Scientists in Singapore are testing a new technology that will transfer the sensation of touch over the Internet. Currently it is limited to chickens. Why hug a chicken over the Internet? So you don’t get the bird flu, of course.

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University told The Straits Times on Monday that 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”.

Researchers hope this will give parents the ability to hug and touch their children while away on business. Of course we all know what this will be really used for.

The US Library of Congress is starting plans for a World Digital Library, with a $3 million donation from Google. They are currently seeking more private funding and plan on building on existing digital projects from around the world.

“We are trying to do a documentary record of other great cultures of the world. How much we will be able to do will depend on how many additional partners we attract,” he said.

Google will work with the Library of Congress to develop stardards for indexing the vast amount of information.

According to former Canadian Defense Minister Paul Hellyer, UFOs are real, the U.S. is trying to start a intergalactic war, and Canada should begin “relations” with these “ETs”. This guy is crazy, as if the U.S. would try to start any wars. Ridiculous.

On September 25, 2005, in a startling speech at the University of Toronto that caught the attention of mainstream newspapers and magazines, Paul Hellyer, Canada’s Defence Minister from 1963-67 under Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prime Minister Lester Pearson, publicly stated: “UFOs, are as real as the airplanes that fly over your head.”

Mr. Hellyer went on to say, “I’m so concerned about what the consequences might be of starting an intergalactic war, that I just think I had to say something.”

Either this guy is senile, he watched too much X-Files, or something is in the water up north. Mr. Hellyer suggests that Canada start a decade of contact. Thus preparing the general public for eventual communication with the aliens.

The proposed Decade of Contact is “a 10-year process of formal, funded public education, scientific research, educational curricula development and implementation, strategic planning, community activity, and public outreach concerning our terrestrial society’s full cultural, political, social, legal, and governmental communication and public interest diplomacy with advanced, ethical Off-Planet cultures now visiting Earth.�

Haven’t we learned anything from V? Any visiting aliens are going to be giant lizards in human disguises that will use us for food.

Several sites including Team Xbox and Xbox Scene are reporting stability problems with the new Xbox 360. Namely frequent crashes when playing games on or offline. Let’s just hope this problem is not as wide spread as it appears. My guess is forums are going to be dominated by people who are having problems, while people not having problems are currently playing their Xbox 360.

And so far problems are only being reported in forums and not actual news sources.

In other news research company iSuppli is reporting that Microsoft is losing $126 per Xbox 360. They also claim that the PS3 could cost Sony $600 per unit to produce. Stating the Cell processor will cost 50% more than the Xbox 360 processor.

UPDATE: CNN reports that Microsoft admits isolated problems with the Xbox 360.

O’Donnell urged anyone with Xbox problems to call 1-800-4myXbox or go to www.xbox.com. If the problems can’t be resolved immediately, Microsoft said it will pay to ship the console overnight to a repair center, overnight it back once it’s fixed, or ship a replacement.

The exhibit will open November 23, 2005 and is expected to bring $1 billion a year to the city of Atlanta. The 8 million gallon tank is expected to hold over 100,000 fish, including two of the worlds largest fish, the whale shark. The whale shark ranges from 18 to 32 feet, and is so named due to it’s size. This will be the first attempt in North America to keep whale sharks in captivity.

Computers monitor the life support system and regulate the water filtration. The water is recycled to minimize waste.

“We respect the water, and use the water. We don’t just let it go down the drain. We treat this water like gold. The only water loss is evaporation,” said Swanagan.

The $200 million building was a gift from Bernie Marcus, founder of Home Depot.

This web site for the aquarium is http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/, but appears to be down at the time of this writing.

By removing a gene, known as stathmin, mice reportedly become “daredevils.” This from what new research meant to help scientist understand the human conditions such as anxiety or autism shows.

The mutated (their word) mice show less response against natural and learned fears. And will even venture out into open areas. Apparently something mice are normally reserved to do.

The research shows that the mutated mice also have the same cognitive ability as their non-mutated brethren. And can learn and remember just as quickly as normal mice.

Whether science will eventually create a mouse that can “save the day” is still in question.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has filed suit against Sony for their spyware/DRM stunt. The State of Texas is accusing Sony of violating the Texas’ Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act of 2005. This carries of penalty of $100,000 per violation. The DRM technology, what is now known as the Sony rootkit, allowed hackers to hide files on the victims PC. This makes it possible to install unknown software on the users machine.

“Sony has engaged in a technological version of cloak and dagger deceit against consumers by hiding secret files on their computers,” Attorney General Abbott said in a statement. He also highlighted the security concerns brought about by the rootkit.

“Consumers who purchased a Sony CD thought they were buying music. Instead, they received spyware that can damage a computer, subject it to viruses and expose the consumer to possible identity crime.”

Sony has since apologized and was suppose to pull the CDs from stores, but Abbott says you still by the CDs as of Sunday night.

The RIAA has since downplayed Sony’s use of the DRM. Saying Sony has acted “responsibly.”

It seems Western culture in creeping faster into China, including the art of suing. Parents of a 13 year old World of Warcraft player, said he died acting out a scene from the addictive game. They even have the help of the Chinese version of Jack Thompson, Zhang Chunliang, “a well-known activist whose campaign seeks to highlight the dangers of Internet addiction.”

Chunliang, who says he has talked to more than 60 parents whose children have become addicted to online gaming, is now set to file suit against Blizzard over the boy’s death.

While we occasionally hear of players that literally play for so long that their body shuts down, this is the first gaming related lawsuit from Asia.

Tivo will be adding a new feature that will allow users to transfer recorded video to their portable devices. The TivoToGo service will be expanded to create video that can be viewed on the 2.5 inch screen of the video iPod. The service will cost Tivo users an extra $30, and is not endorsed by Apple. The feature will not be available until early next year.

Don’t have an iPod? Tivo subscribers with 20,000 points you can get a free, limited edition, Tivo-branded iPod.

Robert Half has released their 2006 IT Salary Guide, with growth predictions broken down by region.

Robert Half Technology 2006 Salary Guide
The definitive resource for those hiring and being hired in the information technology field. The 2006 Salary Guide features starting salary ranges for more than 60 IT positions, regional and national employment trends, management strategies and more.

Download the PDF file.