Posted on 12/26/2005 2:10:31 PM PST by the_red_anedote
Edited on 12/26/2005 2:21:13 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
How're you feeling?
"Since we are in fact floating in space right now, such things can get confusing..."
I think I shall have to bite you....and I get to choose where!
When I saw the special on TV about dragons, that idea was the single worst one they propounded. It seems obvious; how to make an animal fly? Give it lift. And as an added bonus, you have a combustible gas.
In execution, however, you have a problem making a dragon look svelte and menacing with any proper kind of lift being generated. They would have to swell up like Harry Potter's Aunt.
If you designed the dragon like a tick, with an expandable skin, it could produce hydrogen at will, and expand its bladder, then float away like a kite. The problem, aside from appearances, would be maneuverability. A blustery day would be problematic. If I recall correctly, "Pete's Dragon" had some problems with the wind.
If you wish, we could go in two directions; one with hydrogen flotation as mentioned, (this should make it easier to implement the acidity mentioned above, also), and the other using my plan for hydrochemical internal combustion, where the dragons would take in a chamber of air, spray combustible material into it, and then ignite it, to form an expansion of a bellows-like organ, (the "fire-lung"), which powers their wing thrust.
Genetically, I'm inclined to go predominantly with mammalian stock, including goats and bats, with possibly some fish DNA thrown in for electricity production and scales. If I were trying to bring about the existence of dragons from natural evolution, I would likely use a desert lizard, with the fire adaptation being defensive originally, and then leading to the growth of wings for mobility, and then powered wings as the final development.
My design allows for a much smaller, more powerful and threatening type of dragon, with a liquid flame like a flamethrower, and the added possibility of having potentially deadly internally generated voltages for a lightning type strike.
In the skeletal structure above, that electrical discharge could be issued from the tail structure, when brought over the back like a scorpion.
Sleek, deadly, and menacing -- it gives me shivers to contemplate!
Just fine, at least so far today. How are you?
I think I saw the headline on FR yesterday or the day before. Amazing!
Not bad. Trying a new schooling schedule. Start at 8:00 am; wrap up by noon. Whatever doesn't get finished goes to the next day. There is such a thing as too much togetherness.
Was potty training successful?
somehow I don't think you would ever be the victim of clutter....you actually dust things....
Green button runs a pre-launch diagnostic. NOthing to worry about. It might hum and beep at you, but it shouldn't do anything else.
My dragons would be predominantly vegetarian, (with perhaps an occasional protein snack), converting the organic material into first methane, as cows do, and then further processing that into methanol or ethanol or other higher order hydrocarbons.
This gives them energy storage density, as well as flight and defensive capability.
If there is a disadvantage, it would be that they are either always drunk, or incapable of getting drunk. But their association with mankind seems inevitable, if they have grain alcohol "on tap."
Steak. Venison. Ect... Of course, since we are re-designing the species... we could make them omnivores. Give them a wider range of substances to digest.
Yes, Pat is officially a toilet user. He had a problem this morning, but I think it was not getting his pants pulled down far enough! Learning experiences ...
Now we're putting James on the toilet, but he hasn't gone yet. Eventually he will, just through random chance!
We have trouble getting our group started in the morning, but on the occasional days when everyone is functional by 8:00, we get a lot done before lunch.
Still...when ARE you going to come and get it?
Well, at least one of them is officially trained. That has to make life easier.
All set for baby # 8?
Just dusted some things yesterday, in fact, when I was putting away the Christmas decorations. Today I took my new canister vac upstairs and zapped some spiders. Yesterday while I was washing my face, a spider lowered itself from the light fixture over the sink and snickered at me! I don't like uppity spiders.
However, we have a couple of closets used by Male Family Members that are something of a safety hazard. I try not to open them!
Sheesh! Remind me not to get behind any dragons...
We bought a new electric vibrating bouncer on Sunday. This weekend we'll set up the crib and get out the tiny clothes.
Ah...I like carnivorous dragons as compared to vegetarians. Instead of giving them carrots, we can just give them the rabbits...
Spiders hanging from ceilings to mock humans is anti-social behavior. He deserved to be punished.
*sighing at thought of weensy little clothes*
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