Trending
I think of myself as somewhat of an adventurous person. So I was really excited when I learned that the first TEDx event was coming to our area and indeed, arrived on Jan. 24.
I know what you’re thinking: What’s a TEDx? TEDx is an independently organized TED event.
I hear you asking: What’s TED?
Here’s the definition: TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a global set of conferences owned by the private nonprofit Sapling Foundation, under the slogan ”ideas worth spreading.” The “real” TED conferences are held in three different countries each year. They attract speakers whose topics typically present new and sometimes life-changing ideas under the headings listed above.
This first TEDxYoungstown was titled ”Innovation.” Speakers were chosen through auditions, written submissions and an open casting call. Once chosen, they were coached in how to ”speak” TED-like and had to meet a number of criteria. Talks could be no longer than 18 minutes and no shorter than five minutes each.
There were four segments, and each one was a mix of the timed elements. Speakers presented a full range of topics from new ideas about farming, to music in video games, to processes, to education renovation and more.
During breaks, we visited the Innovation Lounge where we witnessed demonstrations of the new Google glass and a 3-D printer.
The Google glass was like putting on a pair of dual vision contact lenses but more fun. Your brain rapidly adapted to that little screen in the upper right corner of the frame. The 3-D printer actually ”printed” objects in plastic, layer by layer. Way cool to see but slower than molasses in January a very cold January.
It was well worth attending and I hope to go again. The talks are being uploaded to YouTube if you’d like to watch – I recommend Col. Al Faber (retired), Brian Sinchak, Leslie Brothers and Adam Earnhardt for starters. Visit tribtoday.com and clink on the link.
You can also view more than 1,000 TED talks by clicking on the link at tribtoday.com. For me, Eric Whitacre’s ”Virtual Choir” is more than amazing. If you’re introspective, you might like Brene Brown’s two presentations. These are just a springboard to a multitude of interesting thoughts and ideas presented at TED conferences.
The second adventure is the new Mahoning Valley Lifelong Learning Institute housed at Park Vista on Fifth Avenue in Youngstown. The institute is unlike anything else the area has to offer as it seeks to challenge the minds and satisfy the curiosity of older adults who are not so old; life at the institute begins at 50.
The new semester starts Feb. 11 and will feature 20 courses from each of the four institute pillars: arts and culture, history and political science, religion and spirituality, and wellness and rehabilitation.
Enhancing The Institute experience is the collaboration with a network of partners representing the foremost cultural, historical and education organizations in the Valley – Youngstown State University, the Mahoning Valley Historical Society and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. The Institute has also been designated as part of the Road Scholars Network, giving attendees even more opportunities to attend extraordinary learning experiences.
All of The Institute’s lectures and programs are open to the public; many are free.
To learn more, you can check out the current schedule and even register for events online at www.mvlli.org. I found it to be well worth my time.
Jagunic is a Cortland resident. Email her at editorial@tribtoday.com