New Virus Discovered It began in an insidious way. So much so, that it went unnoticed for months. There were unconfirmed rumors, speculation that something strange was happening. As technology has continued to advance at a staggering rate and our world has virtually shrunk; we quickly become aware of the daily changes that effect everyone on this planet. We are inundated with news in every area of communication. Newspapers, radio, television, the internet, all have made us very aware of our global neighborhood. We notice when terrible things happen in the world. War, famine, destruction, death. We are shocked and horrified at the pace at which these events take place around the globe. That is perhaps why this virus went unnoticed for so long. As the virus spread and began to take its toll on those who contracted it, those in the scientific and medical fields became more perplexed. Here was a virus unlike any ever seen upon this earth. The effects were first noticed by the news media. At first a small lessening of crime. Fewer reports of violence of all kinds were noticed in a somewhat quizzical way. There were fewer 9-1-1 calls and admissions to emergency rooms. Police officers found they were spending more time at their precincts than on the streets. Medical professionals found they actually had time to sleep. The world seemed to be changing for the betterment of mankind! I received a call from Dr Dee-Fault Gradient of the Man-Newt Research Center. Upon my arrival, I was taken into a laboratory where I observed Dr Batch Render looking through their newest acquisition, the Scripts Quantum Microscope, which uses a technique known as erasable electrostatic lithography, or (EEL) which has the ability to change device geometry and thereby, the shape of a quantum dot from square to triangular. Dr Render could barely contain his excitement. He told me of his discovery using this revolutionary device. "By using a small probe, I was able to investigate quantum decoherence and fractals in quantum dots. This led to the discovery of this virus and its amazing properties. Clearly this virus was created using nanotechnology!" I asked Dr Render to explain more fully. "This man-made pathogen has the ability to infect the host in such a way that the host becomes joyful, happy and content with life. This is the direct cause of the lessening of violence in the world! Were it a deadly virus, we would be doomed!" As I was rushing back to the office, my cell phone rang. It was my editor. He informed me that all wars on the planet had ceased! Leanndra Wiggins The Chaos Sentinal 05:53 12/21/2005 I hope you enjoy the image and my delving into the world of Science Fiction and some science fact. I will leave it to your curiousity to find out just what the scientific facts are. At this time of year, more than any other, we become most aware of the need for peace and love of our fellow man. Perhaps in some small way this little story of mine will make you think about that and consider what each of us could do to make this world a more peaceful place in which to live. Merry Christmas and I hope the joys of the season will remain with you through the coming year. The 'Peace Virus' was created in FFF Postwork: PhotoFiltre for Frame/Name