Why do you give a flying **** what the NSA are doing with your data?

Because government entities are being used to punish those of differing political beliefs than those in power. It will only get worse, and it matters not what "side" the current rulers are. The current administrations favorite punishment tool seems to be the IRS. Can't wait to find out how bad it gets with the next administration.

because lying is not itself illegal
It depends on the context. Here in the US, you can be charged for lying to Congress in certain circumstances, but it is not true the other way around. Congressmen enjoy "freedom of speech" when lying to the public.

There has got to be something wrong with me, the term "astronaut pudding" made me hungry.

All five of your comments would be decried as "racist!". It doesn't even matter anymore if that is a logical retort, it is the default accusation.

I keep trying to submerge New York with that map but it takes 60m until I'm really happy with the results.

... old 13 or 14" NEC tube monitor

HA! I read the article thinking about such monumental waste of taxpayer money, but after I saw the old 50lb crt I felt empathy for their technology rage. I enjoy a good smashing of cheap electronic crap as much as the next guy.

Imagine how our world would be today if that comet did not explode over a relatively unpopulated area, but instead exploded over a major metropolitan area.

It is with great shame and humiliation I confess that I approved of the Patriot Act when it was first passed. I distinctly remember telling a friend of mine that I could care less if the government wanted to listen to each and every one of my phone calls, because I had nothing to hide. How embarrassing.

Emotions get the best of everyone, politicians know this better than anyone, that is why it had such great initial public support. Who was it who said "never let a crisis go to waste"? This foul tactic works quite well unfortunately.

It's coming, have no doubt.

Why "or"?

The article attempts to rule out any logical reasons for aliens to visit us. What if they are just cthulhu style evil and wish our destruction / consumption? Not as fun to think about compared to your compassionate aliens.

I somewhat agree, but it is exciting to think that this is just the ground floor of something awesome. I tend to look at this as a technology in its infancy, using plastics and non-durable materials.

Give it time, in a matter of years technology will allow the plastics to be replaced with hard metals, etc.

Hmm, I tend to believe lawyers only need a pat on the back when you are wielding a dagger.

Brian Ross would be so proud of you.

Oh wise one, please enlighten us to how Tea Party members are terrorists.