Smokin Joe

After the atrocities committed by the Gaza government I don't think they deserve any of those.

So yes — we’re totally on the same page when it comes to your statement: “Here is a pic of an M117 bomb that I disposed of in Laos a few years ago.” What’s harder to reconcile is the first statement you made: “I can tell you from personal experience that that bomb IS NOT an M117 750 lb Bomb.” That shifts the conversation from handling ordnance in the field — something I absolutely respect — to interpreting a bomb from a photo, which is a different kind of expertise. Working with bombs directly and identifying them in images are two different challenges. Take the photo from the article, for example. The bomb in that image looks about the length of a person — nowhere near 2 meters. But that’s probably due to lens distortion, especially foreshortening or perspective compression. These effects can really change how large or small an object looks in a photo. So I totally understand your reaction — especially if you’ve worked directly with these weapons. But in this case, I think the issue isn’t about bomb disposal knowledge. It’s more about how easily our eyes can be tricked by the camera, especially when we don’t have a clear reference for scale. Now, let’s look at the great photo above — it’s a perfect example of foreshortening in action. Here’s what’s in the image: Foreground: A row of M117 bombs, recognizable by their: Long cylindrical bodies Single lifting lugs on top Rounded noses and square tail fins Background: T-28 Trojan aircraft, commonly used during the Vietnam War What makes this image fascinating is how the same type of bomb can appear both too short and too long, depending on where it is in the frame: The bombs closest to the camera look big, thick, and dominant — but to some, they may seem shorter than they really are because of the angle and lens distortion. The bombs farther away start to look more accurate in shape — longer and sleeker. The perspective stretches the row, making the whole scene feel deeper and larger than it is. This is the paradox of foreshortening: It can make objects look compressed up close and stretched out in the distance — all in the same photo. That’s why identifying bombs from photos is so tricky. Even experienced EOD professionals can misjudge what they’re seeing if there’s no clear size reference — like a boot, a person, or a measuring stick. In your original photo, the M117s look shorter than they really are — maybe around 1.5 meters — but we know from technical specs that they’re actually 2.06 meters long. So again, thank you for sharing your image. It’s a great example of how easily photos can distort reality — and why context, perspective, and reference points matter so much. You seem to know a lot about photography but nothing about ordnance. The photo you just posted is of a bunch of Mk 80 series LDGP bombs. They are not M117's, which have a very different shape. And they have two lugs for attaching to the bomb racks, they are not "lifting lugs". And the type of tail fin is irrelevant as they can use different types of fins.

I can tell you from personal experience that that bomb IS NOT an M117 750lb Bomb. The M117 is short and stubby compared to the Low Drag Mk 80 series bombs. Her is a pic of an M117 bomb that I disposed of in Laos a few years ago.

I think assuming they live longer would be incorrect. I think the people you describe would tend to die earlier due to depression.

Wow, totally unhinged rant. Nothing to do with the topic. You should get yourself checked for rabies.

I think any company that declares fraudulent figures for the imported goods would also be willing to cheat on their tax returns. A lot of customs declarations, and also tax returns are done by the "Honor System". But if you get busted, either because of red flags that trigger an audit, or someone tipping off the authorities, the penalties can be severe.

I'd recommend the 19 if for concealed carry.

That would just mean that the only people without guns are the law abiding ones. Scumbags on dope would still be able to get guns.

Strange how the OP calls this "Breaking News". Biden had full access to the Epstein files. If there was anything that would have caused serious trouble for Trump it would have been released by Biden.

I just wish they would speed it up and get it over with then everyone would just forget about it. And all the muslim countries would be thrilled that there is no longer any pressure to open their doors to the hamas loving scum.

Bank accounts and brokerage accounts in the US can be designated to be Payable on Death (POD) or Transfer on Death (TOD). This is legal in almost every state. The funds will transfer to the designated beneficiaries upon proof of death. POD/TOD takes precedence over a will and does not have to go through probate. I assume that if a will contradicts the POD/TOD designated beneficiaries it would open a can of worms though. When I had my will made the lawyer made no mention of bank or brokerage accounts to avoid any conflict. Same with Thai assets, no mention in my US will and was advised to make a separate will in Thailand for Thai assets. I think this has been brought up before and is not available in Thailand unfortunately

So when someone commits a crime and then gets arrested you consider that "giving themselves up" ?

You didn't even read the OP, did you? Mr. Botha did not give himself up. He was apprehended by the police after causing a disturbance.

I think the OP must be running out of material if he is recycling 20 year old stories.

Yes