Many times when I see Haskell or Scala examples using some techniques from category theory I end with the same conclusions: the abstractions used in category theory are very very simple if we compare them with other disciplines, but the lack of exposure to them, and the related way of thinking, makes figure out how to use them very hard. Maybe with initiatives like this, the day comes that we can manage monads with the same ease as we do with simple algebra.

Why can't a philosopher also have a paid job?

Correct me if I'm wrong but If the CO2 is liberated twenty times faster (or more) than the methane would be liberated naturally, then there is not a win-win...

Google employees are working on a new language based on Scala called Noop. Not enough to claim that Google is backing it but... Check here: http://www.artima.com/forums/flat.jsp?forum=270&thread=270125

Except that we can choose to opt out...... don't we?