maslen.bill

Comment Threads

• Nojay commented on The prospects of the Space and Freedom Party reconsidered in light of the crisis of 21st century capitalism
  No, the LK-60s may be the last big icebreakers they build but they still have river ice to deal with to maintain navigation and keep the northern coastal ports open. Fresh water freezes a lot easier than open seawater with its salt content. The LK-60s are meant for riverine duty as well as open-ocean work with shallower draughts than classic seagoing icebreakers but up till now the riverine breakers have been mostly conventionally powered since they could always refuel and resupply locally. There's also the tourist business... It costs about $12,000 to sail to the North Pole on board the...
• Jay commented on The prospects of the Space and Freedom Party reconsidered in light of the crisis of 21st century capitalism
  So they argue that even if you get rid of one master, the next master might likely be worse so why bother. It has happened that way often enough in human history. After a few decades of Stalin's rule, the Tsars didn't seem so bad. Now, a few decades into the post-Soviet era, a majority of Russians claim they like the old system better. Personally, I think the Iron Law of Oligarchy is probably right. Either there are a few people in charge, or there's nobody in charge, and the second case is even worse than the first....
• Justin commented on The prospects of the Space and Freedom Party reconsidered in light of the crisis of 21st century capitalism
  I think it's important to mention focus fusion. This method of fusion has gotten some money from NASA to study it's viability as both a power plant and propulsion source in space. This type of fusion requires no steam apparatus and therefore could be made small enough to fit in a shipping container. For the same reason it could be decentralized easily and taken out of the hands of the oligarchs and placed into the hands of the 3rd world and delivered directly into disaster areas. Not only that but they plan on burninig proton boron fuel which will make...
• Bellinghman commented on The prospects of the Space and Freedom Party reconsidered in light of the crisis of 21st century capitalism
  It is indeed important to mention such, as examples of probable woo. Fusion research (and energy research in general) is plagued by both wishful thinking and outright fraud, so I wouldn't be too hopeful when someone comes along who denies the accepted models of the Universe and profers an apparent miracle machine....
• axel.fosse commented on The prospects of the Space and Freedom Party reconsidered in light of the crisis of 21st century capitalism
  True. There's a private venture effort by something called Tri-Alpha Inc. to create an aneutronic fusion reactor, that looks somewhat credible. They atleast have published some papers for their process in physics letters B and stuff, and have seemingly capable people on board. Here's the notes for a talk by Henry Weller (Duke): http://www.int.washington.edu/talks/WorkShops/int_12_3/People/Weller_H/Weller.pdf...