Business News
“Researchers Expose Cunning Online Tracking Service That Can’t Be Dodged”
“Researchers at U.C. Berkeley have discovered that some of the net’s most popular sites are using a tracking service that can’t be evaded – even when users block cookies, turn off storage in Flash, or use browsers’ “incognito” functions.
The researchers say the site is using sneaky techniques to prevent users from opting out of being tracked on popular sites, including the TV streaming site Hulu.com.”
“Internet Sales Tax”
This affects both online business owners and consumers. Several states have decided to raise their income by forcing sales tax to be charged (and paid to the state) on all internet sales.
Until this started, sales tax was only due if the online business owner had a physical presence in the state of the consumer. Now, they want the tax, no matter where the merchant is located, when the customer is in the state.
Hopefully, someone will sue them regarding it being unconstitutional. But, then, Congress may very well change the Constitution! Can you imagine every online business owner having to file quarterly sales tax returns to every state? UGH!
“Perpetual War?”
The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted on a bill that gives the President the power to declare and authorize war – bypassing Congress’ constitutional authority.
This new law would give our President – whoever it is – full legal authority to send our troops to engage in acts of war anywhere – at any time. It basically puts us in a position of perpetual war, without any oversight from the American people or Congress.
“FCC’s New Web Site”
The most asinine piece of news I’ve seen lately is regarding the U.S. Federal Communications Commission’s new web site. BIG headline:
“FCC.gov Gets Its First Major Makeover In A Decade”
Whoop de do! They’ve turned it into a blog format, which seems to be mandatory now. They call it, “innovative in government.” Again, whoop de do!
You can see both the old and the new site and make comments. The old site comes up when you access their URL. Then, click at the top where it reads, “Announcing a new FCC.gov” and it will take you to the new design.
Why am I bothering with this? Well, hold your breath. These idiots spent $1.35 million dollars on the redesign! Yep – you read that right. ONE POINT THIRTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS!
FCC managing director Steven VanRoekel claims the expense is justified as the new site, and a host of new technical features, will “pay for itself” in 12 months by automating certain tasks. Really?
Give me a freakin’ BREAK! And, we don’t understand why our bloody government is bankrupt!
Movie director, Charles Ferguson, who won an Academy Award for his documentary “Inside Job” – which looked at the cause and scope of the recent economic crash – bemoaned the lack of jail time for the primary offenders during his Academy Award acceptance speech.
White House Chief of Staff, Bill Daley, was interviewed on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Daley refused to say whether “it is illegitimate or not” for the people to demand jail time for the culprits of the crash. “Politicians should not get involved. Producers, directors can do that. But politicians should not get involved.”
Is this guy for real?
“In a keynote address at Enterprise Connect 2011 in Orlando, Skype announced, March 1st, a strategic partnership with Citrix Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTXS), a global leader in virtual computing and Web collaboration.
The partnership will enable Skype to introduce new, easy-to-use, Web and audio conferencing capabilities enabled with GoToMeeting® technology from Citrix. It will help expand Skype’s business offerings by providing powerful collaboration features for businesses of all sizes to set up and hold meetings.”
Using the NAI Opt-out Tool, you can examine your computer to identify those member companies that have placed an advertising cookie file on your computer.
To opt out of an NAI member’s behavioral advertising program, simply check the box that corresponds to the company from which you wish to opt out. Alternatively, you can check the box labeled “Select All” and each member’s opt-out box will be checked for you. Next click the “Submit” button. The Tool will automatically replace the specified advertising cookie(s) and verify your opt-out status.
Opting out of a network does not mean you will no longer receive online advertising. It does mean that the network from which you opted out will no longer deliver ads tailored to your Web preferences and usage patterns.
www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp
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