Lego has done two things to destroy the fun. Firstly, they produce specialized pieces in almost every pack. Pieces that are unique to that pack, making it impossible for someone to build that creation with pieces from other packs. Secondly they have tied the packs to other franchises and jacked up the prices. Worst of all is when they turned it all on its head by creating their own "franchise" and jacked up the price. Yes, created their own cartoons and market and then charged a premium price for the Lego linked to it. I am talking about Ninjago. Shame Lego, shame.

But seriously, I think you mean "even more than they are currently FORCED to do?" ISPs are currently forced by law in many countries to keep certain records of their clients and to monitor certain content. This is only going to increase, not decrease. And in the US there is the "Patriot Act" which says "All your base is belong to us." So what was the question again?

When I was doing Chem it was the experiments which made it that much less dry. Using everyday items in everyday ways brings back a relevancy and creates an interest IMHO. Vinegar and baking soda rockets etc make it fun. Chemistry is part of everything we do and is core to so many professions. Cooking is a great example. You can substitute ingredients if you know what the ingredient needs to do. Engineering, knowing the properties of a substance allows you to make correct choices. Etc, etc. But experiments SHOW it is real. Or show him a few episodes of Breaking Bad. ;-)

Whilst the big software providers continue to push software that gives me way more than I want at a price well more than I should have to pay and provide non existent interoperability and closed shop mentality you will have to forgive me for opting out and choosing freeware. Others with less tech savvy will feel the need to pirate to be able to compete. Government need to take some responsibility for not forging a non brand centric path. It would help if we could agree on alternative standards but the fast changing OS world and the cut throat market make it a perfect place for the big players. Shame

Yes, you are asking for something unbelievable. As a long term IT contractor, our job is to make sure that no one knows we are doing our job. If something goes wrong, then we aren't. As a front facing IT guy, the best you can do is work out what is reasonable and what isn't. Set these boundaries and stick to them. It doesn't mean you have to be a jerk about it. Just explain openly and honestly what is involved and where everyone stands. Some people are just jerks, nothing you can do about that. Try not to let it get to you. You are the only one who knows how good a job you are doing. Show it.

Based on the behaviour of several of my previous employers blood can in fact be extracted from rocks. And if I may quote from a certain US politician "if it bleeds we can kill it" then I would have to surmise that rocks are alive and highly likely that they too feel pain. Especially the burn of some rockist phrases in common use such as "rocks in your head". Eventually the voice of the Rock Liberation Front will be heard!! ;-))