Shoot for the Moon, Land on a Star

If a Kaplan learning center helped you become the star you are today, be grateful Stanley Kaplan was rejected from medical school.  His "Plan B" ultimately spawned over 100 test-prep centers in the US.  Perhaps his success started with his job at age 14, tutoring others for 25 cents an hour.  Like other start-ups of lore, he launched his company from his parents' home -- in 1938.  He and  his wife also established a foundation for a range of causes, including, of course, education.  He died at age 90 in 2009. So stop staring at that closed door, and get going!   Source:  USA Today, 8/25/09.

Small World After All

A 7/29/10 NYT article features a woman-owned hot dog stand in California that was rescued by an international microlender;  the money was disbursed through a US pilot program.    Amanda Keppert believes if not for the $6,500 loan from Kiva.org, she would have lost everything.  But thanks to funds that are more commonly available in third world countries, she is shown smiling next to her cheery stand.  The depressed economy in Silicon Valley was the villian, but Kiva and a group called the Opportunity Fund are the heroes.  Gina Harman, president and chief executive of Accion USA, another microlender and Kiva partner, said "People are compelled to do something in their backyard.  Suddenly, giving $1 to someone in Ghana isn't as important as giving to someone here." 

Nostalgia: a Healthy Indulgence

An article in the July/August, 2010 edition of Scientific American Mind reverses the idea that nostalgia is a weakness.  To the contrary, a 2006 study links it to psychological well-being.  Derived from the Greek words for "return" and "pain", nostalgia can actually improve people's moods and sense of well being.  Study participants who recalled vivid, complex memories reported a strong sense of social competence (openness with others about feelings; ability to give emotional support to friends; adeptness at forming relationships). As teams are strengthened by a history of overcoming obstacles, it may be a form of organizational nostalgia.  "To be able to look back on one's past life with satisfaction is to live twice" -- First century Roman poet Marcus Valerius Martial.

Original Mad Man: Mediocracy Rules

A 7/25/10 NYT interview with Ed McCabe, a mega advertising star ("It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken") dispelled some myths about the era depicted in the "Mad Men" TV series.  Yes, they drank at lunch, and maybe dinner, too.  But not in the office.  Most everybody did smoke in the office, however, and he seemed surprised so many of them survived.  Asked about today's commercials, he remarked "Mostly I notice how bad so much is.  But then it always has been, hasn't it?  When has 90% of everything not been mediocre?"  McCabe also commented that he thinks people today may work harder, trying to do more, but are lazier.  "Quality takes longer than quantity."  Likely a truism for any era.