In the spirit of Easter, victory from love and sacrifice, the talks for this week focus on invention and innovation inspired by great need.

Edible Cutlery (Overview) and Edible Cutlery (TED)
Narayana Peesapaty
TEDxVITVellore, January 2014
Watch the overview before you watch the TED talk. I’m so inspired by the ingenuity and sacrifices made in order to address the problem of used plastics in our environment (and bodies) and the desperate need to protect the water supply. Edible cutlery not only combats the environmental problem, it addresses nutritional and employment problems as well. Brilliant. May your tribe increase.

A Warm Embrace That Saves Lives
Jane Chen
TED India Mysore India, November 2009
Lowering infant mortality rates with the invention of an inexpensive alternative to incubators. No electricity needed. Click here to donate one to a developing area.

Cheap, Effective Shelter for Disaster Relief
Michael McDaniel
TEDx Austin Texas, February 2012
In 2005, Michael McDaniel watched helplessly as Hurricane Katrina forced thousands of people out of their homes and into crowded, poorly equipped “shelters”. He became obsessed with finding a better solution. His story of sacrifice, hard work and perseverance inspires. Click Here for info on how his products have developed since 2012.

A Bath Without Water
Ludwick Marishane
TED@Johannesburg South Africa, May 2012
Lack of access to safe water to bathe can lead to infections and blindness. Marishane researched, wrote his formula, wrote a 40 page business proposal and patent paperwork, and brought the product to market via his cell phone using limited internet access.  As he says, “What’s stopping you?” Click Here for more information on DryBath.

My simple invention, designed to keep my grandfather safe
Kenneth Shinozuka
TEDYouth 2014 New York City, November 2014
This brilliant and caring young man invents sensors to help elderly persons live safer lives. He was inspired by his grandfather, who often wanders due to Alzheimer’s.

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I’m trying an experiment in 2016. Maybe you’d like to try it with me.

Here’s where I am
I’m tired of the spin. I’m tired of ideas, news, and entertainment really being one long sales pitch for profit or power.

I’m longing for creativity, curiosity, and inspiration. I’m in search of passionate people willing to speak to the truth and complexity of living with a heart of hope. I want to hear from authentic humans who are in the trenches working for the greater good.

I think I’ve found them in the TED community.

“TED is a global community, welcoming people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world. We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world. On TED.com, we’re building a clearinghouse of free knowledge from the world’s most inspired thinkers — and a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other, both online and at TED and TEDx events around the world, all year long.”

TED’s been around for 30 years. I’ve heard about them and even watched a couple of talks, but I’ve never spent any concentrated time mining the good stuff. So….

Here’s the plan
Watch 5 enthusiastic, inspiring TED Talk presenters a week for a year.
Apply and share the goodness.