Type Ashton

In honor of the recent announcement of the 2025 Nobel Prize winners, I thought I would share this fun graph from a 2012 study examining the relationship between chocolate consumption and the number of Nobel prize laureates per capita.

And while, I know - I know correlation does not equal causation... this correlation has a 'P value' of 0.0001... meaning there is a less than one-in-10,000 probability of getting results like these if no correlation exists.

So while the rational part of me understands that other factors, like a nation's GDP or the quality of its educational system, are more likely to be underlying causes for both higher chocolate consumption and more Nobel Prize winners... it is a fun and tempting idea to think that chocolate might make you smarter.

So now if you'll excuse me, I'll be over here munching on a square of my favorite Lindt chocolate. 🍫 😋

To read more of the original study, from Messerli (2012) use this link: www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMon1211064

1 month ago | [YT] | 707

Type Ashton

Happy Sunday!

Just a heads up, I am taking a small break for a much needed summer holiday.

My family and I have been soaking up the sunshine, incredible landscapes and friendly cities around Ireland, driving the Wild Atlantic Way for the past three weeks. This has been my first time to the Emerald Isle and I have thoroughly enjoyed it!

Although this vacation was done in true German fashion (logging off and relaxing away from work responsibilities), I did snap a few photos that I wanted to share. Given the last videos topic on food quality and the importance of origin and regional goods - the range and selection of seafood, produce and meats at the English Market in Cork, Ireland was really something special (and delicious). 😍

What’s a local specialty from your area that you particularly enjoy?

My next scheduled video will continue on Sunday, September 15th. See you then!

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3 months ago | [YT] | 355

Type Ashton

New Studio!!

On next week's video you'll notice that something has changed: I have a new Youtube Studio/Office!

This change has been quite literally years in the making. When I moved to Germany in 2018, Jonathan flew over to the USA twice so that we could move all of my belongings in checked baggage on the airplane. In total, we moved six 23 kg bags over those trips... and two of them were books and my most cherished objects.... mostly collected and thrifted mid-century modern pieces from my favorite architects/designers.

(Yes, I moved an entire suitcase of JUST books).

They used to be housed in my University office back in the US. But sadly, we didn't really have a place for them. They had sat in boxes ever since I moved abroad... until today.

I finally found the time (and space) to re-create my office space. I wanted it to feel fun and funky, but professional. Perhaps some eagle-eyed viewers might notice a few fun pieces in the background.

Excited to share with you soon and see the new vibe on the next video.

4 months ago | [YT] | 1,060

Type Ashton

Surprise video coming tomorrow!

Many of you asked for a deep dive into the Trump tariffs, and what this means for trade and international relations within the EU specifically. While I had planned on saving this video for next Sunday to keep with my every-two-weeks posting schedule, the fast pace and rapid change of this legal and market landscape make it really difficult to create content that is critical and research oriented, while still remaining relevant and accurate. Thus, I made the decision to burn the midnight oil and will release the video tomorrow, Sunday April 13th at 9:00 CEST.

What is the endgame for the Trump tariff policy with the European Union? And with trillions on the line, how will future trade partners potentially impact the USA and EU relationship? Tune in to find out.

8 months ago | [YT] | 385

Type Ashton

Happy Sunday!

Apologies in advance - I won’t be as active in my replies in the comments of today’s video. However I will be out and about running the Freiburg marathon!

If you are in Freiburg today and happen to see a runner in an obnoxious amount of pink, wave hello! 👋

I hope you enjoy the video and hopefully some sunshine this Sunday! See you soon!

8 months ago | [YT] | 815

Type Ashton

Happy Sunday!

The freedom of speech has found renewed discussion in recent weeks (thanks in part to the Munich Security Conference and the oval office meeting between the UK Prime Minister and US administration). However, despite recent condemnation from American leadership on how other countries choose to limit it, the United States also struggles within itself to find consensus on when the freedom of expression goes too far. Should the freedom of speech be absolute? Or strategically censored?

And what kind of "sticky" problems does this create in practice - whether you live in the USA or not?

Watch the video in full here: https://youtu.be/AzORB1cW25U?si=8pneE...

9 months ago | [YT] | 90

Type Ashton

If you enjoyed Sunday's video from ‪@ActiveTowns‬, where John and I took a bicycle tour of Freiburg - great news: Part Two debut's today!

I personally had so much fun discussing urban mobility, cycling, and family culture with John and was honored to have him visit my little "neck of the woods" in the Black Forest.

I'll be hopping on the premier tonight at 20:00 CET - so if you want to chat in real time, be sure to hit the "notify me" button and watch together.

https://youtu.be/d8vraIX_xcI?si=zrlgE...

9 months ago | [YT] | 60

Type Ashton

Happy Sunny Sunday from the Black Forest ☀️

While it might not quite feel like summer time temperatures yet, you can tune in with me tonight to reminisce on sunshine and shorts weather in Freiburg!

Last summer John from Active Towns came for a visit to Freiburg and I had the delight to tour the city together via bicycle. We had a great chat about everything from family centric cycling to community infrastructure.

I’ll be joining the premiere tonight at 20:00 CET at the link below.

Hope to see you there!

9 months ago | [YT] | 96

Type Ashton

Happy Election Day in Germany!

Sadly my own citizenship application is still processing, so I am sitting this one out and watching from the sidelines. However, I am watching with intense interest as the German people decide on the future of the federal government. For all of you who are able and willing to vote, I wish you the best today as you head to the polls to cast your decision.

Although this quote is not attributed to a German citizen, but rather the Norwegian Finance Minister, I find it nonetheless timely:

“By voting, we add our voice to the chorus that forms opinions and the basis for actions.” - Jens Stoltenberg

Today's video feels somewhat timely given the media coverage of the election (hint, hint: watch this week's video if you haven't already! 😉). Over the past few weeks, it has been fascinating to read, watch and listen to the debate, polling and reporting on the election cycle. So my question to you is: how do you feel the media "informs and influences" the opinions and the basis for actions amongst the German people in this election? Is it for the positive or the negative?

I look forward to reading your thoughts on the role of the media and community decision making in this thread as well as in the comments section of this week's video!

You can view the video at this link here: https://youtu.be/DI7b9UcgQjw

9 months ago | [YT] | 424

Type Ashton

Welcome Back in the New Year!

This week, I'm continuing with Part 2 in my series: "Americans, Explained", where I'm diving into the religion of American athletics to ask the question: Why do Americans Worship Sports?

According to a recent study - 50% of Americans believe that "God" or a "divine being" plays a significant role in the outcome of the Super Bowl.

But explaining America’s devout obsession with athletics in comparison to Europe, isn’t just about drawing parallels between the sacred and sport, but understanding just how fundamentally "God-Like" most Americans view their athletes and the ripple effect it has on the individual, the family, and society as a whole.

I hope you enjoy this week's video and am looking forward to your thoughts on this phenomenon as well!

11 months ago | [YT] | 39