Based on our own planet's history and what we know of biochemistry/bioenergetics, I'd go with:

1) Life is pretty common.
2) Anything more advanced than bacteria-like single cells is exceedingly rare.

It's mostly bullshit pseudo-science and fuzzy-headed intellectualism.

Essentially "Nerd church" for the Gladwell crowd. The strict format and time limits per slide do not encourage actual learning.

TEDx is even worse.

I have an old Intel Mac with a Broadcom HD decoder chip in place of the WiFi card, running XBMC with Crystal HD. Works like a charm.

Which came first, Big Egg or Big Chicken?

Apple's always been a software company. They just happen to require hardware dongles, which they also sell :P

Agreed. I mean, next thing you know, there's all these Popes running around.

I believe they've also indicated the "1000x endurance" figure isn't based upon write cycles -- meaning it has to be based on typical lifetimes. So yes, you're talking many years of service.

My Commodore-64 cold boots in under...

sigh.

Evidently, Intel is saying the endurance levels quoted aren't based on write cycles.

Actually, the word "fraud" came to mind. But yes, "illogical", too.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management continues its contract for Windows 3.1 support.

It really depends. Initial news stories are that it *doesn't* include BI/clearance investigation material. I really sort of hope that's true.

Not that I think breach of *that* material will never happen (when, not if).

Hate to say it, but regardless, this is a pretty serious breach of trust on OPM's part. It's difficult to secure systems. It's not impossible.

You're not forced to buy any products (police & fire protection, etc.) from the U.S. government, either. Just don't expect to squat on U.S. land, though (start walking north or south).

Ah, OK. So if I'm a customer of Wal-Mart, I deserve to have all the private info of Wal-Mart employees provided to me?

You might want to think this through a little more.