On one night only, join us to learn about the cities and leaders of Central Asia and an infamous spot in Eastern Europe.
In former Soviet Union, Nerd Nites You!
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 8 – Maceli’s 1031 New Hampshire
Doors open at 7, Presentations start at 8
Cost is one US dollar or coin. No rubles.
“Presentation for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Tajikistan,” by Gloria Funcheon.
One man has ruled this tiny Post-Soviet country since 1992, but who is he and what is he doing to keep power? Come learn about Emomalii Rakhmon, whose antics would surely give Borat a run for his rubles.
“Strange and Sparkling: A Closer Look at Kazakhstan’s Capital City,” by Mandy Frank.
Located in northern Kazakhstan, Astana has been called one of the weirdest capital cities on Earth. The futuristic city is full of eccentric architecture that features shiny gold towers, buildings shaped like spaceships and dollar signs, the world’s largest tent, and a giant pyramid made of glass. This presentation will showcase Astana’s most unusual architectural assets and explore how a Soviet past, traditional nomadic culture, and the President’s vision for the future have literally shaped the skyline. Astana may seem like something from a science fiction novel, but a closer look at the past and present reveals a rational explanation for the strange and sparkling structures that rise up from the icy steppe.
Nate Pickett’s presentation title and description are coming soon!
ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS:
Gloria Funcheon has spent four years living in the former Soviet Union but has never been to Russia. She hopes to change this by attending the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Mandy Frank is currently earning her Masters degree in Higher Education Administration at KU. Before relocating to Kansas, she lived in Astana, Kazakhstan for two years working as a Communication Studies Instructor and debate coach at Nazarbayev University. Mandy’s interests include travel, mac & cheese, treasure hunting, quantum physics, Tim Curry, and maple syrup. She is passionate about learning and is excited to share her experiences in Central Asia.
Nate Pickett’s bio is coming soon but in the meantime rest assured that he’s great.