鈥�$15.75 for invention of anti-gravity device. Must include batteries. $37.50 for proof of alien life.鈥�
An online discussion mocks NASA for offering only $50,000 in prize money for competitions to create strong tethers and a cable-climbing robot powered by a light beam. The Centennial Challenges were inspired by the $10 million Ansari X prize (Slashdot, 24 March)
鈥淚t used to be important to have a living will. Post-Schiavo, it鈥檚 become essential to have a living will.鈥�
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Arthur Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, says the case of Terri Schiavo in Florida, whose husband fought for 15 years to have her feeding tube removed after she was irreversibly brain-damaged, may motivate people to put their treatment wishes in writing (The New York Times, 29 March)
鈥淚t鈥檚 a unique way for people to party without offending those who want to sleep or disturbing the villagers nearby.鈥�
The organiser of the Glastonbury festival held each summer in Britain, Michael Eavis, says that wireless headphones will allow party people to enjoy a silent disco at this year鈥檚 event (Reuters, 29 March)
鈥淚t鈥檚 a very private, secret world. A business of no names.鈥�
A trader known only as Russian-Space, with a shuttle and moon rock to sell, comments on what is a growing but shadowy market in Russian space memorabilia (Wired, April issue)
鈥淚 think it just needs a bit of love and attention.鈥�
The artist Damien Hirst responds to claims that his infamous shark preserved in formaldehyde, produced in 1991, is deteriorating (BBC News online, 29 March)