TED Talk: Ethics

It’s time to question bio-engineering

Speaker: Paul Root Wolpe/Bioethicist

Paul Root Wolpe

Paul Root Wolpe directs the Center for Ethics at Emory University,  where he works on the biggest issues most of us face in our life-long ethical journey: death and dying, new reproductive technologies, and new medical and scientific breakthroughs that are not covered in our traditional ethics (what would the Bible say about growing a human ear on a mouse?).

Presentation date: November 2010

Date viewed: January 27, 2015

                          Summary of the talk:

Bioengineering has the potential to drastically change our definition and meaning of Life. The impact of biologically engineered animals and food on all of the earth’s bio-systems may become unrepairable. 


The full ramifications of this technology have yet to be determined. Who will regulate what is ethical in this emerging realm of biotechnology and science.

Interesting thing(s) I learned from the talk:

A tiger bred with a lion (Liger)!

I was immediately shocked to discover the extent to which cloning and bioengineering technology had advanced. I was aware that scientists had mapped the human genome as well as replicated human DNA, but I was ignorant to the monumental implications of these advancements. To discover that scientists had the ability to intentionally alter and redesign the physiological form of animals was shocking!

Bio-engineered Piglets

I did not know that scientists had engineered a Beeffalo (Buffalo mixed with a Cow), Geep (Goat mixed with a Sheep), Cama (Camel mixed with a Llama), and Liger (Lion mixed with a Tiger) and Zorse (Zebra mixed with a Horse)! 

Bio-luminescent Cat

Scientists have genetically engineered cats, mice, puppies, pigs, and monkeys with bio-luminescence so that they actually glow at night like deep sea jellyfish and coral! Scientists have also bio-engineered insects and can control their motor functions. Genetic engineering and xenotransplantation has allowed scientists to build living organisms.

Radio Controlled German Roach

Mice engineered to grow a human ear!

Evaluation of the presenter:

Paul Wolpe is obviously an expert in the field of bioengineering. He is extremely passionate about the ethical implications and risks of tampering with and altering the genome of living organisms. Dr. Wolpe could easily be recognized as an expert on this subject matter.

Evaluation of the talk:

This talk was breath-taking in its clear conveyance of the risks associated with bioengineering. To understand how scientists are using the technology is very alarming. I recommend that anyone interested in this subject matter watch this Tedtalk and ponder the ethical implications. Paul Root Wolpe is phenomenal at clearly explaining this material in a simple to understand and coherent fashion.

TED Talks: Advertising

Bitcoin.Sweat.Tide. Meet the future of branded currency.

Paul Kemp-Robertson

Speaker:  Paul Kemp-Robertson/Advertising Expert

Paul Kemp-Robertson is the Editorial Director of Contagious Communications, which he cofounded with Gee Thomson in 2004. Contagious Communications is a multi-arm advertising resource that runs the quarterly magazine Contagious, an app that showcases videos of innovative marketing case studies and various other online resources.

Paul Kemp-Robertson has previously served as editor of shots and Worldwide Director of Creative Resources at Leo Burnett Chicago. He lives in St. Albans, Hertfordshire.

Presentation date: June 2013

Date viewed: January 27, 2015

Summary of the talk: 

Bitcoin is the new emerging global currency in which consumer trust is shifting.

Interesting thing(s) I learned from the talk:

Bitcoin is a completely unregulated currency managed by the network and offers privacy and anonymity when used as payment currency. Bitcoin is a crypto-currency or synthetic currency. Bitcoins are a completely digital currency that was created by a computer. 

The Bitcoin Matrix

Technology is disrupting our concept of money by allowing us to make purchases without physically handling cash (fiat money). Many consumers are asking whether or not governments should be in charge of printing and circulating money.

Bitcoin has been branded as the safe and private means of exchange between buyers and sellers. Many consumers are shifting towards bitcoin as a viable alternative to traditional money. Amazon now accepts bitcoin as a means of payment on its kindle tablet platform.

Online Payments

Evaluation of the presenter:

This speaker is clearly an expert in the field of advertising. He has a deep understanding of consumer habits and how branding effects a consumer’s buying habits.

Evaluation of the talk:

This talk was extremely informative and allowed me to contemplate how the monetary system is evolving. Perhaps in my lifetime there will be a shift from fiat currency to a completely digital currency like bitcoin. I think that Paul Kemp-Robertson is on to something that could drastically change global society as we know it. 

If countries or nation states lose control of their power to regulate the money supply then the question must be asked; who will control the money supply? How will this impact national identities, trade, and banking? Will there be one universal global currency? I believe that a single global currency may be able to do what hundreds of wars could not do; make us all one.  

One World, One People, One Voice

TED Talks: Management

1. Title of the talk: The career advice you probably didn’t get 
2. Speaker: Susan Colantuono/ Leadership Expert

Susan Colantuono is the CEO of Leading Women, a management consulting firm that empowers women. Colantuono works to uncover hidden gender bias and to help managers and executives think more deeply about the role gender plays in the workplace. She is the author of No Ceiling, No Walls: What women haven't been told about leadership, which takes a close look at the conventional wisdom keeping women from rising from middle management.

3. Presentation date:  (November, 2013)
4. Date viewed (January 26, 2015):
5. Summary of the talk:

Why are there so many women managers mired in the middle management rung and can’t seem to make it to the top

6. Interesting thing(s) I learned from the talk:  

In order to move up in the organization you have to be recognized for your Leadership skills. A manager must demonstrate his skills in motivating others to exceed standard goals of the organization and helping the organization meet or exceed it’s stated financial goals. Personal Greatness is the Leadership skill that managers must exhibit in order to advance rapidly throughout the organization. Understanding and possessing financial acumen is essential.

7. Evaluation of the presenter:

This speaker was extremely knowledgeable about this subject. I found her not only credible but also inspiring.

8. Evaluation of the talk:

This information is so vital to understanding how to participate within the vision and day to day processes of any organization. I believe that this information will help an individual distinguish themselves within an organization. I would definitely like to hear more presentations from her. I found her experience and insights to be invaluable. I would recommend her to others and would like to hear more from her.

INTRODUCTION TO TED TALKS

My Experience/Expectations with TED: 

This is my first exposure to the TED website and forum. I have had no prior experience with this type of media, however I am excited about the potential to enhance my learning and understanding. I believe that the TED platform can be used as a excellent means of sharing information and networking ideas.

About TED:

Illuminating The Darkness With The Light of Innovation

TED is a platform for sharing ideas and information. TED is a non-profit online entity that was founded in 1984 to facilitate dialogue within the technology and entertainment industries. TED is owned by a non-profit foundation serving an online community of members. TED is disseminated in over 100 languages around the world. In essence anyone can become a TED supporter by partnering with TED to share innovative world changing ideas and concepts. Individuals are free to sponsor TEDx events within their local communities. Event sponsors are typically extraordinary individuals who believe in sharing their skills, knowledge, and talent for the greater good of humanity. These individuals are not driven by a lust for fame or fortune, but are passionate about improving the lives of those within their communities.

TED Talks:

TED Talks are events in which a keynote speaker; often the TEDx event sponsor, will present innovative ideas or concepts to his or her community. These events are recorded and shared via the TED online video platform. The TED Talk can be accessed by anyone around the world simply by visiting the TED website and viewing the content. The typical TED Talk is on average 15 minutes in length. TED has hosted a number of amazing speakers like novelist Chris Abani, filmmaker Newton Aduaka, theoretical physicist Allan Adams, cancer doctor David Agus, and brand strategist Steven Addis. TED Talks can address a variety of issues like advertising, education, medicine, engineering, and entertainment.

The TED Prize:

The TED Prize is an annual $1,000,000 prize awarded to a community leader with the most innovative idea that has the potential to instigate positive change for our world. Recipients of the TED Prize are also granted access to the talent base of TED in order to make their invention or idea a reality.

The Power of Women and Girls

TED Conferences and TED events:

The upcoming TED conference is themed "Truth or Dare" and will be held in March 16-20, 2015, in Vancouver, Canada. This event will analyze the current state of our world will providing an honest analysis of future trends and prospects for the future. In addition to TED conferences there are also TEDWomen and TEDYouth events. These separate events such as TEDWomen 2015: Momentum and TedYouth 2014: Worlds Imagined, are structured as 3 day conferences highlighting the ability of women, girls, and young people to create change.

Girl Power

TED Jobs:

Ted is constantly seeking to employ the brightest minds and rising stars from around the world. TED offers a number of jobs such as Customer Support Specialist, Data Analyst, Digital Sales Specialist, and HR/Talent Specialist. TED also offers internships within it's media department. Currently TED is seeking interns in Art Production, Design, and Distribution.