The insane mind-meld that is the T.E.D. Conference happened last week in Monterey, California. I read about this event last year, but never managed to go back and listen to any of 2007's amazing talks that were posted online. For those wondering...
"TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader.
The annual conference now brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes)."
It costs $6,000 and takes a personal invitation to attend the actual conference, but luckily the public can view the posted talks for free. Yippee! I watched a few sessions at the end of last week because we were starting a new project at work and I was feeling a bit burned out and uninspired. All (or most) of the 2008 talks will be posted online at TEDtalks. Check them out. This year's conference sought to address such big questions as:
Who are we?
What is our place in the universe?
What is life?
Is beauty truth?
Will evil prevail?
How can we change the world?
How do we create?
What's out there?
What will tomorrow bring?
What stirs us?
How dare we be optimistic?
And the point?
Another interesting aspect of TED is the TED Prize, "a way of taking the inspiration, ideas and resources that are generated at TED and using them to make a difference. Although the winners receive a prize of $100,000 each, that's the least of what they get. The real prize is that they are granted a WISH. A wish to change the world." I definitely enjoyed reading what past TED prize winners (like Bono and Al Gore) did for/with their wishes.
Just a little Monday "boost" going out to anyone needing a catalyst to feel/think differently about our big world...
helloooooo.... is anybody out there??????
Posted by: dairy queen | Tuesday, 11 March 2008 at 07:51 PM