Nerd Nite: Top Hats, Race Cars, Exploding Stars!

7:30 (Doors open at 6:30) Admission: $5 The Faults in Our Stars: Twinkling, Pulsating, and Explosions in the Night Sky Nicholas Hunt-Walker When we look up at night (and it happens to be cloudless) we see stars in every direction. From our point of view, they're indistinguishable from one another save for their brightnesses and positions on the sky. However, a closer look reveals so much more. We will take a tour of those bright points of light in the sky and discover not only what it means to be a star, but how they're born, live, die, and what may come after. And because by our very natures we are vain creatures, we'll discuss what stars mean for us, discovering that before all else we are children of the Cosmos. Nick is a hunter of stars, who chases the elusive mayfly known as a Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Washington. When he's not trying to teach about the cosmos to undergrads just trying to get a credit, he maintains the UW's planetarium, researches the structure of our galaxy, practices the magnificent martial art of Capoeira, and irregularly blogs about anything that piques his interest at rationalwhimsy.com. He also LOVES data of all types, and looks for new and interesting ways to talk about it. The Monopolists! Mary Pilon Award-winning reporter Mary Pilon has made a name for herself by writing about some of the most intriguing and important issues at the intersection of finance, business, and sports today. In her debut book, she turns her powers of investigation and reportage to one of America's favorite pastimes—the popular board game Monopoly. What she reveals is a captivating story of American history, politics, and business marked with hidden origins, corporate greed, and fascinating turn-of-the-century beginnings that remain at odds with the image we all know today. Joining us for a reading and signing, Pilon will introduce her book and its riveting tale of lost history that will change the way you think about your favorite board game forever.