LOVE ANGELES

Bring on the Learning Revolution!

Source: TED - Why don't we get the best out of people? Sir Ken Robinson argues that it's because we've been educated to become good workers, rather than creative thinkers. Students with restless minds and bodies -- far from being cultivated for their energy and curiosity -- are ignored or even stigmatized, with terrible consequences. "We are educating people out of their creativity," Robinson says. It's a message with deep resonance. Robinson's TEDTalk has been distributed widely around the Web since its release in June 2006. The most popular words framing blog posts on his talk? "Everyone should watch this."

A visionary cultural leader, Sir Ken led the British government's 1998 advisory committee on creative and cultural education, a massive inquiry into the significance of creativity in the educational system and the economy, and was knighted in 2003 for his achievements. His latest book, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything, a deep look at human creativity and education, was published in January 2009.

"Ken's vision and expertise is sought by public and commercial organizations throughout the world." - BBC Radio 4

One Man’s Trash…

Source: EcoFabulous - Reusing old items (like furniture) tops the eco-list of planet conscious peeps everywhere, no question. But as much as we’d love to add a little pre-loved flavor to our home, the challenge often lies in picturing that discarded dresser or crumbling credenza living in your place when it’s just so… trashed. After a trip to Brooklyn based home décor company, Nightwood, it makes the visioning process a breeze: they gather, recover, and repurpose unwanted pieces and offer beautiful, one-of-a-kind goods.

Founded in 2008 by Nadia Yaron and Myriah Scruggs, Nightwood was born out of a necessity for furnishing their own apartment without busting the bank. The ladies soon discovered a knack for artful deconstruction and reconstruction of vintage furniture, using salvaged wood scraps, low-VOC paints, water-based finishes, and organic, natural fabrics. Today, Nightwood offers the best of what repurposing furniture should be: low-impact, natural, and downright gorgeous!

Check out their gallery to browse past projects; if you see something you like, contact them and they’ll customize a piece that’s perfect for you!

The Art of Creativity

Source: Forth Magazine - The Art of Creativity is Jim Wooden’s new video series devoted to exploring and revealing the workings of the inner artist. These profiles are a fascinating look at the artisan’s world and are a powerful way to connect the audience to the art.

Those already documented by Mr. Wooden include painter Yvette Gillis, 2009 Edward Albee Playwright Award Winner Neil Wechsler, and established collector Dallas Price-Van Breda. Check back weekly for updated installments of Mr. Wooden’s work.

JK Rowling Harvard Commencement Speech

Source: TED - A single mother who battled poverty and depression as she struggled to launch her writing career, Joanne "JK" Rowling was to become perhaps the most famous contemporary fiction writer in the world, with her Harry Potter series of children's books -- a chronicle of the adventures of an adolescent wizard of the same name. The fourth volume of the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, was the fastest-selling book in history.

Since completing the series, Rowling has put her fortune toward philanthropic projects dealing with poverty, multiple sclerosis and other issues through her own Volant Charitable Trust.

"I'd give a lot to know how many teenagers (and preteens) texted this message in the days following the last book's release: DON'T CALL ME TODAY I'M READING." -Stephen King

Watch the clip below:

iPad Has Arrived

Source: Wired - It’s finally here. Apple’s most anticipated device since the iPhone, a touchscreen tablet dubbed the iPad, has landed. We had some time to test drive it. First impressions? It’s great for what it does, and we’re hoping it’ll expand to become so much more.

Thanks to clunky user interfaces, durability issues and limited utility, the tablet has been filed away as a niche device again and again. Has Apple, the leader in industry and interface design, finally nailed the tablet?

Take a dive into our gallery while we give the device an early critique.