Blasts from the Past

Two very interesting events from the past couple of weeks.

First, a cooperative-computing effort similar to SETI@Home has resulted in the decoding of one of the remaining undeciphered U-boat Enigma transmissions.

This reminds me that my Young Apprentice borrowed the very interesting book Seizing the Enigma from the Jedi Academy Library years ago. I recommend it for those wishing to learn about the fascinating history of the Allied codebreaking effort against the Germans in WWII. (Spoiler: Turns out Bon-Jovi had nothing to do with it after all.)

Snappy salute to The News Blog.

Second, the Supermarine Spitfire fighter, generally regarded (with its pilots) as the critical component of Britain's victory in the Battle of Britain, celebrated the 70th anniversary of its first test flight with a flyover of its birthplace. Hat tip, not surprisingly, to Angloinstitutionophile JJV.