StyroPyro has a reply to  the safety skeptic’s comment from page 1 on the thread:

This laser was run at just above its threshold current, putting it at 5mW of output power according to my own measurements on an OPHIR laser power meter. At 5mW, this laser is classified as FDA “eye safe” meaning that the blink reflex will prevent any damage from this laser, even from a direct hit.

Whether you feel that he should be doing these things or not is up to opinion.  However it is important to take note that any laser experiment requires the proper precautions.

Check back for more experiments and we hope you like the video!

thanks to styropyro.com

And if you can’t get enough laser awesomeness here is another video for your entertainment!  Not to be confused with dunking a laser in nitrogen, this is actually a TEA Nitrogen laser which is super powerful.

Here is a description from instructables on these:

Lasers are versatile, incredibly useful, and prevalent in much of the technology we use today. They can carry information over long distances, burn stuff, analyze chemicals, impress people, and do a host of other awesome things.

NOTE:  DO NOT TRY ANY OF THESE WITHOUT THE SUPERVISION OF A PROFESSIONAL AS THEY ARE DANGEROUS

thanks to instructables.com for the great info