Subj : Re: [OT] Jerry Rice (was: What's "lunch"?? (was: Personal connections))
To   : comp.programming
From : Duane Bozarth
Date : Fri Sep 09 2005 02:32 pm

"Robert Maas, see http://tinyurl.com/uh3t" wrote:
> 
> > From: Duane Bozarth <dpboza...@swko.dot.net>
> > Actually, he worked at his job very effectively for quite a long time,
> > especially for his profession.  It so happened his job was
> > entertainment-related, specifically professional football.
> 
> Yes, indeed there is funding available for such completely worthless
> professions. ...

It's only worthless in your opinion.  Many obviously don't share in that
viewpoint in what is, after all, a <very> competitive industry.

> > As for what he accomplished outside that arena, he was and continues to
> > be a very effective spokesman for many other commercial and non-profit
> > enterprises amongst other things.
> 
> Please cite five such enterprises which have actual net value to
> society or humankind of life-on-earth etc. ...

I'll simply list two that I recall that <perhaps> might meet your
criteria--United Way and Big Brothers/Big Sisters

I do not concede anything whatsoever about your contention in essence
that commercial enterprises are a zero-sum game.

> Danny Thomas used his money (from entertainment) to found a really good
> hospital. Anything like that would count, as would lesser more direct
> work towards something beneficial to society/humankind/life globally.
> For example, did Jerry Rice provide funding to an agency that finds
> employment, such as computer programming, for disabled people?
> (My guess: No.) 

While I have no hard data and am not going to take the time to look into
it, from what I do know of Mr Rice by reputation and in listening to
interviews conducted with him, I am <quite> confident he has provided
significant contributions outside even his public service announcements
to socially-responsive organizations.

Did Jerry Rice learn Lisp, and then promote it, or use
> it to develop an interesting application/tool? (My guess: No.)

I'd say "no" to that as well, but I don't see that as having any
relevance to anything.  Did you learn Chinese and do anything similar w/
it?

He has a particular talent and has used those very successfully.   In
doing so he has brought enjoyment to a large number of people as well as
financial success to himself and his family.  That you see the
particular endeavor as one in which you personally aren't interested
doesn't negate his accomplishments a bit.

.