The photographer-activist, JR , converts his pictures into posters and transforms streets into universal open-air galleries. From Los Angeles to Berlin, he keeps his independence and illegal exhibits in the streets, which he considers to be his very own gallery. With a 28 millimetre lens, portraits of people pulling faces, huge posters and anonymity, JR [...]
On two recent occasions I have been confronted with the realities of the information and population explosion. Sharing a meal with a well informed professional person, we have mentioned leaders in our respective fields of work, only to be faced with completely blank looks. These are social trials …. either trying to hide our shock [...]
It was so amazing to hear Muhammad Yunus speak at St James in Piccadilly last weekend. We often look to the past for our heroes but I believe firmly that Yunus is a truely great man. The reasons why I admire him so much are many – here are just a few: He is an [...]
The number of UK doctors prescribing exercise for treating depression symptoms has risen by 17% in just 3 years. The survey reported by the BBC showed that the benefits of exercise included the releasing of natural endorphins, less social isolation and better body image. I wonder how long until doctors start prescribing longer break times [...]
A really excellent article in The Walrus entitled Repress Yourself published originally in 2006 explores in some detail the social boundaries and attitudes towards ‘expressing everything’ and a more British ‘stiff upper lip’ or as they describe it, ‘blessed silence’. With references to enthrawling tv drama where actors are scripted and characters at times magnetic, [...]
Your posting on decision making and emotions is really fascinating Tom. It resonates with some of the points that Bill Gates made in his Harvard speach where he discussed how we can help cut through complexity to ensure that we continue to tackle difficult problems and not give up. His point too is that we [...]
A new research report by the DfES into Social Capital in two inner-city Secondary Schools has recently been published. Social Capital as defined by this study: “Social capital refers to networks between people and the relationships of trust and reciprocity they develop. It is seen as a desirable characteristic of communities and societies and as [...]
Watch Daniel Pink’s talk on demonstrating and encouraging empathy on signs by clicking here.
A final (almost!) posting for 2007 has to include this great list from the Good News Network. It is still enormously uplifting. Further links are on their site but here are the basics: 1. Hero Saves Teen on NYC Subway Tracks from Oncoming Train NYC man’s quick-thinking saved a teen and himself as he dove [...]
Daniel Goleman spoke at TED earlier this year and his talk entitled “Why are we all good Samaritans” is now on their site and you can watch it here.