constatino

"Can I pay my utility bills with them? No. Can I may my mortgage with them? No. Can I go into most shops or online stores and buy stuff with them? No."

Still the same in 2013.

But at least there are companies emerging to tackle these problems.

And no vacation policy sounds nice in practice, especially as an employer (we're all adults, be responsible), but it falls apart quickly especially if people are workaholics and don't take vacations.

Exactly. I would respond to this policy by never taking any vacation time ever, or, at the very least, feeling guilty every time I did.

I think we're well past the days of Microsoft being the evil empire[1] and I'm happy someone else is building an alternative to Android and iOS.

Whether that alternative will actually take off is highly questionable but more choice is better for consumers and hackers alike.

[1] For one thing Steve Ballmer seems too incompetent to make an effective villain.

I for one find glimpses into other fields fascinating.

Sports are great but don't offer the easy progression in fitness that weight/fitness training offers.

For example you can make yourself steadily stronger by gradually increasing the amount you're squatting each week or by running longer distances. You don't have this level of control when playing competitive sports.

That said I agree with the social elements. Sports are great fun and joining a team sport would be worth it for the camaraderie alone.