- Written by Robert McCaffrey Editorial Director, Global Cement Magazine
I am enjoying ‘Don Quixote’ by Cervantes, even though it’s a massive book - I’m now 900 pages in, of a 950 page book. In particular, I’ve enjoyed the part where the apparent simpleton and uneducated rustic squire Sancho Panza is gifted the governorship of an ‘isle’ (it is in fact an isolated village), and rather than completely mess it up as everyone expects, he turns out to be a governor of rare sagacity and wisdom. He lasts only a week before his rumbling tummy makes him give up his post to return to his master, the knight-errant Don Quixote de la Mancha, the Knight of the Sad Countenance. Reading the book, it made me wonder, what would one do if you were made a cement plant manager for a week - ‘governor of your own isle’? This question might be moot, if you already hold that exalted position. However, if the magic wand suddenly made you ‘The Boss,’ what actions would you take?
- Written by Robert McCaffrey Editorial Director, Global Cement Magazine
I like a nice steak as much as anyone. Especially with chips (French fries or ‘Freedom fries’ to the Americans, depending on the current French/American diplomatic state) and a nice salad. However, maybe I won’t be able to enjoy it for too much longer - and the reasons why have important implications for cement.
- Written by Robert McCaffrey Editorial Director, Global Cement Magazine
I have two young daughters, and apparently each of them has a one-third chance of living to be 100 years old. They have some advantages in the longevity game, not least of which is being female. Females around the world live statistically longer - much longer - lives, possibly due to males in general indulging in riskier behaviours (and smoking and drinking more). The cement industry is now much more concerned with the overall health of its employees than previously, and not just at work. I recently read an interesting article by Jessica Salter1, who gave a few useful tips for anyone who wants to increase their chances of living to be 100...
- Written by Robert McCaffrey Editorial Director, Global Cement Magazine
I recently enjoyed the film Bladerunner 2049, where in an early scene, one replicant (synthetic human), smashes another through a wall apparently made of gypsum wallboard. A bit later on, the surviving replicant takes off in a flying car. While some things change, some things stay the same.
- Written by Robert McCaffrey Editorial Director, Global Cement Magazine
It’s recently been discovered that spending more time outdoors could boost your happiness as much as quadrupling your disposable income.1 The same study also suggests that having quality sleep and being satisfied with one’s love life are the two most important contributors to ‘living well,’ while job security, the good health of close relatives, chatting to neighbours and having a strong local support network are also factors. Even sitting down to eat socially with family and friends can have a strong influence on your happiness.
