Well, now there's a non-specific, unsubstantiated threat against a West LA shopping mall. Quoted from NBC's website:

The advisory asks the public and mall security forces to look for:

• Multiple sightings of the same suspicious person, vehicle or activity at the same location;
• Individuals or activities that don't "fit" into the surrounding environment;
• Individuals sitting in a parked vehicle for an extended period of time;
• Individuals or several people sketching or taking notes, photographing or videotaping areas or buildings not normally associated with tourist activity;
• Clothing out of place for the weather, such as someone wearing a heavy coat in hot weather;
• Individuals or people carrying unusually heavy bags or backpacks;
• Vehicles -- especially vans, U-Hauls or delivery trucks -- improperly parked or parked in locations not normally associated with deliveries;
• Follow your instinct. If something doesn't look right, it might not be.

Well... I guess that means I should not use my new digital camera, since that might arouse suspicion. And I'd better not carry my journal, either. And I'm a good patriot, so I'll definitely have to be extra-certain that I fit in with my surrounding environment. I haven't got a truck or a van, just a nice, normal-seeming green BMW, so that's OK. And I'll make sure not to sit around in it doing nothing for too long. Plus sticking a few flag decals on it probably couldn't hurt. I definitely have to leave my old but still beloved Sony TRV-900 dv camera at home, because that might not look right to someone. And even if I'm cold, I won't wear clothes that someone might think unseasonable. It just wouldn't be right.

I guess I'm relieved in a way - having all this technology at my disposal is really a lot of responsibility. But I have to admit, I'll really miss having the freedom to draw pictures outside of the safety of my own home.

If you haven't yet registered to vote, please go do so. And when you do - please follow your instinct. If something doesn't seem right, it might not be.

posted by Lorna Brown at 3:29 AM