The data, which are recorded about once every seven seconds whenever a cell phone is turned on, effectively track the whereabouts and the comings and goings of every cell phone user.

Justice Department lawyers argue that, by statute, they need only show "reasonable grounds" to believe that such records are "relevant and material to an ongoing criminal investigation."

From the Magistrate Judge's ruling which is being appealed:

"This court believes that citizens continue to hold a reasonable expectation of privacy in the information the government seeks regarding their physical movements/locations -- even now that such information is routinely produced by their cell phones -- and that, therefore, the government's investigatory search of such information continues to be protected by the Fourth Amendment's warrant requirement."

Michael Irvin has filed a $100 million lawsuit against a woman accusing him of rape.

The snow storm on the east coast seems to be abating. Maybe they can send some to Vancouver in time for the Olympics, where there is a serious shortage. In other Olympics news, there is an official blogging and tweeting policy for participants. It's allowed so long as they just write about their own experiences.

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.