I don’t need an excuse to visit Chicago, it’s rather well known. And now that NewJob headquarters is there, I’m likely to get on a plane at the drop of a hat.

Problem is, I’m not sure if I’m welcome anymore. As the Chicago metblog reports, via bb, the city of Chicago just issued a public awareness bulletin [pdf] that asks Windy City residents to be on the watch out for terrorists. All good and well, and definitely in the public interest.

The Chicago police gives a list of potentially suspicious activities, including attempts to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammonition, dangerous chemicals etc; and presence of individuals who do not appear to belong to workplaces, business establishments or near key facilities. That’s fine. Some of the other suspicious activities seem to smack of paranoia and overkill. For instance, any of the following is considered suspicious and must be reported immediately:

• note taking
• binocular use
• camera, video
• mapping out routes
• timing traffic lights

Damn. And I was planning to take my stopwatch and time traffic lights all day. I have to be careful of taking pictures and going on treasure hunts too.

Scotland Yard has also issued a similar warning. At least the poster is much better designed. Click on images for full size.