VARINHAS MÁGICAS

Habitual destaque de fim de semana para a coluna electrónica "What's New" do físico Robert Park:

DIVINING: THIS TIME, IT’S A BOMB DETECTOR.

There it was, on the front page of the New York Times; the Iraqi government has purchased more than 1500 devices known as the ADE 651 to use at checkpoints. That stands for Advanced Detection of Explosives. The 651 is the latest detection device marketed by ATSC (UK) Ltd. It consists of a thin rod mounted on a swivel held by pistol grip, and is said to point to explosives. That's all it is, there are no sensors. According to Rod Nordland who wrote the article, a retired USAF officer said the device is nothing more than an explosives divining rod,. The stupid Iraqis don't know this and paid $16,500-$60,000 each for them, even though American officers told them the devices are worthless. Boy, are they dumb! Wait, the NYT failed mention that the US Department of Defense was sold on these devices back in the 90s Although it was classified, they tipped off their favorite novelist, Tom Clancy, that the incredible device could detect people through thick walls by sensing their heartbeats. It was the basis of "Rainbow Six" (here). It was a scam. Thousands of similar devices are still in use by local police around the country to satisfy "probable cause" requirements for a property search. ATSC also sells a narcotic detector, but it's exactly the same device with a different number.

Robert Park