Graphic of the day

Let's take a break from all this seriousness, shall we, with... the history of nuclear bomb testing.





And, no, Kraftwerk did not provide the audio for this graphic.

Exit question: Considering our locale here in San Diego, how is it we're not glowing?


H/T: Information Dissemination

"Lasers"

Just a few days past Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthdate, it appears as if SDI (Strategic Defence Initiative), the bluff card he played on the Soviets a quarter-century ago has become reality.




A U.S. high-powered airborne laser weapon shot down a ballistic missile in the first successful test of a futuristic directed energy weapon, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency said on Friday.

The agency said in a statement the test took place at 8:44 p.m. PST (11:44 p.m. EST) on Thursday /0444 GMT on Friday) at Point Mugu's Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division Sea Range off Ventura in central California.

"The Missile Defense Agency demonstrated the potential use of directed energy to defend against ballistic missiles when the Airborne Laser Testbed (ALTB) successfully destroyed a boosting ballistic missile" the agency said.

The high-powered Airborne Laser system is being developed by Boeing Co., (BA.N) the prime contractor, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

Boeing produces the airframe, a modified 747 jumbo jet, while Northrop Grumman (NOC.N) supplies the higher-energy laser and Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) is developing the beam and fire control systems.

"This was the first directed energy lethal intercept demonstration against a liquid-fuel boosting ballistic missile target from an airborne platform," the agency added.
The airborne laser weapon successfully underwent its first in-flight test against a target missile back in August. During that test, Boeing said the modified 747-400F aircraft took off from Edwards Air Force Base and used its infrared sensors to find a target missile launched from San Nicolas Island, California.


Iran, Russia, China.... right back atcha, baby!

That might delay the Middle East peace process somewhat

So, just what is the end game with respect to Iran’s nuclear weapon program?

We have our doubts about his theory but it would make for one hell of a “24” or James Bond plot.

B-Daddy has the details here.

Huh?

Check this out.

Now, go here and ask yourself if any of it makes any sense whatsoever.

Quote of the Day

"For the past five years there has been ongoing negotiations (between our European allies) with Iran. And for the past five years, Iran has been able to further develop its nuclear weapon capabilities."

- Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., John Bolton on Roger Hedgecock’s show at the RNCC

Of course, Suit has got a brilliant idea: I'll negotiate with Iran.

Let's just get this over with...

"The possession of nuclear weapons by a state like Iran, which is ideological to the core, is more or less like Osama bin Laden having a nuclear bomb. They are two of a kind. Despite the difference in their turbans and in their religious beliefs, the end result is the same.
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"Thus, we need to push the world powers, and especially the U.S. and the E.U., towards military confrontation to neutralize the Iranian enemy, whatever the cost, before the nuclear bomb makes it too late - even if it is against the will of the Arabs of the north."

Paul Wolfowitz..? Richard Perle...? The editorial board of the Weekly Standard..?
No, on all counts. The above is from Saudi columnist, Saleh Al-Rashed writing in the liberal Arab e-journal Elaph.

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