Several years ago, TSA implemented a checkpoint system for airport travelers, in hopes of streamlining the security lines. At LaGuardia, there are four lines:

1. Family Traveler
2. Casual Traveler
3. Expert Traveler
4. First Class

While each category of traveler is self-explanatory, I can’t fathom ever opting for the Family Traveler line (conceivably the slowest moving line of all). Of course, this line is intended to prevent single travelers stuck behind a family of screaming kids with strollers.

Interestingly enough, when I checked through security last week, the Family traveler line was clearly half the length of the “Expert Traveler” line. I took a gamble on the “Family Line” and breezed through security in about five minutes–it would have taken me at least 15 minutes to get through the “Expert Line”.

The next time I travel, I’m definitely going to take note of the “Family Line”.

misc travel

Several months ago, I mentioned the pain of being a USPS customer, especially at some branch locations. I would like to make an addendum today.

I had the displeasure of trekking to the post office today to pick up a piece of certified mail. The local branch opens its doors at 9am. I came at 8:50am in hopes of beating the crowd. Apparently, the lobby opens its doors 8:30am in preparation for the day. When I arrived at 8:50am, I was the 8th person in line! I waiting approximately 1 hour to reach the front of the line, and another 13 minutes for them to find my mail.

It may be time I invest in a 3rd party mailbox service, such as mailboxes at the UPS Stores. Does anyone have experience using these services?

misc rant

I used to toss sensitive documents in the hospital shredder bin. The bin is usually a locked cabinet that is emptied occasionally by a professional shredding company.

Several weeks ago, I noticed that a few of the hospital maintenance workers were digging around the “locked” bin. Since then, I’ve acquired a cheap-o-shredder for shredding purposes.

What I’ve discovered is that the standard 6-8 page vertical shredders are junk. You can’t aggressively shred anything thicker than 5 pages without jamming the grinder. In addition, the papers shreds could actually be reconstructed without too much difficulty if all the pieces were available.

I guess I have two alternatives:

1. Buy a nicer, cross cutting shredder with larger blade.
2. Burn my documents.

Or shred AND burn them. That would be entertaining and most effective.

misc humor, work

The NOAA has a tsunami tracker on their website. Interesting find…

misc

I saw a disproportionately large pigeon outside my window. It would take only 5 of those birds to span the entire width of the A/C unit. That is big.

misc misc