Friday, October 21, 2016

TED Talk #5: The Art of Misdirection

Focus.
Focus.
Focus.

We hear those words a lot. In terms of classes, lectures, activities, and goals.  Where we focus our attention is often where we will go.  As a dancer spins in a turn, he or she focuses on a stationary spot on the wall in front.  If they focus on their feet instead, they fall.  Likewise, our focus or concentration can also predict out paths in life.  If we think we are going to fail, we do.  If we think we are going to succeed and work hard to do so, we often do.

Image result for dancer turn spot

But what happens when something distracts us and that focus strays?  When our attention wavers to rest on something more interesting at the moment? When our eyes catch something shiny, something funny, something cooler?  When the prize set before us gets kind of fuzzy and loses the attraction? When we are distracted by something more glittery, pleasant, appealing?

Just like the dancer whose eyes fall to her feet, we fall.

Focus helps us stay on the right path to achieving our goal.

When we lose that focus or attention on our goals, misdirection comes and steals our wallets and watches.

Wait, what?

Today's TED Talk is all about the Art of Misdirection and a great illustration of what can happen when our focus is manipulated.  Don't let something flashy or shiny come and steal your dreams.  Don't let time pass without you realizing it.  Pay attention.  Stay focused.



Check out Appolo Robbins's TED Talk here.
   Hailed as the greatest pickpocket in the world, Apollo Robbins studies the quirks of human behavior as he steals your watch. In a hilarious demonstration, Robbins samples the buffet of the TEDGlobal 2013 audience, showing how the flaws in our perception make it possible to swipe a wallet and leave it on its owner’s shoulder while they remain clueless.

Monday, October 3, 2016

TED Talk #4: The Magic of Truth, Lies, and IPODS

The next TED Talk we're going to watch is about the power of Deception.

As we study and discuss literature, life, and current events, I'm sure many of you have discovered some instances of deception: people in power deceiving, hiding the truth from those that rely on them.  Sometimes, it's done for the better of society.  Sometimes it's done for greed.  Sometimes it's just hard to tell.  Either way, considering how truth, lies, or deception factors into what we've been reading brings up an interesting question:  Is it ever ok to lie?

Image result for is it ever ok to lie?

Our TED Talk today is brought to you by Marco Tempest.  Marco is a techno-magician, meaning that he combines slight of hand (magic) and technology to bring his audience the ultimate illusion.  His talk today is a clever, surprisingly heartfelt meditation on truth and lies, art and emotion.

Image result for the magic of truth and lies (and ipods)



Check out the Talk Here at this Link

As you watch consider these points in general and how they relate to the SSR novels you are reading.
- What is real?
-What are the differences between truth and lies?
-Is it possible (or good) to be totally honest all the time?
-Is it ever ok to lie?
-What is the power of deception?
-How does propaganda fit in?
-Do we deceive ourselves sometimes?
-If you're happy with the lie you're being told, is the lie wrong?
-Is it better to always know the truth?
-Is censorship lying?
-Why do leaders sometimes lie?  





Let's talk Truth vs Lies