For Nerd Nite #3 get ready to uncover the hidden secrets of nitrogen, venture into some absurd film genres, and witness the manipulation of physical objects and digital worlds without any direct contact!

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. 3 speakers will 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:

Thursday, May 9th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL 32803.
Facebook Event <–be sure to RSVP!
FREE!

PRESENTATIONS:

“The Secret Life of Nitrogen: Hot Air, Massive Explosions and the Parable of How Too Much of a Good Thing Will Kill Us All” by Clayton Louis Ferrara

Nitrogen is an element. It exists all around us and inside of us as one of the most plentiful atoms in the Universe. But little do you know Nitrogen has a secret life. In the Biosphere, Nitrogen transitions in and out of the food web to become both the most plentiful gas on Earth and an unforgiving weapon of mass destruction. Explore the secret life of Nitrogen and learn how Lucky #7 on the Periodic Table has us all by the balls.

Clayton Louis Ferrara is a poet and Biologist. He is a distinguished alumnus of the prestigious Arts & Science College, Rollins where he received degrees in both Biology and Environmental Studies. He has lived in Winter Park since 2004 and currently travels the World educating, engaging and empowering humanity to reconnect with ecology. Clay is National Science Director of IDEAS for Us and founder of the Terra Firma Institute. He recently was bestowed the title of “Darwin Scholar” by the International Field School for his skill as a Naturalist.

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“Horror Porn Romcoms: The Absurdity of Film Genres ” by Ricardo Williams

Have you ever laughed uncontrollably at a movie that was intended to be serious? Is the Dark Knight the most romantic film of all time? There are many ways an artist can categorize and classify their work, but what does that have to do with you? Heck, an explicit sex scene could turn an Oscar contender into pornography! In this talk, Ricardo will discuss the advantages (and disadvantages) of categorizing films by genre and how irrelevant they may be to the audience.

Ricardo Williams is a film artist and musician. Since studying communications at Pace University in New York City, he has appeared in independent films and commercial spots for Subway restaurants and the Golf Channel, among others. He has also guest lectured on film theory and video production at New York’s School of Visual Arts.

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“Technological Telekinesis: Become One with the Force” by Nathan Selikoff

Witness how objects and digital worlds can be manipulated without any direct contact. You never see a Jedi with a keyboard or a touchscreen, do you? Why be tethered when you can freely express yourself? With a low-cost input device, a laptop, and a bit of programming know-how, you can capture a flick of the wrist or an all out dance routine. What you do from there is only limited by your imagination. Kinect yourself and Leap into the future!

Nathan Selikoff’s award-winning artwork has been exhibited in galleries and venues throughout the United States and around the world, including Art Basel in Switzerland; Bridges Conferences in Portugal, Hungary, Canada and the Netherlands; the Maitland Art Center in Florida; AXIOM Gallery in Boston; the Los Angeles Center for Digital Art; the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art in California; and SIGGRAPH Art Galleries in various US cities. Recently, he has participated in contemporary site-specific projects around Orlando, Florida, installing sculptures made from recycled cardboard inspired by some of his digital works. He has also been collaborating with composers and musicians, creating and performing live projected visuals for new music concerts. In 2011 he had his first solo and two-person exhibitions in Central and South Florida. In 2008 Nathan participated in a three week residency at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, studying under master artist John F. Simon, Jr.

MUSIC:

TBD