This 1993 New Yorker article profiles Abe Green, a man who spent over four decades as a fixture at the Beverly Hills Hotel pool. Green, a self-made millionaire, established a daily ritual of holding court poolside, becoming a peculiar part of the hotel's landscape. The piece explores Green's evolving relationship with the hotel, from his early days as a welcomed guest to his later years marked by increasing eccentricity and strained relations with management. It paints a portrait of a man seeking community and purpose in a glamorous yet ultimately transient environment, capturing a specific era of Hollywood history and the changing dynamics of the legendary hotel.
Voker, a YC S24 startup building AI-powered video creation tools, is seeking a full-stack engineer in Los Angeles. This role involves developing core features for their platform, working across the entire stack from frontend to backend, and integrating AI models. Ideal candidates are proficient in Python, Javascript/Typescript, and modern web frameworks like React, and have experience with cloud infrastructure like AWS. Experience with AI/ML, particularly in video generation or processing, is a strong plus.
HN commenters were skeptical of the job posting, particularly the required "mastery" of a broad range of technologies. Several suggested it's unrealistic to expect one engineer to be a master of everything from frontend frameworks to backend infrastructure and AI/ML. Some also questioned the need for a full-stack engineer in an AI-focused role, suggesting specialization might be more effective. There was a general sentiment that the job description was a red flag, possibly indicating a disorganized or inexperienced company, despite the YC association. A few commenters defended the posting, arguing that "master" could be interpreted more loosely as "proficient" and that startups often require employees to wear multiple hats. The overall tone, however, was cautious and critical.
Summary of Comments ( 53 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43186050
Hacker News users discuss the intriguing life of Abe Green, the subject of the New Yorker article. Several commenters express fascination with Green's dedication to a singular, seemingly mundane routine, spending decades poolside. Some question his motivations and mental state, pondering whether it represents a life well-lived or a form of obsessive escapism. Others romanticize his existence, viewing it as a unique pursuit of personal happiness, unburdened by societal expectations. A few commenters note the piece's portrayal of a bygone era of Hollywood glamour and the changing face of Los Angeles. There's also a short thread discussing the hotel itself and its history.
The Hacker News post linking to the 1993 New Yorker article, "The Man Who Spent Forty-Two Years at the Beverly Hills Hotel Pool," has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focusing on the eccentric character of Swifty Lazar, the Hollywood agent who is the subject of the piece.
Several commenters express fascination with Lazar's unusual life and relentless networking, even by the standards of Hollywood. They highlight his dedication to being at the pool, painting a picture of a man wholly consumed by his work and the pursuit of deals. One commenter notes Lazar's seemingly paradoxical nature, appearing both incredibly successful and deeply unhappy or unfulfilled.
Some discussion revolves around the bygone era of Hollywood dealmaking that Lazar embodied, contrasting it with the present day. Commenters remark on the more "genteel" (or at least less overtly crass) nature of business dealings in that time, though acknowledging the ever-present undercurrent of ambition and manipulation.
A few commenters mention the piece's portrayal of the Beverly Hills Hotel itself, reminiscing about its iconic status and the aura of glamour surrounding it. One commenter shares a personal anecdote about encountering Lazar at the hotel, corroborating the image of him as a constantly working, highly connected individual.
There's a brief thread discussing Lazar's apparent lack of genuine friendships, with speculation about whether his relentless focus on business left room for meaningful personal connections.
Overall, the comments paint a picture of intrigued readers, drawn in by the story of an unusual character in a fascinating setting. They reflect on the changing nature of Hollywood, the allure of the Beverly Hills Hotel, and the potential pitfalls of a life entirely dedicated to professional pursuits. While not a large number of comments, they offer a thoughtful and engaging response to the article.