Eepy Bird and TED

Technology, Entertainment, Design – Maine’s

I know that many of the Maine readers are familiar with TED talks but periodically I meet someone who is not familiar with TED so before I launch in to what this one is I just want to say a few words about TED. I think of TED talks as a fabulous resource for me personally, as a teaching tool, and a way to connect with others. I learn something every time I watch a TED talk.

The mission of TED is that they “believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world.” TED started in 1984 to bring people from the 3 worlds together; technology, entertainment, and design. They have branched out to include a variety of other topics. People are challenged to give the “talk of their life” in 18 minutes or less. There are over 1400 TED talks available online and more are added each week.

In addition TEDx was created and follows the TED mission, “ideas worth spreading” and supports communities, organizations, and individuals to bring about conversations and change by sharing ideas at the local level.

Logo from the TEDxDirigo site http://tedxdirigo.com

Since 2010 in Maine we have had TEDxDirigo whose goal is to “be a catalyst for positive change in the state and world, where new ideas are supported for the greater good of all.” I have attended three TEDxDirigo events where I have picked up ideas, been encouraged to think, and met interesting people. On top of that I had a GREAT time!

I have posted about Eepy Bird in the past when they performed in Portland on an early summer evening. Fritz Grobe and Steven Voltz use over 100 bottles of soda and over 600 Mentos candies in their live performances. Eepy Bird has has also presented a TEDxDirigo talk that is very interesting. You can enjoy it as well by clicking here.

Several teachers have emailed to tell me that they use the TED talks that I posted and others in their classrooms. Do you have a favorite TED talk that you’ve used as an instructional tool? If so, please share which one but posting a comment below.

Mentos and Coke Does Portland!

Eepybird.com

For several years I have wanted to see Eepybird do their “thing” with the Mentos and Coke. That is Diet Coke to be exact. Well, last night in Portland I had the chance, finally! They performed in Monument Square in front of an audience of all ages. Many of the young attendees were in the front and yes, they got wet. Eepybird kicked off the first four day Performing Arts Festival. There are almost 80 peformers during the event.

Fritz Grobe and Steven Voltz use over 100 bottles of soda and over 600 Mentos candies. It takes three hours to set up for the event which takes about 3 minutes to complete, start to finish. You can go to the article from the Bangor Daily News and watch a video that shows the performance.

The show was fun and just like I imagined!