<p>Totally off topic-- but I was just watching cnn into hotel room. Does anyone know if CNN reporter Jim Clancy is related to late author Tom Clancy?</p>
<p>Is it illegal to use IQ tests in hiring? If so, why?</p>
<p>I don’t think IQ would be a great predictor of job success for many jobs controlling for GPA. </p>
<p>Shaw, it’s illegal (insofar as a discriminatory hiring practice) if it’s not directly related to the job description and requirements, at least according to a slew of Supreme Court decisions. </p>
<p>General IQ tests are pretty kitchen-sink so it would be hard to argue, for example, that one needs a high verbal IQ to perform duties such as process engineering. Or that a receptionist requires a high aptitude mathematically.</p>
<p>IQ testing still finds its way into the screening process but via tests specifically developed for employers among disciplines to reasonably represent required aptitudes and avoid general intelligence branding.</p>
<p>AND it’s a long held practice to guess percentiles in correlation to SAT or ACT score. For example, a 33 in ACT is 98th percentile and would roughly correlate with a 140 verbal IQ known as poetic genius. If you were hiring a writer, this might be germane :)</p>
<p>It’s also generally accepted that students from the top colleges/universities are likely to be among the top five percentile in native intelligence aptitude, and this tends to bear out given what it takes to be accepted at Ivys or other academic powerhouses. As early as the PSATs, mcson was getting those “you’re in the top 5 percent - consider applying to our school” letters that some of the well-endowed privates send out.</p>
<p>(Though IMHO this and a cup of coffee will get you a cup of coffee in terms of general employment aptitude 
</p>
<p>Despite my general distrust of human resource schemes at large companies, I’m likely guilty of using shorthand strategies myself. My recent hire who is working out well was selected in large part due to her experience, but it didn’t hurt that she had a 3.9 college GPA and was a recruited div 1 atlhete. The later spoke to focus and work ethic insofar as being disciplined and able to juggle a lot and as its turned out, that was an excellent indicater. But with that profile, she is also someone likely to move on to bigger things one day 
I’ll go along for the ride in the mean time as she is a delight to work with!</p>
<p>I think I read somewhere that the request for SAT scores was intended to screen out applicants who had slipped into an elite school solely on the basis of some kind of hook, at companies that attempt to impress clients with the academic pedigrees of their employees. That might explain why they would ask for SAT/ACT scores in particular rather than more recent measures of ability.</p>
<p>I think some might also be trying to get a grip on basic quantitative ability in candidates who have completed a humanities major.</p>
<p>I see very clearly that even since S took these tests,the ACT is gaining ground out east - once the bastion if SAT snobbery. But S got a 34 on the ACT and was 690 across the board on SAT. Even if you could convert the ACT or vice versa, the reality says some kids do better on some tests vs others.</p>
<p>As the parent of a kid who played D1, I would say that it is true that they have a good work ethic, very much a team player, disciplined and have a strong ability to multitask. However, my D just gave it one year because it is your entire life. Does this now label her a quitter or someone who wanted to have time to experience different opportunities, not to mention, her competition in the position is held by one of the top in the NCAA. She wasn’t going to get much playing time for three of four years. She’s having a lot more fun playing club. So not sure if this will eventually work for her or against her as it plays out.</p>
<p>We found a furnished onebedroom that’s a corporate kind of deal in that it’s 30 day lease with 14 days to vacate. Now we just need to decide if we’re buying a house or hoping for a longer term rental. Frankly, going from 4400 square feet to 800 is going to be a shocker. While the nook is tiny, at least we have a big porch. </p>
<p>The weather has created quite the issue in the spring market. There is little for sale, and it is unknown if people are waiting for more snow melt or skipping the year entirely unless they have to sell for whatever reason. In any event, I have to get packing. While we are having packers do a lot, or so I thought, once I saw their numbers I figured I could likely get a lot more done, especially some stuff that needs organizing. Last night I went through all the bitty baby and American Girl doll stuff and packed them away in their trunks and then a box. We’ll see if I ever open it again. I have saved some playmobile, big brio train, classic and carefully chosen mint condition barbies, and legos… actually found the lego table in the back of the closet under the stairs - someday I will have a very nice little playroom for the grandchildren. Maybe.</p>
<p>Moda…when do you plan on heading to the nook? I am thinking of spending the summer at our lake place. It is only 90 minutes from home but really a world away. Don’t know if I want to be there more than 4 or 5 days a week by myself. H would have an hour commute if he stayed there and that is just a bit far for him. I was hoping to head up in June and shop at the various small lake towns for accessories and local crafts to finish decorating the place. There aren’t any classes or lectures to keep me engaged as it really is a weekend escape area. It is perfect for boating, reading and relaxing but I am not sure I can do the solitary evenings. I love to have people around me! :)</p>
<p>When D2 was interviewing every single firm asked her about playing DI sports (1 year) and her marathon running. D2 said several interviews centered on her sports and maintaining her GPA. It didn’t matter that she only played for a year.</p>
<p>The nook is much different than the cabin vibe, which definitely has it’s merits! But I actually see more people in the summer than I do all year round here. While lots of time for solitary respite, it definitely has a very social vibe and what will be interesting is having H around all sumer when in the past I am very much used to doing what I want, when I want… or not. It’s very much a play it by ear thing. H says he only has to be here in town 3 or 4 days a month but I just don’t think he sees how much he is checking on things, in meetings etc. But if nothing else, this summer way will either prove or disprove the theory. Originally he said we’d keep this place until June,but then last night he said, it might be the idea he’d come back and forth (like he usually does). </p>
<p>Mostly I am just a little dubious about going down to one bath… even the nook has two!</p>
<p>Good to know about DI… and good stories to tell since they broke program records, tournament play etc…but travel pretty much every weekend and 3 times a day workouts/practices leaves little time to explore much of yourself beyond that. Let’s just say, I think framing the conversation to her favor should start sooner vs later… and hopefully those discoveries post DI will make her attractive candidate. But with this third child of mine, I have actually no idea what she wants to ultimately do or become.</p>
<p>Back in Cambridge after a fun weekend in CT. H had scheduled his annual physical for yesterday afternoon with his doc from our Hartford area days, so we stopped for that on the way here. (Finding a new doc you like is always a hassle, so H just kept his.) H is fine on all counts. I can’t tell you how many people we know who are a little amazed that neither of us take meds for anything. (OTOH, I haven’t had a complete physical in 10+ years because I haven’t had a primary care doc since we lived in Fairfield County. I have seen a gynecologist on a regular basis, which counts for something, I guess.)</p>
<p>Anyway, Sunday was a gorgeous sunny day. Since we had lived in Fairfield County for so many years it wasn’t as if we needed to see the local sights, so instead we all drive over to West Point for a fabulous brunch and then went through the military museum there. Very interesting. </p>
<p>After “playing” all weekend, I’m now behind on my online course! Today I’ll be bucking down. Honestly – I think I’m too old for this kind of pressure! :)</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure I would have been in trouble if employers had required certain SAT scores back in the day. Grade-wise I did fine in college, but those stupid tests were definitely not my thing.</p>
<p>Moda – I guess I missed the news that your D was no longer doing DI – that must have come during the lengthy time I wasn’t on CC due to computer issues. I’m sure it was quite a grind. And I hear ya about going down to 1 bath – that could definitely be a challenge. As for the packing – you can have it! I’ve done more than enough in the past several years. :)</p>
<p>D2 worked until 9:45 last night and then had to wander the empty sky ways and partially deserted streets of downtown to get to her car. I think she was frightened as she talked with me on the phone along the way. I finally think she will move her car at some point in the day so she doesn’t have to do that again…at least she said she would this morning. She said it was spooky to be the only one in sections of the sky way and then once she made it to campus to be the only one in the building that connects to the parking ramp. She never saw any security. I think her company would provide security if she asked but she is the only female working on this project and she doesn’t want to be “annoying”. I was a mess worrying about her. </p>
<p>Good morning. Moda, am sending you the packing mojo and the packing fairy because I’ve had my fill…she lost $500 worth of parking validation passes on me :)</p>
<p>NM, sending D2 safe parking mojo.</p>
<p>And CBB, I’d almost hazard a guess there is a direct correlation in these statements:
</p>
<p>At any rate, cheers to good health :)</p>
<p>NMN - that would definitely worry me as well. On the other hand, I worry when S calls me while walking in NYC as I fear he isn’t paying attention to his surroundings… double edged sword. Yesterday on Katie they had a guy on about personal security and he said, you shouldn’t be on your phone for some reason. Truthfully, I was half listening because I was packing up D2’s room.</p>
<p>CBB - D2 decided not to play over the summer. As she said, it was a great experience and she doesn’t regret it for a minute, but she had never gone to college with the idea she’d play and just felt like she missed out on a lot of other things she’d never had the time to do in HS. I can appreciate that although I do miss the structure and the fun of being a fan with a kid on the team. And also… I totally spaced on spring break! She is actually going to head up to my inlaws place in the mountains with a friend (inlaws are in the desert for the winter), so I hope she has fun. But for the last however many years it’s been, it’s always been the start to the season. </p>
<p>I have a wicked cold… figures. But hoping to get through both the kids rooms. I actually started on the china hutch yesterday and then broke a glass that was my great grandmothers. Now down to 7. 
Crushing. </p>
<p>D’s return flight arrived as scheduled late last night. H did airport duty (she flew into the one that’s over an hour away; last weekendwas the one that’s 10 minutes from us but the flight was cancelled) so I didn’t have a chance to talk to her until this morning. However, she’s not a morning person so asked me to stop talking; said the trip was fine and she’d talk to me later after she’d had some caffeine. </p>
<p>I would be worried about security. There is an app where the phone holder can press a button and police are immediately notified.</p>
<p>Back from South Beach. We had forgotten it was spring break. Should have known as I arranged for ShawD to go back to the ashram in the Bahamas for a week of serious yoga and meditation. She works so hard – she’s doing great in her classes and has been working night shifts at the hospital on a bunch of weekends and is now president of Hillel. She loves what she does but gets very stressed. I suggested the ashram and she was so appreciative (especially that I paid for it). No drunken excesses for spring break at the ashram (probably no liquor either).</p>
<p>At South Beach, the expensive hotel we were staying in was filled with 20 year olds in bikinis and the restaurants filled with young women in dresses that couldn’t have been any shorter (or they would have been shirts) or more form-fitting and groups of guys drinking separately in groups. Then groups (one of guys acting cool with one of girls) would merge. Also, there were several bachelorette parties. When did these start? The scenery was attractive but the noise level was unnecessarily high.</p>
<p>And, in the most touching thing, ShawD has been talking about how to merge her alternative medicine interest (yoga, meditation, …) with her traditional medical interests and her nurse practitioner career. She was wondering if she should also learn acupuncture. She said, “I hear Boulder Colorado is a great place for alternative practices. So, here’s my idea. When I finish my training, I move to Boulder and you help me buy a two-family house. You and Mom can live in the ground floor apartment and I’ll take care of you when you get older.” What 20 year old thinks like that? She does have an example, ShawWife’s sister lives in our area and ShawD is very close to her (her career is alternative-y nutrition/healthy living coach/guru). The husband (our brother-in-law)'s father helped them buy a two-family house. After his wife died and he started to have Parkinson’s (mild at first), he moved in to the downstairs apartment and continued to pay rent. They took care of him for years and he has been around for a lot of their kid’s childhoods. Recently, he decided he was too much of a burden and arranged to move to a nursing home. ShawWife’s sister was in fact upset. She really valued taking care of him even though it was hard (and ShawD helped her out on some weekends when they were traveling). But, nice that she’s thinking of us (and especially because she knows that Boulder is a place I love).</p>
<p>I’m lucky to have great kids.</p>
<p>Ah, and in unusual news, ShawSon actually asked for something for his birthday. A new computer. The first time he’s ever asked.</p>
<p>Shaw, my … well, let’s see… he’s the grown son of my Aunt’s ex-husband, but they were married for 20 years… so not a relative per se, but family… he has his MD but practices quite a bit of eastern and alternative medicine. I will send you a link to the practice. My niece was a biology major, ended up going to RISD to get a masters in landscape design with the idea she’d design holistic and meditative gardens etc for hospital campuses. That was the idea. Not sure exactly what she does but is indeed with a firm in DC.</p>
<p>Following along much not much happening here. Our weather, so sad to admit that the gloom does affect us ( when we dearly love our hiking mountains, no mosquitoes, not poisonous snakes or bears and lovely skiing and such an amazing foodie city) but this time of year is a challenge for all. The weather is turning and there was some sun and on going.
D is here doing her amazing “PLODDING” studying. Now 8-9 hours a day with one day off (she is taking 2 evenings off) and will move up to 12 hours for her medical boards.
Other than I do feel a need to have good healthy food as well as fun food and the bags of popcorn are always gone (very low calorie stuff) she is a pleasant person to have around.
She has asked that we keep her dog until August after her first rotations I said yes only if it is my terms. She is other
dog aggressive and so not fun to walk and hike with. We have spent $$ even having her live with a trainer an alpha pack with little improvement.
We have started with a scat mat from Amazon, as she has scratched my beautiful front door, her joy when we come in that door. Well, she was shocked (like static electricity) once but I have been 3 times because “I” keep forgetting. And she has learned before I have learned.
I love your stories about moving Mod as you are just a year ahead of our plans.
Shaw -your D sounds like a lovely person.
MP–Yeah for your S
NM–D use to talk to me on her cell both in taxies and walking down sketchy streets where she had to go to pick up missed UPS packages. Her calm neighborhoods where when she walked through the gay neighborhoods.
cq–I am not a morning talker so appreciate your D’s honesty.
Enjoy reading all of your posts.
The memorial this weekend was lovely and things are the calm before the storm as H “retires” at the end of May ( not decided with me) and therefore I have now become involved in retirement planning and how this affects me.
He goes back 1/2 time for 5 years but this is actually more problematic for me and what I do than if he was just done as I work just 1/4 time now but cannot abort that and have things work.</p>
<p>Hi Everyone
I’ve been reading all along but haven’t posted. I changed my password along the line and forgot that I did. Ha!
S and his GF and the cats moved to Brooklyn Heights 2 weeks ago. He can walk to work - a bit different form the 2.5 hour commute. GF has a short commute as well. D moves out this weekend although she’s been couch surfing for the past 3 weeks. Her work hours are outrageous - due to a particular client’s demands but it is a huge project and very important for the firm. One of the partners found out that D knows a particular design program so she was the critical path for about 2 weeks as she put the raw designs into the program. She worked 17 days straight - with some of those days ending at 2am and starting again at 7AM. Of course, she is not being compensated for this by any stretch of the imagination but she loves it.
She met her BF this past weekend in DC for a little R and R so all is good.</p>
<p>Where is TA??</p>
<p>Good Morning all. I haven’t posted lately as this hasn’t been the best of times for me. (I’ll be OK). I do read everyone’s posts,think about you often and send my best wishes.</p>
<p>The brightest spot in the last few weeks was meeting up for lunch with our friends eddieodessa, countingdown and boysx3. I so enjoyed meeting these great ladies in person and would love to do again as well as meet more of you.</p>
<p>Best of luck with the dog, Oregon. sounds like a handful.</p>
<p>NM, there are a bunch of apps for iphone or android for females walking alone. Here are a few:</p>
<p><a href=“http://myforce.com/”>http://myforce.com/</a>
<a href=“Ideas and Issues”>http://womensissues.about.com/od/violenceagainstwomen/tp/Best-Apps-For-Women-Concerned-With-Safety-And-Security.htm</a>
<a href=“Safety Apps for Women”>Safety Apps for Women;
<p>woody, I think TA dropped off this site when they linked it to Facebook. There is an app called Path that enables private versions of this kind of conversation. It sounds like your D is paying her dues. I’m sure that most highly successful people have done something like that. Hopefully it is in a field that she loves (sounds like it) and that the dues-paying and her drive help her be very successful. </p>
<p>A follow-up: I mentioned to ShawWife that ShawD had suggested we help her buy a two-family house in Boulder and then she would take care of us when we were old and needed help. </p>
<p>ShawWife then said that ShawSon had told her that he wanted to make sure he made enough money that he could take care of us when we are older. She told him that she thought I was taking care of that. </p>
<p>ShawWife said, “We must have done something right if our kids want to take care of us.” </p>
<p>Thank you for the links shaw! :)</p>