The best books I ever read were from the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov, though I didn’t appreciate science-fiction up till then. They have given me insights into mass psychology, influencing decisions at critical moments and in possibly predicting the future. Often useful in everyday situations.

“Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what’s right.”
Salvor Hardin in “The Foundation” by Isaac Asimov

The following are random ideas of things that I will never execute on. If any of these sound cool to you please make them happen:
1. Stoplights could be much more efficient. Think of the millions of cars idling right now at an annoying stoplight for now good reason contributing to global warming.
2. Bananas should be sold in bunches of varying ripeness. That way all your bananas don’t go bad at the same time and everyday you have another perfectly ripe banana.
3. A TV show like Extreme Makeover but for helping people get out of debt. Shows how terrible people are at money management skills and then helps them with budgeting, saving, etc.
4. Moistened toilet paper that is flushable, like the wipes parents use to change diapers. More sanitary, antibacterial, fresh smelling.
5. Babysitting rooms at movie theaters. Gyms have them, why not movie theaters?
6. Gear share program at vacation destinations. It sucks renting umbrellas and stuff when you go to the beach. Other vacationers who are leaving when you’re arriving can hand off the stuff they used.
7. Washers and dryers should be combined. I think these exists but why aren’t they the norm? Moving your wet clothes from thewasher to the nearly identical looking dryer is stupid. I’m sure one machine could do both.
8. Bike-In restaurants.
9. All movie trailers should end with a form that allows you to submit your info and address so you are alerted when the movie comes to your local theater or becomes available to buy.

Why do people become teachers? I often wonder this as I constantly read and see the attack on teachers and public education in general. This question is particularly interesting to me because of my profession- I teach future teachers.

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Here is a small fact:

You are going to die.

-The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

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Embrace love in all of its forms, live with a strong connection to your higher self, laugh loudly and often … with yourself as your main source of amusement.

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How often do you listen to music? I mean, really listen? I could go on about actual scientific studies that link music to a whole host of physical and psychological benefits, but rather than rattle on here, try it.

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We’re all assholes.

I was on the last leg of a road trip Friday, passing through El Paso on my way home to Austin.  Speeding along the highway, I looked across the Rio Grande and into Mexico.  It’s nothing but a river that draws the line between these two countries, but that river’s arbitrary contours divide wealth from poverty, safety from violence. It’s just a river, but there’s no question on which side you’d rather exist.

Isn’t that dumb?

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I recently discovered (through Capoeira) the absolute joy that practising sports can be. I’ve felt more awake, my posture and body control have improved dramatically, and most of all I’ve been having tons of fun. But the story doesn’t end there.

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Hello, stranger.

My name is Nicole. I live in Brooklyn, NY, work at Kickstarter, and I like knitting, tiny instruments, and avocados.  I’m interested in internet communities, but what really tickles me is bridging that terrifying gap between cyberspace and meatspace.

So, let’s try something.

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I worked as a caddie on a golf course during my teenage years. One morning I was working for Rappaport and Haas, two older gentleman that had retired and played golf together every morning.

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