There has been a lot of hubbub about the new scanning devices being installed all over the country by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
As it turns out there are two types of scans being used in our airports: the Millimeter Wave, and the Backscatter. According to the TSA Blog, the screeners are not able to see faces, and are locked away in a private rooms so that no one else might see these scans.
The TSA also wants to assure people that these scans are not saved, and do not contain the genital revealing clarity that some websites have been claiming. However, here is a video claiming quite the opposite.
For me, I guess this is the price we pay to have safe travel in the United States. Furthermore, if some man/woman is getting their jollies by viewing my scan, well…what choice do we have? Right?
I suppose the protesting public will tighten the ways these scans are used, but the simple truth of the matter, at least right now, if you want to fly, you must potentially have your goodies checked out.
Here is a CBS “60 Minutes” video that speaks about these scanners. Fast forward to 9 minutes to see the part specifically on the body scans.
Have you ever given a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm on an inanimate object? In other words, have you ever cursed out a GPS?
In the last leg of our recent trip to Flagstaff, I am ashamed to admit, I displayed a momentary intensity that perhaps bordered on madness, as our GPS had us abandoned on a muddy, end of the road, this is where the snowplows fear to tread kind of place.
You know you have gone to far when your wife, who comes from a long line of Roman Catholics, is looking for some holy water, a cross, or perhaps even a silver dagger to slay your momentary burst of frustration.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not a violent guy, but…I sure was frustrated with my GPS.
Undeterred by our certain tardiness, we turned around and found our path to the races just as the very last, and I mean the very last dog sled came across the finish line.
I snapped this photograph, and we literally turned around and left as the dog sled races were now over.
Therefore, I guess this story isn’t so much about sled dog races, as it was a lesson for us on perhaps better planning, and reminding ourselves that when traveling, we should always expect the unexpected.
If I have any satisfaction from this particular story, it was delivered in my determination to get at least one photograph from this sled dog race.
For that I am grateful.
Oh, I also had to promise my wife to chill out the next time unexpected circumstances cross the path of this A-Type, perfectionist personality.
The Inn at 410, in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a most wonderful place to lie your head after a busy day of sightseeing in northern Arizona. This 1894 6,000 square foot mansion, built in the craftsman style, is sure to have every appointment that a discriminating traveler might expect.
Most surprisingly, it is a nine room bed & breakfast. But don’t worry, the large luxurious rooms, and the careful layout of the property will afford you all the privacy you desire. Even better, you can enjoy a cup of tea, and a homemade cookie in the parlor while you visit with travelers from all over the world.
This was our second visit to Gordon Watkin’s exquisite establishment, and as raving fans of his hospitality, we are certain to be back for many more visits.
Disclosure: This lodging experience was provided by Gordan Watkin’s Inn at 410.
This weekend we will be attending The 62nd Annual Gold Rush Days Celebration & Rodeo in Wickenburg, Arizona. [Creative Commons photograph courtesy of Bill Gacey on Flickr]
This weekend we will be roaming down to Tubac, Arizona to check out the Tubac Festival of the Arts. [Note: Creative Commons Photograph from Cobalt123 on Flickr]