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theonlysun81
Long Time Lurker, Recent Member


Registered: 05/11/12
Posts: 1,712
Last seen: 6 years, 11 months
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Egypt crisis: Why are Cairo protesters using laser pens?
#18521509 - 07/06/13 06:17 PM (10 years, 7 months ago) |
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As crowds packed Tahrir Square in the centre of Cairo to celebrate the overthrow of President Mohammed Morsi on Wednesday night, three things filled the air - noise, fireworks and, unusually, laser beams.
The use of laser pens has become a distinctive feature of the protests against the country's leadership, which began at the end of last month.
The mostly green beams of light were seen illuminating military helicopters as they flew over the square a few days ago.
Egyptian military helicopters were lit up by laser beams Some first suggested that this was meant to distract the pilots by dazzling them. In the US, it is a crime to point a laser beam at a plane, as it is considered a potential danger to crew and passengers.
But, in Cairo, there is a much more positive interpretation of the craze.
The crowd erupted into cheers when the helicopters flew overhead, suggesting that the light show was a form of celebration, given the military's role in overthrowing the president.
Jeremy Bowen picked out by laser pen in Tahrir Square But the military were not the only focal point of the crowd's laser beams. After Morsi was ousted, some of the tens of thousands in Tahrir Square turned their pens on the balcony being used as a broadcast point by the BBC. BBC Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen was picked out by the green light of laser pens during this live report.
Jeremy Bowen picked out by laser pen in Tahrir Square TV correspondents filing for other broadcasters also got this new form of laser treatment. So why are they being used? Mostly just for fun, according to the BBC's Angy Ghannam in Cairo. "It started as a way to check the rooftops of buildings to get a feel if someone is there, such as snipers," our reporter says. "They are sold like crazy at the square. Street vendors are all over the place. "Anything at the square turns into a trend and a fashion in no time."
Helicopter flying above Cairo, picked out by laser pens
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-23178484
ahhh this is awesome. its like a political rave of some sorts.
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Edited by theonlysun81 (07/06/13 06:20 PM)
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JesusGoneRogue


Registered: 10/24/10
Posts: 9,495
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Re: Egypt crisis: Why are Cairo protesters using laser pens? [Re: theonlysun81] 1
#18521522 - 07/06/13 06:21 PM (10 years, 7 months ago) |
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haha I dig it man
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JoieDeVivre
Hippie Babysitter



Registered: 10/13/11
Posts: 5,751
Loc: Gamehenge
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Re: Egypt crisis: Why are Cairo protesters using laser pens? [Re: theonlysun81] 1
#18521524 - 07/06/13 06:21 PM (10 years, 7 months ago) |
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I think it's really powerful symbolism. It shows that in such numbers, they could very easily outnumber governmental forces if armed. However, they're opting for a nonviolent route.
Cool as fuck. But maybe I'm just imposing my own ideas onto the message.
-------------------- Sapere aude "We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results."
UBUNTU- I am because we are.
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something super extreme
NIGGA YOU A FUCK NIGGA!


Registered: 10/29/12
Posts: 17,397
Loc: TURNT UP!
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Re: Egypt crisis: Why are Cairo protesters using laser pens? [Re: JoieDeVivre]
#18521919 - 07/06/13 07:51 PM (10 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
JoieDeVivre said: maybe I'm just imposing my own ideas
Most likely. It's probably because they're simple-minded dirt farmers who are dazzled by lights and shit.
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ReginaldPMcpoop
The Colour Out of Space


Registered: 06/30/13
Posts: 645
Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Re: Egypt crisis: Why are Cairo protesters using laser pens? [Re: JoieDeVivre]
#18522709 - 07/06/13 10:21 PM (10 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
JoieDeVivre said: However, they're opting for a nonviolent route.
Lasers are dangerous. I saw one melt a floppy once.
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Adden

Registered: 06/04/03
Posts: 39,201
Loc:
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Re: Egypt crisis: Why are Cairo protesters using laser pens? [Re: ReginaldPMcpoop]
#18522728 - 07/06/13 10:25 PM (10 years, 7 months ago) |
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Lasers are used for eye surgery and at the Large Hadron Collider.
Burning a cross to illuminate it and not spread hate = KKK
Illuminating military aircraft above protests with laser pens = 
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mpd
Lammen Gorthaur



Registered: 10/22/12
Posts: 9,660
Loc: Mostly at home... Mostly....
Last seen: 8 years, 8 months
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Re: Egypt crisis: Why are Cairo protesters using laser pens? [Re: Adden]
#18522744 - 07/06/13 10:29 PM (10 years, 7 months ago) |
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Don't worry. The people are being opposed by fanatical, armed Muslim hordes. There will be a bloodbath without a doubt.
-------------------- There is no truer calling for mankind than that of true conservatism.
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Adden

Registered: 06/04/03
Posts: 39,201
Loc:
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Re: Egypt crisis: Why are Cairo protesters using laser pens? [Re: mpd]
#18522756 - 07/06/13 10:32 PM (10 years, 7 months ago) |
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can't tell.. if serious..
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