Inspire

Clay Shirky at PopTech 2008 on Generosity, Intrinsic Motivations and Communities

As you probably know I am big fan of TED, LIFT, PopTech, Google TechTalks, Fora.tv and Authors@Google. Below the latest presentation by Clay Shirky on PopTech 2008. He tells three stories on generosity and intrinsic motivations within communities. "It is better to feel good than to look good". Amen.

We Are The Web: an Inspirational Video

Why is Mobile Monday Amsterdam a Nodal Point?

On November 3rd, 2008 we had our latest Mobile Monday Amsterdam event. In my view one of the best ones of all the eight MoMo events. People around the world often ask me why this event is so popular in the Netherlands. The video below gives an accurate explanation of different success factors. Again, I am proud to part of this innovative organizing team, so thank you all for making this a great ride, including all speakers, attendees and sponsors! In April 2007, Raimo van der Klein, Maarten Lens-Fitzgerald and me started it and we never expected all of this to happen.

35 Years Old

Before the age of 35 we live in a world of unbounded risk, possibilities and growth
After the age of 35 we experience our limitations and restrictions as well as disease and death around us

Before the age of 35 we act and participate spontaneously and exploratory
After the age of 35 we reflect and live with purpose

Before the age of 35 we focus on ourselves, ego and taking
After the age of 35 we focus on others, mind and giving

At the age of 35 we not only understand our past but can also see into the future as we are symbolically on top of the curve of our lives, bringing the core of our being into existence. The awareness of scarcity of time, fragility and humanity come to the fore.

Reminds me of the band K's Choice singing:

"Now everything I feel
Whether it's fiction or it's real
It's so much clearer
Like the color of this light
It seems more dangerous and bright
But I don't fear her"

John Francis on TED on the Power of Silence

I wished I saw this video with John Francis a few months back. In our hectic lives driven my passion we sometimes forget about the basics. Enjoy the silence, keep on walking, open your heart and listen carefully ;-)

Bruce Sterling on the Internet of Things (New Version)

At our latest Mobile Monday Amsterdam event Bruce Sterling from Wired and The Well and highly acclaimed speaker gave a special talk on the Internet of Things and mobile devices. A great update from his thinking in Shaping Things and his previous LIFT Conference talk on SPIMES. The religious setting makes it complete. We from the Mobile Monday crew and our audience were uplifted. Thank you Bruce! 

Blackberry Storm versus Google G1: Video Review

Below a short entertaining video shot at the Mobile Monday Amsterdam event with reviews of the new Blackberry Storm and Google Android HTC G1 phone by me and Vincent Everts. I guess both devices have their value depending on your exact requirements for a smart phone. Personally, I adore the G1.

Juan Enriquez on the Financial Crisis

Juan Enriquez (2008) Pop!Tech Pop!Cast from PopTech on Vimeo.

Outstanding and razor sharp analysis by Juan Enriquez - one of my favorite thinkers and speakers - on the current financial crisis. Recommended. Together with Nassem Taleb on Edge with his post on the Fourth Quadrant and Kleiner Perkins on SlideShare with their 30 slides on the financial crisis in my view a quite complete and rigorous analysis.   

Benjamin Zander in action on PopTech 2008

Fantastic video showing us that thinking in possibility is the way forward. Benjamin Zander demonstrates that teaching can be uplifting and quick when having the right attitude. When you love your job, it shows.

Chris Abani with Powerful Stories on Humanity on TED 2008

Most TED videos are informative and inspiring in my experience. This one featuring Chris Abani was enchanting and touching. Makes me quiet inside.