Today was the official start of Intel ISEF with the Opening Ceremonies, but before that, I'll tell you a little bit about the day leading up to that. To begin the day, we went and got some groceries because so far every meal has been at least $10 and we wouldn't have been able to afford that for the remainder of the week. After fixing a few infractions I had with my presentation board, we took a cab to the Santa Monica pier to enjoy the wonderful 85° weather. The landscape was absolutely beautiful. We played some Frisbee, went swimming, and took a walk down the beach. Have a look at some of the pictures I took. After returning to the hotel, we went to the Opening ceremony, which was very well done. We got to be in the second row (first come, first serve) so we were right in the middle of all the action. "Your week at Intel ISEF 2014 kicks off with the Opening Ceremony. This high energy event will be led by co-host, Kyle Hill, Discover Magazine science writer and TV correspondent. This year’s keynote speaker believes in technology for the sake of humanity; he is Mick Ebeling, Founder and CEO of Not Impossible, LLC, an organization that develops creative solutions to real-world problems, then produces media to ensure those solutions take flight. Inspired by an article he’d read, Ebeling flew to Sudan to 3D-print and fit prosthetic limbs for children of the war-torn region, then left the equipment behind with locals he’d trained who continued after he left, thus establishing the world’s first 3D printing prosthetic lab and training facility. Activated by his motto, “If not now, when? If not me, who?” Mick’s Not Impossible endeavors came to prominence with the Eyewriter: a DIY, open-source, low-cost device that enables individuals with paralysis to communicate and create art using only the movement of their eyes." I loved the keynote speaker. He was very genuine with a truly philanthropic goal in life. You could tell through his enthusiasm that he was passionate about providing technology to those in third world countries. He did not mention money once. Well done Mick Ebeling. There needs to be more people like you in this world. One other performance that I really enjoyed was a speed artist named . He was incredible. Using his hands, he created wicked and completely identifiable portraits of Goodall, Hawking, and Einstein in about ten minutes. Very impressive. I highly recommend him | |