Join us for Nerd Nite Orlando XIII as we talk about the Japanese art of unuseless inventions, how video games can save the world, and what it means to see the futures (yes, futures!) from a very different perspective!

Nerd Nite Orlando is an evening of entertaining yet thought-provoking talks across many disciplines – all while the audience drinks along in a casual bar atmosphere. Speakers present for 20-25 minutes each on a fascinating subject of their choice, often in an uncanny and unconventional way.

It’s like the Discovery Channel – with beer! Come meet up, drink, and learn something new!

EVENT INFO:
Thursday, March 13th
Talks 7:00 – 9:00pm
Stardust Video and Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Rd. Winter Park, FL 32803.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/438323352965449

PRESENTATIONS – FREE!:
Copy of Slides

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“Chindogu: Unuseless Inventions” by Josh Manning

Chindogu, which translates to “really weird” (chin) “tool” (dōgu), is the noble Japanese art of eccentric invention. Often causing more problems than they solve, chindogu ultimately serve no real purpose. Neither useful nor useless, they are therefore “unuseless” (similar to how “undead” means not dead and not alive). So what’s the point then? Unbridled creativity, of course! Chindogu are like anarchists that have broken free from the pragmatism of traditional invention. Come discover the wonderful world of unuseless creations that include baby mops, solar flashlights, and umbrella ties!

Josh Manning is the founder and “Nerdboss” of Nerd Nite Orlando. Always interested in new ways to think differently, he also co-organizes a group of employees at Kennedy Space Center called the “Spaceport Innovators.” In the 2nd grade he even entered an invention contest by submitting his “fishing backpack” creation, which was just his school backpack outfitted with a car air freshener so that he could carry around all the fish he caught minus the stink. He didn’t win any prizes, not even an honorable mention.

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“Digital Heroes: How Video Games Can Save The World” by Carlos Donze

Are video games just a waste of time? Is there a reason to play them other than escapism? Actually, yes! A growing body of evidence suggests that video games play (pun totally intended!) a larger role in brain development than previously thought. In this talk, we’ll learn about their role in tackling some of the world’s seemingly insurmountable problems, such as personal happiness, poverty, and helping the terminally ill. Let Carlos show you how playing video games can translate in to real life power-ups!

Carlos Donze is an entrepreneurial everyman, specializing in Media Arts and Animation, who’s on a mission to save the world. A lifelong gamer, he’s been immersing himself in the world of video games since the days of Golden NES, which is the original Nintendo Entertainment System. When he’s not saving the world, he also enjoys watching movies and experimenting in the kitchen. He lives in East Orlando with his Level 60 Epic Dachshund, Lolo.

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“Cards Against the Future: Generating Possibilities Instead of Predictions” by Emily Empel

Talking about the FUTURE is old school. All around us, societal “squares” are sanitizing our conversations about the future. These politicians, business leaders and academics rely on forecast models that reduce uncertainty. But, let’s be real: the world is getting weirder. Forecasts that discount mystical, immeasurable, NSFW elements limit our ability to fundamentally explore what’s ahead. In other words, exploring the future is a job for BAMFs, societal misfits, and total nerds. Obsessing over the FUTURE(S) is where it’s at. If you’re ready for an intellectual adventure, join us while we explore the present and the future according to a new set of rules.

Emily Empel (@localrat) is a trend spotter, marketing disciple, and corporate futurist. She provides executive management with strategic insights to identify emerging developments. Emily earned a Master of Science degree in Future Studies from the University of Houston. Her research has been featured by organizations such as The World Future Society and AlterNet. A former nomad, she’s slowly realizing, thanks to fellow Orlandoans and a lot of imagination, that #orlandodoesntsuck.