Better yet, I'd like to know how modern day has differed from what they were expecting in the 80's.

Programming was never "boring" to the "right" kids because those kids were creative and had the ability to imagine the possibilities provided by computers and the motivation to see them through. But with the outright failure of the American (and possibly elsewhere) educational system, it's not absurd to suggest that maybe we ought to foster this sort of creativity and innovative behavior in more people through different approaches to educating children. As it stands, academic subjects are taught as horrible distortions of their actual selves and not at all accurate representations of what the subjects are actually like. For example, my "computer science" classes in high school involved typing up code in HTML and learning how to send emails. If I hadn't known any better I would've dropped computers altogether. Same goes for math, physical science, etc.

  Even if we don't convince all too many kids to pursue academic careers, with a stronger social understanding and appreciation of the sciences we might just end up with, at the very least, slightly lessened pressure on scientists who are starving for research grants.

Man, this is some [GOOD NEWS]. I hope congress quits [WORKING TOO HARD FOR THEIR OWN GOOD], pulls their [HARD WORK AND COURAGE] out of their own [LOVE FOR THEIR COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE] and finally [TAKES THAT PAID VACATION THEY ALL WELL DESERVE].

Enjoy my one communist mod point. It won't increase your score or karma any, but you can have it.

That's the point of the joke. But you're right, expecting fairness of politicians is silly and unproductive.

It seems you've missed the point of the joke (which implies that we ought to have a government that actually takes care of things which are vital to society), but thank you for displaying your resplendent knowledge of game theory.

If, for instance, the traditional method of giving the financial burden of medical research to pharmaceutical companies, in exchange for patents which allow them to recoup their losses, is too costly to the public, in terms of both availability of existing treatment (companies have to make their money back somehow) and development of new treatments (since medical researchers have to take care not to infringe on the patents of others, even if it means skipping out on a potential cure for, say, cancer) then possibly, we could try an entirely new approach. Say, asking from the general public a portion of their wages in exchange for an investment into such research. We could even make it compulsory; after all, the benefits of advanced and available medical care benefit the whole of society, as opposed to say, an investment in a company like General Motors, which would do little to secure the welfare of the general population.

Maybe we ought to form an organization dedicated to ensuring the well being of the public. Could work.

Google glass is perfectly fine. But if her case is that consumer electronics get boring quickly, there's not much separating Google Glass from what's on the market currently.

I'm sure glad, as a nerd, that Ms. Jepsen took the time to inform me there are projects in the works that I can get really excited about without actually telling me what they are, just after making condescending remarks aimed at consumer electronics and just before extolling the genius of Google's new cell phone that holds itself up to your face. Because I am a nerd these things really appeal to me. Thank you Ms. Jepsen and Mr. Woodward, you guys are really nerds like me.

Oh yeah, well I'm head of marketing, and I say whatever mouth breathing basement dwellers think is cool, well then that's what this thing is!

In other words, this is aimed at a completely different market than the ones looking for a raspberry pi or a beaglebone. From Rpi's own FAQ: "We want to see it being used by kids all over the world to learn programming." David Anders says it may reach price point similar to the Rpi or Beaglebone in the near future, but there's no promises. I know this sounds like nitpicking, but framing the discussion improperly with a misleading title is something Slashdot desperately needs to stop.

In other words it's something one should expect to find on Slashdot.

Whoa, man, I'm not giving anybody two mil to ride the hobby horse. You can try raising that money yourself or get content with your hand as a loyal lifetime partner.

I really pity whoever needs to fork out 2 million for a chance at getting laid.

Maybe you didn't read what you posted then, because the assumptions you've made aren't exactly subtle.

I'm sure I've missed a few, but practically nothing you've said amount to anything more than needlessly demeaning garbage.

For the record, my last relationship was a 6 year long long-distance relationship. She moved away because she had no choice, and I certainly didn't view that as an act of abandonment. The most important thing that made it last for as long as it did was contact whenever possible. If OP gets a job to take up the time he'd use to interact with her when he already has the means to get to her (or her to him) when he can then that job will only serve to distance them even further. When we did have time we could spend giving each other attention, we'd talk on the phone, stream movies and watch them together (NSA Dave if you read this please don't tell the MPAA), and yes, play video games together. OP is very likely asking "what good online games are out there that focus more on exploration than combat" as opposed to "should I talk to her on my time off" or "should I show her my naughty parts on skype" because if he's above the age of 10 he's a big enough boy to have figured out the answer to those on his own.

You are right about one thing though, actions speak louder than words, and the fact that he's going around asking people for their perspective on a good time shows he's at least trying, so fuck off with your condescension.