TED Conferences
2009-07-25
I went to the TED Conference in Oxford this week. Click that link and browse a bit to get an idea of who/what it is.
Fully engaged, I was front row at every talk, talking with as many strangers as I could, in between the talks. In four days, I....
- Talked with Thomas Dolby. (read his TED music overview, here)
- Immediately bonded with kindred Maria Popova from Bulgaria (“a curious mind at large with a passion for behavioral psychology, innovation, design and good conversation”)
- Met Willard Wigan in the lobby, who makes entire sculptures inside the eye of a needle
- Hung with Marian Spier from Suriname, who is putting on a TEDx Conference in Amsterdam
- Heard then hung with 18-year-old euphonium player Matthew White
- Got a Mandarin lesson from Heidi Hsueh, then found out we've been on surprisingly parallel paths
- Talked with Imogen Heap about creative motivation (she can't work without deadlines)
- Shook the hand of the man who swam across the North Pole
- Loved the metaphors and aphorisms of James Geary
- Got teary-eyed over the amazing performance by Emmanuel Jal
- Had a great talk with Julian Treasure, a business sound expert, who did an amazing 5-minute talk about the influence of sound on our surroundings
- Met amazing musician Meklit Hadero, who recognized me and came up to me! She was the only person to do so at the whole conference. I was the initiator of every other social interaction for the whole week.
All-in-all, my favorite thing about coming to TED are the other audience members I meet, who I have more in common with than any other random group of people I've met.
For example, I plan to live in a dozen different countries around the world, for 1-3 years each. Most of my friends think I'm weird for this, but at TED I met four separate people who have done this or are doing it now.
I'm hooked. They're ridiculously expensive, but I'm already registered for TED India in November, TED 2010 in California, and TED Global in Oxford 2010. My buddy Amber Rubarth is coming with me to TED India, which is “only” $2400, one-third the cost of the others, so if you're thinking of going, here's more info.
While I sit here filled with envy about what your doing, I'm excited that this Tuesday I'm attending TEDx Boston.
It isn't quite the same, but it is a first step and I can't wait.
Dude, you may live a wild life, but guess what? You are so inspirational to me. Im gonna check in to the TED California and I will come up to you and initiate a conversation, I am not well traveled like you, but I am in thought.
Peace, Brandon
Oh, wait, I just checked on the TED California and its sold out for one and it cost like $6,400.00. I think I most likely wont attend.
Derick, let me know when your at a poor mans event, some of the poorest people have the best music, then I will meet you.
Peace again, Brandon
Yeah it's crazy expensive, which is why I never went until now. You can see all the videos on ted.com for free. And people all over are doing TEDx Conferences, which are mini TED Conferences, free to attend! -- Derek
I was wondering what you were doing in London. TED is WOW. When I first read the title of the post I thought for sure that you were a speaker, and one day you will be!
I would love to be surrounded by awesome like minded people that "get it" all the time, which is a network I will build over my lifetime! =)
WOW Derek, someone in Jasper on Edith lake visiting from Ottawa just told me about TED yesterday! How amazing is that! Love all the people you met and Love that you want to live in different countries; been doin that too all my life and every 18 year old should be given an around the world ticket to get out of the box! Best education. Keep living LIFE!! Wooo Hoooo!
Certainly not something for the faint-of-wallet. Encompasses concepts few have the luxury or insight to contemplate. Still, it's probably "next-level" thinking on a variety of topics and their interrelationships to allow people to redefine their lives and life patterns. Trying to figure out why it makes me anxious, personally. Dunno.
Sounds like fun, but a bit out of my price range ;-) Still, it's hard to put a price on a good idea.
I think I can relate to what you said about Imogen Heap and deadlines. I can't say I like to work under pressure (I actually kind of hate it), but I do my best work 99.9% of the time under some killer deadline. Go figure.
Do you know which countries you're going to live in yet? My wife and I lived in India for a year and a half and it was without a doubt the most important learning experience of our lives. Definitely planning to do it again. Not sure where yet.
I'm sure it'll change as I go, but as of now my city list looks like: Hong Kong, Kerala, Buenos Aires, Berlin, Singapore, and somewhere in Brazil, Turkey, Italy, Chile, etc. -- Derek
I've watched several TED videos and I'm not surprised you're hooked. I'll be awaiting your next "big idea" after you've lived in 3-4 countries - that will give you about 10 years to let it simmer. I hope China is on your list (I know it's the country du jour, but it's SO BIG that you can find an interesting niche...). Please blog and keep us posted. Someday I want to be just like you
Your fan,
Ann
Derek, I don't think it's weird to want to live in a bunch of different countries...that's awesome man and I'd like to do the same. So much culture and variety to behold in life. Can't wait until I can make it to a TED convention (go-go gigging magic)
Andrew
You just taught me something new. I'm a bit introverted, so I don't generally initiate contact. I love the way you interacted with the people you met and the lingering memories you brought home. Living all over the world is on my bucket list. I hope to bump into you some day and would most absolutely initiate a conversation with you.
Deborah
My husband and I are huge fans of the Ted videos. They have some of the most fascinating people and ideas. I can imagine how inspiring your experience was because every time we watch a Ted video, it makes us want to invent something or go out and conquer the world. I look forward to hearing more about your future Ted talks and the people you meet!
You may have written about this somewhere else, so forgive me if so but do you or have you found the process of initiating conversation with "random" strangers uncomfortable? Does it get easier over time? Any insights into making it more natural?
It doesn't come naturally to anyone. I think we're all hoping for someone else to break the ice and initiate a conversation. I wrote a little bit about it at sivers.org/conferences, but I'll write more about it some day. I'm still reading books on the subject and forcing myself to get better at it. Also see Social Skydiving
. -- Derek
D.S.
Good stuff dude. I'm glad to see your knowledge is still inspiring others like myself. Don't stop, keep it coming. I will always support your endeavors.
Thanks,
DWILL
Settling down in one place is highly overrated. TED is very unique conference thanks for sharing.
They are great conferences with cool ideas. I'll get around to one soon. As for living elsewhere, I don't think it's weird. But then the people I'm meeting these days think I live a fairytale life as it is. Oh well.
Your idea about living various places is what I'm doing on shrinky-dink scale with my People Places & Sings project. Great minds...have more fun.
I am planning on the 2010 one. It has to be a better value than some of these international ones. Way over priced and often fruitless.
Can't wait to MUCK it up.
Hi Derek,
I wouldn't call your plan to live in different countries for a short period of time "weird". It does seem very difficult to me, just because it would mean that you would build up friendships with people you might not see again following that period of time...but maybe humans *should* be more nomadic than they are, instead of just clinging to one or two areas for their life (which is what the vast majority of people do). And look at it this way -- what you're doing may be "weird" to some, but at least you're doing something that you find to be important. How many other people ever really bother to do that?
Don't stop do you? What makes Derek run? Your memory is colossal! Isabel told me a good one. Comment: "Pigs will fly before we get a black President"
"Obama got in and swine flu"
Derek for next Pres!
Best of luck Derek, please wish me the same trying to login to cdbaby.
I was thinking about selling a few possessions to finance a van and travel Australia. After reading about TED, I know which appeals to me more. Like minds. Open minds. More minds the merrier. This adventure must surely have had a deep impact on you Derek. After reading I had a feeling of hope, excitement and one of peace. As it is true after all, there are more people in this World who do believe. Who will think and act. What's more, they are to me the very heart of what Life and Living is about. Too many are more than willing to avoid what may seem an impossibility. The Mind, unless repressed, knows of no such thing. Think. Do. Or that moment can be nullified by those who simply... Do not believe. Music is so Primal. Pick up a stick, log anything and find your own rhythm. To all. To me and so many... This is what we are. Deny it and we could all slip far away.....
Derek, I've never heard of TED before now, interesting. I guess I'll check out the video's since I don't have an extra $6400.00 laying around.l.o.l. All the best, Randy
Because of my passion for music, it seems to have presented a bunch of unseen doors to be unlocked. I never heard of TED Conferences before, and I probably would never heard of Derek Sivers either. I think that when you allow your mind to be creative, it then allows you to see the world in an understanding beyond your own fence. This TED Conference appears to be filled with creative people that are sharing their ideas for positive direction. Anyway, thanks for thinking that this was worth mentioning! I am still discovering a big world out there everyday. I don't like what I see all the time but I do like what I saw on it's webpage. The price tag is relatively cheap when you consider the wealth of knowledge and the massively available connections with many great people. You could spend millions other ways just to try and get the same results.
Derek, you are the living 'The Secret!' and I am too! Just saw it for the 5th time and I see that the life we have; is exactly that we desire & designed. When you write your autobiography, I will be the first to buy it!
Our lives are a blank slate; and each of us are the pen that fills the slate. You will be a speaker at a Ted Conference as you've many things talk about which will continue to 'reawaken us to our higher selves'.
When I read about your life; it propels me into 'forward motion'; into making my own dreams happen! Watching "The Secret!"; I am filled with awe and gratitude for everyone that has touched my life and especially for those that make their own dreams come true; reminding me I too, can and am making my dreams come true!! And to never never never give up.
Joy
The Judy Joy Jones Show
I think it is wonderful that you want to live in many different countries. You have worked hard and deserve to make your dreams come true.
Whatever floats you boat Derek.
Be happy.
Frances Long
Wow, sounds like you met some amazing people!
You should have an essay or music contest, Derek, and the winner will get to attend a TED conference with you ;)
"Met Willard Wigan in the lobby, who makes entire sculptures inside the eye of a needle"
So, finally someone who really would know exactly how many angels can dance on the head of a pin!
Sounds like the conference was a blast.
There is one borderline, really, and that's the edge of Earth.
I pledge allegiance to my planet
and to the universe, all arround and within me, one spirit indivisible, with eternity for all.
from Planetwork, radical nuevo-nationalism, the newest cd from Brute Force.
To make it in my home, I make it in the world.
The center of the universe is within my body.
Iceland is Tierra del Fuego is Nepal etc.
When (ok, 'if') you decide to give New Zealand a go, drop us a line and we'll help you settle. Love the idea of living around the world. The perspective you will gain will be phenomenal.
Um....Derek? I think that bit by bit and conscious moment by conscious moment you are helping me to reaffirm, define and change my life.
Thanks.
Sounds like a GREAT hang Derek! Any plans to come to Tokyo?
I was just telling some friends last week that I was thinking about doing THIS in 3-5 year intervals. Wow! Maybe I'm not crazy for thinking one of my purposes on this planet is simply to "experience." The others being to love and to create.
Gogogo mannn!
I'd definitely love to live in Tokyo some day! -- Derek
awesome.Your time is well spent.
Congrats.
Well First, Thank "You"
Feel Free To Write Any Time, Cus I Know Everything Will And Be In Its Own Exact Time,,,Family And Friends,,,,,
,Warrenpeace
Is there an official site that has info on how to register for the TEDx events or is everything up to the individual organizers? Trying to find info on TEDxNashville and the only thing I've seen is a listing/date on the main site. Any ideas?
I'm pretty sure they're 100% managed by the individual organizers. Meaning: TED basically lends them the brand name, and the local person does absolutely everything else. Including setting up their own website. -- Derek
This is one of those moments when , so filled up with emotions churning around, a million thoughts all creating more thoughts...that I can't write a word ! Just to let you know that I think you are a great ambassador of peace and I'll get back to you when I've caught my breath ! Take care, Wichampi.
would like to hear a review about the underworld investigator, the quantum physicyst, and the second world analyst
Within a few weeks, ALL of those talks should be available for free on ted.com so you can watch them yourself. -- Derek
Ah! I love TED myself. My fiancee got me hooked on it after she showed me talks from the likes of Michael Pollan and Mark Bittman. From there we just spring boarded into other amazing, inspiring, and down-right awesome things.
Derek, how great it is that you are living freedom. The mere ideal of you sharing... is beyond words. You an Ideal yourself able to look and see other parts of "new ideals" and bring them to us musicians is greatness. It gives me something to write about, again. I love this challenge, this journey and I'm greatful for your sharing yours with me. Hey, Derek I'm on my way. Smile.
Great stuff Derek. Way to push your boudaries, tho, I'm not sure you have any boundaries. You more of an intergalactic traveller!
Have you read War and Peace yet? Or do you focus on business books?
Hi Derek, I've lived in Burma, Afghanistan and Dubai (and also Singapore intermittently) and plan on doing more countries! Go for it!
I think it’s wonderful that you get to experience going to all those countries and meeting all these creative spirits.
For 5 years of my life I have live all over the US due to my allergies, of which, I had to move over 200 times, not by choice though
when you’re on the road you meet some of the most creative people.
In my case it was a little different experience but I had the opportunity to work with some of the best comedians in the world, like George Carlin, , Steve Kato, The Smother Brothers, and Gary Owens from Laugh in, and a lot more.
I think the moving help me to take life to up most.
Sometimes you can get lonely but God always sends you people who you connect with
I would say go for it and live life and write a book on it
Pretty high-minded stuff, and no doubt fascinating. Unfortunately, out of my price range. Guess I'll have to get my intellectual fix from the much cheaper Pacifica-hosted events.
Keep writing
TC
Buddha said those who know cannot say and those who say cannot know. What was he trying to say? I have pondered this question. At first I just thought if one knew there would be no need to say,the fool on the hill syndrome. These days it seems noone knows anything, really. The more you know, the more you see how much don't know. When you know you know nothing, wala....nervana No time for speaking.
Derek, will be good to meet you finally at TED India.
Just heard Amber as well - really liked it. She should do a few gigs while she is in India, will be glad to help.
I can see you have met very interesting people and I am filled with joy for you. I feel that you should follow your goals of living in a different country from 1 to 3 years and encourage you to do so as you only live once.
Congrats on attending TED. I first gained respect for Tony Robbins via viewing a video of one of his talks at TED. Both the talk and the names in the audience were amazing.
this is fantastic Derek. Your mind must be spinning with all the stimulation of the conference connections, and so organic. You pose a compelling TEDmptation...
I've been watching TED videos lately, thinking how neat it would be to get to one of these things. I can't justify spending $6,400, but maybe if I do something interesting enough, I can present and get in for free.
You've already done something interesting enough and could present on any number of topics. I'm looking forward to the day I can watch you on TED.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (New International Version)
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
I have lived and worked on 5 continents in my lucky life of service and can't imagine having missed out on the relationships I made there or all I learned about history, humanity, society, government, creativity, and technology. Still, I haven't been to China, Japan, Australia, Iceland nor Madagascar (the only places that still kinda call me) although my travel bug is pretty well spent. Now I am enjoying the benefits and qualities of living in one place a long time, deepening roots and relationships. It's all good. Derek, I hope you will (continue to) share your insights with us wherever you go, and be the excellent ambassador I imagine that you are.
TED is inspiring.
I have been lucky enough to live 10 years of my life outside of my homeland.
Go visit and live around the world for as long as you desire.
And remember,
"It’s not the going home
That’s hard.
It’s the wanting to." - (quote by Eric Nelson)
Hi Derek... I concur with several of your readers who suggest you ought to have your own spot at TED... When you're thinking of destinations for living abroad, may I suggest Switzerland.
Sounds like you are having fun. It is not easy to find people with the same interests so you can have an intelligent conversation with them. Helen
I always learn something from Derek. What I learn is eclectic and exciting. Thank you as always. I wish I had been there...its only down the road from me !!! Its this gold three feet away all over again.
People like you are what keeps music going, most of us are so involved with recording & rehearsing that all our time is taken up, so keep doing it !!
TED India / BIG questions!!
Some of the questions we’re planning to tackle:
Which local innovations are destined for global impact?
Who are the young thinkers and doers capable of shaping the future?
Can there be economic advancement without environmental destruction?
Can a pluralistic democracy survive in the face of rising fundamentalism?
Can we make money and be good? Really?
What should we learn – or fear?
from China’s investment in Africa?
Do we have enough water for everyone?
How do we keep our youth challenged and our aged healthy?
How can anti-poverty solutions be brought to scale?
Is there wisdom to be found in traditional medicine??
Which other ancient traditions can illuminate modern life?
Derek,
I live in NYC. Harlem to be exact and I have been trying to follow the advice from you ebook. I've making industry-friends at least 3 a week for the past month.
It's a lot harder than it sounds. But I've been doing Meetups and performing pro-bono for people that need it, like dance schools and stuff (I play bass).
It seems like TED and these kind of conferences can speedup the friend making processes. The only conference I ever go to is NAMM. But where can I find conferences that I can afford?
-Hakim
Conferences are often not cost-effective. I think reaching out to people online is the most efficient way. Example: you read an article you like, and contact the author. You hear some music you like, and contact the musician or even the producer or engineer. See a photo you like and contact the photographer. Contact one of the many companies set up to help musicians, and say hello. -- Derek
So many speakers and so much knowledge.Certainly is a great
way to learn.
Nice one, reminds me of the London meet up that you sorted out for us! For the first time I finally met musicians who were serious about their music business. I had more in common with that group than any other random group I can think of too!
I was a bit quiet at first but it was good to initiate conversations with different groups and individuals.
Derek, fantastic bonding with you as well. I couldn't agree more about the wonderful self-selection bias of the TED audience – I've never felt more at home with a group of "strangers."
And you know you always have a place to stay should you decide to make Bulgaria one of your dozen.
Wow, Derek - I had never heard of TED - how fantastic is that... I get so absorbed - or bogged down -(it has felt like more of the latter for the past while) with the business of music that the rest of the world just passes me by. Thank you so much for doing all this stuff and keeping the res of us posted - we, who don't have the time, inspiration, wallet or courage for these things need you... have fun and keep posting
Fil
PS Tell Hakim to go to some festivals and just hang out - he'll meet loads of people
I NEVER HEARD OF TED UNTIL NOW, BUT IT SEEMS EXCITING TO HEAR OF MUSICIANS IN ON MEETS LIKE THAT. IF ONE EVER WANTS TO PROMOTE THEMSELVES, IT COSTS BUT IT CAN BE A GREAT WAY OF PUTTING YOUR MATERIAL IN THE RIGHT HANDS
Engaging the following:
...
Chatted with Richard Mc Sweeney; a self-originating philosopher, poet, n' artist from the beautiful isle of Eire. He lived for a number of years both in the Far East, n' the Middle East. He spoke to me of his mighty adventure of driving by car from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia through the desert to Aqaba in Jordan, on to Petra, and up to the ruined Hellenistic-Roman city of Gadara (Umm Qais) in northern Jordan, within view of Lake Tiberius, and the Golan Heights before driving all the way back again to Jeddah. He was the only imaginary person to come up and chat with me during the entire week.
Derek we of the solitary way are far, far removed from weird ...
Life is truly engaging; calling forth from us creativity and courage in abundance!
With gratitude and well being,
Richard
Twitter: @mystatus_update
From the east he rises that glorious lamp nothing new beneath the sun,
Unsullied beauty his gallant journey over the hills when day is done.
Within each soul an undiscovered continent beyond the bounds of contemplation,
Essential to the mental constitution of man nothing beats a great conversation!
Derek, I have lived, studied, and worked in Egypt,Germany, England,India, and Australia. What you are doing living abroad is beyond riches; it broadens your whole being, especially the mind. All the best to you in all your journeys.
I travel alone to many countries and constantly meet a variety of people from all walks of life.Going up to people and simply engaging in conversation has never been a problem and it certainly is not an art.Why,do people seem to thing it is?I recently came back from a 7 night cruise on the Nile in Egypt and i covered 15 excursions from Luxor to Abu Simble.Learned so much about ancient civilisation and the present way of life.I was the only single person in a group of nine that i'd met and felt so at home with.I never once felt alone.
When i got back to the uk,alot of work people couldn't understand how i could do what i did alone.I fully appreciate what you constantly do.You have a thirst for knowledge and a great love of people, Derek.You also bring alot of new information to the table.Food for thought so to speak.Enjoy it all my friend.
sounds like fun! Your sense of self must have been really inspired. When you go to a show, a speech or watch a documentary it seems as though it's up to the individual to take that in and experience that event. Apply it as the individual sees fit. When you're meeting so many people from so many walks of life. How can you help, but not be better off for it? Sounds like you had conversations with lots of passionate people. That in itself is inspiring. Thanks for writing about your experience!
Your article reads like you had a thrilling experience Derek, and being in the company of such thinkers and visionaries, it is no wonder. He who walks with wise men, will become wise. And you were no slouch to begin with
God bless my friend.
Danny Brooks
Who's Ted?
thanks for blogging about your experience with TED I was looking forward to hearing your perspective on it and I wasn't disappointed.
how amazing to be in the thick of such dynamic creative thinking. i can almost feel it by reading about it.
tally ho to the whole living in as many countries as you can, i'm all for it myself as long as I can get someone to do the packing for me lol
thanks for the sharing
Exactly! This is the future. Can anyone be surprised? Wonderful....
My Girlfriend and I are big fans of the Ted videos. They have opened doors to some wonderful ideas and provided fascinating introductions to their authors. It sounds like you had a marvelous time.
Loved TD's comments as well...wish I had seen the Imogen human loop...how cool!
Derek, Live as many places as you can, our only limitations are the ones we create.
All the best!
...and Thanks!
Rick Strittmater
Way cool. I've always wanted to go to a TED conference and see Ray Kurzweil give a speech. I didn't realize the India registration was so much cheaper... that just might work.
Who were your favorite speakers?
I think you can see them all online. Including Ray Kurzweil. As for my favorites? Hmm.... still digesting. -- Derek
Good day Derek
"An introduction?" For me is about belief in self, and what you have to share? I have waited and missed the opportunity when doubt creeps in.
I am pleased to learn about your interests in Ted. I will look deeper, sharing an experience of this caliber is great. As for culture I just returned from building a dakota sweat lodge. welllll at least we finished the framing today. Derek do not forget to look under the stone in your back yard.
We will have walked many of the same roads someday do not hesitate to long on going for your walkabout (have fun!)
Derek, keep up the good work thank you for keeping me and all of us up to date about what happening in the music business now.
I wonder what Stephen Fry & Rory Bremner were like. I tried not to miss a single episode of "stephen Fry in America" where he travels in a London Cab and meets some amazing people. I can't imagine Rory Bremner been serious, there must have been quite a few laughs.
Rory was great and funny, riffing on subjects presented only minutes before. If Stephen would have prepared instead of improvised he would have been amazing instead of merely charming. -- Derek
I am currently living some time in different cities and countries. I am currently in southern Germany. To learn to see that you ideas and ways of seeing things are not the way of most others is quite eye opening. I enjoy the language and cultural differences the most. I have learn much about myself through living as a nomad. Good luck and enjoy.
Derek,
I am estatic that you atended the TED conference and loved it; those types of conferences and other business communications conferences has been a part of my life for the last 25 years or so; so "HATS" off to you and while you are involved @ any conference or other just know when you need a GREAT Gospel group to perform just call me for "The Gospel Paraders" we are on Cd Baby and are work on a new project to be available in the next few monthe.
Jean
I lived and performed in Singapore from 1985 to 1988. Married a beautiful Chinese Singaporean woman. Learned about the people, their culture, their food, their music, their way of life. Living there affected my life in a way I never thought possible.
Great adventures and knowledge await you, Derek. Thanks for sharing your experiences at TED.
Having lived for varying lengths of time in København, Reykjavik, London, Kobe, München, Los Angeles, Portland, Chicago, New Hampshire, New York -- some more than once -- and having performed in 45 countries since 1971, I can certainly vouch for the wisdom and perspective one can gain from nurturing a shallow root system capable of reaching far beyond one's self-imposed limitations. There is but one race: the human race. We sing one song with many melodies, many rhythms. May we continue to enlighten and inspire one another.
Excellent Derek. You are living the life of a bon vivant, a degustación, sucking the marrow out of life. Wonderful and an inspiration. You should come spend some time in Cape Town while you're on your home-moving journey... it can be a wonderful city. I'm planning to spend a few months playing and living in Buenos Aires later this year myself... ciao, Ian!
You should be _giving_ a Ted Talk, not attending them. They'd be privileged to have you.
Maybe they already know who you are and haven't figured out if you're a genius or complete lunatic yet.
Travel and see the world, it is the best education and it is fun. Enjoy.
Listened to Meklit Hadero. She is great. Something is going on in the entire world right now and we are about to witness something phenomenal. Or we are actually witnessing something quite extraordinary. Such conferences are great. I wish I could go to one of them. Thank you Derek for the sharing.
Max
Good on you Derek - your enthusiasm is contagious
Michael.
I learn something new from you almost every day. Thanks, Derek!
Thanks for tuning me into this - what a great forum for ideas, definitely not something I've seen/heard in mainstream news - "ordinary won't change the world"
peace,
Alan
Derek's a Ted head now!!!
Awesome stories and you rock for living life.
Mykel
What a wonderful gift you are spreading...watching TED is like taking daily vitamins to keep me on course with my purpose...I have the app on my iphone so I can take TED with me wherever I am.
Thanks Derek!
Hi Derek,
I love TED too. My band The Venusians played 3 years of TED parties each year after I played in Thomas Dolby's band for TED 2004. That was the same year that I opened the Conference with solo Electronic Valve Instrument and was a presenter on the last day talking about the instrument.
I look forward to your next venture after hanging with the TED luminaries...thanks for staying in touch!
Stop twenty strangers in the street and you'll be equally inspired. Everyone has a story to tell. Cheap at $2400 ? - the other courses are dearer than this ? Aren't ye getting ripped off. Spend yer dough coming to Glasgow and stop twenty people on Sauchiehall Street and be truly inspired. Over and out.
Hoots Mon !
This conference sounds like an amazing experience... I'm so glad you wanted to share a bit of it with us! It would be a dream to attend a TED conference one day, and until then, it's great to know that there are free TEDx events nation-wide. Have you ever attended one of these?
Thanks for putting this on our radars! It's certainly something to strive for.
Halie
I love the idea of living in different countries for a few years each. You'll really get to experience each one, unlike a short vacation where you only scratch the surface. I can't wait to read your newsletters!
Hey Derek, if you haven't made up the list of countries to try to live in to, i would invite you to try Cebu, Philippines.
I like it so much so far, and i think you will like it too. :D
This amazed me, the Sixth Sense computer, from the February TED...
http://www.ted.com/talks/pattie_maes_demos_the_sixth_sense.html
The TED conferences must be worth every penny to attend.
Brother Derek!!
"Where would I be if you never ever rescued me" - Emmanuel Jal
- I finally managed to watch the powerful performance. His words and those of Chris Abani bring back memories of friends, family, thoughts and experiences I grew up with. I could write all day about such things but I understand what Emmanuel means by finding heaven in music. We should all have someone to thank for exposing us to better choices; I am more thankful that my heroes were charismatic and imaginative; they were eccentric people who often took risk to get there point across but I exist because they lived.
An old Jewish trumpet teacher asked me one day.."kid do you know why Miles Davis played with his back turned to the crowd?"
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Source: For example, I plan to live in a dozen different countries around the world, for 1-3 years each. Most of my friends think I'm weird for this, but at TED I met four separate people who have done this or are doing it now.
Hello, Thanks for sharing your TED stories. Can you kindly hint me these four separate people? I guess one is Tim Ferris. Your unique life style is so similar like Tim's 4 Hour work week. Both of you set the good examples. Very inpirational. I just wanna share all of your stories. Keep me updated.
Thank you TEDsters and TED talks.