Many people simply listen to music. Not David Byrne, the solo artist and former frontman of the Talking Heads. Even beyond making music, Byrne thinks deeply about how music functions on a perceptual level. At TED2010, Byrne spoke about how the nature of a space effects what kind of music is played there, from a […]
In his talk at TEDGlobal 2010, Conrad Wolfram championed a radical new way of teaching mathematics: removing the notion that math is the same as calculating, and completely redesigning the curriculum around the new possibilities opened by computers. He’s now launched a website to collect ideas, and in November he will be hosting The Computer […]
[ted id=838] TED speaker Omar Ahmad died this morning of a heart attack in San Carlos, California, where he was the Mayor. A Mayor with a very open line to his constituents. In December 2009, when he pitched us what would become his short talk for TED University at TED2010, his suggested title was: “How […]
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/20156515 w=525&h=294] In this reel, TED recaps an amazing year of talks from three conferences, a bunch of smaller TED events — and a powerful year of TEDx. Dive in, and then follow up with talks that intrigue you … You’ll see, in order of appearance: The LXD, Chris Anderson and Julian Assange, Bill […]
Philip Zimbardo (watch his other TEDTalks) introduces the Heroic Imagination Project at TED University 2010. Zimbardo, whose work has studied the depths of human evildoing and the heights of heroism, is passionate about inspiring people to take heroic action. Learn how to practice everyday heroism. Learn more about the Heroic Imagination Project >>
Jane McGonigal is a game designer with an apparently simple idea: some of the billions of hours we spend playing games can be used to solve real world problems, and it can be done by playing games. Her new book, Reality Is Broken, explores the power of games to change people’s lives. It’s just out […]
Musical innovator Andrew Bird winds together his trademark violin technique with xylophone, vocals and sophisticated electronic looping. Add in his uncanny ability to whistle anything, and he becomes a riveting one-man orchestra. (Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, California. Duration: 19:20) [ted id=1001] Watch Andrew Bird’s performance on TED.com where you can download […]
For the last 12 years, Carter Emmart has been coordinating the efforts of scientists, artists and programmers to build a complete 3D visualization of our known universe. He demos this stunning tour and explains how it’s being shared with facilities around the world. (Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 6:57) Watch […]
In graphic design, Marian Bantjes says, throwing your individuality into a project is heresy. She explains how she built her career doing just that, bringing her signature delicate illustrations to storefronts, valentines and even genetic diagrams. (Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 16:28) Watch Marian Bantjes’ talk on TED.com, where you […]
Before David Byrne’s talk was posted to TED.com today, the TED Blog had the opportunity to chat with him about his eclectic life and times. Almost unnervingly humble, he gave all credit for his achievements to good timing and an open mind — and we think there might be a lesson there. He’s also got […]
As his career grew, David Byrne went from playing CBGB to Carnegie Hall — a serious (and tricky) change in venue. He explores how context has pushed musical innovation, from bird calls across savannahs to urban car stereos.(Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, California. Duration: 16:00) Watch David Byrne’s talk on TED.com, where […]
In his home of Namibia, John Kasaona is working on an innovative way to protect endangered animal species: giving nearby villagers (including former poachers) responsibility for caring for the animals. And it’s working. (Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 15:46) http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf Watch John Kasaona’s talk on TED.com, where you can download […]
Before his talk posted today, the TED Blog talked to epidemiologist and founder of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), Seth Berkley. He told the story of the beginnings of IAVI, exploring why different decisions have historically been made in response to the HIV pandemic and explaining why a vaccine makes sense today. Read on […]
Seth Berkley explains how smart advances in vaccine design, production and distribution are bringing us closer than ever to eliminating a host of global threats — from AIDS to malaria to flu pandemics. (Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 21:05) Watch Seth Berkley’s talk on TED.com, where you can download this […]
Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy takes on a terrifying question: How does the Taliban convince children to become suicide bombers? Propaganda footage from a training camp is intercut with her interviews of young camp graduates. A shocking vision. (Recorded at TED U 2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 8:09) Watch Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s talk on TED.com, […]
We all know the arguments that being vegetarian is better for the environment and for the animals — but in a carnivorous culture, it can be hard to make the change. Graham Hill has a powerful, pragmatic suggestion: Be a weekday veg. (Recorded at TED2010, February 2010 in Long Beach, CA. Duration: 4:04) Read more […]