In London, security = stupidity

[Incredible Hulctuary]

Flew back from London a few days ago (that's why you haven't seen me on this board since mid-July). While there I had to endure some of the useless tactics they have implemented in the name of security.

1. Train stations don't have have garbage bins, even though they often have food vendors. After having bought something and looking for a bin to throw away the junk, I came to learn that the bins were deliberately removed because somebody might leave a bomb in one of them. So I had to carry the garbage with me on the train and dump it in a bin when I got back to the street at my destination.

2. Went on the London Eye, which is a Ferris wheel over 400 feet high that gives you a great view of the city. Before you go on it they make you open your bags and they wave a metal detector wand up and down your body. I have no idea what they're trying to prevent, because you can walk right up to within less than 10 yards of the wheel without being searched (they only search people who actually entered the line), and if you plan to stab or rob somebody on it, you can't go anywhere until the wheel goes around and they let you off.

3. Went to a sporting event at a stadium. When selling bottles of water, they take off the cap and don't give it to you because (paraphased quote) "the cap can be used as a missile".