You're on a creative mission? I am too. Here are some of my best findings this week to help you spark some new insights, and here are some others to help you recover. Have a great weekend!

Spark

Confidence: Secrets of a poker player

Poker Players have a lot to teach us about confidence. They know that the sure way to lose is to let doubt stop you. Check out this article about Vanessa Selbst who made over $10 million playing poker and what she has to say about confidence. (There is also this crazy poker story worth reading here.)

One video explains it better than 100 books

In my opinion, History of Japan is the gold standard in terms of explaining history or any other complex ideas in visual form. Once you watch it you get a real sense of what the history of Japan looks like. And if you feel you want to dig more into some details, you can always pause, note the names and events and go on a deep dive on wikipedia.

There is also a very well made History of Europe mini-series. It pans from 30,000 BC to present times. (Unfortunately it's in French but I think you can still "get it" through the animations and names on the map.)

A chrome extension that lets you control Youtube, instead of Youtube controlling you.

We've all been there. You watch smart stuff, a tutorial, discussions, complex thoughts. The video ends and the dark screen populates with random shiny videos that you once clicked through but wish you didn't. Distraction Free youtube is the only extension I know that removes the videos on the end-screen. I can now control the quality of what I watch and not fall into the clickbait void. 

No more wondering how you went from watching a talk on innovation to seeing two MMA fighters insulting each others.I once tried the "hide comments" option and never looked back. The world is different and nicer without youtube comments.

Silicon Valley is dead

I love those stories of the early mavericks from Silicon Valley. Read how Micah Baldwin tells his story in the early days of the startup movement. It's interesting to note that had no social media back then. So the only you thing you relied on was those inner circles in coffer shops, which kind of still exist today.

The film Something Ventured is also mentioned in the article. It places you at that time where innovation started to become a "lifestyle". A great watch!

One of the most difficult languages to learn -Japanese- is now taught in a new innovative way

Few weeks ago, Duolingo launched Japanese. It's has been a challenge for them for years to teach the characters and symbols in the app. Now I believe that learning through the app is as good as taking language classes.

What I like most about this is not that I can learn Japanese, it's cool to try, but I'd rather put my energy on other projects. But just knowing that even the way a language has been taught for decades, if not centuries, can be reinvented and backed by new scientific findings. It's somewhat inspiring. Everything is yet to be invented.Duolingo Japanese: $FREE + In-App Purchases

Recover

Quote I'm contemplating

I'll tell you what hermits realize. If you go off into a far, far forest and get very quiet, you'll come to understand that you're connected with everything.~Alan Watts (1915-1973)

Speaking of Alan Watts. Check this indescribable video. You'll wind down, with your mouth open as you watch it. Also, if you like it, you'll probably enjoy this chillstep music mixed with Alan Watts talks. Another good one here.

Disturbingly mesmerizing: Philipe Katerine

Philipe Katerine does music like no one else. Generally those that try to achieve that, easily fall into abrasiveness. Katerine takes you to a world where his music and clips are these beautiful unique work of art. And the guy has a Vevo channel, surprising for such an edgy character. (he started before there was an internet though)

• Katerine - Parivélib'
• Katerine - Cette Mélodie
• Katerine - Morts - Vivants

An MMA fighter with Down's syndrome battling for the right to fight

This is a mini-documentary following G Money, an MMA fighter who has down syndrome. He has been forbidden by the state of Florida from fighting. This inspiring story shows how morals and righteousness takes control over the liberties of individuals. This guy just wants to be considered like any other MMA fighter.

And finally... a moment of inspiring emotion with Elon Musk

Just watch.

That's all folks!

Stay tuned for next week's Spark & Recover!

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