Cherrie sent me this news story about two teenage girls, who discovered during a high school science project that GlaxoSmithKline’s advertized claims about the Vitamin C contents of one of their products was not correct. The company brushed them off, and is now sorry that they did!
On a similar note, I may have mentioned that my son has decided to switch majors from Music to Computer Science. It seems that the military has decided to cut most of its military bands, which would have been his best employment opportunity, given the instrument that he plays. There simply isn’t a future.
So this week, while on spring break from University of North Texas, he was given a tour of the very impressive Computer Science Program at UNC-Charlotte — personally led by the chair of the department. I’d love to say that it was my fame in the field of technology that warranted this personal treatment, but, to no surprise, it wasn’t.
It seems that back when Martin was dabbling with MUDs, using a service called MooseCrossing, he made friends with a girl, and their correspondence has continued. As it turns out, the chair of the CS department at UNC-C is her father.
I think that we have to come to respect our children as valuable participants in their world (our world) and realize that they can be valuable contributors.
2¢ Worth!
No argument, here. One thing that’s guaranteed to get me on my soapbox is when folks in our church refer to the kids and teens as being the church of tomorrow. So what are they now, then, I ask? I am adamant that they are the church of today. They are not part of tomorrow’s world, as if they are waitig somehow for a magical moment that will transform them from observer to participant. They are here, now, today. To put it in their parlance: deal.
David,
Is your son in the military or planning to join the military?
I’m all for studying computer science or music, but neither for vocational purposes.
I’ve been told that fewer than 25% of all 4-year college graduates are working in the field for which they earned a degree. Given that reality, I’m all for students working hard to pursue a course of study in anything that brings them joy and intellectual stimulation.
Not “just” one of their drinks.. it’s RIBENA – whose ads have always been quoted as saying that blackcurrents contain 4 times the vitamin c of oranges… (they have made this statement on their TV ads ever since I could remember – like, 2 years old)
in hindsight, maybe their ads never did say their juice contained 4x that expected in orange juice…
Oh I see, I don’t think Ribena is sold in the U.S. It is HUGE in the UK and HK… relatively well-known in New Zealand as well.
… ahh I digress.
I meant to say that these were young (well, they’re still young – but they make me feel old) students who were validating statements…validating knowledge – it’s so empowering knowing that you have the permission, skills and resources to do that. Once again, being a part of this process makes you realise that “knowledge” lies somewhere between presentation and interpretation. I’m not surprised that the article says the girls are getting into Marketing and Law – uh, hello – presentation and interpretation of knowledge!
Gary, my son plays the euphonium. It’s a modern instrument that is played in british brass music and military bands — and not much else. I know, you know all of this. His best opportunities for employment in music would have been one of the military brass bands, Marine band or Air Force band. It’s what he wanted to do, play music. He’d have had to get enlisted, but no boot camp. It would have been like a job, and it’s what he wanted to do.
When they announced that they were cutting the bands, he saw what he wanted to do, go away, so there was little need in preparing for it. So computer science and video production emerged as his new interests.
I know where you are going and I’ve often said to him and to others, that anyone who can master a musical instrument can learn anything.
The only vocational variable I would consider is that if you join the military to play the euphonium, you’ll be on the next flight to Fallujah.
I’d CS and take private lessons. Concert bands use euphoniums too.
Do they make MIDI euphoniums yet?
🙂 I’ve not heard of a Midi Euphonium. Perhaps Martin could invent one!
— dave —
I saw Pat Metheny play one of these the other night…
http://www.oddmusic.com/gallery/om23350.html
Video of the Pikasso being played may be found here!
http://www.manzer.com/web/index.php?thisid=158