Hacker News Reader

I'd say that it qualifies under the "it teaches you somethinng about the world" clause.

And hacking the real world. The mindset required is not that different.

Gah! Again with HN's obsession with labeling anything impressive and daring a "hack".

it's called hacker news for a reason. It's like saying "I digg it" on digg or you have been slashdotted.

Trademarking to brain wash us all.

I agree. The story here is impressive, courageous, daring, and brash, but calling it a "great hack" doesnt seem fitting.