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!
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
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!
“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!
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!
“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!
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!
“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.
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
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.
Join us for another unique Nerd Nite Orlando as we host the first ever nerdy speed dating event in Orlando followed by two talks on the realities of online relationships and the science of sexual subcultures. Saint Valentine would be proud…ok, maybe not.
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, February 13th
Nerdy Speed Dating 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Talks 8:00pm – 9:30pm Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL 32803.
NERDY SPEED DATING ($10): SOLD OUT!
Nerd Nite Orlando: Presents Nerdy Speed Dating!
Join us as we host the first ever speed dating event in Orlando targeted exclusively to nerdy singles looking for love! Come and meet new people, have spirited conversations, and maybe start something special 🙂
Details:
Who: Single fans of Nerd Nite. Interesting, curious, thoughtful and intelligent people!
When: Doors at 6:00, Half an hour for pre-mingling/liquid courage, and then the event begins at 6:30. Please be prompt!
What: Well, it’s speed dating. Couples will be paired off for short and sweet conversations. The whole dating event is expected to take an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. You’ll keep a list of who you’re into, and turn those lists into your hosts at the end of the evening. If someone you’re interested in also expressed interest in you, we’ll give you each other’s email addresses. The rest is up to you. Go get em!
How: Once you sign-up you will receive an email to buy your ticket for $10. You must buy your ticket to be confirmed! Unlike our normally free Nerd Nites we are charging so that we can send a lucky couple or 2 on a follow-on date as well as raise some much needed funds for future events.
We have limited spots that will be filled on a first come first serve basis so don’t wait!
“Virtual Virgins: The Realities of Online Relationships” by Pamala Clift
Remember a time before cellphones and the internet were a part of our daily lives? Well, neither do we (that’s our story and we’re sticking to it)! Over the last few decades, human interaction has become increasingly dependent on technology. A shift that has created a new set of uncertainties in our love lives. What is reality in a digitized world? Can love exist online? What are the implications for real life relationships? In this talk, Pamala will answer these questions and more as well as provide methods for establishing and maintaining your own virtual relationships.
Pamala Clift is a well-known expert on human and computer interface psychology. She blogs about and researches social media and gaming to understand how people relate in the digital world. She is the founder of the international organization known as “The Roadside Philosophers” which has been meeting bi-weekly for several years in the virtual world of Second Life. She is the owner of Virtual Handhold, LLC as well as the author of “Virgin’s Handbook on Virtual Relationships.” More information about her company and book can be found online athttp://www.virtualhandhold.com
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“Whips n’ Chains n’ Dirty Names: Algolagnia and the Science of Sexual Subcultures” by Karis Tindell
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me!”…Algolagnics (al-guh-lag-nicks), members of the BDsM and Leather Lifestyles subculture, would unabashedly agree! But what is it about this erotic minority that makes other people turn 50 Shades of Flushed? Could atypical sexual exploration be the final psychological frontier? Here a female lifestyle submissive will dispel misconceptions about fetish-based relationships, explain the psychology of “deviant” arousal, give a hot bondage lesson, and use science to redefine what it means to be kinky.
Karis Tindell serves as a liaison for The Woodshed Orlando, Central Florida’s kinky community center, and founder of the Orlando Power Exchange Network or “O.P.E.N.” O.P.E.N. is a youth-oriented group (ages 18-35) that serves as an outlet for the fun, safe, sane, and consensual exploration of alternative, sex/kink-positive lifestyles within the local community. When she is not working she can be found refining her cooking skills, expanding her knowledge base, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.
Why is it impossible to stick to those New Year’s resolutions? How does the art of folding paper apply to satellites? What is M.I.S.T and what does it have to do with ET? Learn the answers to these questions and more at our next Nerd Nite 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. 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!
“Resolving Resolutions: Habits Are Hard As Hell To Make and Break” by Valerie Cepero
As they say in Texas:”If all you ever do is all you’ve ever done, then all you’ll ever get is all you ever got.” The idea of starting fresh in the New Year inspires many of us to make resolutions about bettering ourselves. If there is something that you don’t like about yourself or is interfering with the pursuit of your goals, well, just change it. Seems simple, doesn’t it? But, as anyone who has ever tried to stick to their resolutions knows, it is far from simple or easy. Change can be slow, frustrating, and painful; it can also be engrossing and inspiring. Whether being a better boss, improving your overall health, or dealing with stress more effectively, change is the most difficult-yet rewarding-thing any of us can ever do…So why is change so difficult? And how can change be fostered?
Valerie Cepero is currently pursuing her second B.A. from UCF, this time in Biochemistry, after changing her mind about law school. As a lifetime lover of learning, she’s also one of the organizers of Nerd Nite Orlando! She’s been naturally inquisitive for as long as she can remember and enjoys sharing her love of knowledge with others. In her spare time, she likes to volunteer for the Adult Literacy League of Central Florida, skydive, and have discussions about philosophy, psychology, and history.
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“Origami Spaceflight: The Art of Folding Satellite Sails” by Skyler Kleinschmidt
Paper cranes in space! Well not exactly, but the same principles that underlie origami design can be applied to the shape of drag sails for satellites! The Japanese artform used to fold a piece of paper into a marsh-dwelling bird can also help engineers solve crucial design dilemmas, such as how to fit a large sail into the tiny payload bay of a nanosatellite, or how to efficiently deploy and retract the sail over the course of a mission. After this intriguing talk, you’ll never look at origami or space travel the same way again
Skyler Kleinschmidt is a design engineer for NASA on the Space Launch System (SLS), which will be America’s new heavy lift rocket. He recently received a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In addition to folding paper, he has a love of world travel and works on homemade drones as a hobby.
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“The ET Files: Move over M.I.B! ” by Derek “Agent D” Demeter
You may have heard of the Men In Black (M.I.B) before, but I bet you have never heard of the
super-top-secret Men In Silver Ties (M.I.S.T)! Join M.I.S.T.’s very own Agent D on a truly scientific exploration of extraterrestrial life in the universe. He will help us understand the implications of ET for the human race as well as how we can and do search for signs of other intelligent beings!
Derek Demeter has been Planetarium Director at Seminole State College of Florida since 2007, where he writes and produces new shows that explore the astronomy and history of numerous cultures from around the world. Derek also promotes science beyond the planetarium with his appearances at many other venues such as the Harmony Dark Sky Festival, Cafe Science of Orlando, local libraries, serving as Vice President of the Central Florida Astronomical Society, or simply setting up a telescope at local shopping centers to give the public a truly “out-of-this world” experience.
Go on a wild ride of self exploration, take a clandestine vacation to the CIA, and redefine your relationship to technology at our December Nerd Nite Orlando event!
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!
“Aya-hoo-a-what-now?” Also called “yage” (yaw-geh) by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, Ayahuasca is an ancient and very potent brew of shrubs and vines which unleashes the mind-bending hallucinogen DMT (dimethyltryptamine if you’re so inclined), believed by many to induce a spiritual awakening. When Eddie Selover drank this concoction, he felt as though he’d gone out of his mind—in a good way! It was the final step in an existential journey into the deepest realms of consciousness. Along the way there, he met superheroes, Peruvian shamans, some guy named Ted, YouTube celebrities, and a man who looked vaguely familiar. Let Eddie take you on a wild ride of self exploration, complete with a beguiling spirit goddess, dune buggies, and barbed wire!
Eddie Selover is a marketing professional based in Orlando. Several times a year, he brings an eclectic mix of the city’s most interesting people together, as the organizer and host of PechaKucha Orlando. Eddie is also an award-winning public speaker who has spoken at such events as TEDxOrlando. A lifelong film buff and scholar, he also writes about film for publications such as Bright Lights Film Journal and Edward Copeland on Film as well as his own blog, eddieselover.com.
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“Cold War Coronas: A Clandestine Vacation” by Philip Chien
Are you a fan of Corona? No, not the beer! We mean Cold War era Corona spy satellites, of course! The ones that compelled the CIA to create some of the most secretive security orders in U.S. history (at least that we know of!). Join us for a trip with Philip Chien, who will guide us through a behind the scenes look at CIA Headquarters and the famous “Corona Project.”
Philip Chien is an engineer by training and space writer by profession. He has been writing about geek topics professionally since 1982, including the 1996 Popular Mechanics article “How We Spy on the World.” As a true geek, Philip is the proud owner of an original Apple II computer built in Steve Job’s garage (serial number 1041).
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“Google Glass: Redefining Our Relationship to Technology” by Jen Vargas
Ever seen a group of friends staring at their phones instead of interacting? Or tried to get someone’s attention while they’re checking their email? Google Glass is an attempt to merge the outside world with our addiction to technology. As a Heads-Up device, it keeps people connected to the information and recording functionality they crave, while still allowing for social interaction. What does it actually do, though? What about privacy concerns? And what the heck are #GlassExplorers and #Glass4good? Get the answers to these questions and more during this exciting talk! You’ve heard the hype, now come discover the facts! (Personal, one on one demonstrations to follow talk.)
Jen Vargas is a film and tv producer as well a social media expert. Currently, she co-produces “Indie Cinema Showcase,” a tv program about the filmmaking community in Florida, alongside Emmy Winner® Gerald Godbout. In her spare time, Jen lovingly produces and edits video for an award winning local events blog called “Central Florida Top 5.” She also spearheads “#Glass4good,” a movement designed to highlight the positive qualities of the Central Florida community through the use of Google Glass.
Let your nerd flag fly, get real about artificial life, and experience learning in a hyper-visual culture at our November Nerd Nite Orlando event!
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!
“Vexillophilia: Let Your Nerd Flag Fly” by Amy Selikoff
Have you ever wondered why there’s a rooster on the Ugandan flag? Or what the symbols on various flags actually represent? Or who thinks about this stuff, anyway? Vexillophiles, a.k.a. lovers of all things flag-related, do! Now’s your chance to learn about the hidden language woven into the fabric of a nation’s primary symbol. Let Amy open your eyes to the stories told through a flag’s colors and shapes. You’ll never look at a flag the same way again!
Amy Selikoff is a lifelong geography nerd with a B.A. in History and Journalism from the U. F. After discovering a passion for teaching during a summer internship, she pursued a Masters in Secondary Education. These days she works as a 7th grade Social Sciences teacher and loves every minute of it. Amy and her husband, Nathan, love traveling the world, playing music, and pursuing social justice together. Never one to turn down a good adventure, Amy is a member of the Orlando Psycho City Derby Girls. Her derby name is Pirate-i-tude.
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“Beyond Biology: Real Talk About Artificial Life” by Lisa Soros
What exactly is the definition of “alive”? Could intelligent “life” exist inside your computer? You bet! Artificial Life researchers use virtual worlds to explore AI, evolution, and the origins of order. By studying artificial worlds, we can learn about life not only as it is, but also as it might have been millions of years ago.
Lisa Soros is 100% human (though she’d totally give a robot a sincere high five). She has a degree in computer science and a penchant for philosophy of mind. Her work has spanned a variety of AI fields, from natural language processing to developmental robotics. Nowadays Lisa’s with the Evolutionary Complexity research group at UCF, where she codes up tiny universes and marvels at their underlying mechanics.
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“Teaching Tesla: Learning In a Hyper-Visual Culture” by Rave Mehta
“Isn’t Tesla a car?” Nope! Nikola Tesla was a mystic inventor who lived during a time when inventors were seen as wizards and science was still magic. “Then why have I never heard of him?” Thomas Edison didn’t want you to, that’s why. Come experience the story of one man, who shaped the future, with his beautiful mind, passion, and vision for a better humanity, but was largely forgotten in the annals of history. Author, composer, and producer Ravé Mehta explains how his graphic novel depicting Nikola Tesla’s story will change the way we approach education today.
Ravé Mehta is the author of THE INVENTOR, a graphic novel based on the true story of Nikola Tesla as he battled his mentor-turned-rival Thomas Edison in the AC/DC Wars to invent the 20th century and create the Electrical Era. Ravé is also an engineer, artist, music composer/producer for the electronic-dance/pop group RENAISZANCE, and CEO of Helios Entertainment, an award-winning creative-technology firm that develops socially empowering content to artistically engage kids and adults into learning through graphic novels, music, games, film and digital media. Ravé and his work have been featured in WSJ, Bloomberg, Wired, Washington Post, Huffington Post, Venturebeat and numerous other media outlets
For Nerd Nite Orlando #8 we are going to ♫ zickezacke zickezacke hoi hoi hoi ♫ our way over to Orlando Brewing for Nerd Nite Orlando Oktoberfest! We will eat, drink, think, sing, and dance!
Come learn about different beer styles as well as Reinheitsgebot and other fascinating German customs.
$10 includes a beer tasting event and live accordion drinking music by John Kolbrich of the European folk music and polka band, Europa!
Prost!
EVENT:
Thursday, October 10th, 7:00pm – 10:00pm Orlando Brewing, 1301 Atlanta Ave Orlando, FL 32806 Facebook Event <–be sure to RSVP!
BUY TICKETS HERE! Scroll to bottom of page and click “Add to Cart” under Oktoberfest Nerd Nite
PRESENTATIONS
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“Crazy Ludwig’s Beloved Homeland” by Professor Anna Lohaus
Are you interested in the origins of Oktoberfest, the exploits of a crazy Bavarian King, or the picturesque palace that inspired Disney’s Cinderella castle? This talk is brimming with fun facts about all things German, including a brief look at German stereotypes in the U.S. After this evening, you will chuckle at the irony that Oktoberfest is really a misnomer, since it begins in September and actually ends in early October! Lets make this a night of stereotypes, come dressed in Lederhosen or Dirndl and absorb the alcohol and inticing trivia about Germany’s most renowned traits!
Anna Lohaus completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, in French Literature and Political Science. She finished her MA studies in 2009 at the University of Florida in German Literature. She taught for a year at the University of Pittsburgh and is now teaching at Rollins College. Her academic interests are centered around the 18th century. She is especially interested in the playwright and intellectual Friedrich Schiller, including the influence of his aesthetic theories, his social studies, his writings and most importantly his plays, that have long been canonized.
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“Zymurgy: The Nerdy Science of Brewing Beer” by Travis Smith
Do you like “Das Bier”? Would you like to know how this gift from the gods is created? This tippling talk will begin with the art of brewing and fermenting beer, from “sparging the wort” to flocculation and krausen. In addition, by learning how to differentiate various styles of brew, you’ll be on your way to becoming a virtual beer connoisseur. Come discover the difference between a Hefeweizen and a Marzen (Oktoberfest) and the importance of the Reinheitsgebot! Do not miss this amazing talk all about beer. Prost!
Travis Smith regularly teaches about brewing and fermenting beer. He is a founding member of the Orlando BrewCrafters, a group of home brewers and friends who meet to discuss home brewing, share tips and recipes (of all sorts) and – most importantly – to enjoy craft-brewed beers.
