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IMHO one of the main reasons for the success of OS X and the iPhone/iPad platform is due to web browsers. Imagine a world where web browsers didn't exist but only specific "thick clients" that used the Internet as a web service to access and store data. Almost all these clients would be originally developed for Windows (Flash player was) with Mac and *nix as an after thought. What if you couldn't access Facbook, gmail, Twitter, etc through a web browser? Without the ability to do your day to day activities on a non Window's platform, how many users would make the jump to a Mac or an iPod/Phone/Pad?

I've only looked at a small portion of the underlying django code and from what I've seen there were definitely some complicated parts, but it was far from being messy. Perhaps the author is confusing necessary complication with messiness? After all, isn't the purpose of a high level framework to hide the messy details and allow you to express your ideas clearly and efficiently?

I have read and understood all of web.py and am currently buried up to my head in rails actionpack routing code, both contain some hairy bits of code. By pushing all these messy details down into the library they allow the application developer to be more expressive and concise. As long as there are tests, comments, and documentation to back up the complicated bits, I don't have a problem with a library or framework not being obvious to understand at first glance.

All his reasons are fairly obvious for the technical user and have been discussed in the blogosphere, but I think hearing it from the horse's mouth and at a very high level will benefit non technical users.

A bit off topic, but is anyone using BSD jails these days?

I was also surprised by this. The three-ounce rule applies to a single passenger. All it takes is a bit of team work to get around it. A 747 for example can carry between 400 and 500 passengers depending on class layout. A team of 3 terrorists would represent less than 1% of the passengers.

Unproductive days are the hardest thing for me to deal with as well. One thing I have done that helps me is to leave and go to a coffee shop the instant I start feeling unproductive. The 10 to 15 minute drive there usually helps me get back into the right mindset. The coffee aroma and an environment where others are working or appear to be doing something productive is also helpful.

About 4 years ago, I was 22 at the time, I started experiencing pain in my right wrist and forearm. Once the pain became unbearable, I started using the mouse with my left hand. Almost immediately I experienced pain in my left wrist and forearm. Initially I thought it was Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I went to physical therapy 3 times a week for about 6 months with little or no benefit. I started reading books on RSI, trigger points, and myofascial pain. I was afraid that I would need to switch careers (I'm a programmer). My attitude towards work changed drastically and my want to use a computer outside of work became nil. I started cutting out of work early and going to more meetings. I did anything that would keep me away from the computer. Driving became painful. I had to quit lifting weights and playing sports since they worsened the pain. I then saw a surgeon who (you guessed it) said I needed surgery on my forearms. I left his office confused and psychologically broken. I decided surgery would be my last resort and I would try any noninvasive approach. I enrolled in physical therapy (different therapist) for another 3 months and stopped going. This round of therapy was actually making the pain and numbness worse. I tried wrist braces which also made the pain worse. My wife found a myofasical treatment center in Chicago (http://www.myopain.com/). After my 1 hour visit, the intensity of the pain decreased. I left armed with the knowledge to treat my pain. That was almost 2 years ago and I have been virtually pain free. I had a week where the pain started coming back about 6 months ago. I went back in for another hour appointment and she diagnosed my problem again. So to sum things up:

* I started experiencing pain in my wrists and forearms about 4 years ago

* After 6 months, the pain became so intense I started working less and avoided my computer as much as possible

* Went to physical therapy where they misdiagnosed my problem

* Stopped physical therapy after 6 months or so

* Was recommended to a surgeon who (big surprise) wanted to do surgery.

* Tried a different physical therapist

* Tried wrist braces

* Went to the myo pain center in Chicago http://www.myopain.com/

* I was able to treat myself after a 1 hour visit at the myopain center * Went from being able to work on a computer unbearably 35 hours a week to 70+ virtually pain free (when I worked for a YC startup)

* I now work from home and have made some ergonomic changes that have also helped:

The top of my monitor is at eye level.

I use a trackball and the Microsoft 4000 ergonomic keyboard.

I got an overstuffed thick pillow which helped support my neck when sleeping on my side.

I use this book to find and treat the trigger points: http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Tr...

From the comparison matrix it appears to be missing quite a bit. Since it is open source though, I don't see a reason why someone can't develop the missing feature(s) that they need. Then again you have to value your time at something. Buying a license may be cheaper in the long run.

The article should really be called "18 things you never thought for the life of you would not be included in Vista that we will present as if they are groundbreaking features"

17. Native ISO Burner. I haven't used Windows in about 5 years, but it still amazes me that this was not baked in to Vista. My parents purchased a Vista desktop computer a couple months back. My dad called me on day 2 asking me how to burn a cd. He gave up on Vista after day 3. The awesome dual core Vista box sits and collects dust while he continues to use his XP (1 Ghz) computer where he has Roxio or some other crap already installed/setup.

I've shopped at Whole Foods once or twice in the past and came to the conclusion that it was a bit pricey. I just started shopping at Whole Foods again to help negate the boycott. I also plan on buying a Ford the next time I need a car. I've always bought GM/Chrysler, but Ford has earned my respect by refusing the government bailout.

Did you even read the article? I was unable to find even one instance where he was sticking it to his customers. All his points had everything to do with changes to the health care system, but with a minimal (if any) increase in the deficit.

I'd recommend buying this book: http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Tr.... It shows you the trigger points which cause referred pain. I reference this book quite frequently and would also recommend (no joke) taking a woman's nylon and putting a tennis ball in it. You can then hold the open end of the nylon and hang the tennis ball over your shoulder with your back towards a wall. By applying pressure (by leaning) on the tennis ball for a few seconds, you can alleviate trigger points or sore muscles.

I try to learn things that scratch an itch I have. I've found that if I try to learn the latest and greatest thing on hacker news on a whim, I end up getting distracted by the next latest and greatest thing. But if I am learning something as a means to an end, I find that I'm more focused and see it through.

About half way through when he pulled down pictures from the site. In the back of my mind I was thinking "ok cool, but can you push your pictures to your friend?", and then it happened. Good stuff.