What's "Warhammer 40k" supposed to mean? That's a game, not a weapon. If you put in "Chainsword" instead though…
If you add Cael Hammer, then I'd be willing to vote too.Hmm, having just used it, I find that I'd rather use an Army Carbine than a Cael Hammer. I'd compromise for a Breakers' Bow.
Practical education and confidence building under the supervision of more-or-less adult friends is something a parent should prefer over whatever the hell Sam would get up to with her 12-year-old friends./me thinks: "IICIH sounds pretty reasonable."
I bet they could build a wicked trebuchet.
The correct answer is, and always will be:
"WWWAAAAAAAAGGGGGH!!!"
Jeph had said earlier that AnthroPCs don't "do religion", so he must have meant they don't do doctrine and ritual.or he changed his mind
No Claire, your are not.
Jeph had said earlier that AnthroPCs don't "do religion", so he must have meant they don't do doctrine and ritual.That's one option. The other one, which I think is true, is he just forgot he wrote that.
I had to Google the word "fib." Is that an Eastern US word? It doesn't exist out here...
Jeph had said earlier that AnthroPCs don't "do religion", so he must have meant they don't do doctrine and ritual.
Maybe it's the beat face she makes; I almost always hear Eric Idle's "eh, eh? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT3_UCm1A5I)" whenever she makes it.That face usually gets me laughing more than the actual pun. I love it :)
One of the most interesting things in the comic, I think, is how Momo says that some AIs "choose" to believe. What a strange concept.
It is fascinating that the sense of mystery humans feel about how they came to be is also felt by beings who know how they were invented and by whom.Momo states the AI sentience seems to be an "emergent" phenomenon, like the human: they know how, when and under whose supervision they were physically created (like we have a pretty good idea of how we physically evolved) but can't point out one specific assembly or coding step or runtime subroutine (or finite, defined, sets thereof) that leads to the prsesence of sentience, it's "just there" -- so AIs may feel there must be some inherent universal intelligence that is manifested though an indwelling among individual beings. Not necessarily supernatural but a "greater power" nonetheless.
Except people believe or they don't, or maybe something in between, but it's hardly a choice.One of the most interesting things in the comic, I think, is how Momo says that some AIs "choose" to believe. What a strange concept.
Sounds quite human to me.
I had to Google the word "fib." Is that an Eastern US word? It doesn't exist out here...
Now that you mention it, I don't think I've heard it since moving out West.
Not that far east, though; Colorado/Wyoming person here and I've heard the term.
Distributed devotion orchestration service?
It's possible to "choose" a working hypothesisPerhaps, but belief is a conclusion, not a hypothesis.
Third or fourth round? There hasn't even been a complete round yet!
It's possible to "choose" a working hypothesisPerhaps, but belief is a conclusion, not a hypothesis.
If you had come to a proper conclusion "belief" would be beside the point: you'd have something concrete you could point to and say, "and this is my conclusion, based on X, Y and Z." The fact that the end result is a belief means there is no conclusion - there's only faith. They're exclusive in that context.
Further, I don't think anyone would answer, "Why do you believe X?" by saying, "I was born that way." Belief is a choice, a decision, a conscious frame of mind. It's not something built into you.
Belief is a choice, a decision, a conscious frame of mind. It's not something built into you.
The image got removed by host restrictions, but knowing which character you mean: Mmh.. I wanna try Okonomiyaki. :3
I think that questions of free will notwithstanding, I think it's reasonable to use the word choose in relation to belief systems.
I had to Google the word "fib." Is that an Eastern US word? It doesn't exist out here...Now that you mention it, I don't think I've heard it since moving out West.Not that far east, though; Colorado/Wyoming person here and I've heard the term.
I've been living in California since I was four years old and I've heard the word "fib" for as long as I can remember.
Both my parents were originally from the Midwest, though (Oklahoma and Wisconsin), so it's possible I got it from them... but I'm sure I've heard lots of other Californians use that word.
I think that questions of free will notwithstanding, I think it's reasonable to use the word choose in relation to belief systems.
Then try to actually seriously believe something horrendously inhumane about another group of people for a few minutes now - one which you don't have any problems with at all, but that others hate.
How's that working out for you? No? Not managing it? I know I can't; and that the same things goes for the rest. Pretending to hold a belief is not synonymous with actually believing it.
I know plenty of people who choose to believe whatever easy-to-digest bumper-stickerism was last and loudest shouted at them, for no other reason than it helps them rationalize their fears/prejudices or gives them some Other to blame for their failure to be as awesome as they think they ought to be.
Then try to actually seriously believe something horrendously inhumane about another group of people for a few minutes now - one which you don't have any problems with at all, but that others hate.
How's that working out for you? No? Not managing it? I know I can't; and that the same things goes for the rest. Pretending to hold a belief is not synonymous with actually believing it.
Petitio principii. You are assuming the initial point to be argued as a premise: "People choose to believe things because I think they choose to believe them"....your counterargument appears to be "People don't choose to believe things because I think they don't choose to believe them." Choosing to maintain a pre-existing belief rather than face the difficulties associated with needing to change that belief is still a choice, in that case the choice to shore up support for what they already believe rather than to go against it.
As I understand it, it's not so much the entire state of Illinois in general as it is Chicago in particular. Because, you know, da Bears.
I know this "We have a basement?" line.Why is there hay everywhere?
I discussed this topic with a friend a few days ago actually. At least in context with religions "believing" is to me the same as "hoping", the only difference being the probability you allocate to it. If you believe something, you wish for something to happen and assume it will, if you hope for something, you wish for it to happen, but don't necessarily assume that it will.Pessimisterne er dog de reneste tåber.
she does her coffee roasting in the spider zone? is it me, or does that kind of sound like a bit of a health code violation?
:DI know this "We have a basement?" line.Why is there hay everywhere?
There must be something weirder to do with a basement than turn it into a cafe or a metal shop.
I think the "spider zone" may be a reference to Faye's ruse to terrify Raven into not opening the bags of fresh beans. The one that failed utterly on Penne-lope.
*singing* Hiiiighway to the Spider Zone!My first thought too, and I didn't even like the movie much, though it has a great opening sequence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9C5_-VWU6ks#t=59s).
LENGF (Loki's explanation for Non-German folks)
Don't you be talking smack about my favorite childhood movie! :-P*singing* Hiiiighway to the Spider Zone!My first thought too, and I didn't even like the movie much
though it has a great opening sequence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9C5_-VWU6ks#t=59s).Now that's something we can definitely all agree on.
LENGF
Don't you be talking smack about my favorite childhood movie! :-P*singing* Hiiiighway to the Spider Zone!My first thought too, and I didn't even like the movie muchthough it has a great opening sequence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9C5_-VWU6ks#t=59s).Now that's something we can definitely all agree on.
I actually choked on my wine when I read GarandMarine's comment.
no carriers here, C-130s are too bigI saw an episode of a TV show once in which the hero landed a Hercules on a carrier, and thought "typical Hollywood bullshit". I was wrong.
The pessimists are the greatest fools.
They believe the opposite of what they hope!
No, the optimists that life depends on,
are those who dare to hope for something they believe in.
http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/File:Harry_Potter_and_the_Chamber_of_Secrets_-_Follow_the_Spiders (http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/File:Harry_Potter_and_the_Chamber_of_Secrets_-_Follow_the_Spiders)
Follow the spiders...
Okay, seriously. What part of SPIDER zone eluded Sam? Migl fargin eight legged freaks.
Maybe she thought they were cute itsy-bitsy spiders...
Obvious question: Why is Faye unfortunate enough to be spider free? Did her reputation precede her?Actually Sam preceded her, tearing down the webs in the process.
Obvious question: Why is Faye unfortunate enough to be spider free? Did her reputation precede her?
Granny Weatherwax's reputation even extends beyond species barriers – the trolls of the Ramtops call her Aaoograha hoa ("She Who Must Be Avoided") and the dwarf name for her, K'ez'rek d'b'duz, translates to "Go Around the Other Side of the Mountain" (Maskerade).
Obvious question: Why is Faye unfortunate enough to be spider free? Did her reputation precede her?
Obvious question: Why is Faye unfortunate enough to be spider free? Did her reputation precede her?Actually Sam preceded her, tearing down the webs in the process.
Health inspections (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=914).
....must.... resist.... firebombing.... fictional... locationI'm fine with spiders. I'm glad there were no cockroaches!
I needed a trigger warning.No you didn't. You needed to take responsibility and check beforehand (it's noted on the Wikipedia page), or be willing to deal with your own fears (you have pause and/or mute buttons, I presume). I really, really hate the concept of trigger warnings, it's a bad form of coddling.
http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/File:Harry_Potter_and_the_Chamber_of_Secrets_-_Follow_the_Spiders (http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/File:Harry_Potter_and_the_Chamber_of_Secrets_-_Follow_the_Spiders)
Follow the spiders...
I HAVE A THING ABOUT BUGS. And my mind had been kind enough to just block it all right the hell out but then...Spider Zone. And now I can't stop thinking about OH MY GOD THERE WERE SO MANY AND THEY WERE BIG AND THEY GOT ON THEM ALL OVER THEM HOW WILL I EVER SLEEP AGAIN
Arachnophobia is like homophobia -- irrational bigotry.
Well, damn. I guess I won't be posting any pictures of cute spiders to this thread, then. :-D
Well, damn. I guess I won't be posting any pictures of cute spiders to this thread, then. :-DDon't worry, I've done it before.
As someone with mild arachnophobia, I probably shouldn't ask, but is there a real spider that Gordon's appearance is based on?Apparently, jumping spiders. (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2334) It did get up on that counter easily. But don't worry, they just want to be friends.(click to show/hide)
Phobias are by definition irrational- it's not belittling to say so. Neither, in this context, is comparing these two phobias and calling them bigoted.Arachnophobia is like homophobia -- irrational bigotry.Real phobias do exist - please do not belittle them.
Spiders are cuddly and fun.
Phobias are by definition irrational- it's not belittling to say so. Neither, in this context, is comparing these two phobias and calling them bigoted.
AND THEN IHAVEAVOICE BURNED NEW HAMPSHIRE TO THE GROUND.You missed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northampton,_Massachusetts).
New poll up. You get two votes if there's more than one you really like, and you can change your answer if desired. On reflection, the last poll wasn't very good, with bad puns, obscure references, and missing options. Oh well, they can't all be hits.You forgot the obvious:
Spiders are cuddly and fun. Arachnophobia is like homophobia -- irrational bigotry. When I start my own religion I will make spiders sacred creatures which it is a grievous sin to kill.
Well, damn. I guess I won't be posting any pictures of cute spiders to this thread, then. :-D
As many as you like - but suitably spoilered, please, as we know there are people here who do not wish to see them.
Spiders are cuddly and fun. Arachnophobia is like homophobia -- irrational bigotry. When I start my own religion I will make spiders sacred creatures which it is a grievous sin to kill.
Cool, I get to go to hell in yet another religion *adds a mark to a tally list*
Well, damn. I guess I won't be posting any pictures of cute spiders to this thread, then. :-D
I really, really hate the concept of trigger warnings, it's a bad form of coddling.
I needed a trigger warning.No you didn't. You needed to take responsibility and check beforehand (it's noted on the Wikipedia page), or be willing to deal with your own fears (you have pause and/or mute buttons, I presume). I really, really hate the concept of trigger warnings, it's a bad form of coddling.
Also, leave the poor shift key alone.
I can relate to Faye and Sam a bit. I remember a trip to Hawaii where I decided to take a scenic path instead of the straight road back to the care. About a 1/3 of the way in I noticed a really cool spider web, with a spider in the center about 3 inches across. Then another one. And another. Then I started noticing multiple webs at a time, and soon realized that I was surrounded by a couple thousand webs, all orb weaves, all with spiders about the size of the first in the middle. They were on all sides, including above, forward, and back, arcing over the path. It was surprising I hadn't already walked into one. I carefully and quickly went back and took the road instead.
Darn, I'm disappointed about Sam. I was expecting her to emerge hugging some Acromantula-like thing, the size of a Labrador, gleefully saying "I shall call her Webby".
MDBS, I too grew up without protection from bullying, and it left me barely functional. I couldn't avoid the kids who bullied me, I was forced to go to school with them, and the adults who should have been protecting me either turned a blind eye or actually joined in the bullying. It was relentless, it was way beyond "normal" child interaction, and it was crippling. I'm still dealing with the fallout decades later.
It's great that you had a different experience than me. Maybe you were stronger, or more likely you didn't have to endure the level of pure torture I did. But I could have used a little bit of protection, because it was beyond what any human being should rationally have to face. I'm glad that kids today have more protection than I did.
I meant no offence but, though jokingly put, I had a serious point here. There are legitimate reasons for killing animals --as food, in competition for food (viz. agricultural pests), personal safety (dangerous spiders, disease carrying insects, if attacked by a bear etc.) etc. Irrational fear, or, worse, just not liking them, is not a good enough reason. Spiders are just as alive as robins or baby seals and deserve the same respect.
I needed a trigger warning.No you didn't. You needed to take responsibility and check beforehand (it's noted on the Wikipedia page), or be willing to deal with your own fears (you have pause and/or mute buttons, I presume). I really, really hate the concept of trigger warnings, it's a bad form of coddling.
Also, leave the poor shift key alone.
Funny I grew up without protection from bullying, without trigger warnings and without a nanny-state holding my hand every step of the way. I learned to avoid things and situations that would trigger my issues, and I've learned to accept that I am going to run into those things during my life.
In other words, it is coddling and it encourages weakness. Instead, grow... adapt... rationalize... seek help... and move forward.
Their reaction (looking at her silently, then moving on without any acknowledgement) strikes me as needlessly mean.
And yet it's not the first time it's happened, even if it always seems out of character for most of the people who do it.
Maybe it's the beat face she makesThat face usually gets me laughing more than the actual pun. I love it :)
"FIB", of course, has another definition in Wisconsin.
What do you have against Illinois?
*insert several plausible theories*
The dislike against Chicagoans, and thus all the Illinois people, comes from them going north to be loud, intrusive and messing up all the fishing/camping/outdoors/wildlife stuff.
I have family in the area, so I can let you know that Packers fans have much more enmity towards the Vikings than the Bears, which is weird given the proximity.
Don't get me wrong, they dislike the Bears too, but it really is the Vikings that gets their special hate.
Someone linked said friend to this horror story (http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=350217&no=20&weekday=tue) without warning her about what it was, just that it was something interesting they thought she'd like to read. Spoiler alert: don't click that if you have issues being frightened by sudden noises/unexpected jump scares.
Westrim, MDBS: Shouldn't whether they want to be coddled or not be the choice of the person in question?
As many as you like - but suitably spoilered, please, as we know there are people here who do not wish to see them.</mod>
Westrim, MDBS: Shouldn't whether they want to be coddled or not be the choice of the person in question?
well that's the real question isn't it? honestly, it seems more than a little naive to even phrase it as being that simple.
the thing is that we aren't just talking about one person's choice here, we're talking about everyone they interact with in the world. is it right for any one person to demand that everyone else alter all of their behaviors in order to accommodate the issues and cater to the preferences of one individual? and if so, then how far is it reasonable to expect them to bend in order to do so?
I needed a trigger warning.No you didn't. You needed to take responsibility and check beforehand (it's noted on the Wikipedia page), or be willing to deal with your own fears (you have pause and/or mute buttons, I presume). I really, really hate the concept of trigger warnings, it's a bad form of coddling.
Also, leave the poor shift key alone.
AND THEN IHAVEAVOICE BURNED NEW HAMPSHIRE TO THE GROUND.You missed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northampton,_Massachusetts).
They can't be worse than Jersey drivers.You've never been cut off by a FIB driving down I-94 who's doing 80 mph in a 65.
Yeah I'm usually okay with tarantulas. It's the tiny super poisonous ones I hate. Fun fact? That cobalt blue one on the last page is named after Metallica.Now "Enter Sandman" is stuck in my head. I hope you're happy with yourself. :psyduck:
(click to show/hide)
Yes, that is a real cobalt blue tarantula. And yes, that is its natural color.
Dawwww(http://revoltech.in/catalog/yamaguchi/12.12.15tachikoma/tachikoma4.jpg)
Looks like a Tachikoma
Interesting what you get when you google for images of "spider zone".Are you saying you don't want one?(click to show/hide)
If my son saw this, he would want one.
80 mph in a 65.Wait, is that considered fast?
“I want to have my life,” she says.
“There’s a lot of prejudice out there. There’s been a lot oftransgender peopleintelligent spiders who are killed for prejudice, for hatred. When the book came out — some amazing support and some amazing praises — but also some pretty amazing bigotry and hatred.”
“I don’t want you to beat me up and kill me. You don’t have to like me, I don’t care. But please don’t kill me.”
GM: wouldn't intelligence imply personality?
"The U.S Government figures we owe them 50 large ... something about blowing up the wrong embassy."
"But we also destroyed the RIGHT embassy!"
That never crossed my mind until just now :psyduck:(click to show/hide)
Yes, that is a real cobalt blue tarantula. And yes, that is its natural color.
Dawwww
Looks like a Tachikoma
Hannelore loves reacting immediately, doesn't she?And here she didn't run screaming from the store or go catatonic. Either she had a dose of medication recently, or her mellowing out has reached a new stage.
Project Thor
Project Thor is an idea for a weapons system that launches kinetic projectiles from Earth orbit to damage targets on the ground. Jerry Pournelle originated the concept while working in operations research at Boeing in the 1950s before becoming a science-fiction writer.[1][2]
The most described system is "an orbiting tungsten telephone pole with small fins and a computer in the back for guidance". The weapon can be down-scaled, an orbiting "crowbar" rather than a pole.[citation needed] The system described in the 2003 United States Air Force (USAF) report was that of 20-foot-long (6.1 m), 1-foot-diameter (0.30 m) tungsten rods, that are satellite controlled, and have global strike capability, with impact speeds of Mach 10.[3][4][5]
The time between deorbiting and impact would only be a few minutes, and depending on the orbits and positions in the orbits, the system would have a world-wide range.[citation needed] There is no requirement to deploy missiles, aircraft or other vehicles. Although the SALT II (1979) prohibited the deployment of orbital weapons of mass destruction, it did not prohibit the deployment of conventional weapons. The system is prohibited by neither the Outer Space Treaty nor the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.[4][6]
The idea is that the weapon would inflict damage because it moves at orbital velocities, at least 9 kilometers per second. Smaller weapons can deliver measured amounts of energy as small as a 225 kg conventional bomb.[citation needed] Some systems are quoted as having the yield of a small tactical nuclear bomb.[5] These designs are envisioned as a bunker buster.[4][7]
...now I feel bad
I thought Hermione and Ginny got rid of all of them.
Considering her parentage, threats or things that make her uncomfortable would always have had a very fast, VERY efficient solution.Between her Dad's orbital weapons, and her Mum's elite mercenaries? Yeah, don't frighten the space-princess.
And then you have a bird problem instead of a spider problem. Then you could get cats to deal with your bird problem.I'm with you so far, but I fail to see how getting a goat is supposed to deal with your dog problem.
Comparing a recognised clinical condition with a non-clinical "phobia" which is in fact prejudice is indeed belittling. Of course, it would be better if homophobia was referred to as homomisia (meaning hatred of or disgust for homosexuality) - but that won't happen.I did not realize until checking after your comment that it wasn't a clinical definition. Darn culture and it's appropriation of words for inaccurate uses.
What did Gandalf say about staying on the path?I didn't realize I had crossed into Mirkwood!
You forgot the obvious:But the Federation inexplicably doesn't do orbital bombardment, just masses of troops with mininukes and assault rifles. Pity the mobile infantry.
"Nuke it from orbit. Just to be sure."
SIGHI was surprised at the number of people that focused on 'spider' and went the kill route, not 'intelligent' and running or befriending. Since all the options are available and equal, it is known to the person choosing that the spider is intelligent and befriendable.
You know, a lot of people have a visceral reaction even to the idea that Intersex people might exist.
It's a lot like their reaction to the idea of intelligent spiders.
I know the poll's a joke. No offense intended. I shouldn't take it too seriously, and I don't.
But you know what? In my mind I substitute "Zoe Brain" for "Intelligent Spider". Then look at the responses from the good, cluey, kinder than average people here.
Tell me - would your vote changed if an intelligent spider wrote a comment like this one?
I am again curious, why are the spiders themselves a heath hazard?I imagine it's not the spiders themselves - it's presumably about the food supply that their existance implies.
I had to Google the word "fib." Is that an Eastern US word? It doesn't exist out here...You clearly don't read enough.
i think to myself, i'd ask the spider to be out of my sight as large spiders make me uncomfortable, but when i put a person in place of the spider it seems really very rude and quite offensive to say "please move aside, i would like to come upstairs and people like you make me uncomfortable". that feels awful in my mind!
ILastly, here is what you get when you cross spiders with crabs and press 'supersize.' I love these things.(click to show/hide)
I had to Google the word "fib." Is that an Eastern US word? It doesn't exist out here...You clearly don't read enough.
This is how you take care of it:
There was an Old Lady
Who has command authority over the orbital bombardment system, anyway?I remember that the question of who actually really runs Hannerdad's station has come up before. There are USAF personnel up there, we know, but the station is run by an AI who's in love with Daddy's little princess.
Aren't international treaties only applicable to nations?
This, of course, does not take into account the issue of Station having civil rights, for instance.
I'm pretty sure the CIA can already do that whole tungsten rod orbital strike thing. I'm sure Hanner's dad would have something much cooler in his toolkit. Say a gravitic implosion device? Seriously if you twist light the right way you can create gravity wells with it. Physics rocks.while it's a simple enough idea that i wouldn't completely discount the possibility of such a weapon system existing, fiery death from the sky really doesn't seem like the company's style.
That's why I made the distinction between Station and the station. Hannerdad probably owns the station, and Station might own anywhere from his main server to all the computing equipment on the station (at least the one he controls directly).
How could Dora not have known there were that many spiders in her roasting area?
Kinetic munitions aren't very fiery, but I get your point. Still I can see the military having something like that at its disposal for bunker and cave clearing. All the power of a nuke with no radiation.
Kinetic munitions aren't very fiery, but I get your point. Still I can see the military having something like that at its disposal for bunker and cave clearing. All the power of a nuke with no radiation.
I wonder if there are any high ranking AIs in the US military.
I wonder if there are any high ranking AIs in the US military.The La Li Lu Le Lo?
In the QCverse :roll:QuoteI wonder if there are any high ranking AIs in the US military.I would recommend against seriously investigating that question. ESPECIALLY online.
Next step: Dora and Faye get Dust 514 dropsuits.
Hannerdad: Minmatar or Caldari? In Rust We Trust or Hybrid Sniping Mangling?
AMARR VICTOR
This certainly does explain why there's military up on Station. :P it was kinda vague reasoning before, IIRC.I just figured they were funding research into lasers or something and protecting their investment.
i'm pretty sure there are international treaties against the weaponization of space. one thing the us & ussr managed to agree on was that space-based weapons were a bad idea.There are treaties prohibited placing "weapons of mass destruction" in space, but there is no restriction on "conventional" weapons, I believe. The "Outer Space Treaty (http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Outer_Space_Treaty_of_1967)" certainly makes that distinction. With regard to the legal status of orbital habitats, Article VI (http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Outer_Space_Treaty_of_1967#Article_VI) is relevant, and gives additional point to the USAF personnel on the station.
To make it fall from the orbit at all, they need to give it a shove in the opposite direction for otherwise the rod would just continue its free fall motion along the station. The bigger the shove the faster it will fall from the orbit. But unless you spend a lot of energy (that they don't have at the station),Where do you get the energy-shortage from? Hannerdad has a space-plane that can fly directly from a normal airfield to orbit. I doubt if attaching simple retro-rockets to his rods would pose much of a challenge. He'd just need the equivalent of a torpedo-tube to push the rod away from the station (assuming he has no other launch-platform), and then fire a single-use, jettisonable retro-rocket of the sort that was used to deorbit the Mercury capsules.
TL; DR; Orbital bombardment doesn't sound very energy efficient. You spend a huge amount of energy to get that mass into orbit only to have atmospheric drag consume most of it when falling.
Would anyone have a clue about the speed of the Apollo landing modules after entering the atmosphere, but before they opened the parachutes? A tungsten rod would fall faster than that (weight, shape).
Where do you get the energy-shortage from? Hannerdad has a space-plane that can fly directly from a normal airfield to orbit. I doubt if attaching simple retro-rockets to his rods would pose much of a challenge. He'd just need the equivalent of a torpedo-tube to push the rod away from the station (assuming he has no other launch-platform), and then fire a single-use, jettisonable retro-rocket of the sort that was used to deorbit the Mercury capsules.
See the description under my icon.No need for that. Your drawing and explanation was clear enough. FYI (in case it matters how you choose to communicate) my PhD was in abstract algebra. I studied quite a bit of theoretical physics as an undergrad, but my understanding of theoretical mechanics was never much higher than Spiegel's Schaum series book (to those who don't know: this is an admission of being relatively ignorant), and it has taken quite a few hits in the 30 years that have passed.
Yes, but then your options where to enter the atmosphere are much more limited.TL; DR; Orbital bombardment doesn't sound very energy efficient. You spend a huge amount of energy to get that mass into orbit only to have atmospheric drag consume most of it when falling.
Only if in a circular orbit. A high eccentricity "Molniya" type orbit, all you need is a slight nudge at apogee. That way perigee would be inside the Earth ie you get re-entry, at a near-normal angle if you do it right.
So I don't know how much delta vee they could get, or need, from the retro rocket.
Shouldn't the current poll question have an obligatory: "I, for one, welcome our new intelligent spider overlords?"
Okay, so Dora is fine with knife sharpening, blowtorch lessons, and sword making. But when Sam gets over-excited about something (that's admittedly pretty awesome), THAT's when she starts to thinks maybe Coffee of Doom is unsafe for children.
Meh. What does he know about Pokemon?
Railguns are more efficient for kinetic kill weapons, all the fun of small yield nuclear weapons with none of the fall out!
I'm not sure if religions are as fall out safe as railguns.