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The TSA has introduced tighter security controls in an effort to dangerous substances that are non-metallic. The new security procedures have sparked a raging controversy, but students need not fret about getting to their gate as they prepare to fly home for their semester breaks.

The measures use full-body scans, called advanced imaging technology machines, that use X-ray technology to produce an image of the body. If passengers decline to pass through the scan machines, they will receive a full-body pat-down. Some passengers will also receive the pat-down in addition to the scan, less than three percent according to CNN. Currently about 69 US airports are operating the new full-body scans. However, some airports that have the full-body scans are also still operating standard metal-detectors. Other security restrictions are still in place, like the restriction of liquids.

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Flashcards are a great way to learn a new language. They allow you to switch back and forth between your native language and the language you are trying to learn. You can separate the words you do know from those you are still learning. You can take them anywhere and study with them whenever you have some down time.

Flashcards are just a really wonderful thing. Unless you are studying Arabic and flying on an airplane, that is.

Nicholas George is a senior at Pomona College in California. He is studying physics and Arabic. According to The Los Angeles Times, George was flying back to school after spending time at home in Philadelphia last August. In his pocket, he had some Arabic-English flashcards so he could study them on the plane.

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