Photo courtesy of Cinqpoints

Let’s acknowledge that things out there are pretty bleak. Chances are, like me, you are stuck at home looking at the growing body count. And it’s hard to know where to turn for solace. The news doesn’t help. Social networks manage to amplify everything, creating an even greater sense of dread. I don’t know about you, but I could use some fun distractions.  Luckily, the Internet has obliged, offering up these 10 little gems: 

  1. Let’s start by taking care of ourselves by taking this Coursera course from Yale: The Science of Well-Being. 
  2. How to start a love affair with AudioBooks. My multiple attempts to get into audiobooks have only resulted in multiple failures, but after reading this article, I am going to give it another shot. Though, I still don’t think they are technically books. Just saying. 
  3. If you are losing your mind being at home, just take a deep breath and look at these 20 works of art that will help you appreciate what’s around you. 
  4. Mark Littlejohn is one of my favorite photographers. And now he has my favorite Twitter account. He is editing photos sent by others and sharing them on his feed. They all benefit from the gift of his split toning skills. Needless to say, such beauty is much appreciated. Follow this thread. 
  5. Here is some more random beauty. These 3D models come from the mind of Roman Klco.
  6. Are you a fan of Robert Parker’s books and his tough-guy detective, Spenser? Well, so is Mark Wahlberg, and he made a movie based on this character. It is on Netflix. It is fun. And no, it is not like the books. It is a 2020 version. Check out Spenser Confidential. (Also you can watch it with others using Netflix Party.)
  7. If they taught me like this in school, I would be a much better student of Chemistry. Oh, I do love this TikTok.  
  8. All of the above should be on your to-do list, which you should make on the To-Do Terrarium. This might not be Tamagotchi, but it is pretty awesome. Sign me up for that Netflix binge. 
  9. You can do all this and enjoy a cup of tea with someone by using Cuppa: It allows you to grab a virtual coffee with interesting people from Twitter.
  10.  And last but not the least, here are some tips on how to be outside, get exercise, and stay fit, and be responsible in this age of social distancing. I hope those morons running in packs on the Embarcadero and biking at full speed on the sidewalk get hold of this. 

In parting, I wanted to point out to Seth Godin’s call for more and better curation, in order to beat the algorithmic overlords. I agree. In fact, I have been arguing for curation and how it defines who we are for nearly a decade. Glad to see that Seth is on board.