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"

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.