I don't think so. I'm guessing his point was that console hardware is static over the course of many years, whereas updating/upgrading computer hardware is merely a matter of swapping out a single piece. Since it is so much easier to keep computer hardware up to date, then computer gaming is the way to go.

Personally, I don't own a console and am an avid computer gamer - I'd have to agree (with what I suppose is his point).

There are a large number of light pollution articles to be found on the Sky and Telescope website. We amateur astronomers are keenly aware that light pollution isn't just about being able to see more stars from our backyard. Yet, when I mention the subject to friends, family, co-workers, etc, I often get a blank stare. "What's 'light pollution'?" What do you think can/should be done to improve widespread public awareness of light pollution and its effects?

Gee! Hey, that's a great idea!

How come NASA and the rest of the international space industry didn't think of that!?!?!

And the beloved Linux ME!!!!

As of this post, Al Gore was only mentioned twice! Okay, three times now with my post ;) As soon as I read the summary I was sure Gore would be the center of much of the discussion.

I challenge you to watch the video. Tyson makes a very strong argument that the U.S. can, indeed, support a robust space program.

That far? You poor, poor soul. :(

I think a purely business-funded scientific research system would be even more problematic - even counter-productive - than government-funded simply because all that would drive the outcome of the research would be profits - which would obviously skew the "results" of any findings.

Funny you should mention that...

I'm only 20 minutes into watching the video and I find it quite a fascinating discussion.

If you have ANY interest in government involvement in space exploration, I urge you to take the time to watch this video.

Bye - I'm goin' back to watch the video...

It'd be interesting to know who those 90% and 10% are. I.e. are the 90% mostly people who have been using Ubuntu before - and therefore have something to compare to - and the 10% mostly newcomers? I'm curious because, as I stated in a previous post, I personally like Unity, which is my first experience with Linux.

As a Windows user going to Ubuntu for the first time (with v.11.04) I liked the Unity interface. It felt very familiar and was easy to pick up. I'm not saying it's "better" than whatever UI it replaced, because as I said Unity was my first experience with Linux, but I like Unity, personally.

I think a more relevant figure to compare to would be the median income.

YEAH! What he said!!!

Read the comments in the linked Wired article. You're right. Not technology/discovery, but just a new application of existing knowledge.