Newest Security Measures

I'm not sure how I feel about the newest security measures being put into place at airports across the country.

In airports across the country, TSA is installing full-body scanners. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has been using them for the last year as a test program. However, over the course of the next few weeks, a total of 38 scanners will be put in place...much to the dismay of holiday travelers. Can you imagine traveling Thanksgiving weekend with children and having to do this? Ugh!!!

Anyway, these scanners are used to see through your clothing to make sure that you aren't trying to smuggle plastic explosives on your person onto the aircraft. Hmmm...not sure I really want a stranger to see all the intimate details of my body. TSA assures everyone that no one but the person behind the screen will view the scan and the machines don't have the capacity to save images. Still...is the TSA screening their employees for pedophiles and sex offenders?

TSA is giving travelers the option of a physical pat-down in lieu of the FBS. Hmmm...now instead of seeing through my clothes they're touching me in places no stranger should be allowed to do. Again, is the TSA screening their employees?

I understand the reasoning for all of this step-up in security, but when does it become an invasion of privacy. It has given me pause to consider whether or not I will be flying anymore.

My husband just returned from Moscow this past weekend and encountered the newest security measure put into place. He said that the biggest hassle was having to take EVERYTHING out of your pockets. There were no signs at the conveyors that scan your carry-ons that stated passengers needed to remove everything from their pockets, so it caused a back-up at the scanner. All of this adds 3-5 minutes to getting through security. While 3-5 minutes may not sound like much, multiply that by the thousands of travelers flying. Getting to the airport 2 hours before your flight will not be enough anymore. And heaven forbid if a passenger declines the FBS. The TSA agent yelled across the checkpoint for another agent to do a physical pat-down. How embarrassing!!!

I'll be watching to see what effect this new security measure has on the busiest travel weekend of the year.

Happy Veteran's Day

Please take a moment Today (and every day) to thank and say a prayer for all of our veterans. It's because of their sacrifices that we enjoy our freedoms.

Ushanka

In other words, the fur hats with ear flaps that Russians wear during the winter months. While it doesn't get nearly cold enough here in the Rocket City to wear one on a regular basis, I think these are cool hats.

I like this one:

I wonder if it'll be cold enough this winter to wear one...

Nah...I don't want to have a winter THAT cold!!!

Matryoshka

I learned this week that this is the proper name of the Russian nesting dolls.

Why do I bring this up?

Well...my Hubby is currently in Moscow for the week. He was asked to bring one home. For the most part, the Matryoshkas are attractive.

Some are not.

Case in point...

However, this is a must have for the die-hard KISS fan's collection.

We'll see which ones he comes home with.

Make your Voice heard...

Get out and vote today!

I survived...,(edited)

by far, the busiest week of the season.

It was insanely busy!!!

Isn't he handsome!

I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to have the entire band's uniforms cleaned and returned before a competition AND having our sophomore ladies try on concert dresses so that they will be here before our Christmas concert. I did have help sorting and re-hanging all of the uniforms, otherwise I'd have been there until midnight. I'm so very thankful for my volunteers.

I still haven't fitted all the young ladies. This is despite sending multiple emails stating when and where I would be for fittings. I'm turning in the order on Monday, regardless if everyone has been fitted and they'll just have to order their dress directly from the company.

The highlight of the week was our Band's performance in the Hoover Invitational Marching Band Festival. Here is our entire performance:



The Band received all Superiors and received Best In Show for Drum Majors and Percussion! It was definitely a GREAT night and well worth all the craziness leading up to it.

Two more football games and one more competition, then the 2010 Marching Season will come to an end. It's been a wonderful season and I'm so proud of all of our kids, especially my sousaphone player!

Sparkman High School Band (10/1/10)

The band has finished setting the show and it looks FANTASTIC!!! Can't wait to see it at competition in a couple of weeks.

Enjoy!