Courtesans, Curds, and Foundlings: Nerd Nite February

We describe Nerd Nite like the Discovery Channel (or like a Ted Talk, for those of you that don’t remember the Discovery Channel), but with beer. Three speakers will present for ~20 minutes each about their particular nerdery, while the audience drinks along. Learn. Eat. Drink. Be entertained. Topics for our February show:

**The Oldest Profession: Should It Be Legal?**

You may have heard of the term ‘TERF’, but have you heard of the term ‘SWERF’? How does prostitution fit with our ever-evolving social systems? Look at current systems of regulation throughout the world and how they fail. Together we’ll ask why prostitution should, or shouldn’t, be legalized.

*-Aria is a sex educator and relationship coach based out of North Dakota. A self-declared feminist, she shares her controversial views in this short talk. Aria is also a dork who rejects the very in-depth bio her husband wrote in favor of you knowing she is a sequel educator, a crazy cat lady and a crochet Cresent.*

**How to Become the Ultimate Cheese Nerd**

This is the year I decided to take my cheese journey one step farther and study to become an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional. What does that even mean? I am absolutely crazy? What type of information would a said person need to know? Follow along as I chat cheese and learn about my quest for more knowledge.

*Megan Lewis is the creator of Milk Made catering. She believes in feeding people: whether that is finding delight in artisan cheese or helping those who may struggle feeding their family. She brings her whole self to her brand, knowing this world is full of incredible product from artisan producers. Bringing that cheese to you is her craft.*

**Orphans in France in the early 18th Century: Necessity or Sad Reality?**
What was daily life like for orphans in Dijon, France in the early 18th century? Who were the boys of the Bonnets Rouges and girls of Sainte-Anne? Was abandonment necessary or just a sad part of life for families? Jessica will discuss the importance of these institutions for the survival of children in early modern France.

*Dr. Jessica Nelson is a Moorhead native with a PhD in History from Purdue University. Her dissertation was on orphans in Dijon where she made 8 trips to do research, enjoying the food and mustard. She currently works at the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County and at Fargo Billiards. She enjoys golf, walks, books, traveling, and relaxing when not working. She lives with her two cats – Rory and Georgie.*

So join us on **Wednesday February 15th, 7PM** (doors at 6:30)**, at Fargo Billliards and Gastropub** to become a better human, guaranteed. 😉 Admittance to the show will be $10 cash at the door.

See your gorgeous faces there.

🙂 T