Something for Nothing

It's the end of a challenging week, and all I can think of is curling up in a fetal position on the couch cradling a bottle of Absolut - but I made a commitment so out I go!

I arrived about 15 minutes early at a Great Good Place for Books, a tiny independent bookstore in the Montclair Village to hear Raj Patel speak about his new book, "The Value of Nothing". It was a good thing I arrived early, I don't think the proprietor expected the near 70 people who squeezed themselves into this teeny-tiny shop.

I've found that book readings/signings are an outstanding way to learn something new for free (normally - although some shops now charge unless you purchase the book). You get a great burst of info and access to acclaimed authors for the cost of transportation and sometimes parking. In this case, I heard a phenomenally interesting speaker (who had just spoken at The Commonwealth Club for a $20 or $25 ticket fee), for FREE! Raj's book is about the value that we place on things in our society and the actual cost - his example: the hidden ecological and social costs of a hamburger put the actual cost at as much as $200! In my case, I realized huge value of paying nothing to hear this author.

• Life Changing: 3 (maybe - if I read the book)
• Fun: 4 (fun!)
• Easy to implement: 1 (easy)
• Worthy of repetition: 5 (absolutely)
• Try This: 5 (try this)
• Cost: 1 (Free is good.)