The Inspiration of TED

If you haven't heard about TED, it's time to check it out! Every year, a group of some of the world's visionaries get together in Long Beach, California to present their latest ideas and inventions. The categories vary from design to science to music to business. All the presentations are then later streamed online at www.ted.com. No matter your interests, you're bound to find something inspiring and thought provoking. The conference began in 1984 and the website launched in 2007. Their mission?

"Spreading ideas.

We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. So we're building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other. This site, launched April 2007, is an ever-evolving work in progress, and you're an important part of it. Have an idea? We want to hear from you.

The TED Conference, held annually in Long Beach, is still the heart of TED. More than a thousand people now attend -- indeed, the event sells out a year in advance -- and the content has expanded to include science, business, the arts and the global issues facing our world. Over four days, 50 speakers each take an 18-minute slot, and there are many shorter pieces of content, including music, performance and comedy. There are no breakout groups. Everyone shares the same experience. It shouldn't work, but it does. It works because all of knowledge is connected. Every so often it makes sense to emerge from the trenches we dig for a living, and ascend to a 30,000-foot view, where we see, to our astonishment, an intricately interconnected whole."

A few videos we suggest to get started...

Majora Carter's tale of urban renewal | Video on TED.com: Majora Carter discusses her work cleaning up the Bronx riverfront and fighting for environmental justice--a truly inspiring woman.

Catherine Mohr builds green | Video on TED.com: Catherine Mohr discusses her process of building a home with embodied energy in mind.

Pilobolus perform "Symbiosis" | Video on TED.com: A visually stunning dance that shows the strength of the human body.

Sirena Huang dazzles on violin | Video on TED.com: A moving performance by an extraordinarily talented 11 year old.

Jamie Oliver's TED Prize wish: Teach every child about food | Video on TED.com: TED 2010 Prize winner, Jamie Oliver, discusses his work behind the fascinating TV show Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.

KDG's Earth Day Initiatives

We would like to promote green products and finishes!

Between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm on Earth Day, April 22nd, contact us to receive 50% off retail on select green products shown in our library. Green products must contain 30% or more recycled content or be a rapidly renewable material, contain no harmful additives, and be manufactured in the US. 100% of the proceeds will be divided between our favorite sustainable non-profit organizations, such as:

The Nature Conservancy
Idaho Conservation League
Wildlife Land Trust/Humane Society
1% for the Planet organization
The Calvert Foundation

In addition, 100% of the proceeds of sales from Ethos will be donated to the previously mentioned causes.

So be sure to contact us on Earth Day to arrange your product order!

The Beauty of Age

So often nowadays buyers look for products that require zero maintenance and that will look the same as the first day it was purchased--no need for resealing, impervious to scratching or dimples, stain resistance, built in anti-microbial agents, the list goes on...

With this attitude we've allowed harsh chemical agents to be added to our everyday products, and perhaps, sacrificed the natural beauty of age. This is not to say we should disregard the concept of durability. Sustainability requires durability to prevent waste and continued extraction of raw resources. But we should reconsider those products that follow a natural aging process. Age and wear tell our stories and remind us of our history. And if you want them to look new again, oftentimes these products only require a little refinishing.

The dimples that develop on a Windfall wood countertop in your kitchen may remind you of the many family gatherings and meals shared.

The mottled appearance that develops on a Paperstone countertop may remind you of the number of years you've owned your home.

The wear on your Molo seating and walls tells the story of the parties you've hosted.

The patina developing on copper Parasoleil panels reminds you of rainy days.

Centennial Wood floors reflect their past life as Wyoming snowfences and provide an interesting story to tell.

A Green Screen living wall reminds you of the seasons while they shade you in spring and summer and allow the warmth of the sun in fall and winter.

The progression of wear and age adds character to your home and gives it life. In a culture so obsessed with age let's re-embrace being unique.