TED Talks piece for newsletter, feel free to edit down as desired

[John Gear]

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT RE PROGRAMS RESUME

If you're one of those who find yourself missing the Sunday morning discussions that used to take place at 9 a.m. at UUCS, then you should know about the "TED Talks" series.  TED is an acronym for "Technology, Entertainment, Design."  The original TED forums are exclusive (and very expensive) events in California, and they have spread to other places (known as TEDx events).  

The TED Talks format is one where very accomplished people (authors, artists, performers, politicians, magicians, prize-winners, etc.) give short -- 20 minutes tops -- presentations on their passions or burning topics of interest, often with amazing slideshows or show-and-tell demonstrations.  There is a great variety of topics and ideas, and the ones that are posted online are typically among the best presentations.  

Each Sunday, as the choir rehearses, choir widower John Gear shows one or two of the videotaped "TED Talks," which sometimes leads to fascinating discussions.  The TED Talks are in the Library, though we may have to move to a larger space if they become more popular.  No need to sign up, just show up.

If you want to sample some of the TED Talks that have been shown at UUCS so far, click on any of the links below.  There is also a search bar on the TED.com website where you can just type in the name of the speaker and you will be taken to the talk that you can then view.

http://www.ted.com/talks/matthieu_ricard_on_the_habits_of_happiness.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_changing_education_paradigms.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_revolution.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_asks_why_are_we_happy.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/robin_chase_excuse_me_may_i_rent_your_car.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/jaime_lerner_sings_of_the_city.html

http://www.ted.com/talks/alex_steffen.html

To provide an opportunity for extended discussion of TED Talks topics (and any others of interest) and allow for greater participation, John also started a "UUCS_Coffee_Hour" discussion "googlegroup" listserv that any UUCS member or friend can join.  (The yahoo UUCSList listserv is for announcements such as upcoming events and rideshare needs, rather than extended discussions on diverse topics.).  If you want to be added to the UUCS_Coffee_Hour listserv, send John an email at gea...@gmail.com, from the email address where you want UUCS_Coffee_Hour messages sent.