Department of Homeland Security officials are concerned about the rapid growth of "nuke hardware" stores. Selling thermonuclear devices for as low as $50K per kiloton of nuclear yield, retail outlets like Nick's in Toledo, Ohio are starting to cut into the Russian black market. This raises concerns about the collapse of the Russian economy, which in turn raises concerns about the Chechens storming Moscow, which in turn raises concerns about Osama Bin Laden getting his grubby little hands on even more nukes. All in all, not a positive development.

Insiders at DHS say newly sworn in Secretary Michael Chertoff is bothered by this trend but doesn't want to come off as too heavy handed too early in his administration. Reportedly, Chertoff is considering sending a strongly worded memo to Chambers of Commerce across the country, recommending they discourage new businesses from selling thermonuclear weapons.

More scary signs over at Worth 1000.

  ¶ 11:20 PM