aphid

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Everything posted by aphid

  1. aphid
    Quickly then off the top of my head, there may be a couple of possible refinements to make TSA more effective... 1) Fire the bottom 65 percent and reasonably increase the wages of the remainder. Couple that with better training and a more focused mission-goal, or, 2) Just contract it all out to BlackWater/Xe.
  2. aphid
    When I check the billing info of my airline tickets, there is still an entry for security functions. See the attached from a ticket from Canada on a Canadian carrier through to the USA posted by a friend of mine.
  3. aphid
    It is so difficult to treat these people with any modicum respect when forced to deal with them. It's the old adage of bad-apples ruining the bunch... Story here: http://news.yahoo.com/police-tsa-agent-jfk-stole-5k-passenger-163552145.html
  4. aphid
    Made even more difficult if US CBP didn't get the memo... The news item here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/44/post/obama-announces-plan-to-boost-international-tourism-to-us/2012/01/19/gIQAQjneAQ_blog.html
  5. aphid
    I think ""routinely" is a bit strong, although I understand your point. And I find that arbitrary and ignorant action by a specific few of our Customs people equally disgusting and speak out against them at every opportunity. In speaking to a retired Cdn Customs person, this action by some specific officers started to ramp-up in response to what they anecdotally felt was a tightening of the border by our southern neighbor. Certainly does not make it right or acceptable. Quite frankly, I think there are agents on both our sides that need to put their penises back in their pants and just do their jobs properly.
  6. aphid
    This all would be amusing in a rather pathetic way, if in fact the negative impact on innocent visitors wasn't so disruptive. http://www.vancouversun.com/Knox+marijuana+resin+conviction+grounds+border/6009683/story.html
  7. aphid

    GNSS app tests

    aphid replied to aphid's topic in Wing Suit Flying

    Some in this forum might find this interesting. http://www.insidegnss.com/node/2895/ Take the embedded link to the pdf file for even more detailed technical information. (edited title to accurately reflect name of technology)
  8. aphid
    No reference to anybody specifically, but, am I the only person here who sees a minor inconsistency between the contents and advice in this thread, and some of the righteous indignation espoused by some in this other thread and directed at internet pirates, cheats, thieves? http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=4247031
  9. aphid
    Perhaps this is cogent? So you forget (example only) 2 quarters in a pocket and set off the alarm. It's unreasonable to disclose them, drop them in a tray and be rescanned, instead having to: In my opinion that qualifies as a complete lack of common-sense by TSA.
  10. aphid
    Some information for first-responders regarding aircraft equipped with ballistic recovery systems, including links to some FAA info specifically for first-responders: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/publications/tp185-3-2011-pre-flight-6142.htm#ballistic
  11. aphid
    I agree 100% with your philosophical position. But that is not what your linked article said. The one you suggested I didn't read. Therefore, until somebody shows me factual confirmation Canada is I will continue to take exception to shotgun rhetoric in a public forum demonizing my country for sins not committed. John
  12. aphid
    Of course I read it. Kindly give me some credit... From the article: I addressed the "easy". It ain't easy. That, you'll just have to take my word for. You stated: and from the article: With due respect, I hardly think that quantity catapults Canada into a world-leading position (as disgusting as sex-selective abortions are). You expressed your opinion. And I proffered mine based on personal experience. They differ. Strongly differ. You closed with: A rant? No. I prefer to think I just take umbrage with statements demonizing an entire country and its medical system based on one opinion/editorial, lack of experience, or miniscule and unproven statistics. Much like I wouldn't demonize an entire country if a handful of soldiers lose control of their faculties or bladders. John
  13. aphid
    I can assure you, based on personal experience of a very ill spouse, and more recently, the experience of two female friends, while therapeutic abortions are available and legal in narrow circumstances, it is not "easy" in Canada. And I'm not talking about the emotional shit. (Before anybody asks, I will not elaborate further because it's none of your f**king business) If the patient chooses to go off-shore or to a backyard quack, you still want to hold the Canadian medical profession to account?
  14. aphid
    You forgot the equally popular in America five Pharmaceutical commerks for erectile dysfunction, weight-loss, high blood pressure, psoriasis, and NLS (nervous leg syndrome, whatever THAT is!) and the two National (up here, we call 'em just a lousy franchise) Law chains launching Class Actions against the chocolate producers or Bayer aspirin, et al. Yes. I do listen to NPR. When they interview, even with a politically or religiously diverse panel, it's not a yelling match. Kinda like the CBC and BBC.
  15. aphid
    Conceding that a naive customer should be blamed for the over-zealousness of a twit wearing a shoulder patch. No thanks.
  16. aphid
    Andrew, you just have to recognize the duality of this statement, yes? John
  17. aphid
    (I know a few Eloy girls who make a hobby of that)
  18. aphid
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrhA0sEkuaM (Let he who is humourless cast the first barb)
  19. aphid
    The month I arrived on this earth: http://www.freeweb.hu/playmate/html/5608.html The POM featured in the very first Playboy mag I bought on my own (awkward when you are just 13 in a very small town when your Dad is the Mayor and very devout): http://www.freeweb.hu/playmate/html/6909.html (Thanks for the thread)
  20. aphid
    I'm not sure if that can be substantiated, but if that's accurate, you guys need to do something about your education system. Are there really that many illiterate people there?
  21. aphid

    NDAA 2012

    aphid replied to Kennedy's topic in Speakers Corner

    I privately received a really good overview of the differences in the process between Appropriations and Authorizations from another contributor. Thanks to you as well for fleshing it out a bit for me. I learned something today, and that's always good. John
  22. aphid

    NDAA 2012

    aphid replied to Kennedy's topic in Speakers Corner

    (reply not directed to anybody specifically - I wish I could post without replying to the person immediately above...) Bear with me, not being entirely familiar with your process... If I understand this legislation correctly, wasn't it necessary to be signed before the end of the year to maintain your DoD funding commitments? And the stuff that has people concerned was added as a rider to the bill? If so, did the rider's author's possibly paint the process into a corner to get their legislation through? And if that's the case, was it signed possibly to keep your soldiers pay cheques rolling in, with the possible hope that the courts will eventually rule the rider's portions unconstitutional? Any corrections to my admittedly simplistic interpretation would be welcome. Thanks. John
  23. aphid
    Perhaps if they treated their passengers with intelligence and respect, outlining that it's just to ensure everybody is paying attention during those important phases of flight, rather than regurgitating obvious untruths about electronic interference and using fear as the attention-getter, the result just might be increased cooperation and customer contentment. Win/win? What a concept...
  24. aphid
    The "us" vs "them" philosophy is shocking to this foreigner. To use but one example from above in the thread: the description "native American" Is a freshly accepted citizen less American than a born American? Is a born American less than a Native American? So I ask, (after my second glass of scotch)... Is California more important than Alabama? Are whites more worthy than blacks? Are Republican's more patriotic than Democrat's? Are cops more heroic than search & rescue volunteers? Are nurses worth more than teachers? Does the 2nd Amendment take precedent over all others? Is a Jewish synagogue more palatable than a Hindu temple? Is obeisance more law-abiding than peaceful protest? You are a Union. Start acting like it. Please, for your own sake. Yeah. Flame away... :(
  25. aphid

    NDAA 2012

    aphid replied to Kennedy's topic in Speakers Corner