I have been posting links to coverage of the TED Talks that I think are most interesting. This one is cool enough to have a post of its own. I am fascinated by how smart Crows are. They use tool and solve complicated problems. In this TED Talk, Joshua Klein talks about how he trained crows to put coins in a vending machine to get peanuts. Once he took away the supply of coin, the crows went out and found their own to bring back to the machine. Amazing.
Video of Microsoft's new WorldWide Telescope. This idea seemed a little overblown to me originally, but seeing it in action helps demonstrate why this is fairly exciting. I think the appeal won't be as wide spread as Google Earth. Particularly since I can't see pictures of my house when I look into space. That said, anything that can help us get a better sense of how we fit into the universe is worthwhile. The power of technology to spread ideas is immense and this is will be a step forward in spreading understanding
The TED Conference is underway in Monterey California. Those those unfamiliar with the conference, TED brings together forward thinkers from around the world to give short talks on technology, entertainment and design. Past TED talks are available for download from their website and through iTunes. The short length of the speeches makes them easy to digest and get you thinking expansively about some really cool stuff.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
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