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#15 by PeripheralxMvmnt on 03 Jan, 2010 15:35
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This happened while I was 5000 miles away from home. They definitely stepped up security when we boarded last night. Full inspection of check-in and carry-on bags, full pat-downs and wands.
What it takes to be safe these days... -
#16 by andrew on 03 Jan, 2010 18:18
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I'm not at all afraid to fly, but my tolerance for BS is very low. Given the increasing number of safety measures required, I'm going to avoid flying whenever possible.
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#17 by GASlick on 03 Jan, 2010 18:39
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I fly rarely. February 2008 was the last time. By the time you drive to the airport, check in three hours early, go through security, fly, wait on luggage and catch a cab or shuttle, I figure if it's within a 8 - 10 hour drive it's worth it to drive!
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#18 by D.A.L.U.I. on 03 Jan, 2010 18:56
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I fly rarely. February 2008 was the last time. By the time you drive to the airport, check in three hours early, go through security, fly, wait on luggage and catch a cab or shuttle, I figure if it's within a 8 - 10 hour drive it's worth it to drive!
Sort of the rule I follow, 5 hour or less drive, no change of planes, car. Any change of planes or 5+ hours fly.
But, they patted everyone down going into the Louisiana Superdome for the Sugar Bowl--I kind of felt sorry for the guys assigned to pat all the guys down, not nice duty. The ladies not only had to have the purses inspected they had to put them on a table w/ no hands on--that was new--usually until Christmas Day, a strap was permitted to remain on the lady's shoulder. -
#19 by cvasara on 03 Jan, 2010 19:17
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I prefer to fly, can't get to THE warm island by car, I don't leave the USA though, I haven't been out of the country since 1971, and that was to cross Ontario from Michigan to Niagara Falls and before that, it was 1967, when I worked for the government, and could walk the streets of many foreign countries in your dress blues. so
international travel, for me, and the wife is not going to happen ever again, in this lifetime.
Stepped up security is the price we pay, but it is still the safest method of travel, bar none.
We, as US Citizens, have to realize that these terrorists and extremists hate us more than they love themselves, and as long as that is true, dangers will always be present, no matter where you are. It doesn't have to be in an airplane.
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#20 by BaldBear on 04 Jan, 2010 14:27
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Although, more of a "self-defense" practice...using the Color Code system (taught to me by a very wise Sly Guy...who also happens to be an amazing shot) when in Travel mode isn't a bad idea.
Awareness, according to experts, makes up 90% of self-defense, the remaining 10% being physical techniques. With awareness, you can identify and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Without it, you become an easy target for a criminal.
Colonel Jeff Cooper, a combat pistol instructor, developed the Color Code system, used by most military and police organizations, to differentiate different levels of awareness.
These color codes help recognize, evaluate, and avoid potential threats. They are used to measure rising threat and make most situations avoidable. The following are the colors in ascending order of awareness of danger: white, yellow, orange, and red.
Code White
You feel secure, whether or not you are actually safe.
Awareness is switched off.
You are unaware of your environment, its inhabitants, and their rituals of attack.
All attackers look for victims in this state.
Code Yellow
You are cautious. You should spend most of the time in this state.
Awareness is switched on.
State of threat awareness and relaxed alertness.
You have a 360-degree peripheral awareness of such environmental danger spots as secluded doorways, entries, and alleys, as well as such psychological triggers as adrenal dump and attacker ruses. Be aware of people, vehicles, behind large objects, dark areas, etc.
Code Orange
You are in danger. You are aware of a potential threat.
State of threat evaluation.
Specific alert. A possible target has been identified. A particular situation that has drawn your attention and could present a major problem. Someone may be giving oral indicators such as direct threats or using suspicious language. Focus on the potential attacker.
Check to see if there is an avenue of escape, potential weapons available, and if others around you are friend or foe.
Decision is made to take action.
Code Red
You are in conflict.
State of threat avoidance.
Fight or flight. Flee, defend, or attack. You have evaluated the situation, and if there is a threat, you prepare to fight or run.
Never stand or fight if there is a possibility of fleeing.
Carry out decision to act made in Code Orange. You don't have to think; no indecision on the course of action; you are prepared.
If use of physical self-defense techniques is necessary, use the level of force appropriate to the threat. E.g., don't treat someone who pushes you because he is rude like someone who is trying to stab you with a knife.
How to Use the Color Codes of Awareness
The color codes of awareness are a continuum of your awareness and readiness to defend. The objective is to constantly flow from one color to the next above or below, depending on the situation.
Never be in white. Spend most your time in yellow, even in places where you feel safe, such as at home.
Constantly be aware and alert, and shift from yellow and orange often as you notice potential threats and dangers. While walking down the street, practice imaginary shifts between the 2 colors. Practice thinking of ways to respond to potential attackers.
When in orange, notice what you can do to flee, defend, or attack if it becomes necessary, and make the decision to take a specific action if the situation escalates to red.
What would you do if that person walking behind you picks up the pace and makes a move toward you? What would you do if someone jumped out of the alley just ahead of you? What would you do if someone walking in front of you suddenly cuts your path and raises his hands toward you?
The Color Codes in Practice
Here's one example of how the Color Codes of awareness could be used. A 100-pound woman is walking to her car, carrying grocery bags. Being aware and alert in Code Yellow, she sees two suspicious men near her car.
She switches from Yellow to Orange. She decides on her self-defense options. They walk toward her and reach for her. She switches to Red, and executes her decisions: she throws the bags at them and runs back into the store.
Another example. You are walking and someone diagonally across the street stares at you for no apparent reason, with an angry expression. He doesn't avert his gaze. You shift to Orange and decide to run the opposite direction and yell for help.
He starts moving quickly toward you, crossing the street without regard to traffic. You immediately shift to Red, and without thinking or deciding, run the opposite direction at the fastest speed you can, and either lose him or run into a police officer or security guard that can help you.
Conclusion
Starting right now, be in Code Yellow. Throughout your day, identify potential areas of danger and switch to Code Orange as necessary. Switch back to Code Yellow if no threat exists. Do this exercise again tomorrow. And the next day. And so on. Eventually, awareness becomes a habit. Make the most important self-defense skill, awareness, a habit. -
#21 by marty22 on 04 Jan, 2010 16:32
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Ive made over 200 flights since age 20 but in recent years I cant handle the BS with flight delays, weather and airport headaches. When I go to Florida to visit my mom, I usually drive. This year I have to go to COlorado, and I will be forced to fly. YUCK
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#22 by Mikekoz13 on 05 Jan, 2010 05:02
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In reference to BaldBEar's post.....
I live in a state of yellow. I grew up in a rough are of Baltimore and that state of being alert is just a part of me, gleaned from years of having to watch everything while growing up.
For example..... my wife knows that when we go out to eat, I always face the door so i can see who is coming and going, and what is going on. If trouble starts, I want to be able to see it immediately and react to protect my Family.
I always look around as I'm parking in any parking lot. I'm looking to see who is roaming around looking like they may not belong there, etc.
When you are in public.... walk looking up and in a confident manner. The bad guys will usually leave you alone if they sense confidence and the prospect for trouble from their victims. They want easy targets.
Just a couple of examples......... be alert gentlemen......... -
#23 by BaldBear on 06 Jan, 2010 14:04
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Just a couple of examples......... be alert gentlemen.........
Bingo! -
#24 by D.A.L.U.I. on 06 Jan, 2010 14:09
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Useful advice, does having a 70+ pound Doberman with you count? No one's ever come even close to me or my wife or daughters when they have Miss Irma, our dobie, with them, I guess they're just not friendly
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#25 by andrew on 06 Jan, 2010 17:08
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Useful advice, does having a 70+ pound Doberman with you count? No one's ever come even close to me or my wife or daughters when they have Miss Irma, our dobie, with them, I guess they're just not friendly
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That's a funny name for a doberman, especially a big one.