Jack's Guide (the Renaissance Person's Guide to Survival in a Shaky Economy)

All in Good Time

For the author of a weblog supposedly about productivity and/or creativity, I have rarely been either of late, as regards this venue.  I trust all have muddled through without that critical influx of wit, wisdom and purportedly sage advice.  So now I feel compelled to report on my progress, or lack thereof.  

Well, despite my most earnest efforts to the contrary, I am doing quite well, thanks very much.  I am happy to report that, for the most part, my plans to continue being productive and creative enough to make a living (and be reasonably happy in the process) are fulfilling themselves nicely.  ....to the point, in fact, that I have been neglecting this particular opportunity for creative expression.  Sorry. I will return when I've more time and am suitably inspired. 

Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly......

In the meantime, if you haven't yet discovered DEZEEN, here's one of their latest postings, of a retail display made of cardboard tubes, for a department store in London.

A no-brainer for National Punch Day

Today's date is, in fact, National Punch Day.  I looked it up.  But I couldn't find the least information on what we're supposed to celebrate today.  Are we commemorating the invention of a refreshing if not debilitating (to some, anyway) party beverage?  Or is today that occasion when we are to dole out revenge with our fists?  Or was a useful leather-working tool patented on this day?  Dunno, don't really care.

I saw (what I consider to be) a real no-brainer on MSN today.  Someone has discovered that physical exercise is beneficial to those individuals who suffer from clinical depression.  Duh!  Remember all that talk years ago about endorphines (you know- those things that get into your bloodstream whenever you get strenuously physical) being a natural opiate?  ........and that one can easily become as addicted to the gym as to anything else?  (BTW- the aforementioned "one"....?  He's a lot younger than I am.)

The reason I mention it, of course, is because this blog is supposed to be about productivity and creativity, and folks who battle that perticular (sic- don't try and correct my spelling) demon are more productive when not depressed.  On the other hand, lots of depressed folks have turned out to prove adequately creative (e.g. van Gogh, Hunter S. Thompson, etc.), so there's another happy side to it- assuming one can muddle through the darkness in time to turn it into something productive.

Here are some interesting silk purses- I don't know how practical they are, but they look cool......