I thought some of you might be interested in this, even though slightly off topic (Thompsons). I came across an interesting article on the Newscientist.com website titled,
Sweeping Stun Guns To Target Crowds.

It seems scientists in Germany are coming up with a new generation of 'wonder-weapons!' These new weapons will use a 'lightening-like beam of electricity' to stun individuals, crowds, and even incapacitate vehicles (now so heavily dependent on electronics). It (one version) ionizes the air itself (using a solid-state laser) to target the weapon, has a range of 100 meters, and is scheduled to be out in 2005!

They are under contract to 'Uncle Sam' to provide our Marines with the next generation of weapons. Fascinating!

Regards, Walter
P.S. Here is the link:
http://www.newscient...p?id=ns99996014