How great writers tell the history that shapes the future
A brilliant new piece of narrative nonfiction reminds us how writers craft the memories that change the way we see our journey.
Read MoreThe day I discovered I wanted to be a writer
In seventh grade I realized what it meant to have a voice. Every day since then I’ve looked at the world differently.
Read MoreFinding my great grandmother: Ellis Island treasure
Earlier this year I puzzled out the mystery of my great-grandmother's missing immigration record from Ellis Island and it led to a treasure trove of interesting details about her family and her early life.
Read MoreI never knew it was possible to feel this good, or why I went vegan
In 2011 I went to a strictly vegan diet, dropped 25 pounds, and was surprised to learn how good normal could feel. Here's the story.
Read MoreHow the Internet will enable us solve problems 25x bigger than putting a man on the moon
If 400,000 people put a man on the moon, what can we do with 100 million collaborating over the Internet? That's the question Luis von Ahn is trying to answer in my pick for the TED Talk of the week. See how you've already been part of the process by using reCAPTCHA.
Read MoreWhy traveling and new experiences are critical for creativity
If you want to optimize innovation and creativity, you need to expose yourself to lots of diverse experiences. Here's some wisdom on the subject from The Onion's Baratunde Thurston.
Read MoreGood product design: The 10 principles of Dieter Rams
San Francisco MOMA currently has an exhibit on designer Dieter Rams, who influenced Apple and other tech companies. See his principles of good design.
Read MoreSamuel Morse: The engineer who painted a masterpiece
Samuel Morse revolutionized global communications. However, first he painted a masterpiece that was a failure in its own time, and finally led Morse to give up painting for life as an inventor.
Read MoreThe fascinating da Vinci portrait that's even better than the Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa is the world's most famous painting, but it's not my favorite da Vinci portrait. After volunteering in the "Da Vinci: The Genius" exhibit this summer, I've fallen for "Lady with an Ermine."
Read MoreQuote of the day: Einstein on computers
"Computers are incredibly fast, accurate, and stupid. Human beings are incredibly slow, inaccurate, and brilliant. Together they are powerful beyond imagination."
Read MoreQuote of the day: Ideas alone aren't enough
"Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference."
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