Yes, and people are dying because we don't know how to compensate for this yet. So much for knowing what we're doing.

> you have this notion that transfer of genes between species is some weird thing humans just invented

It's obviously not, or weeds wouldn't be growing resistant to Monsanto's herbicides at what must be an alarming rate to them. Nonetheless, there's a probabilistic thing here -- the rate at which RoundupReady is spreading is obviously partly caused by the huge attempted corn monoculture, and the vast amount of glyphosate sloshing around the environment (making this gene eminently useful in the current environment). Most genes don't propagate across multicellular species anywhere near this quickly, or we probably would have noticed by now.

>agay, you have this bizarre irrational fear

I think you're responding to someone else now, but I'm sure that doesn't matter to you, because you still have this (unfortunately not bizarre) general asshole-ness and superiority complex. Work on it.

Being able to make more changes faster to a system that is not fully understood may be a terrible thing.

Being able to make more changes faster that then get propagated to unwanted species as well as anything in Jurassic Park is not only not a good idea, but ultimately self-defeating.

Being able to make changes that only exist to allow more use of glyphosate, being able to insert fish genes into plants, being able to play god in the same manner as the boy next door in Toy Story, yeah, that might ultimately be a bad thing, too.

Personally, I try to eat older foods, less sweet fruits, etc.

"because we do in the lab intelligently"

Give me a fucking break. Our understanding of biologic systems is still in its infancy.

"what we have been doing informally for thousands of years"

And slowly -- don't ever forget slowly.

" is threatening to you"

I hope it doesn't threaten anybody. But the evidence is still out. Glyphosate on wheat and gluten intolerance? Maybe.

"sign of your ignorance and science illiteracy."

Ahh, now I remember why I come to slashdot. The ability to interact with incompetent know-it-all assholes outside a work setting.

(Of course, if they did that, they might lose half a dozen attendees.)

Is there some new point to this?

I've seen people buy the 'best' musical instruments thinking it will help them play better, it doesn't. Know what does? Practice,experience,time...

I play an instrument. I now play a lot better, because I practice a lot more, because the instrument I bought two years ago is a joy to play and listen to compared to the one I had before.

Different people prefer different instruments, just as different people prefer different languages. Your plea to stop creating/using new ones sounds suspiciously like the argument that everything has already been invented.

Too small and the phone will be more snaggy.

Too big, and the available rectangular screen real estate shrinks.

Sure, there is an acceptable window, and this isn't rocket science, but it isn't pure art, either.

Your assertion that rounded corners are purely functional is self serving and only caused by your prejudices.

How is it self-serving? Samsung isn't paying me anything.

So, from the hotel's perspective, it's an extra revenue stream they aren't paying anything for.

According to the wikipedia page on wayport, AT&T now operates 45,000 hotspots.

The "rounded corners" were not a utility patent -- it was a design patent, and only one element of it.

Yes, it was included in a design patent, but it shouldn't have been -- at least not in a way that allowed Apple to beat up Samsung over rounded corners. Rounded corners on a device you slip in your pocket are purely functional.

Whether you believe in punishment by the state or by a higher being, whether you believe in the death penalty for chewing gum, or don't believe in it for murder -- it doesn't make sense to not kill somebody, to let him out of jail, and then to make it impossible for him to earn a decent living.