Thursday, November 6, 2008

11-4-1: That's More Like It

The New York Rangers played the game they were supposed to play on Tuesday against the Islanders tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning, beating the Bolts 5-2. New York played smarter, calmer hockey and pulled out a good win. Since I don't have a lot of time, let's get into it:

*Aaron Voros just can't fight. He stayed in his battle against Ryan Malone and even got in a good punch or two but it looked like he was trying to wrestle while Malone was trying to fight. Voros is just not a goon. However, in the third period he pulled on a late Halloween costume and dressed as Sean Avery, driving Mike Smith crazy. He did it so well that it got to the point where Smith launched himself out of the crease and started fighting Voros late in the third period (with his mask on, like that's fair). Voros and the Rangers did well to harass the former Star in the first period, but pretty much gave him space in the second before getting back to the paint in the third. What is it with second periods and the Rangers???

*Smith, by the way, really should be backing up Ollie the Goalie, not vice versa. Not only did Smith buy the swamp land Chris Drury offered on his shorthanded breakaway, he moved there right away. Smith bought Drury's move like it was Malibu Stacey and the Ranger captain gave the team a 2-0 lead.

*Just four minutes later Martin St. Louis put Tampa on the board with what may have been one of the best goals of the season. I can't even describe it's awesomeness. Once I find it online, I will post a link. Wow, what a goal. And if there ever was an argument for the elimination of second assists, that goal was it. Marek Malik was awarded an assist despite having absolutely nothing to do with it.

*Well, since I had to bring Lurch up, he was beautifully terrible. He was beaten for a breakaway on the first shift of the game and continued to drown the rest of the night. As I mentioned yesterday, opposing teams have taken advantage of every penalty Malik has taken this season and the Rangers were able to do it in the third period, with Drury scoring his second of the game. Unfortunately the power play blew the 5-on-3 later in the frame but I won't address that now, I am trying to stay in a good mood.

*Sean Avery was completely right in saying that the league needs villains. Malik is one for me and he heard me yell "I still hate you Malik!" during warm ups - he turned around and looked. Woo ha! It was also great to hear the entire building boo the big man every time he touched the puck. What fun. We need more of that in this game, it has become waaaay too benign. But that is something for another time.

*The fourth line of Betts, Orr and Sjostrom were pinned deep in the Ranger end on three shifts in a row. To date they have played well with speed and energy so it isn't quite time to ring the alarm, but it is worth watching.

*Steve Stamkos, Tampa's first overall pick this year, is definitely worth watching. The youngster showed some sick moves and a good spark while not withering despite the Rangers playing physically on his. Stamkos will definitely not be another Crosby, but he will be quite good.

*Nik Zherdev already is quite good but he can be so, so much better. He needs to shoot more and realize that skating into four players is a bad idea - as evidenced by Scott Gomez, who does it all the time lately. Zherdev was played tough all night by Tampa and got a cross checking penalty after taking on an entire offensive line of Lightning. He bounced between the three of them and was punched the back of the head - twice - before finally getting loose and leaving a cross check. So apparently the punches to the head from behind were fair, but the cross check wasn't. The officiating in this league is so incredibly inconsistent that it is infuriating.

*I got home and threw on NHL on the Fly on the NHL Network. My timing proved to be fantastic as they got right into the game highlight. But the reason I mention it is because right after it was over, they pointed out that Tampa bad lost two in a row and then tossed to a break. The first commercial? Hockey Bay, Tampa Bay Lightning tickets as low as $15 ... awesome!

*As for the two players on the Rangers fighting for roster spots - Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha - both got around 12 minutes and Dawes stepped up his physical game but got no real chances and Prucha was virtually invisible. So was Brandon Dubinsky, which is quite a reversal from his start to the season but it is still early, he has time to gain some consistency.

*This was one of those games where the numbers lied. Tampa Bay had three more shots than New York (38-35) but the Rangers seemed to have more control of the game, even with their passing still not being anywhere close to where it should be.

*That is probably why I didn't include Henrik Lundqvist in my three stars. Hank was his usual stellar self, giving the Rangers a chance to win through big saves when needed. It is just business as usual at this point ...

*PHW Three Stars
3-Nik Zherdev - two assists.
2-Henrik Lundqvist - 36 saves.
1-Chris Drury - three goals.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Marek Malik - I missed you buddy! To keep a job in the NHL despite having misfortune after misfortune on the ice and not a tough bone in his 6'6, 240 pound frame is just awe-inspiring.
2-Ryan Callahan - My friend sent me a text after the game reiterating what I have been saying for weeks: Cally has been the best player on the team. The youngster is involved physically and is constantly involved in the play on both sides of the ice. It has been a pleasure watching him grow into Pat Verbeek; let's hope he can keep it up.
1-Chris Drury - Drury jumped all over his offensive chances and came down with a hat trick. The funny/scary thing is that he had been getting chances like these game after game after game but (outside of Long Island) couldn't bury them. He did tonight and led the Rangers to a much-needed win. And I just looked it up: the last time a Ranger had a hat trick was on January 7th, 2007 when Marty Straka scored all three Ranger goals in a 3-2 win over Philly.



 "11-4-1: That's More Like It - Unveiling a Balanced Approach to Work-Life Integration"



In today's fast-paced world, achieving a harmonious work-life balance can be a challenging endeavor. Many of us find ourselves caught in a relentless cycle of work demands, personal responsibilities, and the pursuit of personal interests. The term "11-4-1: That's More Like It" encapsulates a balanced approach to managing our daily lives, emphasizing the importance of dedicating quality time to work, personal life, and self-care. In this article, we will delve into the concept of 11-4-1, its significance, and how you can apply it to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Understanding 11-4-1
The concept of "11-4-1: That's More Like It" breaks down our daily lives into three key components:

11 Hours of Work: This represents the average amount of time many individuals spend on their professional commitments, including office work, meetings, and commuting.

4 Hours of Personal Life: This accounts for the time dedicated to personal and family-related responsibilities, such as spending time with loved ones, household chores, and errands.

1 Hour of Self-Care: The final component emphasizes the importance of dedicating at least one hour each day to self-care and personal interests. This hour serves as an opportunity to unwind, pursue hobbies, exercise, or engage in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being.

The Significance of 11-4-1
The "11-4-1: That's More Like It" approach is significant for several reasons:

Balanced Living: It promotes a balanced and holistic approach to life, ensuring that you allocate time not only to your professional endeavors but also to your personal well-being and relationships.

Stress Reduction: By acknowledging the importance of self-care, this approach helps reduce stress and burnout, which are common consequences of neglecting one's personal needs.

Improved Relationships: Spending quality time with loved ones strengthens relationships and fosters a sense of connection, which is crucial for overall happiness and well-being.

Enhanced Productivity: Striking a balance between work and personal life often results in increased productivity and creativity. Taking time to recharge can lead to better performance in your professional life.

Embracing Passions: The "1 Hour of Self-Care" component encourages individuals to pursue their passions and interests, which can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Implementing 11-4-1 in Your Daily Routine
Incorporating the 11-4-1 approach into your daily routine requires intention and commitment. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

1. Plan Your Day Mindfully
Create a daily schedule that allocates time for work, personal life, and self-care. Consider your work hours, family commitments, and your preferred self-care activities when planning your day.

2. Set Boundaries
Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid checking work emails or taking work-related calls during your personal and self-care hours.

3. Prioritize Self-Care
Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Whether it's meditation, reading, exercising, or pursuing a hobby, prioritize this one hour to recharge and nourish your soul.

4. Delegate and Share Responsibilities
Delegate tasks and responsibilities at work and home whenever possible. Sharing the load with colleagues, family members, or hired help can ease your workload and create more time for personal life and self-care.

5. Practice Mindfulness
Stay present in each moment, whether you're working, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in self-care. Mindfulness helps you fully immerse yourself in each activity, making it more rewarding.

FAQs about 11-4-1: That's More Like It
1. What if my work demands more than 11 hours a day?
If your job requires more than 11 hours a day on a regular basis, it's important to evaluate your work-life balance. Consider discussing workload and expectations with your employer or supervisor to explore ways to reduce your working hours or redistribute tasks.

2. Can I adjust the 11-4-1 ratio to better suit my needs?
Absolutely. The 11-4-1 ratio is a guideline, not a strict rule. Feel free to adapt it to better fit your unique circumstances. The key is to strike a balance that promotes your well-being and satisfaction.

3. Is it possible to pursue self-care during work hours?
In some workplaces, it may be possible to incorporate self-care activities, such as short breaks for stretching or meditation, into your workday. However, it's essential to maintain a clear boundary between work and self-care to avoid burnout.

4. How can I make the most of my 1 hour of self-care?
To make the most of your self-care hour, identify activities that genuinely rejuvenate you. This could include exercise, reading, practicing a hobby, taking a nature walk, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea. The key is to choose activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

5. What if I have family commitments that exceed 4 hours a day?
Family commitments can vary greatly from person to person. If your family responsibilities require more than 4 hours a day, consider seeking support from family members, friends, or professional caregivers to help manage the load. It's important to communicate your needs and work together to find solutions.


The "11-4-1: That's More Like It" approach serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balanced and holistic life. While work is undeniably significant, it's equally crucial to allocate time to personal life and self-care. By implementing this approach into your daily routine and making conscious choices to prioritize your well-being and relationships, you can lead a more fulfilling and harmonious life. Remember that balance is an ongoing process, and it's okay to adjust the ratio to suit your individual needs and circumstances.




No comments:

Post a Comment