[Caesar Soze]

OK, I'll cop to that. Hollywood conditioning it is. Nevertheless, these devices were designed to play into what the public is looking for in a bomb. That is what makes them an effective advertising device.

I have to disagree with you on that position, too. Besides IED briefings, I've also seen lots of bombs in Hollywood movies, and I think I know what the average, reasonable person's idea of a bomb looks like. Even if we move past the idea of the LED timer that beeps every second, there has to be some kind of mass to an explosive device. Everyone knows what a pipe bomb looks like. Lots of people have seen more sophisticated and dangerous bombs portrayed in movies -- dramatizations of the WTC and OKC bombs, or similar bombs in the X-Files movie, Fight Club, or Sleeper Cell. All of the above have a great deal more mass than the ATHF devices.

I think a reasonable person might be curious, even cautious, about these devices -- even so far as to ask an authority to investigate it. But it should've ended there. I think the bomb squad that detonated the first device did so purely out of boredom, looking for an excuse to put their training into use and blow something up.

Also, from the footage I've seen, these signs are most visible -- and most effective -- seen at night. In the dark, the illuminated character is visible, and the "frightening" bits and pieces are not. The creator did not intend the devices' bomb-like nature (which I still contest) to be effective, but the appearance of an illuminated character in the dark.

[bondjamesbond]

Besides IED briefings, I've also seen lots of bombs in Hollywood movies, and I think I know what the average, reasonable person's idea of a bomb looks like.

Look for batteries... Look for wires... Look for these things on devices or packages left in public places or next to vital infrastructure... Any of this ringing a bell?

Also, from the footage I've seen, these signs are most visible -- and most effective -- seen at night. In the dark, the illuminated character is visible, and the "frightening" bits and pieces are not. The creator did not intend the devices' bomb-like nature (which I still contest) to be effective, but the appearance of an illuminated character in the dark.

And, note, that the problems happened during the day. These things were designed to be left out in the open 24/7. The designer is responsible for what they look like during the day and during the night.

Also, if I were designing a sign, I would have a photosensor to shut off the LEDs during the day to conserve the batteries. Was this unit even on during the day?