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Heard that a Dr. David Banks had been killed in a small plane crash in Australia on the radio.

Dr. Banks was important, as he had the power to order a quarantine of the areas if he felt it was needed.

I cannot open any of the Java sites today, computer is on strike.

http://www.google.com/search?client=googlet&q=dr%20david%20banks%20australia

Feds seize 1,000 fake law enforcement badges from Bronx man

May 10, 2005, 12:42 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) _ A Bronx man has been charged with possessing an illegal cache of about 1,000 counterfeit law enforcement badges, authorities said Tuesday.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Sergio Khorosh on Monday at his home after he accepted delivery of about 100 fake U.S. Marshals Service shields. The delivery was being monitored by the agents, who had first intercepted the badges last month in a shipment from Taiwan to San Francisco.

During a search of Khorosh's home, agents discovered about 1,000 more badges, some resembling those of the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and New York Police Department, court papers said. Also found were six firearms, including semiautomatic pistols.

Authorities were investigating whether Khorosh was supplying police impersonators.

"We think this goes way beyond collectors," said Martin D. Ficke, special agent in charge for ICE's New York office.

Khorosh faces charges of illegal transport of counterfeit badges and weapons possession. He was ordered held on $50,000 bail.

A call to Khorosh's attorney was not immediately returned.

http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--fakebadges0510may10,0,5095940.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork

What a shame. Another brilliant scientist lost:

This week The Age newspaper paid tribute to Professor David Banks, who was hailed as one of Australia's best and most important scientists.

Dr Banks was the principal scientist with quarantine authority, Biosecurity Australia, and was heavily involved in protecting Australians from unwanted diseases and pests. (snip)
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=21043