Hopefully, because so much time has intervened, there has arrived a realization of man's ability to work such enormous devastation...which acts as it's own moderating force. Nuclear ability is a political tool, not a military tool...one hopes. The suicide ethic might worry some...but notice that the leadership of the suicide-inclined zealots NEVER kill themselves.
A thin thread, to be sure...but.....ah...it's a worry, eh? Am I not only grasping at straws, but manufacturing them as well?
Go Patriots! (wot the hell.........GO SOX TOO! (it could happen?!)
I saw on the news last night that the Israelis bombed the crap out of a "nuclear device" or "nuclear supplies" delivered to Syria, which they bought from North Korea. Wonder what it was?
Geez, the Luxembourg air force at last count consisted of one F16 and three helicopters.
Not that they really have a use for even that stuff, they are in the middle of Europe, anyone on a (hypothetical) list of possible agressors would have to fight through a number of other states before they even come close enough to declare war on them.
When asked about the outcome of a possible world war three ,Albert Einstein Replied that he wasn't certain. Thoe he went on to say that if there were in fact a world war three, then World War four would be fought with sticks!
The Russians are not morons. Their knowledge in the physical sciences is really unmatched. They are a intelligent and durable people, who have achieved enormous progress despite, the Tsar, Stalin, and a tyrannical communist state.
Rooskies have always been second (see below for 'first'). Every piece of hardware they have has been reverse engineered. All their war-machine's aircraft, spacecraft and weapons are, except for years difference in "birth," twins. They even have a "Space Shuttle" looking thing called the Buran that flew once... they let the US find out all the problems with re-usable spacecraft and dumped the project.
They did manage to put a good lead on the US in space. While the US was wrestling with useless things like safety, rules and doing it right the first time, the USSR just "did it" and only worried about the results "if" they needed to clean up a mess (as oft they did). It was a regular occurrence for anything launched into space by the Reds to come back dead. Only the Space Shuttle has surpassed them... bummer, but now the US is first in Space related deaths, and that is due to managers overriding engineers' safety warnings (something the Russians learned the hard way fifty years ago).
Imagine (if you care) where space science could be if the two governments had cooperated while competing? Just like wishing the Moslems didn't torch the libraries of Alexandria... it's a pipe dream... because that is how history rolls.
PODMAN and SYZYGY,,,,so why would they try to attemt to blow up one of the worlds largest hydrogen bombs,,, don't you think that a smaller one with some of the same effects is sufficent????? why did they go so big????? didn't they think about the consequences?/?.. or were they just trying to show off?
The Russkies were the first to put up a satellite (Sputnik)......first to send animals into space (monkeys, dogs) and first to send a human being into space (Yuri Gargarin).
Whether they followed any safety protocols is kinda moot:
They point is...they were, in fact....first.
(not bragging on their behalf.....just stating a fact)
Yes, that is what I meant by "see below for 'first'... put a good lead on the US..." I should have been clearer.
You may have skipped over: First woman in space.
I'm not sure, but I think Laika eventually died on the first space shot (if not the second). I think the Chimp met the same result. So one could say they were first to kill something in space. They also gained the rep for finding out how easy it is to make a cosmonaut die through the school of hard knocks. The US were very slow in the "race" erring on the side of caution, especially after the oxygen fire with Apollo that claimed three. By then the CCCP were into extended stays in orbit, sending women, "reproduction" etc.
If I had to make a pure guess, I would say US/USSR made a deal, one figures out how to land on another celestial body, the other figures out how to keep people healthy long enough.
Look for photos and reports of the Volga river or the Caspian (?) sea. National Geographic reported (in the 1990s) on the utter nuclear wasteland caused by their submarine program combined with their poor farming practices. They have no conscience with their own land or people. Would they have a "consequence" concerning an enemy?
The US preferred developing pin-point nukes, pin-point MERVs and even tactical nukes (about the size of a one-hole kayak), the Soviets can only manage brute force.
Were you really unsure about the answers to your questions, or are you baiting for a follow-up?
hidden - It was the cold war; they were showing off, and making a point. I imagine it was also as stated in the video. They had lousy targeting, so they needed a shotgun approach to compensate.
Also as stated in the video they detonated the bomb 2 miles up, and it seems likely that to produce significant damage over a large area from that height they needed a bigger bomb, and at that time everyone was going higher to avoid detection and interceptors.
The Russians needed brute force to compensate their lack of precision in the delivery systems. Also of course it makes quite a point to show off a bomb whose shock wave can still be measured on the third round around the planet. It definietly quited down anyone claiming the inferiority of the Russians and insured the nuclear deterrence.
Fact is there were too many megalomaniacs in the military on both sides of the cold war who dreamed about winning a nuclear war. So the better to show that this was just a dangerous pipe dream and mutual anihilation was all that could have been won.
Regading the space race: Laika died after three days due to a failure of the life support system, it was planned to poison her after 10 days since there was no return system available.
Gagarin did a real orbital flight on the first manned mission to space ever done by mankind. Shepard did only a ballistic flight, in hindsight even less impressive than the flight of Spaceship One, which did return to the lauch site to be reused.
The USA had lost its great rocket pioneer when Robert Goddard died in 1945 while the Russians had Koroljov working on their rockets (even though Stalin had send him to a gulag for some time). And the nazi rocket team was sitting on their hands since the USA could not make up their mind what to do with them (quite a complex story in itself). So not much surprise that until the first orbit around the moon and then the landing the US was lagging behind.
my goodness....does anyone at all recall that time in political space? The Russians were gifted in power, but not accuracy. They were also not shackled by social restraints that kept them from unrestrained experimentation, as we were. Still, their efforts came up short of the big prize (not so big today, but an immense issue at the time.)
So................other than Cannuck's obvious and rather gratuitous avoidance of the subject of Canadian baseball...there being none.... in the larger view, are there any other questions?
Yes! I have a Q: Being in the Red Sox Nation do you collectively hold your breath as one? Or is it more like taking turns holding breath, so you all don't pass out at once when the proverbial other foot comes down?
And how come most American's don't know about this until AFTER the Cold War? Think about this in a terrorists hands, or more scarier, Kim Jong Il's hands. We're FUCKED!
Kim Jung Il would first try to make passionate love with it to prove he was indeed the son of a god. As we all know, Kim Daddy was worshiped as a war hero and deity (or vice versa) even though he was just an everyday Kim Q. Gook, until chosen to pretend he was Kim Il Sung, a previously-living war hero of NK, used to unify the Peoples of North against the evil imperialists of the South.
Fust - You are just trying to cover for your Tourrette's.
syzygy...it isn't Tourette's...he's actually vile by nature. Being himself, so to speak. Please don't encourage his further commentaries...nor compliment him by acknowledging that he might even exist.
Surfer - you're telling me this didn;t make the news in the US? Pretty certain it did...
It was all over the pages of newspapers in Europe at the time! Plus your military guys would have certainly known almost instantly through measurement / detection
Ah, maybe the US werent too keen about being bested by the Russians. Though here in Europe such things were widely known, partly thanks to the anti-arms-movement in the 80s. Living in the area that is charted out by two super powers to be the prime theatre for a full scale nuclear engagement does certainly sharpen the attention in this regard...
Unfortunately, I possess neither that eloquence of diction, that poetry of imagination, nor that brilliance of metaphor as Chaz does to tell you all that the fundamentalists will not, and cannot win with any kind of weapon, be it of mass-destruction or other. Conversely, such a weapon would galvanize the people of the world- Nations thinking that the terrorist threat is not imminent, that it does not concern them. Unfortunately, the US is a country which has felt the effects of the above mentioned miscreants. But, it is not the ONLY country.
But I will say this: In the past 20 years, on a hundred battlefields, around a thousand campfires, we have witnessed that enduring fortitude, that patriotic self-abnegation, and that invincible determination which have carved statues in the hearts of people. From one end of the world to the other; the true soldier has drained deep the chalice of courage.
And again you are correct on our good fellow Chaz. eloquent and well versed. So much Razzmatazz!
But alas he is man from a weary Nation, a Red Sox Nation, wrought by the hammer blows inflicted by their betters.......Yes, it ti's I'm afraid a Yankee dooms day device that has my man Chaz looking over his shoulder in these waning days of september.
becoming quite tuckered by simple Attrition one might say.
although they will arise once again to beckon three times!! All but one shall follow. Call me Ishmael!
Ze only difference betveen ze Yankee und ze Russian Veapons von Mass Destruction for ze last 60 years has been who has captured or lured ze best German scientists. So far it has been ze Yankees.
Und so far ze Russians haf not discovered ze power of ze Great Skvirrel. Let us hope it stays zat vay or ve are all gefokked.
It's a reference to the Canadian Dollar being equal to the American Dollar. Arise o' Loonie ergo ariz o loon. I know it was a stretch but it made me giggle, must be the blonde hair...
miter, Bill - Ye it is interesting, because it is not very often that one can SEE mathematics and chemistry confirmed in such a visual way. Good to have ya back Bill:)
Highest yield from a "practical" weapon, one that could be delivered by bomber or missle. U.S.'s largest test above ground took up 1/2 the small island it was built on. Over 250 megatons, island disappeared.
Well fellow Glummies, since I have been stricken with the honesty bug as of late, I have one more thing to share. For a VERY long time, I have suffered from severe clinical depression. Now is the time for those of you who don't care to read elsewhere. I denied it's existence for as long as I could fake it. Then I finally caved and told my doctor. Nothing against the doc, but all they know how to do is prescribe the latest synthetic blah blah blah. I had pretty much resigned myself to feeling like crap for the rest of my days when my wife(god bless her), after much research, suggested I try 5-HTP(it is an easy to find natural) Being the skeptical dumbass that I am, I bitched and whined and said it wouldn't work. Well, all I can say is this, after just shy of three weeks, I am almost completely back to my former self. I hope this is helpful to any of you in my situation. For those of you who would think to mock me, I don't care now, I'm HAPPY.
Thanks for asking Randal. It's basically the natural supplement that all the fucking drug companies have tried to synthesize to replace serotonin(a chemical that your body doesn't supply enough of to your brain, thus causing depression) It is readily available at any natural health(never thought those words would come out of my mouth, of keyboard) store.
Takes about 2 weeks to take full effect, but it is all natural(plant extracts) and has no side effects. Jesus, I sound like a fucking infomercial. Don't care. If this helps any of you it is totally worth it.
I'm truly glad to hear that you have found a way out of the darkness of depression and that your wife was the one to help you, and not the doctors.
My older brother, who I was not very close to (something I regret to this day) was not so lucky, however. His wife (who then became his ex-wife), only contributed to his illness. Other factors contributed as well. He voluntarily checked himself into "mental hospitals" and all he got was, as you call it, the latest synthetic blah blah blah. After reading your comment, Bill, I now wish he'd had someone to suggest an alternative treament.
Unfortunately, the burdens of my brother's mortal life were too much for him to bear, and he took his life in May of 1999.
I know most people say that suicide is not the answer. That was what I used to believe, because I was angry and thought it was a selfish act. All I have to say to that is, we do not know what goes on in the minds or lives of those who suffer from depression, therefore we cannot judge. Because I had no idea what my brother was going through until he was gone.
This is not a sob-story, nor do I expect sympathy. Just be aware of those close to you, and what they may be going through. Because you never know when one day, they decide to control their fate, and that day could be their last.
WOW, I truly mean that. I am absolutely floored! It is an incredible consolation when you realize how many caring human beings there are out there on the big bad internet. I felt kind of silly posting what I did but felt it might possibly help someone out there. I had no idea what a great bunch you really are(aside from a few loose nuts, but the Squirrel will look after them) All kidding aside, your responses were very touching and heart felt. Thanks Riza, your honesty about your dealings was much appreciated. Pod, or should I say Dr. Pod, excellent advice. Rabz, your story hits home pretty clearly and you are a solid person for your actions in that situation. Thanks for your kind words Skidmark. Justme, I am truly sorry for your loss and wish everyone was better educated about this affliction. It can be absolutely debilitating and it seems at the time like there is nothing you can do to make it stop. Adolf, I think I almost understood your post and thank-you(I think) Randal, you are as always a good man and a good friend. Finally Canuck, no matter if you like to butt heads with the folks around here or not, you are a fine gentleman and I appreciate your kindness. Thanks to all of you, my little surrogate family. It's nice to have someone to lean on(or just joke around with) when you know your own family has put up with enough of you. On the mend and damn glad to be here, Bill.
I'm going to add the accepted list of what constitutes clinical depression. If you suffer from 5 or more of these symptoms, do yourself a favour and look into this. 1 Poor appetite with weight loss or, increased appetite with significant weight gain. 2 physical inactivity or hyperactivity 3 loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities 4 feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach or inappropriate guilt 5 diminished ability to think or concentrate 6 insomnia 7 recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
I imagine I am opening myself up to a world of criticism here, but I don't care. Hope this is of help to any of you.
C, you are truly a decent man. There are many more here who I would like to tip my hat to as well. Randal, you are a class act. Pod, you GET it and make me laugh. Mako, you are far smarter than I and i enjoy your diatribes immensely. Fustercluck(whoever you are), just damn funny. Adolf, don't always have the time to "translate" but still make me smile. Riza, a smiling, sweet new face who cheers me up. Ah hell, even useddouchebag can be a good man when he's not pushing it. There are many more who brighten the time here(and MANY who could learn from them) If I have neglected to mention anyone, I apologize.
Bestboy....I know it's a stretch from billboat but it's the best I can come up with on short notice.....just so you know....been there done that....almost didn't survive that....I have a lot I could share with you and my love to your wife....she is an angel....never forget that....I know I'm rambling, but hold one to those around you, love them, and let them take care of you while your in distress...Okay, I'm gonna take a deep breath, it's easy to relive certain things....anyhow, glad you're doing better....I've been off prozac for about 3 years....shoulda been on them after trying to off myself when I was 15....but in those times adults swept things under the carpet....anyhow...Kudos my kindred soul
Bill - Dr. Pod also recommends adding these actions to your daily diet:
1) Don't listen to the news. (If it's really important you will find out anyway through some other channel. I tested this theory of mine once and it really does work, but you may not hear it until days or weeks later. Ya cannot bleed for everyone.)
2) Watch or do whatever makes you laugh. (I like the Simpsons, South Park, and Family Guy)
3) Try to avoid the endless stream of angry idiots that mother nature supplies in abundance. (They are like Ragweed, and can cause inflammation and irritation for some, and blow around spreading their nasty existence. Their comfort zone is supported by the chemical released in hate and anger, which is why they cleave to their ribald behaviors. )
4) If it is seems like a really important issue, remember that the Universe is vast, and what seems immensely important at the time, will upon reflection be reveled to be only a minor bump in the road of a human life.
goodnight, sweetheart....well it's time to go....ba dah dah dah dah......I know it's late but I really must go....goodnight......sweetheart.......goodnight
Good luck. Ze depression is ein serious matter. I know zis is hard to believe, but I haf suffered myself, und ze vorst sing is ven people say "Pull yourself together!". Gott in Himmel! I am not ein pair of curtains - or "drapes" as our Yankee cousins say.
I am sure all vill be vell und all Glumberters should be, - how do you say? - rooting for you!
Hey, Adolfvanker.....be a good boy an go to bed soon.....don't you know I can't go to sleep over here until I tuck you boys in....sweet dreams to you too!
good on you billboat for sharing that with us, hope your'e doing great and really have a fresh new, exciting outlook on life. telling others about your experiences and letting others know that theyre not alone on a road less travelled really gives hope to those that need it, bravo.
reminds me of an incident a few months ago when i was walking home drunk as a skunk and ended up walking into a glumly looking fellow a few years younger than i, apparently he'd just been kicked out of a burger joint and had smoked some pot just an hour or so ago, he was deeply depressed and i could see fleeting acts of agression from his sometimes swinging, clenched fists.. i wasn't afraid of him though because he talked to me in a way a lonely ederly person does, (also because i have 5 years of kyokushin karate behind me). We'd been walking for about 5 mins, chatting and giving details of our night out on the town. We were approaching the railway line, my usual route was on the walkway over the tracks on a pedestrian bridge. Half-way across he decides to climb over the railing, FAST, a train was heading city bound and my heart skipped a beat. I was instantly sober and out of my zombie like daze, he let go of the railing and dropped about 1-2 foot, somehow i managed to grab a hold of his forearm. Damn. The pure strength when youre in this kind of situation. He was a few inches taller than me, but i was , still am quite a heavy 6"3 bloke. He pleaded i let go, while i tried to pull his dead weight towards me and begged him to leg it up, the train was already under us. He told me about his loneliness, drug abuse, feelings of worthlessness in a mere few sentences. I told him that there was people there who loved him, cherished his precence and would never forgive him if he just decided to give it all up so easily. I also told him that i too, had been in the somewhat same position as him. He clambered up, i felt like my arm was going to fall off, but that was the least of my concerns... the hour walk home seemed like an eternity, although it was only an hour, we departed, him, with a slight smile on his face (a glimmer of hope), myself, a sigh of relief and hoped he knew that morning he realised he'd made a new friend that wouldn't want him to 'go away'.
Anyone out there that suffers depression and has thoughts/attempts to commit suicide.. its not the solution its only an end before the solution can be found.
Thanks S. I had sex with my wife almost every night last week. We almost had sex on Monday, almost again on Thursday. Well I guess her telling me to screw off doesn't count does it.
That indeed would be blasphemy, as you are the pope of the squirrel movement this would not set a good example to the fellow squirrellers, on the other hand maybe it's the biggest compliment possible to the squirrel, it is a fine line
Vell done on ze rescue of ze troubled young man! I vill continue to disagree vith you ven you talk your rubbish - but I now respect you as ein human being. Donner und Blitzen! Are ve all becoming soft in our old age? Vielleicht....
I too am a hero, however. I vill share zis in ze hope of gaining ze brownie points from mein fellow Glumberters.
Last veek, Pedro vos performing dental surgery on ein particularly bad tempered bull armadillo ven ze beast took exception to his crude drilling technique und leapt upon him, savaging him ruthlessly vith its great claws. I assessed ze situation in ein heartbeat, und, vith no sot for mein own safety, ran inside und phoned ze police und ambulance. For zis, I vould normally expect ein Iron Cross mit oak leaves, but Pedro had - how do you say? - ein "different take" on mein bravery.
He telephoned me from intensive care und said: "Mein fuhrer. I resign."
Yes Rabz story was interesting, i believe in karma, it is a bugger because i do lots of wrong things so i've got it coming
Adolf you are so brave to make a phone call in such difficult circumstances, you have shown true bravery, most people do not have employees so can not comprehend your position
i have many employees, health and safety is a my biggest interest, i can report that i am fine at the moment, the others i do not know but they are working away somewhere
Vith ze loss of Pedro mein handyman und dental surgeon, I haf now only von employee - ze lovely und indispensable Conchita.
Her health und safety is ein prime consideration. Ven feeding ze armadilloes, she alvays vears ein glove. Before she began construction of ze Temple of ze Great Skvirrel, I carried out ein thorough risk assessment und bought her ein new pair of sandals und ein tin helmet. (She looks kvite attractive in zis, but zat is ein different story).
I am trying to recruit ein new handyman, but you cannot get decent staff zese days, particularly in Argentina, vere everyone is ein psychiatrist or goucho und has no interest in training for ein real job.
Of course, zere are many young Germans here who vould vork for me in ein instant, but zey tend to draw attention to mein humble hacienda vith zere unreconstructed goose shtepping und heel clicking. Zis is most vorrying.
As ze Hungarians say - "Softly softly catchee chihuahua."
on a serious note Herr Adolf, where would you recommend to travel in Argentina, i hear that the falklands Islands are rather nice, but i have just read that 'Great' Britain is trying to cease control of an area of sea around the Falklands; a 350 kilometres radius, for energy extraction, i think the Argentinians may have words , what a cheek of the old colonial imperistic bastards
anyway on mainland where would you recommend, i appreciate that you are not a travel agent, but i would like to visit one day.
Argentina is ein beautiful country vith many kvite interesting areas, but ze jewel in ze crown is vithout doubt Buenos Aires. Here you vill find vide boulevards, tango bars vere you can dance ze night avay vith latina lovelies (price for companionship only, all else negotiable), avenues full of psychiatrists, many polo clubs (if you haf ein horse und 10 million dollars), und ze largest number of roadvorthy Model T Fords in ze vorld.
If you like ze mountains, zere are many in Patagonia, but ze problem is you haf to climb zem, und zis can be kvite tiring. Ifyou like meat, all Argentinians eat 20 pounds of steak a day, even ze babies. Zis is not ein land for vegetarians.
Mein favourite place is of course mein own hacienda vere I farm ze armadilloes. You vould probably find it kvite boring unless you like listening to ze records of Richard Tauber and Elizabeth Schwarzkopf und Bavarian brass band music. Zis is an acvired taste.
I do not recommend ze Malvinas. Zere zey eat penguins und haf sex vith zere relatives, vich vould not be so bad, but zey are all very ugly.
I vish you vell should you ever decide to come to South America.
I have read Che guevara's memoirs, eaten a fray bentos pie and eaten steak in an Argentian steakhouse in Prague but that's about it on Argentina, thanks for your feedback!
i will avoid ze malvinas it sounds to much like home
I must depart to work, But before I leave let me address the following!
Bill, I will e-mail!
Skids, One of these weekends you will succeed and woo her back, through the power of the force. Just remember Obi Wan's teachings!
Rabz, good catch and haul! Also thanks for your story of experience ,strength and hope.
Adolf, Way to show fortitude and self discipline in "not" having molested that Squirrel! Squirrel Knows how hard it must have been!(pun intended) I tip my Willhelm Kizer spiked helmet to you good sir!
Riza, your most sincere and heart felt concerns do not go unnoticed. thanks for the laughs! you Keep posting positive and maybe I can learn a thing or three!
Hi ho,Hi ho,,, its off to work I go with a mumble mumble mumble mumble Hi, ho ,Hi ho Hi ho....................
Ze Malvinas are indeed to be avoided. I do not know your home country of Sveden, but I haf been to Danmark. Copenhagen vos kvite amusing vith ze silly haircuts, strangely-dressed tramps, gigantic super model vimmen und human zoo von hippies at Christianaland.
I stayed also in Jutland on ein small farm. Zis vos very like ze Malvinas I am sinking. Ze farmer called Jens had fits all ze time und his vife Susanne micturated constantly into ein orange. I haf no idea vy she did zis. It may haf been ein Jutland tradition, but it vos kvite disconcerting for ein guest.
Welcome to your life There's no turning back Even while sleep We will find you Acting on your best behaviour Turn your back on mother nature Everybody wants to rule the world It's my own design It's my own remorse Help me to decide Help make the most Of freedom and of pleasure Nothing ever lasts forever Everybody wants to rule the world There's a room where the light won't find you Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down When they do I'll be right behind you So glad we've almost made it So sad they had fade it Everybody wants to rule the world I can't stand this indecision Married with a lack of vision Everybody wants to rule the world Say that you'll never never never need it One headline why believe it ? Everybody wants to rule the world All for freedom and for pleasure Nothing ever lasts forever Everybody wants to rule the world
Cooool...I've just realised it's not too far away from fireworks night!
Need to get the marshmallows and sparklers in...and keep the fire service on call as well. Remember...Kids on fire are only fun as long as they can be put out quickly without injury!
PS My sincere apologies to all those who's kids have already combusted
that bomb was a a fizzle, too. It only hit 60% of its predicted megatonnage. There was quite a large faction of the Soviet scientists that thought it would light the ionosphere on fire and end all life on earth... :O
and i know that people in the pentagon know what is nuke but they did 893 nuke experiments in new Mexico and there is no problem they bombed Serbia whit nuke bombs and you tell me that is ok fuck you my children will suffer because of you so suck my nuke dick and what about Japan why why they suffer so long FUCK YOU LITTLE WHORES
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