It's a pretty big roadblock, I agree; however, all I was trying to do was to provide a reason why space exploration shouldn't be side-lined indefinitely until we solve all the pressing social problems here on Earth. Parenthetically, I've often wondered how feasible a bio-dome type structure would be to support small numbers of colonists. It seems like the moon is a great starter "world" to practice our colonization techniques. PS. Any physicist know how to calculate how many plants in a bio-dome on the moon it would take to generate the oxygen required to sustain one human for one day?

I think ending the thread of nuclear war is GREAT goal, although unrealistic. Here's the catch in my eyes: no country will disarm themselves unless they are sure no OTHER country has nuclear weapons either. I get the impression it's going to remain that way until some maniac decides to press the big red button.

I disagree. We have evolved to this point because we are super predators and because we are inherently greedy and self-serving. I don't see that changing any time soon, although I do agree that is a laudable goal. Unfortunately, now we have the technology to wipe out everyone and everything very easily. I believe the threat of a nuclear war is not a matter of if, but when. It is in our best interests as a race to expand beyond this planet so when this does inevitably happen, we can learn from that mistake and try something different on our other worlds.

I contend that your work IS worth exactly what you accept in return for it.

"Worker productivity has increased over the past 30 years..." - Citation? Assuming it's largely in part to technological advances; people didn't just magically become more productive. What's more, "work" is only "worth" as much as someone is willing to compensate you for it. If you don't feel like it's enough, you have the ability to deprive them of your services. Unfortunately, for many professions, there are lots of people willing to do the work - which drives the salaries down.

Good luck with that.

Come on, their goals are so obvious: they are protesting "greed" while asking for wealth redistribution (i.e. handouts). Ironic, isn't it?

More likely the swooning females would wear shirts stenciled with "Occupy Me Edward."

Your incompetent rage has made my Saturday. :)

In news today, flaming error discovers how to post as Anonymous Coward. Weather at 11.

Didn't mean to get you all riled up. Just a leisurely Saturday morning troll-session. Hint: don't take yourself so seriously. :) Have a good one.

No idea what you're trying to spit out so I'm just going to ignore it.

Attempts at wit don't make your previous comments any more meaningful.

GTFO. Everyone is looking to maximize profit for their product. Everyone. Here's the bottom line: Music is created, the details don't matter. Music is for sale at a set price. If you want it, you pay that price. If you don't want it, you don't. STEALING IT because you don't agree with the price is not a valid option unless you are a criminal.

What the fuck are you talking about. The RIAA/MPAA have no morals? How people can rationalize stealing (yes, it's stealing) music, movies and video games off the internet just blows my mind. It is equivalent to going into a music store and taking a copy off the racks and walking about without paying. It's that simple. The people who do this have no morals, not the companies trying to protect their products.