NEW Minecraft features

These are features that I would like to see added into Minecraft. I don't mean be added by mods, I mean for Notch to put them into the game himself and quit making me sit and wish for them.

1. Biome Specific Creatures: parrots, turtles, snakes, crabs, lizards, etc.

2. Female sound files for female charaters: Why on earth is this not in the game yet?

3. Harvestable Ice: Something that lets you pick the stuff up, an ice saw, anything.

4. Nameable Pet Dogs: Please Notch, just let me name my pets!

5. Smooth Stone Stairs: You know they would look good, why can I only make them out of wood or cobble?

6. Diving Helmet: Not that horrible one from that mod, one that actually makes you want to use it.

7. Equipable Backpack: Replace chest armor with a backpack and be able to carry more items.

8. Netherrack Half-steps: I know, not that big of a deal, but hey, why the heck not?

9. A use for Sponge: Either give it a purpose or take it out entirely, please!

10. Recoverable Stairs: Nearly everything else you place you can pick back up, even dynamite now.