To my shame, I was still thinking these thoughts (to a smaller degree) even after reading a column by Leonard Pitts that, sadly, paints an accurate picture of Americans and their (my) concern for comfort over security. Here is an article that shows the British feel the same way. In one news story about the foiled plot, a female traveler complained that now she will be bored on international flights, since iPods were apparently banned under the new measures. Upon reading her comment, I self-righteously thought, “Well, I don’t have that problem, since I don’t have an iPod.” My second preferred method for alleviating boredom on planes is to read a book.
Books haven’t completely become obsolete, but with so much electronic entertainment out there (don’t even get me started on e-books), unfortunately books just aren’t as “exciting” to a good percentage of the population. Due to the new safety regulations, perhaps books will make a comeback, as it were. I received the following piece from a forwarded email a long time ago; maybe now is an appropriate time to dust it off and remind people that they still have options.
Introducing the new Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge device,
trade-named: BOOK
BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It's so easy to use, even a child can operate it.
Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere – even sitting in an armchair by the fire -- yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc. Here's how it works:
BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder, which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence.
Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now, BOOKs with more information simply use more pages.
Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. BOOK may be taken up at any time and used merely by opening it.
Unlike other display devices, BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, and it can even be dropped on the floor or stepped on without damage. However, it can become unusable if immersed in water for a significant period of time. The "browse" feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an "index" feature, which pinpoints the exact location of selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional "BOOKmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session -- even if the BOOK has been closed. BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single BOOKmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous BOOKmarkers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.
You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with an optional programming tool, the Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (PENCILS).
Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. Also, BOOK's appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform and investors are reportedly flocking. Look for a flood of new titles soon.
Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere – even sitting in an armchair by the fire -- yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc. Here's how it works:
BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder, which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence.
Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now, BOOKs with more information simply use more pages.
Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. BOOK may be taken up at any time and used merely by opening it.
Unlike other display devices, BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, and it can even be dropped on the floor or stepped on without damage. However, it can become unusable if immersed in water for a significant period of time. The "browse" feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an "index" feature, which pinpoints the exact location of selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional "BOOKmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session -- even if the BOOK has been closed. BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single BOOKmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous BOOKmarkers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.
You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with an optional programming tool, the Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (PENCILS).
Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. Also, BOOK's appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform and investors are reportedly flocking. Look for a flood of new titles soon.
2 comments:
Yes, but even books were not allowed on UK to U.S. flights for a while after the terrorist alert was raised. Here's an official list of what could be carried on board...and only in a clear plastic baggie (I'm not making this up):
-Pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags))
-Travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets)
-Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic
-Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases
-Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution
-For those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger)
-Sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).
-Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes)
-Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
-Keys (but no electrical key fobs)
-Any food purchased in the international departures lounge must be consumed before boarding
-All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying must be x-ray screened. Any liquids discovered must be removed from the passenger
-Pushchairs and walking aids must be x-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point.
(Sorry, I don't remember what website I copied this from, maybe British Airways; restrictions were "relaxed" within a few days. Passengers were allowed to pack shampoos, etc., in their checked luggage.)
Like I said, glad I'm not traveling any time soon....
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