Nerd Nite 6 Year Anniversary

Posted on by Thor

The Nerd Nite 6 Year Anniversary was held at Celine Orlando, (22 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801.) Nerd Nite anniversaries are usually held at The Abbey but that venue was booked for the night. The evening was slated to begin at 6 PM but the first speaker didn’t take to the stage for another hour and a half. I suppose that was time set aside for mingling and networking. I used the time to block in my sketch. I had never been to Celine before so the space itself was exciting. Ricardo Williams started off with excerpts from some of his favorite Nerd Nite presentations over the years. His white suit caught the blue light to great effect.

Dr. Krista Noble was the first speaker for the night. Her talk was titled “Why the Heck Are We Conscious? The Hard Problem of Consciousness”. As she said, “Everyone agrees that our mental processes (meaning our thoughts,
emotions, and perceptions) correspond with physical processes in our
brains. The question is, how and why? Why do we have subjective
experiences at all? Why aren’t we genetically programmed to pursue
survival, yet lacking consciousness? These fundamental questions still
plague scholars in spite of our most advanced scientific discoveries.” As she spoke about comparing two objects and noting that they were both bright red, I put some red notes on my sketch. If I sketch am I conscious? Perhaps I am more like a zombie using my few synapses to document what is around me with my hands and eyes.

“To Boldly Go: A Brief History of the Space Toilet” by Brendan Byrne followed with hilarious results. Brendan works for WMFE and he covers the space beat. As he said, “Human spaceflight has been plagued by waste. From urine-soaked
spacesuits to floating turds, the history of human spaceflight is flush
with dirty (and hilarious) anecdotes of dealing with waste in space.
Engineers seem to have a handle on #1 and #2 as we explore low Earth
orbit, but the future of deep space exploration hinges on our ability to
overcome a heaping pile of physiological, biological and engineering
problems. So how will we do it? Brendan has
been exploring the history of the space toilet for a new book and
presents a brief history of the galactic commode – and ideas for new
hardware that will boldly take our poop to places like the moon and
Mars.” 

On the first space flight, the astronaut was supposed to be in flight for just 15 minutes so no thought was put into a toilet. He was nervous and drank many cups of coffee that morning. Then there was a delay in launch which resulted in his needing to ask permission from mission control if he could wet his spacesuit. Engineers followed with a hard dock solution in which a condom was attached to a bag. A crap was more difficult requiring a cup strapped to the butt and a two fingered method of snipping off the log. Gravity usually helps the solids fall away but there was no gravity. Brendan read a recently declassified transcript in which astronauts debated about whose crap was floating around the capsule. Upon opening a recently recovered capsule a navy man vomited upon smelling what was inside. There was some hilarious audio of astronaut John Young (namesake of John Young Parkway)  as he was on the moon. He farted loudly and curses saying he would never eat citrus again.


Technology did catch up with the problem with a small fan providing suction to draw the excrement from the source. He played a video of astronauts pee being vented into space and it instantly crystallizing. Today however all liquids are recycled to be reused as drinking water. For long distance space flight a researcher is creating a device that burns down all waste and turns it into water and hydrogen. Brendan ended the presentation with a photo if him sitting on a space station toilet replica. is  mom must be so proud. I geek  out just as hard trying to get to as many space launches as I can to  sketch.


It was an evening of scatological and cerebral pursuits, who could ask for more?

The next Nerd Nite is April 11, 2019

Nerd Nite is expanding in 2018.

Posted on by Thor

 Nerd Nite Orlando 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. The premise is simple, drink and think. 

Nerd Nite operates in over a hundred cities around the world,
including Tokyo, Seattle, London, Los Angeles, Des Moines, Austin, and
many more. Nerd Nite launched in Orlando on Thursday, March 14, 2013
with founding organizers Valerie Cepero, Josh Manning, and Ricardo
Williams.

Since its inception, Nerd Nite Orlando has taken place on every
second Thursday of the month and is now organized and hosted by Ida
Eskamani and Ricardo Williams.

The announcement of Ida’s addition to the Nerd team was made on Thursday, September 14th at “Nerd Nite
Orlando LV: Neural Networks, Autonomous Vehicles, and The
Procrastination Paradox” where Eskamani took the stage at the end of the
evening to emphasize big plans for 2018 including a Nerd Nite Prom and
how they’re going to “triple everything in size and Nerd Nite this whole
damn town!”

Ricardo Williams said, “I am incredibly excited for our plans for 2018, including the continuation of our monthly events, the second season of our show, our new documentary film, the 5-year anniversary, the cosplay prom, and so much more!”

Presentations at Nerd Nite XXXI included, “The Amazing Fabric of Gordon Space Time” by Scott Gordon, “Vulnerability: You ARE crazy and its GREAT” by Rodrigo Groppa, and “The Science of Jurassic World” by Trevor Valle. 

On January 11th from 7 PM – 9:30 PM, Nerd Nite will be held at The Geek Easy (114 S Semoran Blvd, Ste 6, Winter Park, Florida 32792.) The evenings them will be “Space.” The suggested Donation is $5.00.  Doors open at 6pm. Program starts at 7pm.  Like the universe after the big bang, Nerd Nite is expanding in 2018. 


Dates for Nerd Nite in 2018:

January 11, 2018

February 8, 2018

March 8, 2018

April 12, 2018

May 10, 2018

June 14, 2018

July 12, 2018

August 9, 2018

September 13, 2018

October 11, 2018

November 8, 2018

December 13, 2018

Nerd Nite at the Geek Easy.

Posted on by Thor


Nerd Nite is always crowded at The Geek Easy (114 S Semoran Blvd Suite 6, Winter Park, Florida 32792).

PRESENTATION #1:

“The Amazing Fabric of Gordon Space Time” by Scott Gordon. The current concept of space time is incorrect and it has been for the past 100+ years. This incorrect concept of space time is one of the reasons why the theoretical physicists cannot solve the theory of everything. Gordon is claiming to have solved the theory of everything and is presenting the correct manner in which space time should be modelled. He will present space time as an energy medium that light waves propagate through, as well as show how the energy contained in the space time medium fits into the big picture of all energy in our universe.

Speaker Bio: Scott Gordon is a Brooklyn-born and public school educated, with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. Gordon also has an M.D. degree from New York Medical College and works as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand surgery for the past 28 years. As a humorist, he co-authored the book, “The Celebrity Who’s Who of Losers”, and co-hosted a radio talk show “The Gordon Brothers Weekend Revue” on 580 WDBO. He also co-wrote the medical comedy movie, National Lampoon presents RoboDoc and also composed, arranged and created its original music soundtrack.

PRESENTATION #2:

“Vulnerability: You ARE crazy and its GREAT” by Rodrigo Groppa,  An exploration of different vulnerability activities. From the Meisner technique to EMDR therapy, we will explore how getting in touch with your emotions helps make life more engaging and authentic.

Speaker Bio: Rodrigo Groppa is a software engineer and rainbow enthusiast. He is passionately driven to constantly improve himself and the world. This speech is a part of that journey.

PRESENTATION #3:

“The Science of Jurassic World” by Trevor Valle. “In the “Science” Of Jurassic World, we will look into the science of dinosaurs, the aspects of speculative genetic engineering of extinct species, how these ancient animals interacted with their environment… and how the movie got practically everything about it wrong, with 100% less overt sexism and fan pandering!”

Speaker Bio: “Trevor Valle is a field paleontologist who specializes in the recovery of fossils from large-scale construction sites. A three-time Nerd Nite Los Angeles presenter, Trevor also was the host of the National Geographic Channel’s “Mammoths Unearthed”, documenting his six-week adventure in Siberia hunting for the remains of woolly mammoths. He likes dead things, strong drink, and enjoys getting dirty.”

Mark you calendars, the next Nerd Nite is November 10, 2016 at 7pm at The Geek Easy (114 S Semoran Blvd Suite 6, Winter Park, Florida 32792)

Pepper’s Ghost appeared at Nerd Nite Orlando XXVIII.

Posted on by Thor

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 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation is a brief question and answer session with the audience. The event happens at The Geek Easy 114 S Semoran Blvd Suite 6, Winter Park, Florida.

The most fascinating talk was by Travis Winkler about Pepper’s ghost which is an illusion technique used in theater, amusement parks, museums, television, and concerts. In 1862, inventor Henry Dircks developed the Dircksian Phantasmagoria, his version of the long-established phantasmagoria performances. This technique was used to make a ghost appear on-stage. He tried
unsuccessfully to sell his idea to theaters. It required that theaters
be completely rebuilt to support the effect, which they found too costly
to consider. Later in the year, Dircks set up a booth at the Royal
Polytechnic, where it was seen by John Pepper.

Pepper realized that the method could be modified to make it easy to
incorporate into existing theatres. Pepper first showed the effect
during a scene of Charles Dickens‘s The Haunted Man,
to great success. Pepper’s implementation of the effect tied his name
to it permanently. Dircks eventually signed over to Pepper all financial
rights in their joint patent. Though Pepper tried many times to give
credit to Dircks, the title “Pepper’s ghost” endured.

Theaters have had reasons to stage the appearances of ghosts for centuries. Early attempts at making ghosts appear involved trap doors, ramps and dollies that could make a figure appear to weightlessly appear in a scene. The Pepper’s Ghost technique does away with all the rope, pulleys and trap doors. The audience views a stage or room with various objects in it. On
command, ghostly objects appear to fade in or out of existence in the
room, or objects in the room magically transform into different objects. The effect is achieved with a carefully angle sheet of glass.

The basic trick involves a stage that is specially arranged into two
rooms, one that people can see into or the stage as a whole, and a
second that is hidden to the side, the “blue room”. The plate of glass (or Plexiglas
or plastic film) is placed somewhere in the main room at an angle that
reflects the view of the blue room towards the audience. Generally this
is arranged with the blue room to one side of the stage, and the plate
on the stage rotated around its vertical axis at 45 degrees. Care must be taken to make the glass as invisible as possible, normally
hiding the lower edge in patterning on the floor and ensuring lights do
not reflect off it. When the lights are bright in the main room and dark in the blue room,
the reflected image cannot be seen. When the lighting in the blue room
is increased, often with the main room lights dimming to make the effect
more pronounced, the reflection becomes visible and the objects within
the blue room seem to appear in thin air.

 Notable examples of the illusion are virtual pop stars and the appearance of “ghosts” at the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Hidden in the corner of the stage at Nerd Night was a glass box. It was unveiled and the used for a magic trick. Inside the glass box was a light bulb. The light bulb miraculously disappeared using the principles of Pepper’s Ghost. Even knowing how the trick was done, it was impressive given the theatrics of the performance.

Nerd Nite Orlando XXXIV fact versus fiction of the Star Wars saga.

Posted on by Thor

I went to the Star Wars themed Nerd Nite at The Geek Easy 114 S Semoran Boulevard, Winter Park, Florida in hopes that I might sketch a Cantina full of aliens and Sith Lords. Unfortunately there was only one cape in the whole crowd. Nerd Nite is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking presentations, all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation there was a brief question and answer session with the audience.

Ricardo Williams as the MC started the evening off with Star wars trivia. He had the gave to wear a Star Trek uniform which is an affront to any true Star Wars nerd. One of the most interesting facts was that Harrison Ford was not originally cast as Hans Solo. He got the part because he was also an air conditioning repairman. Ford repaired George Lucas‘ air conditioner and the two of them hit it off. After that encounter, Lucas suggested that Ford come into the studio for an audition. Several questions revolved around the simple idea that warp drive does not exist in the Star Wars Universe. Most questions were far over my head. Apparently Yoda was first named Buffy in the first draft o the Star War Script. Ricardo also gave a short talk about how the last two last Star Trek films by J.J. Abrams are very much steeped in Star Wars themes. Both Captain Kirk and Luke Skywalker are kids from barren farm country who dreamed of the stars. J.J. Abrams sited Star Wars as a film that molded his desire to become a film maker. Now that he is directing The Force Awakens he will hopefully shine and held resurrect a franchise that lost the power of story and replaced it with mindless computer effects. My one complaint about the last two Star Trek films is that Captain Kirk was constantly being beaten up. It was disheartening to watch as he was repeatedly kicked and beaten, while drooling on the floor. I hope the hero’s fate is better in The Force Awakens.

I was seated next to the last presenter, Robin Cowie, who announced the inaugural Orlando Story Club event coming up on January 6th at The Abbey 100 S Eola Dr, Orlando, Florida. Admission is $5 and all proceeds support The Boys And Girls Clubs of Orlando. The theme for the evening will be Resolution. The word “resolution” has two great meanings for stories:

1. a firm decision to do or not to do something.

2. the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter

I was surprised to find out that Cowie was president of Haxan Films, which financed, produced and helped market one of the most successful independent films of all time, The Blair Witch Project. He has just return to Orlando to be near family after producing and directing many films in Los Angeles. The Central Florida Story Telling Group will present monthly events in the New Year for everyone tohare their stories with proceeds supporting different local philanthropic organizations each month. Cowie told a story in a thick Scottish brogue. There is no way that a written account can recreate the hilarious story. Hearing him tell the story in person is a once in a lifetime experience.

Nerd Nite moved from Stardust to the Geek Easy.

Posted on by Thor

Stardust Video and Coffee,
(1842 E Winter Park Rd, Orlando, Florida) hosted the 23rd consecutive and first Nerd Nite Orlando event!

The evening consisted of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines, all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 15-20 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following each presentation is a brief Question and Answer with the audience.

Quench your curiosity! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

The first presentation was “DNA Nanotechnology: A Breakthrough For Us All” by Felix Sosa.

The talk is about the history, development, and possible future of the great breakthrough known as DNA nanotechnology. Felix is an undergraduate researcher at UCF working towards a Bachelor’s degree in both chemistry and computer science. He currently is a part of a large-scale research effort between the Chemistry Department, NanoScience Technology Center and Physics Department at UCF designing, simulating and synthesizing DNA architectures that have vast applications from medicines to computational machines. His talk opened our eyes to the incredible possibilities right around the corner.

My favorite talk of the evening was “Trash to Treasure: Hoarding Demystified” by Heather Grove.  If you are a hoarder, have friends or family who hoard, or just know about it from the Discovery channel, you know it is a serious, life-threatening disease. With 1 in 30 Americans afflicted by the not so uncommon disorder, Heather hopes to shed some light on the science behind collecting shit.

Since she was one, Heather has found value in what most might consider valueless. From rocks to wine cork collections, Heather has been an avid acquirer of things, but with an extreme hoarder in the family, she has fought the genetic proclivity to collect stuff by understanding the science and specifics of the disease…she hopes to help others transform their habits from hoarding to helping re purpose waste and keep it from landfills. By day, Heather turns wasteful lawns into food-growing gardens and she is co-creator of East End Market. Her talk hit home because she had family that were hoarders. This made her talk more personal as she tried to explain her own hording tendencies. I myself seem to be a hoarder. I collected rocks and minerals as a child, coins, stamps and now I collect shelves full of sketchbooks. My studio is a riot of materials and books making it hard to even enter the room. Yet, since I still create every day, I don’t seek a cure.

The final talk, “The Cosmetology Cosmologist” by Derek Demeter. Derek has been Planetarium Director at Seminole State College of Florida since 2007. He writes and produces new shows that explore the astronomy and history of numerous cultures from around the world. He serves as Vice President of the Central Florida Astronomical Society and sets up telescopes at local shopping centers to give the public a truly “out-of-this world” experience.

After this evening, Ricardo Williams took the helm to lead Nerd Nite into the future. Now the events are being held monthly at the Geek Easy ( 114 S Semoran Blvd Suite 6, Winter Park, Florida). Mark your calendar! The next Nerd Nite is Ladies Nite and it will be tonight, July 9th from 7pm to 9pm.

Nerd Nite is like the Discovery chanel with beer!

Posted on by Thor

Nerd Nite Orlando at Stardust Video and Coffee, (1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL) s 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 up to 20 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way. Following the presentations is a brief question and answer with the audience.

Quench your curiosity! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

The September 11th Nerd Nite featured “Nerd Nite Trivia!” with Ricardo Williams. Teams of up to 4 people competed against other smarty pants from across the city. Here are a few of the challenging questions. I’ll put the answers in the comment section of this post.

1. 90s Animated Series. What 90-93 animated TV series featured the voice talent of Whoopee Goldberg?

2. Wars that the United States fought.  What was the United States major cold war engagement prior to the Vietnam war?

3. People named Michael. Who is the baddest man on the planet?

4. Animals that have sex. If a Puma mates with a Leopard what animal is produced?

5.  Potent potables. What Welsh privateer of the Caribbean was also known as Sir Henry Moore?

The second presentation was, “Steampunk: Creating the Future out of the Past!” by Richard Young. I sketched Richard as he agonized over the Power Point slides. Steampunk is a combination of Victorian Aesthetics with Science Fiction Technology. Speaker He took a look at this Sub-Genre of Science Fiction. Including it’s history, it’s effects on modern culture, and his own experiences exploring this strange and beautiful world. Richard Young has been a member of the Central Florida Steampunk Association for over two years. He spends most of the time at work staring at computer screens, and a lot of time outside of work looking for things to do that do not involve staring at computer screens. An ex-Disney animator is working on a steampunk styled hand drawn animated film. I’m excited to see artists returning to traditional animation. Perhaps we all have been staring at computer screens to long.

“Bird Nerd: Plumage, Sex, and Social Selection!” by Angela Tringali. The plumage of birds isn’t just beautiful, it serves a function. To determine if the plumage of Florida scrub-jay juveniles had a function she changed it, and their social behavior changed too. She spoke about bird color, and a bird found only in Florida. This nerd nite was a bird nerd nite. Her passion for the subject was contagious. She is a conservation biologist and behavioral ecologist. She earned her PhD in 2013. When Angela isn’t chasing birds she is thinking about it. Some people say she has a one-track mind.

Nerd Nite Orlando XIII

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On March 13th, I went to Stardust Video and Coffee (1842 E. Winter Park Road, Orlando, Fl.) to experience Nerd Nite Orlando XIII.  I arrived early, ordered a Humus plate and a Coke and found a table with a sweeping view of the room. As people arrived, I populated the sketch. 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!

Josh Manning, the founder and “Nerdboss” of Nerd Nite Orlando was the first speaker. His presentation was about “Chindogu: Unuseless Inventions” which translates to “really weird” (chin) “tool” (dōgu). This 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,  a tissue dispenser cap, and umbrella ties! Josh is 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.

The second presentation was “Digital Heroes: How Video Games Can Save The World” by Carlos Donze  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, he discussed 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!

Emily Empel presented,

“Cards Against the Future: Generating Possibilities Instead of Predictions” 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. Some people like to think things progress along a straight linear path, but progress and change happens in sudden unpredictable surges. Let’s be real: the world is getting weirder. Forecasts that discount mystical, immeasurable,  elements limit our ability to fundamentally explore what’s ahead. In other words, exploring the future is a job for societal misfits, and total nerds. In the spirit of Chindogu, Emily showed a hilarious clip of a robotic ketchup dispenser. Obsessing over the FUTURE(S) is where it’s at.  She explores the present and the future according to a new set of rules. She 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 Orlando doesn’t suck.

Emily wanted to talk after the presentations to brainstorm about a creative project she has brewing. Her pink haired friend Natalie Chandler kept me company as Emily discussed, and sometimes argued the future with people after her talk. Natalie confided that Emily is super busy yet she wants to layer this intricate creative project into her schedule over the next several months. Emily outlined the project that she and others are brain storming. The World Future Society Conference is coming to Orlando this July and she wants to put together a show for that conference. Tentatively titled, “Near Now” the project is aimed at
bringing together intellectuals and creatives who are interested in
exploring how the future of Orlando can unfold in 2030. I agreed to help bring together creative people that could help bring this vision to light. The seed is planted. So far, progress is slow but if it is meant to bloom, it will. The possibilities are limitless.

Stardust

Posted on by Thor

I went to Stardust Video and Coffee (1842 Winter Park Rd, Orlando, FL) with the plan to sketch Nerd Nite. I arrived right after work and ordered a Crispin’ Glover sandwich and a Coke. I was order number 15. Long tables in this room are made from old doors with an incredibly thick varnish over the surface. The varnish fills in all the doors panel insets. I assumed that the Nerd Night presenters would set up a movie screen in the small staging area framed by red curtains.

The great thing about Stardust is that people come here with laptops and notebooks to work. When you are in a room full of people busy working there is an energy that always motivates me to sketch. Although I might be alone, the activity and energy of the room makes me feel part of a vibrant community. In a digital world, we are all hungry to connect in our own unique way. I sit quietly watching and sketching while extroverts carry on fast animated conversations. The chatty moments as people mingle before an event begins are my most productive time.

I realized half way into the sketch that I was at Stardust on the wrong night. The army of nerds I hoped to sketch never showed. With so many events on my calendar, I sometimes get the date or time wrong. But I don’t care. There is plenty of beauty and drama to be found even in the everyday pace and flow of Stardust, it is what you make it.

Nerd Nite Orlando #3

Posted on by Thor

 Nerd Nite is an informal gathering at
which nerds get together for fun-yet-informative presentations across
all disciplines, while the audience drinks along. Nerds and non-nerds
alike gather to meet, drink and learn something new. Three 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!

Josh, with his thick dark beard and stiff collared dress shirt, referred to himself as the “Orlando Nerd Boss.” He and Nathan Selikoff were busy setting up computer and projector equipment as people arrived at Stardust Video and Coffee. I had arrived early and ordered a “Rob Reiner” which was a meatloaf sandwich. Growing up, my mom used to make meat loaf once a week so it is comfort food. As I started to sketch, the place became packed.

The first talk was by Clayton Louis Ferrara and he spoke about the Secret Life of Nitrogen.  He outlined it’s history and how it was used in chemical warfare in WWI. After the war a chemist found that Nitrogen could be used in fertilizer and it became a multi billion dollar business. In America there is a suburban culture that takes pride in lush green lawns. An incredible amount of money is spent to fertilize, water and then cut lawns. Clayton is by a biologist. He gave us the sad news that over 200 otherwise healthy Manatees had died last year. He had photos. These giants hadn’t been hit by motor boat propellers, they died by choking on Algae. Run off from lawns has gone into the rivers causing intense red tide algae blooms. Once clear water became a green sludge killing the manatee’s native food sources. Clayton encouraged us all to plant native plants in our yards. These native plants would need no watering or fertilizer. These zeros-capes can also be incredibly beautiful with tall native grass and lush ground covers.

The second talk by Ricardo Williams was about “Absurd Movie Genres.” His talk basically outlined films that he liked and how they crossed established genres. A good story doesn’t always need to be pigeon holed.

The last talk, “Technological Telekinesis“, was by artist Nathan Selikoff.  It began with the Star Wars theme music and a look at planet Earth on the screen. Using a Leap Motion Controller on his laptop, Nathan held his hands over the computer and manipulated the Earth, zooming in as if we were approaching the death star. The Google Earth program allowed him to fly right over Orlando and fly down its streets until he reached Lake Eola. This entire flight was navigated by a new interface that before was just in Science Fiction movies. This new interface can allow artists to sculpt and draw in three dimensions. Most of the software is open sourced and the hardware has become affordable. An infrared light tracks the motion of your hands keeping track of its orientation in 3D space. Nathan wrote his own program called “Beautiful Chaos” that uses math equations to create forms in space.

Nerd Nite is every 2nd Thursday of the month.  These type of events are cropping up all over Orlando. There is Pechakuche, Cafe Scientifique, Tedx Orlando,  and the Mini Maker Faire. Get your Nerd On and help change the world. The July Nerd Nite #5 will  be  tonight at 7pm at Stardust Video & Coffee (1842 E Winter Park Rd  Orlando, FL)

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