Video game that can add 10 years to your life ~ Jane McGonigal ~ TED

Game designer Jane McGonigal gives a fascinating TED talk on how video games can have a real, positive impact on people’s lives as she compares deathbed regrets to the reported benefits of playing a simple game. In the talk, McGonigal reveals that she suffered a severe concussion or traumatic brain injury and used a simple game she designed (SuperBetter) to help cope with her symptoms while healing.

I was quite inspired by McGonigal’s enthusiasm and confidence that video games can be a source for good in our lives. I’ve gotta check out her book Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World (AMZ).
(more…)

Kirk Sorensen ~ Photo by Gordon McDowell

Thorium ~ An alternative nuclear fuel ~ Kirk Sorensen TED

Former NASA scientist Kirk Sorensen gives an inspiring little talk at a TEDx about the potential of thorium as a nuclear fuel source. Thorium has numerous advantages over uranium, which Sorensen quickly reviews.

If we ever colonize the moon, thorium will almost certainly be the fuel of choice for supplying a moon colony’s energy needs. Sorensen asks the question:

If thorium is such a good energy source for colonies on the moon,
why not for colonies right here on earth?

(more…)