I've never used "proud" that for that instance. I use the word "glad". I'm not glad when the U.S. does something bone-headed or short-sighted or misuses its power, but not ashamed either as it wasn't my decision/action. I also am not an American, I'm a citizen of the United States. Continent != Country.

Proud != !Ashamed , common misconception. The word "proud" should be reserved for something positive that one has accomplished, not something that one just is. He isn't and shouldn't be ashamed either. He could perhaps be proud of coming out if it took some courage or there was some barrier to overcome, but that barrier has been getting lower and lower.

instructions for how to do these things.

video feedback, kind of fun but he won't see himself.

I'd prefer that they wouldn't try to be Maxwell's Daemons with stocks.

What is the value of a baby, some are negative, some positive - wait and see.

All LIVE bodies of information evolve. Genetics, languages, law, RELIGIONS. They all have "memetic" drift, changes that work, changes that don't and go extinct, speciation. Split a church into two groups and after enough time the groups will no longer be compatible

Looks like the languages are breeding. Look at the 'DNA' combining. Not Pretty. Lots of extinctions. If you can't stand the mess get out of the pool.

Using an algorithm doesn't make it scientific. Using an algorithm whose use is supported by the data to be better than other methods is. So far all I've seen are testimonials - a hallmark of unscientific thinking.

EVERYBODY...Get some data. Use statistics. Gamers, businesses, e-mailers, surfers, hobbyists, etc all have different weightings for their various needs. It is just dumb (although I 'spose it can be fun) to spout your own anecdotal evidence as if your needs are the most common - when you know they are not! Now for my anecdote ;-) I am an engineer - I work with Windows at work. The company needs to sell to people who use it. I put my mother-in-law on Linux with KDE (inexpensive) - after nightmarish maintenance problems with Windows. She's a very light user, doesn't even have the root password. I have an iMac at home, also low maintenance - looks good upstairs, attention to detail in all aspects including recyclability. Recyclability is important (to all of us) because if you buy a new PC most of the stuff in it seems to need upgrading around the same time-which is more expensive than a new one.

Captalism IS Evolution. Some jumps cannot be made. Large jumps have lower probability of success. Species go extinct... deal with it.

I've seen this before! Seriously, its either Hillary's Health Care Plan or my own neural map(the one I see when I look inwardly). I'll bet the human mind is a kludge.

Don't shoot till you see the blur in their eyes !-) Target the blur! Aye Cappin!