Merry Christmas 2010 (Duck and Cover Edition)

[NightWatcher]

Here are two stories to get you in the Yuletide mood.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/16/science/16terror.html?ref=william_j_broad

U.S. Rethinks Strategy for the Unthinkable
By WILLIAM J. BROAD
Published: December 15, 2010

Suppose the unthinkable happened, and terrorists struck New York or another big city with an atom bomb. What should people there do? The government has a surprising new message: Do not flee. Get inside any stable building and don’t come out till officials say it’s safe.

(snip)

“We have to get past the mental block that says it’s too terrible to think about,” W. Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said in an interview. “We have to be ready to deal with it” and help people learn how to “best protect themselves.”


Officials say they are moving aggressively to conduct drills, prepare communication guides and raise awareness among emergency planners of how to educate the public.
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And the seasonal terra terra terra


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/15/AR2010121501967.html

BAGHDAD -- Iraqi authorities have obtained confessions from captured insurgents who claim al-Qaida is planning suicide attacks in the United States and Europe during the Christmas season, two senior officials said Wednesday.

A senior U.S. intelligence official confirmed the threat as credible

[Javaman]

1. Tis the season to be scared of everything and fearful of foreigners.

Once upon a time, we were told it was about good cheer and joy.

We are a stupid people.