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.

  • #2,221
Dragon ?
 
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  • #2,223
wolram said:
Dragon ?

No...

Where is a super volcano located? What might you find there? Your looking for something there that has a name that has common thread with religions both new and old...so as not to confuse you...
 
  • #2,224
old faithful?
 
  • #2,225
yomamma said:
old faithful?

yep... :smile:
 
  • #2,226
Very cryptic. :smile: let me go find one
 
  • #2,227
in 1908, a worker's mistake made a clean return to the surface, and he was responsible for inventing what?
 
  • #2,228
yomamma said:
in 1908, a worker's mistake made a clean return to the surface, and he was responsible for inventing what?

spectroheliograph
 
  • #2,229
I have no idea what that is.
 
  • #2,230
yomamma said:
in 1908, a worker's mistake made a clean return to the surface, and he was responsible for inventing what?

I need a clue yomamma.
 
  • #2,231
Lemme have a chance first.
 
  • #2,232
Yay I got it!

The tea bag was accidentally invented by American tea importer Thomas Sullivan in 1908. He had sent samples of his tea out to customers packaged in silk bags. Customers put the entire bags into the pot, thinking that was what Sullivan had intended.
 
  • #2,233
no, sorry. maybe I should've emphasized 'clean'
 
  • #2,234
Townsend said:
No...

Where is a super volcano located? What might you find there? Your looking for something there that has a name that has common thread with religions both new and old...so as not to confuse you...
Aira Caldera, Ky?sh?, Japan
Aso, Ky?sh?, Japan
Campi Flegrei, Campania, Italy
Kikai Caldera, Ry?ky? Islands, Japan
Long Valley Caldera, California, United States
Lake Taupo, North Island, New Zealand
Lake Toba, Sumatra, Indonesia
Valle Grande, New Mexico, United States
Yellowstone Caldera, Wyoming, United States
Brazilian Highlands, Brazil
Columbia River Plateau, United States
Deccan Traps, India
Siberian Traps, Russian Federation

Old Faithful, geyser is in Yellowstone National Park!
 
  • #2,235
Oh, its already been solved.
 
  • #2,236
I am requesting a clue.
 
  • #2,237
'clean' 'return to the surface'
 
  • #2,238
yomamma said:
'clean' 'return to the surface'
Well I mean ones that aren't in the question!
 
  • #2,239
'elephants'
'clean'
'rise to the surface'

get something out of that
 
  • #2,240
...i Give Up.
 
  • #2,241
Come on, we need another clue.
 
  • #2,242
Ivory soap
 
  • #2,243
hypatia said:
Ivory soap
w00t! That HAS to be it.

Ivory is a bar soap which is one of the best-known products of the Procter & Gamble Company. It is whipped with air in its production so that it floats in water. The soap was made to float only after a worker accidentally left the mixing machine on for too long. The company decided to use the supposedly ruined material and hoped that the buying public wouldn't notice, but after they got so many fan letters, they decided to switch to the new recipe!
 
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  • #2,244
yes, hypatia
 
  • #2,245
It looks like a lumbering combine harvester, made to harvest clouds.
 
Last edited:
  • #2,246
is that your clue? it makes no sense
 
  • #2,247
it has a wing
 
  • #2,248
hypatia said:
It looks like a lumbering combine harvester, made to harvest clouds.

I think it is that machine that shakes trees to gather ?? it has a net like thing
that folds around the tree to catch ?

I can not remember :blushing:
 
  • #2,249
Olive picker machine ??
 
  • #2,250
Cloud harvester... has a wing...

I remember well the fog harvesters used in the mountains of Nepal (?? I forget where, somewhere high altitude) they're HUGE but have no wings.
 

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