Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) presents findings from a two-year investigation into the for-profit college industry.
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) on Monday unveiled an exhaustive report on a two year investigation of the for-profit higher education industry. The report on the colleges’ business practices, highlighting schools that charge excessively high tuition and shortchange academic investments in order to maximize revenues.
Continue reading… “Senate report blasts for-profit colleges”
Here’s a frightening yet informative graphic by Tony Shin, et al. of Criminal Justice Degree about Transportation Security Administration excesses and oversights. (The full infographic can be viewed after the jump.)
The TSA has been around for the last decade and I’ve never read a positive news article about them. It isn’t that I’m avoiding these articles, its that there just aren’t any. Try it yourself: go to Google News and search for TSA. Some of the most recent articles are titled ‘TSA body scanners’ apparent flaw’ and ‘TSA pats down toddler in wheelchair’. Just a few weeks ago the new full body scanners were proved to be practically useless. This isn’t the first time the TSA has missed the boat either…
Continue reading… “Grope and Pillage TSA infographic”
The number of clearances rose in 2011 by about 3% to 4.86 million.
As of October 1, 2011 a new reported record of 4.8 million people held security clearances for access to classified information, according to a new intelligence community report to Congress.
Continue reading… “Number of people with U.S. government security clearances tops 4.8 million”
Congress now has second thoughts on safety after pushing FAA to allow UAVs.
In a House Homeland Security oversight subcommittee hearing members of Congress raised concerns over the potential security risks posed by jamming and electronic hijacking of unmanned aerial systems, and the potential use of drones by terrorists.
Continue reading… “Drone GPS hacking fears raised by Congress”
The US government learns that copyright maximalism won’t work as ACTA withers.
In San Diego last week, another negotiating round began for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. To the amazement of everyone, the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced on July 3 it would now include a provision in the intellectual property (IP) chapter recognizing the importance of “limitations and exceptions” to copyright and embracing the international 3-part test for what constitutes suitable limitations and exceptions. (For those not familiar with this term of art, “limitations and exceptions” are things like Fair Use and First Sale Doctrine in the United States. As the name implies, limitations and exceptions to copyright limit the rights of the copyright holder and create exceptions to the general rule against copying without permission.)
Continue reading… “U.S. backs copyright “limitations””
Cell companies have seen double-digit percentage increases in law-enforcement requests for subscriber information for each the past five years.
Cell phone carriers say they received 1.3 million requests last year from law enforcement agencies for subscriber text messages, caller locations, and other information, reflecting a steady increase during the past five years.
Continue reading… “Wireless carriers see double-digit increase in surveillance requests”
YIKES!
Within the next year or two, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will instantly know everything about your body, clothes, and luggage with a new laser-based molecular scanner fired from 50 meters away. From traces of drugs or gun powder on your clothes to what you had for breakfast to the adrenaline level in your body—agents will be able to get any information they want without even touching you.
And without you knowing it…
EU rules sales of used software legal.
Are you looking for a second-hand copy of Angry Birds? The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that software authors cannot prevent customers from reselling their products.
Continue reading… “European Union rules digital games and software can be resold”
The federal government is the country’s largest holder of real estate.
According to a report from the Government Accountability Office, the federal government knows very little about some of the properties it owns.
Continue reading… “Federal government knows very little about properties it owns”
United Nations
U.S. officials testified on Thursday before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology saying several emerging countries are rallying behind a campaign to have the International Telecommunications Union, the U.N.’s global standards body for telecommunications, declare the Internet a global telecommunications system. Led by China, Russia, India and now Egypt, which recently launched its own proposal, such a move would allow state-owned telephone networks to expand into VoIP. It would also give them the opportunity to charge fees for Internet service – and put the Internet at the mercy of international politics.
Continue reading… “U.S. officials warn that United Nations could seize the internet”
Wedding costs in Canada will double if you dance.
The Copyright Board of Canada reviews copyright tariffs for various collection societies (like ASCAP and BMI in America, which collect performance licensing fees from venues). They have just approved a new set of fees to cover recorded music at a bunch of different live events. Karaoke bars, conventions, parades, weddings and several other classes of event—which already pay fees to SOCAN, which represents songwriters—will now begin paying additional tariffs to collection society Re:Sound, which represents recording artists and labels.
Continue reading… “New tarriffs on music approved in Canada”
Nearly all the increases occurred during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
In the past 25 years Americans have become more politically polarized than at any time, according to a major survey released Monday by the Pew Research Center.
Continue reading… “Political polarization hits 25-year high in the U.S.”
By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.
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