Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
The difference between fact and fiction is more than in the eye of the beholder. Yes, that is a mixed metaphor. Maybe it caught your attention. Maybe it turned you off. As a citizen journalist, the difference between fact and fiction is so important.
"Truth is emotional, it's fluid, and above all, it's human. No matter how quick we get with computers, no matter how much information we have, you'll never be able to remove the human from the truth-seeking exercise.” (Markham Nolan)
You can watch Markham in this TEDTalk. About 15 minutes.
As parents, we either have had teenagers, or those youngsters now will soon become teenagers. Life is consistent in that it advances one day at a time. So why are the teenage years so challenging?
In this TED Talk,
"Cognitive neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore compares the prefrontal cortex in adolescents to that of adults, to show us how typically “teenage” behavior is caused by the growing and developing brain."
"So adolescence is defined as the period of life that starts with the biological, hormonal, physical changes of puberty and ends at the age at which an individual attains a stable, independent role in society."
"So what's sometimes seen as the problem with adolescents — heightened risk-taking, poor impulse control, self-consciousness — shouldn't be stigmatized. It actually reflects changes in the brain that provide an excellent opportunity for education and social development."
As one who does spend a lot of time online, creating and sharing information, reputation capital is a concept that I understand. I am comfortable walking in real life and sharing what I see (pictures) and hear (text from meetings) online. While it may seem to some that this is all I do, there are limits. There are whole aspects of daily life that don't go online. There is no need to put those there, they shouldn't be drivers for my reputation.
What do you do online? How much of a digital trail do you create? Are you working on your reputation?
Spend 20 minutes and listen to Rachel Botsman talk about collaborative consumption.
One phrase I really like is "digital ghosts". How to reach them in an increasingly online world is a challenge.
In this TED Talk, Tristram tells us something we don't normally hear or talk about.
Western countries throw out nearly half of their food, not because it’s inedible -- but because it doesn’t look appealing. Tristram Stuart delves into the shocking data of wasted food, calling for a more responsible use of global resources.
Tristram Stuart sounds the warning bell on global food waste, calling for us to change the systems whereby large quantities of produce and other foods end up in trash heaps.
If America really has 4 times the food that we need, then the Food Pantry and others in this space are clearly in the redistribution business, and there is still plenty to do.
Do you know someone with Parkinson's? or maybe they are not sure they have Parkinson's?
There is a new service available that with a short phone call to record your voice, the analysis of the recording can determine and track progress of Parkinson's.
How do they do that? In this TED video, Max Little explains:
Summer time, time to be busy about doing something different while school is out. wouldn't it be nice to have some extra time anytime? In this TED Talk, Jane McGonigal shares a way to gain sometime.
When game designer Jane McGonigal found herself bedridden and suicidal following a severe concussion, she had a fascinating idea for how to get better. She dove into the scientific research and created the healing game, SuperBetter. In this moving talk, McGonigal explains how a game can boost resilience -- and promises to add 7.5 minutes to your life.
In the fall of 2011 Peter Norvig taught a class with Sebastian Thrun on artificial intelligence at Stanford attended by 175 students in situ -- and over 100,000 via an interactive webcast. He shares what he learned about teaching to a global classroom.
Peter Norvig is a leading American computer scientist, expert on artificial intelligence and the Director of Research at Google Inc.
Combining projection mapping and a pop-up book, Marco Tempest tells the visually arresting story of Nikola Tesla -- called “the greatest geek who ever lived” -- from his triumphant invention of alternating current to his penniless last days.
A magician and illusionist for the 21st century, Marco Tempest blends cutting-edge technology with the flair and showmanship of Houdini
Spend a few minutes (about 20 actually) to view this video and see the story of three young women and their exploration of science played out.
In 2011, three young women swept the top prizes of the first Google Science Fair. At TEDxWomen Lauren Hodge, Shree Bose and Naomi Shah described their extraordinary projects-- and their route to a passion for science.
They all were driven by passion and determination. They all succeeded despite lots of rejections.
What is a mistake? By talking through examples with his improvisational Jazz quartet, Stefon Harris walks us to a profound truth: many actions are perceived as mistakes only because we don't react to them appropriately.
Spend about 13 minutes with this video from TEDSalon
TED shares such great ideas. How convenient and timely for them to share this one.
"Conductor Charles Hazlewood talks about the role of trust in musical leadership -- then shows how it works, as he conducts the Scottish Ensemble onstage. He also shares clips from two musical projects: the opera "U-Carmen eKhayelitsha" and the ParaOrchestra".
Charles talks about how his job as a conductor depends upon trust with his orchestra: "an unshakable bond of trust born out of mutual respect"
I trust you. You can watch this and connect the dots.
Amy Lockwood in this TED Talk discusses selling condoms in the Congo. Yes, really.
Caution, this video is probably the riskiest shown here. Only four minutes long.
Why? What does this have to do with Franklin?
"And so the lesson is this: it doesn't really matter what you're selling; you just have to think about who is your customer, and what are the messages that are going to get them to change their behavior."
Philip Zimbardo was the leader of the notorious 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment. Now retired from teaching for over 50 years, he makes this presentation at TED about the demise of guys. Video is less than 5 minutes long. You may need to return and watch it multiple times!
Sound expert Julian Treasure says, "We are losing our listening." In this short, fascinating talk, Treasure shares five ways to re-tune your ears for conscious listening -- to other people and the world around you.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video.