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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