6 TEDTalks I Think You'll Like

TED talks are ideas shared through various social platforms. People share what they have learned (or even experienced). You can subscribe to TED's Youtube channel, visit TED.com, listen to podcasts, or even watch video podcasts. I have been watching TED talks for a few years now and today I'd like to share six of my favorites. The talks I've chosen to share may seem random in nature, but I think they have great ideas to take away.

                                                 Monica Lewinsky: The price of shame

Monica Lewinsky is a name many people know, but few people have heard her side of the story. The media talked about her in a time when social media was not a common thing. She speaks of what she went through and how hard it was for her to find work following what happened. I really enjoyed this talk because it gave me a perspective I never thought about having.

                                     Takaharu Tezuka: The best kindergarten you've ever seen

Tezuka speaks about an innovative kindergarten in Tokyo. Tezuka was the architect and the school was built in 2007. Interestingly, it is shaped in a circle and kids can run around it. If a kid is in class and wants to go outside, the kid can just walk outside. The rules are atypical from the traditional stereotype of a school, but it seems like a wonderful idea. My only concern is students who go here have to continue going to higher grades and I imagine transitioning from this school to a traditional school takes some adjustment. However, they're young so I bet it is easier for them to do so.

 

 

 Sarah Kay:  If I should have a daughter

Sarah Kay is a talented lady. She shares her poems and this particular one is about her future daughter. She speaks for 18 minutes reciting what she has written and learned. I placed this one in because I watched this several years ago and am still in awe.

                               Will Porter: The Secret US Prisons You've Never Heard of Before

I watched this TED talk last year and was shocked that I had never heard of the secret US prisons. It made me wonder about various institutions that have yet to become public knowledge. Since this TED talk was released, there has been talk about shutting down these CMU's (Communication Management Unit), but only time will tell.

                             Elizabeth Gilbert: Success, Failure and the Drive to Keep Creating

Elizabeth Gilbert talks about life after her book: "Eat, Pray, Love" became a success. She had the opportunity to succeed or fail after she had already succeeded. I think the beauty of this talk is it is okay to succeed and it is okay to fail. We should not be afraid of either. One or the other will happen, but we must continue to create when either does.

                              Simon Sinek: Start With Why: Why Great Leaders Inspire Action

Start With Why was my first encounter with TED talks. It still holds to be my favorite talk I have ever watched. Many people/businesses like to tell people what they do, but Simon Sinek encourages them to learn why they do what they do. He says, "People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it."

I hope you like these TEDTalks as much as I do!

Kristin

Why I Find Google Flights Helpful

I love to travel. There is an excitement that comes when I drive into the airport. I peer out of my car window and see thousands of parked cars. These cars signal people are traveling as well. I imagine the different types of people and why they're traveling. Some are traveling for business, others for vacation. Some people will be re-united with loved ones and others will have to attend a funeral for a loved one. There are loads of reasons why people travel; simultaneously, people leave their normal lives for a bit and plane tickets can be expensive. This is why I find Google Flights helpful.

I no longer have to consistently check the price of a flight because Google Flights tracks it for me. All I need is a gmail account. Once I am logged in, I go to google.com/flights. I type in where I am flying from, where and when I would like to go, and Google finds the flights. Google is even kind enough to suggest changing my dates for an even less expensive flight.

After I find my ideal flight, I select the "Outbound" and "Return" flight, scroll to the bottom and click "track price." Google will continue tracking the price of the flight until it takes off. This method bypasses proxy settings airlines typically use to make their customers pay more. I have bought several flights on here and I plan to continue this purchasing method.

I have seen flights begin low and steadily increase, but I have also seen flights begin incredibly high and rapidly decline. I think it helps to research what a typical flight costs from your currently location to the place you would like to visit and either check Google Flights pretty often (or sign up for their price alert emails).

The only [current] downside to Google Flights for Southwest fans is Southwest is not currently on Google Flights. I know many people who prefer to fly Southwest, but many other airlines can also be found on Google Flights.

I've always believed if something is helpful to me, it will be helpful to someone else. I hope this helps you get a better price on your upcoming travels.

Kristin