Universal Rule

Book Reviews

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Being touched by a computer -- Comment()
Remote hugging via cyberpajamas? "Singapore scientists looking for ways to transmit the sense of touch over the Internet have devised a vibration jacket for chickens and are thinking about electronic children's pajamas for cyberspace hugs. A wireless jacket for chickens or other pets can be controlled with a computer and gives the animal the feeling of being touched by its owner."

-- Comment()
iPod Shrine of the Day: "This is one of two Lego-based shrines entered into the Apple iPod 30GB video player contest. And the iRobot shrine with the spooky 80s face is among the worthiest thus far."

-- Comment()
Unpatched IE Flaw Is Worse Than Expected: "Internet Explorer problem first identified six months ago was a lot worse than it appeared. The realization caused Secunia to issue a rare "Extremely Critical" advisory. Once thought just to be a DoS vulnerability, it turns out that it also allows execution of arbitrary code."

Introverts have more active brains -- Comment()
Introverted youth have deep roots for behavior: "Introverted children enjoy the internal world of thoughts, feelings and fantasies, and there's a physiological reason for this. Researchers using brain scans have found introverts have more brain activity in general, and specifically in the frontal lobes. When these areas are activated, introverts are energized by retrieving long-term memories, problem solving, introspection, complex thinking and planning."

Are you cattle? -- Comment()
Entertainment industry 'trying to hijack data retention directive': "In a move a digital rights group is calling 'a gross affront to civil liberties and human rights', media firms want to amend the proposed data retention directive so they can bring criminal prosecutions for copyright violation." [Privacy Digest: Privacy News (Civil Rights, Encryption, Free Speech, Cryptography)]

This debate raises the question for whom are governments for? Are they for the citizens, or for the purposes of the military-industrial complex? The citizens are treated like cattle ready for slaughter.