TED Talk : Picturing excess

This week on TED.com, Chris Jordan shows how to make art from some of our most surprising statistics of consumption. You won't look at a paper coffee cup the same way again. George Dyson shares some almost-lost history from the early days of computing -- including the creation of the first artificial life. And Robert Full shares video of how we can learn from animals to find new ways to move. Highlights from last week: Julie Taymor's moving talk about the magic of theater and the power of imagination; Murray Gell-Mann discussing the roots of all language; and a powerful talk from Wade Davis, who takes us on a whirlwind tour of the worldwide web of belief.   Robert Full: How engineers learn from evolution Insects and animals have evolved some amazing skills -- but, as Robert Full notes, many animals are actually badly engineered. The trick is to copy only what's necessary. He shows how human engineers can learn from animals' tricks. Watch this talk >>   Chris Jordan: Picturing excess Artist Chris Jordan shows us an arresting view of what Western culture looks like. His supersized images help us picture some almost unimaginable statistics -- like the astonishing number of paper cups we use every single day. Watch this talk >>     George Dyson: Scenes from the birth of the computer Historian George Dyson tells stories from the birth of the modern computer -- from its 16th-century origins to the hilarious notebooks of some early computer engineers. Listen for the story of the very first artificial life -- stored on a deck of IBM punchcards and ready to come alive again. Watch this talk >>   Julie Taymor: Theater and the imagination Director/designer Julie Taymor talks about her boundary-shattering theater work -- such as turning The Lion King into an astonishing live musical. The key to her work? Always respecting, and relying on, the audience's imagination. Watch this talk >>   Murray Gell-Mann: Do all languages have a common ancestor? After speaking at TED2007 on elegance in physics, the amazing Murray Gell-Mann gives a quick overview of another passionate interest: finding the common ancestry of our modern languages. Watch this short talk >>     Wade Davis: The worldwide web of belief and ritual Anthropologist Wade Davis muses on the worldwide web of belief and ritual that makes us human. He shares breathtaking photos and stories of the Elder Brothers, a group of Sierra Nevada indians whose spiritual practice holds the world in balance. Watch this talk >>   JOIN THE CONVERSATION Become a free member of TED.com to join the discussion on our hundreds of Talks and Themes. Kevin Cohen on Julie Taymor's Theater and the imagination The willing suspension of disbelief is core to theater and perhaps all of art. Nice discussion of simplicity and the power of minimalism (while maintaining giant production values). ... and Antonio Arch on Taymor's talk I normally don't like to know the tricks of the trade when it comes to what directors and actors are employing to get emotions out of me. In this case it was even more inspiring and wondrous to know that the "magic" involves imagination and participation of the audience. We need theatre! thierry mortier on Chris Jordan's "Picturing excess" Brilliant visualisation. As we're changing our communication to meet the needs of our visual age, Chris Jordan is definitely on the right track here.   Apply to attend TED@PalmSprings Joining the community on TED.com is always free -- sign up here. If you'd like to attend TED in person, here are a few ways to apply for invitation: We're hosting our simulcast event for TED2009 in gorgeous Palm Springs, California. With talks on large HD screens, lots of live speakers and music, and our famous social events, the experience at TED@PalmSprings will be 100% TED quality. It won't, however, be 100% of the cost: TED@PalmSprings goes for the reduced rate of $3,750. Apply by June 30. Read more about TED@PalmSprings >> Meanwhile, in Long Beach, we've set aside 50 spots for Reduced-Price Memberships and Fellowships. Reduced-Price Memberships allow people in the nonprofit and educational worlds to attend for a rate of $2,000, while a TED Fellowship is free and covers a shared hotel room as well. Apply by June 30. Read more about Reduced-Price Memberships and Fellowships >>   TEDTalks are brought to you with the support of: and   You're receiving this weekly newsletter from TED because you subscribed to it from our website, TED.com. To unsubscribe, follow the link below. For all other comments, email us at contact@ted.com.

Unsubscribe or update your email address.
TED | 55 Vandam Street | 16th floor | New York, NY 10013