Michael Pritchard is very likely the only person to have stood on the TED stage and uttered the immortal phrase, “Let’s get a bit of that poo in there.” At TEDGlobal 2009 in Oxford, he demonstrated his then-new product, the Lifesaver bottle, which can be used to turn filthy, rabbit-dropping-infested water into sparklingly clean liquid […]
TEDGlobal 2009 Fellow Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has announced his candidacy for president of Nigeria. In his first North American interview since the announcement, the anti-corruption activist spoke with TED’s Emeka Okafor, keeper of the seminal Africa blog Timbuktu Chronicles. There is a tremendous amount of interest in your run for presidency. What would you attribute […]
Unconventional astronomer Garki Israelian is known to TEDsters for his talk at TEDGlobal 2009 on studying the spectrum emitted by stars. Now Israelian is inviting anyone with an interest in astronomy and the space sciences to travel to the Canary Islands, in Spain, home of the world’s largest telescope, to participate on June 20-25, 2011 […]
[Update: Deadline passed]: Write a haiku containing the phrase “smarter planet” and tweet it to @WiredUK — and you could win a pass to TEDGlobal 2010 next week! The contest is supported by IBM and WiredUK, and is open to UK residents only. The competition closes at Midday BST on Thursday 8 July, 2010. The […]
Solar Impulse, the solar airplane that Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard described in his captivating talk at TEDGlobal 2009, took off successfully this morning from Payerne airfield, in Western Switzerland, on its maiden flight. The aircraft (which has a wingspan of 63.40 meters but a weight of only 1600 kg and a speed at takeoff of […]
In an incisive talk at TEDGlobal 2009 in Oxford, investigative journalist Misha Glenny (author of McMafia) described the global shadow economy and crime networks in minute details. After his talk, several attendees asked TED European director Bruno Giussani to invite Misha back to discuss not only the results of his investigations and research, but […]
At TEDGlobal, Loretta Napoleoni gave a fascinating talk on her exclusive opportunity to speak with members of the secretive Italian terrorist group, the Red Brigades, and the startling insight she’s gained over decades of studying the economics of terrorism. Before her talk posted, she chatted with the TEDBlog and shared a little more of her […]
Naming science as his chief inspiration, Mathieu Lehanneur shows a selection of his ingenious designs — an interactive noise-neutralizing ball, an antibiotic course in one layered pill, asthma treatment that reminds kids to take it, a living air filter, a living-room fish farm and more. (Recorded at TEDGlobal University 2009, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: […]
Cynthia Schneider looks at two international “American Idol”-style shows — one in Afghanistan, and one in the United Arab Emirates — and shows the surprising effect that these reality-TV competitions are creating in their societies. (Recorded at TEDGlobal University 2009, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: 5:38) Watch Cynthia Schneider’s talk on TED.com, where you can […]
In stunning large-format photographs, Edward Burtynsky follows the path of oil through modern society, from wellhead to pipeline to car engine — and then beyond to the projected peak-oil endgame. (Recorded at TEDGlobal 2009, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: 3:40) Watch Edward Burtynsky’s talk on TED.com, where you can download this TEDTalk, rate it, comment […]
At TEDGlobal U, Cameron Sinclair shows the unreported cost of real estate megaprojects gone bust: thousands of migrant construction laborers left stranded and penniless. To his fellow architects, he says there is only one ethical response. (Recorded at TEDGlobal University 2009, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: 3:06) Watch Cameron Sinclair’s talk on TED.com, where you […]
The euphonium, a tuba-like musical instrument, is rarely heard outside of traditional brass bands. Young euph prodigy Matthew White uses hip-hop rhythms and a wild new vocal technique to bring a fresh sound to this underappreciated horn. (Recorded at TEDGlobal 2009, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: 2:21) Twitter URL: http://on.ted.com/5l Watch Matthew White’s talk on […]
Becky Blanton planned to live in her van for a year and see the country, but when depression set in and her freelance job ended, her camping trip turned into homelessness. In this intimate talk, she describes her experience of becoming one of America’s working homeless. (Recorded at TEDGlobal 2009, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: […]
As globalization and technological advances bring us hurtling towards a new integrated future, Ian Goldin warns that not all people may benefit equally. But, he says, if we can recognize this danger, we might yet realize the possibility of improved life for everyone. (Recorded at TEDGlobal 2009, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: 7:07) Twitter URL: […]
Reuse of syringes, all too common in under-funded clinics, kills 1.3 million each year. Marc Koska clues us in to this devastating global problem with facts, photos and hidden-camera footage. He shares his solution: a low-cost syringe that can’t be used twice. (Recorded at TEDGlobal 2009, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: 4:46) Twitter URL: http://on.ted.com/4D […]
An orchestra conductor faces the ultimate leadership challenge: creating perfect harmony without saying a word. In this charming talk, Itay Talgam demonstrates the unique styles of six great 20th-century conductors, illustrating crucial lessons for all leaders. (Recorded at TEDGlobal, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: 20:52) Twitter URL: http://on.ted.com/4C Watch Itay Talgam’s talk on TED.com, where […]