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Press ReleaseHandheld Laser Wrongly Portrayed as Deathray, Says BighaManufacturer Concerned Over Media Coverage Amidst Patriot Act IndictmentCORVALLIS, Ore., March 25, 2005 -- As one of its customers faces 20 years in prison under Patriot Act violations, a small manufacturing company in Corvallis, Oregon complains of unfair media coverage."Our laser is completely safe," says Noah Acres, director of marketing for Bigha. "Too many people associate lasers with weapons from Star Wars or Buck Rogers." Bigha's Jasper green laser emits a bright beam that can be seen for miles at night. Commonly used by astronomers to point out stars to one another, handheld green lasers like the Jasper are becoming more popular as the cost to produce them comes down. In 2003, a laser like the Jasper would have cost nearly $500. Today it sells for $129. The secret to the Jasper's potency actually lies within the human eye. A green laser produces no more power than a red laser, but since the human eye is 50 times more sensitive to green light than red light, the affect is noticeably brilliant. "This is pretty new technology," says Acres. "Most people are very impressed with it, to the point where it's difficult for them to put it down." Putting it down may prove too difficult for some. In December, David Banach, of Parsippany, New Jersey was arrested for allegedly using his Jasper to point and track aircraft flying over his house en route to Teterboro Airport. On March 23rd, Banach was indicted on federal charges and faces 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. That incident - in which both the pilot and co-pilot reported being temporarily blinded - and a rash of others, caused a national uproar regarding green lasers and captured the imagination of many in the media. According to Acres, Bigha is being unfairly persecuted by those who aren't familiar with the product. The company has been slammed in print and on air. The TV Show CSI: Miami even ran an episode depicting a Jasper as causing a major airplane crash. Acres says the company regularly receives phone calls and emails criticizing them for selling a product that could potentially aid terrorists. "Some people cannot separate fact from fiction" claims Acres. "Used in the wrong hands, the Jasper can be a nuisance, but not a weapon. Personal responsibility is key." The company's website, http://www.bigha.com, warns against pointing the laser at vehicles, aircraft, people or animals. Acres says he does not believe the FDA, which regulates lasers, will impose further restrictions any time soon. "Once you know the facts, it's hard to argue that such a laser is dangerous." Contact: Noah Acres, 541-738-4308 Fax: 541-738-4344 Email: noah@bigha.com http://www.bigha.com |
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