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.
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.
We did it! After 5 years, we finally hosted Nerd Nite at the Orlando Public Library– and we brought a few remarkable people with us!
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.
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.
Thanks to the many advancements in technology and an abundance of exciting science fiction, let’s face it – everybody loves space… except Ricardo William’s Aunt Linda. She wants to significantly keep her distance. Click here to watch the video and find out why.
Join Nerd Nite for an evening of thinking and drinking at the ORLANDO PUBLIC LIBRARY!
Nerd Nite is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking presentations. Speakers present for 15 minutes on a fascinating subject. Presentations are followed by a brief Q&A with the audience.
Orlando Public Library
101 E Central Blvd
Orlando, Florida 32801
Our event will be held on the 3rd floor in the Albertsons Room.
Doors open: 6pm
Presentations begin: 6:45pm
Guest speakers:
Josh Manning
Dr. Penelope Canan
Amanda Brinkman
NOTE: The bar will be serving beer, wine, and a special Red Bull cocktail.
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PRESENTATION #1:
“Make America Geeky Again: Let’s Bring The Nerds Back To Congress” by Josh Manning
Not that long ago our U.S. lawmakers had access to their own independent “geek squad” they could call upon to help them understand the basics of science and technology issues of the time. Just as the country was entering into the 21st century digital age, the group was disbanded. Given today’s rapid and increasingly complex technological change contrasted with what appears to be a Luddite-like legislature, this talk will make the case that America needs to bring the nerds back to Congress, probably now more than ever before.
Josh Manning is the founder and former “Nerdboss” of Nerd Nite Orlando. He spent a year on a hill in the Nation’s capital spreading the good word about the benefits of science and technology toward advancing the American dream. He’s since carried that passion back to Florida and is excited to share some of the knowledge he acquired during his quest.
PRESENTATION #2:
“Earth’s Atmosphere and Our Choices: Ozone, Carbon Dioxide, and Methane” by Dr. Penelope Canan
DESCRIPTION:
Citizens have the power and obligation to support the health of the planet’s precious atmosphere. Here I will focus on three chemical compounds: ozone, carbon dioxide, and methane. Future decisions about the atmosphere rely on us to (1) know the differences between hard-path and soft-path technologies, (2) operate with governance structures that balance the principles of People, Planet, and Prosperity, and (3) understand the power, not tragedy, of the commons.
BIO:
Dr. Canan is an Environmental Sociologist from the University of Denver, who is now Professor Emerita at the UCF. For more than a decade she served as lead author on the United Nations Technology & Economic Assessment Panel for the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances.
She co-authored the critically acclaimed book, Ozone Connections: Expert Networks in Global Environmental Governance.
She is a member of the Natural Resources Committee of the League of Women Voters and IDEAS For Us.
Dr. Canan’s career is characterized by collaboration and cooperation in the management of the Global Commons; the promotion of Earth Systems Science and measurement of social impacts; and, in the Right to Petition, guaranteed in the last clause of the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
She has two daughters and one husband.
PRESENTATION #3:
“Accidentally Creating a Movement: What Happened After I Went Viral and Created an Iconic Symbol” by Amanda Brinkman
BIO:
Pop-culture fanatic and media studies expert, Amanda has over 15 years studying the impact female-driven media has on American culture. Her expertise is in storytelling and branding, human-centered design, visual and material culture, and social impact. Amanda’s work has been featured in over 100 publications, ranging from Vogue to Forbes. She is a regular speaker and panelist at events and conferences (SXSW, OMR) and has taught at the university level. She designed the original viral Nasty Woman shirt and game, and writes the popular bi-weekly newsletter The Shout.
Join us for some thinking and drinking this Sunday as Nerd Nite returns to Stardust Video & Coffee in Audubon Park for a special pop-up event, in partnership with Orlando For Revolution.
Topics include, but not limited to:
* Who is More Effective, Thanos or the President?
* Elon Musk: Visionary or Villain?
* If Apple is Worth a Trillion Dollars, then Why the Fuck Does My iPhone Break So Easily?
Join us on Thursday, August 9th as we return to Stardust Video & Coffee in Audubon Park for an evening of thinking and drinking.
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:
Matt Luby
Josh Murdock
Tairi Perez and Peter Gardner
PRESENTATION #1: “The Force Belongs to All of Us: Not Just You Assholes” by Tairi Perez and Peter Gardner.
As nerd culture has become mainstream culture, toxic masculinity has infected all aspects of it and we are trying to figure out if it was there from the beginning or if this is something new, or is this a case of the assholes having a louder voice than the rest of the community. And what can we do about it?
Peter Gardner has been a lifelong nerd back in the time when it would still get you beat up. A writer by profession, and a feminist and LGBTQ+ activist, he has become worried about this culture he is a part of and wonders how he can help. He has also never gotten through Guardians of the Galaxy Volume II without crying.
Tairi Perez is not just the token women so Peter isn’t mansplaining, she’s also a passionate activist, feminist, and always looking to get involved with her community. While she is still relatively new to being a nerd, dealing with and being the victim of toxic masculinity has been something she’s dealt with her entire life. Her D&D character can often be found getting the entire party killed for no good reason.
PRESENTATION #2: “EdTech: Robots, Augmented Reality, VR, and other ways technology is changing education.” by Josh Murdock
The world of education is ever evolving as technology becomes more advanced and affordable. Lets dive into apps, gadgets, and technologies that are turning what we thought was sci-fi into reality in our schools and virtual classrooms. Exploring the world of augmented reality, virtual reality, robots, online learning, and startups that aim to improve educational experiences. Learn more about world of EdTech and how teachers must keep up with technology to help prepare students for the future. Plus I might have a few fun games, prizes, and sharks with freakin’ lasers.
Josh Murdock, known as Professor Josh, is an IT manager, instructional designer, professor, community organizer, blogger, and all around geek. He has been in higher education for over 20 years, including teaching educational technology and social networking currently at Valencia College for the last 14 years. He blogs about apps, gadgets, gizmos, startups, conferences, and tech tips at ProfessorJosh.com and works with his wife on a food blog eatmoreofit.com that will make you hungry. You might have seen his food photography (@eatmoreofit) or his love for LEGO and geekiness (@professorjosh) on both Twitter or Instagram. He continues to build a community around education, technology, blogging, and entrepreneurship as EdTech Orlando organizer, Startup Weekend Orlando organizer, and founding planning team member of FLBlogCon. His motto: Engage, Excite, Educate!
PRESENTATION #3: “The Nuclear Niche: Fungi that Survive and Thrive in the Heart of Chernobyl” by Matt Luby
The resilience of many species of fungi to various adverse conditions has been known to biologists for many years. It is only in the past three decades that we have begun to evaluate the ability of some fungi to not only survive extremely high doses of harmful radiation, but also to tap into it as an energy source. We’ll discuss not only how it happens, but what we might be able to do with our knowledge of this unique adaptation.
Matt Luby is an Orlando native with a background in neuroscience research and science education. He currently spends most of his time being a board member at a hackerspace and operating a pedicab. When he has free time, he likes to travel about the world and/or run marathons.
