NYT editorial: The Airport Security Follies
Six years after the terrorist attacks of 2001, airport security remains a theater of the absurd. The changes put in place following the September 11th catastrophe have been drastic, and largely of two kinds: those practical and effective, and those irrational, wasteful and pointless.
The first variety have taken place almost entirely behind the scenes. Explosives scanning for checked luggage, for instance, was long overdue and is perhaps the most welcome addition. Unfortunately, at concourse checkpoints all across America, the madness of passenger screening continues in plain view. It began with pat-downs and the senseless confiscation of pointy objects. Then came the mandatory shoe removal, followed in the summer of 2006 by the prohibition of liquids and gels. We can only imagine what is next.
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How we got to this point is an interesting study in reactionary politics, fear-mongering and a disconcerting willingness of the American public to accept almost anything in the name of “security.” Conned and frightened, our nation demands not actual security, but security spectacle. And although a reasonable percentage of passengers, along with most security experts, would concur such theater serves no useful purpose, there has been surprisingly little outrage. In that regard, maybe we’ve gotten exactly the system we deserve.
My sister was disappointed to find out that you can't have penetration in strip acts here. But we're not sure if here is the US, or just California--anyone know?
I'm pretty sure some of the places I've seen in New Orleans had stage acts that included penetration. Though whether that was legal and aboveboard is anyone's guess.
I will point out that I've had to do the 3oz (100g) in quart ziplocs at Heathrow, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. So it's not just an American thing. Don't know if it's an American and UK thing, but it's more than just here.
Matt, was it boy penetration?
I have another question...watching too much SVU (thanks, sis), and they're treating spousal privilege as meaning that you
cannot
testify against your spouse, whereas I thought I'd been told it was that you couldn't be forced to.
Confused now.
I remember that right after 9/11, ALL people were allowed to carry on was a ziploc with their passport and medication.
Laura, I'll post my mushroom and barley in a minute!
Sara, the cauli soup was just garlic and eeks sauteed in butter, then I added stock and cauliflower chopped. Boil until soft. Add some white wine if you have it. Spice it with salt, pepper. Maybe nutmeg. Puree. Serve with cheese.
From PZ Meyers' blog....
An honest creationist, at last
Quote of the week: "Either the theory is wrong, or I'm just incredibly stupid." -Todd Friel on Evolution, from The Way of the Master Radio for 24 Dec.
Heh.
Baby vidspam: [link]
I love my baby. Who is rapidly becoming a big boy.
Laura, sautee onion until soft. Add mushrooms (mix of cremini, portobello, oyster, porcini... if you used dried, then soak the dry in boiling water with a splash of port... retain that juice) and salt and cook mushrooms for about 10-12 minutes. Add garlic and any other aromatic. I like shallots. Stir in stock, any retained liquid from the rehydrating of mushrooms, thyme, barley and a bit of salt and port to taste. Cook until barley is tender.
That video is the perfect illustration of "you can't have your cake and eat it too."
