Intricate beauty...

Back in February I mentioned Marian Bantjes and her stunning typography, and now Marian's TED talk showcasing her work is available - have a peek her work is truly incredible. For more on Marian, and to see more of her work hop on over here.
Clip from TED.

Just released is Sir Ken Robinson's 2010 TED talk. Witty and profound Sir Ken 'makes the case for a radical shift from standardized schools to personalized learning -- creating conditions where kids' natural talents can flourish'. Well worth 18 minutes of your time, and if you haven't seen it, his 2006 TED talk was also brilliant. And if you hop over here you can find out more about Sir Ken.
Clip and quote from TED.

The talk...

Julia Sweeney's 2010 TED talk is hilarious. Julia starts off discussing frog reproduction with her eight-year-old daughter, and ends up having to tell a little white lie when things veer off course...
Clip from TED.

Eloquent & beautiful...

Natalie Merchant's TED 2010 performance has just gone live. Take the time to watch - the songs are from her new album Leave your Sleep with lyrics from near-forgotten 19th century poetry. Really lovely!

Dan Barber's TED talk...

A humorous and well researched TED talk from Dan Barber on how to "keep fish on the menu".

A food revolution...

Hop on over here and take 30 seconds to sign Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution petition to build "support for better food at school and better health prospects for America’s children". A very worthy cause! You can also read about Jamie's TED Prize here, see the plan, and find out what's needed to make it happen.

Image from Jamie Oliver.

Two TED talks...

Temple Grandin's TED talk, where she talks about autism and her ability to "think in pictures", has just gone live. And in case you haven't seen it, here's Jamie Oliver making his case for an "all-out assault" on ignorance of food. Enjoy!

What the world needs now...

Portland is basking in the most gorgeous spring day today - bliss! As promised here's a quick-ish run down of (my) highlights from TED 2010. A few are available to view already, and many more will be released in the coming weeks:

- Esther Duflo on poverty and how we can do better.

- New York chef Dan Barber on sustainable fishing. Hilarious, informative and wise.

- Jamie Oliver's wish is granted.

- Jake Shimabukuro and his ukelele. Speechless.

- Bing maps, the coolest new mapping technology - beats google maps hands down!

- Sam Harris on morality.

- Wolfram Alpha incredible online knowledge engine - try it out. Stephen Wolfram's talk on how he developed the idea was fascinating.

- Mark Roth and his work on reversible metabolic hibernation. In other words suspended animation for humans!

- Temple Grandin on embracing the nerdy geeks who have so much to offer the world.

- Wired Magazine demo of the Summer 2010 issue. All online, on a tablet, scrollable, zoomable, and you-name-it-able.

- The hugely talented Marian Bantjes talking about her stunning calligraphy.

- Natalie Merchant's eloquent voice turning poems into songs. Beautiful.

- Sir Ken Robinson, one of the most informed and entertaining speakers ever, referencing Yeats and asking us to "tread softly on the dreams" of our children.

And before I go, I just have to mention Intelligentsia Coffee - yum! The best coffee (they do flat whites!) I've had since landing stateside.

*** thanks for all your comments and emails most of these 'talks' haven't been released yet, but will be in the coming weeks. I'll post a note letting you know when each one is released. Apologies for any confusion ***

Images from Marian Bantjes.

Inspirational, amazing, heartening....

....I could go on and on. TED 2010 was incredible! So many ideas both humble and mind-blowing, and all these people working to make a difference in society and the world. A very profound experience. I will post more on who spoke and about what tomorrow.

Image - my toes toasting in the Palm Springs sunshine.