As summer 2020 comes to a close and we adjust our focus to the falling leaves of autumn, most of us are back to school/work and seemingly busier than ever. With the hustle and bustle that arrives with September, you probably have less time to peruse social media to see what’s new.

To that end, I’m here to curate a few of the “smart” things that are in the news these days, and save you some social media browsing time (you’re welcome). This is a fun part of my work with my clients as a Social Media Coach/Strategist at One Smart Cookie Marketing, and I’m thrilled to share the best tidbits with you every few weeks right here.

Hit me up with the smart discoveries you’re making out there on the WWW, and maybe I’ll include it in my next article. Thanks for reading and here we go….

SMART GAME SHOW

We are in the final round of enjoying legendary Jeopardy host Alex Trebek as he battles cancer, and I’m gobbling up all the behind-the-scenes info about his reign. The show recently began airing its 37th season and this article provides a great look at what it takes to produce a game show in COVID-19 times…and a peek at how Seattle’s own Ken Jennings (Jeopardy’s GOAT) will play a part in the show.

SMART HOME

Holy casita, Batman! This new prefab ADU (accessory dwelling unit) called Boxabl provides the perfect tiny house solution – furnished! – at a surprisingly affordable cost. And, it’s delivered to you and set up in one day – whaaaat?? It’s almost too good to be true – how much would you be willing to pay? I was very surprised at the cost, although there is quite a waiting list for this promising startup product.

SMART COOKING

If you’re a fan of Chopped and the various on-the-spot cooking competitions, you’re going to love Supercook. What can I cook with I’ve got? If you’re bored with your current culinary repertoire, this website (and app) allows you to enter ingredients you have on hand, and delivers matching recipes from popular cooking websites. Dinner just got super easy, right?

SMART WOMAN

In a 10-part series, the Washington Post’s personal finance Michelle Singletary gets personal about misconceptions involving race. In this first article, she examines the false notion that affirmative action gives unqualified Black people an unfair advantage.

SMART DOCUMENTARY

There’s great concern about the effects of social media on society (especially children) along with the perceived deceptiveness of algorithms, ads, and online privacy. The Social Dilemma is a new documentary from Netflix that’s part interview with disillusioned former social media execs, and part dramatized scenarios that show the potential pitfalls of Facebook, TikTok, et al. It changed the way I think about my craft as a social media coach and strategist, and I encourage you to watch and start a discussion with others.

SMART INSTRUCTION

Not everyone is a born writer and many people struggle with crafting even the most basic messages. Enter Get Pocket’s “How to Write (Almost) Anything”, a smart collection of articles ranging from punching up your tweets, crafting great jokes, perfecting your email messages or writing the Great American Novel.

SMART MEETINGS

Are you a fan of MadLibs, the word game where players provide a list of words to “fill in the blanks” to create a funny story? One of my favorite new online newsletters is Morning Brew, and they’ve created a fun new work-related knockoff called MadLibz. In this “quarantime” of working from home, creating “The Virtual Meeting” is a hilarious way to poke fun at the current madness we are all living through. Don’t forget to share the finished story with your co-workers!

SMART HEALTH

You may have a preconceived notion about what a vegan looks like, how they act, what they do. But you will have those stereotypes blown out of the water by plumber Joe Bowers as he navigates his Bowers Vegan Ginger Beast Challenge! In an effort to change not only his health but alter the course of his entire family, you’ll learn so much about the “rainbow” of vegan experiences and the value in making positive changes for your health. As Joe says, if he can do this, anyone can! It’s an inspiring journey by an everyday man trying to live his best life; follow his YouTube channel for videos and updates, and watch for a documentary of his experiences in 2021!

What’s the smartest thing you’ve read, seen, heard, watched, or found this week? Send me an email and share your Smart Cookie finds with me!