Exercise gets attention 

The Listener seems to delight in coming up for health tips. For what they may be worth here a few; 

Just a single short exercise workout has positive effects on learning and memory in young adults according to a recent study. The types of exercise studied involved walking, running and cycling in individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 . The investigation found that aerobic exercise at moderate to high intensity improved attention, concentration and memory functions for up to two hours.  … Continue Reading

Henry Ford did it

One, at the time unusual, feature of Henry Ford’s Model T was that it was the first car of consequence to put the driver’s seat on the left-hand side. Previously manufacturers placed this on the outer kerb side so that on alighting the driver could step out onto a grassy verge or dry pavement rather mud of an unpaved road.  

Ford reasoned that this convenience would be better appreciated by the lady of the house and so arranged seating for her benefit. The arrangement also gave the driver a better view down the road and made it easier for drivers to stop and have a conversation out of facing windows. … Continue Reading

Maree’s musings

CELERY CALORIES

A couple of my recent columns heralded the avocado and the humble sardine, so I’m hoping you aren’t getting the impression I’m obsessed with food. Far from it. Let’s be honest, though, in times of stress, the desire to eat skyrockets. Food is what we turn to. Our bodies know what’s needed and scream out for sweet, high energy stuff which will solve the fight or flight response that stress brings. We find ourselves scrabbling around in the fridge or cupboards looking for that something special. The time-honoured cuppa? Ice-cream? Chocolate! You’ll have favourites, but almost certainly celery is not one. Of course, in happier times, we do eat the stuff. But why? There may be reasons to stop. Or not. Read on … … Continue Reading

Did you know 

‘CRYPTO-CURRENCY adds a kind of unwelcome mysticism to the already baffling material and philosophical aspects of money. Some regard the blockchain with almost religious awe, as if it were a mythical ”Greek Gods’ high upon mount Laptopus’ – P, J, O’Rourke 

IN 1987 THE six largest US corporations by Market capitalisation were: 

General Motors, Exxon, Ford, IBM, Mobil, General Electric. All were producing products, most them involved in the motor industry. By comparison the six largest US corporations by market capitalisation 2018 were: Apple, Google, Microsoft,  Amazon, Facebook, Berkshire Hathaway. None were producing goods and one was simply moving money around.  … Continue Reading