Last week we received an awesome email from the Senior Vice President of Programs at Robin Hood. It is important that I try to characterize this man for you all, or else this won’t seem as funny. This man is an very accomplished researcher who graduated from MIT with a PhD in economics and served as a former New York Times editor. He is, for lack of a better word, a little nerdy. He developed our system of “metrics” which is used to measure the effectiveness of our poverty fighting programs through a series of formulas (basically he did for Robin Hood what Theo Epstein did for the Red Sox). We all love him, but he certanily isn’t a wild and crazy type guy.
Below is the email we received:
“I’m not exactly the sharing kind when it comes to identifying new waves of popular culture. But someone has to step up now that Jim is leaving. I hereby lay claim to moving to the forefront of the culture battleground.
One week from tomorrow (Tues., Oct. 25 at 1 p.m.), I will accompany my 95-year-old mother-in-law, to Union Square where she will participate in a “Flash Mob.” [My Times style manual betrays me. What’s the proper verb: does one participate in a flash mob; do a flash mob; perform a flash mob? perform in a flash mob??} In any case, I have inside information that there will be a “wardrobe malfunction” as part of the routine. Imagine.
I’ll be standing toward the rear with a hood covering my face, worrying that I will be accused of contributing to the delinquency of a nonagenarian. My wife will be up front studying her Mom’s every move, preparing for 30+ years hence.”
So on Tuesday, the entire Robin Hood staff ventured outside to Union Square to witness one of the greatest flash mobs in history. And thankfully, it went off without the wardrobe malfunction!
Grandma and Grandpa – you’re next!
The Little Things 