Airport security is a wonderful thing

So yesterday me and Dr. S to da V rolled down to Bergen for purposes of data collection. We had the first available flight out, and consequently had to get up before 4 AM. Since we needed to bring some custom-made syringes (a bunch of them), we had to be at the airport in time to check in a bag if we couldn't get it past security. Two days prior, I'd called the airport and asked what my odds were of bringing a box full of 10-12 cm syringes, and they told me that barring a miracle or a very understanding security guy at the checkpoint, I'd have to send the admittedly sharp objects. This information became available to me after three phonecalls, more than 15 different transfers and at least one Kevorkian disconnect.

As we rolled deuce deep into the airport, we decided that I'd just try to get past the security and pull ye olde "I'm just an absent-minded academic and I'm not a morning person so I plain forgot" mea culpa standby in case the rent-a-cops decided they wanted to jump me or something. Just to be sure, I was also bringing two ampules of white powder, so if I got stopped and frisked, I'd have some 'splaining to do. SO; I put my bag on the conveyor belt, put on my most benign look, and pimp-strolled through like nothing. My travel companion, however, got jumped and received the "let's rummage through your stuff" bonus package on account of him having forgotten to take off his belt.

Cliff notes: Rolling past security with a box full of syringes and white powder in vaguely marked glass vials is ok, nailclippers, wrist watches and belt buckles are not.

My faith in the security measures at airports has now skyrocketed.......