Weekly Link Roundup: Treasure Hunts & Airport Security Toys

BoingBoing has a quick article about a toy Airport Security Screening X-Ray Machine (pictured) While the toy itself strikes me as not much more than a cardboard box with some fancy stickers and holes cut at each end, the reader reaction in comments is interesting. There's a fine balance between teaching kids not to be unduly worried about putting a treasured blanket or lovey on the airport conveyer belt and teaching them to accept whatever security measures are put in place without question. My kids are a little too young to understand the nuances of security theatre, but I'd be interested to hear what you think in the comments.

TravelingMamas (a group written blog about traveling with kids, moms solo travel, and more) has a nice article about modern day treasure hunting . According to the article:

Letterboxing enthusiasts have hidden upwards of 10,000 waterproof boxes throughout the United States and Canada—in parks, remote picturesque places, even city streets and indoor tourist attractions. Inside these boxes are typically a logbook, rubber stamp and inkpad.
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When you uncover a letterbox, you stamp the logbook with your own personal stamp, and you stamp your personal logbook with the box’s stamp to keep track of all your finds. Sometimes other small rewards or clues to another letterbox are included as well.

You can use the Letterboxing website to get clues about letterbox locations. This is a great way to make a road trip fun, or even a fun way to make a favorite attraction near home new again.

0 comments | Posted on March 3, 2008 | Save to del.icio.us

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