Sensitive Nature

EU to Google: Stop taking pictures of our sensitive nature!

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:51:28 -0800

EU to Google: Stop taking pictures of our sensitive nature!:

Google Street View will always create privacy concerns no matter what. There are entire blogs devoted to exposing mischievous snapshots that the roving Google Street View cameras have caught. But the EU is going to try to regulate this:

Google should react more quickly to requests that images and data be deleted for privacy reasons, as well as “taking positive measures to avoid capturing images of a sensitive nature.”

'Sensitive Nature' shields more anonymous U.S. officials who can't really believe anything Iran says...

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:53:17 -0800

'Sensitive Nature' shields more anonymous U.S. officials who can't really believe anything Iran says...:

…but doesn’t keep them from providing quotes to the mainstream media to continue dumping Iranian-created propaganda to the masses!

Latest comes today:

Washington (CNN) — A soon-to-be released U.S. assessment of Iran’s nuclear program is expected to conclude that the government has resumed limited work on a nuclear weapon, according to a U.S. official.

[…]

The U.S. official — who is familiar with the report but is not authorized to speak on the record because of the sensitive nature of the information — said the new assessment “will move forward a tad” Iranian efforts on weaponization. The official says Iran is now focused on research of a program as opposed to full-blown development of a nuclear warhead: “The emphasis is on the ‘R,’ not the ‘D.’ “

HELP!?! We think we’re supposed to be scared or something!!!

[EVIL] Google to share cyber-attack data with NSA

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:01:36 -0800

[EVIL] Google to share cyber-attack data with NSA:

A partnership between the Internet search giant and the NSA touches on the sensitive issue of how to balance individual privacy and national security online.

Google approached the NSA in the aftermath of the attacks, but reaching an agreement has taken weeks because of the sensitive nature of information-sharing between the two sides, the Post quoted its sources as saying.

Calif. School District Tugs Dictionary from Shelves over 'Oral Sex' Flap

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:35:00 -0800

Calif. School District Tugs Dictionary from Shelves over 'Oral Sex' Flap:

Holy fellatio, Popeye. In the name of “sensitive nature,” Menifee Unified School District actually removed Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition from the shelves because one parent was afraid their kid would find the definition of “oral sex.” NO JOKE. Can you spell Cunnilingus?

“There is a certain order of steps a parent can take, and due to the sensitive nature, the concern was given to temporary pull the books from each class,” Cadmus said. “We are grateful that the parent who saw something sexually graphic brought it to our attention.”

The Sensitive Nature of Google Dashboard | The Money Times

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:00:49 -0800

The Sensitive Nature of Google Dashboard | The Money Times:

or, Google pwnz all.

According to Google representatives, “In an effort to provide you with greater transparency and control over their own data, we’ve built the Google Dashboard. Designed to be simple and useful, the Dashboard summarizes data for each product that you use (when signed in to your account) and provides you direct links to control your personal settings.”

Considering the private and sensitive nature of information, this only seems fair.

Michael Arrington's 'Sensitive Nature'

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:52:13 -0700

Michael Arrington's 'Sensitive Nature':

We’re not about to delve inside Mike Arrington as that could rile his temper. But I never thought I’d see a “sensitive nature” cop-out in a TechCrunch post. While TechCrunch is known to ignore media embargoes and publish rumors without confirmation, it’s never been known to quote the faceless due to sensitive nature. Until now — Apparently the TechCrunch audience must be shielded from various truths as a result of its own collective sensitive nature. Hrm…

The reality: I can’t repeat here what I wrote on Twitter because of the sensitive nature of the TechCrunch audience, but I will say this. The HP DreamScreen is possibly the biggest piece of crap to ever grace my desk….

Now that’s an opinion not to be confused with reporting. Especially from one with an admittedly “huge conflict of interest” [CrunchPad].

The Sensitive Nature of NFL Quarterbacks (Ben Roethlisberger)

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:42:59 -0700

The Sensitive Nature of NFL Quarterbacks (Ben Roethlisberger):

It was July 2003 when Kobe Bryant was accused of persuading a concierge at hotel outside Vail, Colo., to come to his room. Now it is July 2009 when Ben Roethlisberger is accused of persuading a concierge at Nevada hotel to come to his room.

ESPN was all over the Kobe story, sending reporters and attorneys from Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. as the trial unfolded. Maybe Roethlisberger never comes to trial. Maybe he doesn’t deserve to come to trial — although then again, possibly he does. But why the shift in ESPN’s approach?

“Based on the sensitive nature of the story and other factors we mentioned,” ESPN’s Bill Hoffheimer told Pro Football Talk “we initially exercised caution and did not report it.”

That philosophy is admirable, except it runs counter to the very existence of ESPN which, while most of the time doing a fine job, rarely can be described as exercising caution.

Better not call those U.S.-born al-Qaeda recruits by name (x3)

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:27:55 -0700

Better not call those U.S.-born al-Qaeda recruits by name (x3):

An American-born al-Qaida recruit trained to become a suicide bomber before he was captured in Pakistan last year, law enforcement officials said Thursday.

Bryant Neal Vinas learned how to use a suicide vest, according to the law enforcement officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.

Pakistani authorities nabbed the 26-year-old New Yorker last year in the city of Peshawar near the border of Afghanistan. Law enforcement officials have refused to say exactly when, but a person familiar with the case said Vinas was picked up in November. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information.

Vinas was also interviewed this year in New York by prosecutors in Belgium pursuing an anti-terror case involving Malika El Aroud, said an official at the Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the case. El Aroud is the widow of a man involved in killing anti-Taliban warlord Ahmed Shah Massoud two days before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The Sensitive Nature of NFL Quarterbacks (Michael Vick)

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:12:28 -0700

The Sensitive Nature of NFL Quarterbacks (Michael Vick):

Michael Vick’s representatives are working with league officials to complete plans for a meeting between Vick and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, perhaps within the next few days, sources familiar with the deliberations said Wednesday.

The outcome of the planned meeting could play a major role in Goodell’s decision about whether to reinstate Vick from his indefinite suspension from the NFL, said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic.

Don't Tell the Birds: Burnsville Neighborhood 'Attacked' By Hawks

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:03:28 -0700

Don't Tell the Birds: Burnsville Neighborhood 'Attacked' By Hawks:

Perhaps you’ve seen then swooping overhead or perched atop a power pole or roadside fence. Hawks of all kinds are a sight to behold. They are unless, of course, you’re the target of their razor-sharp talons…

“When I went out there to talk to the residents, two of them stated they had been cut on the head by the birds,” says DNR Conservation Officer Tony Salzer.

Salzer responded to the complaint calls coming from residents in the southwestern corner of Burnsville. The Department of Natural Resources isn’t giving out the exact location due to the sensitive nature of the story.

Halp! They could be anywhere. Lookout above!

Chinese agencies back Tengzhong-Hummer deal

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:00:16 -0700

Chinese agencies back Tengzhong-Hummer deal:

GM “kicks off” its Hummer selloff… or so says anonymous…

China’s Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday played down reports that it is at odds with the economic planning agency over a controversial deal for a little-known Chinese company to buy GM’s Hummer unit.

“This kicks off the approval process,” said the source, who asked not to be identified because of sensitive nature of the matter.

The Associated Press: Review planned for terror alert system

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:36:03 -0700

The Associated Press: Review planned for terror alert system:

How long will it take to finally get rid of the Skittles rainbow-of-flavor U.S. terror alert totem pole? Do you think it confuses people? I mean, it never changes from yellow, except in airports, and some buildings and tunnels, where it is orange. What does it mean? NOTHING!

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is expected to appoint a panel Tuesday to reevaluate the system, a senior administration official said.

Certainly don’t wait for the official announcement. it could be another 8 years.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement has not yet been made public. Homeland Security Department spokeswoman Amy Kudwa declined to comment.

Lockheed Martin gets social with a private network

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:42:29 -0700

Lockheed Martin gets social with a private network:

Can you spot the contradiction in this MD Daily Record headline?

Even more confusing:

Lockheed Martin Corp. is setting up a private social network for employees to use in the course of business as a means to discuss tasks from projects to purchasing. And though the network itself won’t be open to the outside world, the program that supports it will be.

the program that supports it will be what? OK, this actually does sound quite cool in theory:

Shawn Dahlen, social media program manager for Lockheed Martin, said the company was influenced to use open-source programming for a number of reasons. The federal government, a major Lockheed Martin customer, has begun using more open-source programming recently, he said.

Ah, but just wait for the reminder of the naturally sensitive government contractor ecosystem:

Dahlen said social networking can be a useful tool for the workplace, but sharing company information through a public network is not always practical, given the often-sensitive nature of Lockheed Martin’s work. Until recently, employees were blocked from accessing personal accounts on Facebook and similar sites through the company’s network, but that restriction was recently lifted.

'We' Have 'Proof' of Spying

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0700

'We' Have 'Proof' of Spying:

Stern Hu, the Australian national in charge of the Anglo-Australian mining giant’s Shanghai office, faces criminal charges for stealing state secrets for foreign countries, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said.

Perhaps “sensitive nature” does substantiate proof in China…

‘Competent authorities have sufficient evidence to prove that they have stolen state secrets and have caused huge loss to China’s economic interest and security,’ he told reporters.

but…

A Rio spokesman told AFP it was not giving out any more information on the case due to its ‘sensitive’ nature, but the company also indicated it had been taken by surprise.

AP Source: AIG consults administration on bonuses

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 21:35:21 -0700

AP Source: AIG consults administration on bonuses:

THIS is exactly the kind of lede that makes us nauseous. News organizations should not be taken seriously if they insist on printing single-anonymous-sourced quotes as headlines! C’mon people!!! From the AP:

American International Group Inc. is consulting with the federal government about its plans to pay millions of dollars in retention incentives and bonuses, a person familiar with the situation said.

[..yawn..] AIG is blah blah blah blah Obama Administration blah blah according to the person, who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks. Help!

Unnamed Source Tells Fox News ALL About Child Taliban Warriors

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:53:12 -0700

Unnamed Source Tells Fox News ALL About Child Taliban Warriors:

Since when is harping on the Taliban a sensitive issue for Fox News? Only when they’re lying so bad they actually have to admit it? Rare.

From Taliban Paying Thousands to Use Kids as Homicide Bombers:

Baitullah Mehsud, Pakistan’s top Taliban leader, is paying between $7,000 and $14,000 for each child bomber, according to a Pakistani official who spoke to the newspaper with the contingency he not be named because of the sensitive nature of the topic.

652 Businesses being Audited this week

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:37:53 -0700

652 Businesses being Audited this week:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is launching a bold, new audit initiative today by issuing Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to 652 businesses nationwide - which is more than ICE issued throughout all of last fiscal year.

Oh really? The government must make such information public, no? Should I be worried?

Due to the ongoing, law enforcement sensitive nature of these audits, the names and locations of the businesses will not be released at this time.

Figures. That, uh, law enforcement sensitive nature.

U.S. seeks to ensure Afghan elections (according to whom?!?) - Wash Times

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:28:25 -0700

U.S. seeks to ensure Afghan elections (according to whom?!?) - Wash Times:

Hey look, the hawkish Washington Times found a way to win yet another war, sensitive nature-style, that is:

Two months before Afghan civilians head to the polls, U.S. military reinforcements have mounted an offensive against a growing Taliban insurgency that is threatening to destabilize the upcoming presidential elections.

But not even an unnamed source can attest to how/why things are going so well:

“First, at a technical level the preparations are going well, with some glitches,” said a European official who is involved in the election. The official spoke to The Washington Times on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation and for security reasons.

Lame.

Jackson's mother moves to control his estate - AP

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:49:40 -0700

Jackson's mother moves to control his estate - AP:

We mourn the passing of Michael Jackson just as much as the rest of the world. For he graced us with some incredible music and never qualified his reclusive behavior with “sensitive nature” (although he did sing about Human Nature).

Thanks to the fine investigative reporters at the Associated Press, we don’t have to worry about Jackson’s estate, because, even though his mother, Katherine, is scrounging for control…

Another person with knowledge of Mr. Jackson’s business matters, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the material’s sensitive nature, told The Associated Press on Friday that there is a will, which would take precedence in court.

Another person with knowledge of Mr. Jackson’s business matters, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the material’s sensitive nature, told The Associated Press on Friday that there is a will, which would take precedence in court.

So what’s all the drama about then?!?

G.M. Said to Seek Alternate Buyers for Opel - New York Times

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:34:23 -0700

G.M. Said to Seek Alternate Buyers for Opel - New York Times:

An editor caught this “sensitive nature” cop-out, but not before Google News. And not before this blog. The original snipped grabbed via a Google News Search maintains that an anonymous source referred to German automaker Opel dealing with FIat as a “last-ditch alternative” [see screenshot].

The edited version contains no mention of “sensitive nature” or “last-ditch” or even “alternative.”

Thanks for listening, New York Times!