How Does The TSA "Magic Flashlight" Work?
Aug 22, 2008 | 2:38 pm
#1
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How Does The TSA "Magic Flashlight" Work?
I was at DFW yesterday and I showed them my New York State driver's license. The ID checker shined some kind of light on it for a second or two before letting me go.
The passenger before me, however, had shown an EU (French) passort which got the same "magic flashlight" go over.
What is this light? How is it supposed to work?
The passenger before me, however, had shown an EU (French) passort which got the same "magic flashlight" go over.
What is this light? How is it supposed to work?
Aug 22, 2008 | 2:46 pm
#3
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Most valid forms of identification have security features that are visible when illuminated with ultra-violet light.
Aug 22, 2008 | 2:53 pm
#5
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They make both incandescent and fluorescent black lights. And LED based ones too, I think.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_light
Black light is "soft" UV light - just a bit of UVA and nothing over 400 nm wavelength.
In any case, FlyinHawaiian and I were saying pretty much the same thing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_light
Black light is "soft" UV light - just a bit of UVA and nothing over 400 nm wavelength.
In any case, FlyinHawaiian and I were saying pretty much the same thing.
Aug 22, 2008 | 3:06 pm
#6
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TSA magic flashlight instrcutions:
1. scan ID with magic flashlight
2. pretend you do not see any hologram, hold ID at various angles
3. stare at potential terrorist-passenger for 3 seconds
4. grunt and let them proceed to shoe carnival
1. scan ID with magic flashlight
2. pretend you do not see any hologram, hold ID at various angles
3. stare at potential terrorist-passenger for 3 seconds
4. grunt and let them proceed to shoe carnival
Aug 22, 2008 | 3:21 pm
#7
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Aug 22, 2008 | 4:15 pm
#9
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Step zero for the truly brave: Write "KHIAI" in black light ink on the edge of the ID first. If they ask, explain that it stands for Kip Hawley is an Inspiration and it's a new secret admiration society and aren't they members yet?!?
Aug 22, 2008 | 4:31 pm
#10
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Aug 22, 2008 | 4:50 pm
#11
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1. Try not to laugh, it might get you a retaliatory secondary (especially at AUS).
Aug 22, 2008 | 5:55 pm
#12
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Aug 22, 2008 | 6:02 pm
#13
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Is this checklist right next to the one for "examining" women pax with underwire bras?
Aug 22, 2008 | 6:14 pm
#14
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This, my friends, is comedy gold.
Aug 22, 2008 | 9:02 pm
#15
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Serious question - while inadvisable, is "Step 0" actually illegal? Could I be subject for arrest for "Tampering with a REAL ID" or some such "offense"? And, if so, is that a state or Federal crime?