Editing 1243: Snare
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | + | [[Cueball]] is relating some odd news items to [[Black Hat]]. A structure has been discovered that consists of large ring strung with superstrong mesh, a 260-mile long pole (420 km), and a gigantic {{w|winch}}. As Cueball outlines the particulars of the discovery, Black Hat responds vaguely to each detail, seeming preoccupied with his computer. Cueball quickly realizes that the pole, ring and net combination sounds like a {{w|butterfly net}}, but one of immense size. Given Black Hat's history of nefarious activities, Cueball infers and then accuses Black Hat of wanting to "catch" the {{w|International Space Station}}, which orbits about 260 miles above the earth, by winching the pole up so that the net aligns with the Space Station's orbit. | |
− | + | Black Hat does not deny the charge, but he dissimulates by saying it is not necessarily ''the'' ISS that he intends to catch just ''an'' international space station, implying that it could be some other one. However, it is transparently obvious which space station he is targeting. Hint: it is the only truly international space station, it is actually called the ''International Space Station'', and it has an orbit that matches the length of the pole that was found. | |
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− | Black Hat does not deny the charge, but he dissimulates by saying it is not necessarily ''the'' ISS that he intends to catch | ||
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The real buildings may belong to these structures: | The real buildings may belong to these structures: | ||
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*Similarly, the gigantic winch in {{w|St. Louis}}, may refer to the 630-foot (192 meters) high {{w|Gateway Arch}} monument. It is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. | *Similarly, the gigantic winch in {{w|St. Louis}}, may refer to the 630-foot (192 meters) high {{w|Gateway Arch}} monument. It is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. | ||
**Even the rough south-north direction of this building does match to this scenario because the [http://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/images/7/7b/Map_St_Louis_to_Fermilb.png Fermilab is approx. 240 miles north of St. Louis]. However, it is an arch, not a winch.{{Citation needed}} | **Even the rough south-north direction of this building does match to this scenario because the [http://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/images/7/7b/Map_St_Louis_to_Fermilb.png Fermilab is approx. 240 miles north of St. Louis]. However, it is an arch, not a winch.{{Citation needed}} | ||
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+ | The title text is a reference to how {{w|Butterfly#Collecting.2C_recording.2C_and_rearing|butterfly collections}} are usually presented. The insects are mounted in glass display cases, each skewered through the body with a pin, and labeled. The text is spoken by Black Hat, who again tries to imply that he is not to blame, as it may not be ''his'' collection of satellites. Perhaps he is just catching a space station for a friend. | ||
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
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:Cueball: ...a butterfly net. | :Cueball: ...a butterfly net. | ||
:Cueball: ...are you planning on catching the International Space Station? | :Cueball: ...are you planning on catching the International Space Station? | ||
− | :Black Hat: I'm planning to catch '''''an''''' international space station. | + | :Black Hat: I'm planning to catch '''''an''''' international space station. Not sayin' which. |
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{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} |