While cloud-induced lighting bolts may seem far fetched, the estimated costs of deploying the technology are vastly lower than similarly wild-eyed, futuristic military weapons.

FORBES: "Cloud Computing" of the Not-So-Virtual Sort

His mother, Elizabeth Wild, said he was in a weapons platoon that was scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in November.

NPR: Marines Killed In Training Were Young, Lives Ahead

His mother, Elizabeth Wild, said he was in a weapons platoon that was scheduled to deploy in November to Afghanistan.

NPR: Profiles Of 7 Nev. Army Depot Explosion Victims

Nonetheless, some Americans hang on to their weapons because they enjoy hunting or target practice, or live in places with too many wild animals or too few policemen.

ECONOMIST: Despite legislative victories, the NRA is under pressure