I understand that this story is old news for those who pay attention.

The title was in reference to the number of companies coming out against this, which is definitely great! But the large telcos and ISPs dominate the public forum and ultimately our dissemination of this topic.

The only way I have been able to combat it thus far is... educate educate educate. It seems to be the solution to all of our problems!

My name is now out there as a patriot, Hi NSA.

I work in retail atm and use algorithms a lot (in my head at least).

E.g.: to stock beer we have a big pile with myriad brands. To make it easier to stock I stack it to where each type is easily accessible. Maybe analogous to certain heap paradigms... .

I also think about how I can reduce touching of the actual product (unload truck -> floor, as opposed to unload truck -> belt -> stock -> floor).

Basically being lazy and trying to make my life more efficient/easier leads me to utilize algorithms.

Such as prepare and set goals?

I would much rather hand a "welfare" check to an aerospace engineer than an average Joe.

Also, if the free market space industry does pan out in our lifetimes, I think they would love to have these aerospace guys working for them even if they have such "little of value."

I'd like to be added, thanks!

On a side note: this post has inspired me to donate all the stuff I don't need to the local thrift store tomorrow (mostly books/clothes).

Great idea! Also, make an inventory of what you're taking, and get a receipt. It's a tax deduction. It may not be much depending on what you're donating (T Shirts are $1-2 for example), but it's a little extra bonus for being nice.