The Chicago-based Web application development shop 37signals is only working four days a week, and say they've become even more productive. Sadly, I don't think Owen would be receptive if I suggested in Campfire group chat that Valleywag adopt a similar schedule. [37signals]

Finally. As people keep noticing, now people who don't really need personal assistants can act like they do, thanks to South Asia. New offshore personal-assistant services in Bangalore are available to cater to your rinky-dink small-business needs, the Times reiterates today.

So the cover article in this week's Sunday Styles section was about this guy Timothy Ferriss, who has become a guru to the rich nerds of Silicon Valley by advocating an "information diet"—"his methods include practicing 'selective ignorance'—tuning out pointless communiqués, random Twitters, and even world affairs (Mr. Ferriss says he gets most of his news by asking waiters)." Though he admits to not practicing what he preaches, his disciples say that adhering to these rules makes them feel "peaceful." Could this advice help me do my job better and faster? I had to wonder.