gut response

"It makes you act in an entirely different way... [and] I found it extremely disconcerting."

"It made me curious in my thoughts and really very anxious in my gut. So I felt quite anxious/nervous but it made no sense to feel like that."

"It's a unique experience yet at the same time its a very familiar experience. It really captures one's imagination."

Elliot Cooper (PhD Candidate, University of Canberra), 2007

built for all weather

(just add umbrella)


the suspect backpack heads off on a journey in the rain

solaar powa

solar powered backpacks: http://www.voltaicsystems.com/

(although it takes at least 4 hours to charge a mobile phone, wonder what it would take for a laptop...)

scanning philadelphia's homeland security

"Many people today are accustomed to Immigration and Customs at airports but nothing had prepared me for the surreal encounter on entering Philadelphia airport. Standard questions as 'what are you doing in the USA? How long will you stay here? Where are you staying?' were greeted with my standard answers. Nothing could have prepared me for the additional questions from Customs though - with suitcase in hand I handed over my form.

'What would I find in your suitcase if I were to look inside?'
the security guard asked.
'What would I find if I were to search your backpack?'

Then looking me up and down, head to toe, he calmly asked
'So...what are you wearing?'

I was stunned. After a long pause all I could do was sleepily point to myself and mutter '...er...clothes.'. He looked at me again, smiled coolly, and repeated, 'yes but what are wearing?' pointing at my Vexed Generation outfit. He then told me to move on, leaving me thoroughly bewildered. Are there now fashion restrictions on entering the USA?" (Scanner March 2007)

speakers - script

Suspicious behaviour will not be tolerated. We have been advised that in the current political climate it has been necessary for governments to implement experimental surveillance technologies.

Individuals who are found loitering, particularly those of middle-eastern appearance, or those who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, have very few remaining rights. states a source, who cannot be identified.

Wearing dark clothing or carrying a heavy, bulky bag or anything that matches these descriptions triggers a cacophony of alarms. Citizens who own a laptop computer, mobile devices such as digital cameras or music players and who are determined to carry them around in a

Backpack, are likely to be detained for questioning or searched on the spot. It is impossible to tell whether you will be instructed to move along or if additional probing technologies will be called upon. If this is the case, it is highly probable that such people will be

arrested in no time at all.
While the masses, navigate their way through chaotic and over-populated city streets, after a stressful day in the office, thoughts such as these could be the last things on their mind.

Crowded transport systems and other popular metropolitan destinations, venues such as open-air shopping malls, markets and frequently touristed

public spaces are considered to be probable target zones. Authorities have issued warnings and are stationed in various inner-city centres in specific

locations where this may occur. Disaster response units are on high alert, ready to react at the slightest sign of danger. Urban inhabitants should undertake appropriate cautionary measures.

[The "news headline" is indicated in bold...]

headphones - script

Breathe. Take a step forward, and another one. How many times have you tried? You have to do it this time.

It’s OK to take it slowly. Not everyone is this afraid of public spaces. The other people, aren’t that’s for sure. That’s what you take anxiety pills for.

They’re going about their own business and are too concerned with their things, and are definitely busy with their stuff. They are really, really you hear me… really

not aware of you, in-fact no-one is even likely to glance your way and they’re certainly not able to draw their attention away from their portable media players they can’t stop fidgeting with or

watching. They’re not concerned about anything else apart from themselves, especially such little things like other city inhabitants such as

you, where you’re going, or what you’re doing. So what are worried about? The world can’t be this hard.

Just get on with it. It’s not that difficult to do, and it’ll make things better. You’ll see.

Breathe. Remember to breathe. Deep breaths. One more for good luck.


[The "headline" is indicated in bold...]