Al-Qa’ida has changed all the rules of terrorism. Up till September 11, 2001 most terrorist were only concerned with getting air time. This new breed of enemy is just as concerned with the body count, as the viewer count. Car bombs and suicide bombers have been effective in the past, but for this new brand of killer, there are so many other options available. This essay looks at three modern concerns of those fighting this unrelenting enemy.

In this history of mankind there have been monumental ideas, and discoveries that have altered the world’s course. The discovery of radioactivity by Röntgen saved countless lives; the ability to manipulate the atoms of our universe provided millions with energy, and the invention of the modern computer and computer networks created a world in which our technical knowledge doubles approximately every two years or less. All of these have benefited human society in ways still unfathomable to all but the most astute and gifted futurist. Some philosophers might argue that knowledge is never bad, however humanity has proven time and time again that while knowledge in and of itself is not evil, in the hands of an unprepared society it could, and often does wreak unspeakable havoc.

There is only one good,knowledge, and one evil, ignorance”

-Socrates

During the Cold War era there existed a policy known as “Mutual Assured Destruction.” This policy was seen by many laypeople as being aptly named “MAD.” The false idea that at any time a nuclear war could break out, caused panic in some, and subconscious anxiety in others. One only needed to look at the movies, music, and other artistic endeavors to see the affects it had on the populations: War Games, Russians-by Sting, Dr. Strangelove, Red Dawn. What many did not comprehend was the safety of having these superpowers armed with earth shattering weapons, but that were also concern for human life, even if it was their own people’s.

Terrorism is not a new phenomenon. It has plagued both the despotic and the benevolent. In fighting these enemies, experts have argued for varied strategies and priorities. Some experts have been wrongly ignored, with their words of caution crashed upon the rocks of indifference. Other experts have been wrongly embraced by public opinion and political action. This essay has focused on three such issues battling for political acknowledgment and action: Cyberterrorism, Nuclear Terrorism, and Radiological Terrorism. Each of these three could prove devastating if the right balance is not achieved.

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This was a question I was asked for my class:

It was December, 25th, Christmas, when the attack was planned.  The enemy was surely to have been celebrating this Christian holiday, so resistance would be minimal.  The militant group of radicals snuck into the perimeter and with a masterful stroke caught the enemy drunk and unable to defend themselves. In the end 22 Hessians laid dead, 98 were wounded, and one of the most epic military moves of George Washington was entered into the history books.  Fast forward over 200 hundred year. Christmas day on Northwest Airlines Flight 253 a young man from the poor country of Nigeria sits aboard the plane. He has been told that his God demands that he must strike at the enemy. With no army, or a masterfully battle plan, he is left only with a bomb, and his underwear.  In the end around 300 people were spared when his explosive device failed to detonate. Read the rest of this entry »

I received this question the other day asking about what prerequisites a student should take before enrolling in Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Dear Mr. Ford,

I am a first-year Life Science student. By the end of next year, we must declare our majors/minors. I have already noticed some interest in the field of Physiology and, upon watching your wonderfully informative videos on YouTube, I must say that I am now convinced.

I know that you answered a question about how much Chemistry is in the subject. My question is quite similar in nature but it is one that has been bothering me for quite a while. Although physics is not a particular prerequisite for entrance in the Physiology major program, it is signaled as a highly recommended choice. The problem is that I was only able to take a physics course in high school and cannot really find an opportunity to do so any longer (all the physics courses here require that you have taken physics all throughout high school).

When I spoke to the Head Officer of the Physiology department at my university, he said that it is practically impossible to study Physiology without a strong physics background without memorizing everything. Although I very much value his opinion, I feel that it may have been slightly exaggerated. I know that I will work very hard to get what I want, but I wouldn’t want to make my life needlessly difficult.

What is your take on the issue?

I very much value your opinion and hope to see more of your wonderful videos on YouTube!

With regards,

Georgia

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