Would You Like a Little Cholesterol Medication with That Pizza?

Many people are concerned that technology and the Internet are eroding our personal privacy. The video below is the ACLU's slant on what it might be like to order a pizza in the near future. Fasten your seat belts... it's going to be a bumpy ride!



Now we all hope that this level of scrutiny doesn't happen but my local pizza parlor already tracks orders by phone number. So when I call they usually have a pretty good guess about what I'm going to order. At least they don't have access to my medical records, library records, and magazine subscription information... yet. But with all this information in databases, it is theoretically possible to consolidate it all at the pizza parlor.

Fortunately, the privacy of medical records is protected by law. But say the local pizza parlor did run a coupon in Men's Health magazine. They could buy the list of local subscribers from the magazine and integrate it into their database that is keyed off of caller ID. Then they would be able to mention the coupon to callers who subscribed to Men's Health. It presents interesting possibilities.

Discussion Questions for Students:
1) What types of personal information would you feel comfortable with a merchant (like a pizza parlor) having about you? What types of information would you never want revealed to retailers?
2) What is your position on a national ID card (or the REAL ID)? Is preventing terrorism worth giving up some personal privacy rights?
3) Should personal medical information be more readily available if it could be used to protect your health? Would you feel comfortable with a server at a restaurant recommending healthy food choices based on your medical history?

Memory Problems (And I Don't Mean RAM!)

Perhaps you know someone that has a few problems like the ones Tom Rush describes in this cute little tune.



I show this video on the first day of class. It serves as a great conversation starter because it is always easy to get students talking about themselves (see questions below).

Discussion Questions for Students:
1) What devices and software do you use to keep track of events happening in your personal life?
2) What suggestions would you have for the poor fellow in this video to help him start remembering the important events in his life?
3) Have you ever instructed a parent (or grandparent) on how to use some type of technology? Were there any challenging issues you encountered during this "training"?

Extending Your Wireless Range & Finding Free Wireless

Many of you have probably experienced the frustration of being out of range of a wireless signal when you need one. Even though hot spots are growing at a rapid pace, you aren't always within range of one that you can log onto for free.

In the video below, Mark Erickson, who creates video podcasts called Infinite Solutions, shows you a hack to extend the range of your wireless card. Although it is disappointing that he doesn't put the tin foil dish on his head, this is still an interesting solution.



And here's a video on a software product called Easy WiFi Radar that helps you easily detect wireless networks that are within range. The software also sees if it can log you into the networks that it detects.



However, you should exercise extreme caution when searching for wireless networks. Just because you can detect a network and log onto it, doesn't mean that you are legally entitled to do so. You could be guilty of violating "piggybacking" laws. Piggybacking is using someone's bandwidth without their permission. So I recommend sticking to hot spots that are free where merchants are encouraging you to log on (such as Panera Bread). Web sites like WiFinder can help you locate hot spots that you may access legally.

Discussion Questions for Students:
1) Have you ever logged onto a wireless network without the owner's permission (such as a neighbor)? What do you think the implications would be if you get caught engaging in this type of activity?
2) Is it illegal where you live to "piggyback" on a wireless signal? Do you feel it should be illegal to connect to an unsecured wireless network without the owner's permission?
3) Where can you go locally to legally connect to a wireless network and get free Internet access? What types of benefits do merchants like Panera Bread derive from providing free wireless access to their customers?
4) If you aren't a customer of Panera Bread, do you think it is fair to sit outside in your car and connect to their wireless network?