How to show unity across faiths? Maybe, with a can of paint

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This week on TED.com September 30, 2017

Talk of the week Nabila Alibhai: How to show unity across faiths? Maybe, with a can of paint 11:51 minutes · Filmed Aug 2017 · Posted Sep 2017 · TEDGlobal 2017 Divisions along religious lines are deepening, and we're doubting more and more how much we have in common. How can we stand boldly and visibly together? Meet the "Colour in Faith" project, which unites people of many religions by asking them to paint each other's houses of worship yellow. As co-creator Nabila Alibhai says: "The human family can send a message far brighter and more powerful than the voices of those that wish to do us harm." Watch now »

Playlist of the week Talks that'll give you a warm, fuzzy feeling Brave, smart, uplifting talks that will give you all the feelings. Because sometimes that's just what you need. Watch » 10 TED Talks • Total run time 2:32:19

This week's new TED Talks How can disadvantaged students succeed in school? For sociologist Anindya Kundu, grit and stick-to-itiveness aren't enough; students also need to develop their agency, or their capacity to overcome obstacles and navigate the system. He shares hopeful stories of students who have defied expectations in the face of personal, social and institutional challenges. Watch » When you think about the deep blue sea, you might think of whales or coral reefs. But spare a thought for giant clams, the world's largest living shellfish. These incredible creatures can live to 100 years old, grow up to four and a half feet long and weigh as much as three baby elephants. In this charming talk, marine biologist Mei Lin Neo shares why she's hoping to turn these legendary sea creatures into heroes of the oceans. Watch » Don't believe predictions that say the future is trending towards city living, says logistics expert Julio Gil. He believes that urbanization is actually reaching the end of its cycle, and soon more people will be choosing to live and work in the countryside, thanks to rapid advances in augmented reality, autonomous delivery, off-the-grid energy and other technologies. Think outside city walls and consider the advantages of country living with this forward-thinking talk. Watch » "There are a lot of resources given by nature for free -- all we need is our sensitivity to see them and our creativity to use them," says architect Anna Heringer. Heringer uses low-tech materials like mud and bamboo to create structures from China to Switzerland, Bangladesh and beyond. Visit an awe-inspiring school, an elegant office and cozy social spaces -- all built from natural materials -- in this delightful talk. Watch » Christian Rodríguez is a photographer and filmmaker -- and the son of a teenage mother. For the past five years, he has documented teen pregnancy in Latin America, creating intimate and dignified portraits of mothers as young as 12 years old. In this moving, visual talk, he shares his work and explores how young motherhood traps girls in a cycle of poverty and exploitation. Watch » In March 2009, North Korean soldiers captured journalist Euna Lee and her colleague Laura Ling while they were shooting a documentary on the border. In this surprising, deeply human talk, Lee shares her experience living as the enemy in a detention center for 140 days, in suspense while diplomats negotiated her release -- and the tiny gestures of humanity from her guards that sustained her. Watch »

Read more on ideas.ted.com Science: So, we're teaching dolphins to play whack-a-mole ... This simple game may reveal secrets of how dolphins communicate Climate: The blunt truth about Antarctic ice What happens down there will affect all of us soon Art: How to draw your portrait in data An abstract art project to understand who you are Design: How African alphabets ended up on the TEDGlobal stage Learn more about these rich and beautiful symbols Language: Meet the Icelanders who approve and reject baby names Three people enforce these fascinating rules (and make a few exceptions)

Quote of the Week “ By focusing on icons of faith, we would get people to reexamine the true essence of their faith, the common belief that we share in kindness, generosity and friendship. By creating pathways between houses of worship within one neighborhood, we would create islands of stability and networks of people that could withstand threats. And neighbors, by picking up a paintbrush with other neighbors, would engage not just with their heads but with their hands and with their hearts.” Nabila Alibhai How to show unity across faiths? Maybe, with a can of paint

ted radio hour: Citizen science We often think that scientific research is reserved for experts only. But now that's changing. TED speakers show how ordinary citizens are helping to make groundbreaking discoveries. Listen on Apple Podcasts, the TED Android app, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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