Reflections: Ted Talks, Sophistication, Winter Dreams, Bear, and Mathemagic

Ted Talks-A mini robot -- powered by your phone
At first, a price of $150 for a robot at home caught my attention, but I realize it was no more than a toy. The special features such as, video-camming, mobility, emotions, etc., may provide uses for children, but it has no use for the older population. Though, pricey, I find the appearance appealing. The speaker mentions how they are innovating other projects similar to this, I find this interesting to foresee.

Ted Talks-A skateboard, with a boost
The skateboard that has been modified to run on electrical energy may not seem "innovatively new", but it has thus far amazed me. The requirements to build these vehicles need no more than a battery and a motor. Not only is it inexpensive, it is surprisingly effective. This skateboard might not be bought as a transportation vehicle, but also as a toy for the younger groups. The hand control feature seems very convenient  I predict that this item will find success in the market.

Ted Talks-Still Figuring It Out
I am amazed by her speaking abilities at such a young age. Tavi was able to go into depth of the abstract idea of being a female. She explain that they should not follow the general feminist views of them, but to decide how they should view themselves. Using teenagers as perfect examples, still have to find answers to their own question. The visuals perfectly depicts Tavi's perspective, as it demonstrates the image of herself.

Sophistication
Sherwood Anderson describes love as a sophistication, describing it as something that can lift one's loneliness. As the main character, George, begin to the accept the fact that they are entering adulthood and becoming more knowledgeable, thus leaving the intense desire for Helen. This kind of reminds me of when I used to be blind by love in my childhood.

Winter Dreams
The story by F Scott Fitzgerald shows many similarities with the Great Gatsby, another book also written by him. Dexter Green shows similarities with Jay Gatsy as both are wealthy and are in love with a woman. Desiring the woman they love, they fail to capture their attention. Even as they age, they can't lose their feelings for them.

Bear
The story by William Faulkner is actually a difficult reading. It describes a young boy as he attempts to kill a bear. He returns to the woods every season, seeking for the bear. As he matures, be begins to develop virtues leading him to not kill the bear. This story doesn't relate to our society since the time period is different, particularly the theme of "the coming of age". Though not relating to modern times, the moral is very applicable to our lives.

Mathemagic
At the beginning of the show, Arthur Benjamin briefly speaks about what he is going to demonstrate. By performing various basic math problems. At first, I thought he had this all set up by having certain people of the audience memorize their problems and having himself remember the answers. As the show progressed, it seems I was wrong. He came up with questions that seemed impossible to have been set up. His mathematics ability have fascinated me, showing his title of a mathematician.