Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ?

Cherokee_Cruiser · September 4th, 2004, 17:17

[ QUOTE ]
Trouble!
Just as I had taken my seat I took out my binoculars and continued to write down the registrations of aircraft moving around. And I had to hurry because there were many! Once within the aircraft I didn't act discretely any more...and the result came fast. Though the middle seat next to me remained empty a girl and her mother in the row on the opponent side saw enough. Deeply convinced that they obviously had identified a registration noting member of 'Al Qaida', they must have approached the flights attendants immediately. While I was expecting push back soon, the female purser came to my seat and asked me: "Can you please explain what exactly you are writing down in your book?" I replied it was my hobby and that I collect tail numbers but she didn't understand. Of course I had expected questions like these before and that's why I had taken copies of the "jp airline fleets" and the latest "World Airline Fleets News" issue. I handed it all to her, along with my registration book and my passport. While about all passengers around looked at me she asked: "Would you mind if I take this all to the front and show it to the pilots?". Of course I agreed and then she walked away quickly. For some moments I wasn't sure how they would react but I hoped the captain would be intelligent enough to realize I wasn't a danger to the flight. However I thought about the option that they might take me off the plane. While the purser was gone, people, especially the woman and her daughter, stared at me. I was starting to get pissed about their "heroic courage", I shook my head, grabbed my binoculars and continued spotting and writing down. They must have been shocked about that but I really enjoyed that moment of writing down the next number while they all stared at me.
Definitely the flight was already delayed due to these people's "terror fear" and ongoing "investigation". After some five minutes the purser returned and gave me my stuff back: "The captain said it's alright. I hope you didn't feel offended by that but these people were really scared. Would you mind to answer some questions to anyone who wants to know what you are doing?" "Sure" I replied. I felt really comfortable after that...but guess, the 16-or 17-year old cry baby girl just about started to turn on her panic program. She might had expected I get removed from the flight and when she saw I got my stuff back she started crying and crying and her mother got in panic as well. "Oh my god, my daughter cannot go on this flight!!!" Damn I thought, these crazy people delay the departure even more. The purser addressed the mother: "The captain has said everything is fine, we checked him and there's no danger". It didn't help, the girl didn't stop crying and the purser offered: "Would it help if the captain came down to you? He will tell you it's alright." The mother replied: "Oh my god, tell this to my daughter!". I thought they were joking, would they really call the captain now? And they really did, two minutes later the captain appeared and said some words to the girl. I couldn't believe all the mess going on. He told her: "As soon as we are in the air you might feel better". He then went back and the girl didn't stop crying. Paranoia is something really bad...

[/ QUOTE ]

Source sucks: http://www.airliners.net/discussions...ad.main/48833/

but regardless, anyone else think it's just paranoia?

It's not like any anonymous person can just go to the FAA website and look up N-numbers ! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/insane.gif[/img]

kellwolf · September 4th, 2004, 17:34

I think it's good they checked the guy out. I'd be a little suspicious of some guy getting on an a/c with binoculors, too. Is he checking a/c or security fences. Although after getting the explanation, and identifying him as someone to sorta keep an eye on, I'd probably put my headphones back on or go back to my book. The people sitting next to him were most definately paranoid.

bullmastiff · September 4th, 2004, 17:36

I would have been a little concerned at first as well. These groups are actually very good at collecting intelligence data, and useing the most unsophisticated methods

mtsu_av8er · September 4th, 2004, 19:27

Doesn't matter if it makes sense or not. The President said that there are evil people all over the place, and they want nothing more than to do hard to the people in this country.

I don't know about you, but I'm gonna watch my back. Could be one of you guys in here....

If you disagree with me, well, you're probably not a real American anyway.

[/sarcasm]

Cutlass1287 · September 4th, 2004, 19:33

[ QUOTE ]
It's not like any anonymous person can just go to the FAA website and look up N-numbers ! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/insane.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually anyone can type an N number into google and get all the infoformation they want on an aircraft.

JDMcFly · September 4th, 2004, 19:37

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
It's not like any anonymous person can just go to the FAA website and look up N-numbers ! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/insane.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually anyone can type an N number into google and get all the infoformation they want on an aircraft.

[/ QUOTE ]

Or on the FAA website [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Was the girl hot?

hammer · September 4th, 2004, 19:45

[ QUOTE ]
Trouble!
Just as I had taken my seat I took out my binoculars and continued to write down the registrations of aircraft moving around. And I had to hurry because there were many!

[/ QUOTE ]

Legit concern. He's got a weird (we'll leave the discussion as to whether or not it's unhealthy) habit and it made others uncomfortable. Check him out.

RiddlePilot · September 4th, 2004, 19:54

[ QUOTE ]
Legit concern. He's got a weird (we'll leave the discussion as to whether or not it's unhealthy) habit and it made others uncomfortable. Check him out.

[/ QUOTE ]

Disagree. I'm under the opinion that folks should first need to prove that a person is doing something wrong, instead of assuming the worst and needing evidence that the person is doing something that's permissible.

JDMcFly · September 4th, 2004, 20:02

There is a difference between checking someone out and FREAKING OUT.

tonyw · September 4th, 2004, 20:07

Paranoia. Once he explained what he was doing, they should have dropped it.

Planespotting is a big hobby. Not mine, but some people like it.

Once someone has a legitimate explanation of what's going on, it's time to let it go.

Doug Taylor · September 4th, 2004, 20:18

Paranoia.

I'm probably the only black guy within three square miles and my presence may have made some of my neighbors uncomfortable maybe. If they want to have me investigated, they can kiss my ass until I break a law.

Their need to feel 'comfortable' does not supercede my constitutional rights.

mtsu_av8er · September 4th, 2004, 20:24

[ QUOTE ]
He's got a weird (we'll leave the discussion as to whether or not it's unhealthy) habit . . .

[/ QUOTE ]

What's weird about it? Why would it be unhealthy? Is it better than watching illiterate college drop outs play sports in between their lawsuits?

hammer · September 4th, 2004, 20:55

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Legit concern. He's got a weird (we'll leave the discussion as to whether or not it's unhealthy) habit and it made others uncomfortable. Check him out.

[/ QUOTE ]

Disagree. I'm under the opinion that folks should first need to prove that a person is doing something wrong, instead of assuming the worst and needing evidence that the person is doing something that's permissible.

[/ QUOTE ]

I didn't say he was doing anything wrong .... but he needs to exercise some caution with regard to what others may perceive. Over the past three years, as a whole, the population has become much more paranoid. Sitting down on an airplane and pulling out binoculars to write down all the registrations of the different airplanes you can see is harmless, but others who don't understand the hobby may not feel the same way. You're not allowed to watch airplanes from the roofs of most airport parking garages anymore ... common sense should have told the guy that doing it from within a commercial flight might be a great idea.

PaulRix · September 4th, 2004, 21:16

LOL Plane Spotting has quite a following. I have worked with some pretty serious spotters in my time (especially when I worked in ATC) and they were otherwise very normal people [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]. How is spotting going to pose a threat to a flight? In fact, spotters are extremely pro-aviation and would probably notice if something was awry or out of place before most other members of the public would. I suspect the tears were due to embarassment after the Captain said "No Problem".

mtsu_av8er · September 4th, 2004, 21:42

[ QUOTE ]
... common sense should have told the guy that doing it from within a commercial flight might be a great idea.

[/ QUOTE ]

So, if another pilot and I are riding, should we refrain from discussing landing techniques for the convenience of those around that may not understand that we're pilots?

Damn that....

RiddlePilot · September 4th, 2004, 22:21

[ QUOTE ]
I didn't say he was doing anything wrong .... but he needs to exercise some caution with regard to what others may perceive. Over the past three years, as a whole, the population has become much more paranoid. Sitting down on an airplane and pulling out binoculars to write down all the registrations of the different airplanes you can see is harmless, but others who don't understand the hobby may not feel the same way. You're not allowed to watch airplanes from the roofs of most airport parking garages anymore ... common sense should have told the guy that doing it from within a commercial flight might be a great idea.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think Doug put it best. A person's comfort level should not supercede my constitutional rights. If I feel like doing something like write down registration numbers, I'll do that all I want. It's not illegal, and a person who doesn't feel comfortable with that can shove it.

I'm a big Orwell fan, and see a strong parallel between people described in the book 1984, and a good amount of people in post-9/11 America. The idea that people are watching everyone else like a hawk for signs of "unorthodoxy" makes me sick to my stomach.

I_Money · September 4th, 2004, 23:25

I wonder how the Afghan sports teams travel - 18+ Afghans in one plane!!

pilot602 · September 4th, 2004, 23:43

[ QUOTE ]
Paranoia.

I'm probably the only black guy within three square miles and my presence may have made some of my neighbors uncomfortable maybe. If they want to have me investigated, they can kiss my ass until I break a law.

Their need to feel 'comfortable' does not supercede my constitutional rights.

[/ QUOTE ]

applause

I_Money · September 4th, 2004, 23:47

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Paranoia.

I'm probably the only black guy within three square miles and my presence may have made some of my neighbors uncomfortable maybe. If they want to have me investigated, they can kiss my ass until I break a law.

Their need to feel 'comfortable' does not supercede my constitutional rights.

[/ QUOTE ]

applause

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey I was driving in Irvine the other day - it was not my normal route, I was going in an odd pattern - it also was not my normal car.

There is this black guy who comes up along side me, with his hand makes the shape of a gun, and makes a gesture like he is going to shoot. His car had no license plate, so I could not report - scary stuff though. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/spin2.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/spin2.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/spin2.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/spin2.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/spin2.gif[/img]

Doug Taylor · September 5th, 2004, 00:24

Seriously though.

We're supposed to be tougher and smarter than this.

OCflyguy88 · September 5th, 2004, 01:54

I'd say paranoia. Simply because "spotting" isn't a one-man hobby, tons of people do it. Just look at airliners.net or jetphotos.net. An unknown hobby? I think not. Plenty of people have a fascination with airplanes, what's wrong with taking it to the next level, and having the literature to back it up? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/buck.gif[/img]

Although, in all fairness how often do you really see someone on an airplane with binoculars, writing something down he's looking at outside? Aside from my picture taking on flights I have yet to see such a thing. So I don't blame them for being somewhat concerned, after 9/11 better safe than sorry I say. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

...

Let me ask you this, would you say that Northwest flight into LAX was paranoia or a legit concern?

I_Money · September 5th, 2004, 02:14

[ QUOTE ]
Seriously though.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry for being unserious - it is a bit OTT however a guy with binoculers on a flight is bizzarre, and can understand concerns.

Doug Taylor · September 5th, 2004, 02:24

Here's some paranoia for ya!

Another website got hacked over the weekend and the hacker put up an anti-Israel statement. So all of the users of this hacked site start freaking out and screaming about how they should call the FBI and how it was most certainly terrorists that did it.

Turns out the webmaster left a HUGE gaping security hole open which probably some bored 11 year old tinkered with and put up an Eminem midi file and a 'F you and Israel' statement.

To add insult to injury, there was a Muslim lady that came by the site once and the other ladies started up with whole paranoia thing, gave her the cold shoulder and she eventually got the hint and never came back.

So these ladies are absolutely convinced that the Muslim former user is involved in the website hack and how she's probably a terrorist and how they're gathering up any information they have on her to turn her into the FBI... yadda yadda yadda.

That's paranoia!

tonyw · September 5th, 2004, 02:58

It was true hundreds of years ago, and it's true now.

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Ben Franklin had it right.

Aaron_Kearney · September 5th, 2004, 05:05

Happy b-day Tony!

[/off topic]

Staring out the window with binocs does seem a lil odd but it's even worse that the girl couldn't calm down after the captain himself told her it was fine.

September 4th, 2004, 17:17	#1
Cherokee_Cruiser Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 1,419	Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] Trouble! Just as I had taken my seat I took out my binoculars and continued to write down the registrations of aircraft moving around. And I had to hurry because there were many! Once within the aircraft I didn't act discretely any more...and the result came fast. Though the middle seat next to me remained empty a girl and her mother in the row on the opponent side saw enough. Deeply convinced that they obviously had identified a registration noting member of 'Al Qaida', they must have approached the flights attendants immediately. While I was expecting push back soon, the female purser came to my seat and asked me: "Can you please explain what exactly you are writing down in your book?" I replied it was my hobby and that I collect tail numbers but she didn't understand. Of course I had expected questions like these before and that's why I had taken copies of the "jp airline fleets" and the latest "World Airline Fleets News" issue. I handed it all to her, along with my registration book and my passport. While about all passengers around looked at me she asked: "Would you mind if I take this all to the front and show it to the pilots?". Of course I agreed and then she walked away quickly. For some moments I wasn't sure how they would react but I hoped the captain would be intelligent enough to realize I wasn't a danger to the flight. However I thought about the option that they might take me off the plane. While the purser was gone, people, especially the woman and her daughter, stared at me. I was starting to get pissed about their "heroic courage", I shook my head, grabbed my binoculars and continued spotting and writing down. They must have been shocked about that but I really enjoyed that moment of writing down the next number while they all stared at me. Definitely the flight was already delayed due to these people's "terror fear" and ongoing "investigation". After some five minutes the purser returned and gave me my stuff back: "The captain said it's alright. I hope you didn't feel offended by that but these people were really scared. Would you mind to answer some questions to anyone who wants to know what you are doing?" "Sure" I replied. I felt really comfortable after that...but guess, the 16-or 17-year old cry baby girl just about started to turn on her panic program. She might had expected I get removed from the flight and when she saw I got my stuff back she started crying and crying and her mother got in panic as well. "Oh my god, my daughter cannot go on this flight!!!" Damn I thought, these crazy people delay the departure even more. The purser addressed the mother: "The captain has said everything is fine, we checked him and there's no danger". It didn't help, the girl didn't stop crying and the purser offered: "Would it help if the captain came down to you? He will tell you it's alright." The mother replied: "Oh my god, tell this to my daughter!". I thought they were joking, would they really call the captain now? And they really did, two minutes later the captain appeared and said some words to the girl. I couldn't believe all the mess going on. He told her: "As soon as we are in the air you might feel better". He then went back and the girl didn't stop crying. Paranoia is something really bad... [/ QUOTE ] Source sucks: http://www.airliners.net/discussions...ad.main/48833/ but regardless, anyone else think it's just paranoia? It's not like any anonymous person can just go to the FAA website and look up N-numbers ! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/insane.gif[/img]

September 4th, 2004, 17:34	#2
kellwolf Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 14,230	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? I think it's good they checked the guy out. I'd be a little suspicious of some guy getting on an a/c with binoculors, too. Is he checking a/c or security fences. Although after getting the explanation, and identifying him as someone to sorta keep an eye on, I'd probably put my headphones back on or go back to my book. The people sitting next to him were most definately paranoid.

September 4th, 2004, 17:36	#3
bullmastiff Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hockey Town, MI,USA Posts: 839	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? I would have been a little concerned at first as well. These groups are actually very good at collecting intelligence data, and useing the most unsophisticated methods

September 4th, 2004, 19:27	#4
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,590	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? Doesn't matter if it makes sense or not. The President said that there are evil people all over the place, and they want nothing more than to do hard to the people in this country. I don't know about you, but I'm gonna watch my back. Could be one of you guys in here.... If you disagree with me, well, you're probably not a real American anyway. [/sarcasm]

September 4th, 2004, 19:33	#5
Cutlass1287 Junior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 114	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] It's not like any anonymous person can just go to the FAA website and look up N-numbers ! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/insane.gif[/img] [/ QUOTE ] Actually anyone can type an N number into google and get all the infoformation they want on an aircraft.

September 4th, 2004, 19:37	#6
JDMcFly Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New York Posts: 1,694	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] It's not like any anonymous person can just go to the FAA website and look up N-numbers ! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/insane.gif[/img] [/ QUOTE ] Actually anyone can type an N number into google and get all the infoformation they want on an aircraft. [/ QUOTE ] Or on the FAA website [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] Was the girl hot?

September 4th, 2004, 19:45	#7
hammer Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 200	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] Trouble! Just as I had taken my seat I took out my binoculars and continued to write down the registrations of aircraft moving around. And I had to hurry because there were many! [/ QUOTE ] Legit concern. He's got a weird (we'll leave the discussion as to whether or not it's unhealthy) habit and it made others uncomfortable. Check him out.

September 4th, 2004, 19:54	#8
RiddlePilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 928	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] Legit concern. He's got a weird (we'll leave the discussion as to whether or not it's unhealthy) habit and it made others uncomfortable. Check him out. [/ QUOTE ] Disagree. I'm under the opinion that folks should first need to prove that a person is doing something wrong, instead of assuming the worst and needing evidence that the person is doing something that's permissible.

September 4th, 2004, 20:02	#9
JDMcFly Old Skool Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New York Posts: 1,694	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? There is a difference between checking someone out and FREAKING OUT.

September 4th, 2004, 20:07	#10
tonyw Old Skool Join Date: May 2002 Location: Maryland Posts: 15,922	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? Paranoia. Once he explained what he was doing, they should have dropped it. Planespotting is a big hobby. Not mine, but some people like it. Once someone has a legitimate explanation of what's going on, it's time to let it go.

September 4th, 2004, 20:18	#11
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 41,926 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? Paranoia. I'm probably the only black guy within three square miles and my presence may have made some of my neighbors uncomfortable maybe. If they want to have me investigated, they can kiss my ass until I break a law. Their need to feel 'comfortable' does not supercede my constitutional rights.

September 4th, 2004, 20:24	#12
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,590	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] He's got a weird (we'll leave the discussion as to whether or not it's unhealthy) habit . . . [/ QUOTE ] What's weird about it? Why would it be unhealthy? Is it better than watching illiterate college drop outs play sports in between their lawsuits?

September 4th, 2004, 20:55	#13
hammer Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 200	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Legit concern. He's got a weird (we'll leave the discussion as to whether or not it's unhealthy) habit and it made others uncomfortable. Check him out. [/ QUOTE ] Disagree. I'm under the opinion that folks should first need to prove that a person is doing something wrong, instead of assuming the worst and needing evidence that the person is doing something that's permissible. [/ QUOTE ] I didn't say he was doing anything wrong .... but he needs to exercise some caution with regard to what others may perceive. Over the past three years, as a whole, the population has become much more paranoid. Sitting down on an airplane and pulling out binoculars to write down all the registrations of the different airplanes you can see is harmless, but others who don't understand the hobby may not feel the same way. You're not allowed to watch airplanes from the roofs of most airport parking garages anymore ... common sense should have told the guy that doing it from within a commercial flight might be a great idea.

September 4th, 2004, 21:16	#14
PaulRix Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ohio USA Posts: 158	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? LOL Plane Spotting has quite a following. I have worked with some pretty serious spotters in my time (especially when I worked in ATC) and they were otherwise very normal people [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]. How is spotting going to pose a threat to a flight? In fact, spotters are extremely pro-aviation and would probably notice if something was awry or out of place before most other members of the public would. I suspect the tears were due to embarassment after the Captain said "No Problem".

September 4th, 2004, 21:42	#15
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,590	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] ... common sense should have told the guy that doing it from within a commercial flight might be a great idea. [/ QUOTE ] So, if another pilot and I are riding, should we refrain from discussing landing techniques for the convenience of those around that may not understand that we're pilots? Damn that....

September 4th, 2004, 22:21	#16
RiddlePilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 928	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] I didn't say he was doing anything wrong .... but he needs to exercise some caution with regard to what others may perceive. Over the past three years, as a whole, the population has become much more paranoid. Sitting down on an airplane and pulling out binoculars to write down all the registrations of the different airplanes you can see is harmless, but others who don't understand the hobby may not feel the same way. You're not allowed to watch airplanes from the roofs of most airport parking garages anymore ... common sense should have told the guy that doing it from within a commercial flight might be a great idea. [/ QUOTE ] I think Doug put it best. A person's comfort level should not supercede my constitutional rights. If I feel like doing something like write down registration numbers, I'll do that all I want. It's not illegal, and a person who doesn't feel comfortable with that can shove it. I'm a big Orwell fan, and see a strong parallel between people described in the book 1984, and a good amount of people in post-9/11 America. The idea that people are watching everyone else like a hawk for signs of "unorthodoxy" makes me sick to my stomach.

September 4th, 2004, 23:25	#17
I_Money Moderator Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Socal Posts: 5,691	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? I wonder how the Afghan sports teams travel - 18+ Afghans in one plane!!

September 4th, 2004, 23:43	#18
pilot602 Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: who haa Posts: 3,752	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] Paranoia. I'm probably the only black guy within three square miles and my presence may have made some of my neighbors uncomfortable maybe. If they want to have me investigated, they can kiss my ass until I break a law. Their need to feel 'comfortable' does not supercede my constitutional rights. [/ QUOTE ] applause

September 4th, 2004, 23:47	#19
I_Money Moderator Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Socal Posts: 5,691	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Paranoia. I'm probably the only black guy within three square miles and my presence may have made some of my neighbors uncomfortable maybe. If they want to have me investigated, they can kiss my ass until I break a law. Their need to feel 'comfortable' does not supercede my constitutional rights. [/ QUOTE ] applause [/ QUOTE ] Hey I was driving in Irvine the other day - it was not my normal route, I was going in an odd pattern - it also was not my normal car. There is this black guy who comes up along side me, with his hand makes the shape of a gun, and makes a gesture like he is going to shoot. His car had no license plate, so I could not report - scary stuff though. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/spin2.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/spin2.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/spin2.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/spin2.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/spin2.gif[/img]

September 5th, 2004, 00:24	#20
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 41,926 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? Seriously though. We're supposed to be tougher and smarter than this.

September 5th, 2004, 01:54	#21
OCflyguy88 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 142	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? I'd say paranoia. Simply because "spotting" isn't a one-man hobby, tons of people do it. Just look at airliners.net or jetphotos.net. An unknown hobby? I think not. Plenty of people have a fascination with airplanes, what's wrong with taking it to the next level, and having the literature to back it up? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/buck.gif[/img] Although, in all fairness how often do you really see someone on an airplane with binoculars, writing something down he's looking at outside? Aside from my picture taking on flights I have yet to see such a thing. So I don't blame them for being somewhat concerned, after 9/11 better safe than sorry I say. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] ... Let me ask you this, would you say that Northwest flight into LAX was paranoia or a legit concern?

September 5th, 2004, 02:14	#22
I_Money Moderator Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Socal Posts: 5,691	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? [ QUOTE ] Seriously though. [/ QUOTE ] Sorry for being unserious - it is a bit OTT however a guy with binoculers on a flight is bizzarre, and can understand concerns.

September 5th, 2004, 02:24	#23
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 41,926 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? Here's some paranoia for ya! Another website got hacked over the weekend and the hacker put up an anti-Israel statement. So all of the users of this hacked site start freaking out and screaming about how they should call the FBI and how it was most certainly terrorists that did it. Turns out the webmaster left a HUGE gaping security hole open which probably some bored 11 year old tinkered with and put up an Eminem midi file and a 'F you and Israel' statement. To add insult to injury, there was a Muslim lady that came by the site once and the other ladies started up with whole paranoia thing, gave her the cold shoulder and she eventually got the hint and never came back. So these ladies are absolutely convinced that the Muslim former user is involved in the website hack and how she's probably a terrorist and how they're gathering up any information they have on her to turn her into the FBI... yadda yadda yadda. That's paranoia!

September 5th, 2004, 02:58	#24
tonyw Old Skool Join Date: May 2002 Location: Maryland Posts: 15,922	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? It was true hundreds of years ago, and it's true now. They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Ben Franklin had it right.

September 5th, 2004, 05:05	#25
Aaron_Kearney Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Louisville KY USA Posts: 603	Re: Legitimate concern or simple paranoia ? Happy b-day Tony! [/off topic] Staring out the window with binocs does seem a lil odd but it's even worse that the girl couldn't calm down after the captain himself told her it was fine.

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