Some TED stuff you should check out

I know your time is precious, so it won't hurt my feelings if you decide to give the following a pass. I do think, however, that each of these would repay the time you'd invest in them.

First, when Juan Enriquez spoke about some global trends, he used some data visualization tools that were amazing. What's particularly cool is that you can play with them on the Web at this site. I suggest investing in the tutorial if you find the thing initially intimidating, but once you've played with it a bit, I think you'll find it an amazing way to watch trends in action. (Thanks to Kyle for letting me know this was available.)

Next, for an amazing story of rainforest restoration, watch Willie Smits' talk. Smits is not the most dynamic speaker, but if you listen closely you'll be glad you invested the time. His answers to the problems he tackled were complex and involved a great many people, but they worked, and they made me hopeful that similar complex problems were indeed solvable.

Finally, if you simply want to lift your spirit with some great music, use whichever of your computers has the best speakers and listen and watch as Gustavo Dudamel leads a youth orchestra in an exuberant, wonderful performance. If this music, particularly the second piece, doesn't touch you and move you, check your pulse; you may be dead.