We all want to improve our productivity. Believe it or not, it appears one of the simplest ways to do so is to work less. "What," you are probably thinking, "How can I improve my productivity by working less?" Recent studies suggest just that: working less hours a day and taking more vacations can increase your productivity.
In an article in The New York Times today, "Relax! You'll Be More Productive," author Tony Schwartz discusses a number of those studies that show that you can increase your output by taking a nap and taking more vacations.
The theory behind those studies is that you are less productive if you use up too much energy. In other words, if you are tired, you are likely to take longer to perform a given task. In addition, you are likely to be less mentally alert as you are working. Napping or vacationing gives you the opportunity to recharge your battery.
Most intriguing is the study cited by Professor K. Anders Ericsson of Florida State University. In that study, Professor Ericsson concluded that those persons who were most productive worked in 90 minute cycles. They would work for 90 minutes, followed by a break. In all, they would work no more than four and one half hours a day. The rest of the work day was spent napping, exercising or meditating.
If this sounds interesting, you can review the entire article by Mr. Schwartz at www.nytimes.com.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Seen Any Good Movies Lately?
Seen any good movies lately? Yes, in fact, two recent movies, "Hyde Park on the Hudson" and "Quartet". Both of these are small movies with large performances by several of the actors.
"Hyde Park" is the story of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's meeting with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth shortly before the beginning of World War II. The King came to FDR's home in Hyde Park, New York, seeking his support for England. Bill Murray gives an excellent performance as the President. More known for his performances in movies such as "Groundhog Day" and other comedies, Murray captures the president's accent and appearance to a "t". Although Murray pushed hard for an Oscar nomination, he was not nominated for his role. See the movie and judge for yourself whether his performance was Oscar-worthy.
In addition to Murray, the movie stars Laura Linney as FDR's fifth cousin, Daisy, with whom FDR reputedly had an affair. In fact, the movie is based in part on diaries, letters and other documents found after Daisy's death which apparently detailed the affair with her as well as several other women.
One of the highlights of the movie is a scene at FDR's retreat, Top Cottage, where the king and queen are treated to a picnic of hot dogs. Watching the king eating a hot dog is hilarious.
"Quartet" is set in a home for retired musicians and classical singers in England. While that doesn't sound like a very promising venue for a movie, it is well worth a look. Directed by Dustin Hoffman, it recounts the relationship between two opera singers who had been married and divorced and who meet again after many years at the retirement home. Maggie Smith, recently of Downton Abbey, stars as the diva and Tom Courtenay (he of the early sixties movie, "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner") as her ex.
Sort of an operatic "Glee", the movie follows the characters as they prepare for a gala to try to keep the retirement home open following financial problems, it is well worth a look.
"Hyde Park" is the story of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's meeting with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth shortly before the beginning of World War II. The King came to FDR's home in Hyde Park, New York, seeking his support for England. Bill Murray gives an excellent performance as the President. More known for his performances in movies such as "Groundhog Day" and other comedies, Murray captures the president's accent and appearance to a "t". Although Murray pushed hard for an Oscar nomination, he was not nominated for his role. See the movie and judge for yourself whether his performance was Oscar-worthy.
In addition to Murray, the movie stars Laura Linney as FDR's fifth cousin, Daisy, with whom FDR reputedly had an affair. In fact, the movie is based in part on diaries, letters and other documents found after Daisy's death which apparently detailed the affair with her as well as several other women.
One of the highlights of the movie is a scene at FDR's retreat, Top Cottage, where the king and queen are treated to a picnic of hot dogs. Watching the king eating a hot dog is hilarious.
"Quartet" is set in a home for retired musicians and classical singers in England. While that doesn't sound like a very promising venue for a movie, it is well worth a look. Directed by Dustin Hoffman, it recounts the relationship between two opera singers who had been married and divorced and who meet again after many years at the retirement home. Maggie Smith, recently of Downton Abbey, stars as the diva and Tom Courtenay (he of the early sixties movie, "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner") as her ex.
Sort of an operatic "Glee", the movie follows the characters as they prepare for a gala to try to keep the retirement home open following financial problems, it is well worth a look.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
How Boomers Can Stay Healthy
Are you a healthy boomer or are you less healthy than you can or should be? That is the question addressed in a recent study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine yesterday. http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/journal.aspx. The study suggests that baby boomers, while expected to live longer, may also have a higher percentage of health problems such as high blood pressure and other chronic conditions, which may affect the quality of life of those boomers.
Certainly, experience shows many boomers have had knee replacements in their fifties and early sixties as a result of running injuries and have various stress related medical issues such as high blood pressure and high levels of bad cholesterol. In this blog I have written various times about ways to avoid problems associated with stress such as tai chi and meditation. What is Mindfulness? 11/18/12 Meditation and Tai Chi. 6/15/12 Also, I have suggested alternatives to running for cardio fitness that avoid the pressures on the knees such as walking and cycling. High Intensity Training for Better Health, 4/25/12.
While the alternatives I have suggested may not work for everyone, they certainly are worth trying.
Certainly, experience shows many boomers have had knee replacements in their fifties and early sixties as a result of running injuries and have various stress related medical issues such as high blood pressure and high levels of bad cholesterol. In this blog I have written various times about ways to avoid problems associated with stress such as tai chi and meditation. What is Mindfulness? 11/18/12 Meditation and Tai Chi. 6/15/12 Also, I have suggested alternatives to running for cardio fitness that avoid the pressures on the knees such as walking and cycling. High Intensity Training for Better Health, 4/25/12.
While the alternatives I have suggested may not work for everyone, they certainly are worth trying.
Friday, February 1, 2013
The Old Florida: Pine Island's Tarpon Lodge
If you are looking for the old Florida, there is probably no place better to find it than Pine Island. Located off the Southwest Gulf coast, not far from Ft. Myers, Pine Island is not as well known as Sanibel Island or Captiva Island (where the famous South Seas Plantation is located). However, if you are in the mood for a return to the old Florida, Pine Island is the place and the Tarpon Lodge is a good place to observe it first hand.
Pine Island is 17 miles long and 2 miles wide. Because of limitations on development, there are no high rises on the island. As a result, Pine Island retains a rural quality that is quite beautiful. Palm trees are everywhere on the island, particularly in the various nurseries that dot the landscape. Recently we visited the island and had lunch at the Tarpon Lodge.
The Tarpon Lodge is located at 13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia, FL 33922. Built in 1926, the Lodge provides over 20 rooms in the Lodge and several other buildings. In addition, the Lodge has a fine restaurant overlooking Florida's Southwest Gulf coast. Although we have not stayed at the Lodge, we recently had lunch in the restaurant. The lunch menu provides a full complement of seafood, salads (the Caesar is not to be missed, particularly if, like me, you love anchovies), steaks and pizzas. My wife had the grilled shrimp, which were perfectly seasoned and marinated. I opted for the chicken wrap which was prepared cordon blu, with ham, cheese and dijon mustard. Served with the above mentioned small Caesar salad it was more than enough for two meals.
Nearby is a large marina, where ferries can take you to Cabbage Key and North Captiva Island. Across the road from the Tarpon Lodge are pre-Columbian, Calusa shell mounds, They are well worth a visit.
If interested in more information about the Tarpon Lodge, check out the lodge's website at www.tarponlodge.com or call 239-283-3999,
Pine Island is 17 miles long and 2 miles wide. Because of limitations on development, there are no high rises on the island. As a result, Pine Island retains a rural quality that is quite beautiful. Palm trees are everywhere on the island, particularly in the various nurseries that dot the landscape. Recently we visited the island and had lunch at the Tarpon Lodge.
The Tarpon Lodge is located at 13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia, FL 33922. Built in 1926, the Lodge provides over 20 rooms in the Lodge and several other buildings. In addition, the Lodge has a fine restaurant overlooking Florida's Southwest Gulf coast. Although we have not stayed at the Lodge, we recently had lunch in the restaurant. The lunch menu provides a full complement of seafood, salads (the Caesar is not to be missed, particularly if, like me, you love anchovies), steaks and pizzas. My wife had the grilled shrimp, which were perfectly seasoned and marinated. I opted for the chicken wrap which was prepared cordon blu, with ham, cheese and dijon mustard. Served with the above mentioned small Caesar salad it was more than enough for two meals.
Nearby is a large marina, where ferries can take you to Cabbage Key and North Captiva Island. Across the road from the Tarpon Lodge are pre-Columbian, Calusa shell mounds, They are well worth a visit.
If interested in more information about the Tarpon Lodge, check out the lodge's website at www.tarponlodge.com or call 239-283-3999,
Monday, January 21, 2013
Can You Lose Weight Just by Exercise?
Can you lose weight just by exercise? Well, the answer appears to be, it depends.
In an article in the Sunday New York Times Magazine, "The Appetite Workout," Gretchen Reynolds reports on a study conducted by researchers at the University of Wyoming. The study was based upon a group of women who were asked to run or walk on one day and then rest on the next day.
The researchers found that those who ran did not consume as many calories as those who walked. According to the article, the women who ran at a brisk pace consumed fewer calories because of certain hormones in the body that told them when they had eaten enough food. On the other hand, those who walked, were more hungry because of an increase in the body of a hormone called ghrelin. Ghrelin was also increased in those who ran but apparently that increase was offset by the other hormones.
So what does this mean for you and me? If you are seeking to lose weight, more strenuous and longer exercise will probably be probably be your best bet. This may seem rather obvious, but many people think that walking alone may bring about weight loss and this study suggests that this may not be so. Now walking undoubtedly has many other health benefits, but weight loss may not be one of them.
For the complete article, see www.nytimes.com.
In an article in the Sunday New York Times Magazine, "The Appetite Workout," Gretchen Reynolds reports on a study conducted by researchers at the University of Wyoming. The study was based upon a group of women who were asked to run or walk on one day and then rest on the next day.
The researchers found that those who ran did not consume as many calories as those who walked. According to the article, the women who ran at a brisk pace consumed fewer calories because of certain hormones in the body that told them when they had eaten enough food. On the other hand, those who walked, were more hungry because of an increase in the body of a hormone called ghrelin. Ghrelin was also increased in those who ran but apparently that increase was offset by the other hormones.
So what does this mean for you and me? If you are seeking to lose weight, more strenuous and longer exercise will probably be probably be your best bet. This may seem rather obvious, but many people think that walking alone may bring about weight loss and this study suggests that this may not be so. Now walking undoubtedly has many other health benefits, but weight loss may not be one of them.
For the complete article, see www.nytimes.com.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Best Fish and Chips!
Downton Abbey has created quite a renewed passion for everything English. You now hear people saying things like, "Cheerio, old man" and "TTFN (Ta Ta for now)". What is more English, however, than fish and chips?
Well, if you are fish and chips lovers as we are and are visiting Southwest Florida, we can recommend what we think are the best fish and chips on this side of the pond (that's the Atlantic Ocean, of course).
Located in a small strip shopping center on Del Prado Blvd. S, in Cape Coral, Florida is a fish and chips shop called "Pete's Fish & Chips." It serves fish and chips and other typical English dishes such as sausage rolls and savory pies either for take out or dining in. But it is the fish and chips we came for and we were not disappointed.
As the Moody Blues played in the background, we munched on the crunchy Icelandic cod and equally crisp french fries. We doused the fish with the Heinz malt vinegar handy on the table. They serve the fish in two sizes, small ($7.95 for a 5-6 ounce fish) or regular ($10.95 for a 8-9 ounce fish). Both are served with a small tub of cole slaw. Imported and domestic beers as well as soft drinks are available
In addition to the cooked food, there is also a small corner of the restaurant where various English foodstuffs such as Walker's, Cadbury, and HP steak sauce are available for purchase.
The restaurant has been open since April 2012 and is owned and operated by Pete and Diane Rushton. It promises that it is "Bringing a Taste of Great Britain to Southwest Florida" and the restaurant certainly delivers on that promise.
Pete's Fish & Chips is located at 311 Del Prado Blvd. S, Suite 5, Cape Coral, FL 33990.
Well, if you are fish and chips lovers as we are and are visiting Southwest Florida, we can recommend what we think are the best fish and chips on this side of the pond (that's the Atlantic Ocean, of course).
Located in a small strip shopping center on Del Prado Blvd. S, in Cape Coral, Florida is a fish and chips shop called "Pete's Fish & Chips." It serves fish and chips and other typical English dishes such as sausage rolls and savory pies either for take out or dining in. But it is the fish and chips we came for and we were not disappointed.
As the Moody Blues played in the background, we munched on the crunchy Icelandic cod and equally crisp french fries. We doused the fish with the Heinz malt vinegar handy on the table. They serve the fish in two sizes, small ($7.95 for a 5-6 ounce fish) or regular ($10.95 for a 8-9 ounce fish). Both are served with a small tub of cole slaw. Imported and domestic beers as well as soft drinks are available
In addition to the cooked food, there is also a small corner of the restaurant where various English foodstuffs such as Walker's, Cadbury, and HP steak sauce are available for purchase.
The restaurant has been open since April 2012 and is owned and operated by Pete and Diane Rushton. It promises that it is "Bringing a Taste of Great Britain to Southwest Florida" and the restaurant certainly delivers on that promise.
Pete's Fish & Chips is located at 311 Del Prado Blvd. S, Suite 5, Cape Coral, FL 33990.
Friday, January 11, 2013
The Best Technique to Defuse Anger
Recently, I wrote an ebook suggesting that one way of dealing with customer service personnel, such as the cable TV guy or the phone company was to simply be pleasant using the so-called mirror neurons. A simple "How are you doing?" or "How is your day?" at the beginning of the discussion can do wonders in enabling you to get what you want and sometimes even more than you asked for. How to Get the Best Deal: A Free E-book, November 24, 2012.
Well, this post is about how those service personnel can defuse an angry customer with the same logic. Many customers call the customer service personnel irate at some failure of their car, computer, cable system, you name it. What is the service person to do? How can she benefit from the mirror image rule I discussed in that post?
The simple answer is for her to say something like, "I know you are angry and I'm sure your anger is justified. But how can I help you now so that together we can resolve your problem?" It is really as simple as that. Generally, that person on the other line or across the complaint counter will be taken aback and his anger will disappear (or at least be reduced in volume)..
If every business taught its customer service personnel this simple approach, I believe they would have fewer complaints and happier customers.
Well, this post is about how those service personnel can defuse an angry customer with the same logic. Many customers call the customer service personnel irate at some failure of their car, computer, cable system, you name it. What is the service person to do? How can she benefit from the mirror image rule I discussed in that post?
The simple answer is for her to say something like, "I know you are angry and I'm sure your anger is justified. But how can I help you now so that together we can resolve your problem?" It is really as simple as that. Generally, that person on the other line or across the complaint counter will be taken aback and his anger will disappear (or at least be reduced in volume)..
If every business taught its customer service personnel this simple approach, I believe they would have fewer complaints and happier customers.
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