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User Journal

Journal Journal: Tuning Slashdot, part 1: Relationship CSS 11

Journal by Just Some Guy

Refactoring relationships

Right now, relationships are embedded into the comments section of story pages with tags like:

<span class="zooicon"><a href="//science.slashdot.org/zoo.pl?op=check&amp;uid=198669"><img src="//images.slashdot.org/fof.gif" alt="Friend of a Friend" title="Friend of a Friend"></a></span>

Media (Apple)

Submission + - Enviromental DVD wrecks Apple drives (pcpro.co.uk)

Submitted by
FST777
FST777 writes: "The British Mail on Sunday has published it's latest DVD giveaway on the EcoDisc, a DVD-format half as thin a easily bendable that is supposed to be more environmental-friendly than regular DVD's. Despite the clear warning ("No Apple slot in drive") some Mac users dicided to give it a go, resulting in a damaged drive.
From the article:

The EcoDisc's manufacturer, ODS, insists the disc won't break drives. "We've produced over ten million of these discs — we've had less than a dozen phone calls," says managing director, Ray Wheeler. "There are ways to get the discs out."

Wheeler says the problem stems from Apple's slot-loading drives. "It uses an ejection system that doesn't get approval from the DVD Forum." He claims the EcoDisc should work in other types of slot-loading drive, although admits that it hasn't been tested in the PlayStation 3.
"
Education

Submission + - The impaticence of the Google Generation 1

Submitted by profBill
profBill writes: As a fifty something professor who teaches introductory computer science, I am very aware that the 20 somethings in my class are much more at ease with computers than any other generation. However, does that mean they are more adept at using those computers? Apparently not, according to the researchers at University College of London (http://www.bl.uk/news/2008/pressrelease20080116.html). Their research indicates that while more adept at conducting searches, they also show "impatience in search and navigation, and zero tolerance for any delay in satisfying their information needs". Moreover, this behavior "(is) now becoming the norm for all age-groups, from younger pupils and undergraduates through to professors".

The panel makes two conclusions: That libraries (and I wonder what a library will be come the future anyway) will have to adapt, and that the information processing skills of todays young people are lacking.

The question is, why are those skills lacking and, if they are, what can be done about it?
Space

Submission + - Corkscrew cups could keep space drinks flowing

Submitted by holy_calamity
holy_calamity writes: A Canadian chemical engineer has a novel solution to containing liquids in space. He has been experimenting with corkscrews of ribbon-like material that keep liquids suspended in their centre in microgravity thanks to surface tension. The helical containers allow the fluid to be sucked out of the coil in one go — unlike more conventional shapes like coffee cups where interaction between a liquid's internal pressure and the container makes it break into annoying globules you have to chase with a straw.
United States

Submission + - SPAM: State of US science report shows disturbing trends 1

Submitted by
coondoggie
coondoggie writes: "The National Science Board this week said leading science and engineering indicators tell a mixed story regarding the achievement of the US in science, research and development, and math in international comparisons. For example, US schools continue to lag behind internationally in science and math education. On the other hand, the US is the largest, single, R&D-performing nation in the world pumping some $340 billion into future-related technologies. The US also leads the world in patent development. The board's conclusions and Science and Engineering Indicators 2008 are contained in the group's biennial report on the state of science and engineering research and education in the United States sent to the President and Congress this week. [spam URL stripped]"
Link to Original Source
Portables

Submission + - New Dell Laptops Give Users a Literal Shock

Submitted by
An anonymous reader writes: According to CNET.co.uk, certain new Dell laptops with a brushed-aluminium finish are giving users more than they bargained for, "We know this because several CNET staff were hit with an electrical charge while using Dell's new XPS M1530 — and we're not the only ones. Dell's forums are littered with user complaints about the shocking experiences they've had with some systems. The problem only seems to occur in Dell laptops that have a brushed-aluminium finish. These include the XPS M1330 and XPS M1530. It's caused by the two-pronged connection between the mains lead and the power adaptor, which isn't earthed properly because of its lack of a third pin. The laptop therefore exhibits an electrical potential (voltage) between its exposed metal parts (the brushed aluminium wrist pad) and earth ground. Since there is no earth, the human body basically acts as a wire that can conduct electric current, hence the tingling, jolting sensation.
User Journal

Journal Journal: I'm a man 15

Journal by $$$$$exyGal

It's time to tell the truth. I am a 55 year-old man. My name is Andy Kaufman, and I live in New York City.

I am sincerely sorry to everyone for all my lies.

--Andy
User Journal

Journal Journal: Merry Christmas -- $$$$$exyGal

Journal by $$$$$exyGal
It's not the new year yet, but it seems like a good time to give thanks.

Long story short, I've had a good year. Great job, short commute, and dating again. I've become focused, but with great flexibility. I'm not sweating the big stuff, or the small stuff. The good stuff is in the middle.

May your holidays be commercial-free,
$$$$$exyGal

============
User Journal

Journal Journal: Teach me economics: Why are tech jobs going to India? 19

Journal by $$$$$exyGal
American companies are moving tech jobs overseas to India [more info]. Why? Simple, it's all about money. But how is that so? The article says that Indian programmers make 1/10th that of American programmers. Why do they make so much less?

I'm not an economist, but here's a some possible reasons:

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