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July 2015 Geek About Town

Friday, July 10: GeekGirlCon Board Gaming Night at Wayward Coffee House

From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!

Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers,Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses,Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!

Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee.

There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay. Their pastries are delivered daily from local vendors including donuts from Mighty-O Donuts, croissants from Le Fournil Patisserie, bagels from Blazing Bagels, and the rest of their tasty treats provided by Little Rae’s All Natural Bakery. There are even GF cookies from WOW Bakery!”

Note: This is a recurring event. The next GeekGirlCon Board Game Night is Friday, July 24.

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

Geek About Town! – April 2015

Happy Spring from GeekGirlCon! Here’s what’s going on in our neck of the woods in April:

Thursday, April 2 – Sunday, April 5: Norwescon 38
From the website: “Norwescon is the Pacific Northwest’s premiere science fiction and fantasy convention and one of the largest regional science fiction and fantasy conventions in the United States. While maintaining a primarily literary focus, Norwescon is large enough to provide a venue for many of the other aspects of science fiction and fantasy and the interests of its fans such as anime, costuming, art, gaming, and much, much more.”

Friday, April 3 – Sunday, April 5: Sakura-Con
From the website: “Sakura-Con is the northwest’s oldest and largest anime, manga (comics), gaming, and Asian culture convention. Hosted by the Asia Northwest Cultural Education Association, a 501(c)(3) non profit, Sakura-Con began in 1998 as a small, three-day event . a party for anime fans at the DoubleTree Inn, in Tukwila, Washington. The convention has grown dramatically over the years in terms of size and mission. Operated by a 100% all-volunteer staff, our main goal is for everyone to have fun and to foster learning more about the cultures that bring us our favorite media.”

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

February Geek About Town!

Hi, everyone! Here’s what’s going on in the Seattle area for the month of February! Get in on some of the nerdy fun solo or with a group of friends!

Wednesday, February 4: MegaRan, Kirby Krackle, and Danimal Canon
From the Facebook page: “Join MegaRan, Kirby Krackle (full-band), and Danimal Cannon for a night of ALL-AGES nerd-music Live Subspace Comics in Lynnwood, WA.

Show from 7:00-10:00 PM. $5 cover.

All artists will have merch and albums available for sale.”

Saturday, February 7: Black History Month Kickoff Event
From the EMP page: “The Brandkings and EMP Museum present Through the Eyes of Art, the kickoff event for EMP’s Black History Month celebration.

This year, Seattle’s premier Black History Month celebration brings together work from regional artists and photographers in The Value of Black Life art showcase.

The second annual Through the Eyes of Art will feature a keynote address from the former National Director of Youth Engagement at World Vision Derrick Wheeler-Smith, remarks from City of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and Seattle City Council Member Bruce Harrell, and a live performance by hip-hop heavyweights Talib Kweli and Draze.

Event from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

EMP Museum
Sky Church
325 5th Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109

Ticket Info: $20 ($17 EMP members), all ages.

Saturday, February 7: Kidstock! 2015
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
FREE | ALL AGES
From the ECA page: “Kidstock! is the FREE, annual family event at ECA that features musical performances, theatre, arts education workshops, and activities for kids. As the cornerstone of ECA’s Family Series, Kidstock! strives through theatre, music and interdisciplinary arts performances to engage children from a young age in diverse and exciting arts experiences.

Enjoy bouncy houses, food concessions, Seattle Shakespeare Company’s Costume Photo Booth, Kidstock! 2016 Button Design Station, and Summer Arts Enrichment Camp & ECA Family Series Raffles!

Register for Kidstock! online or at the ECA Box Office: 425-275-9595/410 4th Ave N. Walk-ups welcome.”

Friday, February 13: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!

Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien FrontiersLocke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and RosesSettlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!

Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”

Friday, February 13: Slash: Burlesque Romance Without Boundaries
From the Facebook page: “TICKETS ON SALE JAN 14th 12pm.

A BURLESQUE CELEBRATION OF EROTIC FANFICTION.

It’s a Nerd Valentine’s Party for everyone!
Costume Contests, Prizes, Fanfiction, Nerdlesque!
Celebrate the Re-Bar’s 25th Anniversary Weekend.

Doors 7PM; show 7:30PM.
Location: RE-BAR Seattle

Presenting Sponsor: Games by Playdate
Supporting Sponsors: Sin In Linen, Northwest Press, and Gamma Ray Games

Noromo? Then GTFO because Slash is a burlesque show that’s all about love in all of its forms! Whether you prefer homosexual hook-ups between genetically engineered supersoldiers and British sleuths, heterosexual pairings of spaceship captains and ex-KGB agents, friendslash between cartoon characters and historical figures, or some good ol’ self-love slash between a young woman and her favorite book*, Slash: Burlesque Romance Without Boundaries has something for everyone to enjoy!

Inspired by Games by Play Date’s indie card game Slash: Romance Without Boundaries, producers Jo Jo Stiletto, Sophie Maltease, Sailor St. Claire and Scarlett O’Hairdye have assembled a nerdlesque experience that ships nerdy burlesque acts with one another in the hope of creating the evening’s One True Pair. An alternative to candy and flowers, this geeky Valentine’s treat features the Pacific Northwest’s top nerdlesque performers all staying in one hotel room with one bed, sprinkled with a little bit of sex pollen, and set in an alternate universe where they’re all playing characters from pop culture!

Featuring Iva Handfull and Bolt Action.

Starring:
Al Lykya
Ariel Echo
Baby Le’Strange
Dizzy Von Damn
Eddie Van Glam
Flirty Sanchez
Maxie Milieu
Ms. Briq House
Randi Rascal
Redd Kryptonite
Scarlett O’Hairdye
Sophie Maltease
Tootsie Spangles

hosted by The Showgirl Scholar, Sailor St. Claire!

Sponsor Info: Games By Playdate will be providing oodles of prizes for our costume contests and other contests to be announced. They also will be selling a BRAND NEW expansion pack made for our event with cards suggested by the producers. PLUS, you can advance purchase a discounted copy of the game to pick up at our event (save $5 plus shipping costs!). RSVP to learn more and contests and giveaways. The producers are big fans of this game and you should be too.

Ticket Prices:
$20 General Admission
$40 VIP (VIP WILL INCLUDE SPECIAL EXPANSION and other goodies)

ADD ON: You can pre-purchase the copy of Slash: A Fanfiction Party Game as “add on” to ticket purchase for $20 (instead of $25 retail value and no shipping).

* If you got excited about those pairings above, congratulations, pervert. This show is for you. No actual pairings alluded to in this are contained in this production. It’s a surprise! (Except for the sex pollen. That’s for real.)”

Friday and Saturday, February 13 and 14:  Kekuhi and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole
From the Town Hall page: “This Valentine’s Day join Town Hall for a performance of Hawaiian music and dance from two undisputed contemporary masters. Kekuhi and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole, a mother/transgendered (mahu) daughter duo, will fill the Great Hall with melodies the Honolulu Star Bulletin called “primeval,” in an evening highlighting the unique—and very traditional—mahu individuals of the islands. The winner of five 5 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, Kaumakaiwa descends from Edith Kanaka’ole, one of Hawaii’s greatest historical chanters, and has herself been called “the voice of Hawaii’s new generation” by The Honolulu Weekly.

Doors open both nights: 7:00 p.m. / show at 8:00 p.m.

Buy tickets online. $20 advance or $25 at the door, $20 seniors, $17 Town Hall members/$10 students. A limited number of $5 day-of-show Teen Tix (18 and under) will also be available.

Town Hall
1119 Eighth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101″

February 12 through 15: The Seattle Asian American Film Festival
From their site: “The Seattle Asian American Film Festival (SAAFF) showcases feature-length and short format films by and about Asian Americans across North America, with an emphasis on filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest. Our next festival takes place Feb. 12-15, 2015 at Northwest Film Forum.

SAAFF is the only film festival in Seattle to provide a space for Asian American voices, perspectives and histories by screening independent films that reflect the diversity and richness of the city’s Asian American community.”

Festival schedule and ticket prices found here.

Saturday, February 14, 2015: Black History Month: NW Tap Connection
From their site: Revel in the art of dance with this urban dance studio performing for Black History Month, as part of EMP’s STAR (Students Training in Artistic Reach) program. Enjoy an afternoon of captivating choreographed routines with STAR group Northwest Tap Connection, led by guest teaching artist Maxie Jamal, and partake in a discussion on the transformative power of dance in urban communities.

Event from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

EMP Museum
Sky Church
325 5th Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109

Ticket Info: FREE and open to the public.”

Saturday, February 21: Black History Month: Black Collaboration – A Night of Music, Video, and Conversation

From their site: One Vibe Africa and EMP Museum presents Black Collaboration, an evening of uplifting conversation about the power of creative partnerships between Africans and African Americans in Seattle.

Featuring a lively panel discussion moderated by Vivian Phillips with Yonnas Getahun, Rahwa Habte, Yirim Seck, Hamda Yusuf, and Seattle-based African American videographers Atuanya Priester and Anthony Tackett, debuting two music videos produced while abroad in Kenya with local artists. A discussion to follow focused on the topic of what keeps African and African American artists in Seattle from collaborating more regularly.

Debuts include videos for Omena Band’s “Kipande” and Naomi Wamboe’s “Niaje.”

Event from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

EMP Museum
Sky Church
325 5th Avenue N
Seattle, WA 98109

Ticket Info: FREE and open to the public.”

Saturday, February 21:  Seattle’s 2015 Lunar New Year Celebration
From the Facebook page: “Seattle’s annual Lunar New Year Celebration is back on Saturday, February 21st from 11am – 4pm in the heart of the Chinatown-International District. Come out and help us usher in the Year of the Sheep!

On the main stage, we will have Dragon and Lion Dances, traditional Japanese taiko drumming, Bollywood dancing and the 5th annual Children’s Parade and Costume Contest.

For foodies, over 30 neighborhood restaurants will be participating in this years $2 Food Walk presented by Delta Air Lines, Inc. Make sure to collect stamps when you buy $2 items for a chance to win by collecting 5 stamps and turning them in at the Information Booth.The last entry will be accepted no later than 4 PM. Winner does not need to be present to win.

– 1st place winner will receive two international round trip plane tickets.
– 2nd place winner will receive two domestic round trip tickets.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the Arts and Cultural Pavilion, with arts and crafts projects for all!”

Saturday and Sunday February 21 and 22: Seattle Center Festál presents Tết in Seattle – a Vietnamese Lunar New Year Celebration
From their homepage: “Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Vietnam through live performances, hands-on activities, foods, crafts, games, martial arts and a lively marketplace. Tết in Seattle is a FREE event and is a part of Seattle Center Festál, world cultural events. For the past 17 years, Tết Festival has celebrated the traditions of Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Americans by presenting and promoting arts, music, performances and foods that are unique to Vietnam.

This festival epitomizes Vietnam’s cultural identity. The Tet Celebration broadly means “the beginning of a period of the year.” There are many Tet’s throughout the year. Mid-autumn Vietnamese New Year and Cold Food Vietnamese New Year. The most significant, however, is the Lunar New Year. Tet Vietnamese New Year occurs somewhere in the last ten days of January or the first 20 days of February. For the Vietnamese people, Vietnamese New Year is like American’s New Year’s day, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.

Happy New Year of the Goat!”

Saturday: 11:00 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 11:45 AM to 6 PM          FREE!

Friday, February 27: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night At Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!

Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien FrontiersLocke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and RosesSettlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!

Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”

If you have any geeky events you would like to see on Geek About Town, email shubz@geekgirlcon.com. Please note that we reserve the right to include or exclude events from our list.

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

January Geek About Town!

Happy New Year, readers! Here’s a list of geeky events for those of you in the Pacific Northwest to enjoy!

Saturday, January 3: Captain Royale Redux
From the press release: “The commanding burlesque showdown is back! We have all heard the impassioned, and sometimes very heated, arguments in geek circles. Who is the better captain; is it James T. Kirk or Jean Luc Picard? What about other captains found in television, books, and movies? We have ten captains to put to the test and we aim to settle that little score. And then some with your help. Who will you promote to commodore?”

Saturday, January 3: Nighttime Low Tide Beach Walk
From Seattle Aquarium: “Explore the beach during winter nighttime low tides with Beach Naturalist staff and volunteers. Discover what creatures we see on the beach at this time of year. Dress for the weather (bundle up!) and for tide pooling: boots, hats, gloves and a good flashlight are musts.”

Tuesday, January 6: Booklaunch Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
From U Bookstore: “An inspirational picture book biography, Laurie Ann Thompson’s new book for children tells the true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a West African man born with a deformed leg who hopped to school, learned to play soccer, left home at thirteen to provide for his family, and inspired those near and far by bicycling across Ghana using only one leg. A vividly depicted tale of triumph over adversity with a powerful message for children that disability is not inability, the book is one we’re excited to share with others at this launch party with Thompson.

Laurie Thompson writes for children and young adults to help her readers—and herself—make better sense of the world we live in so we can contribute to making it a better place. She strives to write nonfiction that gives wings to active imaginations and fiction that taps into our universal human truths. Laurie has been a member of the Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) since 2005, was co-regional advisor for the SCBWI Western Washington region from 2009-2011, and continues to volunteer on the Advisory Committee as both Nonfiction Coordinator and Tech Coordinator.”

Tuesday, January 6: Queen Anne Science Cafe: “Patient Centered Outcomes Research: How You Can Advance Science By Participating In Research”
From the webpage: “The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Initiative (PCORI) is a U.S. non-government institute, created as part of the Affordable Care Act, to enhance high impact patient centered research (www.pcori.org). The purpose of PCORI is to help the public and caregivers make informed health decisions and allow their voices to be heard in determining the value of health care options. PCORI helps direct research dollars to areas that are important to patients, and helps us all answer important questions about our health. This talk with Cynthia M. Dougherty, ARNP, Ph.D. UW, School of Nursing will focus on how each person can become more involved in impacting their own health by participating in important research and patient advisory groups that support PCORI.

T.S. McHugh’s is located at 21 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109.”

Tuesday, January 6: Stories About Science
From TownHall Seattle: “Springer (one of the world’s largest scientific publishers) and The Story Collider (a New York-based storytelling cohort) brings actual scientists to the stage, as part of the Springer Storytellers series of events. These are stories about science, told by scientists, about their favorite scientific topics, from black holes to biology, with the message that science touches all aspects of life. This inaugural edition showcases five witty tales of stars, planets, and all things astronomy. The evening–featuring live stories from Kaspar von Braun, David Kipping, Chiara Mingarelli, Jay Pasachoff, and Gerrit Verschuur–will entertain and educate in equal measure.”

Saturday, January 10: Archaeology Day
From Burke Museum: “Have you ever wondered what’s under Seattle? At this year’s Archaeology Day, explore clues found underground—and under water—that tell us how humans lived on the shores of Puget Sound over the past 500 years.

Special programs:
See objects from the largest Coast Salish longhouse in Puget Sound
Become an archaeologist! Solve mysteries in our new game “Who Was That?” and identify the uses of buried objects
Dress up in underwater gear for your own “scuba selfie”
Hosted in partnership with the Society for Historical Archaeology, The Center for Wooden Boats, Edmonds Community College, the National Park Service, and the Suquamish Tribe.”

Monday, January 12: January Eastside Science Cafe
From the website: “High functioning healthcare teams produce better patient outcomes at a more efficient cost; however, health professional students (e.g. nurses, physicians, pharmacists) are currently educated and trained without the opportunity to practice as a member of a team. This talk with Brenda K Zierler, Ph.D., RN UW, School of Nursing will discuss national initiatives requiring a different approach to educate health professionals, competencies they must meet prior to graduation, and the rationale for team-based care. Local examples of how UW students are being trained differently will be presented.

Wilde Rover is located in downtown Kirkland at 111 Central Way.”

Tuesday, January 13: “Ancient Cities And Archaeological Science: A Lost City In Mexico”
From the website: “”Ancient Cities And Archaeological Science: A Lost City In Mexico”
6:30 p.m. – Swiss Restaurant & Pub

The discovery of a previously unknown city can be exciting, especially in a place like Mesoamerica where ancient peoples built pyramids and ball courts. But what really happens when archaeologists find “lost” cities? Discover some of the new techniques that scientists are using to study Angamuco, an ancient city in Michoacan, Mexico. With Anna Cohen, University of Washington.

The Swiss Restaurant & Pub is located at 1904 Jefferson Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402.”

Thursday, January 15: 2015 NSWA Annual Event
From the NSWA: “Curious about the brain-related technologies you keep hearing about on the news? You’ll learn a little bit more about this realm at our holiday party, while having fun at our always-great event. At this 2015 bash, you’ll hear from our hosts at the Center for Sensorimotor Neural Engineering and, if all goes as planned, other science-y neighbors in the building. There may even be some 3D printing involved, rumor has it. Join us for the usual camaraderie, passing-of-the-torch for the NSWA board, good food and beverages. Get your tickets early! We’ll cut sales off closer to the date.”

Friday, January 16: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse

From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!

Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!

Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”

Friday, January 16: There Is No Dana, Only Boobs
From the event page: “Sexy + Stupid + Ghostbusters = THERE IS NO DANA, ONLY BOOBS

There is No Dana, Only Boobs is a burlesque show starring the boobs, butts, and brains of:
Scarlett O’Hairdye
Sara Dipity
Maggie McMuffin
La Petit Mort, Kevin Incroyable, & Rocco
Flirty Sanchez
Hattie Hellkat & Tootsie Spangles
The Ball Master
& many more humans that have made excellent life choices!

Hosted by: The Shanghai Pearl and Peter Whimsy!

Dress up and win prizes in the Costume Contest!

Early Show starts at 6PM (Doors at 5:30PM)

Late Show starts at 7:30PM (Doors at 7:15PM)

21+

$18 presale, $20 at the door”

Friday, January 16 – Saturday, January 17: Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam Vol. 9
From the press release: “Ring in the New Year with an all new Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam! Coming off the success of a sold-out showing at Bumbershoot, the slam returns to our old home in the Theatre Off Jackson for our first ever 2 night run, January 16 & 17 at 8pm.

Seattle’s Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam is a cabaret-style puppet show for grown-ups. Each short piece — creative, quirky and often experimental — is created and performed by puppeteers from the Pacific Northwest (and beyond!) From the brand spanking new to the tried-and-true, every act is guaranteed to have one important thing in common: puppets.”

Saturday, January 24: Pretty Haute Machine
From the Facebook Event page: “Closer To Broads Productions in association with Theatre Off Jackson present
Pretty Haute Machine: A Burlesque Tribute to NINE INCH NAILS

8PM showtime, doors open at 7PM
Purchase tickets in advance.

At the Heart of it All, Lady Drew Blood, Seraphina Fiero and Iva Handfull are Closer to Broads Productions and plan to show you their Deep love for NIN.

We’re in This Together with the following performers to share All the Love in the World for NIN and the stage:
Bella Bijoux
Déjà Louve (Vancouver, BC)
Elsa Von Schmaltz
Maureen Dancer
Miss Elaine Yes
the Luminous Pariah
Our awesome host Flirty Sanchez
And of course the producers:
Lady Drew Blood
Seraphina Fiero
Iva Handfull

PRESALE TICKET PRICES
$20 General Admission
$30 Groupie Seats, includes one seat in the first two middle section rows, a VIP lanyard, and photo op with the cast after the show

DAY OF/DOOR TICKET PRICES
$30 General Admission
$40 Groupie Seats, includes one seat in the first two middle section rows, a VIP lanyard, and photo op with the cast after the show

This show will use a strobe light, smoke machine, and loud music.
21+ event (ID Required)
Venue is wheelchair accessible. Please message us to set up arrangements for the specific door to be unlocked for your arrival.”

Sunday, January 25:Intro to Puppetry and Beginning Stage Puppeteering
From the website: “Resolved to try something new in 2015? Vox Fabuli’s Winter Puppet classes may be just what you need. For the new year, we’re offering two easy ways to dip your toes into the wild, weird world of puppets:

What: Intro to Puppetry
Sunday, January 25
1 – 3PM
Cost: $50
In this fun, dynamic class, you’ll learn the foundations of good stage puppetry – focus, physical commitment and basic puppet operation.You’ll get hands-on time with professional puppets, plus a simple practice puppet to take home.

What: Beginning Stage Puppeteering
Sundays, January 25 – February 15
1 – 4PM
Cost: $200
Expand your Intro to Puppetry experience into a full blown workshop.
Over 4 weeks, students develop their grasp of puppeteering basics into solid skills as we explore the fundamentals of Muppet-style puppeteering in-depth through a combo of easy exercises, wicked challenges, and practical scene work.

*Classes recommended for ages 15 and up
*Class sizes limited to 8

About Vox Fabuli Puppets:
Rachel Jackson’s Vox Fabuli Puppets specializes in twisting the familiar into dark and humorous shapes. Rachel has been puppeteering on various Seattle stages since 2008, where her work has been called “mad and masterful” by The Seattle Times. The mind behind the hit “MANOS – The Hands of Felt”, she more recently brought her talented hands to “Team of Heroes: No More Heroes”, “Whedonesque Burlesque” and “Audrey & Nelson: a puppet sex musical”. She also co-produces Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam.”

Monday, January 26: Science on Tap
From the website: “Science on Tap is a place where anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology in a relaxed atmosphere. [It is a] forum for discussing science issues with local scientists, Science on Tap is based on Cafe Scientifique. We are committed to promoting public engagement with science and to making science accessible. Meetings usually last about one to two hours. The speaker gives a short talk about their area of interest, followed by a break to fill up on coffee and a time for small group discussions. Afterwards there will be a question and answer session and general discussion of the topic with the speaker and the audience at large. Monthly meetings take place the last Monday the month at the Ravenna Third Place Bookstore in Seattle at the corner of 20th Ave NE and NE 65th Street. Free parking is available.”

Wednesday, January 28: The YAMS Collective
From TownHall Seattle: “HOWDOYOUSAYYAMINAFRICAN? is an international art collective whose cinematic “Good Stock on the Dimension Floor: An Opera” focuses on the central question of “What happens to the black body when it is haunted by a ‘blackness’ outside of it?” Filmed in 34 parts, the film (which was withdrawn from the 2014 Whitney Biennial in protest) draws attention to global racial strife and the politics of being black. Following a screening of this avant-garde piece, a panel discussion with YAMS mentor Greg Tate, and members Christa Bell (of Seattle), Nana Adusei-Poku, Dawn Lundy Martin, and Sienna Shields will explore the ways being black is influenced by culture, people, and place.”

Friday, January 30: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse

From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!

Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!

Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”

 

If you have any geeky events you would like to see on Geek About Town, email shubz@geekgirlcon.com. Please note that we reserve the right to include or exclude events from our list.

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

December 2014 Geek About Town

Hi everyone!

It got chilly so fast! Hopefully, you’re doing your best to stay warm during the holidays! Here’s a list of events to consider whether you’re out and about or prefer the comforts of indoors.

Tuesday, December 2: Queen Anne Science Cafe: “Third Party Trackers on the Web”
From the Pacific Science Center: “Privacy on the Web is an important issue these days. When you visit a Web site, your browser doesn’t just load content from that Web site. Mostly invisible to you, your browser also loads “third-party” content from other sources, including advertisements and social media widgets like the Facebook “Like” button. These third parties are able to “track” your visits to those sites and learn about your browsing behaviors. Join UW’s Franzi Roesner, Ph.D. for an overview of current research on Web tracking.”

Tuesday, December 2: 106.1 KISS FM Jingle Ball
From the event page: “STG Presents KISS 106.1 FM MAZDA Jingle Ball featuring Mary Lambert, Lindsey Stirling, Fences, Jake Miller, Rixton, Magic! at The Moore Theatre in Seattle on December 2, 2014.”

Thursday, December 4: Maria Klawe Public Lecture
From Wikipedia: “Maria Margaret Klawe (born 1951) is a computer scientist and the fifth president of Harvey Mudd College (since July 1, 2006).Although born in Toronto in 1951, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2009. She was previously Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton University.”

Thursday, December 4: Burke Trivia Night at the College Inn Pub
From the Burke Museum Event Page: “The Burke Museum presents a monthly pub quiz for science buffs, culture gurus, and museum lovers. Bring your friends to the College Inn Pub and test your knowledge of the natural world. Compete with other teams for drink vouchers and other prizes. Teams are limited to 6 players. Cost: $5 per team.”

Friday, December 5: Nighttime Low Tide Beach Walks
From Seattle Aquarium: “Explore the beach during winter nighttime low tides with Beach Naturalist staff and volunteers. Discover what creatures we see on the beach at this time of year. Dress for the weather (bundle up!) and for tide pooling: boots, hats, gloves and a good flashlight are musts.”

Friday, December 5: The Seattle Alternative Boardgamers Meetup Group: Friday Gaming on Capitol HIll
From the Meetup page: “Fun and games on a Friday night. Come out and try a new game or bring a favorite to share with the group. We are always willing to teach the rules of a game you aren’t familiar with or learn a new game you bring in. (Note: This event occurs every two weeks.)”

Monday, December 8: Eastside Science Cafe: “Circadian Rhythms: Sleep And The Internal Clock In Children And Adolescents”
From the Pacific Science Center: “We notice our internal clocks a lot more when something throws them off track, whether that’s jet lag, a late night, or bright Seattle summer evenings. But how does it all really work, and how is it different in children and adolescents than in adults? Come to the December Eastside Science Café to discover more about circadian rhythms, what throws them off — and more importantly, what we can do to help keep kids and their internal clocks on a good track. With UW’s Michelle M. Garrison, Ph.D.”

Tuesday, December 9: Nerds Collide!: Movie and Trivia Night in Tacoma
From the Meetup page: “We’re hosting a movie night at Ah Badabing pizzeria. Every Tuesday we’ll be showing a DVD and engaging in some movie related trivia. We will start trivia at about 6:30 with 15 questions. The movie will start at 7:00 and there will be an intermission with 15 more trivia questions. We will reveal the winning team after the movie ends and the winning team will receive a free pizza on a following visit!

Movie Schedule/Trivia Schedule (Subject to change):  
December 2: National Lampoons Christmas Vacation/Saturday Night Live Trivia  
December 9: Nightmare Before Christmas/Holidays Trivia  
December 16: Die Hard/Books to movies trivia  
December 23: Muppet Christmas Carol/Muppet Trivia  
December 30: Mixed Nuts/Nutty Trivia

Tuesday, December 9: Tacoma Science Cafe: “The Gold Rush In Space: How Asteroids Will Create The Biggest Economic Expansion The World Has Ever Seen”
From the Pacific Science Center: “In the future, history books will talk about this time as the moment when humans expanded economy and habitation into space and created the greatest economic expansion in human history…and asteroids were the catalyst that made it happen. This is why local asteroid mining company, Planetary Resources, is hard at work developing robotic spacecraft that will venture into the Solar System to find neighborhood asteroids in order to utilize them to help humans expand their economic sphere of influence into the Solar System. With Caitlin O’Keefe from Planetary Resources.”

Wednesday, December 10: Nerds Collide!: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Trivia Night
From the Meetup page: “Sharpen your Mr Pointys (or your teeth) and meet us at the Hell Mouth!

MAP THEATRE: Hosted by the inimitable Brandon Ryan, inscrutable Peggy Gannon and the incorrigable Shane Regan. For the 35th episode in our MAP Theatre trivia series, we bring you…BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Trivia Night!

General Admission:
$8 online advanced tickets
$10 at the door

And stick around afterwards to hang out and watch an episode of the show on the big screen after trivia! **PRIZES**

The MAP duo has put together some killer prize packages. Teams of 1-5 are welcome. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & last place, door prize, costume prize, and random other prizes for being awesome. You don’t have to be good at trivia … just come on down to ole Sunnydale and relive the Glorificus with us. **FOOD & DRINKS**

Central Cinema has table service; one of the things that makes it our favorite place.”

Wednesday, December 10 and Thursday, December 11: Mary Wells: What Would Mary Ann Do?
From U Bookstore: “When Gilligan’s Island first aired in 1964, no one could have predicted the lasting impact it would have. But thanks to continuous reruns, the classic comedy and its memorable characters are known and loved by everyone from baby boomers to millennials—especially everyone’s favorite farmer’s daughter Mary Ann. In What Would Mary Ann Do?, actress Dawn Wells reflects back on her iconic role. She shares fascinating facts and fun memories from the show and reveals how much Mary Ann and her values were shaped by her own. She even offers a look at how Mary Ann would respond to the changes of the past 50 years and issues of today. Whether Mary Ann was your first crush or you’ve always thought the two of you would be great friends, join us for the chance to meet the woman who brought her to life at this special presentation and book signing with Wells.”

Friday, December 12: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!

Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers,Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses,Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!

Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”

Saturday, December 13: Double Jump!: Northgate Drawing Meetup
From the Meetup page: “Check out our brand-new Northgate drawing meet-up at the fabulous Dolce Impressions craft store (yes, that magical, mythical place where they carry EVERY COLOR OF COPIC SKETCH MARKER and sell them for $5.25 each!! XD).

Drop in for a fun, low-key afternoon of drawing time, group sketching games, and some anime/manga/geekery shop talk with your fellow artistic fanfolk. Bring along your sketchbooks, and also any favorite manga/artbooks and anything else you want to share with fellow fans, and let’s have a great time inspiring each other to be creative. 🙂

Attendance is capped at 10 for now (we’ll see how table space goes at this new location). So please do RSVP–the first 10 folks are in!”

Sunday, December 14: Wendy Liu Book Release Party
From U Bookstore: “In 1979, the U.S. and China officially established full diplomatic relations, paving the way for increased communication and interaction between the two countries and their citizens. In this collection of essays, Wendy Liu shares the stories of Washingtonians visiting China for the first time. Depicting visits as early as 1973 and as recent as 2008, the personal stories provide insights into both changing American attitudes towards China and changes in China’s political, cultural, and technological landscape. As we celebrate the book’s release at a launch party with Liu, we look forward to exploring her intimate look at Chinese-American relations even further.”

Wednesday, December 17: AWIS “Women in Game Design”
Recreational gaming makes up a huge part of the game design industry, but our love of electronic gaming is also driving rapid
innovation in the way that humans interact with and through computers, and research into the ways we learn and educate. However,
most games and the science around them are skewed towards the male experience because women only make up 11% of game designers.

Please join Seattle AWIS to discuss the broad scope of games design and research, and the emerging role of women in this
industry with our distinguished panelists:

Kim Swift, Senior Designer at Amazon Game Studios;
Holly Hirzel, Senior Producer and Program Manager at Microsoft Studios (XBOX),
Eleanor O’Rourke, PhD candidate at the Center for Game Science at the University of Washington Computer Science and Engineering Department, and
Jen Sward, Associate Dean and Principle Lecturer at DigiPen Institute of Technology.

Our panelists will discuss their specific programs, their research into human-computer interaction and game software design and
production, and their experiences working as women in the computer science industry.

Friday, December 26: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!

Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers,Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses,Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!

Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”

Friday, December 26: Green Lake Star Party
Saturday, December 27: Paramount Park Star Party
From the Seattle Astronomical Society: “The SAS organizes monthly star parties at Green Lake and Paramount Park which are free and open to the public. People of all ages and background, including children, are welcome. These events offer to all the opportunity for telescopic viewing of sky objects as well as educational interaction of experienced, knowledgeable astronomers with each other and with participants who may have limited or minimal understanding of astronomy. A typical star party gathering features observing through at least two or more different types of telescopes provided by SAS members along with the opportunity to ask questions, to discuss the observation process, and to learn about many astronomical topics: solar system objects, deep space objects, constellations, types of telescopes, and any other topic of interest.”

If you have any geeky events you would like to see on Geek About Town, email shubz@geekgirlcon.com. Please note that we reserve the right to include or exclude events from our list.

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

November Geek About Town!

Hi everyone!

First and foremost, many thanks to all of you who came out to GeekGirlCon ‘14! We had ourselves a great time! While our con year for 2015 begins, enjoy what November has in store for the Seattle geek!

Saturday, November 1-Sunday, November 2: Día de Muertos: A Mexican Celebration to Remember Our Departed
From the website: “Seattle Center Festál presents Dia de Muertos – A Mexican Celebration to Remember Our Departed, Nov. 1 and 2. Explore and experience the cultural roots of Mexico through live performances, spectacular community altar and cemetery, special hands-on activities, foods, face painting and exquisite rituals. Create sugar skulls and paper skeletons, explore community altars and march in a musical procession to remember the dead. The art and spirituality of Mexican culture is celebrated at Dia de Muertos. This “Day of the Dead” festival honors the lives of loved ones who have passed.”

Sunday, November 2: Game Design Workshop
From the Meetup page: “Want to make games but not sure you have enough time? Lack the programming chops to turn your ideas into reality? Or perhaps you’d just like to practice designing games?
Join us for an afternoon of good, old fashioned game making! We’ll be using pen, paper, and various other odds and ends to design games from scratch.”

Friday, November 7-Saturday, November 8 (Recurring every Friday and Saturday of November): Citizen Zero
From the press release: “Citizen Zero is an urban street game for adults where you’ll run for your life from zombies. Think of it as a massive game of tag + hide and seek in Downtown Seattle. Essentially it’s a chance to act as your favorite character from such favorites as Left 4 Dead, The Walking Dead, or 28 Days Later.

This event is for 18+. Run from zombies, and help Chase the Cure for Cancer. 10% of every ticket sold goes to our non-profit charity partner, the Seattle Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.”

The event costs $40-65, and happens Nov. 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd from 6:30-9pm.”

Saturday, November 8: Hmong New Year Celebration
From the website: “Seattle Center Festál presents Hmong New Year Celebration, Saturday, November 8. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of the people from the hilltops of China, Laos and Thailand through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games, and a lively marketplace. Gain insights into the customary courtship ritual of ball tossing and participate in flower cloth sessions. The Lunar New Year is a time for the Hmong people to reflect on the past year and seek out new beginnings. Hmong New Year Celebration helps Hmong people to reflect on the past year and seek out new beginnings. The Hmong New Year Celebration helps preserve the unique culture of this Southeast Asian highland culture that originates in the mountains of China.

Presented in partnership with Hmong Association of Washington.”

Monday, November 10: Board Game Night at AFK Elixirs & Eatery
From the Meetup page: It’s time for another board game night at AFK Elixirs & Eatery 🙂 So come play games with us Monday night, Board games, card games, Video game, Mini’s, RPG’s … games! Meet some new people and play a new game, all while enjoying a nice meal and some drinks.”

Friday, November 14: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers,Tsuro, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, and many more!

Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”

Sunday, November 16:  Handmade Puppet Dreams: Vol. 2 and Toby Froud’s “Lessons Learned”
From the announcement: “Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam is proud to team up with Krab Jab Studio and the Grand Illusion Cinema to present an evening of short puppet films produced by Heather Henson, plus a Q&A with puppeteer Toby Froud. Handmade Puppet Dreams: Volume 2 and Froud’s short film “Lessons Learned” will screen November 16th at the Grand Illusion Cinema starting at 6pm.

Handmade Puppet Dreams: Volume 2 is an award-winning collection of puppet film shorts, handpicked to showcase a spectrum of live-action puppetry styles. With the Handmade Puppet Dream series, Heather Henson has set out to introduce a new generation of puppeteers who embrace film as a medium for breathing life into their dreams.

“Lessons Learned” is an award-winning short film created by Toby Froud and produced by Heather Henson. Well known as “Baby Toby” in Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth”, Toby Froud is a Portland, OR based sculptor, costumed performer, and puppeteer who is also a fabricator for the recently released stop-motion animation film “Boxtrolls”.

Handmade Puppet Dreams: Volume 2 includes: “Harker” by Tony Giordano, Jason Murphy, & Scott Shoemaker; “Finger Puppets Everywhere” by Laura Heit; “Unicycle Baby Guy” by Matty Sidle; “A Small World” by Lyon Hill; “Project Huxley” by Simon A. Brown; “The Tea Party” by Kate Artibee; “Isemond” by Xander Marrow & Mat Brinkman; “Hold Me Now” by Damien Eckhardt-Jacobi and Vincent Bova; “Dante’s Inferno” by Sean Meredith; “Hot in Herre” by Thomas Sontag & Alex Moulton.

*despite the presence of puppets, this program is not intended for children

For those who can never get enough puppet action, Froud will also give an intro to the screening of Labyrinth the same night. Tickets for this screening will be sold separately and are available in advance on the Grand Illusion website.

Wednesday, November 19: Recreational Marjiuana: Science & Society
From the event page: “Please join AWIS and ACS for this forward-thinking scientific panel discussion, where we will be exploring topics such as regulating impaired driving, ensuring quality control of marijuana and cannabis-based products, understanding and treating marijuana dependency, and neurochemical and neurobiological issues surrounding marijuana use. Our distinguished panelists are:

Michelle Sexton, ND, Founder and Chief Science Officer of PhytaLab, Washington’s original cannabis quality assurance testing facility;

Caleb J. Banta-Green, PhD, MPH, MSW, Senior research scientist for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (ADAI) at the University of Washington, studying the impacts of legalized cannabis on impaired driving in Washington State

Denise Walker, PhD, Research Associate Professor at the UW School of Social Work, studying marijuana dependency and addictive behaviors in adults;
Pratistha Ranjitkar, PhD, Clinical Chemistry Fellow for the UW Department of Laboratory Medicine, studying the development of clinical laboratory methods and testing.

Our panelists will discuss their specific programs and research, the way that their science intersects with law and policy, explain the current challenges in working in the field, and answer YOUR specific questions! This panel will be a guided discussion, but we are soliciting questions from YOU prior to the panel. If you have a question you would like to ask, email programs@seattleawis.org to submit.”

Saturday, November 22: Kirkland Geek Gala
From the Gala page: “The Kirkland Geek Gala is a chance for geeks to give back to their community and to help the children who will one day be its leaders. On November 22, 2014, we’ll be hosting a dinner and silent auction, at the beautiful Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland, WA, to raise funds for the Seattle Children’s Hospital through Extra Life, a Children’s Miracle Network program.

Children’s Miracle Network hospitals treat thousands of sick and injured children each year, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. These kids are facing scary illnesses; illnesses like cancer, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and injuries from accidents to name just a few. All proceeds from our event will be going to Seattle Children’s Hospital via the Extra Life charity.

We have lofty goals in regards to the amount of money we’d like to raise, but we can’t reach them without your help. There are several ways that you can help out. You can purchase a ticket to the charity dinner, you can become a sponsor of the event, you can donate an item to our silent auction, or you can choose to donate online at our Extra Life team page.

Thank you for helping these kids get the treatment and care they so desperately need!”

Saturday, November 22: Sonny Sixkiller Buys The Washington Redskins
From the website: STG Presents Sonny Sixkiller Buys the Washington Redskins at The Moore Theatre in Seattle on Saturday, November 22, 2014. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m.

The Theatre Production, “Sonny Sixkiller Buys the Washington Redskins,” is a comedic story with a serious punch line about the controversy around the Washington Redskins mascot. Sonny Sixkiller, an ex-star athlete at the University of Washington, convinces Native American leadership to buy the Washington Redskins from Dan Snyder, owner of the Redskins.

The story sheds light on Native American mascots and the history of ridiculing Native American symbolism after the near complete genocide of Native Americans by the Europeans. The youth involved with the production will receive an education on Native American people and their historical trauma.

The youth from the Northwest Indian College and Lummi Youth Academy will be involved with all phases of the production from script writing, rehearsals, graphic art development, stage management, and promotions.

Saturday, November 22: Vox Fabuli Holiday Puppet Building Workshop
From the announcement: Vox Fabuli Puppets hosts a holiday-themed version of their basic puppet building class. Students walk in with a sad, naked hand and walk out with a fabulous new puppet friend.

Attendees dip their toes into the wide, weird waters of puppet construction, learning new skills as they cut, sew (hand and machine) and hot glue their way to a finished puppet. Seattle-based puppeteer Rachel Jackson guides students step-by-step as they create a holiday-themed puppet, the perfect gift for the child or puppet freak in their lives.

What: Basic Puppet Building – Holiday
Saturday, November 22nd
10am – 5pm

Cost: $160

Where: Inscape Arts Building, Studio 230
815 Seattle Blvd South
Seattle, WA 98134

*Class recommended for ages 15 and up
*Class size limited to 8

Wednesday, November 26: The STEAM Vent: The Art and Science of Math!
From the Meetup page: “What do eggs, ferns, lightning, and computer art have in common? They’re all described by simple equations. In this discussion, we’ll talk about how amazingly beautiful art, both natural and created, arises from the simplest math. We’ll see seashells, crystals, Mandelbrot sets, and even do some hands-on artwork ourselves. Our presenter, Stephen Riley, is an unabashed computer geek. He started coding at age 6 and never stopped, and is constantly amazed that people want to pay him to do something he loves. Stephen is a co-founder and CTO of Stabilitas Ventures, and serves as a Captain in the Washington National Guard. Want to know more about the connections between Art, Science, and Math? Join us for this intriguing evening of fun, beer, and prizes!”

Friday, November 28: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!
Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers,Tsuro, Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, and many more!

Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.

Friday, November 28: West Seattle Board Games: Go Local Friday Open Gaming
From the Meetup page: “ Let’s recover from Thanksgiving by gaming. Open gaming, no theme, all games. Planning to run this as an all-day event.

There is a small parking lot in back of Meeples (90 minute limit) and street parking is available all around. Meeples is served directly by Metro #128 and #50 and indirectly by the Rapid Ride C line. Meeples is one-half mile from the Alaska Junction.

NEW PLAYERS: YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW THE GAMES. WE WILL TEACH.

Have you got an awesome event to share with our community? Email shubz@geekgirlcon.com! Please be advised that submissions must be in alignment with the GeekGirlCon Mission Statement.

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

October 2014 Geek About Town

Hi everyone!

Fall is in full swing! Check out some of these events to welcome in the changing of the season!

Thursday, October 2: Gender Diversity: Beyond the Binary (UW Seattle Campus, Chemistry Building 439)
Gender Diversity: Beyond the Binary is a workshop about gender expressions and identities beyond those of male and female, including different gender expressions, common experiences of trans* and gender-nonconforming persons, and how to make public spaces more accessible to non-binary persons. Join us with QCenter staff Jen Self (PhD, MSW) and Jaimée Marsh (MSW), activists and educators dedicated to fighting oppression in all its forms. A free pizza lunch will be provided!”

Thursday, October 2: Burke Trivia Night at College Inn Pub
From NW Science: “The Burke Museum presents a monthly pub quiz for science buffs, culture gurus, and museum lovers. Bring your friends to the College Inn Pub and test your knowledge of the natural world. Compete with other teams for drink vouchers and other prizes. Teams are limited to 6 players. Cost: $5 per team.”

Friday, October 3: Green Lake Public Star Party

Saturday, October 4: Paramount Park Star Party

Saturday, October 4: Ladies Night at Fantasium Comics
From the website: “Fantasium Comics & Games will be hosting Ladies Night on Saturday, October 4th starting at 4pm. Join us for an evening filled with awesome vendors, awesome foods, awesome people, and an awesome silent auction! We will be raising money for the Pink Ink Fund to help those who have already fought breast cancer and for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to cure it in the future.”

Sunday, October 5: CroatiaFest
From the website: “Seattle Center Festál presents CroatiaFest, Sunday, Oct. 5. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Croatia through live performances, foods, hands-on activities, and a lively marketplace. Acclaimed dance ensembles and musicians, intricate costumes, art exhibits, tourist information and displays showcase Croatia’s rich past and dynamic present.”

Monday, October 6 Open Mic Science: Dr. Phyllis Stabeno
From the Treehouse Cafe: “Physical Oceanographer at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. Co-leader of NOAA’s Ecosystems and Fisheries Oceanography Coordinated Investigations (EcoFOCI). For the past 25 years, she has worked on physical oceanographic, climate and ecosystem projects in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands and more recently, Chukchi Sea. Recently she has focused on climate change impacts on the subarctic seas around Alaska. She is the lead investigator in maintaining the biophysical mooring array in the Bering Sea. She is a Principle Investigator for the North Pacific Research Board sponsored Bering Sea Integrated Ecosystem Research Plan (BSIERP) project and NSF Bering Ecosystem Study (BEST) and has served on the Science Advisory Board for the BEST/BSIERP program since its inception. On October 6, she will give us a presentation on what the data from the long-term mooring tells us about the Bering Sea. These moorings have monitored important biological, chemical and physical properties of Bering Sea water for about 20 years.”

Thursday, October 9: Cornel West: “Rekindling ‘Black Prophetic Fire”
From the website: “Trayvon Martin, the New Jim Crow, immigration reform, and an Obama presidency have brought up modern issues of race, equality, and the African American legacy. In his latest book, Union Theological Seminary’s Cornel West explores the phenomenon known as Black Prophetic Fire, offering an analysis of six well-respected African American leaders — Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Ella Baker, Malcolm X, and Ida Wells-Barnett. By both praising and critically analyzing the actions of these influential figures, West takes them off the pedestal they were placed on so long ago. According to West, modern African American leaders are either incarcerated or, like President Obama, have been co-opted and “have no deep conviction.” His book asks where the radical, outspoken spirit — the “black prophetic fire” — of the 19th and 20th centuries disappeared to, and opens a door to potentially “rekindle” it. West is the bestselling author of Race Matters and Democracy Matters.”

Saturday, October 11 – Sunday, October 12: GeekGirlCon
It’s our 4th year! Will you be joining us?

Monday, October 13: October Eastside Science Cafe
”’What Are We Buying When We Buy Organic?’ Cynnie Curl, School of Public Health, University of Washington”

Tuesday, October 14: October Tacoma Science Cafe
”’Microbes & Shellfish: Using Science to Reduce Seafood-borne Illness in our Local Water’ Dr. Rohinee Paranjpye, NOAA Fisheries

Saturday, October 18 – Sunday, October 19: TurkFest
From the website: “Seattle Center Festal presents TurkFest, Oct. 18 and 19. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Turkey through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games, an authentic Turkish tea house, and a lively marketplace. This enriching, engaging, and entertaining festival of friendship celebrates the multiple cultures that link modern Turkey to the East and West.”

Friday, October 24: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge! Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers,Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses,Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more! Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”

Friday, October 24: Science Friday Tour
From Washington Life Science: “Learn more about medical research through Science Friday events at Benaroya Research Institute that include a light breakfast, conversation with a leading researcher and a lab tour led by scientists.”

Friday, October 24 – Saturday, November 1: Vox Fabuli Puppets and Kendra & Michael Hayes Present Stories for Bad Children Chapter 2
Vox Fabuli Puppets and Kendra & Michael Hayes team up once again to bring you Stories for Bad Children – Chapter 2, a cabaret-style show celebrating the darker paths of the fairy tale world. Stories for Bad Children – Chapter 2 plays at Hugo House, October 24 through November 1st, with a special show on Halloween. *Not intended for actual children. Recommended for patrons 15 years old and up.

Saturday, October 25: Watch the D&D Team marathon 25 hours of “Hoard of the Dragon Queen”
From the Meetup page: “GeekGirlCon’s own Gaming Event Coordinator, Andy Munich has been graciously invited to participate in Wizards of the Coast’s 24-hour Dungeons & Dragons session during October 25-26, 2014! Why is this important? These folks are gathering together to raise money for Seattle Children’s Hospital. As a part of the Children’s Miracle Network of hospitals, SCH treats hundreds of children each year, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Their staff help kids and their families face challenges more harrowing than those found in the deepest dungeon. Andy set a modest goal as part of a greater team effort to raise $25,000 (roughly equivalent to a sack of 20 gold pieces). Andy’s part of the adventure begins at the stroke of midnight on the 26th. Dice will be rolled until they put an arrow in his knee! Tune in to watch the mayhem unfold live on the D&D Twitch TV channel and cheer him on (or pine for his ultimate destruction). If you would like to support Andy during this marathon, you can make a safe donation online today. You’ll be showing your support for heroes, both imagined and very, very real. Donations go directly to the hospital and they are tax-deductible. ALL proceeds go to help the kids at Seattle Children’s Hospital.”

Sunday, October 26: Neal Stephenson and Cory Doctorow with Ed Finn: Reigniting Society’s Ambition with Science Fiction
From the website: “Advance tickets for this event have been sold out. A limited number of stand-by tickets will be available at the door starting at 7:15 pm. Author Neal Stephenson (Reamde, Snow Crash) laments our society’s loss of a key superpower — the ability to “Get Big Stuff Done.” He shoulders some of the blame, along with colleagues in the realms of science and speculative fiction, with what he calls a failure to supply “hieroglyphs”: “Asimovian robots, Heinleinian rocket ships, Gibsonian cyberspace… plausible, thought-out pictures of alternate realities in which… compelling innovation has taken place.” Project Hieroglyph brings together writers, artists, scientists, and new technologies in an effort to “reignite the iconic and optimistic visions” of the past, and the new anthology Hieroglyph: Stories and Visions for a Better Future features works from Stephenson, Cory Doctorow (Little Brother,Rapture of the Nerds) and others, to challenge people to think in terms of technology, creativity, and bold futures. They’ll appear in conversation with Ed Finn, one of Hieroglyph’s editors.”

If you have any geeky events you would like to see on Geek About Town, email shubz@geekgirlcon.com. Please note that we reserve the right to include or exclude events from our list.

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

September 2014 Geek About Town

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Hello, readers! Fall is slowly setting in and we have just a few more weeks until GeekGirlCon 2014! While we count down the days, check out an event or two from this month’s list!

Friday, August 29–Monday, September 1: PAX Prime
Visit GeekGirlCon at the PAX Diversity Lounge!

Monday, September 1: Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam Comes to Bumbershoot
From the press release: “Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam is proud to present our special Bumbershoot edition! We’ve pulled together a selection of favorite acts and artists from our first 2 years of slams to represent us at Bumbershoot: Seattle’s Music & Arts Festival. From hilarious to heartbreaking to horrifying, both festival performances feature a variety of fascinating short works by puppeteers from the Pacific Northwest (and beyond)!”

Tuesday, September 2: Queen Anne Science Cafe
From the Pacific Science Center: “Dr. Ann McMahon, Pacific Science Center’s VP of Science & Education and Engineer, explores ‘Engineering Empathy: The Potential Role of Engineering in Developing Life and Work Skills in Children.’”

Wednesday, September 3: John Scalzi at University Bookstore
From the University Bookstore: “A Hugo award-winner and master of originality, author John Scalzi is back with a thought-provoking and suspenseful new novel set in a future forever altered by a virus that killed 400 million people. Of the survivors, one percent is left in a state of “lock in”—fully aware mentally, but stuck inside unresponsive bodies and able to interact with the physical world only through androids or by borrowing the bodies of those known as Integrators. When a murder is committed by an Integrator, the question is: Who or what is really behind it? And with John Scalzi here for a reading and signing of his suspenseful new thriller, we can’t wait for him to begin peeling back the layers of that mystery just for us.”

Thursday, September 4: Creative Geeks Society
From the Meetup page: “We have a open-to-all crafters night on Thursday evenings ‘cuz you know geeks knit/crochet/spin/quilt on Thursdays, too!
Bring your Jayne Hats, Doctor Who scarves, Star Wars totes… whatever you have nearby, and join us for geekery and crafting.
Assistant organizers Kikki and Larisa will be hosting the events. We’ll be meeting around 6:00 pm to whenever. Feel free to wander in at whatever time you can make it. (Event repeats Thursday, September 11.)”

Thursday, September 4: Lois Brandt at University Bookstore
From the University Bookstore: “For Lois Brandt, a childhood realization that her friend and her family had no food to eat stuck with her for years. Now, in her children’s picture book, she brings the issue of childhood hunger to life through a story of friendship, enabling children to both understand a situation that many around them face and giving them ideas for how they can help.

Interested in learning more about how Brandt uses her story to explore themes of perseverance, friendship, interconnectedness, and helping others with kids around the country? Join us for a launch party for the empathetic, honest, and original new book for children with the author herself.

Guests are asked to bring non-perishable food items to donate to Northwest Harvest as a part of this event.”

Friday, September 5–Saturday, September 6: Star Trek: The Sexed Generation
From the press release: “More fun than telling Wesley Crusher to shut up, Star Trek: The Sexed Generation is a salacious and reverent celebration of Trekkie canon that combines artful striptease with the colorful characters and quirks of the final frontier. Presented at Annex Theater on September 5th and 6th by burgeoning theater company Songbird & Raven, the show is a fully scripted burlesque adventure that unfolds aboard the Starship Enterprise.

When a mysterious force alters time and space, the crews of Captains James T. Kirk and Jean-Luc Picard find themselves united on the Enterprise. Something is clearly amiss, as the crews seem unable to repress their own deepest desires, resulting in some terrifically bawdy, though highly illogical, hijinks. Could it be a nefarious space gangster? The all-consuming Borg? A gaping inter-dimensional rift? Only Starfleet can get to the bottom of this.

In true “nerdlesque” fashion, The Sexed Generation goes beyond mere parody to explore the series’ treatment of gender, identity, and sexuality. The cast boasts some of the most established nerdlesque performers on the West Coast, including GeekGirlCon favorites Scarlett O’Hairdye and Sailor St. Claire. Through gender-bending and storytelling, the stars tease their way through questions of queerness, power, and sex in Roddenberry’s future utopia. It’s a space-age cultural study in tassels and sequins.

The Sexed Generation is the inaugural production of neo-vaudeville company Songbird & Raven, whose mission is to highlight the best in local theater and burlesque, as art is the core of a strong community. This new face in Seattle’s thriving fringe scene is the brainchild of local chanteuse and strip-starlet Jillian Boshart (who performs burlesque under the stage name Sara Dipity) and playwright Jacob Farley, a former recipient of the Audience Choice Award at the Playwright’s Forum Festival at Spokane Civic Theatre.

Set your phasers to strip and beam aboard!”

Saturday, September 6: Basic Puppet Building—Animals
From the press release: “Walk in with a sad, naked hand and walk out with a fabulous new puppet friend in this basic class. Dip your toe into the wide, weird waters of puppet construction: cutting, sewing (hand and machine) and hot gluing your way to a finished puppet. Instructor Rachel Jackson will guide you step-by-step as you create one of five animals: Dog, Cat, Bear, Bunny or Unicorn. (3-week class also available Saturdays, September 27–October 11)

Saturday, September 6: Claire Gebben at King County Library
From the University Bookstore: “Inspired by historic family letters and fleshed out with extensive research, a fascinating narrative, and compelling characters, Claire Gebben’s historical fiction novel about a 19th century blacksmith and his journey to America on the cusp of both the Civil War and the decline of his profession is a captivating and intimate glimpse of the German immigrant experience. For a moving story about dreams and the realities that met them in early America, join us for a reading and signing with Gebben. If we’re lucky, she might even share some extra anecdotes that didn’t make it into the book.”

Sunday, September 7: 7th Annual Live Aloha Festival
From the Seattle Center Festál Page: “Seattle Center Festál presents Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival, Sunday, Sept. 7. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Hawaii through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games, a commemorative lei workshop, and a lively marketplace. The festival provides a feast for the senses as visitors journey through the sights, sounds and tastes of Hawaii. The Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival celebrates what it means to “live aloha.” With Hawaiian music, hula, ono food, Hawaiian crafts, hula, music and flower-making workshops honor this special culture.

Join many of the over 50,000 Hawaiian Islanders who call Washington State their home as they share their homeland’s colorful history through performances of music and dance.

Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festál is presented in partnership with the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival Committee.”

Sunday, September 7: 2nd Annual Women of Wonder Run!
From the Meetup page: “Our fantastic GeekGirlCon Programming Manager Meg Humphrey is participating in the 2nd annual Women of Wonder Run and she wants as many folks to join up and walk with her! If there is enough interest generated in this event, maybe a GeekGirlCon team can be formed!”

Wednesday, September 10 Success Stories in Science Blogging
From Northwest Science Writers Association: “What makes a good blog post, and what sorts of content make readers click? Come hear some blogging success stories from NSWA members.”

Thursday, September 11–Sunday, September 14: The Doctor
From the website: “Seattle Experimental Theater is proud to present the return of its hit show, The Doctor, an improvised parody of Doctor Who. The Doctor is a completely unscripted time traveling comedy. At the start of every performance, the cast will get suggestions from the audience that they will then use to create the time, location and plot of the show. Every performance promises to be unique, fun, and family friendly.

In addition to being improvised every night, The Doctor will have its cliff-hanger ending from January resolved with the thrilling (and still improvised) performance September 11th. Will the Doctor be able to fix the damage done to the timeline and get back Emma and the TARDIS? Whatever happens, the Doctor will wrestle with the consequences for the rest of our September performances.

The Doctor is created by Jeannine Clarke, Sam Hecker and Tony Beeman. It is directed by Jeannine Clarke (director of the hit Star Trek parody, Where No Man Has Gone Before and Wedding Horror Stories).

The Doctor is played by Tony Beeman. The cast of The Doctor is Elizabeth Brammer, Lauren Bond, Ashley Flannegan Russell, Jana Hutchison, Wayne Pishue, Sarah Scheller and Greg Stackhouse.

The Doctor is produced in association with Theatre Off Jackson.”

Friday, September 12: Science Friday Tour
From the Washington Life Sciences: “Learn more about medical research through Science Friday events at Benaroya Research Institute that include a light breakfast, conversation with a leading researcher and a lab tour led by scientists.”

Friday, September 12: GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse
Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about the GeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge!

Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of Tokyo, Völuspá, Alien Frontiers,Locke & Key, Coup, Tokaido, The Resistance, Skull and Roses, Settlers of Catan, 7 Wonders, Toc Toc Woodman, FLUXX and many more!

Bring a game with you or just bring yourself. Join GeekGirlCon staffers, make some new friends, play some games, and enjoy some delicious organic, fair trade, and shade-grown coffee. There are also local pastries and vegetarian/vegan treats, if you get hungry during all that gameplay.”

Saturday, September 13: NERDZ4EVER: A Nerdlesque Gala of Geek
From the Press Release: “NERDZ4EVER take the stage at the Re-Bar on September 13th for a geeky gala filled with more nerdiness than you can imagine. Lowa De Boom Boom leads this nerdy ecdysiastic trove of performers headed by Whisper De Corvo, Jesus la Pinga, Miss Violet DeVille, Lexi Luthor, Miz Melancholy, Nickey Bourbon, Sin de la Rosa, Tawdry Quirks, Red Kryptonite, and Xiola Sans Peur. The show is at 7:30 pm and doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available at the door for $20 and online from http://nerdz.bpt.me starting at $15 for General Admission, $25 for Premium Seats at a table in the front row, and $35 for VIP Seats at center stage with a table and a goody bag. Every pre-ordered ticket comes with a free gift.”

Saturday, September 13: DC Web Women Code(Her) Conference
From Geekwire: “DCWW Code(Her) Conference is the premier conference where women (and men) come together to learn the latest in Internet Technology!”

Saturday, September 13–Sunday, September 14: Seattle Fiestas Patrias
From the Seattle Center Festál Page: ”Seattle Center Festál presents Seattle Fiestas Patrias, Sept. 13 and 14. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of the nations of Latin America through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games, and a lively marketplace. Dance to live mariachi music, join in a children’s soccer clinic, and learn how Latin American countries celebrate independence from Spanish rule. Seattle Fiestas Patrias celebrates diversity and the Latino community in Western Washington. Presented in partnership with Seattle Fiestas Patrias Committee and Sea-Mar Community Health Center.”

Monday, September 15: Ruth DeFries at Town Hall Seattle
From the University Bookstore: “From a species on the verge of starvation to a civilization with more than enough food for everyone, the story of how humanity harnessed creativity and innovation to meet our most basic need is nothing short of astounding. But are the advancements that got us where we are today really our salvation? Or will they become our downfall? In her new book, Ruth DeFries presents a history of human growth and resilience, arguing that both our innovations and their limitations have been key to our continued advancement. Curious what the next steps in our search for sustenance might look like? Join us at a reading and signing with DeFries for a thought-provoking look at how creativity and crises have not only gotten us where we are, but will continue to carry us forward.”

Monday, September 15: STG Presents Neil DeGrasse Tyson
From Geekwire: “The Seattle Theater Group Presents Neil deGrasse Tyson at The Paramount Theatre.

Neil deGrasse Tyson was born and raised in New York City where he was educated in the public schools clear through his graduation from the Bronx High School of Science. Tyson went on to earn his BA in Physics from Harvard and his PhD in Astrophysics from Columbia.
Tyson’s professional research interests are broad, but include star formation, exploding stars, dwarf galaxies, and the structure of our Milky Way.

In 2001, Tyson was appointed by President Bush to serve on a 12-member commission that studied the Future of the US Aerospace Industry. The final report was published in 2002 and contained recommendations (for Congress and for the major agencies of the government) that would promote a thriving future of transportation, space exploration, and national security.”

Monday, September 15: Katherine Bouton at Town Hall Seattle
From the University Bookstore: “Hearing loss is more than just an affliction of old age. As former New York Times senior editor Katherine Bouton reveals in her new book—a personal, psychological, and physiological exploration that weaves together her own experience, the personal stories of others, and the accounts of doctors, audiologists, and neurologists—it’s an epidemic that affects 48 million Americans, over half of whom are under the age of 55. For an engaging look at what it’s like to live with this increasingly widespread, invisible disability, join us for a reading and signing with Bouton as she presents her must-read book for anyone dealing with hearing loss and anyone who wants to understand the growing problem better.”

Wednesday, September 17: Emma Campion at University Bookstore
From the University Bookstore: “In her critically acclaimed The King’s Mistress, Emma Campion proved herself to be a writer who knows how to handle both story and history with skill. In her follow up book, Campion delivers an equally engrossing tale about another fascinating woman from history: Joan, “Fair Maid of Kent.” Set in the court of Edward III and punctuated by three marriages surrounded by scandal, the emotionally resonate story reveals a woman who was more than just a beauty and a life of betrayal, love, and intrigue that will leave you captivated. To hear more about the complex story that drew Campion to Joan’s life to begin with, join us at a reading and signing with the equally intriguing Campion herself.”

Thursday, September 18: Caitlin Doughty at the University Bookstore
From the University Bookstore: “Death has fascinated mortician Caitlin Doughty for as long as she can remember. But it wasn’t until she took a job at a crematorium during her first year out of college that Doughty came to truly understand what death and dying in America were really about. In an unusual memoir set during Doughty’s first year in the funeral industry, she shares her eye-opening, candid, and often hilarious story, bringing to life the world of the dead and encouraging readers to look at death as not an enemy to be feared or ignored but an intrinsic part of life we too often misunderstand. Join us for a reading and signing with Doughty for a unique look at life, death, and coming-of-age in the midst of both.”

Friday, September 19–Sunday, September 21: Start-Up Weekend Women Seattle
From Geekwire: “Ready to be part of something big? Join us: We’re assembling 100 of the most talented entrepreneurial-minded women (and men) for a very special edition of Startup Weekend on September 19-21, 2014.
We provide the working space, brain fuel, food, mentors, new friends, and inspiring speakers and judges. You supply the energy and innovation to build something big over the weekend.”

Saturday, September 20: Gay Romance Northwest Meet-Up
From the Facebook page: “The 2014 Gay Romance Northwest Meet-Up, the only conference is the Pacific Northwest to celebrate the rising genre of LGBTQ romance fiction, will be held on September 20, 2014 at the Seattle Public Library’s Central Branch and will include a full day of activities, from writing workshops to pitch sessions with publishers, from a reader meet-up with games and giveaways to panel discussions on the genre.

Following the day-long conference, there will be a book festival at the Hotel Monaco with book signings with over 50 LGBTQ romance authors, and a fun after-party at the Rendezvous/Jewelbox Theater featuring more short readings and time to mingle with attendees.

It will be a full day of festivities celebrating the universality of love stories, and that there’s a Happily Ever After for everyone!”

Tuesday, September 23: Nancy Kress at University Bookstore
From the University Bookstore: “In the latest novel by prolific sci-fi author Nancy Kress, aliens have descended upon earth. Following close behind is a deadly cloud of spores that have already infected and killed the inhabitants of two worlds. And with the advance of both the aliens and spores come many questions. Are the visiting creatures really aliens? Is their purpose in joining with humans to stop the advancing cloud truly altruistic? Or is an even larger conspiracy at play? For a deeper look into a story that is far more than it first seems, join us at a reading and signing with Kress that is sure to intrigue.”

Saturday, September 27: Bernadette Pajer at Jacobsen Observatory UW Campus
From the University Bookstore: “We all know Thomas Edison as one of the greatest inventors of all time. But when Edison’s arrival in Seattle in search of a dangerous and ill-conceived invention is followed by a mysterious death, UW Professor of Electrical Engineering and private investigator Benjamin Bradshaw must consider that there may be a more sinister side to his esteemed colleague. Can’t wait to find out what mysteries of science and human nature Bradshaw’s latest adventures will reveal? Join us as we welcome Pajer for a reading, signing, and inside look into her delightful and intriguing new mystery in the Professor Bradshaw series.”

Saturday, September 27–Sunday, September 28: Italian Festival
From the Seattle Center Festál Page: “Seattle Center Festál presents The Italian Festival, Sept. 27 and 28. Explore and experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Italy through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games, and a lively marketplace. The Italian Festival is a “Celebration of All Things Italian.” Food vendors, crafts, puppet theatre, Italian films, a grape-stomping contest, and a bocce ball tournament honor and celebrate the “old country.” Presented in partnership with Festa Italiana.”

Sunday, September 28: Naomi Klein at Town Hall Seattle
From the University Bookstore: “What do climate, politics, and economics have to do with one another? According to award-winning journalist Naomi Klein—pretty much everything. As Klein asserts in her new book, if economic and political policies are not reformed, not only will they continue to drag down their own systems, they will also turn the current climate crisis into a catastrophe we may never recover from. Want to know what issues are really at hand and what changes need to be made to not only save our economy, but our world? Join us at a reading and signing with Klein for a look at a side of the climate crisis you’ve never seen before.”

Sundays, September 28–October12: Beginning Stage Puppeteering
From the press release: “In this fun, dynamic class, you’ll learn the foundations of good stage puppetry—focus, physical commitment, and basic puppet operation. Students learn the fundamentals of Muppet-style puppeteering through a combo of easy exercises, wicked challenges and practical scene work. Over the 3 weeks, you’ll get lots of hands-on time with professional puppets plus a simple practice puppet to take home so you can keep working on your skills. Working in the realm of visible puppeteering, we’ll explore both arm-and-rod and live hand puppets.”

Tuesday, September 30: Lauren Oliver at the University Bookstore
From the University Bookstore: “Bestselling YA-author Lauren Oliver has made the leap into adult fiction. And with her imaginative new tale of secrets, ghosts, and family, she proves her ability to mesmerize all ages. A story that steps beyond the haunted house clichés of horror movies, Oliver’s captivating new novel asks what would really happen if the living and dead inhabitants of one house were set on a collision course and forced to confront the pasts that haunt them all. Can’t wait to find out? Join us for a reading and signing with Oliver to begin peeling back the layers of her intriguing new family drama and ghostly mystery.”

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

August 2014 Geek About Town

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Summertime is in full swing, readers! Here’s some nerdy fun to keep the your calendar full!

Friday, August 1: The Seattle Alternative Boardgamers Meetup Group: Friday Gaming on Capitol Hill
From the Meetup page: “Fun and games on a Friday night. Come out and try a new game or bring a favorite to share with the group. We are always willing to teach the rules of a game you aren’t familiar with or learn a new game you bring in. Elliott Bay Cafe is the new regular place (until the next new regular place).”

Friday, August 1: Deborah Harkness at University Bookstore
Deborah Harkness is the number one New York Times bestselling author of A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night. A history professor at the University of Southern California, Harkness has received Fulbright, Guggenheim, and National Humanities Center fellowships. She lives in Los Angeles.

Fridays, August 1, 8, 15, and 22: Concerts at the Mural
From the site: “The four FREE all-ages shows are tailored to the culturally curious who seek to discover the best of the area’s independent music scene.”

Saturdays, August 2, 23, and 30: Seattle Astronomical Society Star Parties
From SAS: The SAS organizes monthly star parties at Green Lake and Paramount Park which are free and open to the public. People of all ages and background, including children, are welcome. These events offer to all the opportunity for telescopic viewing of sky objects as well as educational interaction of experienced, knowledgeable astronomers with each other and with participants who may have limited or minimal understanding of astronomy. A typical star party gathering features observing through at least two or more different types of telescopes provided by SAS members along with the opportunity to ask questions, to discuss the observation process, and to learn about many astronomical topics: solar system objects, deep space objects, constellations, types of telescopes, and any other topic of interest.”

Monday, August 4: Robin Hobb at University Bookstore
Robin Hobb is the author of the Farseer Trilogy, the Liveship Traders Trilogy, the Tawny Man Trilogy, the Soldier Son Trilogy, and the Rain Wilds Chronicles. She has also written as Megan Lindholm. She is a native of Washington State.

Thursday, August 7: Seattle Browncoats: Creative Geekery
From the Meetup page: “Bring your Jayne Hats, Doctor Who scarves, Star Wars totes… whatever you have nearby and join us for geekery and crafting. Assistant organizers, Kikki and Larisa, will be hosting the events. We’ll be meeting around 6:00 pm to whenever. Feel free to wander in at whatever time you can make it.”

Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10: Dragonflight 35
The Dragonflight Convention started in 1980 and is one of the longest running gaming conventions in the Pacific Northwest. This event gathers together more than 500 players and GMs to play in or run some 300 events spread over three days in August. Here is a list of what we offer:

  • Board games
  • Role-playing
  • RPGA
  • Miniatures
  • LARP (Live Action Role-playing)
  • Card games
  • Seminars
  • A gamer garage sale, featuring used and collectable games
  • Vendors from around the Seattle area, including Game Stores, Game Companies, Artists, Online Magazines, and other resources that are related to gaming.

 

Fridays, August 8 and 22:  GeekGirlCon Board Game Night at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Do you love board games and enjoy teaching others how to play? Explore the board/card game hobby and meet folks happy to teach you their favorite board games! No pressure though, you can just come and play with folks who love playing games. And the best part about theGeekGirlCon game nights with our friends at Wayward? They are absolutely FREE with no cover charge! Our group is inclusive and totally newbie-friendly. We play a wide range of modern board and card games as well as some classics. You might find King of TokyoVöluspáAlien FrontiersLocke & KeyCoup,TokaidoThe ResistanceSkull and RosesSettlers of Catan7 WondersToc Toc WoodmanFLUXXand many more!”

Saturday, August 9: Bellevue Eastside Board Game Meetup: Crossroads Mall Game Day
From the Meetup page: “Our reoccurring [sic] weekly board game night!! Join fellow Eastsiders in the Crossroads mall outside Uncle’s Games. When you show up, just look for people playing board games, odds are they are with the group. Bring your favorite games to play, or demo one from inside Uncle’s Games. Be sure to give your patronage to the store as well when you can to show them our support.”

Monday, August 11: Kat Richardson at University Bookstore
Kat Richardson lives aboard a boat in Seattle with her husband and a small pit bull—who is not the worlds largest ferret, no matter how she pretends. Kat rides a motorcycle, shoots target pistol, and has been known to swing dance, sing, and spend insufficient time at the gym.

Tuesday, August 12: Seattle Happy Hour Board Games
From the Meetup page: “Join us for an afternoon of games and happy hour drink and food specials in Capitol Hill!
We usually have several members bringing games to play, so you only have to bring yourself. No experience with the games we play is needed – we’re happy to teach newcomers!
On the other hand, if you have a game or games you like to play, bring them along with you. Our group loves learning new games!
Happy Hour at Six Arms runs from 3 PM to 6 PM. Members start arriving at around 3 PM to order food and drinks, chat, and play a quick game or two. Most of the group will arrive by 4 PM and we’ll play something a little bit lengthier. We’ll try to wrap things up by 7 PM at the latest.”

Wednesday, August 13: Mary Daheim at University Bookstore
Mary Richardson Daheim is a Seattle native with a communications degree from the University of Washington. Realizing at an early age that getting published in books with real covers might elude her for years, she worked on daily newspapers and in public relations to help avoid her creditors. She lives in her hometown in a century-old house not unlike Hillside Manor, except for the body count. Daheim is also the author of the Alpine mystery series, the mother of three daughters, and the grandmother of two granddaughters, all of whom live within shrieking distance.

Wednesdays, August 13 and 20: Nerds Collide!: Harry Potter Trivia
Harry Potter Trivia night

Thursday, August 14: Story Games Seattle: Thursday Gaming @ Phoenix
From the Meetup page: “Come join us for Thursday night story gaming!
Everybody’s welcome. Never come to our meetups before? Never tried story games or for that matter any roleplaying games? No worries! RSVP so we know you’re coming and you’ll get to play.”

Saturday, August 16: Indigenous Cultures Day
From the Seattle Center: “Seattle Center Festal presents Indigenous Cultures Day. Explore and experience the rich culture of the original people of North America with music, food dance and activities.”

Sunday, August 17: BrasilFest
From the Seattle Center: “Seattle Center Festál presents BrasilFest, Sunday, August 17. Follow the drumbeats to BrasilFest, which celebrates the unique diversity of this South American cultural melting pot. Brazil’s African, Portuguese and indigenous roots are celebrated with classical guitar, samba rhythms and the percussive beats of traditional folk music. Watch a demonstration of the elegant and powerful capoeira martial arts, see glittering costumes and eat authentic food while learning about this varied culture.”

Sunday, August 17: I Heart Nerds 5k
From GeekWire: “The I Heart Nerds 5K is a celebration of the vibrant tech and nerd culture in the greater Seattle area.”

Sunday, August 17: TC Women’s Comic Book Club
From the Facebook Page: Announcing the FIRST EVER meeting of the Women’s Comic Book Club (cool name pending) at Hennepin County Central Library, in conference room N-402. We’ll be kicking things off by discussing the first volume of Kelly Sue DeConnick’s Captain Marvel, “In Pursuit of Flight”. If you need information about where to buy or borrow the book, let me know.

Saturday, August 23: Museum of Flight STEM Back-to-School Day
From Museum of Flight: “Learn about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Educational opportunities and how you can help your student succeed.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Honeywell, we will be giving away school supplies & other educational toys. All programs, activities & giveaways this day are free with admission to the Museum.”

Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24: Tibet Fest
From the Seattle Center: “Seattle Center Festal presents Tibet Fest, August 23 – 24. Experience the cultural roots and contemporary influences of Tibet through live performances, visual arts, hands-on activities, foods, games, and a lively marketplace. Join in a group dance, create a Sand Mandala, and learn about the ancient art of herbal medicines. Tibet’s ancient and modern history is woven through Tibet Fest, which seeks to preserve this centuries-old cultural tradition with artwork, dance and discussions of the Tibetan people. Explore the rituals and traditions of Tibet with handmade arts and crafts, prayer flags, children’s activities and traditional food.”

Thursday, August 28: Jack Kirby Benefit
From the Facebook page: “Join The Piranha Shop and more than 40 Seattle area artists as they pay homage with artwork inspired by the characters and worlds created by Jack Kirby.”

Friday, August 29-Monday, September 1: PAX Prime
Penny Arcade’s annual gaming expo (Note: SOLD OUT).

Sunday, August 31: Pink Party Prime
From the Facebook page: “It’s back and it’s bigger than ever! It’s the 6th Annual Pink Party, and it’s now Pink Party Prime! Bring your PAX party to our party, where you can explore drinks, game tables, dancing, and prizes. All of the hottest queer gaymers geeks and nerds will be there. If you only come out of your parent’s basement once a year, then this will be the place you’ll need to be.

Queer Geek’s Pink Party Prime will feature actress and voice-over artist Jennifer Hale, smokin’ hot DJs Krot and Futurewife, along with gogo studs Bolt and Tyler Rush, and a $1,000 cosplay contest. There will also be a dedicated gaming space and a VIP lounge where you’ll be able to mix and mingle with the amazing Jennifer Hale, along with a VIP drink specials and a VIP gaming space featuring playable demos of the hottest new games.

*PAX attendance not required for admission. (Note: This event is 21+)

If you have any geeky events you would like to see on Geek About Town, email shubz@geekgirlcon.com. Please note that we reserve the right to include or exclude events from our list.

Shiboo_Krismer
“Rock On!”

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