Last week, I’ve asked readers of this weekly column what they thought about it. I’m glad to report that this informal poll was a tremendous success. Two comments related to my request were posted. And both are asking me to continue this weekly review. With such an overwhelming support, I’m obviously happy to oblige

So here is my selection of articles that were not commented here — except if I missed them.

News Sites Solicit Articles Straight From Readers
Newspaper publishers are eager to find new ways to connect to readers — daily newspaper circulation dropped 11% between 1990 and 2003, so they’re turning their readers into reporters.
Source: Vauhini Vara, The Wall Street Journal Online, April 11, 2005 (Paid subscription necessary, but it might be freely available)

E-Passport Program Rolls Out In Singapore
Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is moving ahead with its effort to use Gemplus International’s smart card technology in its pioneering biometric passport program.
Source: W. David Gardner, TechWeb News, April 11, 2005

Robots clear bombs the wireless way
A robot controlled by wireless technology could be used to control bomb disposal and security reconnaissance vehicles, its Australian creator says.
Source: Nicole Manktelow, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, April 12, 2005

‘Extreme Textiles’ Come of Age
High-tech threads are bringing textiles into the realms of lifesaving medical devices, racing cars and, maybe one day, skyscrapers.
Source: Kenneth Chang, The New York Times, April 12, 2005 (Free registration, but permanent link)

French may have to buy compulsory biometric ID cards
French citizens will have to pay for new identity cards that hold their biometric information in electronic format — and carrying the cards will become compulsory, if the minister of the interior gets his way.
Source: Peter Sayer, IDG News Service, April 12, 2005

Breach at LexisNexis Now Appears Larger
Reed Elsevier, owner of the LexisNexis databases, said Tuesday that Social Security numbers, driver’s license information and the addresses of 310,000 people may have been stolen, 10 times more than it originally reported last month.
Source: Heather Timmons, The New York Times, April 13, 2005 (Free registration, but permanent link)

Will Meetup Users Pay or Leave?
The social-networking site will start charging for its service, hoping committed members will stay and make it stronger — and profitable.
Source: Robert D. Hof, BusinessWeek Online, April 13, 2005

It’s a whole Neo world
Neopets.com is a raging success. But some find it inappropriate and even scary.
Source: Craig Rosen, Special to The Los Angeles Times, April 14, 2005 (Free registration)

Texting to help SA HIV patients
Mobile phone text messaging is being used to help South African HIV patients with the complicated process of taking anti-retroviral drugs in an initiative by Cape Town University.
Source: Nick Miles, BBC News Online, April 14, 2005

‘Minority Report’ interface created for US military
A real version of the futuristic display system controlled by hand-gestures enables military experts to sort through information quickly.
Source: Will Knight, New Scientist, April 15, 2005

The biggest family tree ever
This project hopes to trace your ancestors back 10,000 years: National Geographic and IBM are embarking on the Genographic Project, a landmark, five-year global study of human migratory history. The project will reveal how our ancestors diversified into different groups and what routes they took as they spread out over the Earth.
Source: University of Arizona news release, via EurekAlert!, April 15, 2005

Art gallery has designs on increased sales through RFID
In this gallery, shoppers borrow a handheld computer and a wireless, pen-shaped device to scan the tag. The Sapago Inc. Art-FID system displays detailed information on the artwork and the artist as well as links to similar pieces. An Internet-enabled version of the Art-FID system integrates with the gallery’s web site and allows shoppers to send pictures and a summary of the artwork to an e-mail address.
Source: Internet Retailer, April 15, 2005

It’s impressive, scary to see what a Zaba search can do
What makes ZabaSearch great is that, at no cost, it quickly and comprehensively places a remarkable amount of data about people right at your fingertips. What makes ZabaSearch frightening is that, at no cost, it quickly and comprehensively places a remarkable amount of data about people right at your fingertips.

Source: David Lazarus, San Francisco Chronicle, April 15, 2005

See you next week…