On 20 Jan 2007 20:51:11 -0800, wrote:


I think that this year will be about the profession v. the trades.

ain't that a damned shame?


Regards,

Tom Watson

The real shame is that our kids turn out too stupid/unmotivated to get
into engineering programs at our universities these days. Science and
engineering slots are now filled with foreign students. Bet their
parents didn't help them build pinewood derby racers. Most likely
didn't build their school projects either.

I doubt that either stupidity or lack of motivation is the reason that
American kids don't enroll in engineering programs. The simple fact
is that in every job I've ever worked engineers are treated as poor
relations and paid peanuts. Even worse, you become a specialist on
your first job and there's no mobility to speak of. Unless you really
love the work or luck into some really hot project it sucks as an
occupation. I can't imagine any kind in his right mind _wanting_ to
be an engineer in the US today.

By the way, in the 50's pinewood derby racers were constructed by Cub
Scouts. Our den mother assembled blocks cut from 2x4s, nails, wheels,
etc. They all came out of the same bag and we used these parts to cut,
sand, nail and paint our own racers under her husband's watchful eye.
We conducted our own races. No parents in sight. Cookies and fruit
punch for everyone after. Had a GREAT time without daddy. Daddy was at
work building Studebakers. He did admire my racer after the fact.