Tech Briefs Insider » 2008 » June

Should airport security screeners be given police-style badges?

TechBriefs — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:59:00 +0000

This week’s question concerns a plan to give airport security screeners police-style badges in the hope that it will convey an image of authority to passengers who may not currently give them respect. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is starting to outfit its 48,000 screeners with 3-inch-by-2-inch, silver-colored, copper and zinc badges that will be worn on new police-style, blue uniform shirts. The plan has some airport police officers up in arms because they think it could undermine their authority by confusing passengers. Security screeners, they point out, are not armed and cannot handle crimes or make arrests. What do you think? Should airport security screeners be given police-style badges?

Vote here.

Will U.S. unemployment rates continue to rise?

TechBriefs — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:07:12 +0000

This week’s Question of the Week concerns the rising unemployment rate in the U.S. Last week, the U.S. Labor Department reported that new applications for jobless benefits rose to 384,000, up 25,000 from the previous week. The Department previously reported that May’s unemployment rate jumped to 5.5 percent from 5 percent in April - the largest one-month gain in 22 years. Some believe the unemployment spike indicates a deepening economic recession. What do you think? Will U.S. unemployment rates continue to rise? Yes or no?

Vote here.

Are speculators contributing to the rapid rise in oil prices?

TechBriefs — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:43:14 +0000

Continuing on the energy theme, this week’s Question of the Week concerns the possibility that oil traders are partially responsible for soaring oil prices. Some economists and politicians contend that increased trading in oil futures by institutional investors is in turn creating upward pressure on prices. What do you think? Are speculators contributing to the rapid rise in oil prices? Yes or no?

Vote here.