Geek and green present wishlist

The Scientific American has released its 2008 wishlists of possible [_gift_giving_season_name] prezzies:

• 2008 Gadget Guide
• 2008 Green Gadget Guide

Water powered clocks (just fill the tank – no running water required), Nano UV Light Wand Ultraviolet Sterilizer (can be home toothbrush sanitizer!), Handheld battery recharger that can use sun or wind (yes, it has a handheld windmill) make up some of the green gizmos, while the high-tech toys list includes video-in-sunglasses ("virtual reality visors" – good for movies too), and a (for a cool US$10K) a set/joystick for flight simulator that tilts/etc.

I’ll be getting socks!

While you are there, check out the Sci Am Bioscape Photography Competition winners.  Pretty!

Human rights: limit religious action, not belief

The "Freedom of Religion and Belief in the 21st Century Discussion Paper" got me thinking that while it is reasonable to grant as a right the ability to genuinely hold a religious belief, this does not necessarily extend to the ability to act (including speak) upon that belief.

The laws of most civilized countries recognize that certain actions are illegal, such as "hate speech" (usually motivated by religious belief, sincere or otherwise).  The scope of religiously-motivated acts to be considered illegal should be expanded.