A recent article in the Wall Street Journal describes the results of a research study that examined which activities worked best to lift people’s moods during the COVID pandemic. Sex and drugs were among the 43 options participants could choose from, along with exercise, cooking, social media, video calls, and various types of entertainment. The … Continue reading Music Monday: What’s the Best Way to Cope with the Pandemic?
Category: Wall Street Journal
Research Suggests Help for Loneliness
In today's Wall Street Journal, Susan Pinker shares the results of a 2019 study led by Lauren Powell, now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. The study looked at whether getting a dog improved the owner’s activity level, cardiovascular health, and psychological state. On the physical side, owning a dog did not seem … Continue reading Research Suggests Help for Loneliness
Testing the “Peak-End” Rule
Blah blah blah. Blah blah blah. Total Assets = Total Liabilities plus Total Equity Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. Future value of a lump sum = Present value of the lump sum * [(1 plus the interest rate) raised to the number of years] Blah blah blah. Blah blah blah. Here is an email … Continue reading Testing the “Peak-End” Rule
The Top 10 Foreign Films and Series Being Watched By Americans on Netflix
Looking to add some international flare to your TV series and movie watching? Netflix has released its list of the top 10 films and series being watched by Americans on Netflix. Ellen Gamerman at the Wall Street Journal has shared that list, along with a brief synopsis of each. I feel it is my public … Continue reading The Top 10 Foreign Films and Series Being Watched By Americans on Netflix
Is This My Chance to Finally Be Charismatic?
According to a recent Wall Street Journal article by Ray Smith, in face-to-face meetings, physical charisma often goes a long way in helping someone get noticed and advance in their career. More reserved or shy types are often at a disadvantage. But physical charisma can be more challenging to replicate online—creating a potentially different pecking … Continue reading Is This My Chance to Finally Be Charismatic?
To plan or not to plan?
Many of Dan Ariely’s recent columns have focused on COVID-19 issues and his current one is no exception. Here’s a question a reader posed: Dear Dan, The holidays are right around the corner, but I’ve been hesitating to make plans to visit family or host a party. The changing Covid-19 situation means that any plan … Continue reading To plan or not to plan?
Mirror, Mirror On the Wall. Who’s the Most Honest Trick-or-Treater of All?
I might have to try this little experiment. In the most recent edition of "Ask Ariely", a reader asked behavioral economist Dan Ariely the following question: For Halloween this year, we are going to leave a plastic jack-o-lantern full of wrapped treats on the doorstep along with a sign that says “Only one piece of … Continue reading Mirror, Mirror On the Wall. Who’s the Most Honest Trick-or-Treater of All?
A Different Kind of Leader
Last month I wrote about the "Wacky Genius of Herb Kelleher", the founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines, and I thought it would be hard to find another CEO who is not your typical chief executive. Well, today's Wall Street Journal had a profile of an individual who just might fit the bill. Jack … Continue reading A Different Kind of Leader
This Is What Good Neighbors Look Like
The Wall Street Journal had a wonderful article today (written by Clare Ansberry) about two next-door neighbors in Pittsburgh who are on opposing sides when it comes to the upcoming Presidential election but still remain the best of friends. It is one of the most uplifting stories I have read in the paper in a … Continue reading This Is What Good Neighbors Look Like
A Winning Combination: Community College + Apprenticeship
I have written multiple posts about community colleges, which I consider a hidden gem within our educational system. Back in 2016, I wrote an homage to community colleges, and I wrote a follow-up in 2017. In 2019 I also wrote about an alternative form of post-secondary education, the trade school, and focused on one particular trade school … Continue reading A Winning Combination: Community College + Apprenticeship
Borden's Blather 