September 2014 Geek About Town
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.”
