I'm almost sorry I started this string...

  The Homeland Security wonks at Portland International (and SFO) go seemingly crazy (not to mention twitch strangely) when lots of camera gear gets examined by the less well trained of screening agents. To ask for someone more 'photo aware' or higher in the chain of command is taken often as a personal affront. Now after having every normal 35mm camera array (twin) or lens set proving that they aren't some sort of bomb assembly or components of same... Imagine a camera as strange looking as the tri-lens beast gets pulled out.

    "Why do you use film these days sir?"

    "So you have both digital and film cameras with you today, why?"

   It really boggles the mind what stupid questions one can be asked by federal employee's these days. The having of one viewer makes matters so much simpler. It really boggles the mind how often I've been taken away to little exam rooms where one has explain what, how, why and god know what else to people whom somehow must have had an education of some type although no hints of same are in play at screening time.

   To be honest, it is a pleasure to deal with Canadian airport security personnel, but ignorant US agents seem to explain to me perhaps why the world hates us...