News log #24

Article: How Privacy Vanishes Online

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/17/technology/17privacy.html?src=me&ref=homepage

Summary: Many people are sharing so much online, through Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr, that people could put all the pieces together and even find out the person's Social Security number. They share everything from birthday greetings school and work gossip to photos of family vacations, and movies watched. Maneesha Mithal, associate director of the Federal Trade Comission, says, "Technology has rendered the conventional definition of personally identifiable information obsolete. You can find out who an individual is without it." People often have tight privacy control settings on their Facebook profiles, but that may no longer be enough. Now even what your friends say to you (referring to your school, gender, interests) can be accessed and read. This may reveal tons about a person. Jon Kleinberg says it best, "When you’re doing stuff online, you should behave as if you’re doing it in public — because increasingly, it is.”

Opinion: In response to this article, I think it is absolutely imperative that everyone is be careful of what they say on the internet. Now, more than ever, what pictures you use can be used against you when applying to college or for a job. Besides that scenario, hackers can now even access your bank account if they hack into the system. Being safe and cautious on the internet should be a top priority for everyone.

News log # 23

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/kyleighs_law_requiring_decals.html

Article: Kyleigh's Law requiring decals for N.J.'s teen drivers is upheld by judge

Summary: A new law has stated that new teen drivers have orange decals on their vehicles so it is easier for police to identify them. This law is to be effective on May 1. Some people disagree with this like attorney Greg Trautmann, who has filed a lawsuit on behalf of his teen son and nephew against Kyleigh's Law that will require teens with learner's or exam permits or provisional licenses to display the stickers on their license plates. Trautmann thinks the stickers will make the teens become targets for not only unfair police treatment (because of age discrimination), but for pedophiles and stalkers too. There is also a Facebook group against the law called New Jersey Teens Against Teen Driving Restrictions and Kyleigh's Law. The founder of the group fears for his little sister who is going to be getting her permit in the fall. He says, " I don't want her driving around with a sticker on her car that labels her a teen driver. I think it's dangerous for her. I don't think a sticker on a teen's car will change how someone drives."

Response: I completely agree with Trautmann and the Facebook group creator. I think it is completely unnecessary for a teen to have to put a sticker on their car. This will in no way protect them against car accidents. If a person isn't abiding the driving laws, the cops should pull them over no matter what their age. Just because someone is a teen doesn't give the police more reason to give them a ticket. Not only is this age discrimination, but also a potential danger when concerning sexual predators. This sticker is basically a flashing red sign calling any pedophiles to come and follow the car. This law will not save lives, but put them in jeopardy.

News log # 22

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/in-obesity-epidemic-whats-one-cookie/?em

Article: In Obesity Epidemic, What's One Cookie?

Summary: When Michelle Obama recently launched her "Let's Move" campaign, she spoke about childhood obesity. She said that parents should urge their kids to "make small changes that add up". These changes can be anything from walking to school or skipping dessert which lead to significant weight loss over time: a pound every 35 days or 10 pounds a year. While this method may give parents of obese children a glimmer of hope, it's misleading and incorrect. The person who gives up sweets may see a quick change in their weight, but scientific studies show that the body's behavioral and biological adaptions, reducing any benefits of an effort to cut back on junk food. While this may sound negative, there is still a hope that small changes will help slim down the obesity rate in America. Scientists find that if someone makes small changes, eventually over time they will increase whatever they are cutting back on. For example, if a person gives up 2 hours of TV each week, they will increase that number each week. This news will hopefully stop people from throwing their hands up in the air and saying "I give up".

Response: In my opinion, it's beneficial that the people know what they are doing to their bodies. If they think that not having that extra cookie after dinner will help them lose 50 pounds, then they need a reality check.Anyone trying to lose weight should also take into account exactly how much they want to lose. If you just want to get rid of that extra flab on your stomach, drastic measures aren't necessary. On the other han, if you want to lose 50 pounds, then you should consider a healthy diet (not just giving up cookies) and exercising on a daily basis.Many of my family members and friends have tried to loose weight, but gave up after a week. Michelle Obama's campaign will hopefully be the step in the right direction, but people should also take exercising into account. If you sit on the couch without that bowl of chips, but don't hit the treadmill, you shouldn't expect to see results instantly.