TALK about big ticket items!

The TED Conference (Technology, Entertainment, Design), held in Monterey, California, is a coveted event with creative people.

The annual event brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes). I have been listening to the TED Talks online since 2004. Jennifer Lin, a 14-year-old protegy musician, known for her remarkable ability to improvise, took 5 notes from an audience chosen member (who happened to be Goldie Hawn). From those random 5 notes within less than 30 seconds she created and went on to play the most beautiful piano composition you could imagine. Hear, see her here. Go to minute 16, if you just want to hear this part of her presentation.



Going to the TED website and listening to excerpts is a treat. You can sign up for the TED enewsletter which will send a weekly synopsis of what new talks have been added. These are much more thought-provoking than watching T.V.

The tickets to this coveted event are sold out years in advance. The last I looked one ticket was 10,000 dollars, that is, if you got there 2 years ago to purchase it. A ticket has gone up on eBay this week that includes a few additional perks such as lunch with Meg Ryan. TED 2008, "The Big Questions" will be held Feb 27-March 1. Fascinating in itself! Last I looked, this ticket was up around 35,000 dollars!