In a story that appeared on The Register last week, it has come to light that America's 'heightened state of awareness' regarding all potential terrorist threats has reached a new high, after a mother's enquiry about Flight Simulator for her ten year-old son sparked concerns at a Massachusetts branch of Staples, which lead to a police visit at her home.

Reserve Airforce pilot Julie Olearcek home schools her son, but her enquiry about flight simulators reportedly alarmed the Staples staff so greatly, that a call to the authorities was placed. The upshot of these concerns was a state trooper flashing a torch through her windows at 8.30 one rainy evening - rather disconcerting I'm sure you'll agree.

The FBI recently issued a terror alert for citizens to beware of drivers with maps and reference books, and it appears the staff of Staples were simply acting on this vigilance.

By Luke Guttridge