Topic: Alcohol Monitoring

John C. Dvorak reports on a law enforcement trade show featuring the Soberlink SL2, a mobile alcohol monitoring device. The unit utilizes deep lung breath samples, fuel cell technology, and adaptive facial recognition to ensure the correct "client" is testing. The devices are often mandated by organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and require monthly service fees paid by the offender.

The media has dubbed Lindsay Lohan's malfunctioning alcohol monitoring bracelet "bad bling." The hosts argue that electronic monitoring is being marketed as a fashionable "meme" to make house arrest and state surveillance seem cool to the public. They suggest that these devices are a way for the prison system to shift costs onto the defendants while maintaining constant oversight.

The legal proceedings against Lindsay Lohan are framed as a publicity vehicle for the SCRAM alcohol monitoring device. The hosts question the precedent of court-ordered continuous monitoring for legal substances like alcohol. Statistics show over 200,000 Americans are currently wearing these ankle bracelets, which the hosts describe as a tool for "Gitmo Nation" style social control.

British supermarkets are implementing a new surveillance project where cameras at checkouts transmit live feeds to a central command center for age verification of alcohol purchases. This proactive monitoring is intended to streamline the process for underage cashiers who cannot legally authorize booze sales. Additionally, a trend in the UK tea market toward fruity and flavored varieties, such as vanilla Earl Grey, is noted.