What the Hell is "quantum information"? Is the universe really organized into something akin to the bits I'm using now to write this post? If so, are there bytes to go along with it?

The more I read about quantum physics (as a layman), the more I find it to be the result of mysticism making its nasty way into science. It's all manipulation of mathematics that have nothing to do with reality, and indeed in many cases seems a direct attempt to do away with reality itself as something involving identity and causality.

The sad thing is, it's so difficult to delve into and make sense of, because it's so twisted. I'd say, "Who cares?", except we all should. Today's physics is tomorrows most basic technological advances, and if it's built on vapor...