Brief Moments

     There is a large contingent of 45-65 year old knowledge workers in America without work in this economy, or without meaningful full time gainful employment. Many were downsized as for profit organizations looked for ways to meet quarterly earnings and funding for non-profits continues to shrink (as it has since George W. Bush's first term). We wouldn't claim age discrimination because the unemployment rate for 25-34 year olds is higher but surely you know someone who heard the "we're going in a different direction," or "we're outsourcing your department."   Still the fact older workers have a much harder time finding a job simply because they cost more than fresh college graduates.      I know in part because I was one, but also just from the number of professionals with solid experience and tremendous expertise who are trying to to find meaningful work.  Several I know who were downsized are fortunate enough to be hir...

     For the past 12 years I coached, assistant coached and managed little league baseball teams with two different sons.   I'm not a superior baseball strategist.  We're not talking about highly competitive travel baseball, but recreational learn the game baseball.  Most of that time was working with 6-9 year olds, and I made their parents and the boys a promise at the beginning of every season.  Best to most challenged player, we're going to rotate positions and playing time as fairly as I can.  I'm just anal enough to create spreadsheets in Excel planning out positions, innings and the entire season.  It may be standard for this age around the country, but you can only put a player in one position for two innings. They are after all, supposed to learn the game and you can't quite do that sitting in right field for six innings.      Around my birthday every year the coaches would gather and draft teams. So...