Just went through Security this morning at EWR...

US Marshalls, National Guard, Customs, and another unifrom for which I didn't catch the emblem. I'm not sure, but I think they are really here to shoot the X-ray scanner folks if they go back to their usual incompetancy!

You really need to get to the airport early! I got here 2-1/2 hours before and got through First Class check-in quite quicky and quietly (alliteration at its best), but when I had to go through the metal detector I was informed that my Cowboy Boots (in NJ? - yes!) had to go through the x-ray machine, my belt buckle too, and the laptop must be removed from the case and go separately. All metal items that you have in your pockets and any jackets go through the machine as well.

They didn't ask for the cell phone or laptop to be turned on, nor did they ask for the PocketPC to be removed from the laptop bag.

I can certainly deal with the extra security because I will not be deterd from flying and also because I was the guy who used to carry an SLR camera, 50+ batteries and 40+ rolls of film about 5 years ago and always got hand inspection and was received courteously. If they want to check all my carry-ons, including me, they can. As long as they have real people doing this or at least watching the minimum wage security do it.

I don't want to come down too hard on the security folks because I used to manage security folks when I in my last semester at college and the year after. They are not well trained, nor well paid and have backrounds that are questionable and usually are overworked even though it looks like they don't do anything.

One hour until the wild blue