[Source Unknown]

We can only assume that while some poor boy with an unconfirmed fractured tibia had to wait in excruciating pain for a hospital’s only x-ray room to open, Flickr member Reintji had locked the doors from the inside as he tossed forth a pile of vintage gaming equipment to be scanned despite its inherent and shameless lack of medical insurance.

Fast forward a few weeks, and an HMO lacky is approving the expenses of Mr. Play Station the Third. Then just for a moment, the little guy claims a victory over mega corporations…while an even littler guy nurses his still-broken leg. [Flickr via AcidMods via technabob]

Apparently the trials at 6 airports have gone so well that the TSA would like to have all passengers “go through the whole-body imager instead of the walk-through metal detector.” In other words, everyone who gets on a plane will be seen quasi-naked.

The TSA is quick to remind the public that the technician is “off-site” and unable to associate your grey naked body with your real, grey naked body.

Swapping all metal detectors to whole body scanners should make that 100ml liquid rule a thing of the past, but with each scanner running $US100,000 to $US170,000 apiece, the upgrade won’t exactly be free. And really, I think the TSA should be paying me if they expect to see my naked behind. At least then I’d know the money was worth it. [NYT and Budget Travel and Getty Images]

This X-Ray lamp, slightly different than the X-ray lamp we’ve seen before, seems to be a real product by Sture Pallarp customisable with your own medical records. But imagine the cocktail conversation, the ease with which it would initiate the opportunity to brag about what you’ve always considered your most charming feature, your lungs.

“Oh, these old things? Yeah. My doctor says they’re awesome and a miracle and stuff, but you know, just lungs to me. I still take things a breath at a time, like everyone else.”

[Sture Pallarp via bookofjoe]

The researchers believe that this “technology” could eventually be refined to make inexpensive medical devices for developing countries. They have even applied for a patent that would cover such devices. In the meantime, using Scotch tape in normal situations should not produce any harmful effects, although one researcher on the project noted: “If you’re going to peel tape in a vacuum, you should be extra careful.” But “I will continue to use Scotch tape during my daily life, and I think it’s safe to do it in your office. No guarantees.”

“No guarantees?” I would expect media fear mongers to run with that one. “What everyday household item causes cancer? We’ll tell you at 11.” [CNN and Wired Science]

Upon discharge (the prisoners from the hospital, not the mobile phones from the butts), the prisoners will be moved to special punishment cells for their actions. And it just goes to show, while push email sure is nice and Wi-Fi browsing can come in handy, it’s all no replacement for a good shit. [dialaphone]

Pathfinder is currently developing two “checkpoint friendly” models: one wheeled trolley with a removable laptop case, one a briefcase that reveals the laptop when it’s unzipped. These new foam and nylon cases will set you back between US$100 and US$200. Targus’s X-rayable cases vary from a US$39 backpack and a US$100 business traveller version. And there are at least four or five other manufacturers also submitting prototypes to the agency for checking.

But there’s still a catch, of sorts: the TSA is not certifying these bags, and asks that manufacturers use terms like “checkpoint friendly” instead, and avoid buckles pockets or zips in the design. Does that mean your impractical bag won’t seal securely and some officious security guard may still make you fish out your laptop anyway, as he doesn’t believe it to be “friendly” to the X-ray machine? Time will tell. [NYTimes]

[Image: Nick Veasey]