"Online divorcee jailed after killing virtual hubby"

Relating to the recent unit subject of gaming, specifically speaking online gaming, I found an interesting article featured on the yahoo home page it read...

TOKYO: A 43-year-old Japanese woman whose sudden divorce in a virtual game world made her so angry that she killed her online husband's digital persona has been arrested on suspicion of hacking, police said Thursday.

The woman, who is jailed on suspicion of illegally accessing a computer and manipulating electronic data, used his identification and password to log onto popular interactive game "Maple Story" to carry out the virtual murder in mid-May, a police official in northern Sapporo said on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.

This article seems a bit crazy. I understand possibly the hacking charge, but I mean come on, a fake virtual character? I was never fully aware that these avatar characters were even that popular. But I guess so. Hope it taught the ex husband not to divorce his wife online.

Europe eyes airport X-ray vision

"As if queuing for ages, emptying pockets and taking off shoes at the airport was not enough - now there are fears images of European airline passengers will be flashing up on a computer screen in all their glory - minus their clothes. The European Commission insists the proposals are at an early stage and would not be mandatory. But there are nonetheless concerns among some in the European Parliament about the effect the scanners could have on human rights, data protection and personal dignity. The images, while not quite of photo quality, do not leave much to the imagination. For most people, airport security staff would likely get to know you rather better than you might like."

Although terrorism and other forms of public violence are among us, violating our rights while protecting ourselves is something that might need to be given up. Even though the last thing that I want is some random airport security personnel checking my bod out without underwear and all. But regardless I guess we will see how this whole idea plays out. I'm sure there will be people with their opinions about their privacy rights. So until it hits the United States we will just have to wait.

TODAY IN HISTORY

On October 21st 1879, Thomas Edison finally got the right recipe to make his light bulb work and last for 13 hours.

THANKS TOM!

Pentagon Spends $50K for 2nd Rummy Portrait

An article featured on Wired.com read.."The Coast Guard in August awarded a $12,000 contract for a portrait of Adm. Thad W. Allen, a sharp drop from the $23,500 it spent in 2005 for a likeness of Allen's predecessor as commandant...At the upper end of the scale, the Defense Department awaits the expected February completion of a $46,790 portrait of controversial former secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. It will grace a Pentagon hallway lined with portraits of his predecessors, as well as one from Rumsfeld's first stint as defense secretary from 1975 to 1977."

I cant believe with out economy in shambles still, the pentagon has the nerve to be spending government money on portraits. Especially a portrait of Rumsfeld? Gross. The government needs to but their priorities in order. This is just ridiculous.

Magnet device aims to treat depression patients

"WASHINGTON – The government has approved the first noninvasive brain stimulator to treat depression — a device that beams magnetic pulses through the skull.If it sounds like science-fiction, well, those woodpecker-like pulses trigger small electrical charges that spark brain cells to fire. Yet it doesn't cause the risks of surgically implanted electrodes or the treatment of last resort, shock therapy.
Called transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS, this gentler approach isn't for everyone. The Food and Drug Administration approved Neuronetics Inc.'s NeuroStar therapy specifically for patients who had no relief from their first antidepressant, offering them a different option than trying pill after pill."

I found this article really interesting. The things that they are coming out with nowadays to treat depression and illnesses is far out. Since this surgical free process is recently new I wonder if it will actuallty be statistically proven to be efficient in helping depressed patients overcome their mental disease. I guess we will find out.

To read the full article check out yahoo news' page Magnet Device.

Thailand

Recently on a beach in Thailand tourists and local native people gathered on a beach to release these lanterns for good luck and as a part of an offering to gods and ancient figures of power in their culture. I thought the picture was beautiful. It seems like a joyous activity involving people from around the world. Soon after the lanterns are let go, the rest of the evening's festivities consist of impressive firework displays, folk entertainment, stage dramas, song and dance. Scenes as described in ancient Thai literary accounts are still very much in existence today.