Shame on you for knowing where to look when the boys are on the blocks!
My DD has been a competitive swimmer for 6 years. I make sure I don't ogle the boys no matter how small or tight their suits are! I much prefer to watch "The Big Dogs" (as I call them) slice through the water with ease than to stand on the starting blocks. Sheesh.
Your comparison is also apples to oranges. Even if the boys show just as much people learn to divert their eyes. The TSA agents are specifically looking at people's genitals now thanks to Mr. Abdulmutallab .
Ummm, I meant that you keep your eyes up before the guys take their marks. Mind out of the gutter, Sheesh
. But parents and swimmers are very comfortable with a similar silhouette and having their kids run around like that in public. It is way more public than the anonymous scan with no identifying marks or features of the body scanners.
And no, it is not apples to oranges. What I was trying to point out is that we reveal way more to the public in many areas of life to many different people and don't think a thing of it. X-rays, MMRs, Swim Suits, etc. Just because this is airport security, people seem to think the same level silhouette the scanner takes is somehow way more horrifying.
And a beautiful fly slicing through the water is breath taking.
As for thanks to Mr. Nigerian Banker's Son, not quite. The scanners have been in use for over 3 years.
This was on my news feed just a bit ago...
FAQ: Airport Body Scanners
Liz Behler, with additional reporting by Libby Zay
Full body scanners. Which airports have them, who will be required to use them, and what do you need to know before you step inside? We spoke with Jon Allen, a TSA spokesman, to decode the mystery behind the machine.
Photos Courtesy of the TSA
Which airports have the full body scanners?
"There are 19 airports where millimeter wave machines have been deployed. The TSA's website includes a map of the locations."
Which airports are planning to get the devices?
While the exact times and locations where the scanners will be received have not been disclosed at the current time, the U.S. government is working to equip airports around the country with the machines.
"In the fall of 2009, TSA purchased 150 backscatter imaging technology units. A deployment schedule for these units has not been finalized. Funding exists to purchase an additional 300 advanced imaging technology units in 2010."
Will everybody be scanned, or only certain individuals?
"This screening option is completely voluntary to all passengers."
So can you decline a full-body scan?
Yes, for now, but you must submit to a full body pat-down.
Do they save the scanned images?
"There is no storage capability. No cameras, cellular telephones, or any device capable of capturing an image is permitted in the remotely-located resolution room. Use of such a device is a terminable offense."
Are they harmful for any individuals?
Two types of scanners currently exist: the millimeter wave scanner and the backscatter scanner.
"Millimeter wave technology bounces harmless electromagnetic waves off the human body to create a black and white image. The energy emitted by millimeter wave technology is 10,000 times less than what is permitted for a cell phone. "
"Backscatter technology projects an ionizing X-ray beam over the body surface at high speed. The reflection, or backscatter, of the beam is detected, digitized and displayed on a monitor. Each scan produces less than 10 microrem of emission, equivalent to the exposure each person receives in about two minutes on an airplane flight at altitude."
Who sees the images?
"Passenger privacy is ensured through the anonymity of the image. The transportation security officer attending the passenger cannot view the image, and the remotely-located officer who views the image cannot physically see the passenger. Images are not stored, transmitted or printed and are deleted immediately once viewed by the remotely-located officer."
Just how much is revealed in the full body scan?
"A privacy algorithm blurs facial features."
How long do the scans take?
"Screening takes approximately 15 seconds, while the scanning time is just a few seconds. The remotely located security officer who interprets the image takes approximately 12 seconds to do so. It takes a passenger with a joint replacement about 15 seconds to go through advanced imaging technology, versus a 2-4 minute pat down."
Will this solve the airport security problem?
"Advanced imaging technology safely screens passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing without physical contact. Threats to aviation continue to evolve. The use of new and innovative technologies helps us stay ahead of those intent on harming our nation.
)to recognize medical items.....etc....
Security had to finally come and take this lady to the terminal to get her away from the screening area.
I would not have any problem going through this scan or allowing my tween son and teen daughter to go through it. I also don't believe a TV show would be banned from showing a similar scan.
