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More on High-Altitude Balloonists

An anonymous reader writes "The Guardian reports on an attempt at the record for the highest balloon flight. 'A bag of helium the size of the Empire State building to challenge Nasa record.'" We had an article about them a few months ago.

9 of 134 comments (clear)

  1. uh oh! by garcia · · Score: 5, Funny

    their lives will depend on exquisitely accurate weather forecasts

    They're doomed.

    1. Re:uh oh! by scalis · · Score: 3, Funny

      their lives will depend on exquisitely accurate weather forecasts

      "Above the clouds, we predict a sunny day and a cool night. Same as yesterday. And tomorrow for that matter."

      --

      True ravers don't need drugs
  2. Re:Just imagine by Surak · · Score: 3, Funny

    I hear that a balloon nearly that size was solely responsible for that hit band of the 1980s, "The Chipmunks."

  3. Just remind them... by StaceyRey · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...to pack a pellet gun and a brown-bag lunch. After the balloon comes down (after crossing LAX's approach path, of course), the lawn chair used for the flight will be up for auction on eBay.

    --
    This sig is offered AS-IS, with no warranty express or implied. Risk of using this sig rests entirely with the user.
  4. Having Read the Article by Jonsey · · Score: 4, Funny

    Their claims are full of hot air.

    Someone was gonna say it. You know it.

    --
    I assert that my comment is only my opinion, not that of any employer, past, present or future.
  5. Optimists... by perly-king-69 · · Score: 4, Funny

    "The two adventurers need cloudless skies, high pressure, gentle winds and a 72-hour forecast in which they can be confident." ..and they're flying from SW England?!!!

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    This sig is inoffensive.

  6. Darwin Awards by berkeleyjunk · · Score: 3, Funny

    The contenders for the 2003 darwin awards are...

  7. Mission Want Ad by WC+as+Kato · · Score: 4, Funny

    Want Ad
    -------
    Wanted 2 open minded people willing to create scientific history by piloting the world's largest craft to record setting heights. See beautiful scenery of the Earth and heavens not seen by most people.

    Fine print
    ----------
    The high-tech craft is really a giant thin walled helium balloon with a small gondola
    Inaccurate weather forecast may kill you
    Oxygen will be forced into your lungs
    Your blood may boil
    Your blood may vaporize
    You must withstand the terror of impending death for at least 12 hours
    Spacesuit made in Russia.
    Solid 'low-residue' foods must be consumed before flight
    If everything is not perfect, death arrives within 30 seconds.

    We are an equal opportunity employer. All are encouraged to apply. Principles only. Do not bring lawyers.

    --
    --- I'm Green Hornet's sidekick not Inspector Clouseau's!
  8. Intriguing development by CommieLib · · Score: 3, Funny

    A bag of helium the size of the Empire State building

    Teddy Kennedy is working for NASA now?

    --
    If your bitterest enemies are people who hack the heads off civilians, then I would say you're doing something right.