I find the idea of old photo/data degradation strangely comforting. Even digital data seems to be unable to escape the law of entropy (don't mention the black holes). On another note; if corrupting data/photos was a wide occurrence now wouldn't we have heard about it in a big way?

I grew up, not with the satan idea, but was told that there was a relation between the apostle Peter and the symbol. The reason for that was that Peter was crucified upsidedown. They argued why someone would use it as a peace symbol when it was the symbol of Peter crucified. Which was a very strange argument if you think about it.

Never forget that radicals of any religion will retcon reality to suit their whims. This isn't a unique trait of Abrahamic religions (although the direct relative of the same underlying religion sure do like to fight).

All I can say, to challenge this proactive lying and deceitfulness, is to demand proof of a historical claim or STFU.

I made your statement a little more accurate. "THOU SHALT MAKE SURE CHILDREN UNDERSTAND [our version of] RIGHT AND WRONG!." You're welcome :)

Thanks for the link, I reread it. Nice story but I think I can guess his current password now: "Plus, if you’re interested in more of this, I’m writing a book!" :)

Yes, this! Exactly to the point. This is in my view THE argument against all-out snooping. It is about control, not about criminality.

"In fact, I'm not expecting other conference speakers to cancel. Most of your speakers are american anyway – why would they care about surveillance that’s not targeted at them but at non-americans. Surveillance operations from the US intelligence agencies are targeted at foreigners. However I’m a foreigner. And I’m withdrawing my support from your event."

I realy like all the double layers he put into this :D Its a joy to read.

This is funny AND insightful. Reminds me of folding proteins. So, I guess it is a good moment to point to http://folding.stanford.edu/

I have done this and I agree. "News" gives a single side view on the world and it is hardly an uplifting one. Personally I strongly belief that the general public opinion is negativer then needed caused by negative news-feeding. In the periods that I decided to not follow the news (opting out :)) I felt better and more relaxed. In the mean time I did not miss any big news and what I missed turned out not to be important. Easily to do as an experiment.

I grew also up without a television. That was no deliberate choice, my parents are orthodox christians. I was very creative in that period and I kinda miss that now :)

So return to that period by giving up the tv again.

I did. No TV thru high school, minimal later, culminating in full-slate cable service, then dumped it all for nothing more than an occasional DVD. Have no idea how any TV-watchers get anything done, as I'm working (home chores included) flat-out 18 hours a day and feel I can barely keep up with life.

The problem now is not the tv anymore. I grew up and have now to deal with the distractions of this age and time.

I went to the code.org site, looked around and tried the objective-C version. I was (positively) surprised that it did work because I am not in the USA at the moment, meaning it's not blocked for non-USA access.

The simulator didn't work unfortunately but they did warn about this on the site when I started. After I had done the tutorial I landed on the Summer Academy page where you can do a 8-9 week course in programming. Very nice!

Then I discovered that this was certainly not for free: $5000 it will cost you. I must admit I was a little shocked. That is not a price every one can pay for this learning to code adventure. That was a part Obama did not mention. It feels like a standard marketing trap, luring in people to do your course, buy your software, etc. Only difference is the frontman of the show ;)

It's proved again: there is no such thing as a free lunch. Now walk on please, nothing to see here.