TEDx

Fight violence without violence: Scilla Elworthy

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:08:04 -0400

“How do we deal with extreme violence without using force in return?” Scilla Elworthy has spent nearly fifty years on this question and campaigning for nonviolent strategies of fighting heinous crimes. At TEDxExeter she shares practical, peaceful methods of battling brutality and overcoming oppression.

Each week, we choose four of our favorite talks, highlighting just a few of the enlightening speakers from the TEDx community, and its diverse constellation of ideas worth spreading. Browse all TEDxTalks here »

The deepest dive ever: Tanya Streeter

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:53:33 -0400

In 2002, Tanya Streeter swam 525 feet below the ocean’s surface on one breath. At a depth past what a WWII submarine could hit, narcosis set in. Listen to how she pushed passed her limits and survived.

Our Sudan: Tarig Hilal

Tue, 22 May 2012 16:10:17 -0400

For years, Sudan has been embroiled in violent internal strife and severe international scrutiny, but it hasn’t always been that way and – according to Tarig Hilal – it won’t be that way forever. In this powerful talk from TEDxKhartoum, Hilal tells the story of a hopeful generation of Sudanese that are coming to terms with their past and setting a new direction for their country’s future.

Nos Amanha: TEDxLuanda, the first TEDx event in...

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:22:00 -0400

Nos Amanha: TEDxLuanda, the first TEDx event in Angola

TEDxLuanda is the first TEDx event in Angola — a country in southern Africa that was once a Portuguese colony, but gained independence in 1975. We spoke with organizer Januario Jose on the upcoming event (which happens on May 26th):

What led you to organize a TEDx event in Luanda?

We live in one of the most expensive countries in the world, where the economy is growing fast, however, still that does not reflect in our communities, still lot of basic work do be done, and things like education and health still not yet available to everyone. As a creative person, who is always looking for new things that can improve peoples lives, by empowering them and exposure them to the open world, I thought Luanda needed a TED experience. With that, I can inspire people to connect and engage with the rest of the world in way that can allow them to share their dreams, projects and ideas…

What has the help been from the Portuguese-speaking world? TEDx organizers in Portugal and Brazil, both who have very active communities?

The help has been little but useful: organizers from TEDxRio, TEDxO’Porto and TEDxVimaranes. Advice and support through social communities online, has been great. But we need more engagement and source sharing, and we are discussing some ways to create them together.

How did you decide on the theme of the event Nos, Amanha (Which translates to We, Tomorrow)?

Right now our society is a little bit vulnerable, the values are changing, people focus more on substance, and with that some cultural and social values as been left out. I want things to change, and by organizing the event TEDxLuanda, I am sure people will be inspired and motivate to change and with new way of thinking and doing things will emerge, for a better tomorrow, and that is the reason of the theme “We, Tomorrow”.

Who are some speakers you are most excited about?

I am excited about all of them, and I think all will bring a different vibe to the event in constructive way, but Yago de Qay and Deborah Cardoso Ribas (a 16-year-old writer) are making headlines.

What is your goal/ideal outcome for TEDxLuanda?

My goal is to open the minds of all Angolans, and inspire them with TEDxLuanda events every year until we are all connected to the world in the right manner, that open some doors to the global stage. I also want to incentivize communities in Angola to engage more and take action by using the resources available to them in order to build a more sustainable community.

Check out the TEDxLuanda website »>

Follow TEDxLuanda on Twitter »>

Like the TEDxLuanda Facebook page »>

TEDxTalks Weekend Report: Tents are cheaper and aquaculture is dirty

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:16:31 -0400

Last weekend we featured two great TEDxTalks on TED.com: Michael McDaniel at TEDxAustin and Melissa Garren at TEDxMonterey. Make sure you check them out:

Michael McDaniel shows us his Exo Reaction Housing Solution and shares how he’s dedicating his free time to working with suppliers and manufacturers to prepare for the next natural disaster.

Words of encouragement and incisive questions abound in the comments section. For instance, when Jingchao Zhou commented “I did some research, found out that the homepage of the company states that 1 unit costs about $5000. Not cheap comparing it to a tent,” Michael McDaniel dove right in with a response: “While this doesn’t seem cheap compared to a camping tents, tents are rarely a successful option for mass disaster response for numerous reasons including safety/security concerns.”

Watch the talk, write your own comments, and read more of Michael’s responses »

Melissa Garren sheds light on marine microbes that provide half the oxygen we breathe, maintain underwater ecosystems and demonstrate surprising hunting skills.

Commenters had great questions to ask of Melissa and she was happy to answer. For example, when Richie Flynn and Alan Rominger both questioned her stance on aquaculture, Melissa replied: “I am very much a sustainable aquaculture advocate. I agree with you that it can be an important component in sustainably feeding our growing planet. But all aquaculture practices are not created equally and the topic deserves at least an entire talk in and of itself.”

Watch the talk, write your own comments, and read more of Melissa’s responses »

Radicalism today: Julian Baggini

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:11:24 -0400

Julian Baggini argues that modern radicalism should not focus on obliterating the status quo, but on targeting modest, ad hoc reforms. In this keen and urgent talk from TEDxObserver, he explains how we can work within the confines of current government and economic models to bring about profoundly transformational changes to society.

A performance at TEDxSanJuan featured the creative theater...

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:57:09 -0400

A performance at TEDxSanJuan featured the creative theater company, Y No Había Luz. Their surrealist performance captivated the audience, and left a lasting impression. Find more photos from their event here: TEDxSanJuan

Teaching the professional digital native: Andrea Tavchar

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:39:26 -0400

Digital natives know how to use social media to talk with friends, and host a party, but not how to connect with corporate clients. At TEDxHumberCollege, Andrea Tavchar breaks down the differences between “living technologies” — for personal and social use — and “learning technologies” — where our definition of digital literacy must be reframed for the workplace.

Members of the Czech dance troop DOT504 gave a...

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:33:09 -0400

Members of the Czech dance troop DOT504 gave a lively interpretive performance at TEDxPrague on March 3rd. The performance was called Mah Hunt described as: “I live in a world without animals – I miss their rules. Two people decided to go on a hunt in this duet. What this duet will look like will depend on the rules.”

Find more photos from TEDxPrague

Find more about DOT504 here: DOT504

TEDxMogadishu: A Rebirth of Hope

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:57:07 -0400

TEDxMogadishu — the first TEDx event in Somalia — will happen on May 17th.

Between 50 and 100 people from diverse backgrounds will attend the event to listen to Somalis discuss the rebirth of Mogadishu. The event will be livestreamed for Somalis who can’t attend (e.g., the diaspora) and people who are interested to learn about the positive changes happening in Mogadishu.

The goal of the organizing team is to build a foundation for more events in the future, and to hopefully give Mogadishu a steady and fresh platform for spreading ideas. We spoke to team member Sebastian Lindstrom about the event:

Why Mogadishu — what led you to organize a TEDx here?

We had an opportunity to go to Mogadishu to film the opening of First Somali Bank, and while planning this trip, we brainstormed with Somalis living in the city about how to further share the positive stories taking place. TEDx has become a worldwide movement for sharing ideas and innovations taking place at the local level, and it seemed like a great fit. Mogadishu is changing, and while some in the media have picked up on it, the general perception of Mogadishu remains negative. We feel it’s important to share what’s really happening and we want to showcase positive stories for those who care about this dynamic city.

Who are the locals you’re working with?

We are working with Liban Egal, the founder of First Somali Bank, and his team in Mogadishu. They have linked the organizing team to a wide variety of Somalis — those who have returned to Somalia over the past few years and those who have lived through the conflict — who are supporting this initiative in various ways. We are crowdsourcing from the Somali and Somali diaspora’s Twittersphere to track down resources and awareness. Basically, it’s all very much a team effort on a worldwide Somali basis.

How did you choose the theme of your event — does it relate directly to the political situation, or is there a broader meaning?

The theme focuses on positive changes happening in Mogadishu, irrespective of the political situation. Many Somalis think Mogadishu has recently reached a turning point now that there is no active fighting inside the city for the first time in decades. There are thousands of Somalis returning home to open businesses, buildings sprouting up and being reconstructed, and there is a real sense of rebirth in a marginalized, misrepresented community that feels that its time has come. We realized this was the right moment to hold the event. So on the 17th a group of Somalis from different walks of life will share their stories of how Mogadishu is changing and their ideas for the future — this is TEDxMogadishu.

What are some of the challenges you knew you would face?

Safety concerns. Even though Mogadishu is changing, there remain significant security concerns that we cannot disregard. We are taking ample precautions so that adequate security will be in place. We are comforted by the fact that we’re holding an apolitical event with no agenda other than providing a platform for Somalis to communicate positive changes happening in this city to the world.

The second biggest challenge was timing and communication. Remote organization isn’t possible, so much was done on the ground over the past week. However, this city tends to operate quite last minute, so it hasn’t been a problem to find great speakers and attendees.

What’s a challenge that was completely unexpected?

Isolation anxiety. Because of security reasons, you cannot, as a foreigner, openly walk the streets of Mogadishu. So, you end up spending a lot of time in one place, which can result in a case of island fever.

What did you expect to be challenging, and wasn’t at all?

We thought that finding a venue was going to be a huge problem, but it worked out superbly.

What’s one thing about Mogadishu and Somalia that you wish everyone knew?

Despite its perception, Mogadishu is a beautiful city filled with hard working and extremely entrepreneurial Somalis. Both Somalis at home, and those in the diaspora, are optimistic that a turning point has been reached after 21 years of conflict.

Tell me about your speakers!

Speakers will include a wide range of Somalis and one foreigner. Some have recently returned to Mogadishu and others have lived through the conflict. They include: a chef and restauranteur, a real estate developer, the founder of a university, the founder of the First Somali bank, a healthcare specialist, someone who works with rape victims and former child soldiers, a Somali journalist, a camel milk mobilizer and more.

Tell me a good speaker story — maybe a speaker who was hard to find or convince.

Elle Elman will give a talk about her work with rape and sexual assault victims and the rehabilitation of child soldiers. Her father started the Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre and was an ardent peace activist in the 1990s, who coined the slogan “Put down the gun, pick up a pen.” He was killed in 1996 for trying to promote peace in Somalia. Elle left for Canada and three years ago came back to support her mother’s work with that same organization; more on the organization and her mother can be found here and here.

She is of the new generation in Somalia and has returned to her country during these difficult times.

Read these stories about her father, which are good to mention, since he was one of the initial major peace advocates; and people in Mogadishu know his name well.

Check out the website for the event: www.TEDxMogadishu.com

Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TEDxMogadishu

Follow on Twitter: @TEDxMogadishu

Email for more information: info@TEDxMogadishu.com

The sex life of sea slugs: Muljadi Pinneng

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:24:06 -0400

Muljadi Pinneng believes that the biodiversity under Indonesia’s waters is an indispensable part of its national heritage, and it’s an imperative to visit. At TEDxJakarta, he shares photographs from stunning, surprising and often funny moments swimming in some of the most beautiful coral reefs on the planet.

TEDxWallStreet ended their first TEDx event with a bang—or...

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:43:29 -0400

TEDxWallStreet ended their first TEDx event with a bang—or rather, a ding: by ringing the bell that signals the end of trading at the New York Stock Exchange.

Design by a housefly: Mahmood Hajim @ TEDxBaghdad

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:18:54 -0400

How does the common housefly beat its wings two-hundred times a second without burning out? Ingenious design. Engineer Mahmood Hajim demos his fly-inspired perforated propeller that could revolutionize everything from wind farms to submarines.

TEDxChange events happened all over the world on April 5th,...

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:01:16 -0400

TEDxChange events happened all over the world on April 5th, 2012. These events broadcast the simulcast from TEDxChange in Berlin, some had their own speakers.

This photo is from TEDxChChChange, held in Christ Church, New Zealand

Find more photos on our Facebook Page

"I went to the event very curious and even excited for having had organized a TEDxYouth at the end of..."

Sun, 13 May 2012 10:01:01 -0400

“I went to the event very curious and even excited for having had organized a TEDxYouth at the end of last year. I left as a human more human, with broadened horizons and an enormous extra dose of brilliance in my eyes. Since I have returned to Brazil, many people have asked me how the trip was and, as much as I try to tell the details, I cannot share many of the things that I had felt during the conversations and workshops. No, words are not enough to translate the intensity of these experiences.”

- André Gravatá, organizer of TEDxJovem@Ibira, on his experience at TEDxSummit.

Eastern Europe: Collaboration in the desert

Sat, 12 May 2012 09:55:20 -0400

There’s a saying in Poland: “Put two Poles together, you’ll get three opinions.” So I wasn’t sure what would happen when the whole of Eastern Europe and Russia got together to brainstorm for “Desert Day” at TEDxSummit, and I certainly wasn’t expecting it to be an example of collaboration, but TEDxSummit was surprising in so many ways!

We started off by resolving a real-world political issue — our Turkish TEDx’ers had first to decide whether to join Eastern Europe, the Middle East or demand the creation of a new category, what they called “Mediterranean Europe”. Their badges said Western Europe but they seemed pretty adamant that wasn’t an option. In the end they were persuaded to stay with Eastern Europe and their experience was invaluable. We also had to reassure Russia, who said one of their biggest problems was that no one thought they belonged in Eastern Europe. Believe me, as a Pole that was a new one for me.

Our Ambassador, Vlad Fiscutean, had the unenviable task of leading a group of TEDx’ers from countries that are more usually labelled by their location behind the former Iron Curtain than by their unique cultures, histories and futures.

He did a great job and the outcome was hugely encouraging. Of course we talked about the problems we face, we had the inevitable discussion about what process to use and how to report back. But most of all, we met each other and made the fundamental human connections that will mean that future collaboration between TEDx’ers in this rich and interesting region is inevitable. Watch out!

Written by Ewa Spohn, TEDxKrakow

Shops burned, London rioted, I shouted: Pauline Pearce

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:06:46 -0400

When London fell into riots in 2010, Pauline Pearce’s voice rose above the rest — even if she didn’t mean for it to. In this charming and compelling interview at TEDxObserver, she tells the story of how a trek home led to her shouting a rebuke of current affairs in the middle of the street and how a surprise recording of that event changed her life.

State of the X: Stats on TEDx and TEDxTalks in April

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:54:49 -0400

April was a landmark month for TEDx. Along with TEDxSummit in Doha, Qatar -– to which we brought 669 TEDx Organizers representing 90 countries and 1200 event. Check out the TEDx stats for this month:

TEDx events by the numbers: April

385 TEDx events happened around the world
290 cities hosted one or more TEDx event
77 countries hosted one or more TEDx event (Added El Salvador this month!)

TEDx events by the numbers: All time

4106 events have happened around the world
1100 cities around the world have hosted one or more TEDx event
130 countries have hosted one or more TEDx event

The community managed to host nearly 400 more events and create more than 1,000 talks. Check out the TEDxTalks stats for this month:

TEDxTalks by the numbers: April

1,075 new talks added to the TEDxTalks library
3.26 million views of the TEDxTalks YouTube channel and the TEDxTalks website
9 talks featured on TED.com
2.28 million views of those TEDxTalks featured on TED.com in April

TEDxTalks by the numbers: All time

15,270 TEDxTalks
38.1 million views of the TEDxTalks on the YouTube channel and the TEDxTalks website
158 talks featured on TED.com
72.2 million views of the TEDxTalks featured on TED.com

The huge number of talks in our library can be overwhelming, but if you focus on just a few, you can uncover surprising connections. Here are two that were featured on TED.com in April:

How we connect with others has deep impact on our own well being. Michael’s Norton’s research shows precisely how by spending money on other people we can make ourselves happier. He explains at TEDxCambridge:

Happiness, however, is only one aspect of a fulfilling, examined life. Brenda Brathwaite designs games not to entertain, but to help players forge deeply personal connections with history’s darkest moments. At TEDxPhoenix, she shares how interactive games can pull often abstract history lessons out of the past:

Someone Not Me: Masarat Daud-Jamadar, TEDxShekhavati

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:56:47 -0400

This is one in a series of interviews exploring the personalities of some of the TEDx organizers who gathered in Doha, Qatar for the TEDxSummit. Interviewd by Sartaj Amand of TEDxBMS in India.

Who are You? Which TEDx are you associated with? What do you think makes your TEDx unique?

I’m Masarat Daud-Jamadar. I currently stay in London. I’ve organized TEDxShekhavati in Rajasthan, India and a TEDx in a Box event called TEDxGawair in Bangladesh. What really differentiates TEDxShekhavati from other events is the fact that it’s the only rural TEDx event in India. It has a reach of somewhere close to 5000 people and just this notion of an American conference being held in an Indian rural context is fascinating. Ideas are beyond borders, and TEDxShekhavati proves it!

What’s your TEDx superpower?

I understand and move the rural person. I connect with them and have this urge to do something different.

What are some of things you don’t like? What makes you angry? Who are you NOT?

I despise the arrogance and ego which sometimes comes to people who start or participate in an initiative. I dislike those who cannot take criticism because they seem to forget that the event is not about them, but all about their community.

What’s the first thing or word that pops into your head when I say:

TED:Chris Anderson
The City 2.0: Streets
Earth: Green
Home: Rajasthan

Written by Sartaj Anand, TEDxBMS

The greatest machine that never was: John Graham-Cumming

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:23:02 -0400

Computer science began in the 30’s — the 1830’s. At TEDxImperialCollege, John Graham-Cumming tells the story of Charles Babbage’s mechanical, steam-powered “analytical engine” and how Ada Lovelace, mathematician and daughter of Lord Byron, saw beyond its simple computational abilities to imagine the future of computers.