When it comes to cybersecurity and the dangers of cyberattacks to individuals, companies and governments, Robert Pratten has dark stories to chill the bones of anyone who uses a cellphone, computer or even drives a car. “It’s easier to hack a car than your cellphone," Pratten says. “They have Bluetooth and wireless systems. You can take over someone’s car if you want and overload the car’s computer. Hit the brakes. Turn on the turn signals. You can gain control.” Scary stuff. But that’s why Pensacola State teaches cybersecurity. To help prepare a trained, educated technological army of computer scientists to battle hackers on all electronic fronts. Troy Moon has the details.

Learn the scary details

Taking advantage of an excellent opportunity to interact with prospective faculty while also sharing the benefits of teaching at Pensacola State College, Dr. Rameca Vincent Leary, Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives, recently participated in the  35th Annual McKnight Fellows Meeting in Tampa, Florida. More than 300 McKnight Fellows and professors were in attendance. “It was an electrifying experience to interact with McKnight fellows from across the state of Florida,” Leary said. “They are self-starters with bright futures who would be great additions to the PSC family.” Leary shares more about the meeting and about the potential for PSC.

Learn more about the McKnight meeting

Once again it's time for that big man in the red suit to enter our homes, aided by his little helpers, to spread his own particular brand of joy.

No, we're not talking about Santa Claus and his elves. 'Tis the season for Baron Mondo Von Doren, the large and horn-adorned host of "Nightmare Theatre," which begins its second season of horror movie worship at 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, on WSRE. By his side, as they have been for years, will be his sort-of-trusted sidekicks, El Sapo de Tempesto and Mittens the Werewolf.

“Nightmare Theatre,” a weekly, comedy-filled presentation of ‘50s and ‘60s horror and science fiction films, is the brainchild of two PSC graduates, Mike Ensley and Chip Chism, who portray the Baron and El Sapo respectively. The duo, longtime friends and aficionados of both comedy and classic horror and scifi, created "Nightmare Theatre" in 2001, shooting the original in an old fishing cabin using a Sony Handycam resting upon a pile of books. They aired the show on cable public access channels and WUWF-TV, later joined by Lemmie Crews, who donned the mask of Mittens.

The trio spun off the “Nightmare” experience into a number of very popular live appearances and film festivals at a local movie theater. The last original, home-brewed version of “Nightmare Theatre” aired in 2014.

After taking a few years off, they got the itch to get the band back together and began conversations with WSRE, PSC's public television station. Ensley had been a de facto adviser to the station regarding programming for its late-night Saturday programming, known as “PBS Nerd Night.” When the station announced it was losing its access to “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” Ensley mentioned to them that, as it happened, he had a little show of his own.

Station programmers agreed to look at a new pilot, which Ensley, Chism and Crews shot at The Elbow Room tavern. They also were hosts of a live showing of a “Mystery Science Theatre” episode, which was a popular success. WSRE agreed to a new version of “Nightmare Theatre” provided sponsorship could be found, which arrived thanks to the Great Southern Restaurant Group, Merrill Movie Museum, Hula Moon Tattoo and Messenger Hot Rods.

Now, rather than using a fishing cabin as a soundstage, "Nightmare Theatre" has found its way onto an actual television soundstage using professional cameras, professional technicians and studio crew, professional audio and lighting and an actual budget.

The enhanced production values, not to mention the comedy stylings of Ensley, Chism and Crews, had an impact: Not only was the series renewed for a second season, it also has been picked up by public television stations in Panama City, Tallahassee, East Tennessee, Jacksonville, Orlando and Fort Myers.]

"Being on in multiple cities and states is great," Chism says. "We could not be happier." As for what viewers can expect in the new season, he says, "In season two we picked a great set of movies, movies we really love. A little something for everyone. If you want to see a seven-foot-tall man in a skimpy bear skin outfit, we have you covered."

"Season two is stronger than season one," Ensley says. "The cast and crew have grown much more accustomed to how the show needs to work behind the scenes and in front of the camera and it's become far more collaborative and better as a result. The production values also have been stepped up - you'll see a lot more special effects in segments and that really helped creativity shine."

-- Mike Suchcicki

Members of Boston Brass will present a free Master Class on music performance at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in Pensacola State College’s Ashmore Auditorium. The auditorium is Building 8 on the Pensacola campus, 1000 College Blvd. The Master Class is made possible by a Pensacola State College and Pensacola Civic Band partnership.

Get ready to learn from the masters

Take your child in for dental sealants at a typical dentist's office and you're looking at anywhere from $30 to $60 per tooth. On Saturday, Nov. 9, children 15 years and younger can get dental sealants from PSC dental hygiene students for free at the Warrington campus. Along with sealants, children can receive exams and cleanings at the event set for 8 a.m. until noon. Children must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. We have full details .

Learn about this valuable free program