http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
But seriously, what is up with military funding? So we're going to R&D this thing, and only build a couple aircraft. That's brilliant, as I am sure that this, like most military projects, have a large chunk tied up in the R&D, and making additional units is chump change by comparison. They'd almost be better off killing them outright before any more money is wasted.]]>Sep 3rd 2009 6:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
Yeah, but just think, GPS started out as a military R&D project as did the intertubes. With any luck in 20 years it will much like GPS is today. They'll be small enough so that you can outfit one on your car, bicycle, pet shark, wii fit balance board, etc.]]>Sep 3rd 2009 6:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 6:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
I know that Engadget tries their best at writing about military and security issues, but it usually comes off as a joke.

In June and again in August I sent proposals to Engadget to create a defense technology columnist position, which would feature in-depth military analysis from a subject matter expert, and allow this site to offer exclusive content (instead of leaching from Wired, or in this case the unnamed source, NetworkWorld).

Suffice to say, I NEVER heard back... not even a thank you for your interest. What a missed opportunity.

My background has focused exclusively on military and security affairs over the last decade. I am currently completing a PhD in military science with a focus on counter-insurgency, and I have conducted extensive research on counter-terrorism at the tactical and policy levels. I also hold a Masters degree in international security and a Bachelors in political science.

If I were writing about the Advanced Tactical Laser I'd want discuss more than 'pew pew pew'. One could describe and explore:
- The developmental history of the Advanced Tactical Laser
- The technical challenges and limitations of a chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL)
- The operational relationship between the Advanced Tactical Laser and the Airborne Laser
- The role of DARPA, the Missile Defense Agency, and combatant commanders in the development of these systems
- The policy concerns of the US, EU, Russia, and China regarding theater anti-missile systems, particularly in regards to the ABM treaty
- The relevance of laser-based anti-missile systems today
- The future of anti-missile systems and it's affect on tactical and strategic decisions

I admit, this is a bit of an impassioned rant, sorry for that. It just pains me to see such poor writing that fails to inform the reader at the expense of fatuous entertainment.

If you’d like to see my proposal as well as sample articles, please visit - http://whatdoesittaketogetajob.com/columnist-proposal-for-engadget/]]>Sep 3rd 2009 7:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 7:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
The reason that position doesn't exist, is because this is a gadget and technology blog, not an in-depth military technology assesment. Nobody here is really interested in much more than the fact that a plane has a laser on it. Just look at the comments above yours. Get your head out of your ass - "pew pew pew" is just fine for most readers.]]>Sep 3rd 2009 7:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
pew pew pew]]>Sep 3rd 2009 7:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
...Lighten up Francis!

and oh, by the way, you got the job.


Oh, by the way, you FIRED!]]>Sep 3rd 2009 7:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
Eloquently put... I apologize for trying to bring readers of this site greater information and perspective based on expertise.

I'll also check on the location of my head as well, though last time I looked it was on straight.


@mynk
touché]]>Sep 3rd 2009 8:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1373/663392121_3e875d2199.jpg]]>Sep 3rd 2009 8:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 8:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
Interesting response from you and others. I thought I was proposing was something positive and useful... I guess not.

It's always nice to put yourself out there and get kicked in the face - I appreciate it. Have a great day!

- DefenseTech]]>Sep 3rd 2009 9:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
weirdly enough, the app "pocket god" on the app store just released an update titled "Episode 25: Sharks with Frickin' Laser Beams Attached To Their Heads." coincidence? i think not.

p.s. i'm not kidding; they actually did release this...look it up.]]>Sep 3rd 2009 9:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 9:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
You might be right.

- - -

Can I call FAIL on my own proposal? :-)

/end comments for the day]]>Sep 3rd 2009 9:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 10:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
I find it interesting that despite my first comment and others being rated down, and being told to 'shut the fu&k up' and 'pull my head out of my a$$' - which is pretty harsh and cold considering my misdeed, more than 250 people have read the proposal at my job search blog and not a single person has had a negative thing to say about it there.

I still find it hard to believe that I'm being lambasted for wanting to write about military affairs at Engadget in more depth that is currently available. How in the hell would one writer 'ruin' Engadget? Jebus, chill out.

Make up your own mind - http://whatdoesittaketogetajob.com/columnist-proposal-for-engadget/

I'm done.]]>Sep 4th 2009 3:00AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 4th 2009 5:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 4th 2009 7:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/

that instantly brought me back to my childhood... Thanks. :)
]]>Sep 4th 2009 10:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
The ability to write sarcastic, clue-less comments about things they know nothing about.

Come on, "pew pew pew" is WAY more sarcastic then something like "The technical challenges and limitations of a chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL)". Plus, it is more easily understood by someone with a 1st grade education (I think my 4yo was running around saying "pew pew pew" a few days ago).]]>Sep 4th 2009 11:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 4th 2009 11:35AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://whatdoesittaketogetajob.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/sample-article-2.pdf

He's not talking about writing some big fuck-off dissertation, it sounds like the longer articles Nilay writes about legal stuff or Topolsky writes about the state of technology or whatever. And from what I've seen its better written than some of the crap that Engadget spews out.

He probably should have worded his first comment better and not sounded so pissy, but come on give the guy a break.

And to Henry, don't speak for me cock jockey, as least this guy knows more than some of the ass-clowns around here.]]>Sep 4th 2009 6:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 6:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 6:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 6:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 6:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/]]>Sep 3rd 2009 5:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 6:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/
An iPhone you reckon? That would be very impressive, hitting such a small target.

Maybe we could use it oz to kill cane toads from the air]]>Sep 3rd 2009 8:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 6:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 6:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 7:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 7:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 9:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 5:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 8:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/Sep 3rd 2009 6:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/boeings-airbone-laser-finally-blows-something-up/(Mitch glances at Chris.)
Chris: This is not good. ]]>Sep 3rd 2009 5:59PM