The L115A1 Sniper Rifle
The rifle Ephraim had obtained for Johnny's use wasn't the L96A1 but the newer L115A1, a machine whose main difference is that it is chambered for the larger .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, which, by giving a greatly increased muzzle velocity for a larger bullet, gives it increased accuracy and power, and a range up to 1,400m.
An overview of the rifle is found here.
A short video of a commercial equivalent of a rifle very similar to the one Johnny uses is here.
If you would like to buy an Accuracy International rifle - for example, to take big-game shooting - you can get one here.
A very full demonstration of the Accuracy International range of sniper rifles can be seen on this video (14 minutes).
The rifle Ephraim had obtained for Johnny's use wasn't the L96A1 but the newer L115A1, a machine whose main difference is that it is chambered for the larger .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, which, by giving a greatly increased muzzle velocity for a larger bullet, gives it increased accuracy and power, and a range up to 1,400m.
An overview of the rifle is found here.
A short video of a commercial equivalent of a rifle very similar to the one Johnny uses is here.
If you would like to buy an Accuracy International rifle - for example, to take big-game shooting - you can get one here.
A very full demonstration of the Accuracy International range of sniper rifles can be seen on this video (14 minutes).
Operation Telic, in which Johnny took part, was the British assault on the Basra area during the opening stages of the Iraq War in March 2003. Members of 40 and 42 Commandos, Royal Marines, spearheaded the attack. 40 Commando was helicoptered into the Al Faw peninsula to prevent Saddam Hussein from setting fire to the oil infrastructure, as he did when he withdrew from Kuwait. An overview of the operation is given here, while a detailed account from 40 Commando, Royal Marines, of which Johnny was a member, is given here.
SEX, RAPE and AIDS
A web of myths has grown around the African population's fear of AIDS, including the idea that sex with a virgin cures the disease. Such misconceptions have led to an epidemic of rape in South Africa, including the rape of very young babies. The country's President, Thabo Mbeki, has been roundly criticised for his belief that Aids was caused by a collapse of the immune system, not because of a virus but through poverty, poor nourishment and general ill-health. The solution, he claimed, was not expensive western medicine but the alleviation of poverty in Africa. It is estimated that Mbeki's intransigence cost a third of a million deaths before his successor administration sanctioned the prescription of retrovirals.
Read more in this scientific paper.
A web of myths has grown around the African population's fear of AIDS, including the idea that sex with a virgin cures the disease. Such misconceptions have led to an epidemic of rape in South Africa, including the rape of very young babies. The country's President, Thabo Mbeki, has been roundly criticised for his belief that Aids was caused by a collapse of the immune system, not because of a virus but through poverty, poor nourishment and general ill-health. The solution, he claimed, was not expensive western medicine but the alleviation of poverty in Africa. It is estimated that Mbeki's intransigence cost a third of a million deaths before his successor administration sanctioned the prescription of retrovirals.
Read more in this scientific paper.
8
Hyena Hunters
Hyenas are commonly thought to be scavengers but they are highly efficient pack hunters, operating both during the day and through the night - as can be seen in this video from the Serengeti.
Hyenas are commonly thought to be scavengers but they are highly efficient pack hunters, operating both during the day and through the night - as can be seen in this video from the Serengeti.
The Church and Condoms
While many churches oppose the use of condoms, some dioceses in Africa go further, suggesting the European-manufactured condoms have been infected with AIDS. In doing this, they play on a fear that Europeans have a hidden agenda for Africa – to rid the continent of its people so it can be re-colonised. The stance of some churches in opposing the use of condoms, particularly in campaigns to reduce the incidence of AIDS, has enraged some governments, for example, the South African government, now actively encouraging safe sex.
While many churches oppose the use of condoms, some dioceses in Africa go further, suggesting the European-manufactured condoms have been infected with AIDS. In doing this, they play on a fear that Europeans have a hidden agenda for Africa – to rid the continent of its people so it can be re-colonised. The stance of some churches in opposing the use of condoms, particularly in campaigns to reduce the incidence of AIDS, has enraged some governments, for example, the South African government, now actively encouraging safe sex.
ROYAL MARINE COMMANDOS: more information
The Royal Marines are part of the Navy, an amphibious assault force which more likely to see action in landlocked countries than at sea. So they were heavily involved in the wars in Iraq and the current conflict in Afghanistan, and have seen action in Bosnia and Kosovo, the Congo/Zaire, the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and Oman.
Its three commando units, 40, 42 and 45, are battalion-sized, some 4,500 men strong. The Special Boat Service is also part of the Royal Marines.
The Wikipedia overview is here, a very detailed description of structure, history and training here, a Royal Marine's Blog from Afghanistan here, and a video of 42 Commando engaging the Taliban here.
The Royal Marines are part of the Navy, an amphibious assault force which more likely to see action in landlocked countries than at sea. So they were heavily involved in the wars in Iraq and the current conflict in Afghanistan, and have seen action in Bosnia and Kosovo, the Congo/Zaire, the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and Oman.
Its three commando units, 40, 42 and 45, are battalion-sized, some 4,500 men strong. The Special Boat Service is also part of the Royal Marines.
The Wikipedia overview is here, a very detailed description of structure, history and training here, a Royal Marine's Blog from Afghanistan here, and a video of 42 Commando engaging the Taliban here.
PHOTOS courtesy of - Aids Billboard: Sandra Crouse Quinn, University of Pittsburgh (CC); Hyenas: Arno & Louise ; Royal Marine:
