Exactly. I don't see how publishers are the bad guy here. Everyone seems to think that every form of intellectual property should be free or what they perceive as low-cost regardless of the costs to produce it. That's why the music industry shrank by 2/3 in the wake of the MP3 "revolution." What people don't see is all the amazing music that they could be enjoying but there's no one to sign the band, record and promote them so they languish in their hometown and you never know they exist.

If it's too expensive, don't buy it. Just like any other product. I could buy $150 balsamic vinegar, but I don't think it's worth it even though it is tasty.

As far as the textbook industry is concerned, I know a thing or two about it's inner workings and, let me tell you, there is a big difference between a free textbook and a $80-$130. There are a lot of people working behind the scenes to make sure that it's useful to you, well written, up-to-date and error-free.

I say this knowing that it would really make a great film(s) if they re-worked the characters and plots of at least the Final Programme. I have seen the original '70's version and, while it has it's upsides, it could really be done much better today.

It's got sex, drugs, humor, rock and roll, time-travel, hermaphroditic super-beings...you name it!

That's why I say the drugs should be enough. And IANAD, but nitrous really isn't dangerous in a medical setting when compared to the other options in the pharmacopia.

...why do they need the video game? Once it kicks in you could amputate at the knee and recieve only chuckles in response.

Yerba Mate is my favorite caffeine delivery vehicle as well. I've used the gourd/bombilla method, but when I'm working, 10 or so teaspoons in a tea pot, strained over ice with a little mint in the mix to cut the squedgy herb flavors gets me through. It's the best alternative to straight up pharmacuetical amphetamines I've found! Also, in New York City, you can get 3 kilos of the stuff for $6 US --- Value!

Glad to see there's another Slashdotter out there who appreciates it,too!

....it made them stay at work late into the night last night freaking out and running around. It also made my Inbox swell with useless warnings about how to surf the net safelyl

Actually, while one's raw processing speed (fluid intelligence) begins to decline in one's 20's, what's called crystalized intelligence continues to grow. That is, one's overall store of knowledge and ability to use that knowledge peaks in one's 60's.

That means while someone may not be able to figure out the solution to a problem as fast as they age, they may not need to because they remember the solution from the last time it, or something similar happened.

I'm in psychology, not IT, so I don't know which would be more valuable.

From the videos, it looks like it never gets that high off the ground. Just like the Spruce Goose, this thing might only be flyable due to ground effect. Until they have videos of it getting above 40 feet off of the ground, I will remain skeptical.

This is due to what psychologists call the "mere exposure" effect. People like things more that they have experienced before. It's one of the driving forces behind advertising.

I read somewhere that a ring or spinning ship/station would have to be at least one kilometer in diameter or the spinning would make you dizzy. That's a big ship! Especially since a large portion of it (any part closer than one kilometer to the center of rotation) would make you puke. You could use it for storage, but you'd have to be clever/careful about balancing the load so it wouldn't wobble.