dinner with Phil

[isham-research.freeserve.co.uk at pop.pol.net.uk]

>> Yesterday's dinner with Phil was quite the pleasant, if not low key
>> event.  A small group of hard core Audifans showed up, and Phil had
>> pictures of both the UrQ as well as the Big Red Bus to pass around.
>> He also was happy to pass around some of the tools he has made over
>> the years for specific applications.

> What I want to know is how Phil got those tools through security at
> Heathrow.

> "No sir, those are not terrorist tools, they're for removing the MC from a
> 3B on a Type 44..."

> "Okay, sir, put those down carefully and come with us, sir."

Got IN just fine.  I carry a fair bit of electronic equipment in a small
carry-on 'conference organiser' type of satchel.  On the way OUT,
Atlanta security decided to make _me_ the target of a random check.

I love the way they do it.  "Excuse me, sir, but are you in a hurry for
your flight?  We'd like to do a spot check."

"No - I've got over five hours and my immediate plans only included
getting roaring drunk in the Delta Business Elite lounge.  But if you
want to give me the third degree, go ahead."

I wonder what they'd have done if I'd said I was in a hurry?  Anyway,
they have some clever stuff there for doing simultaneous drugs and
explosives checks using wipes and a gas chromatograph.  Quite
entertaining.  Body search wasn't very good - I gave them a few tips.

-- 
 Phil