The World's Largest Computer in 1951

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around historical and technical aspects of significant machines and vehicles, including the ENIAC computer and the Russian Ekranoplan. Participants engage in a quiz-like format, posing questions and providing hints about various inventions, their specifications, and historical context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the ENIAC, detailing its size, weight, components, and power consumption, while noting its limited processing power compared to modern devices.
  • Another participant identifies the ENIAC as the machine described in the previous post.
  • Participants discuss a large vehicle that weighs 540 tons, can travel over land and water, and is hinted to be built in Russia, leading to speculation about its identity.
  • Some participants propose that the vehicle in question is the Russian Ekranoplan, explaining its design and operational principles related to ground effect.
  • There is a discussion about a vehicle that achieved over 188 miles per gallon, with participants speculating on its type and historical significance, including a mention of a Harley Davidson motorcycle from 1908.
  • One participant describes a crude device involving a wooden stand, a funnel, acid, and copper wire, prompting further questions about its purpose.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the identity of some machines, particularly the vehicle that achieved high fuel efficiency, as various guesses and clarifications are made. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of some inventions and their historical context.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specifications and classifications of the vehicles discussed, particularly regarding the Ekranoplan's operational capabilities and the fuel efficiency claims of the motorcycle.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the history of computing, engineering innovations, and the evolution of vehicle technology may find this discussion engaging.

  • #421
A path, covered up.
 
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  • #422
yes. minus the covered up
 
  • #423
What island has the fruit made by mixing a delicious red kind with a Virginia Rawls Jennet's on it?
 
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  • #424
fuji...?

yay
 
  • #425
honshu!


correct
 
  • #426
Yes, thy speaks true.
 
  • #427
I don't like cheese but my friend ____ does., I am not a mammal. But You touch me everyday.
 
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  • #428
This could be too many things, can you narrow it down a wee bit?
 
  • #429
I move around, seldomly making noises. I do not breathe or live. My body is bilateral, I am not a sport, but people play with my ball.
 
  • #430
A computer mouse.
 
  • #431
good job...
 
  • #432
The first letter of the 3-letter word that provides the most points in Scrabble, is known in commonwealth english as a different term. In Men In Black, what actor plays him?
 
  • #433
Rip Torn?
("Zee" / "Zed")


PS Don't you guys EVER sleep?
 
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  • #434
Great NOW you go to sleep!
 
  • #435
Yes, Rip Torn, correct.

I'm going to bed now. I'm in Guam, so day-night's different.
 
  • #436
Aha! OK. Um, a clue. Let's Pretend I'm Steve.

"A clue? Do you see a clue? Where?"

"Oh, right! There's a clue on that sand over there. You know what we need, our handy dandy ... NOTEBOOK."

"Let's see, how do you draw sand?"

to be continued. (The clue is SAND)
 
  • #437
(OK, I know... so far too vague)

"Oh look, it's our second clue! on that box of Borax laundry detergent"
 
  • #438
Ah, the suspense is killing me. I feel like I'm in Death Valley or something... ?? :biggrin:
 
  • #439
consider the basic elements of these clues (there is one more clue coming of course)
 
  • #440
Wild guess: glass?
 
  • #441
Last clue:

"Oh look, the phosphorous is our third clue. Let's make a sandwich."
 
  • #442
Well Phosphorus has been used in washing powders to make your whites whiter, and is next to Silicon on the periodic table, which is a constituent of sand, and, urm, not far away from those is Chlorine which is used to bleach paper?!
 
  • #443
Chi Meson said:
Last clue:

"Oh look, the phosphorous is our third clue. Let's make a sandwich."
I googled "Phosphorous, silica, borax, sandwich" and didn't seem to come up with anything. Does "Let's Pretend I'm Steve," LPIS, have some clue value? Sandwich and silicon suggest some sort of semiconductor, alliteratively speaking.
 
  • #444
Wow! This thread has been busy.
 
  • #445
sounds like a bomb to me.
 
  • #446
Ivan Seeking said:
Wow! This thread has been busy.

Yeah. What was it, ten pages in ten hours?

Zooby: "Steve" is from "Blues clues." All i know of poular culture these days comes from "Nick Jr."


Sandwich. Tis wafer thin. Think about it in the light of day.
 
  • #447
Photocell?
 
  • #448
Danger said:
Photocell?
Ouch! That came fast.

Yes, the original photocell. Newer ones use layers of variously doped gallium.
 
  • #449
Lots of teeth, but only bites you by accident.
 
  • #450
Danger said:
Lots of teeth, but only bites you by accident.

Moonbear?

Oh no wait, accident. Hmm...

Mantrap?
 

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