It’s said that every generation has its monster, and it’s incredibly apparent that we are in the decade of the vampire. But how did we progress (or perhaps regress) from Nosferatu to Edward Cullen? What does it say about us as a society that we are embracing our monsters, pulling them close and accepting them as another breed of human?

Having spent endless hours at the gym I have come to appreciate the liberation that the great outdoors provides. There is a surge of growing interest in this as a more natural exercise modality for its physical and psychological benefits, but there is an even greater, more profound reward in the intimate relation between man and his environment.

Zonies have a love-hate relationship with sun. We live here for the nice days then spend 6 months of the year avoiding sun and seeking AC. The ancient cliff dwellers used precise solar geometry to design thier apartments. All of our new architecture and landscaping can be precisely designed for summer shade, winter heat and natural light.

Coaxial, component, composite, S-Video, HDMI, VGA, DVI, FireWire, USB, and Thunderbolt. That jumble of wires under your desk or behind your TV is more than a network of signals, information, and power. It’s a metaphor for creative problem solving, social interconnectedness, and the human brain itself. So let’s talk, about the awesomeness of wires!

What are Bronies? Why are young adults (especially men) obsessing over My little Pony? In my presentation I will explain this strange cultural phenomenon that started on the internet.

I wanted to talk about being a war orphan from Vietnam, adopted by a white southern baptist preacher and his wife in the mid-west. Growing up was like a bad version of Footloose and the Joy luck club. Adoption is one of those things that is amazing but so bitter sweet at the same time. You’re left often time wondering “Who do you think you are??”

Last fall, two acres of vacant land in Downtown Phoenix were transformed into a sea of sunflowers. This spring, we’re doing it again. And on the side we happen to be pressing the sunflowers for oil and converting it to biodiesel with the Phoenix Union Bioscience High School, to support the solar/biofuel hybrid vehicle they’re building. Natch.

She-Ra. Leia. Colonel Dearing. Buffy. My childhood and young adulthood were shaped by strong female characters that kicked butt and took names. No matter the situation, I had a role model for success. Where did they go? Girls today don’t have the same kinds of characters to look up to. Or do they? Who are the new women with swords?

Baking w/ kids, Thanksgiving w/ Grandma, Sunday dinners, church BBQ. Since so many relationship experiences include food, here’s my theory: Marrying for love is supreme; marrying with the common love of food is good insurance. You may not want to talk to someone, but you will eventually have to eat. Did I mention I’m marrying a chef in April 2012?

When my wine journey began, I asked every wine expert I knew how I could learn more. Beyond just reading, how could I really understand the stuff? A wise friend told me “Volunteer. Get your hands dirty at a winery.” And so I did. Being a “wino” is more than uncorking a bottle. It’s about digging in, and occasionally, making a giant fool of yourself

Kendall Wooding – How Being an Awesome DJ Can Make You an Awesome Communicator

Kendall Wooding began deejaying at the age of 14, now 36. He started hosting college radio at the age of 19 and still active in online radio. Kendall has a true appreciation for networking and meeting people, which has led to making friends across the world from Chicago to Japan.
He has a healthy addiction to the internet, with a background in online community management and has taught a DJ workshop to youth at Regent Park Focus. Kendall also has a budding interest in Instructional Design.

Joseph Travers – Tweed Rides: Who Are These People?

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Alison Deplonty – The Moral of the Story is…

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Karina Bergmans – The Phenomenon of the Lost Mitten

As a multi-disciplinary artist, Karina Bergmans works in the mediums of fiber art, sculpture, installation also designs her own clothing line. What unifies her diverse artistic practice is the use of reclaimed textiles. She has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions and her work has been supported by grants from the Ontario Arts Council and the City of Ottawa.
Karina recently started a line of cat toys and on special occassions, Karina has been known to turn a few cartwheels.

Michael Page – Fail Culture

Michael is the Manager of Individual Philanthropy at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. His fundraising campaigns raise nearly $2 million in charitable support for the TSO annually. He is an Avid geek, change agent, and future cultural leader.