Science & Technology

This is the monthly design status and update meeting. Participation is both in person and online. Members of Austin Physics for Fun are now involved in the effort. -- https://www.meetup.com/physics-1/ The meeting will be held at a private makerspace, Diogenes. It is located in the same building as the adult club Colette Austin. The door is at the left end of the building, Suite C. Go to the back of the first floor workspace and head upstairs. Please post the topics, questions, or other items of interest to you, that you'd like to discuss, in comments below. Unconferences: A Better Way to Run Meetups (28/30) -- [https://psychotechnology.substack.com/p/unconferences-a-better-way-to-run](https://psychotechnology.substack.com/p/unconferences-a-better-way-to-run) Zoom meeting details will be posted about a half hour before the meeting begins. HABEX - High Altitude Balloon Experiments The reference to experiments is two-fold. The first is in regard to the actual balloon construction and flight processes. The second is a reference to the payload and what it does during the flight (e.g. images, environmental measurements, etc.). To be clear, there will be two design processes going on in parallel, the balloon proper and the payload. This initial flight is really focusing on the balloon to get that process pinned down and clearly defined. The initial payload should be simple (e.g. digital camera taking pictures). One of the primary design considerations will be the use of CanSat techniques in the design and construction process. We may need to build a technology demonstrator for this (i.e. dummy payload) before the actual flight process. CanSat -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CanSat Design Process: Design/Buy > Assemble > Test > Loop (Will it fly?) > Flight Plan Meeting Sequence: Pilot - Initial meeting (possibly two) to gauge interest and get first round of participants. Design - Group responsible for the first four stages of the Design Process. - Multiple meetings. Pre-Flight - Review process to date and verify readiness - Set the date of launch - Possibly two meetings Launch - Two teams (Launch and Recovery) Clean up - Launch team cleans up launch site and transitions to tracking and telemetry Recovery - Recovery team (possibly several groups) chases the balloon and tries to stay ahead of it. Post-Flight - Review, analysis, and release of flight report (including experimental results if any). Flight Plan: * Pre-Flight * Schedule * Assembly * Launch * Tracking * Recovery * Review/Release Results Constraints: * COVID 19 * Budget * Resources/Tools/Facilities * Legal (e.g. FAA rules about weight and number of modules) * People * Transportation

This event is managed by Nature Nerds Austin -- https://www.meetup.com/nature-nerds-of-austin/ This is the monthly design status and update meeting. Participation is both in person and online. The meeting will be held at a private makerspace, Diogenes. It is located in the same building as the adult club Colette Austin. The door is at the left end of the building, Suite C. Go to the back of the first floor workspace and head upstairs. If you have questions please feel free to submit them in the comments below or send them to me directly. Zoom meeting details will be posted about a half hour before the meeting begins. HABEX - High Altitude Balloon Experiments The reference to experiments is two-fold. The first is in regard to the actual balloon construction and flight processes. The second is a reference to the payload and what it does during the flight (e.g. images, environmental measurements, etc.). To be clear, there will be two design processes going on in parallel, the balloon proper and the payload. This initial flight is really focusing on the balloon to get that process pinned down and clearly defined. The initial payload should be simple (e.g. digital camera taking pictures). One of the primary design considerations will be the use of CanSat techniques in the design and construction process. We may need to build a technology demonstrator for this (i.e. dummy payload) before the actual flight process. CanSat -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CanSat Design Process: Design/Buy > Assemble > Test > Loop (Will it fly?) > Flight Plan Meeting Sequence: Pilot - Initial meeting (possibly two) to gauge interest and get first round of participants. Design - Group responsible for the first four stages of the Design Process. - Multiple meetings. Pre-Flight - Review process to date and verify readiness - Set the date of launch - Possibly two meetings Launch - Two teams (Launch and Recovery) Clean up - Launch team cleans up launch site and transitions to tracking and telemetry Recovery - Recovery team (possibly several groups) chases the balloon and tries to stay ahead of it. Post-Flight - Review, analysis, and release of flight report (including experimental results if any). Flight Plan: * Pre-Flight * Schedule * Assembly * Launch * Tracking * Recovery * Review/Release Results Constraints: * COVID 19 * Budget * Resources/Tools/Facilities * Legal (e.g. FAA rules about weight and number of modules) * People * Transportation

## Hegel Reading Group: *Phenomenology of Spirit* **Hosted by Elena** 📍 Epoch Coffee, 221 W North Loop Blvd, Austin, TX ?**,** 🕐 **1:00–3:00 PM** Hegel’s *Phenomenology of Spirit* has a legendary reputation: daunting, dense, and—according to critics like Schopenhauer and Russell—borderline incomprehensible. And yet, it remains one of the most influential philosophical works of the modern era, shaping everything from Marxist theory to contemporary debates in logic, science, and political thought. This reading group exists for people who feel the pull of Hegel despite the dread. We approach the *Phenomenology* through **slow reading and collective interpretation**, prioritizing depth over speed. The goal is not to “conquer” Hegel, but to think *with* him—carefully, critically, and in conversation with others. ### What we explore *Self-consciousness, freedom, and recognition - Individuality, action, and ethical life *Contradiction and dialectical thinking - The relationship between Hegel’s system and empirical science *Whether Hegelian contradiction challenges or complements formal logic - Why this text still matters in our current historical moment ### Format *Open, roundtable discussion - No lectures, no performance philosophy *Questions and disagreement are welcome - You can speak a lot, or mostly listen—both are valid **We’ll be asking questions like:** *Where do we use good language to cover missing action? - How does our “inner law” quietly become pressure on others? *What survives when our ideals meet the real world? ### Reading for this meeting We are continuing our progression through the* Phenomenology*. **Current focus starting at:** **§477 Legal Status** **(in this section Hegel describes the transition from the Greek city-state, where Spirit and Self are one to the Roman Empire where the Self get separated from the community or Spirit)** If you’re new, prior readings are helpful but **not required**. This is a continuing group, but newcomers are always welcome. ### Previous sections covered - Preface: On Scientific Cognition *Introduction - Sense-Certainty *Perception: Or the Thing and Deception - Force and the Understanding *The Truth of Self-Certainty - Lordship and Bondage *Reason and its development toward individuality ### Text A **free PDF** of the Pinkard translation is available here: 👉 [https://files.libcom.org/files/Georg%20Wilhelm%20Friedrich%20Hegel%20-%20The%20Phenomenology%20of%20Spirit%20(Terry%20Pinkard%20Translation).pdf](https://files.libcom.org/files/Georg%20Wilhelm%20Friedrich%20Hegel%20-%20The%20Phenomenology%20of%20Spirit%20(Terry%20Pinkard%20Translation).pdf) *(If you’re using the Miller translation, be cautious with the paragraph summaries at the end—read them skeptically.)* ### Schedule We meet **every two weeks on Saturdays**. This session begins at **1:00 PM** to allow more time for discussion.

My favorite band and my favorite venue! Super excited! I will post the “official” details below, but for us, this could be our brand new meetup group’s first meet and greet! I will get there early to save us a table or a spot to gather, but there are food trucks and bars and chaos and fun to be had! Super excited to meet and mingle with you all! Looks like we have an amazing assortment of fantastic folks! Dysfunkshun Junkshun is one of the best show bands in the southwest. Their unique blend of high energy R&B, current top 40 favorites, 70's funk, Motown, and classic rock make them a favorite dance party band. Great music, great entertainment, and a great time is a guarantee. *94% Come out, socialize, dance, and have fun! The Fieldhouse has a large stage with an artificial grass area for dancing in front of the stage. High heels are not recommended for this venue. Large tents on both sides of the stage have plenty of picnic tables. There is an outside bar with a light food menu and 5 good food trailers. Feel free to bring your own folding chair. he rielanouse nas a large stage with an "rial grass area for dancing in fror • High heels are Forecommen L *93% venue. Large tents on both sides of the stage have plenty of picnic tables. There is an outside bar with a light food menu and 5 good food trailers. Feel free to bring your own folding chair. The Fieldhouse is the outdoor area of The Crossover Sports complex. Access to Crossover is from northbound 183 access road or from Scottsdale Drive. If northbound on 183 access road, turn right just after the Toyota car dealership.

Bring a whiteboard or a laptop or a piece of paper. We will be solving 1 easy and 1 medium problem on LeetCode. We have no rules for being late or leaving early, you can be late and start from the second problem or do the first one and leave. The main idea is to work together on it, share thoughts and discuss a solution. For those who don't like the time pressure during the session, I will be posting problems in the comments for the session 1 day in advance.

As part of the [Arduino Days 2026](https://days.arduino.cc/about) world-wide celebration, we will be meeting in-person and online to talk about all things related to the Arduino platform. For the best possible experience, please attend in person and bring a laptop with a USB port, and your project or project ideas. We will have several Arduino computers available to borrow and experiment with during the meeting, including the new [Arduino Uno Q](https://www.arduino.cc/product-uno-q). Beginners and Experts are welcome to attend and participate! A rough agenda for the meeting shall be: \* **Workshop and Live Demo:** A short interactive hands-on introduction to Arduino. For online participants, we'll use [Tinkercad](https://www.tinkercad.com/). For in-person participants, we'll have a few Arduinos available to experiment with. Depending on the experience and interest of the participants, we might skip this introduction. \* **Ask the Arduino Expert:** Get Arduino project help from the experts. Got a problem with a project you're working on, or need advice on getting started? Get in-person and online help to get you going! We'll go around the room and see what each person needs help with. \* **Show-and-Tell:** Got an Arduino or other digital electronics project to share? Talk about it informally and share what you've learned! It can be as simple as a Blink project or as complex as an Edge AI application. You do not need to be an expert in the subject matter. \* **Open Day:** Work on your projects during the meeting. You can listen, share, or get going on your projects, whatever you decide! Bring your soldering iron and tools. \* **Build a Project Team**: Looking for project help on a longer-term basis? Share your project and find willing participants to help you finish it!

More specifics will be added as the event date approaches. Current Arduino details available at -- [https://days.arduino.cc/about](https://days.arduino.cc/about) Austin, TX specific activities are open to all makes and models of single board computers. Please let us know if you have a presentation or activity that you would like to present.

**Please join us for our next workshop to \*\*Activate Your Body’s Natural Healing Abilities & Elevate Your Well-Being\*\*** **Join us for a transformational self-healing experience that blends four powerful modalities to relieve stress, release emotional blockages, and elevate your energy. This event is designed to help you reconnect with your body's innate wisdom, recharge your cells, and expand your consciousness.** **When: Sunday, March 29th from 3:00pm - 5:00pm** **Location:** **Flow Wellness ATX** 12401 Hymeadow Dr #1B Austin, TX 78750 **Cost: $65/per person** Registration link: [https://l.bttr.to/8O8Zv](https://l.bttr.to/8O8Zv) ✨ What to Expect: \*\* **Guided Somatic Breathwork** – Tap into the power of your breath to release stuck energy, reduce stress, and activate deep self-healing. Breathwork is a powerful tool for emotional release, clarity, and self-discovery. \*\* **Reiki Energy Healing** – Experience the gentle yet powerful energy of Reiki to clear blockages, balance your energy centers, and restore harmony within. Reiki helps realign your energy and promote deep relaxation. \*\* **Sound Healing Journey** – Allow the vibrations of crystal singing bowls to calm your nervous system, release tension, and elevate your consciousness through frequency. \*\* **Spinal Flow** – A mini session of this powerful hands-on healing technique helps restore energy flow, ease physical discomfort, and reconnect you to the body's innate ability to heal and thrive. \*\* Why Attend? This experience is perfect for those seeking: ✅ Deep relaxation & stress relief ✅ Release from emotional & energetic blockages ✅ Mental clarity & resilience ✅ Physical rejuvenation & increased vitality ✅ A deeper connection with Self & the body's innate healing ability \*\* Limited spots available! Reserve your space and embark on a journey of self-discovery, renewal, and deep healing. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at 512-843-2168. We can't wait to hold space for your transformation! ✨ Your Hosts: Holly Bentley, [https://breathe-flow-heal.com/](https://breathe-flow-heal.com/) Brittany Graves, Reiki Master & Holographic Sound

Join with us for a peaceful and uplifting gathering and experience the soothing spiritual sound vibration of Kirtan meditation. We'll finish off the evening with a guided deep relaxation. This free event is open to all and offers an opportunity to explore a meditative state through the singing of sacred mantras. This evening will allow you to participate as much or as little as you’d like, whether you prefer to chant along, listen, or simply absorb the peaceful yoga sound. No previous experience is necessary. Just bring an open heart. Feel free to bring a friend! We look forward to sharing this special evening with you.

H- Round Rock Arts & Culture Free outdoor market held monthly downtown where visitors can stroll & browse the work of 15 different local visual artists. Fosters lively community atmosphere where art lovers can meet creators, enjoy downtown & support local arts scene. During this event will have RR ISD Fine Arts hosting Rock the Block. Live music, make & take talks, student art show & more. 1:00- Let’s talk Art-Artist conversation with Linda Murray at City Arts center. 512-801-0698

This meeting will be a discussion of the book "the Science of Aliens" by Mark Brake

FREE event [https://www.ccad.edu/chroma](https://www.ccad.edu/chroma) Friday, May 16, 3–7 p.m. CCAD campus, 60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH Join Columbus College of Art & Design for *2025* *Chroma: Best of CCAD*, our annual campuswide exhibition showcasing outstanding student work from across the college’s academic programs. This faculty-juried show features select work from CCAD students of all class years, and is a can’t-miss end-of-year campus celebration recognizing their tremendous achievements. It’ll be a night of fun and entertainment, with interactive games, animation and film screenings, art symposiums, poetry and prose readings, and more (along with some of the best local food trucks). *Chroma* is free and open to all. Many exhibitions including... **Game Art & Design:** **DSB, first floor, Welcome Center lobby and Room 115**

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on **AI Agentic Coding** and how autonomous AI systems are transforming the way software is built. Experts in AI, software engineering, and developer tools will share insights on how agentic AI—systems that can plan, reason, and execute coding tasks—is reshaping modern development workflows. The discussion will cover topics such as AI-assisted development, productivity gains, challenges around reliability and governance, and what the future of software engineering may look like with AI agents as collaborators. Whether you’re a developer, tech leader, or AI enthusiast, this session is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore how agentic AI is redefining coding

**The Data-Driven Brand: Using Analytics to Shape Perception** Can you use analytics to improve tacos? This being CBUSDAW, we think the answer is probably “yes”, but we’re not sure how to implement or test this theory. For our April meetup we’ve got Sara Kear, CMO of Condado Tacos, to investigate this delicious question. Sara will explore how she blends quantitative data and qualitative customer feedback to shape brand positioning and drive business decisions. We all know that marketing and analytics go way beyond attribution. Sara will show how Condado uses customer insights to inform product and pricing strategy. She’ll also highlight how Condado leverages customer feedback at scale to influence operational priorities, positioning marketing as the voice of the customer across the organization. In the last 12 years Condado has gone from one location in Columbus to 52 locations across 10 states, so we’re guessing there’s more to that growth than really good guac (though the guac probably helps). Ultimately, this talk focuses on the intersection of art and science—using data to inform creativity and build a brand that resonates with customers in a measurable way. **About Our Speaker** Sara Kear is Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos, where she oversees brand, restaurant design, menu and pricing strategy, off-premise including catering, and customer data strategy. Since joining in 2021, she has helped grow the brand from 19 to 52 locations while building a data-driven marketing organization focused on loyalty and customer insights. Condado has since been named to the Inc. 5000, recognized as Breakout Retailer by Chain Store Age, and consistently ranked among FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Central Ohio Radio Enthusiasts—CORE—is an informal community for anyone enthusiastic or curious about radio—whether you're new to radio and want to learn or you've been tinkering for years and want to share. Ham radio operators, GMRS users, Meshtastic fans, software-defined radio nerds, makers, and technical and non-technical folks are all welcome. No experience required or expected. This month we have **WiFi HaLow: Introduction and Practical Use** with **Alex Barbur**. Details are are [core.radio](https://core.radio).

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: Type Annotations with John Cassidy We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com