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Monthly Archives: September 2011

DNI Report on Security Clearance Determinations September 2011

Steven Aftergood: “The number of persons who held security clearances for access to classified information last year exceeded 4.2 million — far more than previously estimated — according to a new intelligence community report to Congress. The report, which was required by the FY2010 intelligence authorization act, provides the first precise tally of clearances held… Continue Reading

NOAA researchers release study on emissions from BP/Deepwater Horizon controlled burns

News release: “During the 2010 BP/Deepwater Horizon Gulf oil spill, an estimated one of every 20 barrels of spilled oil was deliberately burned off to reduce the size of surface oil slicks and minimize impacts of oil on sensitive shoreline ecosystems and marine life. In response to the spill, NOAA quickly redirected its WP-3D research… Continue Reading

Symantec Survey Finds Emails Are No Longer the Most Commonly Specified Documents in eDiscovery Requests

News release: “Symantec Corp. announced the findings of its 2011 Information Retention and eDiscovery Survey which examined how enterprises manage their ever-growing volumes of electronically stored information and prepare for the eventuality of an eDiscovery request. The survey of legal and IT personnel at 2,000 enterprises worldwide found email is not the primary source of… Continue Reading

One Hundred Billion Problem in Small Claims Court: Robo-Signing and Lack of Proof in Debt Buyer Cases

The One Hundred Billion Dollar Problem in Small Claims Court: Robo-Signing and Lack of Proof in Debt Buyer Cases, Peter A. Holland, University of Maryland School of Law “Recent years have seen the rise of a new industry which has clogged the dockets of small claims courts throughout the country. It is known as the… Continue Reading

Report Provides Guidelines for Dilemmas of Account Deactivation and Content Removal

“A report released today by the Center for Democracy & Technology and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society highlights the dilemmas companies and users face when enforcement of a website’s Terms of Use policy results in deactivation of user accounts or removal of user-generated content. The report recommends principles, strategies, and tools that both… Continue Reading

FINCEN: Identity Theft Trends, Patterns, and Typologies Based on Suspicious Activity Reports

Identity Theft – Trends, Patterns, and Typologies Based on Suspicious Activity Reports. Filed by the Securities and Futures Industries January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2010. Report released September 2011. “This report focuses on identity theft in the securities and futures industries. Based on Suspicious Activity Report by the Securities and Futures Industries (SAR-SF) filings,… Continue Reading

Patent Reform Unleashing Innovation, Promoting Economic Growth & Producing High-Paying Jobs

House Committee on the Judiciary: Background on H.R. 1249, the America Invents Act: “On June 23 the House overwhelmingly approved HR 1249, the America Invents Act, by a vote of 304-117. H.R. 1249 updates our patent system to encourage innovation, job creation, and economic growth. The last major patent re­form was nearly 60 years ago.… Continue Reading

Report – Global Biomedical Industry: Preserving U.S. Leadership

The Global Biomedical Industry: Preserving U.S. Leadership Executive Summary & Research Findings – Ross C. DeVol, Armen Bedroussian, and Benjamin Yeo, September 2011 “Biomedical innovation is an intricate process that begins in the lab and spans years of effort to transform scientific discoveries into vaccines, diagnostics, devices, and therapies that improve patients’ lives. Overthe past… Continue Reading

GAO Report – Inspectors General: Reporting on Independence, Effectiveness, and Expertise

Inspectors General: Reporting on Independence, Effectiveness, and Expertise, GAO-11-770, September 21, 2011 “Information from the 62 IGs in offices established by the IG Act and GAO’s analysis showed that the IGs had (1) taken actions to implement statutory provisions intended to enhance their independence; (2) reported billions of dollars in potential savings and other measures… Continue Reading

FTC Announces New and Improved OnGuardOnline Website

News release: “Want to know more about Internet safety and security? Visit the new and improved OnGuardOnline.gov for practical tips and resources on how to be safe, secure and responsible online. Created through a partnership of 16 federal agencies led by the Federal Trade Commission, it’s a great source of free information for your home,… Continue Reading