Go Nuclear!

[Furtherman]

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Here's a video that'll have you riveted: an ominously comprehensive rendering that shows the time and place of every nuclear detonation from 1945 to 1998.

Although the map and graphics are almost comically low-res, the minimalist presentation is so effective you can't look away. Every explosion produces a musical chime, and every time a new nation goes nuclear, it gets a different note. We were particularly struck by the Cold War musical duel between the U.S. and U.S.S.R., as each responds to the other's nuclear testing, resulting in a darkly impressive light show on the map.

Why does it stop at 1998? Creator Isao Hashimoto used a book published in 2000 as reference material for the vid. I think it's time for an update, Mr. Hashimoto.

Video starts off a little slow, but give it time. No wonder people were scared shitless in the 1950's.

I can't believe there is any liveable areas out west after seeing this video.

I also can't believe we've made it this far.

[Crossweird]

It's "nucular".

Nu-cu-lar.

[TripleSkeet]

It's "nucular".

Nu-cu-lar.

The S is silent.

[KC2OSO]

Yay, we win. I think.

The American southwest should have a nice glow to it at this point. Holy Jeebus.

[keithy_19]

Finally. Now I can finally fall asleep knowing that we're all safe because no one in their right mind would want to nuke another nation.

Finally.

[spoon]

That was quite disturbing.

I've posted this eerily beautiful and equally frightening sigur ros video before, but it seemingly fits here just in case anyone missed it. It's a pretty cool song with a cooler video. The band has been active in the fight against nuclear proliferation and it's the meaning behind this video from what I've read.

Also, of course the US mainly tested at two main locations, the midwest/desert but what about France? Obviously they did some in their lands in North Africa, but they also had some spot unknown to me in the South Pacific west of Chile it seems. The only thing I can come up with is French Polynesia, but I'm not sure.

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[NewYorkDragons80]

I thought this was appropriate for the thread. Proliferation experts in a NY Times Op-Ed put the Number of nuclear weapons necessary to national security at 311, or around 6% of our current arsenal. (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/05/opinion/05wed4.html?scp=1&sq=how%20many%20nuclear&st=cse)

[sailor]

That was quite disturbing.

I've posted this eerily beautiful and equally frightening sigur ros video before, but it seemingly fits here just in case anyone missed it. It's a pretty cool song with a cooler video. The band has been active in the fight against nuclear proliferation and it's the meaning behind this video from what I've read.

Also, of course the US mainly tested at two main locations, the midwest/desert but what about France? Obviously they did some in their lands in North Africa, but they also had some spot unknown to me in the South Pacific west of Chile it seems. The only thing I can come up with is French Polynesia, but I'm not sure.

apparently French Polynesia, specifically at Mururoa & Fangataufa

[spoon]

apparently French Polynesia, specifically at Mururoa & Fangataufa

stop cursing at me!

[spoon]

I thought this was appropriate for the thread. Proliferation experts in a NY Times Op-Ed put the Number of nuclear weapons necessary to national security at 311, or around 6% of our current arsenal. (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/05/opinion/05wed4.html?scp=1&sq=how%20many%20nuclear&st=cse)

"The numbers show how far the United States has come in shrinking a nuclear arsenal that reached a peak of 31,255 weapons in 1967. The 5,113 means a reduction of 84 percent, but still far more than is needed to deter any threat. The United States and Russia (which is estimated to have thousands more weapons in reserve than the United States) need to make even deeper cuts. But after years of inaction under President George W. Bush, who disdained arms treaties, the trend is better."

Way to go W! Just another bowl of shit in a feast of awful.

[Chigworthy]

What a fangataufa!

[sailor]

What a fangataufa!

oh no you didn't!