Mind-reading systems could change air security

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100108/D9D3HB101.html
CHICAGO (AP) - A would-be terrorist tries to board a plane, bent on mass murder. As he walks through a security checkpoint, fidgeting and glancing around, a network of high-tech machines analyzes his body language and reads his mind.
Screeners pull him aside.
Tragedy is averted.
Some of the more unusual ideas are already being tested. Some aren't being given any serious consideration. Many raise troubling questions about civil liberties. Ya think?

Dutch police develop mobile body scans

http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2010/
Rotterdam police are trying to develop a portable scanner which will allow them to see through people's clothing and look for concealed weapons, the NRC reports on Friday.
The force has been given a €500,000 government grant to develop the mobile weapons detector, which would use similar technology to the scanners being introduced at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, the paper says.
The aim is to develop a prototype ready for production within three years.

See also: BBC: Could X-ray scanners work on the street? 

Government Wants Retirees to Convert 401 (k) Into Annuities

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-01-08/

Jan. 8 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. investors oppose federal initiatives that would force them to give up control over their 401(k) accounts, the Investment Company Institute said.

Seven in 10 U.S. households object to the idea of the government requiring retirees to convert part of their savings into annuities guaranteeing a steady payment for life, according to an institute-funded report today.

Obama orders $1B spent on airport body scanners: 'We are at war,' President says in revising data, visa policies

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100108/NEWS14/1080364
WASHINGTON - President Obama yesterday ordered intelligence agencies to streamline how terrorism threats are pursued and analyzed, saying the government has to respond aggressively to the failures that allowed a Nigerian man to ignite an explosive on a jetliner on Christmas Day. Mr. Obama directed the Homeland Security Department to acquire $1 billion in advanced-technology equipment, including body scanners, for screening passengers at airports.

Shut up and get scanned, already

http://www.thestar.com/travel/article/746984--shut-up-and-get-scanned-already
By Jim Byers
Okay, an attractive person might be another story. But any airport worker can wander over to the nearest newsstand at Pearson and pick up hard-core pornographic magazines for the cost of a couple fancy coffees.
So instead they're going to spend precious time poring over a strange outline that looks like the Atlanta Olympic mascot? Come on. Don't take yourself so seriously, folks.