Free Republic

The Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) ray-cannon, mounted in a specially-equipped Hercules transport plane flying above New Mexico, has now succeeded in "putting a hole in the fender" of a ground vehicle driving along beneath it. The not particularly awesome result was announced by Boeing, maker of the ATL, yesterday. "In this test, a directed energy weapon successfully demonstrated direct attack on a moving target," said Gary Fitzmire, Boeing raygun veep. Though that is nothing new; Boeing's Humvee-mounted "Laser Avenger" ray-turret shot down a small flying robot earlier this year

One-hundred forty years ago, the Women's Gunboat Society raised money for Confederate gunboats. The group still exists today, but with a different purpose -- preserving the history of the Civil War era.Donning 19th century attire, the members of the society and project coordinator Matt Young discussed recruitment, fund raising and a fashion show at their meeting Friday.The group will have a recruitment fair from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 17 at Peachtree Mall. "We want everyone interested to come out and join," executive director Doris Willis said.In addition, the society will have its first fashion show during the first week...