Look--this isn't about teaching kids to be religious but rather putting things in a less subjective perspective. Teaching a course in the "Theory of Evolution" as a science course is 100% appropriate. Teaching creationism as a science course is 100% wrong--religion and creationism belong to the realm of social sciences and humanities because of the political, historical, and philosophical contexts. Ignoring the world's largest religions and their impact on humanity because one doesn't "believe" in them is ignorant and small-minded. A "World Religions" course is 100% appropriate in public schools. Teaching a child which one to follow is not.

I'm not suggesting that science courses be taught differently but rather changing the method by which we expose school children to the world around them. Moving Creationism away from the "hard" sciences seems to be the logical compromise for dealing with the faith versus science argument.

Wouldn't you prefer a well-rounded education that includes an objective perspective of religion, science, and the socio-political world? I would.

If included in the arts, sciences, letters, kids also learned that Islamists have been fighting wars amongst themselves since the death of Muhammed, that the creation from the Bible is kind of a hodge-podge of religious ideas that trace back to Zoroastrianism, and the Darwin actually believed in God, I think kids would have a better understanding of other cultures and each other.

In the end, that's what education is all about.

In the end, it's all about education not being right or wrong.

I wish both sides could understand that being educated and informed doesn't necessarily equate belief, endorsement, or apostasy. You can study Christianity (or any religion) without believing in it and you can study evolutionary science (or any other scientific theory) without believing in it. Ignoring the other view is just, well...ignorant.

I think it's best to approach education from a perspective of learning and understanding rather than discriminating against information in which you do not believe while promoting one's own agenda or belief system. That's not education--that's brainwashing.

That kind of thinking led to the dark ages.

Ignorance reigns amongst the absolutists.

It's not about science or common sense--it's all about billing the insurance companies. That's how hospitals and clinic "businesses" make money. Doctors order tests because they are told to do so as often as they write prescriptions because they get "incentives" to do so from pharmaceutical companies.

It's all about money.

Sometimes, when I'm a little groggy, my mind plays tricks on me when I'm reading. The results are sometimes humorous mash-ups. (well, funny to me)

This one became:
"London Police Seek To Install CCTV In Pubes"

A very interesting picture came to my mind. I had to share.

I wonder if it will involve the Segway... ...we know it won't involve Kathy Griffin...

So, if you're committing a crime, be sure to smile and make silly faces.

Here's the rub: pay for the proprietary software and get service, deployment, and customization with varying degrees of quality. Or get open source projects that require customization and put the burden on your IT staff to make it happen. Some of those are no-brainers but some of the more specialized enterprise stuff gets REALLY hairy. With deadlines, migrations, and trouble-shooting, the company might spend just as much money on over-time and lost productivity or, worse, the salaried IT staffers will suffer under the extra work-load. Hiring contractors, training, and all of those other things add up, too. These details make the business decisions more complicated when you're trying to justify the pain of migration with lowered costs.

I know this will be a very unpopular comment here, but I think open source and GNU software are awesome but they're not always the right solution to every problem.

I think Linux took a big step forward with Ubuntu. The reason why personal computers are as ubiquitous as they are is because of Windows and MacOS and their GUI. Anyone who doesn't mind getting into the CLI and learning strings of commands loves Linux but the average person does not have the time, patience, or inclination to learn how to install, configure, and maintain linux.

Drivers and jargon are huge hurdles to anyone other than a geek. Ubuntu (and a few other distros) are now making that part easier.

I've been running linux as a server for 12 years--I like it. But I wouldn't run it as my primary OS for several reasons:

1) I'm just not ready to abandon my years of comfort using my primary OS (and all the software I use)
2) I'm not convinced linux would be as trouble-free compatibility wise

FWIW.

One important piece of the higher-education requirement isn't the degree you have but the fact that you have one. Why is that important? Two words: critical thinking.

This is a very broad and general assessment, but I think most will agree: Primary education in the US is, unfortunately, mostly focused on rote-learning curriculum designed around standardized tests. A college education introduces creative and critical thinking skills as well as a well-rounded buffet of experiences and information. Also, getting through college is quite different than high school since you're usually not living with family and you're learning to be disciplined enough to get yourself to class and do your homework.

It's quite possible for many people to reap those benefits without setting foot on a university campus--but it certainly only adds to your quiver of skills to have the education. Employers are looking for self-starters with high marks. Experience in lieu of education is second best to education AND experience. It's getting very competitive--the ones with the best resumes get the best jobs.

I have a bachelor's degree in music composition but I work in the IT sector. The fact that I have a degree in anything has helped quite a bit--the music bit is actually quite helpful because of the left brain/right brain balance. Now, if I were trying to get a job as a hardware engineer, that degree wouldn't help me much so the degree should match something your career aspirations for more specialized type of work.

My advice to the poster: get a degree even if it takes 5 or 6 years. You'll benefit in all areas of your life with a better education.

I was thinking the exact same thing. Well done.

Seems fitting that they should OWE money now. Since they're bankrupt, I suppose it's only symbolic.

I did *not* need to see that photo...

[gouging eyes with stapler]

That new fangled Antivirus 2009 thing is a total gyp. I've been clicking that thing all day...wait, now a Java update is prompting me. Jeesh. I gotta go, that Nigerian millionaire's needs my help..

[/end user speak]

I believe they call that the "Blue Screen of Overtime"