Our perception of reality is a simulation. Because of this, proving that reality is or is not a simulation is not possible and likely not relevant depending on your definition of the word 'simulation'. If you do succeed in proving to yourself that reality is a simulation, it opens up the possibility of transcending reality, but using the scientific method of thought to accomplish that seems unlikely.

Abandoning empirical methods and verifiable experimentation is fine - it just cannot be called science - its philosophy or maybe even fiction.

This is the basis of the split with Bohr and Einstein so long ago that in my view even now has not been satisfactorily resolved. When things are too small to measure, its fine to dream up ideas, but this should lead to finding a way to measure objectively or its really just fiction.

Give it time...

While the claims are obviously exaggerated, I'll use them for some things.

How about a flashlight where the bulbs don't get slowly dimmer. Its basically adding voltage regulation and boost to simple devices that don't have that.

And still move their wheels with fire

I've had a Surface pro 3 with an i5 for 6 months and its been great both as a tablet and laptop replacement.

Wow, this is Slashdot. Isn't somebody going to suggest a healthy supply of arduinos and/or raspberry pis with lots of accessories and computers to program them? How about an Oscilloscope and a fully stocked electronics workshop.

I would have all kinds of material on hand that people check out with a form of some sort that is then used to prepare an invoice to the users as well as an order list for replenishment.

Set up some kind of library of how-to documents to get people started quickly using the resources you've made available.

For popular resources you'll need to set up a reservation system of some kind.

I would think a quiet library would be incompatible with loud construction activities.

That's why the payment card brands require PCI certification. Now that the rules are finally getting enforced with third party auditors checking such things, this crap is getting fixed.

The system works if the rules are followed. Take a look at the 30 page+ PCI assessment (https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/security_standards/documents.php) and ask yourself - if all these measure were *really* in place, how could a breach possibly happen?

My Mariner hybrid SUV gets between 32mpg and 27mpg depending on weather and driving habits - and its more than five years old.

If you need a gas car for long trips and an SUV to haul some stuff around with the seats down, smaller SUV hybrids can be a good compromise.

Its a shame people only think of the cost of gas when considering an EV.

Maintenance costs on EVs are dramatically lower than gas vehicles. No fluids, tune-ups and brakes last dramatically longer. For about 3% of the cost of the car, Tesla extend the warranty to 8 years - and that includes everything but tires. Factor in your time dealing with maintenance as well - that's a big cost if your time is valuable to you.

EVs are very convenient. Its takes 30 seconds to plug it in a few times a week when you park in your garage and you never have to visit a gas station again.

Gasoline is bad news in every way. Flammable, carcinogenic, poisonous and a train wreck for the environment is its production and use.

Why is the word science so insanely abused?

By definition - science can never be wrong - it is the definition of reality.

We need to defend the word because it represents an important idea. People who wrongly use the term need to be corrected.

And don't get me started on math - its a language - just because the grammar is correct doesn't mean the idea expressed is true.

Do small programs that a kid can do in one session.

Don't bother trying graphics and video games - when they realize how much time and effort it takes, they will become very discouraged.

Do something like an adventure game, magic eightball or eliza variation.

Why (just) BASIC? Mix in HTML/CSS/JavaScript. Better yet, do Arduino projects and get both programming and electronics.

I checked with photoshop...

Maybe a belief in a specific God is debateable, but programming the golden rule would be very wise.

It would be great if all consumers demanded chip & pin. I like your idea - I'm going to call and tell them I need cards that do chip & pin for the same reason you did.