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"

Ha! Focused hate. +2 funny.

The real source of power is the same source of power worshipped by George Lucas. The one that sucked away his soul and creativity over the last 30 years. I think they call it "ego."

Does anybody else think it's really funny that Microsoft's predicting abilities are better than their patching abilities?

I used to think the press was "liberal" but I don't think so anymore. These are people who would sell their own souls and their children just to scoop each other. It's all about sensationalism. Reporting on topics that are "liberal" causes controversy which creates a story. I really don't think they care enough about anything to promote an agenda. It's all about ratings and getting the story first.

Obama was a hot topic because he was the dark horse candidate--he was a greenhorn senator, the youngest candidate, left of center, and a black man. When this guy started getting the voters' attention, by virtue of his underdog status, he suddenly became "the story" to report. Obama went from being the "awe, how cute--he's running for president against the big dogs" story to the "holy crap, this guy really could win" story.

No matter what your political affiliation is, you have to admit that Obama's campaign and his victory are as remarkable as well as historic. Even if he ends up being the Calvin Coolidge or Andrew Johnson of this century, his election is already manifesting itself as a great healing to the wounds of racism in the United States. That alone is something MLK and his disciples could not do.

If the economy were in good shape, the wars were going well, and unemployment were low, I doubt as many Americans would have voted for the change Obama promised on the stump--if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Perhaps the Democrats do owe the victory to the media for reporting on the unraveling of those during Bush's tenure in the Oval Office.

Cthulu--the ancient one!