Raise your hand if you know about TED...

No, not Ted Turner or Ted Kennedy or Ted Nugent or Ted Danson, but TED. I thought so... you may "Sort of know" or "Have heard of it before" or "Huh?"

Well, it is really worth knowing. TED is a nonprofit devoted to ideas worth spreading. Started in 1984 as  a conference bringing together people from three worlds, Technology/Entertainment/Design (TED... get it?) and its mission is to spread ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world.

At two annual TED conferences, in Long Beach/Palm Springs and Edinburgh, Scotland, TED brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes or less). Presently there are over 1300 TED talks to see that will stir your curiosity. Browse by subject, length, popularity or rating (inspiring, jaw-dropping, funny…) by so many notables that naming a few names wouldn't even begin to tell you. But this link will give you everything.

Like technology? Check out Sherry Turkle's talk, Connected but alone. Entertainment? David Blaine will tell you how he held his breath for 17 minutes. Design? See Frank Warren's Half a million secrets. Business? Margaret Heffernan's Dare to disagree. Science? Hannah Fry's: Is life really that complex? Global Issues? Scilla Elworthy's Fighting with non-violence... all there so many more by so many smart people... all bite-size and excellently presented.

It's really fascinating to watch these short talks... and addictive. See for yourself.