Newmark's Door

"Why Your Grandpa Is Cooler Than You"

Made me smile.

This is probably the point at which I should mention grandparents. Those in their 20s and 30s today have the experience of knowing and, usually, loving their grandparents for most or all of their adult lives. Today, college graduations, weddings, 30th birthday parties, Christenings, brises — these sorts of events are regularly blessed with multiple Grannies, Papas, Yiayias, Zaides, Nanas, Nonnas, Omas, Abuelitos. They stand up; they take bows. In the true fabric of experience, this is not some invisible stitching.

I am 40, and that’s how it has been for me. My mom might be 68 and still killing it wild-style at Zumba, but that is much less impressive to me than my grandfather, who was born in Dublin’s Jewish ghetto in 1908, became a union leader who saved hundreds of people from displaced-person camps after World War II, never met a plate of full-fat beef brisket he didn’t like and passed away with most of his marbles only last month, at nearly 105 years old.

"Einstein Rebuked"

Insanity, or hope? It might not be easy to tell. 

(But remember Newmark's Law of Al: bet on Big Al and give the points.)

"Overqualified Yet Underprepared, Graduates Face 'Unique Paradox': Study"

A McKinsey study finds, "While the young people are qualified—even overqualified, in many cases—to enter the workplace, most of them feel ill-suited to tackle the harsh realities of an evolving job market."

One thing that might help is for schools to offer a lot more career information: "career day" on steroids.

Another thing would be to tell students, as I have for some years, that they need to think of themselves not as potential employees looking for jobs, but as independent small businessmen and women, as, yes, entrepreneurs. (With one major exception--if they plan to work for the government. But that's likely to change in the near future.) Just like small business people do, they need to periodically assess competitive opportunities and threats, and their strengths and weaknesses. Don't take my word for it--a presentation by billionaire Reid Hoffman makes the point very nicely. 

"Deaf toddler has a signed conversation with her mom"

Very sweet. (Link courtesy of Michael Greenspan.)

"27 Successful People Reveal The Things They Can't Live Without"

From Tylenol PM to a "thick skin".

"Former BigLaw Partner Explains Why Many Young Lawyers Hate Their Jobs"

When I was a senior in high school I thought I was headed for law school. But I heard an ex-corporate lawyer talk about what he used to do all day at his job. It made a big impression on me. And it seems like I was lucky.

"People go to law school thinking they’re going to grow up to be Atticus Finch or Alicia Florrick, and actual practice turns out to be quite different," he said. "Real life doesn’t bear much resemblance to such images."

Meeting lovers, please pay attention

From the "The Upside of Being An Introvert" in Time last year:

Much of this is done in the name of collaboration, but enforced teamwork can stifle creativity. "You need to give people time to think if you want them to actually get work done," says [Susan] Cain.

"Legalize Polygamy"

I dunno. Polygyny would hurt mediocre men and that's me. (Though I am, presumably, past the point where it would hurt me individually.)

But I'll say this: if the picture that accompanies the article is seen by enough people and polygyny's put to a vote, it will win in a landslide. 

"To Spot Kids Who Will Overcome Poverty, Look At Babies"

One of life's big questions is this: "Why do some children who grow up in poverty do well, while others struggle?" This research seems to offer a clue.

(Hint: no surprise, Mom matters.)

Two cheers for the old folks

"These business owners are 50-plus and just starting up".

"An Ode to Old-Man Game and Ryan Giggs".