These are all the submissions received for Ignite Phoenix #9, which will be held on February 11, 2011 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. To submit for Ignite Phoenix #9, go here.
| Saving a 6000 year old culture from extinction | |
| Presenter | Diana Benjamin |
| Biography | I am a British born Assyrian woman who now lives in the U.S. I am currently studying my masters in occupational therapy and doing my clinicals in pediatric therapy. |
| Description | As an Assyrian I belong to a culture that dates back to the hanging gardens of Babylon. There are approx 3.5 million Assyrians worldwide. This number is dwindling everyday. This 6000 year old culture is close to extinction due to persecution in Iraq and nobody even knows we exist. My purpose is to raise awareness about the plight of my people. |
| Your server’s giude to dining out: don’t get crazy! | |
| Presenter | Margaree bigler |
| Biography | Among other things, Margaree has a passion for hospitality, food and service. She is a solar sales rep by day, a server’s assistant by night who has a bad habit of finding side projects/classes/events to fill her waking moments in between. She is also a recovering restaurant general manager who wouldn’t trade the experience for anything and who is wholeheartedly enjoying the blooming local food scene in Phoenix. |
| Description | One can definitely argue that Phoenix is an industry town- the service industry, that is. With a burgeoning local restaurant scene and more exciting dining options appearing in the metropolitan area by the moment, Phoenicians are now partaking in a culture of “dining out” more than ever before. My goal is to give the “diner” the insight of the “server” on the many points of the restaurant experience, such as (but not limited to) how to gauge your actual wait time, whether the sauce really will come out on the side, how to make a large reservation even larger and the ever present question of “how much should we tip??” All this and more, from the server’s side of the table. Let’s eat! |
| Why I LOVE My 3D Printer (and you will too!) | |
| Presenter | Schuyler St. Leger |
| Biography | Young person with a passion for electronics, software, and making stuff. Self-proclaimed expert on Arduino and MakerBot Cupcake CNC 3D printers. |
| Description | For inventors, transitioning from a great idea to a working prototype can be an arduous task. Lucky for us DIY types there now are low cost 3D printers available. They can turn your pencil sketch into a physical object in a matter of minutes. See what it takes to get started and how a 3D printer can bring out the creative genius in you. |
| Take a Hike | |
| Presenter | Roger Williams |
| Biography | My name is Roger and I am pretty okay at a few things like talking, drinking, cooking, and sleeping. I have been hiking since I was in diapers. |
| Description | Wanna loose weight, get inspired, make friends, and see nature? Then put down your iPad and go for a hike. Phoenix has the largest city park in the US known as South Mountain yet many lifetime resident have never hiked on it’s numerous trails. This presentation will talk about the benefits of hiking and give viewers fun quirky hiking trivia. |
| The job I LOATHED | |
| Presenter | Mark Jamnik |
| Biography | Advertising Account Executive for 10 years. Happily employed (now) but not always the case… |
| Description | During the economic collapse of 2008 I wondered if I would ever again enjoy being in sales. My income took a dive, I had new “micro” managers & the economy was in turmoil with no signs of improvement. Those circumstances took me on the most incredible journey I could have ever imagined. Those struggles were the best gifts I could have received. |
| Words Have Nothing To Do With It | |
| Presenter | Diane Hunter |
| Biography | As a Mind-Body and Equus Coach, I teach the power of non-verbal communication and true leadership built on trust and show the world love has the power to liberate all suffering. I am a lover of life with all it’s rich, textured lessons. My two children are my greatest teachers. |
| Description | I’ll answer the question: What is so powerful about non-verbal communication? |
| Labor of Love | |
| Presenter | Tracey Michelle Theisen |
| Biography | Passionate about being passionate, Tracey is a steadfast professional by day while being a complex, but unassuming, student of life 24/7. After working hard to ear her MBA and establish a fantastic career, Tracey’s world came to a sudden, surprising halt when she had to assume responsiblitiy for managing several family member’s grave illnesses. |
| Description | We have been hearing for years about the aging of America, but little is discussed about the unimaginable pressures and demands thrust upon the children in having to become instant, full-time caregivers who still have to maintaining their own careers, with little to no assistance or financial support. In Labor of Love, Tracey will passionately discuss how this silent epidemic will affect you or someone you know now that our Baby Boomes are officially seniors. |
| Survive & Thrive by thinking like an entrepreneur | |
| Presenter | Kathy Bass |
| Biography | I am an entrepreneur with a zest for creative freedom, autonomy and helping others build their best life by starting with their personal brand. Recently, I had my own “brand identity crisis” and now I have a mission to Power up! entrepreneurs, so more people can share their unique gifts and become solutions so they may start living life to the fullest! |
| Description | Survive by being nimble, more creative and finding a way to do more with less. Thrive by being part of the (R)evolution (a catalyst for economic change), because the real winners will invent something that we’ve not seen yet! The key is not to sit still and hope someone notices you… Survive & Thrive by building something of value first by thinking like an entrepreneur. |
| The “What if” Factor | |
| Presenter | Lane Joplin |
| Biography | A put together Social Media Marketer by day and an active 23-year old runner and adventurer by night changing “What if” to “Why Not.” |
| Description | Growing up in a house where the fear of the unknown kept my mother from doing things considered “dangerous” or “non-traditional,” turning 21 was a revealing moment to take on what could be considered foolish and life-threatening. So I asked “Why not” instead of “what if” as I took on life. Now, find out how you too can change the “What if” Factor. |
| Lessons of a Carfree Lifestyle | |
| Presenter | Kerry Howell |
| Biography | I’m a single woman in her mid-30s who is always up for adventure and is a fount of good ideas. |
| Description | In August 2009, my car died and I decided to live car free in the Arcadia area of Phoenix. What have I learned, aside from that it is possible to live without a car in Phoenix? How generous others can be, how to make myself vulnerable and accept help, what to do when you get hit on on the bus, how to get a 17 pound pumpkin home on public transit… |
| Wheelchairs and Wisdom; Living Life at Butt Level | |
| Presenter | Jennifer Longdon |
| Biography | As a full-time wheeler, Jennifer Longdon lives her life at butt-level which may or may not contribute to her general snarky nature. Jen is a mom, Realtor, blogger, dreamer, PITA and motivational speaker. She hopes one day to become an enigma wrapped in a paradox just to confound the men in her life further. |
| Description | Jennifer sustained a spinal cord injury more than 6 years ago. She’ll share how going from a 5’12″ able-bodied athlete to full-time wheel chair user has reshaped her world view. From the humbling experiences of crowded elevators at butt-level to the marathon course in an every-day chair, Jen will share her triumphs and trials. |
| Uniting the World One Pancake at a Time | |
| Presenter | Lane Joplin |
| Biography | I’m a 23 year old Social Media Marketer with a passion for running and friends trying to find the best way to bring us together no matter how far apart we are. |
| Description | Running + breakfast + friends = joy The only issue is the friends are 2200 miles a part. From conception to execution, find out how a runner unites others from across the US and across the world once a month through the joy of a syrup covered pancake. |
| For Love of Country | |
| Presenter | Tracey Michelle Theisen |
| Biography | Passionate about being passionate, Tracey is a steadfast professional by day while being a complex, but unassuming, student of life 24/7. Proud to be born and bred in the USA Tracey is excited to bring her passion of Ignite Phoenix to fruition and wants to present to inspire others express their pride of being American. |
| Description | Inspired for years watching White Christmas it was time for this proud American to put her passion into action & make a difference to a soldier serving our Country. What I learned in the process was amazing & in 5 minutes I will share the the many, easy ways you can let our men and women in the armed services oversees know they are appreciated. |
| It’s a Virtual Jungle Out There! | |
| Presenter | Maria Crimi Speth |
| Biography | I’m a lawyer… wait give me a chance. I represent interesting, popular and controversial websites. My area of practice is Internet law and intellectual property. I’m from New York, so the five-minute limit will be no problem, I could recite a novella in that time. |
| Description | Let’s face it, a lawyer’s only real job is to protect your ass..ets. Because everyone is online everywhere, it takes a special kind of posterior protector to translate our archaic laws, written for brick and mortar businesses, into something that meshes with the technology we’re surrounded by. With my simple, easy to implement steps for protection from the legal dangers of doing business virtually, you can stay one step ahead of another bad lawyer joke. |
| Charles Pugh House: Unseen Historic Royalty | |
| Presenter | Aaron Kimberlin |
| Biography | As a design and architecture enthusiast, I started my career in the architectural and urban planning field and got into photography as a way to further my creative medium. It is with these talents that I will assist in preservation efforts to the educate the general public about giving historic properties in Phoenix another look. |
| Description | The Charles Pugh House, one of the last standing Queen Anne Style Homes in Downtown Phoenix has been a glutton for punishment in the past. However, my presentation shall bring a new perspective of what potential it has by presenting interior & exterior images never seen by the general public and breathe life into a piece of historic royalty. |
| The Many Types of Racism | |
| Presenter | Austin Baker |
| Biography | Austin Baker is a father, husband, coffee geek, and creative director (not in that order). He was raised in a multi-ethnic family and yet continues to be a person who has offended more types of people he even knew to exist. He is a pretty nice guy. |
| Description | The treatment of racism towards others is still uncomfortably prevalent in our modern culture, primarily because people are completely unaware of their own foibles. Austin Baker takes a stand on illustrating just how racist you are being without even knowing it. |
| For the Love of Cake You Can Change The World | |
| Presenter | Melanie McBride |
| Biography | During the week I’m surrounded by high tech megalomania, but on the weekends I become a mad scientist in my kitchen. About a year ago I ran across an idea to bring a different cake into work each week, thereby giving you a good excuse to experiment with baking. Much to my surprise I stumbled upon this amazing secret. For the love of cake you can make your community or heck the world, a better place one slice at a time. |
| Description | People love cake… it’s something special that has a unique ability to bring joy to all who come in contact with it. I spread joy and generosity most Mondays, by baking and sharing a different cake each week. It’s easily doable (hint: you don’t actually have to bake the darn thing) and a good way to practice “random acts of kindness”. Further, cake has magic powers and will make you instantly the hit of any party or workplace cubicle. Each time I bring a cake into work, it makes someone’s day. There was the woman who said “You had me at Guinness” (yeah you can put that in cake) and then there are the “Dieters” who somehow need a huge piece of cake to make it through a Monday. Every time I bring in a cake, I make someone’s day and in this talk I’ll explain how you can do the same, as well as share some funny stories about what happens when you combine flour, butter, sugar, and eggs with some simple generosity. People are dealing with a lot of hard luck, hard times, and just plain old hardness these days. Share some joy and really make someone’s day by sharing cake! |
| Beyond the Outer Limits | |
| Presenter | Jeanne Hopkins |
| Biography | Jeanne Hopkins, a visionary entrepreneur, combines 20+ years of training, consulting and remarkable personal experience in natural healing and lifestyle choices to inspire everyone to live a truly natural and unlimited life. She trains people to re-learn and practice forgotten natural habits and to expand beyond what is currently thought possible. |
| Description | “I can’t do that.” “You’ll never be able to.” “That’s the way it is.” We’ve learned a limited life, so we believe that life is limited. It’s just not true! Most people are conditioned into limitation, starting as early as conception! Jeanne will show that we can learn to get back to what is inherently natural and live life beyond limitation. |
| Spice, A Drug of Concern for our Kids | |
| Presenter | Christy McClendon |
| Biography | Bio: Christy is the CEO of a non-profit in Chandler, Arizona which provides data-driven programs to youth living in a community riddled with gangs, drugs, and juvenile delinquency issues. The program she operates is on the cutting edge of research regarding Spice, a new drug of choice for youth causing significant health issues for the community. |
| Description | Description: “Spice” is an herbal and synthetic mix gaining widespread popularity among youth as a legal alternative to marijuana. Spice looks and feels like marijuana, has similar side effects, and is used in much the same way. Spice is extremely accessible and is considered a significant health issue across the nation, with over 17 states enactin |
| How to Survive a Slasher Film | |
| Presenter | Andrea Beesley-Brown |
| Biography | I’m an Independent Film Programmer that uses the moniker the Midnite Movie Mamacita. I program Film Events and also volunteer with the Phoenix Film Festival, International Horror & Sci Fi Film Festival and Phoenix Comicon. |
| Description | I heart Horror Movies, so I’ve seen a lot and there are fundamental principles that will you should follow say somehow you are magically transported into a Slasher movie and want to survive. I’ll show you how to dodge Jason, Freddy and Michael. These can also be utilized in real life scary situations, so pick your weapon of choice! |
| From Alewife to Bikini Girl and Back | |
| Presenter | Maureen Basenberg |
| Biography | I am passionate about craft beer. I home brew beer. I am a women. As founder of the Arizona Chapter of Girls’ Pint Out I have devoted my time to encourage women to learn about and enjoy craft beer. |
| Description | Centuries ago women brewed all the beer. We were alewives. Over time women became associated with beer primarily via bikinis (thanks to macro American breweries). But baby, we’re back. Many of us are knowledgeable about the art of brewing and enjoy its fruits. More and more women are professional brewers. It’s time to celebrate our return! |
| I Mustache You a Question about Facial Hair | |
| Presenter | Sammich Felge |
| Biography | Twenty-something free spirit that goes by Sammich. Self-proclaimed #facialhairadvocate. Not new to #Phx, but still managing to discover its beauty on a daily basis. Wanderer, believer in Love: given freely; in a desperate attempt to prove to men of society that she isn’t a minority (or lying) upon declaring “keep your [facial hair], women love it!” |
| Description | Partial trend, part laziness: facial hair + mustaches are now taking over the faces of the men that women so dearly love. To shave, or not to shave is the question that many are posing. I’m here to break down the points of positivity, and to sift through the stubble of this daily discussion. Warning: Viewpoints may be slightly bearded, or biased. |
| What’s in a Wrinkle? | |
| Presenter | Michael D. Peck |
| Biography | He should have been an urologist, but Dr. Peck is a psychotherapist and gerontologist. Possessing a sighthound’s observational research skills, and trained in the jazziest of statistical techniques, he has inspired oodles of students in adventures of learning and myriads of diverse clients on journeys of self-realization. |
| Description | To borrow from a grand commercial line, you can “fight it every step of the way,” but across the lifespan your face reveals so much about your inner self. Emphasizing the wondrous mental and emotional processes behind those wrinkles, you will thrill during a whirlwind journey into the down-to-earth realities of aging. To live is to age; ignite your passion to live! |
| Life Lessons from Seinfeld | |
| Presenter | Mark Jamnik |
| Biography | An ad sales guy by day and avid Seinfeld fan by night. Throw a little life/growth coaching in on weekends and you have me in a nutshell. |
| Description | I’d like to discuss some important life lessons as they pertain to situations the characters find themselves facing in episodes of Seinfeld. Life is what you make of it so I’d like to make it observationally fun. Giddy up! |
| Are esports the future of competition? | |
| Presenter | David Koontz |
| Biography | Indie game developer and game development instructor at the Art Institute of Phoenix. Lifelong avid gamer and player of competitive games (electronic and more traditional). Vocal member of the community and frequent presenter and advocate of technology and new ideas. Presented at Ignite #1. |
| Description | Electronic sports is not new (2001‘ish) but is virtually unknown outside of South Korea and limited circles in the US. This is an explosively growing field, and an ever rapidly increasingly field of games that fit the “Esports” mantle are appearing. Is this the way forward for competition? The benefits are very compelling vs traditional sports. |
| How To Save A Stray Dog | |
| Presenter | Robert Hoekman, Jr |
| Biography | Robert Hoekman, Jr, is a prolific writer, web strategy consultant, and public speaker. In three years of living in downtown Phoenix, he has saved 18 stray dogs, fostered and found homes for many of them, and kept two. Almost all of them are still alive today. |
| Description | It happened again yesterday: another stray dog, starving & scared, was almost hit by a car on the streets of your neighborhood. You want to help. You want to protect the dog, your neighbors, & yourself from harm. But how do you catch him? Where do you take him? If he’s caught by Animal Control, will he be killed? What can you do? Get the answers! |
| Lice and Man- | |
| Presenter | Terry Simpson |
| Biography | I try to avoid doing to much |
| Description | More people have died from lice than from wars. More wars have been won by lice than by man. A short history of our friendly lice and how they changed the world. In fact- I wonder- are we here for them? We might be – we are simply here to provide them a bite |
| You, yes…YOU are a Creative Genius | |
| Presenter | Lucretia Torva |
| Biography | I am a visual artist, mostly making a living at it. I have taught studio art and art history at the college level. I love it when something in my artwork prompts people to say “wow”. |
| Description | I am often told: “You are so lucky you are creative!” Reply: “Have you ever solved a problem?” “Yes” “Well then YOU are creative!” I offer examples of creativity and ways to enhance, foster, use and embrace your creativity! Shazam! |
| The Case Against Organic | |
| Presenter | Arielle Biwer |
| Biography | I am a 20 year old junior majoring in Kinesiology at ASU where I am also a student in Barrett the Honors College. I have had a lifelong interest in all areas of food, primarily cooking. |
| Description | Is eating organic really the key component to living a healthy lifestyle and saving our planet? Armies of celebrities, mass media outlets and every self-proclaimed “expert” says so… but are they right? Could the American obsession with producing and eating organic/GMO foods eliminate the chances of ending world hunger? |
| That Will Cost You One Dozen Cupcakes | |
| Presenter | Lori Baker |
| Biography | I run a company called The Barter Group, a Scottsdale-based business founded by my parents in 1978. I spend my days connecting local business owners to one another to help them save money, support one another and in turn, help sustain our local economy and community. |
| Description | What can a dozen cupcakes get you? What can an hour of time get you? The world of barter lets you trade what you do for what you want. Not restricted by direct trading, barter helps local businesses save cash, helps them succeed and makes a positive difference in our community. An age old tradition, barter is now an $8 billion industry worldwide. |
| Breathtaking beauty with hidden danger | |
| Presenter | David R. Archibald |
| Biography | I am a retired Scottsdale District High School history teacher. As an avid runner, hiker and photographer I enjoy the thrill of discovery. |
| Description | The Grand Canyon and Havasuapi Falls offer dramatic landscape and unbelievable color. However caution is necessary because of unseen danger. |
| Taking your personal productivity to the next level | |
| Presenter | Dallin Harris |
| Biography | I’m an entrepreneur and founder of a startup interactive agency. I do a significant amount of community service through my church and other organizations. I’m also a husband and father, so juggling time commitments can be a real challenge for me! I also studied engineering which means I suffer from an intense need to try to control my world. |
| Description | My passion is in being productive. I find that few things exhilarate me like getting things done. I believe that time is a raw material that we are given to use as we may, and I find great pleasure in using various tools and techniques to squeeze out every last drop. I’m still a fledgling disciple of productivity, but I have a few gems to share! |
| Lessons in Dating from Shaun of the Dead | |
| Presenter | Shauna Stacy |
| Biography | I’m a single woman who knows a thing or two about dating and believes that Shaun of the Dead is the greatest romantic comedy of all time. |
| Description | Modern dating can make even a really great guy feel eaten alive. This presentation talks about how to attract a woman who makes surviving the end of days worthwhile. |
| You’ll Never Look at an Traffic Cone the Same Way Again | |
| Presenter | Niki Blaker |
| Biography | Niki is Phoenix-based freelance graphic designer. When not designing, she serves as the Sponsorship Director for the Arizona chapter of AIGA and is a featured contributor on Under Consideration’s Quipsologies. She is also known to tickle the ivories and knock down traffic cones while autocrossing. |
| Description | If you have ever wished you could improve your driving skills or simply drive fast and aggressively with limited consequences, autocrossing and HPDE is attainable and affordable. With a huge racing community in Arizona to cheer you on, driving against other drivers in a timed lap in your own car might be the most fun you have in second gear. |
| Whore-moans: a nasty fact of life the every woman AND man needs to know more about! | |
| Presenter | Kimberly Koehly |
| Biography | I am a woman. I am 39 years old. I work for EmpowHER, a Scottsdale-based media company focused exclusively on women’s health and wellness. Besides the fact that I enjoy a drink or two, I am healthy and fit. I am hoping to have a family with my newlywed husband soon. |
| Description | “She’s sure bitchy today – must be PMS.” YES, it is! Or even worse, MENOPAUSE. It’s inevitable, but there is SO much more women can learn and do for themselves *AND THEIR LOVED ONES* to make these life phases more livable. |
| Losing sight, gaining vision | |
| Presenter | Colin O’Donohoe |
| Biography | Colin is a professional musician and the founder of a global orchestra in Phoenix called “The Pangean Orchestra”. In 2003 Colin became legally blind through Best’s disease, a form of macular degeneration. He has not allowed this to stop him from achieving his goals including a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University, and much more. |
| Description | In 2003 I became legally blind through Best’s disease. From this tragic experience challenge I became even more motivated to succeed then I had been previous. I wasn’t going to allow this affliction to stop me from achieving my dreams. Although my sight became impaired, my vision for life was enhanced. I don’t believe in excuses, only challenges. |
| Lies & the Liars Who Claim They Can Detect Them | |
| Presenter | Anthony Barnhart |
| Biography | Tony is a full-time graduate student in cognitive psychology at Arizona State University (www.public.asu.edu/~abarnhar/) and a part-time professional magician with 22 years of experience (www.Magic-Tony.com). |
| Description | Magicians are professional liars, but does that mean they are also masters of lie detection? Tony will put his lie detection prowess to the test while highlighting current trends in the science (and pseudo-science) of separating truth from bunk. Spoiler alert: You suck at detecting lies, but so do the people who get paid to pinpoint deception |
| HTML5: What is HTML and why are there 5 of them. | |
| Presenter | Ryan Gasparini |
| Biography | A tall, skinny dude in Phoenix, Arizona who’s passionate about the Web and, more importantly, how people use it. |
| Description | What is this HTML5 and do I have to buy an iDevice to be in cool? Chances are you’ve heard about it but don’t trust Fox News or the guy in the black turtleneck. |
| How a turban wearing sexy guy leveraged his unique appearance to become confident? | |
| Presenter | Jasdeep Singh |
| Biography | Passion for music and dancing at weird places describes Jasdeep. My name has a very interesting meaning as well but most spell-checkers correct it to “Asleep”…go figure! |
| Description | I am a turban wearing, beard sporting Punjabi guy from the exotic land of India who because of his unique appearance needs one and a half hour each day to get ready. I have taken inspiration from my daily “get readiness” routine and used it to become confident in life and take on all sorts of challenges. If I can do it, so can you. |
| Fairy Tales: Not Just for Wusses. | |
| Presenter | Joe Abbruscato |
| Biography | Born and raised in NY, I’ve been a Tempe local for nearly a decade. A graduate of ASU with separate degrees in Education and English Literature, I am an adjunct English professor who is obsessed with, in no particular order, fairy tales (both classic and contemporary), iced tea, poetry, photography, coffee, craft beer, and editing. |
| Description | In last 30 years, Fairy Tales have become cauterized, castrated shells of their former selves, providing mere base entertainment devoid of educational value for today’s youth. This talk will discuss why it is vital that we re-embrace the classic, violence strewn tales & step away from the popular watered down, “happily ever after” laden, tales. |
| Paralysis of Choice | |
| Presenter | Kathy Jacobs |
| Biography | Kathy is a social media geek, an active volunteer in the social media and user group spaces, a Microsoft MVP, a speaker, a writer, a beta tester and an Ignite fan. Her interests are so varied that if you talk to six people who know here, you will get seven different descriptions of what she does. |
| Description | When you are a Jill of all Trades, picking one thing to talk about at Ignite is virtually impossible. Not only does paralysis of choice keep you from finding a great topic, it makes it virtually impossible to focus. So in 20 slides I will introduce the 10 things causing my paralysis of choice – things you should know but may not (yet). |
| In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night… | |
| Presenter | Mack Duncan |
| Biography | Mack Duncan has been an active performing artist in Phoenix since 1999, and has been a professional educator since 2001. He is an award winning film maker, an improvisor, director, writer, actor and puppeteer. He is a co-founder of The Torch Theatre and co-producer of The Phoenix Improv Festival. |
| Description | I have been an improvisor for many years. I’ve been a comic book fan for about as long. Somewhere along the line I gravitated toward the Green Lantern. This discussion will be about how the Green Lantern philosophy of being Fearless, Honest, and Limited Only By Imagination has served me on stage and in life. |
| AZ WINE | |
| Presenter | Pavle Milic |
| Biography | I am the owner of FnB restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. I have been in the restaurant business for 23 yrs. I love Food n Beverage. |
| Description | It has been a year since my decision to carry an all AZ wine list. I Would talk about the reasons why I decided to do it. And recap its tenure thus far. And let me tell you, it has been a helluva year. |
| How Attending a Star Wars Convention Could Change the World | |
| Presenter | Dustin Diehl |
| Biography | Writer, ‘Star Wars’ fanatic and movie enthusiast. |
| Description | I had the pleasure of attending my first ‘Star Wars’ “Celebration” (as they are called) this year and I discovered that us fans are a kick-ass group, and, when brought together, create a bubble of unique energy unlike anywhere else in the world…which is a shame, because the world could use a lot more of what we’ve got! |
| MicroFinance | |
| Presenter | Kolby Granville |
| Biography | I am a former Peace Corps volunteer and travel junkie who now works as a litigation attorney in Phoenix. |
| Description | America is rich! Even poor people in America are rich, from a global view. Everyone keeps trying to help the bottom 1/5 of America when the top 1/5 of the rest of the world still can’t get by because of lack of access to credit. Microfinance helps this entrepreneurial class in other parts of the world and you can be a part of it for $25. |
| The Birth of a Ghost Town | |
| Presenter | David Starling |
| Biography | David Starling is an eDiscovery Analyst for a large Semiconductor company in Chandler. His previous adventures include Ornithological Studies, Naval Cryptology, and Performance Water Skiing. He was born in rural Oklahoma and loves storytelling about his childhood adventures. |
| Description | Picher Oklahoma was a sprawling mining town and produced the lead needed to fight two world wars. Irresponsible mining practices and lack of environmental controls left the area so damaged that the Federal Government is paying the residents to leave. |
| Internet Radio | |
| Presenter | Victor Aronow |
| Biography | I am a Phoenix resident for over 40 years and president of the Arizona Community Media Foundation, which operates Radio Phoenix, Arizona’s largest community internet radio station. Our all volunteer, locally-controlled radio station brings you news, views, and information you won’t hear anywhere else in Phoenix. |
| Description | Tired of the same-old same-old on radio? Want something beside music streams and angry talk shows? Community internet is the radio wave of the future, and you don’t have to sit in front of your computer to enjoy it. For two years, Radio Phoenix has been experimenting with the challenging new world of community based internet radio, and training community volunteers like you to run the station. So tune in and take back control of the airwaves. |
| Dressing Your Pet | |
| Presenter | Ali Bawor |
| Biography | Who is anyone really? I’m a lovely lady from the valley of the sun. |
| Description | Discussion on the passion for pet fashion and the weird people who dress their pets. |
| Solar Power – real options for real, sustainable change | |
| Presenter | Chris Davey |
| Biography | I’m an Australian living in Phoenix since Oct. 2006. I am the President of the US division of EnviroMission, developer of Solar Tower clean, green renewable energy. I am also on the policy committee of the Phoenix Green Chamber and, yes, I do love Vegemite. |
| Description | There are several compelling solar technologies vying for commercial implementation in America – many have existed for decades. What will it take to get our generation to go beyond the “feel good” aspect and make a paradigm shift? |
| Randomness to slow time | |
| Presenter | Babs O’Matic |
| Biography | I am a programmer & dancer. My business card also lists me as a time traveler, shenanigans league member and hijinx coordinator. I appreciate being awake. |
| Description | I’ve done much pondering on the passage of time and how it speeds & slows depending on perception. I’ve found that introducing more randomness & general oddness into your life can slow the passage of time. It makes each day more full of minutes and wakes up the sleeping peoples around you. Being awake = being alive. |
| A List of Lists: Exploring the Frivolity of City Rankings | |
| Presenter | Yuri Artibise |
| Biography | Yuri Artibise—aka the Incurable Urbanist—has spent the past four years creating community in the urban desert that is better known as Phoenix. Through his Yurbanism brand, Yuri explores the ‘Y’ of urbanism by sharing ways to make our cities more livable, community-oriented places one block at a time. |
| Description | What city is the most irritating? How about the best airport to make a “connection” (and we’re not talking about flights)? Most “Top Cities” lists are thinly veiled attempts at creating viral content for corporate PR campaigns. I will talk about some of the most frivolous lists and why their popularity may be a sign of an impending apocalypse. |
| Baby Wipes: Not Just For Baby Butts Anymore | |
| Presenter | Ami Johnson |
| Biography | Ami was your typical music loving, bar hopping, f-bombing, violent show watching, procrastinating adventurer … that had a baby. Luckily, she has enough love in her life to discover that although she had to change some things about herself, she can still be a happening gal and a far out kinda mommy. |
| Description | It’s clique to say that having a child changes your life, but it’s true. You can’t do the same things you used to, say and do the things you used to. But it is possible to not not lose yourself in all the lifestyle change. You can be yourself and a parent. These are some of the quirky ideas that have helped me along the way. |
| Kiss All You Want & Never Get a Cold Again – Guaranteed! | |
| Presenter | Angela Leavitt |
| Biography | Marketer by day, musician by night. Experienced Toastmaster and performer. Heavy traveler, hand-shaker and boy-kisser. Recovered user of Kleenex, Sudafed and Nyquil. |
| Description | Not a doctor, not a nurse, not in the medical field. Three years ago I began traveling heavily for my job, and just about every trip resulted in a cold, leaving me tired and miserable until the next trip. I set out to discover natural ways to boost my immunity, and thanks to a few tweaks, I haven’t been sick AT ALL in more than two years! |
| Daddy, where does beer come from? | |
| Presenter | Felipe Carreras |
| Biography | Felipe Carreras is the owner/operator of Tours on Tap, a Valley-based tour company dedicated to promoting the local beer scene. His guided tours take passengers behind-the-scenes at local breweries where they learn about beer. |
| Description | Ever wonder where beer comes from? Not where it’s made, but where certain beer styles started, and why they sprang up there? With this talk, we will look back at the geographical and cultural origins of some of today’s most popular beer styles. |
| Thailand Education Abroad: Exploring Culture and Local Wisdom while teaching in Thai Schools | |
| Presenter | Michael Little Crow |
| Biography | Michael Little Crow is an indigenous math educator from Scottsdale Community College who previously taught at Oregon State University in the Educational Opportunities Program. He is developing a network of educators to build peace and sustainability by cultivating the intellectual development of individuals to achieve their full human potential. |
| Description | The Thailand Education Abroad Program allows educators to experience the value of incorporating culture and Local Wisdom into public education. Through this experiential learning opportunity educators discover their strengths and develop confidence in their ability to assist children of all languages and cultures in achieving their dreams. |
| Everything You’ve Ever Wanted (and Not Wanted) to Know About Mold | |
| Presenter | Stacey Champion |
| Biography | Stacey Champion is an Indoor Air/Environmental Quality Consultant and Owner of Champion Indoors. From construction defect projects to sick building assessments, Ms. Champion likes to describe her work as “CSI for buildings.” |
| Description | MOLD in Arizona??? Yep. Our State, in fact, has one of the biggest mold problems out there. Learn what mold is, why it’s here, why it’s important, why you don’t want it growing in or on your house and what you can do about it. |
| Breaking up with a Job You Used to Love and Finding a New One | |
| Presenter | C. Murphy Hebert |
| Biography | I’m a lady with a lad’s name, a concise writer and consumate consultant. I’ve paid my bills writing for some publication or corporation or another for more than a decade. The topics usually focus on politics and business. And I have spent a lot of time in school – both as a teacher and student. |
| Description | I have never accepted a job I didn’t love. Nonetheless, I have quit every job I have ever had. “The quit” often feels like a break-up. I leave feeling disappointed – or secretly excited because I have been cheating on my old job with a new job. At 30 years old, my resume is three pages long – if I compress the font to 10 points. After my last quit/breakup I realized that maybe I have a commitment phobia. It would be best for me to confront that fear, so I started my own business – I can’t breakup with my own business, right? I offer a quick how-to lesson on becoming your own boss. I hope someone else can figure out how to make money off of it. |
| People are the people who can help you | |
| Presenter | Kade Dworkin |
| Biography | I do lots of different things but most folks know me as a guy who connects people. Whether online or off, for business or just because I think people are cool, connecting is something I enjoy. |
| Description | People are the people who can help you but most folks are hesitant to go meet new people. This talk would highlight some of my role models and the best tactics they and I have devised to help everyday folks to get out of their own way and meet the person who can help them achieve what they want. |
| Be Selfish | |
| Presenter | Andrew Barter |
| Biography | I am a facilitator and speaker that helps companies make complex technologies understood in simple language. I work primarily with automotive companies and their suppliers. Arthur C Clarke said that “Fully developed technology should appear as if it is magic when seen for the first time..” I help people see what is behind the magic. |
| Description | “Be Selfish…Buckle Up” is the amazing story of the precise timing and interaction between the modern automobiles seat belt and airbags and how they actually extend the time line of a collision. Using universally understood analogies like “How do you prefer to remove a BandAid?” will reveal the magic of the mundane. |
| What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals about our Everyday Deceptions | |
| Presenter | Susana Martinez-Conde |
| Biography | Dr. Martinez-Conde is a laboratory director at the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) in Phoenix, where he studies various aspects of visual, sensory and cognitive neuroscience.
He is a member of the Academy of Magical Arts (aka The Magic Castle in Hollywood), the Magic Circle (UK), the Society of American Magicians, and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. |
| Description | By understanding how magicians hack our brains, we can better understand how the same cognitive tricks are at work in advertising strategy, business negotiations, and all varieties of interpersonal relations. For instance, if you’ve ever bought an expensive item you’d sworn you’d never buy, the salesperson was probably a master at creating the “illusion of choice,” a core technique of magic. The implications of neuromagic go beyond illuminating our behavior; early research points to new approaches for everything from the diagnosis of neurorehabilitation to marketing techniques and education. |
| In Support of Napping | |
| Presenter | Diane Salisbury |
| Biography | I’m your average person who collects ideas and thoughts from all sorts of inspirations. I’ve been described as a passionate speaker with a positive edge that can verge on the annoying. I’ve worked a variety of different work schedules and been a full-time student (twice). All have been conducive to adapting a napping lifestyle. |
| Description | Articles about napping are frequent. I’ll detail benefits of napping and describe the ideal nap arrangement. I can even support coffee consumption within my theme. I plan to arm the audience to not only discuss napping but also be ready to answer the following question: “What are you doing under your desk at 1:00 in the afternoon?” |
| Sleights of Mind | |
| Presenter | Stephen L. Macknik |
| Biography | Dr. Macknik is a laboratory director at the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) in Phoenix, where he studies various aspects of visual, sensory and cognitive neuroscience. He is a member of the Academy of Magical Arts (aka The Magic Castle in Hollywood), the Magic Circle (UK), the Society of American Magicians, and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. |
| Description | Stephen Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde, the founders of the exciting new discipline of neuromagic, have convinced some of the world’s greatest magicians to allow scientists to study their techniques for tricking the brain. Magic tricks fool us because humans have hardwired processes of attention and awareness that are hackable—a good magician uses your mind’s own intrinsic properties against you in a form of mental jujitsu. |
| Life without a dad | |
| Presenter | Abbie Hemmer |
| Biography | I am a 16 year old girl, a Junior at Queen Creek High. I play 2 instruments, draw, and write stories and poems. I am the oldest of my siblings, and the only girl. |
| Description | I remember when i was little and a classmate asked me ‘What’s your daddy’s name?’ I said ‘ I don’t have a daddy.’ The other kid stared at me and said ‘No! You have to have a daddy! You’re lying!’ the thing was, I wasn’t lying.
My mom was raped in high school and I like to share how it was to live without a dad and to show those who don’t know. |
| Write that Novel! | |
| Presenter | Kelli Donley |
| Biography | Kelli Donley is an Arizona native who published her first novel in 2010. She works in corporate America as a health care drone by day, but by night! Well, she’s usually sleeping. But there is some writing, photography, blogging, cooking and adventuring that happens any free, waking moment. |
| Description | Who hasn’t thought, “I want to write a book!” But who knows how to conquer the Herculean task at hand? I do! A quick, funny and quirky guide to turning your thoughts into a published novel, including insight in self-publishing, marketing and eventual book world domination. |
| Teenagers: what the heck? | |
| Presenter | Sara Goldsworthy |
| Biography | I am a seventeen-year old girl, and yes that is an important fact. I have grown up with a psychologist, counselor, and a philosopher, so I think a little differently than most people. I spend my days with teenagers who get their kicks from discussing philosophical and moral quandaries. I am not the stereotypical teenager, and am proud of it. |
| Description | I really want to share my ideas of how there are exceptions to the stereotype and how those exceptions are some really amazing people. I want to make my point by telling my experiences and why they apply to what I am trying to say. Pretty much I just want to explain how and why the stereotypes matter, especially to me personally. |
| 11 Years Living in a Dorm | |
| Presenter | Joanie Simon |
| Biography | I have lived in University residence halls since 2000. I have gone from being a resident to heading up 3 buildings housing approximately 1000 students, all freshmen. I met my husband in an archery class at ASU and am obsessed with my dog Puppers, a Pomeranian-Sheltie mix. Above all, I create. |
| Description | I live where I work. Not so unique? My workplace is a freshman residence hall. Including my time as a student staff member, I have lived and worked in university residence halls for the past decade. 5 institutions, 11 halls and a thousand different students. Emergency response, extreme learning curves, teen pregnancy, bizarre roommate conflicts, how to sneak booze into your room, College Life. All of these things happen every day for me and have provided me a tome of life stories. Beyond the humor is the recognition that every student has a story that will blow your mind. Today, more than ever, I understand why you can’t judge a student by it’s hardcore exterior. |
| I Love My Gay Mom & Dad | |
| Presenter | Tina Perez |
| Biography | I’m just a regular girl from Tucson with a love for 80s music and performing on stage, but I come from a non-traditional family and I’m passionate about supporting others in that position. |
| Description | My family is not nuclear or even traditionally “funky” but I love them dearly and turned out to be a pretty good person. Many people from more traditional backgrounds can’t say the same. There are lots of families like mine in our community, or people who want to start them, and they are not supported. We can change that. |
| Creating a Vision for Your Life | |
| Presenter | Shauna Stacy |
| Biography | I am completely addicted to watching other people take control of their lives. |
| Description | “Dreams are free, so free your dreams.” – Astrid Alauda
Creating a dream board (or vision board) can have an amazing impact on the path you take in life. It can inspire confidence, incite action and keep us from brushing under the rug the “frivolous passions” that bring us joy. This presentation discusses the impact creating one can have on your quality of life, includes real world examples, and tips on how to make your own. |
| Don’t be afraid of the big bad city: 15 great places to take your kids | |
| Presenter | Amanda Stefansson |
| Biography | Amanda used to talk and write for money, and now she does it to amuse… herself. For being a stay-at-home mom, gurlfren’ is hardly ever home. She’s spent the last four-and-a-half years letting her kid cry it out at various venues across the country. Her son Izzy is a preschool road-trip veteran, and they aren’t afraid to drink the water. |
| Description | Exposing young children to as many different experiences as possible is one of the most beneficial things you can do for a young crotch-fruit. It establishes world-view, community, curiosity, vocabulary, good manners, and more. Let me share some of the great and unique places to see and do with your children in the greater Phoenix area. |
| Great Parks in Scottsdale! | |
| Presenter | Amanda Stefansson |
| Biography | Amanda used to talk and write for money, and now she does it to annoy. Currently an inglorious stay-at-home MILF to chubby chasers, she’s spent the last three years fearlessly herding a children’s playgroup and organizing alcohol-fueled softball games. She has visited every public park in Northeast Phoenix. |
| Description | What makes a good park? Where do the critical elements of shade, facilities, and public restrooms collide to host a great picnic, playdate, pickup game, or clandestine sexual encounter? |
| Rentertainment! | |
| Presenter | Michael Cady |
| Biography | I own a local computer shop that leases PCs to home users. We advocate leasing with support, rather than buying and going it alone. |
| Description | I rent my PC, my TV, my Music and my Books… Example: “Collecting” itunes at $1 each and waiting for years to build a decent collection – or – “Renting” music from a company like Napster for $10 per month and have instant access to millions of songs (that you will never OWN!). |
| The Hair Up There | |
| Presenter | Eshe N Pickett |
| Biography | By day: mild mannered Design Automation Engineer. By night passionate volunteer for community organizations, and I rock my natural hair with pride! |
| Description | An homage to curly/frizzy/kinky hair. It’s versitile, it’s fun, and when you stop fighting it, you will love it, and so will everyone else! |
| A Beginner’s Guide to the American Fightman-game Scene. OR, YO SHOUTOUTS TO HYPE YO!!!!! | |
| Presenter | Adam ‘Pi’ Burch |
| Biography | My name is Adam David Burch. I play, talk, make and write way to much about way to many videogames. I am a passionate and articulate advocate for this burgeoning medium. Videogames. Let me show you their brilliance. |
| Description | A sub-culture within a sub-culture, the fighting game scene in America has a uniqueness all it’s own. From the coast to coast, the scene has had new life breathed into it from the release of a whole crop of new games. Find out more about this incredible scene, and the people who make it up. |
| Why the Wii is the Worst Thing to Happen to Videogames Since ET: The Videogame. | |
| Presenter | Adam ‘Pi’ Burch |
| Biography | My name is Adam David Burch. I play, talk, make and write way to much about way to many videogames. I am a passionate and articulate advocate for this burgeoning medium. Videogames. Let me show you their brilliance. |
| Description | The Nintendo Wii has done irreparable damage to the mildly noble art of videogames. With it’s insanely high market penetration and weak library, the Wii has more-or-less cemented in the minds of the public the image of games as harmless distractions. They may never recover. |
| Have you heard the word of GODHAND? | |
| Presenter | Adam ‘Pi’ Burch |
| Biography | My name is Adam David Burch. I play, talk, make and write way to much about way to many videogames. I am a passionate and articulate advocate for this burgeoning medium. Videogames. Let me show you their brilliance. |
| Description | There are videogames, there are videogames, and then there is GODHAND. A game so great, it got it’s creators fired, so brilliant all the major critics shunned it, GODHAND is at once all that is, was, and ever shall be, right (and wrong!) with videogames. Behold, the UR-GAME. |
| The Ensemble Family | |
| Presenter | Mack Duncan |
| Biography | Mack Duncan is a teacher, writer, director, actor, improvisor, puppeteer and an award winning film maker. He is a founding member of The Torch Theatre and creator of the web series “Vincent and Me” (www.youtube.com/VincentandMack) |
| Description | We can’t choose the family we’re born into… but we can create families beyond blood relation. We’ve heard many actors speak of their ensembles as families to the point of cliche; but all cliches are born of truth. As a performer, I have been privileged to be a part of many amazing families, and I believe the Ensemble Family can happen anywhere. |
| The Five Demons | |
| Presenter | Bill Binder |
| Biography | Bill Binder is Phoenix improvisor with part of the Torch Theatre. He is a believer in Phoenix growing as an artistic community. |
| Description | Everyone has love. Everyone is an artist. Everyone has passion for something. Far too many of us never allow ourselves to embrace our passion because of the five challenges every artist faces. But those obstacles aren’t immutable. I want everyone on Earth to face down those five demons of art and allow themselves to create something beautiful. |
| For the Love of Dog | |
| Presenter | Nicki Escudero |
| Biography | I’m a native of Scottsdale, Ariz. and a social media specialist for Village Voice Media, and I also write music, food, and events features for the ‘Phoenix New Times’. I love to travel, ride my bike, hang out with friends, go see movies, try new restaurants (vegetarian!), watch improv, play golf and tennis, and so much more. |
| Description | I want to give a presentation on why adopting animals from a shelter or rescue is so important versus going to a breeder. I recently found the love of my life, Chico Hombre, through the Arizona Chihuahua Rescue, and if it weren’t for this local rescue that saved him, I wouldn’t have my adorable and vivacious chug. |
| An artistic World | |
| Presenter | Abbie Hemmer |
| Biography | My name is Abbie, I am 16 years old. I go to Queen Creek High school, 11th grade. I am a student, I play 3 different instruments and self taught how to draw. |
| Description | My idea to share is that everyone is an artist. Some people see the word ART and think automatically that it has to do with music or with paintings. Well, have you ever thought that a chef was an artist? Or even raising a family? Art is everywhere, just not in the way people see it. |
