The TEDBlog caught up with physician and social scientist Nicholas Christakis just before his talk posted to ask him a few questions about social networks and how they affect our everyday lives. The conversation turned to evolution, Facebook, Twitter, online dating — with a quick tip on what you should be doing to speed up […]
We’re all embedded in vast social networks of friends, family, co-workers and more. Nicholas Christakis tracks how a wide variety of traits — from happiness to obesity — can spread from person to person, showing how your location in the network might impact your life in ways you don’t even know. (Recorded at TED2010, February […]
For his first studio album release in decades, musical innovator Thomas Dolby has been composing music in the uniquely inspirational setting of a restored life-boat. Here he premieres a gorgeous, evocative song from that album — about one night with a legend. He’s backed by members of the modern string quartet Ethel. (Recorded at TED2010, […]
Anil Gupta is on the hunt for the developing world’s unsung inventors — indigenous entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, hidden by poverty, could change many people’s lives. He shows how the Honey Bee Network helps them build the connections they need — and gain the recognition they deserve. (Recorded at TEDIndia, November 2009 in Mysore, India. Duration: […]
In this powerful talk, coral reef ecologist Jeremy Jackson lays out the shocking state of the ocean today: overfished, overheated, polluted, with indicators that things will get much worse. Astonishing photos and stats make the case. (Recorded on the Mission Blue Voyage, April 2010 on the National Geographic Endeavor, the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. Duration: 18:19) […]
Tonight, we’re thrilled to announce TED’s newest initative in sharing great ideas with the world: the Open TV Project. Announced this evening at Web 2.0 in San Francisco, the TED Open TV Project will bring TEDTalks to broadcast TV networks around the globe. The TED Open TV Project has already signed up dozens of broadcasters […]
Simon Sinek has a simple but powerful model for inspirational leadership all starting with a golden circle and the question “Why?” His examples include Apple, Martin Luther King, and the Wright brothers — and as a counterpoint Tivo, which (until a recent court victory that tripled its stock price) appeared to be struggling. (Recorded at […]
Alleviating poverty is more guesswork than science, and lack of data on aid’s impact raises questions about how to provide it. But Clark Medal-winner Esther Duflo says it’s possible to know which development efforts help and which hurt — by testing solutions with randomized trials. (Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. Duration: […]
Sometime last week, TEDTalks notched our 250 millionth video view! Thanks to everyone who’s a part of this big round number. By watching, sharing and commenting on a TEDTalk since our launch in June 2006, by sparking new conversations in real life and online, you’re all part of spreading great ideas. Looking for a lot […]
In a brilliantly tongue-in-cheek analysis, Sebastian Wernicke turns the tools of statistical analysis on TEDTalks, to come up with a metric for creating “the optimum TEDTalk” based on user ratings. How do you rate it? “Jaw-dropping”? “Unconvincing”? Or just plain “Funny”? (Recorded at TEDActive 2010, February 2010 in Palm Springs, CA. Duration: 5:59) [ted id=846 […]
Simplicity: We know it when we see it — but what is it, exactly? In this funny, philosophical talk, George Whitesides chisels out an answer. (Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 18:35) Watch George Whitesides’ talk on TED.com, where you can download this TEDTalk, rate it, comment on it and find […]
Five years ago, Roz Savage quit her job to become an ocean rower. She’s crossed the Atlantic solo, and just started the third leg of a Pacific solo row, the first for a woman. Why does she do it? Hear her reasons, both deeply personal and urgently activist. (Recorded on the Mission Blue Voyage, April […]
Stephen Wolfram, creator of Mathematica, talks about his quest to make all knowledge computational — able to be searched, processed and manipulated. His new search engine, Wolfram Alpha, has no lesser goal than to model and explain the physics underlying the universe. (Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 19:58) Watch Stephen […]
What does an empowered woman look like? Can she wear a burqa, a hijab, a sari? Kavita Ramdas talks about three remarkable women who celebrate their cultural heritage — while working to reform its oppressive traditions. (Recorded at TEDIndia, November 2009 in Mysore, India. Duration: 6:08) Watch Kavita Ramdas’ talk on TED.com, where you can […]
Politicians are strange creatures, says California politician Omar Ahmad. And the best way to engage them on your pet issue is a handwritten letter. He shows why old-fashioned correspondence is more effective than email, phone or even writing a check, and breaks down the four simple steps to writing a letter that works. (Recorded at […]
Tom Wujec presents his research into the “marshmallow problem” — a simple team-building exercise that involves dry spaghetti, one yard of tape and a marshmallow. Who can build the tallest tower with these ingredients? And why does a surprising group always beat the average? (Recorded at TED University 2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. […]