This is a thread for things you've seen or encountered that is absolutely awesome. Here's my first input:

So beautiful it brought a tear to my eye.

 

I ran across this and a number of other similar videos that this guy has made with other young performers a month or so ago. Some truly talented kids. I don't know that I would go so far as to declare them "prodigies" -- I've seen too many 'regular' kids play at that level through "simple" dedication and practice (which, none-the-less, is still to be firmly applauded). What struck me with this pair is the difference in presentation between them. The older (well, at least taller) of the two is clearly just having a blast and isn't afraid to show it. The younger one is what you see more typically -- far more focused on playing and her expressions seemed less genuine. Part of that is likely the age difference, but I think that there's likely some innate difference in their make-up as well that might allow the older one to eventually become a soloist, while the younger one will probably be an ensemblist.

 

I don't know that I would go so far as to declare them "prodigies"

Yes, I'd agree with you on the label. Nevertheless I found it absolutely awesome how children of that age can achieve such a high level of performance.

'regular' kids play at that level through "simple" dedication and practice

This, too, in our day is amazing. American children - my personal experience - is that they want it all without the effort. Many of these videos have been in world regions where a high emphasis is placed on education and dedication. It's clear to see why America is falling behind in this area {my opinion}.

I was moved emotionally watching this first video. I wanted to share it with others. I hope others find things they find awesome or amazing. I've seen children play drums - which I myself played drums for 18 years. It's a large reason why I have tinnitus. And that's the reason why most recently my wife purchased a set of drums for me and I played them for another two years. But with worsening tinnitus it became necessary to sell the drums. Sold them to a young boy who demonstrated talent. I told him this:
"I'm going to give you some advice. If you take my advice you'll probably never thank me. But if you don't, you'll wish you did. Wear hearing protection when playing loud music." His mother looked at me with a worried expression on her face. But if he takes that advice he can expect to have a normal range of hearing as his life goes forward.

I'm impressed by young talent. It pleases me to see young people dedicate themselves to an endeavor, whether it's music, art, engineering or other fields of interest. Partly because going through school I lacked drive and dedication. Something I look back and lament upon, wishing I'd have paid more attention in classes. It would have made a big difference in my life.

 

Yes, I'd agree with you on the label. Nevertheless I found it absolutely awesome how children of that age can achieve such a high level of performance.

This, too, in our day is amazing. American children - my personal experience - is that they want it all without the effort. Many of these videos have been in world regions where a high emphasis is placed on education and dedication. It's clear to see why America is falling behind in this area {my opinion}.

While I would agree that it seems to be an ever increasing issue for America, it is by no means unique to here. I think, by and large, most countries see similar forces at play as they become more developed.

I'm a firm believer in the Pygmalion effect, as captured by Jaime Escalante's famous quote that students will rise to the level of your expectations. My corollary to that is, ... and seldom much higher.

 

 

400,000 miles over that long? That's only 7k miles per year. I suppose it's possible, but I bet there were other cars during all those years.

My 2005 Chevy is right at 330,000 miles (though I'm not the original owner) and they've been hard miles (at least the 100k miles I've wracked up).