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.

  • #1,891
wolram said:
Forgive me if this clue is not good.
it is a blood sucker, not, the middle sounds like dentistry, the last is hellish.
Ah, one of the three faces is the Mona Lisa. The other two faces are in a city in Italy. The city begins with a T. One is kept in a church. Its true origin is shrouded in mystery. :wink:
 
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  • #1,892
honestrosewater said:
Ah, one of the three faces is the Mona Lisa. The other two faces are in a city in Italy. The city begins with a T. One is kept in a church. Its true origin is shrouded in mystery. :wink:

The Turin Shroud, then...
 
  • #1,893
brewnog said:
The Turin Shroud, then...
Right, so what is the third face that's kept in Turin and some people think was the model for both the Mona Lisa and the Shroud of Turin?
 
  • #1,894
:rolleyes: It's a self-portrait.
 
  • #1,895
Leonardo's self-portrait in Turin?
 
  • #1,896
hitssquad said:
Leonardo's self-portrait in Turin?
Correct! Some people think Leonardo created the Shroud of Turin and used himself as the model for it, the Mona Lisa, and (uncontroversially) his self-portrait.

So you each got one of the faces. Um, maybe you each get a turn?
 
  • #1,897
honestrosewaterwickedbutt said:
Ah, one of the three faces is the Mona Lisa. The other two faces are in a city in Italy. The city begins with a T. One is kept in a church. Its true origin is shrouded in mystery. :wink:
I fell asleep and must have dreamed that i solved all three.
 
  • #1,898
wolram said:
I fell asleep and must have dreamed that i solved all three.
Hey, leave my butt out of this or I'll send the ram of wool after you. :buggrin:
You have a question going, what was it
it is a blood sucker, not, the middle sounds like dentistry, the last is hellish.
Hm, I have no idea.
 
  • #1,899
Hypoxia and aspic?
 
  • #1,900
Where are you HRWWB?
 
  • #1,901
Clue me man!
 
  • #1,902
it is a blood sucker, not, the middle sounds like dentistry, the last is hellish.
 
  • #1,903
Hypoxia and aspic?
 
  • #1,904
I meant a new clue! I think I'm a bit out of the loop on this one.
 
  • #1,905
Look in wiki for hypoxia, then find a link to aspic, then what is a blood sucker,
and the sounds like dentisry thing. then the hellish bit.
 
  • #1,906
Well I know what hypoxia and aspic are, and I have a fair idea of a blood sucker. Then I get stuck.
 
  • #1,907
brewnog said:
Well I know what hypoxia and aspic are, and I have a fair idea of a blood sucker. Then I get stuck.

A creature that needs very little oxygen.
 
Last edited:
  • #1,908
It is not jelly, but close.
 
  • #1,909
A jellyfish? I have no idea.
 
  • #1,910
brewnog said:
A jellyfish? I have no idea.

If i gave you fithty quids, i bet you would spend it on beer.
 
  • #1,911
Gelatin?!
 
  • #1,912
brewnog said:
Gelatin?!

No it is a creature, that needs little oxygen, has a jelly like structure, it even
has a defensive luminescent arsenal.
 
  • #1,913
wolram said:
No it is a creature, that needs little oxygen, has a jelly like structure, it even
has a defensive luminescent arsenal.
On this clue, I'll guess sea anemone. But I'm not sure about the other clues yet...
 
  • #1,914
I'm guessing squid. If it's right, somebody else go. I have to leave for work now. Won't be back until after midnight.
 
  • #1,915
Danger said:
I'm guessing squid. If it's right, somebody else go. I have to leave for work now. Won't be back until after midnight.

It is a squid but a very special one, keep going.
 
  • #1,916
Vampyroteuthis infernalis.

And I hear it has a wicked butt. :-p
 
  • #1,917
honestrosewater said:
Vampyroteuthis infernalis.

And I hear it has a wicked butt. :-p

Right on babe, you are a one :devil:
 
  • #1,918
wolram said:
Right on babe, you are a one :devil:
Well, your clue was the dog's bollocks. :smile: Yeah, I don't really understand that expression. But on with the show...

This lone star ring was killed by the big C.
 
  • #1,919
honestrosewater said:
Well, your clue was the dog's bollocks. :smile: Yeah, I don't really understand that expression. But on with the show...

This lone star ring was killed by the big C.

HMMM, something about Texas? Rose, dogs bollocks are rough english slang
meaning the best.
 
  • #1,920
wolram said:
HMMM, something about Texas?
Spot on.

Rose, dogs bollocks are rough english slang
meaning the best.
Yeah, what I don't understand is, well, have you ever seen a dog's bollocks? :confused:
 

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