Unlike most places in the world (other than Yemen or Afghanistan), a vibrant gun culture is still alive and kicking in the US. But a new company wants to put a fresh spin on every enthusiastic shooter/outdoor type’s departure from this life. The startup is called Holy Smoke LLC and its founders specialize in turning cremated remains into bullets. Part of their marketing campaign involves shooting people into the afterlife. Not surprising.

Holy Smoke got its start in unusual circumstances. A long while ago, Thad Holmes and Clem Parnell were contemplating existential matters. In the midst of their discussion came the idea for a radical service aimed at the gun-owning part of the population. Being enthusiastic game wardens and outdoor adventurers, the pair were experienced with making ullets for small arms. Shotgun shells are also among their specialties.

So this year, Holy Smoke ... Read more »

There’s no need to panic, ladies and gentlemen. The warmachines aren’t turning on their masters yet. For starters, most of the CIA and Air Force drones are stationed in the Middle East and Africa, meaning they’re far away. The mysterious virus logging pilot keystrokes is also quite benign, though its origin is unknown. So the humongous mystery that should be clouding everyone’s thoughts right now is: where did it come from?

Nobody knows for sure. Of course, it’s pretty much an awful open secret that when it comes to vulnerabilities, the American military and intelligence establishment is filled with them. But on drones?

The implications here are scary, since the US Air Force and Navy already envision a glorious future of unmanned fighting machines. It would suck if your legions of unmanned terminators can’t function in combat after they get hacked.

Warfare isn’ ... Read more »