Blogger Bob

Blogger Bob, a member of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Blog Evolution of Security gained a degree of online fame in March 2008 after posting a video to address recent TSA security issues relating to the new MacBook Air. After programmer Michael Nygard was held up earlier in the month at a TSA security checkpoint by agents who, unfamiliar with the MacBook Air, found it suspicious, Blogger Bob posted a short video in which he runs the laptop through the X-ray machine and explains that, due to its solid state drive, the Air looks different than typical laptops. Bob ensured audiences that he would forward the Air X-rays to the TSA’s other 45,000 Transportation Security Officers to prevent similar mix-ups in the future.

"My suspicions were correct. The MacBook does look completely different than your typical laptop or DVD player. I can't get into specifics of course, but there were a couple of areas on the X-ray that could pique some interest for TSOs."

"One thing is for sure though. This was just a case of diligent TSOs paying special attention to something that caught their eye. Exactly what they are trained to do."

• Wide Awake Developers: Steve Jobs Made Me Miss My Flight (March 6, 2008)

• TWiT TV: TWiT 137: Blogger Bob of the TSA (March 24, 2008)