A few lunchtime thoughts on this day before T-Day, looking at some of the various values for “T”:
- T := Turkey. The San Diego Union-Tribute has a very good article that everyone should read on how to stay safe on Thanksgiving, where “safe” means firefighter-free, paramedic-free, and plumber-free. Read it. Follow it. And, if you absolutely, positively insist on frying that turkey, build a turkey derrick ala Alton Brown. As for us, we’re doing a fusion take on the holiday: Thanksgiving Tapas, taking traditional Thanksgiving ingredients but using them in novel ways and combinations.
- T := TSA. I’ve been following the TSA debate going on all week. My personal concerns relate to various aspects of exposure, and I’m not talking about modesty. My basic opinion is that if the all-body scanner is the millimeter-wave scanner, I’m not worried. If it is the backscatter X-ray, I’m worried about radiation exposure. If I get the enhanced body search, I’m concerned about exposure to germs, as they do not use fresh gloves for each person. So ask for millimeter waves, and if that isn’t available, ask for fresh gloves. If modesty is a concern, I’ll note that someone has come up with modesty protecting underwear. There’s also a debate going on about what is proper airport attire these days—I’d love to know what you wear to travel. Lastly, I’ll note that the LA Times has a wonderful article on the real reason behind the enhanced security: the TSA is worried about PETN, an explosive powder that doesn’t trip most detectors, can be packed into almost anything and any shape, and doesn’t show up on swabs. If we really want to make our security less intrusive, we need to come up with a good way to detect PETN. Sounds like a great chemistry research project.
- T := Theatre. I’ll note that we saw an excellent production of Amadeus at REP East in Newhall on Sunday. You should go see it, and REP has made it easier with Black Friday discount tickets for any show. As for us, we’re going to try a new theatre Friday out in Malibu, not that far from camp. We’ll do our part for the economy at the Winter Sawdust Festival on Saturday, followed by an evening of Randy Newman music. As Randy Newman wrote, “I love LA!”.
