May 13, 2009, Vol. 3, Issue 8

It’s a perfect day. Sunny, warm and not a cloud in the sky. The lovely scent of the lilacs is wafting in through the open window. And though I have a couple meetings today with some amazing folks, I’m finding it hard to find the inspiration I need on a few things we’re working on here.

I’m thinking that I may not be alone in feeling this way. (If I am, please don’t tell me. It’ll just make me feel inadequate.)

So I thought I’d share a few of the sites that I go to when I need a creative boost.

You are wise, Grasshopper.

Springwise delivers ideas, concepts, and way cool business ideas from around the world. With more than 8,000 spotters in 70 countries, the coverage is varied and fascinating. We are constantly enthralled by the newsletter and going to the site gives us an extra boost.

For instance, this week they published an article on a charcoal alternative that caught our eyes. And the one about the laundry service via DHL makes me want to move to Germany.

Ideas Worth Spreading

As you probably know, TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. When it started in 1984, it was a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. But boy, oh, boy has it grown.

You are sure to find inspiration on the blog or in the weekly newsletter. Become a fan of TED on Facebook or follow TEDTalks on Twitter. You can even get a TED ringtone.

If you don’t find something to inspire you TED-wise, I’ll be surprised.

Poke Around

And if you have a half hour to spare, scoot around on Digg or check StumbleUpon. Just type in some words and enjoy. Something will jump out at you. I promise. And if not, you’ll have fun anyway.

And maybe you’ll find a little spark in The Social Studies Group’s latest blog post Online Communities as Silos.

Cheers

Here’s to great ideas sprouting this Spring. TTFN.