U.S. (Not) Testing Pain Ray in Afghanistan (Updated) | Danger Room | Wired.com

This article is interesting for a couple of reasons.  One, it discusses in some detail – and links to much more detail – the US Armed Forces next “non-lethal” weapon system.  For years we have been hearing about this technology that would send the enemy packing without inflicting any long-term damage.  This version, a targeted, burst microwave beam,  causes the enemy combatant targeted to feel an intensely hot sensation.  Initially, Wired reported that it is now being tested in Afghanistan, though recent updates have backed off that claim, contenting themselves just to imply that the system may have been tried earlier or elsewhere.

I’m not sure if the snark in the article is pacifist or just naive.  If the sarcasm is to do with pain inflicted by a device which creates a very unpleasant burning sensation, is that really worse than napalm, guided missiles, 10,000 20mm rounds a minute, flamethrowers, grenades or even small arms fire?  I suppose the real root of this ‘controversy’ is based in faulty logic about war.  How?  Well,  it seems to me that the best course is to attempt to resolve serious issues by other means first, and only to resort to armed conflict when either other means fail, or a time constraint escalates the urgency to a point where there simply isn’t time for other means to work – or they do not seem likely to do so.  However, it also seems to me to be common sense that if we find ourselves in armed combat, it is our moral duty to do whatever we reasonably and conscionably can to bring the conflict to a swift - and as nearly as possible - a bloodless, deathless conclusion.

When I read the scoffing tone of this article, I was perplexed.  Is it not better to aim a focused beam that agitates the nervous system to the point of causing pain, than to shoot, bomb, etc.?  Wouldn’t the enemy soldier feel the same way?  Isn’t it better to feel a temporary burning sensation that subsides as soon as one steps out of the beam, than to be shot, bombed, step on a mine, etc.?  I know my answer would be ‘YES!  YES IT IS!!!’

U.S. Testing Pain Ray in Afghanistan (Updated) | Danger Room | Wired.com

So check out the article, and then take a look at this video of reporters being subjected to the beam, and tell me whether you’d choose the bomb, bullet, chemicals or schrapnel of a traditional battlefield, or a non-lethal weapon such as this beam.   Me?  I would definitely and without hesitation choose the non-lethal ray that causes discomfort until I step aside.  I can’t be the only one, can I?

Here is some video of the ray being used on some journalists at a press event.  Do these folks look tortured or scarred for life, the way traditional weapons fire might?  http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2007/04/video_pain_ray_/

Technorati Tags: Non-lethal weapons,Pain Ray Testing,Weapons innovations

Local News | Clemmons' sister sentenced to five years in prison | Seattle Times Newspaper

This is a follow-up on the sister of Maurice Clemmons, the man who murdered four Lakewood Police Officers. 

Local News | Clemmons' sister sentenced to five years in prison | Seattle Times Newspaper

Technorati Tags: True Crime,Seattle True Crime,Clemmons,Lakewood Police Officers Ambushed

Spondylitis – From Denial to Support

This article is from this month’s Spondylitis Association of America publication, and I identified with the author in a number of his observations.  As he says in the article, the stories of people with AS are as unique and complex as the disease itself.  Many people have been suffering and searching for answers for years.  Many people alienate the people closest to them.  The impact of pain, limitations and fatigue often cause irritability, frustration, social withdrawal and the gradual (or not so gradual) loss of ability to do normal or enjoyable activities can leave one feeling depressed, grief-stricken, even eroding self-confidence, reasoning ability and memory. 

The author hits upon an outstanding concept when he recognizes with the diagnosis he became part of a group.  A group he wants nothing to do with, and a group of one – the author himself.  At least initially.  It is true that most people have no idea what SA is, or what it can do to a person, and that alone tends to isolate an AS patient from most of the people in his or her life. 

Again, if AS affects you, or anyone in your life, this article is worth reading. 

Spondylitis Plus - Featured Article

Technorati Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis,Arthritis,AS,Arthritis Resources,Chronic Illness

Complications of Spondylitis - Ankylosing Spondylitis Complications, Areas of Inflammation and More

If someone in your life has Ankylosing Spondylitis, this article is an excellent and succinct tutorial that will give insight into how the disease affects them.  If you have AS, this article is an excellent tutorial and offers some very good information to consider.

This is an outstanding article describing the impacts of Ankylosing Spondylitis.  Many people – if they have heard of it at all – think AS affects only the lower spine.  This article describes the process and progression of the disease, and the impacts on other areas of the body, fatigue and even chest pains caused by AS. 

I find myself in the position of having an advanced level of AS – impacts in the shoulders, hips, knees, back, and calcification (causing inflammation) where ligaments and tendons attach to bone.   Because of injuries early in life, and the resulting early onset of osteoarthritis, the first two rheumatologists I saw simply noted the osteoarthritis and stopped looking there.  Finally, I was referred to an excellent doctor who looked beyond the first issue and identified AS as a culprit in my life.  This diagnosis allowed me to get treatment for the process (AS) that was causing most of my symptoms- including Remicade infusion therapy- which helped me a great deal.  If you’d like to read more about Dr. Overman, and his highly regarded book  - You Don’t LOOK Sick! Living Well With Invisible Chronic Illness, which was a finalist in the Health category of Best Books 2005 awarded by USA Book News, here is a link to his profile and clinic information: Seattle Arthritis Clinic Staff

Understanding the disease you have, and managing your own treatment, lifestyle and health is an absolute necessity in my opinion, and this article is a good place to start:

Complications of Spondylitis - Ankylosing Spondylitis Complications, Areas of Inflammation and More

Technorati Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis,AS,Health Care,Medicine,Arthritis