Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

Over Coffee® is on Thanksgiving hiatus. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2023.The following post and podcast are not, in any way, affiliated with, nor endorsed by, NASA. (We’re just wowed by Artemis and the idea of lunar, and ultimately Mars, exploration!)"It's totally not practical, to think you're going to grow up and be an astronaut," comments U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Anne C. McClain."I mean, who does that?"But becoming an astronaut is only one of Anne's accomplishments.Today, she is one of eighteen NASA astronauts currently in training for the Artemis missions (https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/). She is also a highly-distinguished Senior Army Aviator whose honors include an Iraqi Campaign Medal with two Service Stars, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the NASA Spaceflight Medal.And as one of those 18 astronauts selected for Artemis, there's a very real possibility that Anne may be on her way to the Moon in the future.Meanwhile, she has currently spent a total of 204 days in space.Most recently, Anne served as Flight Engineer on the International Space Station for Expedition 58 and 59. During that time. she was lead spacewalker on two spacewalks.While training for the Artemis missions,Anne is also an Instructor Astronaut. Her areas: Robotics, EVA (Extravehicular Activities, or spacewalks!), and CAPCOM.Anne talked about her approach to her “impractical” dream of becoming an astronaut (which strikes us as a great guideline towards achieving a goal!), her experiences in space and what it’s like to be a part of the team preparing for NASA’s future lunar exploration.

Can videogames overcome obstacles in education? Or have an impact on society by teaching leadership principles and other real-world skills?That's exactly what Dr. Constance Steinkuhler is exploring, through her work at UCI.Constance is Co-Director of UCI's Games+Learning+Society (GLS) Center, and Chair of the annual GLS Conference (https://glsconference.net/about/). She is also Chair of UCI’s Game Design and Interactive Media Program.Her experience with games as a vehicle for education and better societal outcomes includes founding the nonprofit Higher Education Video Games Alliance, and publishing two books and more than a hundred articles. Not to mention serving as a Senior Policy Analyst for the Obama administration, advising on videogames and digital media.And her research and experiences as an educator are revealing some exciting possibilities for the ways videogames might be effective in preparing students to succeed.Constance talked about her background, shared the story of the GLS Center and offered a closer look at some of the exciting programs happening, right now, in which videogames could transform the ways we learn and relate to one another as a society.

When do folklore, mythology and fables become new?When Reimagined (https://www.reimaginedvr.com/)virtual reality animation series co-creators Julie Cavaliere and Michaela Ternasky-Holland use them as the inspiration for their work.Now viewers can immerse themselves in the world of a young witch, facing down her fears, in Nyssa. And travel, in 360, to the island world of four sibling deities, as they learn to deal with grief and channel their anger, in Mahal..While each of these stories is inspired by a lesser-known fable, myth or bit of folklore, that inspiration gets reworked into something brand-new.The result: highly-personal storytelling, in 360 worlds with thought-provoking messages and a different look and feel for each story in the series.Julie, who is an award-winning actor, director, writer and President of Very Cavaliere Productions (https://www.verycavaliereproductions.com/company), wrote and directed the first episode, Nyssa, inspired by a fairytale by the Brothers Grimm. In making it her own through VR she presents a vastly different protagonist from the original story, as well as a message which resonates in the twenty-first century.Meanwhile, Michaela, an Emmy Award-winning XR director and experiential XR consultant, wrote and directed the Volume II story, Mahal. Michaela describes Mahal, based on Filipino myths, as a "love letter" to her parents and an homage to her Filipino culture. Michaela explains that, in creating the story, she and her team used some different camera moves than she'd seen in the VR space.While Nyssa is currently available, free, on Oculus Quest, Mahal will also be available on the Quest starting on November 17th. And a third episode is currently in development. (We can't tell you much yet, as it's embargoed, but what we've heard sounds amazing!)Julie and Michaela talked about their backgrounds, shared the story of Reimagined and discussed their creative process with Nyssa and Mahal.

Through virtual reality, author Helen Lundstrom Erwin (https://helenerwin.com/) is bridging the gap between past and future.While Helen brings the past to life through her historical fiction, she may also be the first author to create a metaverse space, based on her most recent book, in which live events happen.That space is The Foremothers Cafe, inspired by her recent book Sour Milk in Sheep's Wool.And there's an exciting parallel.In The Foremothers Cafe, which Helen hosts in Engage VR (https://engagevr.io/), women meet, to discuss current issues in real time.In Sour Milk In Sheep's Wool, inspired by Helen's great-grandmother's life in Sweden in the 19th century, a main character opens a cafe. By day it serves coffee, baked goods etc.And by night, women meet, clandestinely, to discuss the issues that affect their lives. Temperance, birth control, and the right to vote are their main topics of discussion. And these conversations lead to action...For a twenty-first century reader, the fact that they had to meet in secret seems unfathomable--but these "foremothers" paved the way, with discussions, demonstrations and a refusal to accept the status quo, for the opportunities which today's women enjoy.And Helen invites women and allies, from all over the world, to meet in The Foremothers Cafe, to discuss current issues and support one another!Her third book, he Lure of Water and Wood, will be released on November 22nd. You can pre-order it now (https://helenerwin.com/helen-erwin/books/), and Helen says a release party will be happening in The Foremothers Cafe in the near future.And save the date, on November 30th.That's Helen's mother's birthday,and friends are invited to meet in The Foremothers Cafe--and discuss the "foremothers" who have made a difference in their own lives. More information will be forthcoming on Helen's website (https://helenerwin.com/).

"You're not going to be able to see this much longer," comments La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association (https://lcftra.org/) Director of Float Development Pam Wiedenbeck.What she's displaying, as we take a virtual tour of LCFTRA's current work site, is the substructure of heir 2024 Rose Parade® float, "Flower Power". Pam is pointing out the inner compartments where the float crew will sit, on New Year's Day.This is where the magic happens.And like much of what goes on behind the scenes, it will seem to happen effortlessly.With just about two months to go till "Flower Power" appears at the corner of Colorado and Orange Grove, Pam says the crew are on-schedule with construction.Next will come painting, then decorating, and moving the float under the bridge in December--as well as a second "test drive" for Tournament of Roses®officials.Our coverage of LCFTRA's creation of their 2024 parade entry started in March of this year.Since then, their creative milestones have included: selecting a name, deciding on the music that will accompany the animation, and their first float test drive, or T1.On this installment, we visited, virtually, with Pam at the float site--and had the opportunity to see, firsthand, where "Flower Power" is currently--and what needs to happen next!Meanwhile, if you're in the La Canada-Flintidge area this upcoming Saturday, November 4th, LCFTRA would like to invite you to their "Wine and Roses" fundraiser. This is going to be an informal event--and Sixties outfits are recommended! "Wine and Roses" happens from 4 to 7 pm at La Canada Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy; here's the link for information. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lcftra-wine-roses-reception-tickets-705643437517?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Remember your favorite toy?As Christmas season 2023 approaches, Makers Making Change (https://www.makersmakingchange.com/s/) is in the process of creating similarly-beloved memories, for children with disabilities.Their annual "Hacking for the Holidays (https://www.makersmakingchange.com/s/hacking-for-the-holidays)" campaign is happening now. This year's goals: 100 maker events, and a total of 2,000 adapted toys, switches and video game joysticks by December. And you're invited to help them by hosting a maker event, hacking or donating!Makers Making Change is an initiative of Canada-based nonprofit Neil Squire Society. Their mission: to empower Canadians with disabilities through technology and maker skills. Since Makers Making Change started, in 2016, they've created more than 200 affordable open-source assistive devices for Canadians with disabilities.But their work isn't restricted to Canada.When we spoke with Makers Making Change (https://www.makersmakingchange.com/s/) founder/ Director of Innovation Chad Leaman.in 2017 (in%202017https%3A//twomaverix.com/?p=12752), MMC had just hosted their first U.S. event. Since then, they've expanded, with a number of U.S. chapters and some exciting new innovations as they continue to work towards making technology accessible to everyone.Since then, they've had some exciting milestones--including some major groundbreaking in accessible gaming.And while Hacking for the Holidays is seasonal, Chad says that volunteer makers are welcome to get involved and make a difference year-round. You'll find a number of ways to help on Makers Making Change's website (https://www.makersmakingchange.com/s/)--and you're also welcome to contact them directly with questions.Chad stars in this episode of Over Coffee®, as we discuss the "Hacking for the Holidays" program, the ways Makers Making Change is expanding the options available to children with disabilities and his vision for the future.

What comes to mind when you hear "natural history museum"?Whatever you thought of just now, you probably didn't imagine what's happening at Las Vegas Natural History Museum (https://www.lvnhm.org/), on October 27th. That's the date of the 2023 edition of "Dino-Ween" (https://www.lvnhm.org/event-details/dino-ween-2)! And it's going to be a party.Grace Njoroge is Las Vegas Natural History Museum's Director of Education, while Kate Porter is Co-Executive Director at Las Vegas Natural History Museum. And they offered a preview of this year's special event.Annually, "Dino-Ween" turns the museum into a "spooky STEAMfest", with various "haunted" features. This is an all-day celebration, with everyone in costume and with lots of ideas, maker activities, laughter and innovation.Attendees create slime and other maker projects. Pumpkins puke. Families join together with other families in problem-solving games and activities. And of course, museum staff, thoroughly in the "spirit" of the day, will be dressed accordingly.And the dinosaurs? Well, they have a few surprises in store.The 2023 edition of "Dino-Ween", themed, "Shake, Rattle and Roll Them Bones" (https://www.lvnhm.org/event-details/dino-ween-2), happens on Friday, October 27th, from 10 am to 3 pm. But once it's over--the fun and learning continue, with all kinds of special events, including "December to Remember", starting next month!Grace and Kate offered a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for the festivities, what's happening after Halloween, and the resources LVNHM has available for educators--including virtual ones, on their YouTube channel, for next month's "December to Remember" celebration!

You're walking through your favorite Halloween haunt. Eerie creaks and moans surround you. You feel a chill--and have a sense that you're being watched.Suddenly, a ghostly figure looms in front of you. You scream.At that moment, you're probably NOT thinking of what's happening with your body's neurochemicals.But that's one area of Dr. Margee Kerr's expertise.As a sociologist, haunt consultant, educator and author, Margee has done extensive research on the science of fear.So much so that she traveled the world for two years, researching her book Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear. In the process, Margee explored, first-hand, some of our most common fears.Fear of heights, fear of ghosts and the ultimate one--fear of death--are among the areas which she covers.In this edition of Over Coffee®, we talked with Margee about the science behind the scares, how to apply her findings from Scream to creating an effective Halloween haunt, and some points to keep in mind to make that scare fun-scary.

In Virbela Open Campus (https://oc-community.org/), almost anything is possible.Like hosting a special event, with attendees from all over the world, in an immersive space. Or riding in a virtual speedboat, on your desktop--no headset needed. Or participating in a virtual scavenger hunt.Navigating their colorful immersive worlds feels very much like playing a game. Your avatar moves with WASD or keyboard arrows--and you can teleport to numerous worlds, including an art gallery, auditorium and downtown.But there's some serious learning, working and networking going on.Ideas fly during regular free discussion presentations. Participants explore new skills in workshops. Artists exhibit their work in the virtual gallery and host events in spaces that can be a classroom, conference room or small-group circle--and that can change to any of these in a matter of minutes.And much, much more is coming. Including coworking spaces, and university classes.Sarah Segrest is both VIP of Community at Virbela Open Campus Community, and the Founder of Octosmos (https://www.octosmos.com/), which she describes as "a quirky, creative consulting and services company that sees things differently".Sarah talked about her background as a photographer and a technologist, shared the story of her journey with Virbela, and offered an exciting look at what's happening in the community!

ENGAGE (https://engagevr.io/) has now put immersive-content creation within everyone's reach.Not to mention making it more magical.And Senior Sales Engineer Chris Madsen is at the cutting edge of all the latest innovations.Technically, ENGAGE is an Ireland-based advanced virtual-reality platform.But that description falls short of describing its upgraded creative capabilities for educators, event planners and anyone (especially nontechnical users!) who'd like to create content, attend special events and interact in the metaverse.We first met and spoke with Chris in 2019. (https://twomaverix.com/?p=20124) At the time, ENGAGE wowed us with its creative tools for educators and artists.Today, they've gone from "wow" to "electric".Chris talked about the ways ENGAGE continues to facilitate creativity in the metaverse, provided a closer look at some of the new innovations (including AI!) and indicated that much more is next!