Being a regular part of the downtown commuters rush, it isn’t unusual to see members of the media around for this story, that story, or just perhaps to comment on the general flow of humanity that seems to emanate from the city centre and flow deep into the suburbs. This past Wednesday, however, there had been a bit of a snow storm and one of the trains had been derailed in the mornings. The local news crew at CBC was covering this pretty extensively for the evening news, and I was passing by on my way to the train when I heard them asking for people to talk to. My train hadn’t arrived, so why not. Spoke a bit about the derailment and how people should be more concerned about those involved with the wreck and less with the commute.
They then asked about a separate story that was airing on the National news that evening, in regards to Laser pointers being used at airports by those on the ground with the intention of distracting or blinding pilots while attempting to land. I did remember something like that being shown on an episode of CSI: Miami “Money Plane”, and I do recall that it actually was based on a true story (may have been on the behind the scenes or something). I know that green laser pointers, especially the good ones, have a much longer distance, more powerful beam (in general) and are fairly accessible now. I know that I am interested in getting one!
It was an interesting topic, and makes you think about the level that laser pointers have come in terms of their exploits. Those who recall when laser pointers were first becoming really mass-market, just about everyone had to try them out. Adding smiley face moulds to the front of the laser in order to project a huge, disfigured smile on a screen. This was especially prevalent if you ever went to the movies. Someone would always shine the pointer, and there were two reactions. Either you found it hilarious, or you were ready to throw them through the screen. Cooler heads prevailed, and eventually it become not really cool, annoying, and I don’t see it happen anymore. WWE (when it was WWF) even had a very strong ban on the pointers, and I remember going to concerts around this time and being searched specifically for those little lasers. This, however, is a bit more grave.
At what point do these kind of playful (if you would call it that) bits of activity become a criminal act. Right now, police are taking notice of people shining green lasers at helicopters, but no arrests or convictions in regards to it have been noted. Many people on the CTV.ca website for this story also believed that shining a laser at a landing plane can be construed as attempted murder. A bit extreme, but something worth thinking about.
I did end up on TV for about 5 seconds. No, I can’t find a clip.
Further Reading:
WOOOOOOOOOO LASER POINTERS SUCK! BE LIKE IKE!
This is boring You havent UPDATED in like 5 DAYS UPDATE!!!