization in Intercultural Communication was obtained from the University of Pennsylvania

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Sexy Selection: Does Shape Matter In Scrub-Lovin’ Grasshoppers?” by Derek A. Woller

Does the wondrous world of creepy crawly creatures make your heart go pitter-patter with delight? Well it should! Specifically when it comes to the tiny, flightless grasshoppers found in the scrub ecosystem of the Southeastern U.S. These odd hoppers help scientists understand what leads to the formation of new species. Hint: it’s all about the ladies! Believe it or not, females of each species engage in sexual selection that determines the evolution of male genitalia, which eventually leads to “larger” changes. Join us as Derek explores the outcomes of the sexy choices of these scrub-lovin’ hoppers!

Derek A. Woller is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Central Florida and an avid entomologist (he really likes insects). Naturally inquisitive, he chose field Biology because every time he thinks he has an answer it leads to even more questions. He got sucked into the grasshopper universe only three years ago, which really changed his opinion of them. He is fascinated by their diverse colors, sizes, and habitats. Derek is always open to speaking with anyone who wants to learn more about insects so feel free to ask him about his favorite creatures!

Nerd Nite Orlando XV: Remarkable Narratives, Open Minds and Open Brains, and an Epic Nerd Battle!

Join us as we shape your stories to mythic proportions, open your mind to open source brain technology, and enter into an epic nerd battle where winner takes all!

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 20-25 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way.

It’s like the Discovery Channel – with beer! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

EVENT INFO:
Thursday, May 8th
Talks 7:00 – 9:00pm
Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL 32803.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/620257691397564

PRESENTATIONS – FREE!:

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“Remarkable Narratives: Shaping Your Stories to Mythic Proportions” by Robin Canfield

Many things about humanity have been “mapped out” – from migrations and language shifts to brain function and the Human Genome. Even the framework for a compelling story has been deciphered! In 1949,Joseph Campbell’s The Hero With a Thousand Faces identified the core myths common to all ages and cultures. This narrative path was also followed by Luke, Neo, every Disney hero – but it isn’t relegated to fiction. Even nonfiction forms like documentary can benefit from intentionally following this storytelling form that we now know has been with us since antiquity, serving to better engage audiences and call them to action.

Robin Canfield is a writer by nature, a journalist by education and an educator by trade. He has been fascinated by a good story for most of his life, and has spent the last several years passing that passion on to others. Robin is a co-founder of Actuality Media, a documentary study abroad organization that takes students and young professionals to developing communities around the globe to tell documentary stories about changemakers.

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“Open Minds and Open Brains: The Open Source Brain Technology Movement” by Max Jackson

Technology is approaching the point of taking human nature itself as its substrate. This is possible due to the intimate interrelation of our minds, however we describe them, and the physical structure of our brains. This interrelation enables the creation of tools which directly respond to our mental states, tools which are rapidly transforming the way we engage with our world, with our selves, and with each other. If such a transformative technological power is to be available it should be accessible to as many people as possible. In this talk Max will be giving an overview of brain technology, its challenges and its promises, and how open-sourcing it is the best thing for us to do.

Max Jackson is a graduate student in Bioinformatics at the University of Central Florida. He helps to develop ‘Brains-on-a-chip’, focusing on analyzing their neurotransmission on both the network and the nano level. Through the Orlando Hackerspace FamiLAB he works with OpenBCI, an open-source Brain-Computer Interface group out of New York City.

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Epic Nerd Battle!

For the first time ever, we’ll be hosting a nerd-off at the end of the evening. Contestants will be challenged to give 3-minute talks based on a random set of PowerPoint charts they have NEVER SEEN BEFORE! It is the ultimate test of knowledge…or rather the ability to quickly make things up and sound like you know what you are talking about! The winner will receive prizes including a bar tab, a pre-ordered Nerd Nite Orlando shirt (coming soon!), and of course bragging rights of being the gnarliest nerd in all of Orlando!

You will have the chance to sign-up to compete at the beginning of the evening…which should give you plenty of time to build up your liquid courage!

Nerd Nite Orlando XIV: Downtown Dinosaurs, Schools Never Learn, and a Scientific Sermon!

Join us for a blast from the ancient past, a look at the miseducation of American students, and a thought experiment on science as a religion!

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 20-25 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way.

It’s like the Discovery Channel – with beer! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

EVENT INFO:

Thursday, April 10th
Talks 7:00 – 9:00pm
Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL 32803.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1391147784440898/

PRESENTATIONS – FREE!:

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Downtown Dinosaurs: New News on Old Bones and Orlando’s First Giant Rodents” by Jimmy Waldron

Everyone can agree that dinosaurs are awesome. They spark our sense of wonder because they’re like dragons, except real! Sure, they didn’t breathe fire (that we know of), but how could any dragon compare with the visual splendor of a towering T. rex? In this exciting presentation, we’ll unearth some amazing new findings that take the Terrible Lizards beyond anything you’ve ever imagined. We’ll also travel through time to explore prehistoric Orlando’s Giant Mice. Join us for this blast from the ancient past!

Jimmy Waldron is a dinosaur-hunting explosions expert whose fossils are on display in several museums in Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale. With his infectious passion, he’s brought science to the masses on Fox-35’s Good Day Orlando, The Monsters in the Morning, and How to do Florida. His day-job consists of teaching science at a charter high school. Also, he once high-fived a bear.

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Schools Never Learn: The Miseducation of America” by Christine Ortiz

Quick: recite the Krebs cycle, the quadratic formula, and the definition of iambic pentameter (no cheating)! Don’t sweat it if you can’t. Education is what remains when you’ve forgotten much of what you studied in school. The hope being that you learned how to think instead. Do most modern schools effectively achieve this, though? If not, then why? This talk will cover the history of schooling in the US, highlighting influential movements, policies and court cases. We hope you laugh, because if not, this stuff might make you cry.

Christine Ortiz is the founder and CEO of [ ]schools, a radically different approach to school model development utilizing interdisciplinary teams, d.thinking and human centered design, and lean startup methodologies. Christine is a serial social entrepreneur who spent her teen years designing the National Truth Anti-Tobacco campaign, has launched several education related businesses, founded Ampersand, a K-12 lab school located in Orlando, Florida and consults on innovation in education.

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A Scientific Sermon: What if Science Were a Religion?” by Shaun Marshall

The idea that science is “just another religion” has led to a contentious debate for millennia. However, many scientists and theologians alike agree that religion is built up of beliefs, as a house is built of stones, but an accumulation of beliefs is no more a religion than a heap of stones is a house. But what if science truly were structured like a religious doctrine? What would be its core principles? This “sermon” will guide you through the “Ten Commandments of the Scientific Method,” explain the meanings of scientific Fact, Law, Hypothesis, and Theory, and evaluate the miracles of faith against the achievements of science. You’ll gain an exciting new perspective from this intriguing thought experiment!

Shaun Marshall has been enthusiastic about science since he was in diapers. From his early experiments, whose materials included his father’s pajamas and lighter fluid, to more advanced research regarding feasibility drafts for the Space Shuttle Program’s Liquid Flyback Boosters, scientific exploration has defined his life. As a father to daughters who are destined to take over the world, he ensures that science literacy remains strong in their minds, while having love in their hearts for the world around them.

Nerd Nite Orlando XIII: Chindogu, Digital Heroes, and Cards Against the Future!

Join us for Nerd Nite Orlando XIII as we talk about the Japanese art of unuseless inventions, how video games can save the world, and what it means to see the futures (yes, futures!) from a very different perspective!

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 20-25 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way.

It’s like the Discovery Channel – with beer! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

EVENT INFO:
Thursday, March 13th
Talks 7:00 – 9:00pm
Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL 32803.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/438323352965449

PRESENTATIONS – FREE!:
Copy of Slides

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Chindogu: Unuseless Inventions” by Josh Manning

Chindogu, which translates to “really weird” (chin) “tool” (dōgu), is the noble Japanese art of eccentric invention. Often causing more problems than they solve, chindogu ultimately serve no real purpose. Neither useful nor useless, they are therefore “unuseless” (similar to how “undead” means not dead and not alive). So what’s the point then? Unbridled creativity, of course! Chindogu are like anarchists that have broken free from the pragmatism of traditional invention. Come discover the wonderful world of unuseless creations that include baby mops, solar flashlights, and umbrella ties!

Josh Manning is the founder and “Nerdboss” of Nerd Nite Orlando. Always interested in new ways to think differently, he also co-organizes a group of employees at Kennedy Space Center called the “Spaceport Innovators.” In the 2nd grade he even entered an invention contest by submitting his “fishing backpack” creation, which was just his school backpack outfitted with a car air freshener so that he could carry around all the fish he caught minus the stink. He didn’t win any prizes, not even an honorable mention.

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Digital Heroes: How Video Games Can Save The World” by Carlos Donze

Are video games just a waste of time? Is there a reason to play them other than escapism? Actually, yes! A growing body of evidence suggests that video games play (pun totally intended!) a larger role in brain development than previously thought. In this talk, we’ll learn about their role in tackling some of the world’s seemingly insurmountable problems, such as personal happiness, poverty, and helping the terminally ill. Let Carlos show you how playing video games can translate in to real life power-ups!

Carlos Donze is an entrepreneurial everyman, specializing in Media Arts and Animation, who’s on a mission to save the world. A lifelong gamer, he’s been immersing himself in the world of video games since the days of Golden NES, which is the original Nintendo Entertainment System. When he’s not saving the world, he also enjoys watching movies and experimenting in the kitchen. He lives in East Orlando with his Level 60 Epic Dachshund, Lolo.

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Cards Against the Future: Generating Possibilities Instead of Predictions” by Emily Empel

Talking about the FUTURE is old school. All around us, societal “squares” are sanitizing our conversations about the future. These politicians, business leaders and academics rely on forecast models that reduce uncertainty. But, let’s be real: the world is getting weirder. Forecasts that discount mystical, immeasurable, NSFW elements limit our ability to fundamentally explore what’s ahead. In other words, exploring the future is a job for BAMFs, societal misfits, and total nerds. Obsessing over the FUTURE(S) is where it’s at. If you’re ready for an intellectual adventure, join us while we explore the present and the future according to a new set of rules.

Emily Empel (@localrat) is a trend spotter, marketing disciple, and corporate futurist. She provides executive management with strategic insights to identify emerging developments. Emily earned a Master of Science degree in Future Studies from the University of Houston. Her research has been featured by organizations such as The World Future Society and AlterNet. A former nomad, she’s slowly realizing, thanks to fellow Orlandoans and a lot of imagination, that #orlandodoesntsuck.