Time Off

Yes! Have spent the last 10 days plus on leave from work! Have been spending a lot time working in and around the yard, I am sure it has been harder then what I would have been doing if I was actually at work :)

Most of the outdoor work is done now, so I am turning my attention to trying to find something worth watching on TV (failing), and watching some presentations on the TED.com site. I have not watched TED presentations for a few months, and forgot how good they can be.

Next week, back to work, fired up after the break, will have to dust off the blackberry (really, its covered in dust at the moment).

How to start a movement

The lone nut! This is a great little video from TED on how to start a movement, a quick easy to understand concept, and gives you something to talk about in the workplace, we are always looking for "The Lone Nut" and "First Follower" ! Its enjoyable to watch also......

The beauty of data

So much data out there, but waht does it all mean, and how do you understand it? This is a good TED presentation to start to get a view of what can be done (and to view some data in a different light).

The periodic table of visualisation methods is also a fantastic way of trying to work out how to display the data you have in a meaningful way.

Global Voices

Very interesting presentation from TED. You need to stick with it to the end to get a full understanding of what Ethan is talking about. It is more then just breaking out of your own social network, but breaking into some very new spaces, and, why is this not really happening today on the Internet.

TED Presentation - The tribes we lead

Great presentation from Seth Godin, interesting material well presented. The changing nature of change itself and leadership.

Motivating people

This TED presentation by Dan Pink is well worth watching. He talks about why widely used forms of motivating people today, often result in opposite results occurring then expected, why this is the case, and what alternative approaches may be possible.

As with all TED presentations it is short (18 mins) so I think there is still a lot that needs to be understood about this topic, may start to hunt out his books to learn a bit more I think.

Wireless electricity

Been a while since I have posted anything, partly due to having nothing to say, being lazy, being busy, etc, etc.

This is a very cool presentation (if not a bit techy), but the idea of wireless electricity is very cool!

Brave new world?

Here is an interesting presentation that I wanted to share (more fantastic TED presentations!). Clay Shirky talks about the changing media landscape with the introduction of ubiquitous mobile phones, twitter, and social web sites.

Its not completely a Twitter story (thankfully) however, as he mainly discusses how the internet is changing the landscape by allowing everyone to connect with everyone else, all the time, and what that means.

Building a personal brand

Great presentation from Gary Vaynerchuck (wine library), he is passionate about doing what you enjoy, and working hard at it. He also talks about the value of your social brand.

Quick 15 minute presentation, no slides! Watch it just for his energy!

TED Presentations

Another great TED presentation.

Dan Ariely talks about why we think its OK to cheat, and links this with finance market activity. A short presentation, but a insightful one based on considerable research over a long period of time. Why and when do we think its OK to cheat? how much and how often? Check out the video. He also has a book that I have to add to my growing reading list now!

Dan's TED presentation
Dan's blog

TED Presentations

Another very entertaining TED presentation, this time from Adam Savage (mythbusters on Discovery channel)

A good insight into how Adams mind works! This is worth the 15minute investment.

Adam Savages obsessions

TED Presentations

This is a great presentation from Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs" on discovery channel.

He is firstly a very good story teller, someone who you actually want to listen to, secondly he has a great story to tell, and thirdly he conveys a strong memorable message.

It is only a short video, well worth investing some time in, if nothing more its great entertainment.

Mike Rowe celebrates dirty jobs