Starlite (the substance that "can withstand 75 nuclear blasts")

[Dave]

My original sceptical post is now gaining "likes" but I was clearly wrong here. To be clear, I don't think I was wrong to be sceptical over those initial two clips (as they were "clickbait" designed only to encourage people to follow a link). I won't apologise for that, because I think it is important not to accept things as true without proper examination. However, I do now accept that Starlite existed, was featured on Tomorrows World and does have the properties claimed (even if slightly exaggerated). The 75 Nuclear Explosions test is explained as a laboratory laser simulation. The Boeing and NASA negotiations broke down because Maurice Ward was impossible to deal with. In fact, everything claimed was either true, or can be explained.

 

[AlexH]

My original sceptical post is now gaining "likes" but I was clearly wrong here. To be clear, I don't think I was wrong to be sceptical over those initial two clips (as they were "clickbait" designed only to encourage people to follow a link). I won't apologise for that, because I think it is important not to accept things as true without proper examination. However, I do now accept that Starlite existed, was featured on Tomorrows World and does have the properties claimed (even if slightly exaggerated). The 75 Nuclear Explosions test is explained as a laboratory laser simulation. The Boeing and NASA negotiations broke down because Maurice Ward was impossible to deal with. In fact, everything claimed was either true, or can be explained.

It's also worth noting the opening post was a six-video series, and I consider the BBC pretty trustworthy as news outlets go.

But yes, I completely agree it's good to be sceptical. People fall for so many untruths online. If I see something I'm unsure of and am interested in, I usually try to verify it (which often isn't actually all that difficult, especially when there are websites like snopes.com).

 

[mosaix]

I always thought Tomorrow’s World was a bit lightweight. If it had been investigated on Horizon (a couple of decades ago, not the current travesty of a program) I would give the whole thing more credence.

 

[AlexH]

I always thought Tomorrow’s World was a bit lightweight. If it had been investigated on Horizon (a couple of decades ago, not the current travesty of a program) I would give the whole thing more credence.

Tomorrow's World was definitely more on the light entertainment side of things.

 

[-K2-]

K2

 

[Ursa major]

I hope that smiley doesn't indicate a sharp intake of breath, AlexH....

 

[RJM Corbet]

People fall for so many untruths online. If I see something I'm unsure of and am interested in, I usually try to verify it (which often isn't actually all that difficult, especially when there are websites like snopes.com).

It's fun to do. And as you say it's so easy nowadays. No need to go to the library to do the research; it can be done online. Such a lot of untruth and half truth out there. It's maddening, really.

 

[.matthew.]

Since his last video on Starlite, he's now using his 'household' mix to build working forges.