ConGregate 11

Artificial intelligence has long been a cornerstone of the Star Trek universe, from the sentient android Data in The Next Generation to the advanced AI systems in Discovery and Picard. But how closely do these fictional representations of AI mirror the developments and challenges we face in the real world today? Join a diverse panel of scientists, technologists, and Star Trek experts as they explore the fascinating correlation between AI in Star Trek and the cutting-edge AI technologies shaping our future.

Aliens are so tired of hurtful stereotypes! Many sci-fi alien species are defined by a single dominant characteristic: Warlike or peaceful, hot-tempered or zen, wise or foolish. What makes an alien culture "alien," and how can you create a rich alien culture that defies stereotyping based on a single trait?

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Disney tells beautiful stories with great characters and enchanting storylines.  But what happens when you see Disney as a metaphor?  From the obvious (Inside Out) to the more subtle (Encanto), let's talk about how Disney uses characters, objects, and events to represent deeper ideas and themes.

Description: Is it the best comic book movie ever made? It's certainly the best one involving ninjas, testudines, and Sam Rockwell! Our panel of experts will talk about the high kicks, the low blows, and determine the best pizza toppings that pair with nunchucks!
(Note to Tera - if there's any way we can order some pizzas to make this panel a Pizza Party, that would be fantastic. If not, I understand!)

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We've already highlighted JAWS and Rocky Horror but let's talk about the other movies and TV Shows of 1975 - Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Tommy, Escape to Witch Mountain, Wonder Woman (Pilot Movie), Alice Cooper: The Nightmare, and Rollerball.

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Andor in the Star Wars universe deviates from the usual focus on Jedi and their battles by emphasizing characters who aren't necessarily Jedi, offering intimate and personal narratives set in a complex galaxy. This shift allows for exploring themes of love, loss, betrayal, and redemption from a more relatable angle, challenging viewers to ponder the complexities of morality and heroism in a universe where light and dark are not always clear-cut. By prioritizing character-driven stories over cosmic conflicts, Andor offers a fresh and nuanced take on the Star Wars saga, diving into the inner lives and relationships of its protagonists and providing a compelling perspective on the eternal struggle between good and evil in a universe rife with conflict and deceit.

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Mythology has continuously transcended traditional boundaries, merging with Science Fiction and Fantasy in stories like Percy Jackson, Hercules, Xena, and Stargate. This fusion creates captivating narratives that delve into the relationship between the divine and fantastical elements, reimagining gods and mythical beings in futuristic, alternate, and magical settings where they interact with mortals, supernatural forces, and interstellar civilizations. The convergence of gods and myths with speculative elements results in endless possibilities, creating a rich tapestry of worldbuilding that immerses audiences in imaginative realms ranging from Asgard to alien planets, Celtic forests to cybernetic cities. Let's discuss how, through these narratives, the enduring power of storytelling and universal themes resonate, encouraging exploration of the limitless potential of human imagination.

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