TSA can’t find a bomb, but they sure catch water and butter knives

July 10th, 2007 · · Uncategorized No comments - Tags: , , , , ,

I just came across an article that lists some of the ineptitude of the TSA. In this particular instance, “inspectors” were able to find a water bottle, but missed the bomb (components) in the same bag. WTF? Aren’t these people paid and trained to be good at finding contraband, specifically bombs and guns?

In this round of tests, the “inspectors” failed 5 out of 7 times. Previously, it was reported there were failures of 20 out of 22 tests. At this rate, anyone wanting to hijack a plane needs to plan on attempting to get past 7 checkpoints, and they’ll get over half of them. Easily enough to repeat 9/11 in some fashion. So, why are we allowing the government to suspend our right to be secure in our person, papers, and affects? How long will we let the government rape our constitutional rights?

Apparently, as long as  grandmother-principals accidentally leave butter knives in carry-on bags. I mean, come on. When was the last time a little old lady hijacked an airplane? Oh wait, that doesn’t matter because W has to keep hassling us when we travel because the terrorists are coming to get us.

Unfortunately, the TSA people can’t catch bombs coming directly through their checkpoints. Don’t try to bring water through though.

Swimming lessons

July 9th, 2007 · · General 8 comments - Tags:

Today I signed the kids up for swim lessons at the Club. To be honest, I think Amaya will take to it immediately. She was splashing around today and almost had it down. Erich is trying, but doesn’t seem as close as Amaya.

I don’t want them to be as old as I am and not know how to swim. I would love to learn and be able to go swim everyday.  We’ll see if I’m too old to learn new tricks or not soon enough. Em has volunteered to help me learn.

I’m the kind of person who can look at a diagram and “get it”. I can talk to people and understand and empathize with them. I just don’t get swimming or treading water. I know, it’s soooooo simple that little kids can do it, but not me.

I’ll keep you updated.

Dan’s Twitter Updates for 2007-07-07

July 7th, 2007 · · Uncategorized No comments - Tags:
  • Insomnia is no fun. #

Dan’s Twitter Updates for 2007-07-06

July 6th, 2007 · · Uncategorized No comments - Tags:
  • Anything better than a grilled hot dog? #

Vacation photos (abridged version)

July 6th, 2007 · · General One comment - Tags: , ,

Well, I said I would try to get around to posting some vacation photos, and now I have a few loaded on Flickr, so here they are:

MO Botanical Garden

This was taken at the “Japanese garden” section of the Missouri Botanical Garden in Saint Louis. I wasn’t in the mood to walk too much, but I had to see this while we were there. If I remember correctly, this is the largest Japanese garden in the United States and was designed by a Japanese professor specifically for the Botanical Garden.

MO Botanical Garden

Here is a close view of a lotus bloom in the Japanese garden. This area was relaxing. I wish I had 10 acres and a few million to design my own environment like this one.

MO Botanical Garden

Here is a photo of my dream patio. There’s a nice circular brick wall around the outside, and a bubbling fountain on either side of the bonsai tree that centers everything. It was truly a relaxing atmosphere.

Grant's Farm - Goats

This is Em petting the goats at Grant’s Farm. I have to say that the Farm was like the zoo, only better. I’m sure I’ll get all kinds of harassment from Em over this, but I had to do it.

Grant's Farm - Bald Eagles

Obviously two bald eagles. Unfortunately these two have received injuries and can no longer fly. They are truly beautiful creatures.

Something I didn’t know about Grant’s Farm – the fence (at least in the front) is made from United States civil war-era rifle barrels. Kinda weird seeing them with the sights still attached.

Well, that’s enough photos for now. If you want to see more, go check out my Flickr account. The photos are larger and clearer on there. Please note that all photos are licensed according to the Creative Commons No Commercial, Attribution, Share-Alike license.