Um..plastic bottles...sounds like a baking soda device.
This was discussed earlier here at FR.
Here's the link to the thread, it's rather long though:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1499882/posts
The police are calling these "soda bottle bombs". The Maj. of the Atlanta PD who was interviewed said that these devices could be very dangerous if enough of the chemicals were used. Also remember from the OU Bombing case that they confiscated 13 empty plastic bottles from his trunk....
You can hear the detonation of the other 2 devices (along with the rest of the bottles in the bag found) in the video links above.
Here is the text from the article I linked above:
Explosives Found Near Tech Dorms
Three explosive devices found in a courtyard between two Georgia Tech dormitories on the East Campus Monday morning were part of a "terrorist act," an Atlanta police official said.
One of the devices exploded, injuring the custodian who found them inside a plastic bag. Two others were detonated by a bomb squad.
The custodian suffered ringing to the ears and was treated at a local hospital. The events led to a temporary evacuation Monday morning.
"It is a terrorist act at this point and depending on the outcome of the investigation it potentially could become a federal violation as well," said Major C.W. Moss of the Atlanta Police Department.
Under Georgia state law, a terroristic act is described as the release of a "hazardous substance," specifically for "the purpose of causing the evacuation of a building" with "reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror."
The custodian found the three devices about 9 a.m. in a plastic-type garbage bag, Moss said. When he picked up the bag, one exploded, as it was designed to do when handled. The explosives were made up of chemicals placed inside plastic bottles and could have seriously injured someone, officials said. Numerous agencies were on the Georgia Tech campus to search for suspects.
"It will be a joint investigation between the Atlanta Police Department, the Georgia Tech Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Every possible lead will be followed," said Major Moss.
About 100 students were evacuated from the Cloudman and Glenn dormitories, according to school spokeswoman Amelia Gambino.
Well I guess that means if you have baking soda and plasic bottles in your home, you can be charged with possessing "bomb-making" materials.
"Um..plastic bottles...sounds like a baking soda device."
I agree. Chances are these "explosive devices" are nothing more than bored kids goofing off with vinegar and baking soda.
Not the smartest thing to do in today's climate, however.
Yup, baking soda and/or dry ice.
Now, while the OU bombing was/is a serious concern, this has all the earmarks of a boneheaded prank.
Yeah these were probably frat boy bottle bombs-"ringing ears". Notice how they label this terrorism, yet OU bombing gets zero attention...
Go figure.
Osama bin Gyver?
Dry ice and any "warm Liquid" works well to.
Baking soda bombs do not cause burns. One article reported that the custodian was treated for burns and had ringing in his ears. So not a large bomb, but not something that just went "Pop" either.