Don’t say cheese
Driver's license facial recognition software
Four states in the country that use facial recognition software to help curb driver’s license fraud are telling license holders to stop smiling for their license photos–or to at least tone down their expressions.
According to an article in USA Today, the states of Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia require neutral facial expressions when photos are snapped at departments of motor vehicles locations.
Experts say dramatic differences in expressions can result in the software not being able to match an old photo to a new photo of the same person.
This sets off an internal alarm in the system that requires an agent or worker obtain an override from a supervisor to continue issuing the license.
Oklahoma uses similar recognition software to help prevent identity theft. It was put in place in late 2003 and the transition hasn’t been without snags. (See recent story here.)
Often, a tag agent will take photos until the system recognizes and accepts one. This can be time consuming and frustrating for Oklahomans renewing or obtaining a driver’s license.
One can only wonder if and when a trip to an Oklahoma tag agent for a driver’s license won’t be all smiles–not like it is now, anyway.
New perspective on newsroom cuts
I, for one, am keenly interested in the state of the newspaper industry, given that it is how I have chosen to make my living.
As such, I wince every time I read about job cuts at major newspapers.
I’m not sure how others react to such news, but the New York Times reports on a surprising group troubled by such cuts — death penalty opponents.
It seems they’re concerned the lack of investigative reporters at newspapers around the country will make it harder to unearth evidence that exonerates wrongly accused prisoners.
Read more here.
Know your recalls
A great clearinghouse for the most recent recalls announced by businesses and government agencies is just a click away.
Now you can keep track of the latest recalls of cosmetics, food, vehicles, medicines and other consumer products.
And feel free to share with us any of your helpful Web sites!
Rashes lead to face paint recall
This could put a crimp in some plans for upcoming festivals, fundraisers and carnivals.
Health officials are advising people to stop using water-based face paint distributed by a Nebraska company after some children suffered rashes, itchiness and swelling.
Several colors of face paint were voluntarily recalled by Fun Express Inc., a subsidiary of Oriental Trading Co. of Omaha. It was distributed nationwide.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration received reports of a cluster of adverse reactions at an event at an undisclosed location.
Tests showed “significant microbial contamination” in the face paint, which was manufactured in China.
Madelaine Base gets her face painted at a carnival at Truman Elementary School in Norman on May 8. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman.
The FDA is urging people to discard the recalled paint or return it to the retailer where it was purchased.
The agency also is asking people or health care providers to report any problems with the recalled face paint.
Hydroxycut recalls
The popular diet and weight loss supplement Hydroxycut was recalled today by the FDA and the manufacturer.
The FDA is warning consumers to immediately stop using the products after receiving 23 reports of serious health problems associated with its use.
Have you used Hydroxycut or other weight loss drugs? Is the FDA overreacting or should it have acted sooner?
Look for a full story on www.newsok.com/watchdog
