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montanadave
11-01-13, 19:04
In 1970, an eight ton dead whale washed up on the Oregon coast and preceded to rot, emitting one hell of a stink. Officials were baffled as to how to dispose of such a massive carcass until an Oregon highway engineer, George Thornton, proposed blowing up the whale with dynamite. The intent was to fragment the carcass into small enough chunks so as to allow natural scavengers to feed on the remains.

So twenty crates of dynamite were hauled in and shoved under the whale, local residents and spectators were moved back, and . . . well, you probably should just watch the clip: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/11/01/242347861/man-behind-oregons-famous-exploding-whale-dies

George Thornton died this week at age 84. Thornton was reportedly reluctant to ever speak publicly about the incident, saying such interviews "always blew up in my face." :D
fixit69
11-01-13, 19:25
Video unavailable. Though, thinking about it, I don't know if I want to see it.
montanadave
11-01-13, 19:32
Still working for me. Regardless, here's another clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6lTSxJvR4w
Ryno12
11-01-13, 19:33
Yeah, I wasn't able to see it either. I'm guessing though, that with 20 crates of dynamite, they really did a bang up job.

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SeriousStudent
11-01-13, 20:02
I remember that! It was awesome - chunks of whale flying, smashing into cars, pelting the passersby.....

It was truly a prank of beauty. I'm trying to remember any fiendish plot that surpassed it for cunning and impact. :D
Ryno12
11-01-13, 20:10
Can you imagine them trying to pull something like this in today's day and age?

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Safetyhit
11-01-13, 21:45
Still working for me. Regardless, here's another clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6lTSxJvR4w


Heck we been done blowing up whales on the beach here in NJ since I was a youngin'. Grandpappy would always say "Here comes the boom so better give it some room".

Remember some good snackin' on the chuncks over the beach bonfires. Those dang fatty pieces was better than marshmallows they were, just had to wash all the sand off 'em first. Yummy in the tummy dey was.
Eurodriver
11-02-13, 06:13
Can you imagine them trying to pull something like this in today's day and age?

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Whale just washed ashore here locally. They euthanized it and are currently burying it at the beach :o
BBossman
11-02-13, 07:48
Can you imagine them trying to pull something like this in today's day and age?

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Earth First would show up...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElJFYwRtrH4
currahee
11-02-13, 07:56
I show that video to my classes as an example of failure to think things through.
Ryno12
11-02-13, 08:42
Earth First would show up...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElJFYwRtrH4

Hooooly Crap! What a bunch of flakes. :confused:

I bet they don't feel that sad while they're sparking up a bud on their hookah or picking a flower to stick in their hair.

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SteyrAUG
11-02-13, 13:29
So the writers of Reno 911 aren't as creative as I once believed.

:D