Indeed, the whole world DOES know how we in the West operate. Listening to nerds argue international politics is as entertaining as watching politicians legislate technology.

This is the first time I have ever seen the words "wonderland" and "feces" used in the same sentence.

The "be a good citizen" thing comes from socialization through organizations. Schools, religious institutions (church/temple/whatever), and youth organizations play this part. Learning social and coping skills on a on-one basis is how pimps groom their girls and how fundies breed the sheep that carry their bombs. I'd like to hear if anyone can identify how we learn to think for ourselves. Back to the "steely eyed killers"....

I'm sure being confrontational about bringing your toy to class will build a career for you. Sales, maybe, or even college administration. Bottom line -- in higher ed, what the instructor says, goes. Students don't dictate terms; they adapt or get the hell out. I'll do my best to deliver worthwhile content in an engaging manner, challenge you to think and learn, and assess your progress fairly. if you can't keep your end of the bargain without relying on a search engine for your knowledge...well, good luck.

Vegas, baby. Another vote for the Atomic Testing Museum, http://www.atomictestingmuseum.org/ -- pretty cool and some fitting selections in the bookstore/giftshop. If you have time, Take 95 up past the Nevada Test Site at Mercury--