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Ted

Theodore John Kaczynski (1942–2023), also known as the Unabomber, was an American mathematician and domestic terrorist who executed a 17-year campaign of homemade bombings targeting symbols of technological and industrial progress, resulting in three deaths and 23 injuries. Born in Chicago and recognized as a , Kaczynski skipped multiple grades, entered at age 16, obtained a PhD in from the University of Michigan in 1967, and served as an assistant professor at the , where he published several papers on boundary functions before resigning in 1969 to live in isolation. His withdrawal to a remote cabin near , preceded the start of his attacks in 1978, which primarily struck via mail bombs at academics, executives, and airline personnel, earning the FBI case designation UNABOM (for university, airline, and bombing). Kaczynski's notoriety peaked in 1995 when he conditioned halting his violence on the publication of his , , in major newspapers; the essay contended that the industrial-technological system inherently deprives individuals of , replaces natural human behaviors with artificial ones, and fosters psychological harm through the disruption of the "power process"—the drive to achieve meaningful goals independently. Arrested in 1996 after his brother identified stylistic matches in the manifesto, he pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty, receiving without ; he died by in . While condemned for his lethal methods, Kaczynski's writings have prompted debate on technology's societal costs, influencing anti-modernist thinkers despite mainstream dismissal often tied to his criminality rather than substantive engagement.

Names and Etymology

Origin and Meaning

Ted is primarily a form of the given names or , used as a or independent name in English-speaking contexts. As a short form of Theodore, Ted derives from the Θεόδωρος (Theódoros), composed of θεός (theós, "god") and δῶρον (dôron, "gift"), literally translating to "God's gift." This etymology reflects early Christian naming practices in , where Theodore gained popularity due to saints like , in the 7th century. Alternatively, when derived from Edward, Ted originates from the Ēadweard, combining ēad ("wealth" or "prosperity") and weard ("guardian"), meaning "wealthy guardian" or "protector of prosperity." This form entered widespread use following Anglo-Saxon kings such as (c. 1003–1066), whose reign reinforced its cultural significance in medieval . The dual associations highlight Ted's versatility as a concise, masculine evoking themes of divine favor or protective affluence.

Variants and Diminutives

Ted serves as a diminutive primarily for the names Edward and Theodore in English-speaking contexts, with Edward deriving from Old English elements meaning "wealthy guardian" and Theodore from Greek roots signifying "God's gift." Less commonly, it shortens Edmund, Thaddeus, Theodoric, or names like Edgar and Edwin sharing phonetic similarities. Variants of Ted include extended or altered spellings such as Teddy, Tedd, and Teddie, often employed affectionately or independently as given names. Teddy functions as a further diminutive, evoking a sense of endearment similar to its use for Theodore or Edward, and gained prominence in the early 20th century partly through figures like President Theodore Roosevelt, whose nickname "Teddy" inspired the teddy bear. These forms remain prevalent in informal usage but are less formalized in official records compared to the base Ted. In non-English languages, equivalents are rare, though phonetic parallels exist; for instance, Ted mirrors English usage as a short form of Theodorus or Eduard. Historical records from the 19th and 20th centuries show Ted and its variants peaking in popularity in the United States and during mid-20th-century naming trends, before declining as full forms like Theodore resurged.

Historical and Cultural Usage

The name originated as a through the tradition of aphetic inversion, where names ending in "-ed" like were altered by swapping initial consonants, yielding forms such as from Ed-ward, akin to Ric from Ed-ric becoming . This paralleled similar shortenings for Theodore, a Greek-derived name meaning "gift of God," and gained traction in English-speaking regions by the late as an affectionate standalone form. Early recorded uses appear in and contexts, often among working-class and middle-class families, reflecting a broader trend toward informal during industrialization. In the United States, Ted's popularity as a given name surged in the early 20th century, aligning with the appeal of sturdy, monosyllabic names post-World War I, and peaked in the mid-20th century amid the baby boom era. Social Security Administration data indicate it ranked among the top 200 boys' names from the 1930s to 1960s, with usage rates exceeding 0.1% of male births in peak years like 1955, before steadily declining to rarity by the 1990s due to preferences for longer or more unique names. In the United Kingdom and Australia, similar patterns emerged, with Ted maintaining modest prevalence through the mid-century but fading thereafter, often retained as a nickname rather than a birth name. Culturally, the variant "Teddy" embedded the name in American lore via President (1858–1919), whose nickname—coined in his Harvard days and popularized by media—persisted despite his aversion to it. A 1902 hunting expedition, where Roosevelt declined to shoot a captured , inspired political Clifford Berryman and toy maker to create the first , marketed with Roosevelt's permission and igniting a plush toy craze that symbolized gentle and child-rearing ideals. This artifact transcended the name's personal associations, influencing global toy design and enduring as a cultural icon of comfort, with annual sales in the millions by the early . Beyond this, Ted evoked reliability and approachability in mid-century media, though its cultural footprint waned with shifting naming trends toward individualism.

Notable People

Politics and Government

Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy (1932–2009) served as a Democratic United States Senator from Massachusetts from November 7, 1962, until his death on August 25, 2009, accumulating over 46 years of service and ranking as the third-longest-serving senator in U.S. history. He chaired the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and was a principal sponsor of legislation expanding healthcare access, such as the Children's Health Insurance Program reauthorization in 2009. Kennedy's career was marked by the 1969 Chappaquiddick incident, in which he pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a fatal automobile accident involving passenger Mary Jo Kopechne, an event that derailed his presidential aspirations. Rafael Edward "Ted" Cruz (born December 22, 1970) has served as a Senator from since January 3, 2013. Prior to the Senate, Cruz served as from 2003 to 2008, arguing multiple cases before the U.S. . He mounted a prominent but unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 presidential nomination, emphasizing strict constitutionalism and opposition to the . Theodore Fulton "Ted" Stevens (1923–2010) represented as a Senator from December 24, 1968, to January 3, 2009, serving 40 years and becoming the longest-serving senator in history at the time. Stevens secured substantial federal appropriations for Alaskan projects, including infrastructure and military bases, earning him the nickname "the King of Pork" from critics who argued his earmarking practices exemplified congressional spending excesses. He faced a 2008 conviction on charges related to undisclosed gifts, which was later vacated due to . Theodore Paul "Ted" Budd (born October 21, 1971) has served as a United States Senator from since January 3, 2023, following his election in a special to replace retiring Senator . Previously, Budd represented in the U.S. House from 2017 to 2023, focusing on Second Amendment rights and .

Sports

Theodore Samuel Williams (August 30, 1918 – July 5, 2002) played his entire 19-season career as a left fielder for the Boston Red Sox, achieving a .344 career , 521 home runs, and 1,839 runs batted in over 2,292 games. Renowned for his hitting discipline and vision, Williams won six batting titles, two Triple Crowns (1942 and 1947), and two awards (1946 and 1949), despite missing nearly five seasons due to in and the . He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1966 on his first ballot, with 93.4% of the vote. Ted Simmons (born August 9, 1949) was a switch-hitting who appeared in 2,456 MLB games across 21 seasons with the Cardinals (1968–1980), Brewers (1981–1985), and (1986–1988), compiling 2,472 hits, 248 home runs, and a .285 . An eight-time , he led the in total bases in 1980 and won a that year, showcasing offensive prowess rare for catchers of his era. Simmons was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020 via the Modern Baseball Era Committee. Theodore Paul Hendricks (born November 1, 1947), nicknamed "The Mad Stork" for his 6-foot-8 frame and unconventional celebrations, was a linebacker who played 15 seasons with the (1969–1973), (1974), and (1975–1983), recording 60 sacks and contributing to four victories (V, XI, XV, XVIII). A four-time and eight-time Pro Bowler, Hendricks disrupted offenses with his length and intelligence, earning induction into the in 1990. In , (July 29, 1925 – March 4, 2019), known as "Terrible Ted" for his aggressive style, played 17 NHL seasons primarily as a left winger for the , scoring 799 points in 1,068 games and helping win four Stanley Cups (1949, 1950, 1952, 1954). A two-time winner (1950, 1954) and NHL First Team All-Star five times, he advocated for players' rights, including attempts to form a union, and was inducted into the in 1966. Ted Kennedy (December 12, 1925 – August 14, 2009), nicknamed "Teeder," was a center who spent his entire 14-season NHL career with the , amassing 560 points in 696 games and key contributions to five championships (1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951). Named team captain in 1948, he won the as league MVP in 1955 and was inducted into the in 1966.

Arts, Entertainment, and Media

Ted Danson (born December 29, 1947) is an American actor best known for portraying bartender on the sitcom , which aired from 1982 to 1993 and earned him multiple for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He reprised the role in the spin-off and later starred as Michael in the fantasy comedy from 2016 to 2020. Ted Turner (born November 19, 1938) is an media proprietor who founded the Cable News Network () in 1980, revolutionizing 24-hour news broadcasting and establishing the first dedicated news channel. His also launched Superstation WTBS and acquired film library, expanding into entertainment conglomerates before merging with Time Warner in 1996. Ted Nugent (born December 13, 1948) is an guitarist, singer, and songwriter prominent in , fronting in the 1960s and achieving solo success with albums like Ted Nugent (1975) and hits such as and "Stranglehold," which peaked at No. 30 and No. 23 on the , respectively. His career includes over 34 million records sold and induction into the Michigan Legends Hall of Fame in 2014. (born February 8, 1940) is a British-American who anchored ABC's from 1980 to 2005, conducting in-depth interviews with world leaders and covering events like the , accumulating over 25 years in the role. Earlier, he reported for from 1963, earning multiple Peabody and for . (born July 28, 1964) serves as co-CEO of , where he has overseen content strategy since joining in 1999, expanding original programming to include series like (2013) and driving subscriber growth to over 280 million globally as of 2024. His leadership emphasizes data-driven decisions on viewer preferences, contributing to 's dominance in .

Science, Business, and Other Fields

Marcian Edward "Ted" Hoff Jr. (born 1937) was an American electrical engineer who led the team that architected the world's first commercial microprocessor, the , released in November 1971. This single-chip revolutionized computing by enabling smaller, more efficient devices and laying the foundation for modern . Hoff's innovation stemmed from his 1969 proposal to use 's silicon-gate for a programmable CPU rather than custom logic for a project. Theodore Harold "Ted" Maiman (1927–2007) was an American physicist and engineer who constructed and operated the first working laser on May 16, 1960, at Hughes Research Laboratories in . Using a synthetic rod stimulated by a flashlamp, Maiman's device produced a coherent beam of red light, validating theoretical predictions by Charles Townes and Arthur Schawlow despite initial skepticism. The ruby laser's invention spurred applications in , manufacturing, communications, and defense, earning Maiman recognition as the laser's pioneer. In business, Robert Edward "Ted" Turner III (born 1938) built a media conglomerate starting with the purchase of a failing UHF station in Atlanta in 1970, which he transformed into WTBS, the first "superstation" via satellite distribution in 1976. Turner launched CNN on June 1, 1980, as the world's first 24-hour news channel, disrupting traditional broadcasting and expanding to include TNT and TBS. By 1996, his assets were acquired by Time Warner for $7.5 billion in stock, though Turner later became America's third-largest individual landowner with approximately 2 million acres focused on bison ranching and conservation. Theodore Brewster "Ted" Taylor (1925–2004) was an American nuclear physicist who designed both the smallest fission bomb (the Swan device, yielding under 10 tons ) and advanced compact reactors like the training reactor, operational from 1958 for safe, pulse-mode nuclear research. At and later , Taylor contributed to concepts, including Project Orion for driven by atomic bombs, though unrealized due to treaty prohibitions. His work emphasized minimizing size and proliferation risks, influencing nonproliferation advocacy in his later career.

Controversial or Infamous Figures

Theodore Robert Bundy, born November 24, 1946, was an American who confessed to murdering at least 30 young women and girls across multiple states, primarily between 1974 and 1978, through methods including abduction, rape, and . His crimes involved luring victims with his articulate charm and feigned injuries, such as wearing a fake cast or sling, before bludgeoning or strangling them; confirmed killings occurred in , , , , , and , with bodies often dumped in remote areas or kept for postmortem abuse. Bundy escaped custody twice—once from a Colorado jail in June 1977 by jumping from a second-story , and again in in February 1978 by slipping out of a courthouse elevator—leading to further attacks, including the bludgeoning deaths of two Chi Omega sorority sisters in Tallahassee on January 15, 1978. Convicted of three murders in in 1979 and 1980 based on , bite-mark , and fibers linking him to victims, he received three death sentences; additional convictions in and followed, though he was never tried for most crimes due to his executions. Bundy was executed by in on January 24, 1989, after multiple appeals and stays; his case drew widespread attention for highlighting failures in cross-state law enforcement coordination and the psychological profile of high-functioning psychopaths. Theodore John Kaczynski, born May 22, 1942, known as the Unabomber, was a mathematics prodigy turned domestic terrorist who carried out a 17-year bombing campaign targeting individuals associated with modern technology and industrialization, killing three people and injuring 23 others between 1978 and 1995. A former Berkeley professor who abandoned academia in 1969 to live in a remote Montana cabin without electricity or running water, Kaczynski mailed or hand-delivered homemade bombs to universities, airlines, and executives, with devices evolving from pipe bombs to more sophisticated triggers; notable fatalities included computer store owner Hugh Scrutton on December 11, 1985, and advertising executive Thomas Mosser on December 10, 1994. His campaign prompted the FBI's longest domestic terrorism investigation, code-named UNABOM (for university and airline bombings), involving over 150 full-time agents who analyzed thousands of leads until his brother David recognized similarities between Kaczynski's writings and a manifesto submitted to media outlets. In April 1995, The Washington Post and The New York Times published Kaczynski's 35,000-word treatise, "Industrial Society and Its Future," under FBI agreement to facilitate identification, arguing that technological progress erodes human freedom and autonomy by creating dependency on large systems; he was arrested on April 3, 1996, after authorities searched his cabin and found bomb components, journals detailing 16 bombings, and the original manifesto. Pleading guilty in 1998 to avoid the death penalty, Kaczynski received eight life sentences without parole; he died by suicide in federal prison on June 10, 2023, amid debates over his ideological critiques of leftism, oversocialization, and environmental degradation, though his violent methods were universally condemned as terrorism rather than legitimate protest.

Entertainment and Fictional Works

Films and Television

Ted is a 2012 directed by in his feature directorial debut, who also co-wrote the screenplay with and , and provided the voice for the titular character. The plot centers on John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg), an adult man whose childhood wish brings his Ted to life; the bear, known for its profane and hedonistic lifestyle, disrupts John's relationship with Lori (). Released on June 29, 2012, the film was produced on a $50 million budget and grossed $218.8 million in and $549.4 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing R-rated comedies at the time. It received mixed reviews, with a 69% approval rating on based on 220 critics, praised for its humor but criticized for juvenile content. A sequel, , followed in 2015, again directed and voiced by MacFarlane, with Wahlberg reprising his role alongside new cast members including as and as Tami-Lynn. The story involves Ted's quest for legal to adopt a child, amid legal battles and comedic escapades, maintaining the franchise's signature crude, irreverent style. Released on June 26, 2015, with a $68 million budget, it earned $81.5 million domestically and $216.7 million globally, underperforming relative to the original due to weaker word-of-mouth and competition. Critics gave it a 45% score from 201 reviews, faulting repetitive gags while noting some satirical elements on civil rights. In 2024, Peacock premiered , a television series created and directed by MacFarlane, serving as the third entry in the franchise and set in 1993 . The seven-episode season follows teenage John (Max Burkholder) and his family navigating life with the newly famous but foul-mouthed Ted (voiced by MacFarlane), exploring themes of adolescence, family dysfunction, and '90s culture through episodic comedy. All episodes dropped on January 11, 2024, earning a 7.9/10 rating from over 37,000 users and 74% on , with praise for nostalgic humor but criticism for uneven pacing and overreliance on . The series targets mature audiences with R-equivalent content, including explicit language and drug references, and features guest stars like Bill O'Reilly and reprising his role from the films.

Fictional Characters

, the anthropomorphic teddy bear from the comedy film directed by , is a foul-mouthed, cannabis-using character who gains after a childhood wish by his owner John Bennett. Voiced by MacFarlane, refuses to grow up, engaging in hedonistic antics while maintaining a codependent friendship with the adult John, as depicted in the film's plot where Ted's lifestyle threatens John's relationship. The character returns in the sequel , where seeks legal and rights amid further comedic escapades involving and drug-fueled misadventures. Theodore "Ted" Mosby, the protagonist of the sitcom (2005–2014), is portrayed by as an architect and hopeless romantic narrating his quest to find his children's mother through a series of failed relationships and personal growth. Ted's spans nine seasons, emphasizing themes of destiny and perseverance, with key traits including elaborate gestures like building a homemade Playbook-inspired contraption and his fixation on "the one" amid friendships in . Ted Baxter, the vain and pompous news anchor on (1970–1977), is played by as a parody of self-absorbed broadcasters, often mangling teleprompters and prioritizing fame over accuracy in the WJM-TV newsroom. Baxter's incompetence provides comic relief, such as in episodes where he endorses dubious products or clashes with colleagues like , yet he occasionally shows vulnerability, humanizing the caricature of media egos. , from the film franchise starting with (1989), is portrayed by as a dim-witted but kind-hearted high school and aspiring who, with friend Bill Preston, time-travels to assemble historical figures for a history project. Logan's laid-back "excellent" demeanor and enthusiasm define the duo's optimistic worldview, evolving through sequels like (1991) and (2020) into a narrative of saving reality via .

Music and Literature

Ted is a children's written and illustrated by , published in 2002 by Children's Publishing, centering on themes of fantasy, friendship, and imagination. The story follows a young interacting with a mysterious companion named Ted, earning praise for its whimsical artwork and narrative suitable for early readers. The Book of Ted by Frank Alister Murray compiles lighthearted anecdotes and stories about a character named , presented in a humorous, anecdotal reminiscent of tales. Published as a collection, it draws from everyday observations to portray Ted's escapades, appealing to readers interested in comedic short-form literature. In music, Ted Tapes 2021 is an instrumental album by the American , released on February 12, 2021, consisting of sixteen live jam recordings compiled from performances that year. The album showcases the band's improvisational rock , with tracks emphasizing extended instrumental explorations. The self-titled debut Ted Nugent, released in February 1975 by , features compositions including the 10-minute track "Stranglehold," which became a staple in the genre. Recorded with the backing band ' remnants, it highlights Nugent's guitar prowess and established his reputation in .

Other Uses

Acronyms and Organizations

TED most prominently stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, the founding fields of a nonprofit media organization established in 1984 by Richard Saul Wurman to convene experts at annual conferences sharing ideas across disciplines. The organization, initially operated as TED Conferences, LLC, shifted ownership to the independent TED Foundation in mid-2019 to enhance its nonprofit mission of disseminating "ideas worth spreading" through events, online videos, and initiatives like TEDx locally organized programs. By 2025, TED has hosted over 3,000 talks viewed billions of times globally, with core events including the flagship TED conference in Vancouver and specialized gatherings like TEDMED for health innovation. Lesser-known organizational acronyms include Technical Education Department, used by various universities and schools for vocational training units, such as those focused on and applied sciences. Another variant is Teacher Education Department, denoting administrative divisions in education faculties dedicated to preparing educators, though these lack the centralized prominence of the TED conferences entity. These educational usages predate or parallel the design-focused TED but remain institution-specific without a unified global body.

Places, Brands, and Miscellaneous

Ted's Place is an unincorporated locale and historic gas station in , situated at the intersection of U.S. Highway 287 and Colorado Highway 14, near the entrance to Poudre Canyon. Established as a for travelers, it has served as a rest stop and community hub since the early , with its name deriving from longtime proprietor Ted Bixby. Ted Baker is a clothing retailer founded in 1988 by in , , initially as a shirtmaker emphasizing quirky British design, quality fabrics, and attention to detail. The brand expanded internationally, operating stores across the and in the United States by the 2010s, offering menswear, womenswear, accessories, and fragrances; however, it entered administration in 2024 amid financial challenges including overexpansion and leadership issues. is an American casual dining chain specializing in meat, steaks, and regional , co-founded in 2002 by and restaurateur to promote sustainable ranching. With locations primarily in the eastern and , the chain emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and has operated over 40 outlets at its peak, focusing on grilled dishes and efforts tied to Turner's herds. T.E.D. anti-embolism stockings, commonly known as TED hose, are graduated compression garments designed for medical use to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism in non-ambulatory patients, such as post-surgical individuals, by applying 18 mmHg pressure at the ankle to promote venous return. Clinically validated in peer-reviewed studies for reducing DVT incidence by up to 50% compared to controls, these knee-high or thigh-high stockings differ from general compression socks by their focus on bedridden scenarios rather than active wear. TED Notepad is a free, portable for Windows, developed by Juraj Šimlovič starting in as an open-source alternative emphasizing simplicity, speed, and advanced text manipulation features like regex search and encoding support. It remains actively maintained, with versions compatible up to , and is favored for its lightweight footprint under 200 KB.