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.

  • #1,261
Mk said:
Uhm, more hints? Is it a machine?

No.

Rod, perch, chain, I am missing something
whatever it is this thing is usually on top.
 
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  • #1,262
And it has to be a specific thing, not just anyone will do.
cabbage and grass and go will tell you which.
 
  • #1,263
Something about money... silver dollar?
 
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  • #1,264
It can fly but has no wings
it is singular
cabbage, grass, go, tells you which
rod perch chain something is missing---------
it is specific not anyone will do
salute
mad leader?
 
  • #1,265
wolram said:
It can fly but has no wings
it is singular
cabbage, grass, go, tells you which
rod perch chain something is missing---------
it is specific not anyone will do
salute
mad leader?
A Green Beret?
 
  • #1,266
A Green Beret?

warm

Mad leader? It can fly, specific
 
  • #1,267
The Green Lantern?
 
  • #1,268
The Green Lantern?

still warm

Others can be different colours.

Mad leader?
 
  • #1,269
wolram said:
The Green Lantern?

still warm

Others can be different colours.

Mad leader?
Ugh, I'm thinking Stalin, Hitler types of mad leaders (Green Lantern came from Stalin). what flies without wings- flags, stripes, colors, squirrels... eh...
 
  • #1,270
This leader is still alive, only some think he is mad
 
  • #1,271
He may be more than a cad.
 
  • #1,272
Green Fever? Green bombs, green monkeys, green stuff AHHH
Saddam, Kim Jong-il, Bush
 
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  • #1,273
Something green that can fly colonel
 
  • #1,274
Okay, you won't believe what I found- it's very short.
http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/library/character/bio/1119028.html
 
  • #1,275
Oh no your going cold, its a thing a green thing that can fly
the colonel is a clue as to where it comes from.
mad colonel more than a cad.
 
  • #1,276
Pinochet? Something from Chile?
 
  • #1,277
Pinochet? Something from Chile?

no

this guys been seen in a tent.
 
  • #1,278
yeah, I just thought that was a funny coincidence...

Is Mad Mike the leader?
 
  • #1,279
Is Mad Mike the leader?

no

He is MORE than a CAD
 
  • #1,280
fly fishing?
 
  • #1,281
Do you have to be British to get these clues? :-p
 
  • #1,283
Do you have to be British to get these clues?

I don't think so.
You have the green, you have said what it is a few posts back, in your list.
now all you have to do is say which specific one it is.
 
  • #1,284
fly fishing; the caster (is that what it's called?) flies and has no wings.
no

Cad+more, not an anagram, leader, colonel
 
  • #1,285
The flag of Libya?
 
  • #1,286
"Colonel Qadhafi"
 
  • #1,287
The flag of Libya?

YES
 
  • #1,288
You said your question was easy! :eek: :approve: That's the hardest question I've seen. Phew. Lots of fun though. Okay, now I need to think...

Ah, great, I have to leave. Someone else can take over.
 
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  • #1,289
Very good wolram, very good!

Honest, Europe.
 
  • #1,290
Very good wolram, very good!

Honest, Europe.

Thanke kind sir, is that a clue?
 

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