TED, and CD release party

First of all a quick line to say that my CD release party went well.  Lots of people showed up on the overcast Saturday morning, which was great considering how much sport was going on!  Even my own family had another appointment with a friendly, rival lacrosse team!  And quite of few of those who were there bought the CD!  I felt it was a great day, and we all had a good time.

Tracy Memorial Library did a great job hosting and indeed there were balloons, drinks, cake, CDs and stories.  I even had some friends come down from Orford, NH, an hour drive, and a colleague Peter Brodeur from Elkins came, too.  It was great to receive this support.  The kids seemed to really enjoy it as did the adults, and I also enjoyed it.  What could be better?

On another note I have started watching the TED talks.  They have a huge range of topic.  They often funny; they are sometimes heartfelt and courageous; they usually make you think, but are always inspiring.  These are the TED talks.  If you have not seen a TED talk, then please visit http://www.ted.com/talks.  This Sunday I watched three incredible stories.  One was originally made in 2005 and 'aired' in 2007 by William McDonough.  He talked about how we, as the global community, need to think about not the end game we need to aim for, but what he calls "Cradle to Cradle".  His point was that there is no END game, as we live in a constant cycle. He asked what we need to do to survive.  Another talk/story was by photographer Paul Nicklen about the ice caps and how entire ecological systems rely on the ice and will vanish without it.  This man is so impassioned about what he believes in it was a joy to watch.  Finally, and most inspirational for me, was Mick Ebeling's story of a case where if he didn't do it, who would?  Mick heard about a graffiti artist called TEMPT who was disabled by ALS.  Only his eyes functioned.  Mick decided that he should do something about this and with a team of hackers, programers, designers and his own family made a pair of glasses which allowed TEMPT to create art once more. To use the title of the TED talk, he unlocked an artist who was locked-in.  TEMPT, with the help of Mick and his team, was able to project new artwork up on a parking lot wall.  He sent Mick an email afterward that said: "that was the first time I've drawn anything for 7 years.  I feel like I had been held underwater, and someone finally reached down and pulled my head up so I could take a breath."

This was an incredible statement.  Mick and the team he had has made this technology free to all so no hospital can say 'no' and no insurance company can say 'no'.  And this story is something we, as storytellers, are able to do.  We can help people breathe with our own stories and images.  Mick Eleling's story is incredible and I invite you to view it on TED Talks.

Peace,
Simon