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		<title>Latest Science &amp; Tech Articles</title>
		<description>Last 10 Submissions</description>
		<link>http://www.e-bookville.com</link>
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			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com</link>
			<description>Last 10 Submissions</description>
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			<title>Can the Answer to the Controversy of Evolution vs. Creationism Lie in Science Fiction?</title>
			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com/Can-the-Answer-to-the-Controversy-of-Evolution-vs.-Creationism-Lie-in-Science-Fiction.html</link>
			<description>
A Holy Jihad is declared, putting the West on notice that the Middle East will bring the United States, The Great Satan, to its knees. They attempt to launch a devastating attack against several metropolitan areas, but this time our military is prepared! Retaliating with a brief but massive strike against The Iron Triangle - nations known to house terrorists including Syria, Iran, and even Saudi Arabia  with the infrastructures of these countries destroyed. Only then does the President stay the hand of the military demanding the delivery of all terrorists directly involved to be delivered to the closest U.S. embassy, or there will be no leniency. With the deadline not being met, a bloody campaign known as Iron Fist begins: town by town, mountain by mountain, cave by cave, the military moves throughout the Middle East destroying everything smacking of terrorism without mercy until, in the year 2015, there is an unconditional surrender of all Middle Eastern forces.

Readers of Mike Puringtons The Oxbow Report (Tate Publishing &amp; Enterprises) will applaud these actions, and those that follow. In this first in a planned series of Science Fiction/Mysteries, Purington (www.mikepurington.com) next describes a horrifying reprisal when, in the year 2021, a still breathing group of terrorists manage to put one of their member in the crew of a shuttle being launched to a space station of the future. Only an alert monitoring system prevents the traitor from destroying the space station, but not from sacrificing himself and seven astronauts aboard the shuttle. A swift strike against the Al-Queda cell which directed the destruction levels not only their hidden cave, but also most of the mountain in which it lay. 

Now moving forward to 2041 - Puringtons tale takes a whole new tangent. Suppose that destroyed cave was in the area of a former Eden dating back to about 4000 B.C.; then suppose satellite photos of the destruction accidentally reveal man-made walls buried deep within the destroyed mountain itself. Now watch as the characters in The Oxbow Report unearth a mysterious city, then struggle with the perception of alternate realities and a parallel universe - is it an ancient man-made structure, or an alien city put there before time itself?  Purington offers a theological stew with characters themselves filling the pot with their diverse viewpoints - both Biblical and Scientific. The controversy of Creationism vs. Big Bang is called into play using strong protagonists  Paul LaBaugh, a backwoods preacher helping his scientist genius son, Dr. Ozan LaBaugh, figure out his own conclusions; Colonel Jonathon Edwards, a former delinquent who earned a million dollar education to become a pilot/astronaut by showing his potential to a judge planning to sentence him to jail, and Jason, an Alien Messenger, an ethereal life form from another dimension, who can exist in the future and the past.
Reading Book One of The Oxbow Report will make you agree this series features characters   that could change history and the destiny of man. Any lover of Science Fiction should enjoy this story of love, of mystery, of age-old evilwith a real life message woven of redemption and hope.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:05:32 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Is Israel Swapping Nuclear Bombs for Battle-Ready Robots?</title>
			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com/Is-Israel-Swapping-Nuclear-Bombs-for-Battle-Ready-Robots.html</link>
			<description>
Well, currently Israelis are not bartering for Robots (to the best of our knowledge) but in the second decade of the 21st Century that is exactly whats happening!  From the first chapter of Howard Smiths version of I, robot we have run-away excitement! A ship viewing nuclear tests almost capsizes, murder disguised as suicide leads to a kidnapping with autos crashing through Tokyo streets then into the sea, underwater testing of megaton bombs, an attack on an Israeli kibbutz, and more, much more! This is no 1940s model robot tale, which is why author Howard S. Smith (www.robotpress.net) wrote it. Long a Sci-Fi fan, Smith acknowledges the genius of those who preceded him with many short stories, books, and television shows, even recent movies that used a version of that title. None have been as plausible as this. Smith should know, he is an MIT-trained engineer with a practical interest in artificial intelligence  supermarket self-checkout machines are all based on his work  as well as natural intelligence  human thinking.

Natural intelligence in this book is found throughout the large cast of brainiacs on both sides of a planned Israeli-Japanese trade  all interesting, believable characters who give credence to, and sympathy for, the needs of both countries. Using secret stores of plutonium, fictional Israelis have created small nuclear weapons with a large payload. Now a trade is underway with, of all countries, Japan! Even though Japan knows first-hand the devastation of a nuclear blast, they are trading their robot army creations for a working nuclear arsenal, after suffering for years while North Korean neighbors lobbed atomic warheads over their country to test them in Pacific waters.

There is only one character that does not accept the scenario, then works to stop the trade: Suzuki Haruto, a Tokyo Police Inspector and Karate black belt. Haruto (in Japanese culture the family name is placed first, then the given name) is a man obsessed with rules, either those existing or those he generates to fit the scene. It is against the rules to bring nuclear weapons into his country, certainly without first gaining approval of its people by vote, so he must stop the transaction. His ironclad compulsion has resulted in estrangement from his wife (who calls him Jinzouningen  artificial human or robot), as well as difficulties with his co-workers. Harutos strong belief in rules forces him to act against the rule breaking individuals possessing atomic devices, even after witnessing the results of a robot army defending the Israeli border, and experiencing firsthand attacks assaulting a Kibbutz where he had found temporary refuge. After all, his reliance on rules helped save him after being buried in a coffin with hands and feet tied, and even from a shark attack during days he is afloat in the Pacific Ocean. 

In a sweet side-story with heart-breaking consequences, Haruto is able to love again. This diversion in the midst of non-stop action does not detract. The book takes you via land, sea and air to several countries all fraught with thrills and danger. Whatever your politics, you will enjoy the results! This I, robot is definitely 21st Century action, not at all derivative, highly visual - a well-written, well-researched read. Its poignant ending will surprise you; I can hardly wait for the action film this I, robot is well suited to generate!
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			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:05:32 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Plagiarism and how to avoid it</title>
			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com/Plagiarism-and-how-to-avoid-it.html</link>
			<description>
There are many challenges for students and universities alike with regard to plagiarism and the Internet. Because I often publish articles and other types of work from my online management course on the web, I am worried that someone may copy them. I am also aware that another student or professional person could feel that I have inadvertently copied their work.

Plagiarism is a controversial subject, and not always black and white. Opinion is often divided as to what constitutes plagiarism. Some high profile court cases have shown that. With the Internet becoming increasingly a tool for education organisations in providing online degrees and other online courses, more educational resources are being shared on the web.

Internet publishing of articles and other learning material has in some ways increased the scope for situations where plagiarism can happen, either intentionally or unintentionally.

The problem for students is that even if they have been found to plagiarise someone elses work unintentionally, this can still be construed as recklessness, as the obligation is on the students to make sure that their work is original and that references include the relevant source information.

Perhaps there is a temptation when a student is on a web-based distance learning (http://www.kaplanopenlearning.org.uk/distance-learning.html) degree course, to use source material they have discovered through research on the Internet in an incorrect way. But most students find this is not the best way to learn a subject, and that understanding the topics and content of their course will achieve far better results.

Likewise many students can be over cautious when allowing their work to be placed on the web, whether entire pieces of work or extracts. Within the learning environment, most students and colleges are there to engage and develop their knowledge rather than just simply copy other peoples work.

It is always best to discuss concerns about plagiarism with your teacher or learning provider. Colleges will have plagiarism guidelines and a set procedure with dealing with plagiarism and avoiding plagiarism in the first place. Definitions of plagiarism are made by a range of educational organisations and the problems posed by the Internet are widely recognised and included in plagiarism guidelines.

It can be very difficult to pinpoint when plagiarism occurs, but any type of publishing, whether in print or online, is at risk of plagiarism. Of course, your ideas and themes in your own work once published online, can influence others to produce original work based on your topics and ideas.

This is a good thing about the Internet for colleges and students, that despite the threat of plagiarism, there are many ways for information to be disseminated and shared in a way respectful of the original authors work.

Because some types of plagiarism can be difficult to prove, the Internet will probably always be a source of information for students to reproduce as their own. But throughout an online degree course, students need to be aware that teachers can tell the difference between a student copying anothers work and true understanding of the subject.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:05:32 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Not All Water is Created Equal</title>
			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com/Not-All-Water-is-Created-Equal.html</link>
			<description>
In an ever-more chaotic and polluted world, going green is starting to make more and more sense.   H2olabs has a handle on that in more ways than one, and can help you make green choices for your family.

A little known fact is that most of the water we drink really isn't that safe.  Although that may come as a complete shock, think about it.  Our whole environment has become heavily polluted with various contaminants over the years.  We have in some ways become the authors of our own misfortune and find ourselves facing a real water crisis.

The crisis is no longer just about having enough water for future generations; it's also become about having access to clean, fresh and pure water in the present.  Clean water has become something that many of us have not had for so long we would almost not recognize it.  You might be thinking that water is just water.  Wrong!  The only thing that all forms of water have in common (home filtered, bottled, tap etc.) is that it is liquid, and there the similarities end.

If you had the inclination to take your home filtered, bottled (usually tap water slightly filtered for taste) and tap water for testing, you would be shocked at the results.  There's a saying that &quot;You are what you eat!&quot;  Well, you are also what you drink, and drinking unsafe water is harmful for your body.

The only 100 percent guaranteed safe, clean and pure water system is the H2olabs Water Distillation System.  Why?  Simply put it works like this:  The distillation process creates &quot;rain in a chamber&quot; by using regular tap water vaporized into sterilized steam heated beyond boiling temperature in a stainless steel vaporizing chamber.  The vapor goes into a stainless steel condensing coil, where chlorine and other gases are expelled. The vapor is condensed back to its original pure state. Contaminants like viruses, bacteria, organic and inorganic chemicals, and heavy metals, are eliminated.

If you want to be secure in the knowledge that you have a safe home water system and a supply of pure water in case of an emergency, look to the H2olabs Water Distillation System.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:05:32 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Buy Water4Gas eBook-Stop Global Warming</title>
			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com/Buy-Water4Gas-eBook-Stop-Global-Warming.html</link>
			<description>
What questions do you need answered for yourself before you buy the Water4Gas eBook? Does it work? What is in it for me? Why is it not on my car from the manufacturer? What is all the hype about?

First let me tell you when you buy the Water4Gas eBook, you will be astounded. You have never seen anything like this before. The web has never been short of products that do not give you what they promise, that is the reason why you should buy the Water4Gas eBook. What it promises is only out done by what you actually get.

I have been using this device for the last few months with unexpected results. Over 50% better mileage, and I do not utilize 25% of what I could be. I am not mechanically inclined, I am barely handy, and I built the primary device in four hours and installed it in 30 minutes. If I (who has a hard time changing a bicycle tire) can do this, so can you.

What is it? When you buy the Water4Gas eBook, you will be able to transform your car to burn water for gas. I know what you are thinking, water is not flammable, this is bull. OK water does not burn, HOWEVER water is H2O, two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. Hydrogen burns well. Think atom bomb, hot air balloon, and the Hindenburg. Try lighting anything without oxygen, you cannot. Light a candle and put anything over it, the flame goes out, as soon as it runs out of oxygen. So how do you separate the oxygen and hydrogen from water?

Use your battery and this small simple device to use electricity to separate the gasses from the water. Not water vapor, but HHO or Browns gas also called Rhodes gas. It is very flammable and has more than double the energy available when it burns than gasoline. Mix the HHO with gasoline instead of regular air, compress it in your piston,and ignite it with your spark plug. The end result is a more efficient mixture that will increase your gas efficiency, and save you money.

This is the soul of what you will learn when you buy the Water4Gas eBook. I know it sounds complicated but nothing is left to chance. Besides all the instructions, books, illustrations, and even videos to help and explain, you will have access to thousands of fellow experimenters from around world who have already implemented and constructed the device. This is the only product of its kind on the market to offer this.

You can make your own water gas hybrid. When you buy the Water4Gas eBook, you are allowed and encouraged to duplicate the device as many times as necessary to convert other peoples cars as well. The more drivers that use water for gas, the better of we will all be. You can build and install the system as many times as you want to earn extra money.

Alternative energy is the future. Only with the power of the internet can so many people use alternative energy. Please help spread the word, buy the Water4Gas eBook, install the system and do the same for your relatives, co-workers, neighbors, and friends. This is the only way we can hope to curb our dependence and reliance on foreign oil companies. Make vehicle manufacturers take notice that if they do not do something, we as individuals will.

Never before has a product promised so little yet given so much. That is value. You can make a difference on gasoline prices, one vehicle at a time. Do not miss out on this opportunity. You owe it to your budget, your family, your country, and the planet.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:05:32 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>TrueVision Microscopes</title>
			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com/TrueVision-Microscopes.html</link>
			<description>
TrueVision Microscopes (http://www.truevisionmicroscopes.com), Inc. is a Saint Louis, Missouri, USA based corporation. They sell a wide variety of microscopes and microscopy related accessories. Their success relies on their quality customer service and fast shipping. They have a fast email support, sales@truevisionmicroscopes.com. Their selection of microscopes is huge, varying from inexpensive student grade compound light microscopes to high end industrial metallurgical microscopes to research grade inverted tissue culture microscopes.

For their customers needing computer connectivity for digital still and digital video on a microscope, they offer several styles of microscope USB cameras. These easily connect to a USB port on a computer. One of the hottest areas in microscopy today is interfacing the microscope with the computer. Their trained microscopists are able to assist with most microscope questions and computer camera connectivity issues.

TrueVision offers a great selection, affordable price, and excellent quality to a wide range of microscopy applications. If you are in need of a microscope, call them today. Be sure to visit www.truevisionmicroscopes.com.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:05:32 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Water4Gas dot com-The Future of Alternative Energy is Here!</title>
			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com/Water4Gas-dot-com-The-Future-of-Alternative-Energy-is-Here.html</link>
			<description>
Water4Gas dot com reveals the truth foreign oil companies never want you to know. Your car WASTES 75% of the gas it burns. You can reclaim some of this energy by using hydrogen from water to make your car get better fuel mileage. Water4Gas dot com was founded by Ozzie Freedom, and has brought together tinkerers, inventors, and everyday people to create a website that makes alternative energy available to all, for a very low price.

Imagine using water to supplement your gas costs by 50%.  Thanks to Water4Gas dot com, you can do this with simple tools and items available from your local hardware store. Rather than struggle to make ends meet with higher than ever energy costs, why not convert your car to run on water. Gas and oil prices have been increasing like crazy for the last two years; it is time to utilize alternative energy.

Here are just a few of the benefits you will receive from Water4Gas dot com;

*	Get a tax credit for converting your car to use alternative energy 
*	Protect the environment 
*	Longer life expectancy of your motor 
*	Less pollution 
*	Decreased engine temperatures 
*	Engine runs quieter 
*	Increase fuel mileage

Alternative energy is just in its infancy of development. Electric cars are too expensive to produce, and the present battery technology has made them unpractical. Hybrids are also high-priced and they have not proved themselves to get the efficiency they have claimed. Fuel cell research is the Holy Grail, as it relies on hydrogen which is cost effective to make, but the problem is storing the hydrogen and distributing it safely.

This is where the ingenuity of Water4Gas dot com stands out.  This gizmo you will learn how to easily build at home with simple tools will use water to supplement the gas that you burn. You will learn more than you ever dreamed and will be able to build the gizmo for under $60.

You do not need to spend over twelve hundred dollars on similar devices, when you can create your own for a small fraction of the cost. You do not have to wait for this technology to reach the masses, you can begin utilizing it today. Water4Gas dot com will hold your hand every step of the way, with instructions, detailed illustrations, and video tutorials, you can do this.

How does it work? Hydrogen, the most basic and plentiful element in the known universe. This is what makes the Water4Gas dot com system unique. Hydrogen is compressed in water and can be easily removed with electricity from the battery in your automobile. It is safe because it only creates hydrogen as it is used, so it is never stored.

Thousands of these devices have been installed in over 50 countries to date. You will obtain plans to five total systems to help you save gas, not all are as simple as the Water4Gas device, but start small saving 30%to 50% and when you are ready change more and save more.

You always have choices in life. You can choose to believe that this could never work, that it is stupid, and choose to do nothing but pay whatever gas companies charge. Or you can take action. Do something proactive. Help change the world. Save gas and money at the same time. Visit Water4Gas dot com, and see what the future has in store.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:05:32 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Water4Gas Help Personal Help for Your Water Powered Car</title>
			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com/Water4Gas-Help-Personal-Help-for-Your-Water-Powered-Car.html</link>
			<description>
Do you need Water4Gas help? Welcome to the perfect site. First let me explain what Water4Gas is for those who do not know. The Water4Gas help guide was put together by Ozzie Freedom. This guide will instruct you on how to convert your current motor to utilize extracted hydrogen gas from water. The hydrogen is mixed with vaporized gas to improve performance and increase fuel efficiency from 30% to 80%. Thus using water as power.

This all sounds complicated, however the Water4Gas help guide will not only show you how to construct, but will explain the technology behind it all.. And will show you how to make it and install it for under $60. You will also find contact information for discounted suppliers, from around the world to help you in making your current car into a water powered car.

Here are just some of the benefits you will receive from the Water4Gas help guide.

Boost gasoline MPG
Removes deposits in motor,
Boost power,
Save money,
Use hydrogen from water as fuel,
Easy to maintain,
Cleaner on the environment,
Lower emissions
In use all over the world

Could you make this without the Water4Gas help guide? Yes. If you know exactly what you are doing, and don&amp;#65533;t think you will need any kind of instructions. You can find similar gizmos on the internet for twelve hundred dollars and more, even these are a bargain when you look at what you can save. Or on the alternative you could do nothing.

Forces exist that would prefer you just keep wasting fuel. They say hydrogen is dangerous, the truth is many inventors have dreamt of helping others but have had their inventions either quashed or lost for years. Why? Secrecy and greed. The Water4Gas help guide is making many of their dreams a reality.

So, how will Water4Gas help?

Water4Gas help is available to everyone. They have spent $1000s and untold hours to perfect, simplify, and assemble this information so you cannot fail. Along with the information from legion of people, just like you, desire to help stop the present and all future energy crisis.

Nothing is left to chance. You will receive step by step instructions, that are easy to follow. You will get online technical support. You will gain access to a world wide community of people that use this technology everyday. Discounted kits can be bought from manufacturers. The Water4Gas help guide is the most comprehensive book available at any price on the market to date.

You are not alone, and you CAN do this. This is a world wide effort with voluntary cooperation from over 50 different nationalities, and is only available with the Water4Gas help guide. Hydrogen is the most prevalent gas in the universe, and can be cheaply and safely obtained from water on demand. Which do you think makes more sense, water or oil?

The Water4Gas help guide IS the economic stimulus we all need. How will you spend the $1250 to $1500 you save every year? Take action today. Learn more.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:05:32 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Top Government Methods for Detecting Weapons of Mass Destruction</title>
			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com/Top-Government-Methods-for-Detecting-Weapons-of-Mass-Destruction.html</link>
			<description>
The term &quot;weapon of mass destruction&quot; has been used a lot in the last ten years. Part of the attention they have garnered recently has been due to the fact that is increasingly easy for rogue sects to maintain the kind of firepower once reserved for large nations. These developments have pushed the United States Government forward in their research on weapon detection.

Today, the National Security Agency, Homeland Security, and even local police departments have the technology to detect and test weapons of mass destruction. This brand new technology is constantly updated and finding weapons has become easier than ever.

What are Weapons of Mass Destruction? 

Though the term may be used frequently, few people are aware of what weapons other than nuclear devices are considered weapons of mass destruction. United State law defines them as &quot;any explosive, incendiary, poison gas, bomb, grenade, or rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces (113 g), missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce (7 g), or mine or device similar to the above.&quot; These may release &quot;poison gas, ...a disease organism, [or] ...radiation at a level dangerous to human life.&quot;

They are classified according to the following categories:
Chemical
Biological
Radiological
Nuclear
Explosive

Techniques for Finding These Weapons

Under the definition of weapons of mass destruction agreed upon by Congress, almost any medium to large incendiary could fall under this term. Since violence by rogue groups has become more pervasive, inspectors and professionals at home and abroad are trained to study suspicious devices and determine whether they could be one of these weapons. 

The reason for detection technology is a very practical one. As soon as agencies determine the danger of the device, they can start planning an evacuation. Similarly, being able to quickly determine a false threat can cut down on public hysteria.

Because missiles are often used to launch explosives into an area, detection of airborne attack has been a top priority of the government. Today sophisticated unmanned drones patrol the skies and gather photos and data of possible launching sites. These small robots are aided in their task by satellites that constantly monitor areas of interest. Even underground bunkers and chemical storage facilities can be found using radar that penetrates the ground. 

Identifying a non-descript package planted in a public place needs to be done quickly, so there are may devices used by government officials that test for hazardous materials. A Dual-Use Analyzer measures the eddy waves given off by metals. Currents that are common to alloys used in making weapons are automatically highlighted by a computer analysis. This is useful for recognizing weapons that may be hidden inside something innocuous. The advances use of lasers and ultra-violet light can identify invisible gas cloud from miles away, making it unnecessary to send humans into a poisonous environment. United Nations inspectors even employ advanced portable machines that can detect radioactive materials with more efficiency than a Geiger counter. 

Testing Chemical Weapons

Foreign chemical compounds places in water or other resources can be effectively tested using many of the same techniques learned in high school chemistry. Officials use reactive test strips to check for reactions. If the initial test is inconclusive or positive, then is further tested. Many local agencies have the tools to test for chemical agents so they may quickly respond to contaminations.

Testing for Biological Weapons
 
Biological weapons are difficult to identify, because they use microscopic bacteria of which symptoms may not be immediately apparent. Mass spectroscopy using lasers and ionization can now be used to automatically find proteins in a given sample. Analysis of the proteins present can be alert the inspector to the presence of common bioterrorism agents like anthrax. 

Handheld Advanced Nucleic Acid Analyzers are carried by United Nations weapons inspectors. This brick-sized machine can analyze the genetic material of bacteria and discern it from other common microorganisms. This process used to take a whole lab of equipment.

Other Uses

Many of the same devices that are used to enforce United Nations rules and protect citizens are also put to work by United States solders each day. The same drones that can approach suspected weapons when it is unsafe for humans are hard at work checking vehicles for IEDs while on patrol in Iraq. 

As the weapons technology develops, so does the science that keeps us safe. The last decade has seen an enormous leap forward in the techniques for finding weapons. Inspectors and other government employees continue to strive to find better ways to single out the weapons and save lives.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:05:32 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>How to Prepare for the Use of Dirty Bombs and Unconventional Weapons</title>
			<link>http://www.e-bookville.com/How-to-Prepare-for-the-Use-of-Dirty-Bombs-and-Unconventional-Weapons.html</link>
			<description>
Gallop polls from 2007 show that 30% of Americans are somewhat afraid of being harmed in a terrorist attack and 10% are very afraid. These statistics show that many in the United States are afraid of the very real threat of terrorist attack. Though one might feel helpless in a situation such as this, preparation can be the best way to abandon fear and deal with the situation practically.

Gathering supplies and knowing basic survival skills can prepare families for an attack on U.S. soil from a dirty bomb or other weapon. Making plans not only gives piece of mind, but also can increase the chances of surviving such an attack.

What is a Dirty Bomb?

The term dirty bomb can refer to any explosive device that is meant to spread harmful materials in addition to creating a destructive explosion. Usually, the term is meant to refer to a radiological dispersal device. This means that the bomb spreads radioactive material meant to harm those in the area not affected by the explosion with radiation poisoning. It is not an atomic bomb.

Though this may sound very frightening, most studies show that these bombs are unlikely to be fatal to those who are contaminated. Even those who are exposed to the levels of radiation spread by the bomb for more than a year without treatment would not be killed by the dose. For this reason, dirty bombs are not a &quot;weapon of mass destruction.&quot; Although, they may have a significant mental effect on the general population, because in the event of a detonation, it is likely that many thousands of people would have to be detained.

What are Unconventional Weapons?

By definition, unconventional weapons are any weapons that are not used in regular warfare. Officials in the United States government have some guesses on the types of unconventional weapons terrorists may use to attack the American public. 

The most common of these are all too familiar to those who have been watching reports from Iraq. An IED or &quot;improvised explosive device&quot; is an explosive filled with all manner of scrap metal that acts as shrapnel. 

Those weapons used to spread of promote bioterrorism by infecting large groups of the population with disease are another example of weapons that are not used by national militaries. 

Staying Calm

The notion of dealing with these types of attacks is pretty daunting. Though it might be frightening, the first step is to think seriously and rationally about what to do in these situations. There is no need to overreact about the possibility of an attack. In fact, more fatalities occur each day from car accidents and medical malpractice than are attributed each year to terrorism. In a year, more die from animal attack and falling down stairs. Careful planning can even further diminish the chances of being hurt. 

Preparing for Radiation Exposure

There are very few ways to counteract radiation. A dirty bomb will most likely spread radioactive dust, so those who were outside at the time of the explosion should shower thoroughly and seal their clothes in a bag. Stay inside and secure pets. Await further instructions before going back outside or traveling. There will most likely be an official containment and decontamination procedure. 

General Preparedness

The rules for preparing for an attack are similar to those for storms or other emergency situations. There should be plenty of non-perishable food items and water on hand in case it is not safe to travel for a few days. In case some catastrophic event knocks out power, keep plenty of batteries, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, and candles in the preparedness kit. Make sure to also include a hand-operated can opener on the supplies. Other useful items include changes of clothes, a first aid kit, paper towels, and toilet tissue. 

The most important part of the emergency plan is sharing it with family and friends. Most schools have their own emergency plans parents can go over with their children. All family members should meet at the family home and agree upon a secondary meeting location. Craft a plan so that family members can find one another without the use of phones or other communication. The phone lines will be needed by those trying to contact emergency services, so it is best try to avoid making calls.

After the attack, tune into the news on the television or radio and await instruction. There are emergency radio frequencies that the government will use in the case of emergency. 

The best thing to do while planning for a disaster or when faced with one is to remain calm and think rationally. Check lists can be used to double-check supplies and keep one occupied.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:05:32 +0100</pubDate>
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