T_O_M - Slashdot User

Submission + - what is the perfect coder's chair?

Submitted by

DragonTHC

on Tuesday December 11, 2007 @01:20AM

DragonTHC writes: "I am faced with sitting for long periods of time to do the majority of my work as a consultant. It seems that truly ergonomic chairs cost more than $700 these days. What kind of office chair should I get that will save my back and keep me from getting the DVTs in my legs? What chairs are out there that I can afford on my small budget up to $300? What do other coders spend their lives sitting in?"

Submission + - Mars Rover Investigates Steamy Martian Past (nasa.gov)

Submitted by

Riding with Robots

on Tuesday December 11, 2007 @01:18AM

Riding with Robots writes: "The robotic geologist Spirit, now scurrying to reach a safe haven before the harsh Martian winter sets in, has found signs that explorers say point to hot springs or fumaroles in the Red Planet's distant past. That possibility is not only interesting geologically, but potentially biologically, since those kinds of environments on Earth teem with microbial life. Meanwhile, on the other side of the planet, Opportunity continues its descent into a deep crater, where it has found other clues about the ancient waters of Mars."

Submission + - The New Grinch?

Submitted by

theodp

on Saturday November 24, 2007 @11:04PM

theodp writes: "The NYT reports there's a new Grinch in town — relatives pushing eco-friendly gifts for Christmas like energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs and carbon offsets. To help the little ones get with the program, FAO Schwarz offers the new children's book When Santa Turned Green (gift wrap optional), with its tale of Santa's struggle to save The North Pole from a global warming meltdown."

Submission + - NYTimes Editorial Says Science Is a Religion (nytimes.com) 1

Submitted by jeffporcaro on Saturday November 24, 2007 @10:12PM

jeffporcaro writes: Paul Davies writes a guest editorial in the NYTimes (sorry, but that's where it is) in which he shares his opinion that science is no better/no different than religion, since it forces its adherents to take items on faith. Examples he gives of faith-based science include our belief that the laws of physics will not change tomorrow and the idea that there are multiple universes — both are non-falsifiable and therefore no better than religious faith. Similarly, the fact that fundamental concepts are not fully explained (Why are the laws that regulate motion the way that they are? Who/what made them that way?) proves to him that science is based on a faulty, "deeply anti-rational" foundation. See here for full story.

UN Says Tasers Are a Form of Torture 816

Posted by kdawson on Saturday November 24, 2007 @09:58PM from the just-don't-bro dept.

The use of Tasers "causes acute pain, constituting a form of torture," the UN's Committee Against Torture said. "In certain cases, they can even cause death, as has been shown by reliable studies and recent real-life events." Three men — all in their early 20s — died from after tasering in the United States this week, days after a Polish man died at Vancouver airport after being tasered by Canadian police. There have been 17 deaths in Canada following the use of Tasers since they were approved for use, and 275 deaths in the US. "According to Amnesty International, coroners have listed the Taser jolt as a contributing factor in more than 30 of those deaths."

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