Google Privacy Lawyer: 'Should the Internet Just Learn to Forget?'

Found on www.switched.com and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

by Terrence O'Brien on March 10, 2011 at 01:45 PM

 

Peter Fleishcher, Google's global privacy counsel, took to his personal blog to address a push by several European countries to grant a "right to oblivion" or "right to be forgotten" to their netizens. There are several different ideas at issue, but one of the most controversial is that people have a right to remove information about themselves from the Web if they feel that data is out-of-date or inaccurate. Before launching into his lengthy and interesting argument, Fleishcher makes it clear that he is speaking only for himself and not for Google. But ultimately he says that "more and more, privacy is being used to justify censorship."

A ton of interesting and important questions are raised, such as "who should decide what should be remembered or forgotten?" and "if someone else posts something about me, should I have a right to delete it?" Fleishcher doesn't claim to have all the answers, but he does offer an compelling personal anecdote:

"[T]he web is littered with references to my criminal conviction in Italy, but I respect the right of journalists and others to write about it, with no illusion that I should I have a "right" to delete all references to it at some point in the future. But all of my empathy for wanting to let people edit-out some of the bad things of their past doesn't change my conviction that history should be remembered, not forgotten, even if it's painful. Culture is memory."

The struggle with what constitutes a reasonable expectation of privacy in the digital age will continue. And nobody, including Fleishcher, claims to know for sure where we should draw the line. We all want control over what people say about us and what information about us is available for public consumption, but a fact of life in the 21st century (as uncomfortable as it may be) is that we must give up at least some of that control.

Right to Repair Act Introduced in Oregon Legislature

Found on prnewswire.com and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

 

 

See more news releases in: Automotive, Transportation, Trucking & Railroad, Domestic Policy

Right to Repair Act Introduced in Oregon Legislature

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HB 3243 Protects Oregon Motorists' Right to Decide Who Repairs Their Vehicles

BETHESDA, Md., March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Right to Repair Act (HB 3243) has been introduced into the Oregon legislature to ensure that the state's motorists and their trusted repair facilities have equal access to the same non-proprietary repair codes and service information as the new car dealerships. Repair shops will pay a fair price for the data which will give them the ability to compete on a level playing field, resulting in lower prices for consumers.  

"This legislation is critical to motorists all over Oregon, but especially in rural areas," said Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Hillsboro, a chief sponsor of HB 3243.  "If local repair shops don't have fair access to information and tools to repair cars, motorists will be forced to drive miles to get those repairs at car dealerships."

Motorist safety is another reason for Right to Repair legislation, according to Rep. Val Hoyle, D-Eugene, co-sponsor of HB 3243. "Forcing motorists to drive to other cities for repairs, especially for critical systems such as anti-lock brakes, could pose safety issues, and so could tardy distribution by car manufacturers of safety or recall warnings."

There are more than 2,500 independently-owned auto repair shops in Oregon and an aftermarket industry that employs more than 25,000 Oregonians. "These jobs in small, family-owned businesses are at risk if they have to turn away their customers," warns Rep. Tim Freeman, R-Roseburg, owner of an auto repair shop and co-sponsor of HB 3243.

A June 2010 Consumer Reports survey indicated 74 percent customer satisfaction with independent auto repair shops. A 2010 Oregon voter survey indicates a high degree of satisfaction with independent auto repair shops and overwhelming support for the right to choose who repairs their vehicles.

Under the federal Clean Air Act, there is precedent for car manufacturers to provide all repair shops with Web-based information necessary to maintain air emission systems on vehicles. "This non-discriminatory approach has been in place for years without any problems," said Barbara Crest, executive director of NATA. "It is a model for what we need in Oregon for all information necessary to repair vehicles and keep motorists safe."

About Right to Repair:

The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act protects motoring consumers from a growing and potentially hazardous vehicle repair monopoly by requiring that vehicle manufacturers provide full access at a reasonable cost to all non-proprietary service information, tools and safety-related bulletins needed to repair motor vehicles. The legislation provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets, only requiring them to make available the same diagnostic and repair information they provide their franchised dealers to the independent vehicle repair market.  For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.righttorepair.org.

SOURCE Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

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Car Tires: Buying the Right Car Tires

Found on carrepairbeat.com

By Justin Cupler

Contributing Writer February 28th, 2011

Buying car tires is typically a confusing and costly endeavor. There are so many numbers, ratings and warranties to take into consideration and they can all make your head spin. We will outline the basics of getting the right tires for your car.

Tire Size

Car tires are always sized in the format PXXX/XXRXX, with the “X” being a variable number (i.e. P225/60R16). This is the most important part of the tire, as it sis sized to both fit your rim and to keep the speedometer accurate. For every change in overall tire circumference, you can anticipate a small change in speedometer accuracy.

The proper tire size for your vehicle is located on the vehicle information placard inside the door jamb.

Speed Rating

After the tire size you will notice a single letter, this is the tires speed rating. This basically means the maximum speed that the tire can handle before failure occurs, the typical ratings you will see are: S, T, H, V, W, Y, and Z. “S” is the lowest rating, “Y” is the highest rating.

Using the proper speed rating for your vehicle is imperative to your safety, even if you are not a “racer.” The proper speed rating is located on the vehicle information placard. You can use a higher speed rated tire, but never use a lower rated tire.

Load Index/Rating

The load rating is used only on truck and SUV tires and indicates the ply of a tire and its highest capacity. It is indicated by a letter, the common letters to see are: C, D, E and Q.

The load index is used on passenger tires, and is a set of numbers right after the tire size and before the speed rating. They are typically between 90 and 100, and the higher the number, the more weight each tire can bear.

The proper load index/rating is found on the vehicle information placard and you must always use at least the rating recommended, you can use a higher rated tire.

Treadwear

Treadwear is a commonly misunderstood rating. This rating is a relative rating, meaning it is relative to the treadwear numbers below and above it. For example, a 400 treadwear tire should last twice as long as a 200 treadwear tire and a 200 treadwear tire should last twice as long as a 100 treadwear tire.

This rating is not regulated by the U.S. DOT, so it is not guaranteed accurate.

When it’s time to buy a new car

Found on www.thecitizen.co.tz and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

Sunday, 06 March 2011 14:43

 

By Sound Living Reporter
Last week, we argued that there are times when it is best to fix the old car that you have than to make a rash decision to buy a new one. Let us now look at the other side of the coin.

For many people, buying a new car seems like an intimidating prospect. But here are a few reasons why buying a new car might be the way to go.

Avoid breakdown worries
New cars are not that perfect, but also you don’t want to worry constantly about future breakdowns. With a troublesome old car, no amount of repairing can guarantee that another breakdown won’t happen down the line. If you buy a new car, you’ll have at least three years — often far longer — before you have to worry about paying for any major repairs, and some new cars come with free standard maintenance as well.

Besides being tired of the back-and-forth to the repair shop, trips to the mechanic are costing you too much time away from work or family in addition to money.

Tired of your old car
Perhaps it embarrasses you, it rattles like crazy or you have to bang on the A/C to get it working. Every morning when you walk outside and see the neighbour’s car, you long for something new. That’s perfectly normal. Just take a good look at your budget and make an honest assessment of your financial situation.

You want something safer
New cars come with more advanced safety equipment. Features like side airbags, tyre-pressure monitors are increasingly becoming standard fare on new vehicles.

When is it time to buy?
A good rule of thumb to estimate when it’s time to throw in the towel is if the cost of repairs is greater than the value of the vehicle.

When the time comes, buying a used car is (almost) always a more cost-effective option than buying new, largely because you avoid the big depreciation hit. Just keep in mind that another used car could come with its own set of issues.

A final bit of advice
Everyone seems to have his own theory of when to repair a car and when to get a new one. But you know your needs and your car’s history better than anyone else.

Buying a new car might seem like the easy way out of a high repair bill, but it may not be the best financial decision depending on your circumstances. 

 

After a Car Accident: How to Get Your Car Insurance Claims

Found on dailyrosetta.com and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

Posted by Julie Sommers on Mar 4th, 2011 and filed under Insurance.

 

People who have been in a car accident may well be under intense shock. Yet, one shouldn’t forget the basics. One should be aware of the things that you need to do whenever an incident like that ever happens. It’s the only way where you can get enough compensation to cover any damages that resulted from an accident.

First and foremost, always make an appointment with your doctor, as he may assess you for any injuries that might result from the accident.

Always be ready with pictures and other data from the accident, as this will be your basis for car accident claims.

If you do end up getting injured from an accident, and would consider suing the other party, always remember to think about your decision. You can seek recommendation from your family or your friends.

If your car requires repair, note that you aren’t required to get repairs done at the insurance company’s shop. You will need to have it checked though, because they need to assess the overall damage and how much it will cost. You may then choose a repair shop of your own, and the insurance company will pay the repair shop for you, minus the deductible. Usually they will pay the repair shop based from the amount that needed to be fixed. But if it costs more, you insurance company may probably try to work something out.

AAA Announces Its Latest Top Picks for New Vehicle Technology

Latest from AAA and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

Found on prnewswire.com

 

Several new "greener" technologies from automakers join safety and performance features on 2011 list

ORLANDO, Fla., March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AAA today released its biennial list of top picks for new vehicle technology. Developed by automotive experts at the nation's largest motor club, the list features a variety of interesting vehicle technologies intended to improve safety, increase performance and reduce the environmental impact of some of the newest models on the market.

"Every model year, automakers find new ways to employ technology in their vehicles to enhance the driving experience," said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair and Buying Services. "While many of the innovations continue to focus on safety and performance, we're also seeing more new technologies that address the environmental impact of the vehicles we drive, which is evident in this year's list."

AAA's experts warn not every new vehicle technology necessarily has a positive effect on function or safety. "Many technologies can distract drivers who end up multi-tasking behind the wheel, which takes their focus off the primary task at hand—safely driving their car," Nielsen said.

This year's top picks by AAA for new vehicle technology include:

All-Electric Vehicles – While many automakers have electric vehicles in the works, the Nissan Leaf is the first to market from a major car brand. With an estimated 100-mile range between charges, the Leaf is a viable option for many commuters. It drives nicely, has a well-designed interior, and calculated on a cents per mile basis, the electricity that powers it costs less than half as much as gasoline in fuel-efficient cars.

Plug-In Hybrids – These cars provide the benefits of an electric car, while maintaining the same driving range as conventional vehicles. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and soon-to-arrive, plug-in Toyota Prius operate in all-electric mode for a limited local range, after which a downsized gasoline engine is used to either power the vehicle or recharge the battery while the car moves.  

Turbocharging and Supercharging – These systems have long been associated with performance, but they also can produce enhanced fuel economy. Turbochargers and superchargers let automakers install smaller engines that burn less fuel during normal driving, yet offer the performance of a larger engine when acceleration is needed for passing or merging. Ford's EcoBoost engines are an example of this technology, which was recently introduced into its F-150 models, with other manufacturers moving to follow suit.

Inflatable Rear Seatbelts – Both Ford and Mercedes-Benz are working with this technology that promises to bring a large measure of the airbag protection afforded to front-seat occupants to those who are buckled up in the rear. In a crash, the seatbelts inflate, spreading the force of the impact over a larger area of the body, which reduces the likelihood of injuries.

Start-Stop Technology – Common in other parts of the world, but only in limited U.S. use, start-stop technology is making its mainstream debut in America via Mazda's i-stop feature. The technology shuts off the engine when the car is at a stop, and instantly restarts it when the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal. Common on gasoline-electric hybrids, more widespread application of the technology has the potential to save significant energy in non-hybrid vehicles, particularly in urban environments.

Variable Valve Timing – This feature was once limited to high-cost performance and luxury models, but is now available in nearly every price range of vehicle. Variable valve timing creates more engine power while delivering greater efficiency and lower emissions. The technology is now widespread in models from numerous automakers including Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and BMW.  

Enhanced Stability Control & Rollover Protection – Introduced in the 2011 Ford Explorer, curve control senses when a driver has entered a turn too quickly which can cause a crash, especially in SUVs, crossovers and pick-up trucks that have high centers of gravity. Curve control backs off the throttle and, if more assistance is needed, applies the brakes. Ford claims the system can reduce vehicle speed by 10 mph in just one second to help the driver maintain control in a curve.

Diesel Engines – While diesel engines have been around for decades, the days of smelly, noisy, smoke-belching and rough-running diesels are gone. Modern diesel engines are clean, quiet, refined and powerful. They also are economical, often providing a 30 percent boost in fuel economy with a corresponding decline in carbon dioxide emissions compared to gasoline engines offering comparable performance. Some top performers in this area include Volkswagen models with TDI diesel engines, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles with BlueTEC diesel power plants.

Alternator Recharging Programs – Some manufacturers, such as Toyota and BMW, limit the time the alternator recharges the battery to higher engine speeds and/or when the car is slowing down. The outcome for the driver is improved performance of engine while idling and better fuel economy.

AAA's top picks for new vehicle technology are selected by AAA Auto Buying experts who review hundreds of vehicles each year. The list takes into consideration not only the first appearance of a new technology in vehicles, but also its availability to U.S. motorists in popular mainstream vehicles.  

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

Ken's Top 10: Auto Repair Scams to Avoid

Good advice. Brought to you by CarRepair Salinas

Found on firstcoastnews.com

Written by Ken Amaro

5:36 PM, Mar 2, 2011

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- First, let me say that 99 percent of all mechanics and repair shops are honest, but there still are a few bad seeds. And when the 'check engine' light comes on or the car doesn't start, you cringe because you fear that you'll get scam taking it to the shop.

Here are my top 10 auto repair scams collected from industry experts and how you can avoid them.

Number 10: The padding of the bill 

You took the vehicle in for one thing, and the service writer says you need more work. Mechanics say this is a common ploy to pad the bill so they can negotiate it down to the actual price and make it seem like a deal.

To protect yourself against unnecessary repairs, ask to see what needs to be repaired. Find out if you can prioritize the work. Get another estimate.

Number nine: You need fuel injection service every 15,000 miles.

If you are using a good quality fuel, your fuel injection system will last the lifetime of a vehicle. The most common cause of a poor performing fuel injection system is a dirty fuel filter which is a lot to cheaper to replace.

To protect yourself - spend a few extra pennies on quality gasoline that already includes a detergent to keep your fuel injectors clean.

Number eight: The 'oil change' special

Very often the reason for a cheap oil change special is to get you in and sell you more expensive unnecessary work. Also you should know that these oil changes use the lowest quality oil and filter. To protect yourself, follow the manufacturers' recommendation.

Number seven: The parts replacement scam

You are sold new parts, but they installed used parts. If possible check the part before it is installed. If it looks worn and dirty, refuse it.

To protect yourself demand OEM parts or parts that meet OEM standards. That is Original Equipment Manufacturer...plus by saying OEM it may sound like you know what you're talking about.

Number six: The tire switch

The shop replaces your new tires with used tires without your knowledge. Usually this happens at repair shops that sell used tires. To protect yourself, always check your tires before and after.

Number five: Broken axle boots

A common tactic is to cut the rubber boots that cover your axle and charge you an expensive repair. The good thing is you can tell a fresh cut from a worn out boot, a legitimate tear will be jagged and dirty with grease.

To protect yourself, always asked to see the damage before agreeing to the work being performed.

Number four: Your air filter should be replaced at every oil change.

The truth is your air filter should be replaced once a year or every 12-15,000 miles. Yes, it is important to the efficiency of your vehicle, but replacing it too soon is simply a waste of money.

To protect yourself, learn how to check the air filter yourself.

Number three: The free alignment check

This can open the door for all kinds of recommendations to sell you shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, and axles.

To protect yourself, always ask to see proof of a worn-out part. Barring a major pothole incident or an accident, an alignment should be good for 50-100,000 miles.

Number two: Your vehicle has 'lifetime' transmission fluid.

Truth is, it doesn't. After 80,000 miles, on this so-called "lifetime fluid" your transmission fails and you have to buy a new one for thousand of dollars.

To protect yourself, check the owners manual and replace the transmission filter and fluid about every 30,000 miles.

Number one: Lifetime brake pads for only $89

Here's the pitch: You only have to pay for the brakes one time; the scam is you are buying a low quality set of brake pads, and in order for your lifetime warranty to apply you may have to buy new calipers with your new cheap pads.

Your brakes are important so find a mechanic you trust to protect yourself.

Under Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act, if the work is more than $100 should get a written estimate and the shop must get your approval if the work exceeds the estimate by $10 or 10 percent.