The thing about evolution and genetics is that there are tradeoffs. For instance, we're probably breeding cows to maximize meat production (size and muscle mass genes). This isn't free - more mass means sacrifices are made in other areas, perhaps the immune system is one area which loses effectiveness because of genetic factors related to breeding larger cows.

I like "cosmic power" a little more than "space might." +1 google.

Too bad it's the backward-facing ones that give my browser all the trouble.

So were the facts that determined rightness to be the domain of religion gathered by the scientific method? That's a little pedantic...but so is claiming that all of science is a model. Science is also about observation and understanding (perhaps in the effort of modeling but that is chicken v. egg).

I generally agree with the above comment. However the people that develop a condition because of a vaccine are certainly worthy of consideration even if they consist of a small group.

Except we've all been trained to press ctrl+s every five minutes and will call tech support when we can't find the little diskette icon.

Are you asking for a challenge?

The fear of prison rape appears to be one of the main reasons to avoid getting jailed. It's quite barbaric the way our society uses sex as punishment.

tl;dr Google Wave failed because it was a glorified chat room.

Legal and fiscal bullying is one of the more common applications of copyright law, apparently.

I watched the video. To me, it isn't completely clear what is being shot down. The craft could be made of wood or paper (or something even more flammable) for all I know. On the one hand it looks impressive and powerful. On the other hand, it's very unclear what we are actually watching.

Driver: Hm, where is my turn...
Michael Dorn GPS: Prepare to turn right.
Driver: But there's no exit here....
GPS: Accelerate to ramming speed.
Driver: Good thing I took the Prius...
GPS: Today is a good day to die!

It's your contention that we're over there to free these people from their miserable lives? You are misinformed.

Haven't not actually read up on Consumer Reports' review of the device (not getting an iPhone) I can't say for certain, but it seems to me like consumer reports is an organization dedicated to rigorously testing consumer goods. Performing scientific testing and then reporting on it isn't an anecdote.

In light of yesterday's article about cognitive dissonance, it is not surprising they think that the 400 dollars they spent is well worth it. I think I will take Consumer Reports word for it over an engineers anecdotes.