Nerd Nite Philly

Posts Tagged ‘cryptozoology’

Nerd Nite is back on Wednesday, February 5th, and whoa is it a super-sized one. Here’s what we have planned:

Bo Shuff, “What’s the State of DC and Why Is It All Philly’s Fault?”

700,000 people who call DC home have zero representation in Congress. We live in the shadow of the Capitol, yet have no voice inside of it. However, there’s a simple answer to righting a 200+ year wrong – DC Statehood. Find out all about the future 51st State – and how it’s Philly’s fault we ended up in this mess.

BIO: Bo Shuff is the Executive Director of DC Vote, the lead organization for Statehood for the people of Washington, DC. He has spent the last 20 years on the front lines of political advocacy and candidate campaigns to advance civil rights causes. Before joining DC Vote, Bo was the Campaign Manager for DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Kathryn McCluskey, “Intro to Entomology and Insect Mating”

Michael McConville, “Talk, Dark, and Hairy: The Role of the Monster in American Culture”

For as long as humans have walked on Earth, we have feared that which we can’t see or what we don’t understand. The shadows of the forest, the depths of the seas – just beyond our control and comprehension exists a world of myth and monsters. While other regions of the world have stories of fanciful creatures and thousands of years of folklore, North America’s “monster culture” is much more grounded in the land and the people that inhabit it. It is even more starkly reflected in the popular culture of the United States, where monsters can be the stars of movies, television shows, and comics. Fear is replaced by familiarity, but the stories at the foundation of the American monster are largely forgotten. We’ll explore the roots of our monster mythos – and all become armchair cryptozoologists, as well!

BIO: Michael McConville has always been fascinated with the mysterious and the unknown, the stories and discoveries that raise more questions than they answer. This love of the unexplained – and the urge to learn and understand as much as possible about it – directly led Michael to teaching. A professor of American history currently on hiatus from the University of Central Florida and sales manager for the Spitz planetarium company just outside of Philadelphia, In both pursuits, Michael is tasked to be both a storyteller and a story facilitator — to take what can be mysterious and interpret it in new and exciting ways. This is Michael’s seventh Nerd Nite presentation: five for Orlando, and now his second for Philadelphia.

Jason Tabrys, “What’s Next? A Meditation on Death, the Afterlife, Pop Culture and the Search for Truth”

Get ready to laugh as pop culture expert Jason Tabrys focuses on the ways TV and film present the afterlife while seeking answers to very heavy questions.

BIO: Jason Tabrys is a pop culture bon vivant, writer, editor, podcaster, comedian, and dancer. This is his second Nerd Nite Philly appearance in as many months by popular demand.

It all gets underway on Wednesday, February 5th at 7:30pm at Frankford Hall (1210 Frankford Ave deep in heart of Fishtown). $10. There’s an ATM on site and a Wells Fargo up the street.

BE THERE AND BE SQUARE, YO!

Yo Nerds!

Happy Science Festival! We’ve got a great edition of Nerd Nite brought to you in conjunction with the Philadelphia Science Festival. We’ll be busting myths for you fine folks and entertaining you with one of our favorite nerdy bands, Los Festingos!

So what’s in store? We’re taking cryptozoology, gluten free diets, and forensic science to task– what’s truth, what’s fiction, what is still unknown? Intrigued? Join us! Note that the pre-sale tickets for this event  are *sold out* but we’re still selling tickets at the door! Get there early because we do expect a crowd!

Gluten Free, the craze that’s sweeping the nation by Stephanie Moleski
Dr. Stephanie Moleski is Assistant professor of Medicine at Jefferson Hospital in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Her clinical and research interest include celiac disease and gluten related disorders. She will discuss the differences between gluten intolerance and celiac disease and help explore some truths and myths regarding these disorders No fear – gluten containing beer will be served.

And last but not least will be  No Sh*t Sherlock: Forensic Fiction and Fallacies by Kimberlee Moran

TV and crime novels would have us believe that a DNA profile takes a matter of minute and a CSI crew can fingerprint your front lawn.  Learn some truth behind popular depictions of forensic science as well as some forensic facts that are stranger than fiction.

When: Wednesday, April 29

What time: Doors open at 4pm. Show starts at 7:30pm

How much: $5 cover gets you admission plus happy hour specials all night

Where: Frankford Hall, 1210 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125

Be there and be square!

XOXO,

Your friendly Nerd Nite Philly Team