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.

  • #1,111
Okay, it's MB's turn, but until she comes back, here's an easy one.

He is well-known for calling a swan a crow, but he may not have actually said it. Who is the other suspect?
 
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  • #1,112
The original guy is no doubt, ol' Shakespeare (R&J). Clueless on the other suspect...
 
  • #1,113
Erm, you mean the person usually attributed with having called a swan a crow is Shakespeare? That isn't who I was talking about- did he also do that?
 
  • #1,114
honestrosewater said:
Erm, you mean the person usually attributed with having called a swan a crow is Shakespeare? That isn't who I was talking about- did he also do that?
He's all confused. Greene called Shakespeare (aka The Swan of Avon) an "upstart crow". Now the other suspect, who may actually have written this criticism is who you're asking for, right?
 
  • #1,115
Right, the "other" Greene. Meh, I don't mean this person is suspected of being Greene- just of writing the quote...
 
  • #1,116
Well, I am sure I read about this in Shakespeare by Anthony Burgess, but I can't for the life of me remember who the other suspect was, except that it was a rival playwright (not Johnson). Something about fox or foxes?
 
  • #1,117
OK the fox thing is spurious. That's a vague memory of "Volpone".

My guess is: Christopher Marlowe
 
  • #1,118
No fox or foxes. It's easy to find if you're a googler. If you aren't, this guy only started writing after the publication of Greene's Groatsworth. His name appears in the title of several of Shakespeare's plays.

Well, with the new clue, Marlowe's out.

Okay, you probably haven't heard of him, but maybe you can get it from other clues. His first name appears in the title of several of Shakespeare's plays.
His last name rhymes with something I presume every self-respecting Brit has in their kitchen and a heavy genre of music.
 
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  • #1,119
The only Henry I'm finding is Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.
 
  • #1,120
Nope, but Henry is right. Do you know the thing I presume every self-respecting Brit has in their kitchen? It also rhymes with a heavy genre of music.
 
  • #1,121
crap?
 
  • #1,122
Based off of that clue alone I would say the last name is Kettle.
 
  • #1,123
Kettle, Metal...Henry Bettle? Henry Settle? Henry Petal? Henry Phetal? I got nuthin.
 
  • #1,124
The only thing that comes to mind when you say a "heavy" genre of music is either metal (as in Heavy Metal)...and would the Brits have a "kettle" in the kitchen (all that tea drinking). Now I need to find a Henry who rhymes with that, huh?
 
  • #1,125
Nettle?
 
  • #1,126
Aha! Chettle
 
  • #1,127
Ahhhh... I didn't see the previous post saying that it only rhymed with kettle.
 
  • #1,128
Crap, I leave for a few minutes and everyone shows up. Yes to metal, kettle, and Chettle. I guess MB has a double turn!
 
  • #1,129
Okay, I'll start my question while waiting for confirmation.

Patented in 1889, this item is likely to be found at backyard barbecues, albeit an improved design of the original.
 
  • #1,130
honestrosewater said:
Crap, I leave for a few minutes and everyone shows up. Yes to metal, kettle, and Chettle. I guess MB has a double turn!
Meh, just means nobody gets cheated out of a turn since it takes me three people's worth of questions to come up with a clue. :smile:
 
  • #1,131
I'm going to try going googleless :eek: and guess those corn-on-the-cob holders that you stick in the ends... er... whatever they're called.

Okay, I relapsed - roll film.
 
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  • #1,132
I looked it up on google. I think that makes it much too easy.
 
  • #1,133
Nope, not roll film. Was that patented the same year? It's not what I have in mind. I'll have to sit here and think a bit more about this clue if it's too ambiguous.
 
  • #1,134
I found hienz tabasco pepper sauce.
 
  • #1,135
TheStatutoryApe said:
I found hienz tabasco pepper sauce.

I'll narrow it down a bit...it's not a food item.
 
  • #1,136
Yeah, I'm finding conflicting answers- some say William Friese-Greene patented a camera that uses roll film in 1889, some it was George Eastman, some say Eastman patented a better type of film in 1889. If this is the answer, I need to find a reliable source. Anywho, Edison had like a bazillion patents in just 1889!

Anyway, I'm going back on the wagon. Or off the wagon, whichever. And I think the clue is just fine for now.
 
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  • #1,137
A bug zapper?
 
  • #1,138
honestrosewater said:
Yeah, I'm finding conflicting answers- some say William Friese-Greene patented a camera that uses roll film in 1889, some it was George Eastman, some say Eastman patented a better type of film in 1889. If this is the answer, I need to find a reliable source. Anywho, Edison had like a bazillion patents in just 1889!

Anyway, I'm going back on the wagon. Or off the wagon, whichever. And I think the clue is just fine for now.

Nothing to do with photography or Edison. Sorry, didn't realize half the stuff at backyard barbecues was patented the same year. :frown:
 
  • #1,139
honestrosewater said:
A bug zapper?
Nope. And not the bugs either. :smile:
 
  • #1,140
Okay, I've only ruled out sunscreen and gas grills, so I think I would need a clue. Oh, is it some kind of disposable dish wear or napkins?
 

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