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Text Box: Identity theft on a roll! Nearly ten million people are victims every year, and not much is being done about it. Here’s a couple of links with more info. Scary stuff! *** Some time ago, I did an article on “Code Red”, a reverse 9-1-1 type of system for rapid response in case of disasters, either natural, or man-made.

Text Box: I’ve recently found out that two cities that I know of in Iowa have set up a Code Red systerm. West Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids both have a Code Red response system in place. The West Des Moines system is operated through WestCom Dispatch, which covers the communities of West Des Moines, Clive, and Urbandale. The Code Red response, can make 60,000 calls an hour to notify residence of an emergency. For more information go to the Code Red website at:

Text Box: For information on the West Des Moines system, visit their website at: You might also want to take a look at the West Des Moines Magazine, which is available as a download from their website. *** I’m trying a new ad on page 4. Simon’s J. Benjamin’s restaurant. It’s one of our favorite spots in Des Moines for great Italian, or any other item on their menu. Tell Simon I sent you, and cash in the coupon for a house drink.

Text Box: Mystery Writers Resource

Text Box: The Florida Gulf Coast University is conducting tests on non-lethal weapons as part of their curriculum. Criminology Professor Charlie Mesloh is in charge of conducting these tests. They have been testing beanbag shooting shotguns, nightsticks, tasers and chemical sprays as alternatives to conventional weapons that can cause death or serious injury. Mesloh created the FGCU Weapons and Equipment Research Institute. They spend hours testing and evaluating the

Text Box: equipment and put their findings into databases on CD’s that are distributed to law-enforcement agencies around the country. Most small departments can’t afford to do the testing and have to rely on information provided by the manufacturers of those weapons. Professor Mesloh is a former police officer from Venice, Florida with 12 years on the force before a back injury required him to take an ealy retirement. He came to FGCU to continue his education and

Text Box: was offered a teaching position there in 2003. He found a federal grant that enabled him to set up the institute for the testing program. ***

Know your Police	2
How about Hotel Key Cards?	2
What’s your Verdict?	2
Writers Corner	3
Recipes to die for:	3
What’s new in Computers?	3
Contact Info	4
Closing Comments	4

Text Box: Special points of interest: Identity theft! Coupon on page 4 for a house drink at J. Benjamin’s Take notice of Code Red! Weapons 101

http://www.youreviltwin.org/

http://redtape.msnbc.com/

www.coderedbcs.com