> Each of the 17 TSA TSOs that responded to me detailed their personal discomfort in conducting the new pat downs, with more than one stating that it is likely they are more uncomfortable performing the pat down than passengers are receiving them. via [boardingarea.com](http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/2010/11/18/tsa-enhanced-pat-downs-the-screeners-point-of-view/)Well, that’s no surprise. And I’ve never blamed the agents in the field for this issue. It’s the system that’s broken. The entire approach is flawed, and it benefits absolutely no one…

> When we got to the scanner, I opted out. Then they opted out. She’d already convinced the family behind them to do the same. Her response to the TSA agent was awesome, I wish I’d thought of it: > > “Ma’am, please step over here.” > > “No thanks, I’ve already had cancer, just feel me up or whatever.” > > After the first 4 “OPT-OUT” calls, they just passed us all through the regular metal detector. No one got groped. > > Information, properly delivered, is power. via [blog.izs.me](http://blog.…

> At a Senate oversight hearing today, Transportation Security Administration head John Pistole explained that TSA agents really do need to [encounter testicular resistance](http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/10/assume-the-position-tsa-begins-new-ball-busting-patdowns.ars) when performing their newly enhanced airport pat-downs. Since switching to the new pat-downs in the last few weeks, “We have detected dozens and dozens of, let’s say, ‘artfully concealed objects'” that could pose a risk to flight, said Pistole. > > Indeed, the government’s own covert penetration testing of airports showed that it wasn’t difficult to get…

> In the end, security escorted Tyner out of the airport, after American Airlines refunded his ticket. > > According to Aguilar, Tyner is under investigation for leaving the security area without permission. via [signonsandiego.com](http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/15/tsa-probe-scan-resistor/)The TSA is so afraid of the recent backlash against their security puppet show that they are willing to have a press conference announcing an “investigation” into the actions of John Tyner, who resisted the body scan in San Diego last weekend. Read his original story and hear…

> Because the X-rays only make it just under the skin’s surface, the total volume of tissue responsible for absorbing the radiation is fairly small. The professors point out that many body parts that are particularly susceptible to cancer are just under the surface, such as breast tissue and testicles. They are also concerned with those over 65, as well as children, being exposed to the X-rays. via [arstechnica.com](http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2010/11/fda-sidesteps-safety-concerns-over-tsa-body-scanners.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss)Breast tissue…