regarding 1), i think the author's point is that we should be able to train ourselves given the resources available out on the interwebs. And that's partially

regarding 1), i think the author's point is that we should be able to train ourselves given the resources available out on the interwebs. And that's partially true. While freedom of access is an important step to a society of equals, if one thinks that's all that is needed to address education amongst the un-/under-employed, then one needs a better understanding of human psychology/sociology/education :P RE: Krugman & Demand, i think that's the fundamental problem right now. We need to take things that currently have no monetary value, and build something that somebody is willing to pay for. If the consumer economy has collapsed and we can't rely upon individuals to buy your product or service, you gotta find a business that will, or you've gotta lower your price point and go for volume.