Avatar photoBashing ElBaradei Redux

Looks like Washington is gearing up to oust IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei. With the December 31 deadline for candidacies looming, anonymous diplomats are grousing about ElBaradei. Anonymous intelligence sources tell Reuters that Tehran purchased large amounts of beryllium, which can be used to initiate the chain reaction in a nuclear device. The allegation provided anonymous …

Avatar photoAbout hexive

Readers often remark about the look and feel of my blog. The entire operation, from database to hosting, is a gift from my friend Greg. He runs a web development shop called hexive (logo at right) that focuses on small businesses, non-profits and one blog. I’ve known him since we were college roomates. A few …

Avatar photoSequencing Crises in Iran and North Korea

Ever notice that, in Kung Fu movies, some larger number of bad guys will stand around in a circle, allowing the hero to kick their asses one-by-one? Outside of cinema, such accomodation by adversaries is rare. Yet, this seems to be happening with regard to impending crises in Iran and North Korea. Iranian officials are …

Avatar photoPhysics 101: Boost Phase Missile Defense and the Shortfall Problem

Taylor Dinerman writing with a crayon over at The Space Review says: “In the case of boost-phase weapons, the debris will fall back on the nation that launched the missile.” Fall back? What kind of non-ballistic trajectory is that missile on? It’s called Newton’s first law of motion. Look into it. Whatever debris remains will …