Investigation @ MindSay

Hoffman Estates [Illinois] seeks volunteers for bioterrorism drill “Hoffman Estates officials are looking for 2,000 to 3,000 volunteers next week to participate in a bioterrorism exercise in return for department store coupons and tickets to an indoor football game. The volunteers are needed for a large-scale drill, planned for Tuesday at the Sears Centre arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., to test how medicine would be distributed to victims of a public-health emergency. […] During a large medical emergency, such as a terrorist biological attack, the Cook County Department of Public Health would need to dispense medication to those exposed to a disease, Christensen said. The goal of the drill is to test how long it takes to screen people and provide them with medication.” (Chicago Tribune; 07May08; Ken Manson)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-help-bigdrill-both-08-may08,0,2434278.story

 

Simulated Mass Dispensing Exercise [Lawrence Douglas County, Kansas]

“I [journalist Ronda Miller] received an email from the Lawrence Douglas County Health Department a couple of days ago asking for volunteers for a simulated mass dispensing exercise at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. It took place today from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 P.M. […] I was there for approximately twenty minutes before receiving my pretend antibiotics (individual bags of M&M's which represented one perscription [sic] each for myself and my two children), an informational fact sheet about Anthrax, and information about Doxycycline - the oral tablet that would be given for such an illness. Thank you Douglas County and all of the volunteer professionals and citizens who helped put this practice system into play.” (Lawrence Journal World & News; 07May08; Ronda Miller) http://www2.ljworld.com/weblogs/at-random/2008/may/07/simulated-mass-dispensing-exercise/

 

Universal Detection Technology Invited to Present Its BSM-2000 Anthrax Detection Technology At the IEEE [Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers] International Conference On Technologies for Homeland Security

“A developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats and provider of counter-terrorism consulting and training services, announced today that it will present the technology for its BSM-2000 airborne anthrax monitor in a poster session at the IEEE International Conference on Technologies for Homeland Security. The conference is being held at the Westin Hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts on May 12-13.” (Prime News Wire; 07May08; Jacques Tizabi) http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=142106

 

Sequim [Wahington state], Battelle find way to expand utilities

“Battelle and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have run their Marine Research Operations campus northeast of Sequim since the mid-1970s, raising annual contracts to $15 million last year. In labs along Sequim Bay, scientists conduct research on chemicals' effects on the environment, how mollusks can be used to detect bioterrorism and how algae can generate hydrogen fuel. […] Battelle has already brought in Peninsula College students to work with researchers on a range of environmental problems, Briggs added. […] The labs now have 80 people on staff.” (Peninsula Daily News; 06May08; Diane Urbani de la Paz)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20080507/NEWS/805070305

 

DOR BioPharma Acquires Option for Third-Generation Anthrax Vaccine From Harvard University

“The option, which was obtained through negotiation with Harvard University's Office of Technology Development, encompasses an issued U.S. patent that covers engineered variants of protective antigen (PA) developed in the Harvard Medical School laboratory of Dr. John Collier. PA is the principal determinant of protective immunity to anthrax and is being developed for second- and third-generation anthrax vaccines.” (Market Wire; 08May08) http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=853801

 

NIH [National Institutes of Health] awards LIAI [La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology] major grant to test safety of new smallpox treatment

“The La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology (LIAI) has received a $7.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund safety and effectiveness testing of an antibody treatment that quickly fights the smallpox virus. The treatment could be the nations first line of defense in protecting against a terrorist-originated smallpox outbreak and may eventually be stockpiled nationwide alongside the smallpox vaccine. […] LIAI scientist Shane Crotty, Ph.D., who developed the antibody treatment, said the NIH grant will fund pre-clinical testing of the work he and his research team started three years ago. In 2005, the researchers, studying blood samples from people who had received the smallpox vaccine, were able to isolate the anti-H3 antibody as an extremely potent fighter against smallpox. The scientists then proved its effectiveness by testing in mice.” (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News; 08May08; Bonnie Ward) http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=35250240

 

Court of appeals to hear Locy arguments tomorrow

“On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., will hear Toni Locy’s appeal of a contempt finding that could impose crippling fines on the former USA Today reporter. Former Army scientist Steven Hatfill first subpoenaed Locy as a witness in his Privacy Act suit against the government for naming him as a ‘person of interest’ in its investigation into the 2001 anthrax mailings that killed five people and left 17 others injured.~U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton informed Hatfill that he could not succeed on his claim without pinpointing specific sources within the government who released such information.~Hatfill subsequently subpoenaed five reporters to ascertain the identities of the anonymous sources that named him in news stories about the investigation. His efforts turned up three sources – including two of Locy’s – who voluntarily released the reporters from their promises of confidentiality.” (The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press; 08May08; Matthew Pollack) http://www.rcfp.org/newsitems/index.php?i=6740

 

Molecular diagnostics report: technologies, markets, and companies

“Research and Markets has announced the addition of the Jain PharmaBiotech report ‘Molecular Diagnostics - Technologies, Markets and Companies’ to their offering. This report describes and evaluates the molecular diagnostics technologies that will play an important role in practice of medicine, public health, pharmaceutical industry, forensics and biological warfare in the 21st century. This includes several polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based technologies, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), peptide nucleic acids (PNA), electrochemical detection of DNA, biochips, nanotechnology and proteomic technologies.” (Small Times; 07May08; Laura Wood)

http://www.smalltimes.com/news/display_news_story.cfm?Section=WireNews&Category=HOME&NewsID=161299

 

Threat level low, but two sites on Maui might merit further cleanup

“According to new draft reports by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, an undetermined amount of unexploded munitions from practice bombing runs and target exercises remain in Maui County. Draft reports for four former target zones say a safety risk remains more than 60 years later, although the potential harm to the public appears to be fairly minimal. […] The members also detected ‘anomalies’ under the ground. Fifty soil samples were taken but revealed no dangerous toxins or metals.” (The Maui News; 08May08; Chris Hamilton) http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/503516.html?nav=10

 

700 mil. yen 'wasted' on disposal plan / Cabinet office focused on mechanized arms disposal in China against advice

“The government wasted at least 700 million yen on developing equipment that will never be used in the disposal of chemical weapons discarded in China by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War Two, it has been learned. Already, in relation to the government-commissioned chemical arms disposal work, the former head of Pacific Consultants International, a major consultancy firm, was arrested in late April on suspicion of aggravated breach of trust over the misappropriation of funds given to the firm by the government. But it is now clear that at least 700 million yen from state coffers was wasted when the government office in charge of the work decided to scrap a plan to use machines to dig up the weapons in favor of a manual approach. This latest discovery highlights a further dubious aspect of the government-funded disposal work.” (The Yomiuri Shimbun; 08May08) http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20080508dy01.htm

 

Chinese, Japanese leaders seek for new prospects for bilateral ties

“Chinese President Hu Jintao and Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda held talks in Tokyo Wednesday to seek for new prospects for the two countries' strategic and mutually beneficial relations. Hu is on a five-day state visit to Japan, the first to the country by China's head of state in a decade. On national defense, proposed that the two countries strengthen high-level exchange of visits by defense departments of the two countries and expand multi-level exchanges and cooperation. […] The two leaders also agreed to continue cooperation in facilitating the process of destroying chemical weapons abandoned by Japan in China at the end of World War Two, and on the issues of climate change, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and promoting regional cooperation in East Asia as well as support for Africa's development.” (People’s daily Online; 08May08; Xinhua) http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/6406301.html

 

Crews deal with fake explosion in terror drill

[Whatcom County, Washington state] “The mood was jovial Tuesday afternoon as military personnel moved ‘bloodied’ local high school students and dummies through a decontamination tent at the Northwest Washington Fair and Events Center. But officials say their experiences during the drill will come in handy if a major terrorist attack or natural disaster actually hits Whatcom County. […] Hundreds of troops from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army North joined state and local emergency responders dealing with a fake explosion of a tanker truck full of toxic chemicals, pretending it injured hundreds.” (The Bellingham Herald; 07May08; Caleb Heeringa) http://www.bellinghamherald.com/102/story/402462.html

 

36--Amendment of this Solicitation as Follows: this is 100% set aside for small business concerns.

“Department of the Army Contracting Agency, North Region ACA, Aberdeen Proving Ground. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, and supplemented with additional information included in this notice. […] The Government contemplates award of a Firm-Fixed Price Contract. Description of Requirement: CLIN0001 1H x 2W Chemical Warfare Air Filter Unit (Bag in / Bag Out Housing), 1200cfm with the following

characteristics: 12 & 14 ga T304 Stainless steel construction with #2-B finish.” (Trading Markets; 06May08; Department of the Army) http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1513265/

 

Regional meeting on chemical weapons begins in Ecuador

“A regional meeting on chemical weapons non-proliferation attended by 19 Latin American and Caribbean countries started Tuesday in Ecuador's capital of Quito. Delegates from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPAQ) [OPCW] will also take part in the two-day meeting, the Ecuadorian foreign ministry said in a statement. Representatives will discuss efforts on dismantling and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to guarantee peace for the countries that do not own nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and prevent threats from countries with such weapons, it said.” (Mathaba News Agency; 08May08)

http://mathaba.net/news/?x=591487

 

Padilla co-defendant challenges Indiana prison designation

“A man convicted along with one-time ‘dirty bomb’ suspect Jose Padilla of supporting al-Qaida wants a federal judge to block the government from sending him to a prison unit where his telephone calls, mail and visitors would be closely monitored. A lawyer for Kifah Wael Jayyousi, 46, claims the Communications Management Unit at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind., amounts to ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ and his inclusion in that unit is discriminatory because it is based partly on his Muslim faith and Arab ethnicity. Jayyousi wanted to do his time at a prison near his home in Detroit. But on April 30, he learned that he was going to the Indiana institution and that he would be placed in the special unit ‘to protect the safety, security and orderly operation of (prisons) facilities, and protect the public,’ court documents show. The unit's restrictions include live monitoring and recording of all phone calls unless they are with an inmate's lawyers. Calls must be made in English unless arrangements are made to have a government translator present, and all visits with family and friends are also monitored. Every piece of mail is reviewed.” (Chicago Tribune; 08May08; Curt Anderson) http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-sou-padilla-terrorch,0,4774033.story

 

Response teams train for disaster [Reno, Nevada]

“Members of two National Guard Civil Support Teams and the Reno Fire Department responded Monday to a report of a suspicious odor near Reno-Tahoe International Airport. It was a just a drill, but the reasons behind it were real. ‘We become familiar with how the other departments work, so we can respond to terrorist attacks, natural disasters like earthquakes or a hazardous spill,’ said Sgt. Eulizes Montalvo, a member of the 95th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team from Hayward, Calif. Montalvo's team and the 92nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team from Las Vegas are in Reno this week training with Reno's Hazardous Materials Response Team for chemical, biological, radiological, explosive and nuclear events. Operation Joint Support was staged Monday at the Nevada Air National Guard base near Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Similar training will occur Wednesday near the Stead Airport in north Reno.” (Reno Gazette-Journal; 06May08; Lenita Powers) http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/NEWS04/805060350/1321/NEWS

 

Europe wary of US demand to scan shipping containers

“Europe's shipping and ports industry is anxiously awaiting the verdict of the United States on the feasibility of a massive increase in anti-terrorism scannning [sic] of shipping containers.~As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) presents the results of three pilot projects to Congress on 8 May, the price tag of a full roll-out of the scheme looks increasingly unacceptable to European industry, which is backed in its opposition by the European Commission. […] The pilot projects involved 100% scanning of all containers bound for the US, using X-ray or gamma-ray imaging systems and radiation detection – an approach that is to be demanded by 2012 from all ports that ship containers to US territory. The US administration reported that one of the projects – in the UK port of Southampton – ‘seems to be successful.’” (European Voice; 08May08; Jim Brundsden)

http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/europe-wary-of-us-demand-to-scan-shipping-containers/60673.aspx

 

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

 

FBI Focusing on 'About Four' Suspects in 2001 Anthrax Attacks

“The FBI has narrowed its focus to ‘about four’ suspects in the 6 1/2-year investigation of the deadly anthrax attacks of 2001, and at least three of those suspects are linked to the Army’s bioweapons research facility at Fort Detrick in Maryland, FOX News has learned. […]in an e-mail obtained by FOX News, scientists at Fort Detrick openly discussed how the anthrax powder they were asked to analyze after the attacks was nearly identical to that made by one of their colleagues.” (Fox News; 28Mar08; Catherine Herridge & Ian McCaleb).

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,342852,00.html

 

Jewish Students Rally For Jonathan Pollard [Miami Beach, Florida]

“Jonathan Pollard, a Jew, faced a terrible dilemma. As an American civilian working as a naval analyst, he became aware of information that was vital to Israel’s security. The data he uncovered involved chemical and biological warfare and planned terrorism against the Jewish State. Under the ‘1983 Memorandum of Understanding,’ this type of intelligence was to be shared by the two nations. The U.S. government did not keep their part of the bargain. When Pollard tried to go through the protocol of proper channels, he was stonewalled. In desperation, he went directly to the Israeli government with his information. The gas masks and precautions used in the first Gulf War were a direct result of Pollard’s revelations.” (The Jewish Press; 26Mar08).

http://www.jewishpress.com/displaycontent_new.cfm?contentid=30932&contentname=Jewish%20Students%20Rally%20For%20Jonathan%20Pollard&sectionid=17&mode=a&recnum=0

 

Glenbrook’s [Australia] secret history

“Glenbrook Historical Society president Tim Miers was another primary school student during World War II. He remembers how the Glenbrook townsfolk tacitly agreed to keep the mustard gas stockpile a secret. […]A full history of Australia’s secret chemical warfare history — including details on the Glenbrook tunnel — has just been published.” (Blue Mountains Gazette; 26Mar08).

http://bluemountains.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/glenbrooks-secret-history/1210199.html

 

White powder’ scare clears Bayside High [New York]

“Thousands of teens were evacuated from Bayside High School (BHS) shortly after noon on Wednesday, March 26 after a lab technician received a package that contained a suspicious white powder. Shortly after 10 a.m., according to a police source, ‘The package was received and opened by a science department technician who found that it contained a white powder.’ ‘When the technician came into contact with the contents, they reacted to it, complaining of itching,’ […]The entire incident proved to be a false alarm. According to a police source, ‘The package was a proper delivery.

It contained fertilizer which had been ordered by some students for a project.’” (The Queen’s Courier; 26Mar08; VICTOR G. MIMONI).

http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2008/03/26/news/top_stories/news13.txt

 

FDA deadlines may compromise drug safety by rushing approval

“Many medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the brink of congressionally mandated deadlines, and those drugs are more likely to face later regulatory intervention than those approved with greater deliberation, researchers at Harvard University have found. Drugs fast-tracked by the FDA are more likely to eventually be withdrawn from global markets for safety reasons […] The timeline was tightened to 10 months as part of the 1997 Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act, a timeline extended by Congress in 2002 as part of bioterrorism legislation and renewed again in 2007.” (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News; 26Mar08).

http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=32753309

 

Staged ‘Accident’ Tests Local Responders [Pine Bluff, Arkansas] […] ”

Over the radio, a voice said, ‘This is a test. We have been notified of an incident at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. … a Level 4 incident … involving possible chemical agent.’ The test Wednesday was a large-scale training exercise for several hundred Jefferson County employees and emergency responders, coordinated by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program. The annual event is meant to prepare the county in the case of a chemical release at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, which is one of seven sites around the country storing stockpiled chemical weapons.” Bank of Star City News; 27Mar08; Amy Jo Brown).

http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2008/03/27/news/news1.txt

 

Researchers of the University of Navarra [Navarra, Spain] have designed a product for the detection and characterization of brucellosis

“Ignacio López-Goñi and David García […] of the University of Navarra […] [have developed] a commercial analysis kit, sold under the brand name ‘Bruce-ladder,’ […] Bruce-ladder permits the identification and differentiation of the microorganism via the amplification of sequences of specific genes using the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique […] Brucellosis is an infectious disease which affects both livestock and persons. According to the World Health Organization, brucellosis is part of a group of diseases, which also includes rabies and anthrax, which are considered ‘forgotten’ diseases, and are strongly related to poverty.”

(Innovations Report; 26Mar08; Garazi Andonegi).

http://www.innovations-report.de/html/berichte/medizin_gesundheit/bericht-106128.html

 

GCC [Gloucester County College, New Jersey] expands food science program to focus on safety

“The nation's food industry has increased its focus on protection of the food supply and prevention of bioterrorism in the last several years, and as part of its new food science program, Gloucester County College is training local food producers to do the same. […] [Dr. Donald W.] Schaffner [a professor at Rutgers]  said even mass quantities of commonly used materials could contaminate the food supply and cause widespread illness.” (Bridgeton News; 27Mar08; JESSICA DRISCOLL).

http://www.nj.com/news/bridgeton/local/index.ssf?/base/news-14/1206598213230050.xml&coll=10

 

PharmAthene lands $5.8M for bio-agent treatment

“Biodefense company PharmAthene of Annapolis has won an additional $5.8 million under its existing Army contract to develop its chemical nerve agent treatment, Protexia. The announcement follows one last week that the company plans to pay up to $40 million for the vaccines unit of Avecia Biologics of the United Kingdom, with a focus on anthrax and plague prevention.” (Gazette.net; 28Mar08; Steve Berberich).

http://www.gazette.net/stories/032808/businew202108_32379.shtml

 

Hadassah [Israel] donors hear the high-tech talk

“Hadassah International took a challenge that could have put a good number of donors to sleep, or even worse, but the young Israeli entrepreneurs talking high-tech at the forum held at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) […]And then came a visit to Hadassah Ein Karem, where head of internal medicine Prof. Yaacov Naparstek described the new tower, with 500 beds and the capacity to deal with bio-chemical warfare. Work is already underway on the two underground floors.” (Globe’s Online; 27Mar08; Brett Kline).

http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/DocView.asp?did=1000327049&fid=1725

 

Huge anthrax outbreak hits farms [South Africa]

“According to the spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture and Land Reform, Thabo Mothibi, one farmer has lost up to 400 head of game and many other farmers have been affected. […]Experts from the Kruger National Park have been asked to investigate the outbreak. The investigation will determine why such a multi-species outbreak occurred and how to improve the disposal of infected material.” (Independent Online; 27Mar08; Nadine Visagie).

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=14&art_id=vn20080327125150393C450754

 

FARC [Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia] acquired uranium, says Colombia

“On Wednesday, Colombian military officials said that they recovered 66 pounds of uranium that, they say, was acquired by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Colombian Gen. Freddy Padilla tied the uranium to the seized laptops, saying one of the computer files mentions attempts by the FARC to buy uranium, apparently to resell. Earlier this month, Colombian officials claimed the rebels were seeking uranium to make a ‘dirty bomb.’” (The Christian Science Monitor; 28Mar08; Sibylla Brodzinsky).

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0328/p07s03-woam.html

 

Panel Wants NRC to Tighten Licensing

“A review panel is urging the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to tighten its licensing procedures for radioactive materials. […]Last year, congressional investigators set up a bogus company and said they were able to obtain enough radioactive material for a small ‘dirty bomb.’ In response, the NRC's Independent External Review Panel is now urging the agency to visit an applicant's facilities before issuing a license and to conduct background checks.” (Forbes; 26Mar08; Associated Press).

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/03/26/ap4817091.html

 

N.C. firefighters to get 'dirty-bomb' training

“Wake County fire and rescue officials will sponsor a dirty-bomb workshop starting today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wake County Fire Training Center in New Hill. The two-day course will teach fire and EMS officers how to respond if they are the first to arrive on the scene of a radiological incident.” (The News & Observer; 27Mar08).

http://www.firerescue1.com/news/393134-N-C-firefighters-to-get-dirty-bomb-training/

 

'Dirty bomb' scenario to test emergency response to a radio-nuclear event [Toronto]

“On Saturday, Mar. 29, a staged exercise will test the ability of hospital staff, emergency workers and college students to deal with a fictional, dirty bomb explosion that could potentially overwhelm hospital resources. […] This simulation is intended to show health care professionals how to manage the patient load resulting from a dirty bomb explosion on Highway 401 that sends auto accident victims to hospital, along with hundreds of others who panic when they hear that a van involved in the crash was carrying a crude bomb that created a radioactive dust plume.” (CNW Group; 28Mar08).

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2008/27/c7414.html

 

Nuclear terror checks stepped up

“Vehicles passing through major ports and the Channel Tunnel are to be screened for radioactive material in a bid to combat ‘nuclear terrorism.’ The plan was within a Franco-British communiqué after French President Nicolas Sarkozy held talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London.”

(BBC News; 27Mar08).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7317294.stm

 

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

 

Attorneys argue anthrax libel case filed against New York Times

“A former Army scientist once identified as a "person of interest" in the deadly 2001 anthrax attacks shouldn't be considered a public figure in his libel lawsuit against The New York Times, his lawyer argued Friday before a federal appeals court. Steven J. Hatfill said a series of columns in The Times falsely implicated him as the culprit in the anthrax deaths. No one has been charged.” (Associated Press; 21Mar08; Michael Felberbaum) http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--anthrax-hatfill0321mar21,0,7625415.story

 

[Washington] University [St. Louis] tests disaster readiness with faux anthrax attack

“[Washington] University administrators, St. Louis Department of Health officials and more than 200 campus volunteers collaborated in a public health drill Tuesday that simulated the distribution of medication at Mallinckrodt [Student Center] in the event of a terrorist anthrax attack, and tested the University's emergency text-message system. ‘We have protocols in place for a public health event, but we've never tried them and we haven't trained a lot of people,’ said Mark Bagby, the University emergency coordinator. ‘We came up with a very simplistic protocol [for responders to follow].’" (Student Life; 21Mar08; Dan Woznica) http://media.www.studlife.com/media/storage/paper337/news/2008/03/19/News/University.Tests.Disaster.Readiness.With.Faux.Anthrax.Attack-3274863.shtml

 

Ricin Cop Tests for Castor Derivative

“A police officer who went to a motel room where ricin was later found has tested positive for trace amounts of a substance that can be derived from the poison's source, authorities said Thursday. The male officer has shown no signs of illness or symptoms of ricin poisoning, officials familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the ongoing investigation into the discovery of the vials of ricin and the raw material, castor beans, in the motel room.” (Associated Press; 20Mar08; Ken Ritter) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jHS90ne-2-wjkHu_N158TrQ_wJpwD8VHI5BO0

 

Universal Detection Technology Receives First Purchase Order for Bioterrorism Detection Devices From China

“Universal Detection Technology, […] a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats and provider of counter-terrorism consulting and training services, announced today that it has received a purchase order from its Chinese distributor for bioterrorism detection kits. ‘We are very pleased to have received our first purchase order for these products from China. This is obviously a very large market and like any other has security concerns, relating to threat of Biological Weapons and Toxins and we are glad to be providing our solutions in countering these threats,’ said Jacques Tizabi, CEO of Universal Detection Technology.” (CNN Money;

19Mar08)

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0376750.htm

 

PharmAthene clinches vaccine deal worth up to $40M

“PharmAthene Inc. said Thursday it had agreed to acquire a line of biodefense vaccines from Avecia Biologics Ltd., a contract manufacturer based in the United Kingdom, in a deal potentially worth $40 million. […] The Annapolis company will pay $10 million in cash when the deal closes and another $10 million a year after that. An additional $20 million could change hands in the form of milestone payments for government contracts and sales royalties.” (Baltimore Business Journal; 20Mar08; Robert J.

Terry)

http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/03/17/daily35.html

 

The Dutch experiment with a biosecurity code of conduct

“The code, which was published by KNAW [Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences] as A Code of Conduct for Biosecurity in the Netherlands, covers six main issues: raising awareness; research and publication policy; accountability and oversight; internal and external communication; accessibility; and shipment and transport. It is somewhat more wide-ranging than the IAP [InterAcademy Panel] statement but makes clear that individual organizations are responsible for tailoring ‘the practical implementation of the code of conduct to the needs of their institution.’ Moreover, it suggests that organizations monitor compliance with the code internally. Though the system would not require a central supervisory body, the report suggests that a national biosecurity center could help coordinate activities.” (The Bulletin Online; 20Mar08; Malcolm Dando) http://www.thebulletin.org/columns/malcolm-dando/20080320.html

 

Nerve agent set for destruction at Umatilla [Oregon] depot

“Workers today began moving more than 32,300, 155-mm VX-filled artillery shells from Umatilla Chemical Depot bunkers to the incinerator site for destruction. Within a few days, workers at the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility will begin destroying the shells, which each contain about six pounds of VX, a lethal nerve agent.” (Tri-City Herald; 20Mar08; Mary Hopkin) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/945/story/133622.html

 

Turkey praised by UN [sic] chemical weapons watchdog boss

“The Head of a United Nations weapons watchdog [sic] expressed gratitude for Turkey's efforts for the global endeavor to prohibit chemical weapons, saying the country ‘contributed to both [the] world's and its own security not only by joining the convention but also by actively implementing it. I am utterly pleased with Turkish efforts in this area and I hope that other countries in the region would find an inspiration in Turkey,’ said Rogelio Pfirter, director-general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).” (The New Anatolian; 20Mar08) http://www.thenewanatolian.com/tna-31707.html

 

Terrorism: 200 groups to contend with “Britain faces a ‘serious and sustained threat from violent extremists claiming to act in the name of Islam,’

the strategy says. ‘At any one time the police and security and intelligence agencies are contending with around 30 plots, 200 groups or networks and 2,000 individuals who are judged to pose a terrorist threat.’ Many of these networks and individuals ‘share an ambition to cause mass casualties without warning. Some are willing to use suicide attacks and have aspirations to use chemical, biological and radiological weapons.’” (Telegraph; 20Mar08) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/19/nterror719.xml

 

Trashed blueprints give 'key' to anti-terror unit

“Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day says he's launched a probe to find out how blueprints for a new military counter-terrorism unit ended up in a downtown Ottawa garbage can. The probe was launched after the discovery of blueprints containing sensitive details on the unit. A military analyst says he's been told the matter is not being considered a security breach because the plans were part of a rejected draft for a new building, which will be the home of the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit at CFB [Canadian Forces Base] Trenton [Ontario].” (CTV; 20Mar08)

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080320/garbage_blueprints_080320/20080320?hub=Politics

 

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

American Forces Press Service

 

Nov. 26, 2007 - Afghanistan's elite military force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation in the Zormat district of Paktya province yesterday, officials said. The Afghan commandos targeted a Taliban bomb-making site during an early morning raid in Sheykhan village. The Taliban responded with sporadic gunfire in an attempt to defend their position. After the brief firefight, several Taliban suspects were taken into custody for further investigation.

 

"Once again, the commandos demonstrated their ability to rapidly respond to the concerns of local citizens and the directives of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman.

 

"Thank you for giving us peace and stability in the village, all we want is to live in peace," a local villager said to military officials.

 

The commandos' training and dedication to mission paid off, Belcher said, noting the Iraqi troops' "aggressive attitude and enhanced skills allowed them to seize the initiative and work well with their partnered (Afghan police) throughout this operation."

 

In other Afghanistan news, coalition troops detained five Taliban militants suspected of weapons smuggling during an operation conducted in Zabul province Nov. 23.

 

"Coalition forces are continuing to disrupt the Taliban's supply of weapons in Afghanistan," said Belcher. "We are eroding the Taliban's resources and their ability to bring harm on the Afghan people."

 

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)

What is a religion?

 

Is it good to have a religion? Is it bad to have a religion? Does it matter one way or another?

 

What's the main characteristic of a religious person? What's the main characteristic of a nonreligious person? From their observable behavior alone, is it possible to know the difference?

 

What makes a book "sacred" or "holy"? Is there more than one holy book? Can one holy book be holier than another holy book?

 

Is a holy book true? Are some parts of a holy book truer than other parts? If so, who decides which parts are the truer parts?

 

What is a god?

 

What are the characteristics and attributes of a god? Does a god have a body? Is a god born? Does a god die? Does a god have gender? What does gender mean when applied to a god? Does a god have genitalia? Is a god celibate and chaste? Does a god have sex? Does a god eat and drink? Does a god poop and pee? Does a god get hungry? Thirsty? Sleepy? Horny? Angry? Annoyed? Frustrated? Envious? Jealous? Sad? Depressed? Lonely? Happy?

 

Does a god change? Does a god grow? Does a god learn? Does a god get smarter? Does a god get sick? Does a god get mentally ill? Can a god go crazy? Can a god do wrong? Can a god make a mistake? Can a god be evil?

 

Can a god cure cancer? Has this ever happened? Can a god regenerate an amputated limb? Has this ever happened?

 

In the book of  Numbers, chapter 15, verses 32-36, in the collection of books known as the Bible, the author writes this story about a god known as the Lord: "While the Israelites were in the desert, a man was discovered gathering wood on the sabbath day. Those who caught him at it brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly. But they kept him in custody, for there was no clear decision as to what should be done with him. Then the Lord said to Moses, 'This man shall be put to death; let the whole community stone him outside the camp.' So the whole community led him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the Lord had commanded Moses." What is your opinion of this god? What is your opinion of the people who obey this god?

 

In the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 21, verses 18-21, also in the collection of books known as the Bible, according to the author the same god known as the Lord gives the following instructions regarding a son who disobeys his parents and eats and drinks to excess: "If a man has a stubborn and unruly son who will not listen to his father or mother, and will not obey them even though they chastise him, his father and mother shall have him apprehended and brought out to the elders at the gate of his home city, where they shall say to those city elders, 'This son of ours is a stubborn and unruly fellow who will not listen to us; he is a glutton and a drunkard.' Then all his fellow citizens shall stone him to death." What is your opinion of this god? What is your opinion of parents who obey this god? What is your opinion of their fellow citizens who obey this god?

 

Mr. Skank says he was taught that hell is a place of punishment where people are tortured forever in ways so excruciating and terrible that we cannot even imagine them. In the book of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 31-46, the author records one of the speeches of Jesus, a man considered the son of this same god known above as the Lord, and in his speech Jesus says that anyone who fails to help even one hungry or poor or sick or imprisoned person is cursed and on the day of judgment will be consigned to punishment in "the eternal fire" of hell forever. What is your opinion of this son of a god?

 

What is critical thinking? What is logic? What is reason? What is academic discourse? What is academic inquiry? What is science? What is the scientific method? What is the purpose of academic inquiry and scientific method? Why are academic inquiry and scientific method in conflict with religion?