Amazon just hires local surfs to peddle bicycles that power belt-driven fans. When a surf drops, they simply hustle them out and replace them with another. Communities are so glad to have such a huge employer, they look the other way...

Is first-hand knowledge required to make a factual statement? You manage a large-scale datacenter, Mr. X?

I was thinking more of a hideously obese Marlon Brando chatting it up with Elvis over clam boats, while Google Mutants shamble around servicing them.

There is a bill because there was "service". If the homeowner wants to hassle with tracking down the issue and clean out the dead ants, they can.

I do have cable. But since I'm no longer 14, I've moved on from South Park.

"mmm-Kay"? What the fuck is that?

Pathetic.

Naturally.

People with very dilated eyes.

There is that. But also, The New Yorker is not really the first publication that comes to mind when I think of imparting secrets to a "news organization".

I mean, what would I send them? The inner secrets of socialites, dilitants, and various beat arteeests?

Who? I'm sorry, I'm not surgically attached to Internet Blogs...

That's a very erotic take on my comment, Mr. Cornelius. I am intrigued, please sign me up for your newsletter, and let me know where the "key parties" you attend are being held.

Oh please! Mythbusters did this five years ago...

The machine tools for building complex tool and die work may be computer controlled, but in fact humans still run those machines and assemble the complex dies and service / manage / feed the machines. Cars still need to be fixed, HVAC still needs to be worked on, engines (car / generator / other) still require humans to keep them going, elevators are mechanical, toilets flush, computers need service, and robots need oiling.

One problem here is that for some reason we as a society have said *everyone* should attend a four year school and aim for a BA and then perhaps a Masters.

But many people - many who do attend a four year school - simply are not cut out for it. For some reason, we have decided that a skilled "vocation" is down-scale and to be avoided.

Fewer and fewer people study Machine Tool, complex welding, mechanical trades - but these areas can be as well or better paid than many "white collar" jobs, they are needed skills, and fit for many people.

Indeed, I know a number of people with advanced degrees that over time decide that it just isn't worth in, and go back to vocational school to learn a trade.

I don't believe this is so.

I think Facebook is pissing of Techies and the Uber Cool but that the "average" Facebook user is still quite happy.

Maybe some of these Super Cool Proto Users should take another look at Google+ which as evolved into something very similar to the "original" Facebook. Of course you will not be able to validate your sad life with 100's of "friends" whom you really don't know and have never met in person...

Not many people inhabit Google+ yet but if they don't kill it off like so many of their "projects", it will be the natural transition when Facebook becomes passe by the normal non-Uber Cool Proto Users.