Do It Yourselfers, watch out for TSA (Terminally Stupid Administrators)

If you are a DIY'er, you may wish to check in your items, or you risk spending more than one hour with 15 TSA employees. I don't mind it when it's done with some intelligence. But, when the EWR Elite Access TSA security staff told me that my Toyota Prius car key has to be checked in and could not be carried pass the security checkpoint, it made me feel less secure. And, it was a waste of my time and tax money.

Their rationale? It has a button that could remotely activate something. I pointed out that all new car keys do that. When security is carried too far, it's stupidity that shifts energy and attention away from the truly dangerous security threats. It also shows lack of training and poor judgement.

Less stupid, but still a waste of time is the kind of items considered to be "modified." These are not allowed through. An extension cord with a switch? Modified. Shortened USB cables? modified. Radio Shack AA battery holders? Modified. In fact, anything that has been repaired would be considered "modified".

The Cheap DIY Charger for iPod (http://knowledgeaction.blogspot.com/2006/08/tech-tip-cheap-diy-charger-for-ipod.html) was designed and built, but it was not purchased and so .... You guessed it, it's "modified."