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Comedy Tue Aug 02 2011
Review: NEDTalks: Spreading Worthless Ideas @ The Whistler
If anything deserves to be spoofed, it's the TED Talks, the brainy group who, in their mission statement, explain that they are "a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading." Originally formed as a conference bringing people from the Technology, Entertainment, and Design worlds together, (hence the acronym TED), they have been meeting in Silicon Valley and elsewhere since 1984, showcasing smart people who have better ideas than you do.
Participants at last week's NEDTalks at the Whistler were easily identified by their business attire and nametags, which leant a mock-conference air to the hip Milwaukee Avenue establishment. The first speaker was Dan Olsen, who spoke on the gripping subject of robots who have empathy, as evidenced by Robin Williams in the film Bicentennial Man. This fascinating subject was followed by co-hosts Kellen Alexander and Seth Dodson who engaged in a brainless exchange, followed by a discussion and screening of the latest in as-seen-on-TV technology: the Slap Chop. This may have been the highlight of the show, but with so many worthless presentations, it's hard to pick a favorite.
Following this compelling demonstration was Misty Burgers, who brought us style tips on the cheap, then a segment entitled "This Week in Ennertainmint" covering the latest Harry Potter film, and an appearance by Zach Dodson (brother of Seth) and Mike Renard, who host their own mock conference series, The Show & Tell Show.
Next up was This Week in Dezine, with a speaker whose name I will attempt to spell as Frifrik Halbjorn, and finally a young man named Miami Volt who presented a convincing argument to improve conditions in the third world by providing every child with game console.
The NEDTalks are a refreshing way to spend the evening forgetting anything smart you ever knew. To follow Seth and Kellen in their comedic adventures, visit Seth and Kellen.
