I have an ongoing obsession with time.  Being a working mom of two, I don’t have enough time in my day for everything I want to do and I want to make the most of every moment (doesn’t everyone?)  I recently read an interesting blog by Seth Godin citing Clay Shirky’s theory of cognitive surplus.  Cognitive surplus is the idea that it is better to do something than do nothing.

So for instance, people who are using their time not watching TV and actually engaging in life can get some really cool stuff done and the collective societal output could be amazing.  Use that time to volunteer, get involved with your community, write a book, start an online community, connect with friends online, read… you get the idea.  Shirky has noticed the trend of talented people putting five or six hours an evening to work instead of to waste. Add that up across a million or ten million people – pretty cool.  Now I just need to put it to practice myself.  Perhaps right after the series finale of LOST…and of course the finale of American Idol. Here are a few ways that some of the Turner staffers engage in life outside of work:

Christine Turner serves on the board for Heart for Africa and volunteers at her kids’ schools.

Angela Berardino runs Mile High Social Media Club.

Efrem Rodriguez is deeply involved as an organizer for Ignite Boulder.

Julie Wagoner runs an online entertainment zine called The Media Fix where she interviews recording artists.

So what projects do you work on with your free time?