Why data-brokering is Bad (Ask the Japanese)
When we think about our personal data, what bothers us most is generally not the initial collection and use, but the secondary uses. I personally appreciate it when Amazon.com suggests books that might interest me, based on books I have already bought. I like it .... [Click here to read the rest of this post]Be Warned – Was Small and Private, Now Huge Data Mine
Facebook is a Myspace-like social networking site that was originally designed to be accessible only be members of schools and universities (which was verified by .edu email addresses). It has recently opened to the general public probably in order to become more competitive against Myspace. In the latest news, Facebook is actively seeking buyers advertising the data they hold as being the “most valuable data in the history of the .... [Click here to read the rest of this post]
Tags: Families, PoliceNew York Affirms Open Source Code for E-Voting… Even for Microsoft
Microsoft wasn't thrilled by the idea that their source code might end up being available to the New York State Board of Elections if they determined that looking at e-voting code was necessary. They attempted to change a NY law that requires code escrow (meaning they have to give the code to a third party that will provide the code to the election board under certain circumstances), but fortunately, they .... [Click here to read the rest of this post]
Tags: Good StuffGermany Bans Tom Cruise Film Shoot for scientology Beliefs
I almost hesitated to get involved in promoting this kind of story since cults can be very scary, but I think cowardice only encourages villains. In any case, I think that masquerading as a religion for monetary reasons is about the lowest you can get and that's exactly what scientology is (and fortunately, the German government knows it).
Cruise, also one of the film's producers, is a member .... [Click here to read the rest of this post]Rebate Checks Become Gift Cards
Rebates (which are a scam to begin with in most cases) are now being returned as gift cards. Not only does this force you to spend the money back at the store, but they come with all the nastiness that gift cards do. Things like fees, expiration dates, etc.
.... [Click here to read the rest of this post]Tags: Gift Cards, Rebates, Scams - Ripoffs - Dirty TricksOregon Fights Payday Lender Scum
It's not as good as West Virginia(who banned all payday lending), but Oregon has taken a first important step to contain the evil that is payday lending.
The new laws should significantly ease the triple-digit interest rates charged by payday lenders and their cousins, auto title lenders. Indeed, payday lenders say the new laws will drive them out of the state altogether. Whether .... [Click here to read the rest of this post]GOA Proves Bush Broke Laws per Signing Statements
President Bush has asserted that he is not necessarily bound by the bills he signs into law, and yesterday a congressional study found multiple examples in which the administration has not complied with the requirements of the new statutes. Which paraphrased means he broke the law again.
.... [Click here to read the rest of this post]Tags: Congress, George BushPrivacy Changes Coming Soon?
According to Computer World, we could be getting some strong privacy protections similar to what the European Union has now.
From the EU's privacy directive:
Only the minimum personal data needed should be collected, and it should be retained for the minimum time necessary.
...
The subject has .... [Click here to read the rest of this post]On MMO Gaming Addiction
You've probably heard that online gaming can be addictive and destructive. Click the link to read about one person's eventual exodus from the gaming reality he spent years creating.
.... [Click here to read the rest of this post]Tags: Addiction, GamingFor Posterity – Why You Should Date a Geek
I found this while cleaning out some mail folders and I think it's still very relevant. Why Geeks and Nerds Are Worth It…
My favorite:
You’ll almost never have to hear, "Yaw dawg whazzap!!" plop out of their mouths. Unless it’s in jest. They spell properly, use correct punctuation, and are able to .... [Click here to read the rest of this post]