While I'm preparing for a Simply Presentation workshop this summer, I've been browsing the TED Talks website for possible examples to share with the attendees. This involves watching every TED Talk I don't instantly recognize as one I've already viewed or downloaded. One of the joys of this process is discovering some of the technical demonstrations that happen at the TED conference every year.

In this video, Blaise Aguera y Arcas of Microsoft Live Labs shows off a piece of software called Photosyth. The demo is simply jaw-dropping.



Another joy is the outright bizzare but astonishing talents some individuals share. This video has Arthur Benjamin showcasing some unimaginable mathematical skills.

Tags: microsoft, ted

The school year is beginning to wrap up, and the next four weeks are going to be insane. Here are some links to keep you busy while I try to figuratively keep my head above water.

TED Talks: Johnny Lee: Creating tech marvels out of a $40 Wii Remote



This video literally had me saying "whoa" out-loud!



Kotaku: echochrome Demo Changing Minds Tomorrow



Another amazing yet simple piece of technology – makes me wish for a PS3.



Seattlepi.com: Why Hillary Clinton makes my wife scream

While my wife has never raised her voice at a Clinton story or speech, she has made it clear to me that Senator Clinton has entirely lost her vote at this point. While I believe that voting for policy is more important than voting for a person (even if I find that person subjectively unlikable), I can't help but wonder what a Clinton nomination might do to voter turnout in November.

Perhaps my fears are unfounded.



Infinite Loop: Exclusive preview: RapidWeaver matures with version 4

New version of RapidWeaver coming: Yay! I still don't have Leopard (and it's Leopard-only): Boo!

Tags: video games, politics, rapidweaver, ted, technology

TED Blog: Why aren't we all Good Samaritans? Daniel Goleman on TED.com





NYT: Apple Rumor Site to Shut Down in Settlement

What exactly did Apple gain in pursuing this to begin with? It sure isn't good PR...



Ars Technica: Exclusive: Retail chain scalping Wii allotment on eBay

Ars breaks a story on a chain of gaming stores that are not selling Wiis in their storefronts. Rather, they are putting them straight onto eBay at a nearly 100% markup. While not outright illegal, this is certainly no way to gain consumer trust.

Currently, the accused retailer has an official response on its website's front page. Check it out.



Ars Technica: RIAA writes its own "news" for local TV stations

My love for the RIAA never wanes, so I have to pass this piece along about a somewhat factually-sketchy informercial the organization wants aired in news broadcasts.

I think this quote sums it up well:

For an industry already the target of so much consumer suspicion, feeding misleading claims and self-serving footage to ostensibly objective "news" outlets just doesn't seem like a great idea.

Tags: riaa, blogging, apple inc, video games, ted, media

BW Online: Commentary: Sorry, Steve: Here's Why Apple Stores Won't Work

Here's an article from 2001 about why the Apple stores would all be closed within two years. It's been making rounds through the Mac blogs, but I thought I'd post it here too!



TED: Announcing 2008 TED Prize winners

The TED Prize was introduced in 2005, and it is unlike any other award. Although the winners receive a prize of $100,000 each, the real prize is that they are granted a WISH. "A wish to change the world." There are no formal restrictions on the wish. We ask our winners to think big and to be creative. The goal is that it creates an incredible sense of excitement and common purpose. It inspires the TED community, and all those who hear about the wish, to offer their help in making the wish come true.

TED is a neat organization. I don't always agree with some of the positions they promote, but I like their hearts and the inspiration they foster.



TechCrunch: Q&A With Senator Barack Obama On Key Technology Issues

Obama is one of the only politicians out there who actually seems to get technology and be able to discuss it intelligently.



CNET: Top Ten Terrible Tech Products: Windows Vista

Really? Vista is one of the ten worst technology products? By what standards? Methinks someone is desperate for attention, and I just gave it to them...

Tags: politics, ted, technology, microsoft, apple inc

TedBlog: Why can't we grow new energy? Juan Enriquez on TED.com



Interesting talk about rethinking our views of fossil fuels and what defines renewable energy.



Surfin' Safari: Ten New Things in WebKit 3

Maciej Stachowiak outlines many of the improvements in the most recent versions of WebKit. You can take advantage of these features by upgrading to Leopard, updating Tiger to version 10.4.11, or by downloading the latest versions of WebKit or Safari for Windows.



Ars Technica: Ice is the new Tanooki: a review of Super Mario Galaxy

In case you needed more convincing that I'm completely enthused about Super Mario Galaxy, here's a link to the overwhelmingly positive Ars review by Ben Kuchera.

From the review:

This is a game for people who love games. Nintendo has fired a shot at everyone who claims the Wii is just a gimmick and will soon wear out its welcome. This is a game that's a must-play for anyone who enjoys platforming titles or who just likes a good challenge that won't run out any time soon...The level of polish and care put into Mario Galaxy is evident in every moment of play, and I have a feeling everyone else will be taking notes for the next few years.

Tags: ted, environment, safari, video games

TED Blog: Gore's SOS - Save Our Selves

This is a multi-national concert even spanning all seven continents in an effort to raise global awareness of environmental change. Notably, there will be a broadcast from Antarctica, and Gore is hoping this event will be pulled off in as carbon-neutral a manner as possible.

Tags: environment, ted