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Security Expert: Americans Overreact To Terrorism Threats

July 30, 2013 - 2:35pm

There’s a built-in incentive for politicians and security officials to overreact to the threat of terrorism, according to a security analyst who says Americans put a lot of money and effort into counter-terrorism efforts that don’t make anyone safer.

Author and security technologist Bruce Schneier said policy-makers have nothing to lose by calling for anti-terrorism measures. If an attack happens, their fears are confirmed. But, if it doesn’t, they can credit their anti-terror efforts for preventing catastrophes.

Schneier said the risk of terror attacks is actually very low, but politicians of both parties are prone to...

Cell Phones Allow Stores To Track Customers In New Ways

July 30, 2013 - 2:32pm

A cell phone has multiple uses besides making a phone call -- it can send text messages, type an email and search the Web -- just to name a few. But, many people don't know their phone also acts as a device to inform retailers about a person's shopping habits.

Pam Dixon, the executive director of World Privacy Forum, a public interest research group in San Diego, said that consumers should be aware of what information their phone transmits about their activities and what stores are increasingly taking an interest in.

"It’s actually our phones that are tracking us. It’s...

Classic Comfort Food Gets Tasty Makeover

July 27, 2013 - 11:52am

For chefs Erin Wade and Alison Arevalo, macaroni and cheese is more than a food. It’s a way of life.

Wade and Arevalo opened a restaurant, Homeroom, in Oakland, Calif., in 2011. They describe it “a restaurant dedicated to the best food on earth: macaroni and cheese!” And now they’re sharing their secrets in a new book, “The Mac + Cheese Cookbook: 50 Simple Recipes from Homeroom, America’s Favorite Mac and Cheese Restaurant.”

Wade is convinced that mac and cheese is really the perfect dish.

“The beauty of it is … it satisfies every...