Competitions of all kinds

Astronauts have to compete for their jobs. Not everyone is suited to the rigorous training, etc. Not too long ago the Canadian Space Agency announced a couple of new candidates.

It is always good to hear about the Canadian astronauts. Julie Payette finally got up in the shuttle.

*****

TV Ontario had some interesting programs recently on schools and how one gets in and the pressures to do so and what is expected when one gets there.

Britain and 4 year olds just starting off on their education.

Britain and pre-teens looking towards secondary school. They do not want to study at their local comprehensive school.

China and primary schools and secondary schools and going onto university. There is very fierce competition for spaces.

*****

Quite different experiences than mine. It was much more relaxed when I was studying. I presume that my parents had to pay for my 2 years of kindergarten in the 1950s. It was a private kindergarten. They paid for private school and for my university education as well. Fees were very much different than they are now.

The only one that they did not have to pay for was for the 7 years of elementary school. They did pay school taxes as I do now. My grandfather wondered why he was paying school taxes with no children in school. It is to support the next generation.

*****

Did I compete for jobs? Certainly not as one has to today. The one I particularly remember is my 2nd government job. I did not get the job at first but got a phone call 6 months later saying it was mine.

*****

Did I compete in athletics or horse shows? I was not too athletic. There is a picture of me and Kathi returning from a horse show - so I did compete. I think it was not too serious a competition.