Maroons Online Vol. 1… No. 89 Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Acta non verba
Observer: Why Generalists Triumph In A Specialized World
Macky’s New York: Pikachu To The Rescue
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: 2020 Inductee Banquet Pictures
Paul Cortellesi On Cooking: Braised Brusselsprouts
M + A NYC: Honeycomb Bath Sheet
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
RHS Class Of 1972: Reunion Planning Web Site
Observer
Why Generalists Triumph In A Specialized World
I was inspired to recall the newest programs sponsored of the Ridgewood High School Alumni Association (RHSAA) by David Epstein, the author of the #1 New York Times best seller Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. Specifically, the RHSAA Alumni Lecture Series and Externship program.
Epstein’s book is an analysis of the over-emphasis placed on specialization at a young age. He prefers a more random and longer period of discovery for young people, as to what they like and what they are good at. I would add that it’s better for people to be shielded from the false assumption that income equates with self-worth for as long as possible.
I agree with Epstein on the random discovery approach to learning about careers. It avoids the obvious short-term advantages which a repetitive approach to provides. These advantages, according to Epstein, come at the cost of people’s long term development. The word “Burnout” can be broadly applied in these cases and not just to jobs in sports or the study of music which Epstein uses as prime examples.
To project David Epstein’s hypothesis, as long as the alumni speakers are eloquent and prefer to inform, not preen, these listening experiences can be a huge help to a young alum. They’ll hear about a specific path that was chosen and the resulting road blocks and breakthroughs.
Let me repeat one concept for emphasis:
***It doesn’t matter the profession the person is speaking about.***
Only the challenges and how these alumni specifically dealt with them or were ultimately defeated. Life lessons are not always gleaned from a quick look at a seemingly successful individual. Some people achieve success later in life, and only after happily (or unhappily) careening from one failure to the next.
I look forward to hearing if these programs survive into 2022. The demands on RHSAA volunteers to make them a success is tangible. Hopefully, this year’s cohort can follow the blueprint created last year and provide the young generalists at RHS with some secrets to life which they likely wouldn’t hear about on their own.
Macky’s New York
Matthew Cortellesi Photography
November 13, 2021 - Willets Point
Pikachu To The Rescue
I was lucky enough to be invited to Balloon Fest - basically a test run for the upcoming Macy's Day parade - very exciting and lots of work handling these behemoths especially on a windy day like today - here is group blue practicing with the Pikachu balloon - on the left you can see some of the other balloons including Ronald McDonald we got to practice on.
Shot looking west in the parking lot of Citifield.
Time: 10am
#ny1pic
William Peay
Tales From The Wood…
If I recall this is the second tallest wood framed building on the East Coast.
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame
2020 Inductee Banquet Pictures
Visit The RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame to Download the 2020 Banquet Book
Paul Cortellesi On Cooking
Braised Brusselsprouts
M + A NYC
Honeycomb Bath Sheet
M+A's honeycomb hand loom towel was developed with an intricate jacquard weave that creates a wicking effect while making the twisted cotton as absorbent as possible. It’s both simple and luxurious. Being lightweight and quick drying, these towels save on water, detergent and ultimately electricity since you can either do smaller loads of wash with the same number of towels or wait until more are ready to wash and do a standard load (more towels can fit in a washing machine and dryer than traditional towels). The environment wins and so do the women who weave these pieces since they work in a collective that is Fair Trade Certified.
Details:
100% Cotton
White/Black
32" x 68” including tassels (size may vary slightly due to the nature of hand weaving)
Now with a cotton twill loop at center of towel for hanging on a hook
Prewashed to bring out the beautiful texture of the weave
Designed in New York by M+A NYC
Made in India in a Fair Trade Certified environment
James Stroker
Now almost 32 years ago the story began for 2 little guys dealt with a tremendous challenge
And because of thousands and thousands of people who gave their love and hope, inspiration and love
Two miracles occurred.
Everyday every time you give your love and hope to another who is in need it might not seem like a lot but !!!!!
Stacked with others you might be part of a miracle!
Thank you to so so many of you that gave your love !
It mattered
Jim Schoneman
Rock Hound
I found this one from up in the UP. I didn’t like the photo at first, but now I like it. This is just an anonymous backwater alongside the road in Carp Lake Township, Michigan. Hard to believe this was just two weeks ago.
Peace