You Might Be a Nerd If…

You like TED Talks.

TED is an organization “…devoted to to Ideas Worth Spreading.” Initially encompassing the fields of Technology, Entertainment, Design, it has expanded its scope as it has grown.  “The annual TED conferences, in Long Beach/Palm Springs and Edinburgh, bring together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes or less).” Many of the best TED Talks are available via free streaming broadcast on the TED website.

I have watched many TED Talks on my computer but I’ve never attended a TED presentation in-person. We have a great opportunity to see one at the new SMoCA Lounge in Downtown Scottsdale this Sunday, December 10th courtesy of TEDx Scottsdale (“x” meaning independently organized).

Sunday’s topic is “Rethinking The Grid,” about urban resilience; creating alternative infrastructure and connections between us, and creating alternative connections to resources and information.

If this sounds interesting, you may also want to check out an earlier event in downtown Phoenix Wednesday evening, December 7th at 6 p.m. The topic is Urban Placemaking, about what attributes about a particular venue make it a good place to socialize and foster a sense of community.

I touched on some of these topics in my list of South Scottsdale coffee shops, so this TED Talk sounds very interesting to me! I’m also interested in how some of these principles can apply to creation of online community “hangouts”…like ScottsdaleTrails.