When I learned that these beautiful babies needed plenty of new books I immediately decided that I would solve that problem but I had no idea that so many people would join me. Thank you all so much for your contributions because of you this little initiative was a complete success.
-Ricardo
From bringing Nerd Nite to the Orlando Public Library to organizing a book drive for a local day care center to hosting Florida Blog Con, September was a pretty busy month for us to say the least.
As you can expect we have no intention of slowing down. Our monthly events will continue and we have plenty of special programming for the remainder of the year. This week, we’ll be traveling to New York City for the Rockefeller University’s #SciOut18 and discuss creative, exciting ways to increase meaningful science outreach. We’ll be back just in time for our two local events this month. Sign up below.
Nerd Nite Orlando: This is REALLY Important
Nerd Nite: Movie Nite
On the next third Thursday (Oct. 18th), we’ll be screening two short films.
“I’m Here” by Spike Jonze & “Alexander Rises” by Ricardo Williams
This event is absolutely FREE, but registration is required. We have limited spots in the theater so click here to reserve your spot ASAP.
A message from our friends at FL Blog Con:
We’ve been organizing the Florida Blogger & Social Media Conference aka #FLBlogCon for eight years now, so we know how blogging has changed. We’re so excited to be presenting a line up of speakers to meet your 2018 needs! (2018 is the Year of the Creator after all!)
This year’s conference will be placing a special emphasis on creating killer content of all types — plus we’ll continue to showcase all the best practices of the many social media platforms you use to get your content out there to be seen!
So join us Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Full Sail University for the 8th annual FLBlogCon presented by Ford and Your Southern Ford Dealers. (Pssst! We’ll be celebrating YOU!)
We’ll see you there!
P.S. Ricardo Williams will be joining FL Blog Con as host of this year’s event. For a discount, use the promo code: NerdNiteBlog18
Join us on Thursday, October 11th as we return to Stardust Video & Coffee in Audubon Park for an evening of thinking and drinking. This is REALLY important.
Nerd Nite is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking presentations– all while the audience drinks along in a casual atmosphere. Speakers present for 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation is a brief Q&A with the audience.
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Scottie Campbell
Cassandra Wilcox
Hosted by Ricardo Williams
THIS IS A FREE EVENT. We only accept donations.
Click here to sign up.
PRESENTATION #1: “The Future is Blue (Collar): What the Software Industry Can Teach Us About Meeting Growing Job Demands” by Cassandra Wilcox
This presentation will touch on the growing job demands and why your 4-year degree is worth even less than you think.
Cassandra Wilcox is a JavaScript developer and CEO at Code Hangar, a software development company that helps startups design, build, and launch amazing apps ASAP. She shares her passion for software development with the community as founder of the Orlando Lady Developers Group, and Founding Chapter Leader of Girl Develop It Orlando. She loves music, plays the banjo, and recently developed an addiction to the video game Fortnite.
PRESENTATION #2: “An Incomplete History of Queer America” by Scottie Campbell
The presentation will touch on 10 moments in LGBTQ+ American history that every person in the audience should know. The audience will learn a bit about the steps taken toward gay rights (which are our shared rights, really), and the precariousness of those rights.
Scottie Campbell is a founding partner of the production company Thomas M. Bunting Projects, LLC. He has actively supported Central Florida’s LGBT+ community for more than 20 years through charity work, activism, and freelance writing for Watermark. Campbell has enjoyed a long career marketing for such companies as Blue Man Group, Orlando Science Center, and Ivanhoe Village Main Street. He holds a BA in theatre from Rollins College. Campbell makes his home in in downtown Orlando with his partner, Brendan O’Connor, and their rescue dog, Bernie Taupin.
Almost every week for the past couple of years I’ve gone to a day care center in the Parramore neighborhood.
I read stories to a group of young children between the ages 3-5. Last week it was brought to my attention that they are in dire need of new books. On Wednesday, September 26th, I will be going to the Orlando Public Library book store to purchase as many books as I can and then donating them to the day care– and I’m hoping you can help. Click here to donate.
Another way you can help is by donating any previously-owned age appropriate books, we are happy to take those as well. On Friday, September 21st, I will be collecting old books from anyone willing to donate. Yes, I am willing to come to you to get them!** Email me at with your location and we can set-up a time for me to pick up books from you on Friday.
People ask me all the time “how can I volunteer?” or “what can I do to help?” I promise you THIS is how. Nothing is more important than children having any and all the resources they need.
**For those who may live too far, please mail any old books to me at
Ricardo Williams
Nerd Nite
101 South Garland Ave, #108
Orlando, Florida 32801
We’d like to give a special thank you to our supporting sponsor Red Bull Amaphiko for bringing Amanda Brinkman to Orlando and joining our line-up of remarkable speakers at Nerd Nite.
Red Bull Amaphiko is a global program that champions social entrepreneurs driving positive change.
Amanda is the creator of the original Nasty Woman shirt that went viral in 2016.
We hope you got a chance to meet this incredible woman and hear her story. Be sure to follow her work at Shrill Society.
Hear what happens when a leading classical music organization breaks down the concepts, history, and people behind some of the greatest music the world has to offer.
Perfect for both classical music diehards and those wanting to dip their toes into this world, these concerts combine masterful performance with insightful discussion.
The Bach Festival Society’s “Insights & Sounds” series starts next Thursday, and everyone here can save 50% off of a 3-concert package – otherwise, tickets just start at $20, and $10 for students.
GET TICKETS AND SAVE 50% WITH A 3-CONCERT PACKAGE (use code NERD at checkout)
Insights & Sounds: Harp and Strings
Thu, Sep 20, 2018 • 7:30pm
John V. Sinclair, conductor | Members of the Bach Festival Orchestra
Dawn Marie Edwards, harp
One of the oldest instruments in the orchestra, the harp takes center stage in this concert showcasing the instrument’s range and elegance.
Harpist Dawn Edwards is first-class, having played as a soloist in orchestras and chamber groups around the world and has recorded with the likes of Jazz Legend Wynton Marsalis and Argentine composer Argentine composer Aurora Ginestera.
MARCEL GRANDJANY Aria in a Classic Style
JOHN RUTTER Celtic Concerto
MARJAN MOZETICH Angels in Flight
The Great American Read is a new eight-part series from PBS that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through America’s 100 best-loved novels. Nerd Nite host, Ricardo Williams selected Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights click here to read.
