<p>I can’t resist adding my 2 cents worth to this philanthropy sidebar… I wish that Bill Gates and or Buffet would consider keeping some of that $$$ right here in America…and using it to underwrite those IT folks who have lost their jobs to IT outsourcing outside the US… I have a brother-in-law who is losing his 27 yr job with an insurance company because they moved it overseas…unfortunately, my brother-in-law is a quad and it will be harder for him to get gainful employment. Why there is no other job for him at existing co kills me…but, I know he is one of the bravest, hardest working folks I have ever met… his integrity is totally intact… able bodied folks should have his commitment to life… Bill Gates is offshoring a lot of American dollars with his foundation… all undermines us…US…</p>
<p>maineparent, I’m sorry about your brother-in-law’s situation. The Gates Foundation has fairly specific areas to which they distribute their funds: global health, libraries, and education. As far as I know, they are not involved in employment issues. While you’re right that a lot of the Foundation’s dollars are directed internationally, there are also many, many U.S. grants awarded in the three areas of interest. The website has fairly detailed information which will show you what organizations have received the grants. I have to disagree with you that distributing grants to international concerns serves to undermine the U.S.</p>
<p>MP, the issue of outsourcing is complex, but that does not make the pain of the displaced workers any easier to accept. </p>
<p>I’d like to add a quick note regarding Gates and Buffett. We should recognize that their source of wealth is not solely a domestic one as the reach of their corporate entities is truly global. The Gates family selected areas where they could make a difference. However, despite their vast fortune, they won’t ever replace the need for public attention -and funding- to our growing problems.</p>
<p>I congratulate both the Gates and Buffet families for their generous efforts. If their money doesn’t go where I would like it? SO? At least it’s helping somebody somewhere. There’s always the Walton familiy who combined drawf Gates and Buffet, yet can’t find the dollars to pay their employees enough to possibly own a home.</p>
<p>Emeraldcity,</p>
<p>44 vals, that’s great. I’m always off a couple years (gap between my kids). Garfield has gone through many changes over the years. My othro surgeon went there. The demographics changed. In the 70’s I played bball against Garfield… first time I’ve ever heard the word “honky” 
which while standing on the foul line seemed really funny at the time. To the last decade where Garfield seems to be a magnet school for educational opportunities. Quicey Jones used to do alot with the bands there as well. Does he still?</p>
<p>I would agree in the need for extra curicular activities for kids. It is a great way to make friends. That also carries over to college. Kids should try different things from day one. Sample as much of college life as you can handle.</p>
<p>I havent heard of Quincy Jones coming to Garfield for a while- it was rumored he was going to come to the “bash before the smash”- event that was hosted for alumni, ( they have now closed Garfield for two years- and relocated it to the Lincoln building in Wallngford while they remodel)and I don’t think he would have gone unnoticed.</p>
<p>THey are planning on a new auditorium dedicated to Quincy however, so I expect he will show up for that ;)</p>