would be better than math if one is looking for a bridge from language to programming. Absent symbolic logic, math -- especially algebra -- is a good introduction to the concept of computer programming because of its logic component (application of the algebraic hierarchy is a simple logic system.)

For kids, Lewis Carroll's symbolic logic is both fun and useful.

...my hot, young honey turned into a raggy, naggy, whiney stenchcow who dedicated her life to making me miserable? Well at least now I know -- thanks Science Guy!

I hear Mexicans taste terrible and Hondurans are even worse: Not a good idea.

This article at Science Daily is helpful in understanding the issue: http://www.sciencedaily.com/re...

Comparing CPUs and brains is like comparing apples to planets: Granted, both are somewhat round but that's pretty much the end of any useful comparison.

Note that I don't agree that CPU-based computers can't be made to be intelligent, but I do think such intelligence will be significantly different.

I want the oven/crucible from Diamond Age -- anything else is just an incremental step along the way.

Yeah, but the maintenance requirements are very high, the MTBF is unacceptable, and they can say "no."

Homophone: The land mine of the English language.

Yeah, what the hell was I thinking. Here, let me slap myself silly and see if it helps....

Nope, but it's the thought that counts.

Oh look, a homophone!

Thanks grammar Nazi!

How about some critical thinking skills to go along with that programming class? They compliment each other and both can have lasting effects on young minds.

Yeah, the Lost producers really did a poor job of wrapping it up. That ending, after all that went before? Ugh, what cliched crap.

Agreed. Immersion is what makes the difference between great games and the toss-outs and one-timers. The Elder Scrolls (TES) games are really popular and it's the lore factor which ties it all together for the player and makes playing each one a really great experience beyond just a good way to burn some time.

MIne's also done in tcl/tk (8.6), but it's a full blown graphics job which has playlist capabilities. At the cli I usually just call a pre-made playlist.

I refer you to Galileo Galilei: Much observation, great denial, very little preserved -- but they sure did try!

I prefer it the same, and to the point of building my own software to do it properly.