Happy Whelpdays

Happy Whelpdays to alohawolf, stormbadger and snowwolf42!

Ah, security theater revisited

After the events of yesterday, it looks like new rules are forthcoming:

New rules imposed by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration also limit on-board activities by customers and crew in U.S. airspace that may adversely impact on-board service. Among other things, during the final hour of flight customers must remain seated, will not be allowed to access carry-on baggage, or have personal belongings or other items on their laps. (info via an AirCanada travel advisory)

While not specificaly mentioned, this would seem to mean that "personal belongings or other items" would include things like your laptop, a book or newspaper (or the magazine provided by the airline), a blanket or even possibly the behind-the-seat tray, and thus they must all be put up for the last hour of any flight. On short flights, they'd never come out at all.

Of course, terrorists in the know will simply do whatever it is they think they're doing with lighters and liquids and beads just *before* that last hour.

Somehow I see that ban being extended thoughout the entire flight.

EDIT: The NY Times is saying this is only for "international flights coming to the United States."

EDIT THE SECOND: and the AP is saying "Passengers on a flight from New York to Tampa Saturday morning were also told they must remain in their seats and couldn't have items in their laps, including laptops and pillows."

Oddity for today

The 13,000-year old tree that survives by cloning itself.