Is it even legal to alter the data of a licensed file? If Apple were to use the metadata to identify the file, then changing that metadata could be seen as a form of "circumventing copy-protection software". I'm not saying this is reasonable at all. But I'm sure that most /.ers are aware of some of the exploitation of vaguely defined laws that goes on in copyright court. If it's possible, and it generates profit, then there's reason to fear it.

My argument simply stems from my distrust of cloud computing. You're right that what I'm talking about doesn't have much to do with the actual article, I was just talking about the idea of iCloud in general. And I already said I don't know much about iCloud or what it actually does. I just know that Apple is not going to launder music for people. If there's some way to verify a file's licensing, they will. And if some kind of incriminating information comes up from checking these files, Apple is going to definitely take advantage of it. It's the equivalent of letting a cop into your home just talk and then him busting you because he found something illegal. And he would have every right to; in fact, he would see it as his "duty". I'm just saying that it's probably not a good idea to let Apple anywhere near the pirated music you may have on your computer.

This iCloud thing (haven't heard much about it, I don't follow apple products) just sounds like a way for Apple to legally collect information on stupid music pirates (and probably who has ripped back-ups on their computer) that they can sell to record companies. It's like Steve Jobs saw the South Park episode "Human CentiPad" and figured it would be a good idea to coax people into unknowingly agreeing to let Apple screw over. This program is going to scan your files with the pretense that everything is legal. But of course if it finds anything that doesn't have a proper license it's probably illegal, and therefore Apple would be "inclined" to report to the authorities.

I had the same feeling when I read this. I just don't understand how any kid could even find the time to become so fluent in so many technical areas. Unless of course his parents force fed him source code since he was an infant; which is probably the case if he is a real person. But this whole thing does seem like it's some sort of advertising conspiracy for ActiveState and their new program (which they probably developed). I checked out the kids twitter account and it does seem like it's written by a 35 year old senior programmer working for some large company. Perhaps this is just an internet personality created by some basement dwelling code monkey seeking attention. I wonder if any reporters have actually done an interview with him on video or at least audio.

Couldn't you just teach algorithms to children with some high level language that handles most of the advanced mathematics in abstract ways that they would understand? And actually, if you've ever taken a computer science course, most teachers will show you how to break abstract, every day tasks into simple routines and how this thinking applies to computers and programming in general. You actually learn about algorithms first and then step into how these routines are resolved mathematically. You could theoretically teach children bubble sort by setting up some kind of abstract system (i.e. blocks with numbers written on them) with set constraints that would force them to algorithmically sort the blocks with the same routines a computer would use.

This actually coincides with what you said about how games like checkers and DnD can teach kids problem solving skills because it IS a form of game. Of course forcing a kid to organize blocks "bit by bit" wouldn't go over so well; even as a programmer myself, organizing blocks doesn't sound like much fun. But there are plenty ways to spice up bland routines with satisfying visuals. Just think of how many people spend hours and hours grinding in MMOs just to fill up a percentage bar and call it "fun".

Programming is ubiquitous enough to where there is an undeniable advantage to at least knowing about it. There's no reason why we shouldn't at least give students the opportunity to appreciate the subject. Think of the look on a kid's face when they learn that the game they were playing is actually completely beatable with a five line script.