Putting A Lid On Chernobyl

slicer622 writes "Chernobyl is finally getting a containment structure (Washington Post). Billed as the largest moveable structure ever built, its designed to help take apart the wreckage and keep most of the radioactive material from spreading. It will be 800 feet across, and 300 feet high and will cost $800 mil."

Comments

Quake 3 mapping.

[kpdvx]

I always wondered what a Quake 3 map would look like in real life... :)

For those of you who map, you'll know what I'm talking about. :)

Re:Quake 3 mapping.

[Spyffe]

I always wondered what a Quake 3 map would look like in real life... :)

Pretty much the same. But maybe the frame-rate will be a little lower, and textures won't be as detailed.
Most of the "real world" was actually produced for viewing using the ATI Rage 128. That's why computer games have become more and more attractive compared to the "real world" since nVidia unleashed the GeForce3.
Making matters worse, the physics model in the real world is also limited. For instance, rocket jumps are impossible because of improper collision detection between shards of the rocket casing and the jumper, resulting in shards improperly embedded in the body.
Unfortunately, the world was intended for full simulation on what was considered powerful in the 1980s. (The world existed before that, but only in a 2-dimensional form suitable for reproduction on thin, 35mm film.)

Hundred Years?

[RobertTaylor]

"The shelter is designed to keep water out and dust in for 100 years"

Great, in 2108 we are screwed again.

Re:Hundred Years?

[Subcarrier]

That won't be our problem, though. ;)

Early indications are that kids from the Chernobyl fallout area will live to be at least 200 years old. The third arm comes in pretty handy, too.

Re:Hundred Years?

[InfiniteWisdom]

speaking of sarcophagi...

why not just build a pyramid around it? They've lasted 2000 years, haven't they? (Dead pharaoh, nuclear reactor... pah... big difference)

Why Shouldn't You Wear Russian Pants?

[yoyona]

Because Chernobyl Fallout.

Radioactive Christmas trees

[Spudley]

Ties in nicely with the story today about radioactive Christmas trees being sold by russian businessmen.

Obvious Russian Solution

[limekiller4]

Leave it to the Russians to come up with a solution that is, in essence, one big matrioshka doll.

Now I want to see the heir of the peasant who invented these things sue for IP infringement.

Why build another one

[Boiling_point_]

Psssst - I know where you might be able to pick up a suitable enclosure really cheaply, if you don't mind using second hand equipment. As an added benefit - it seems to do a good job of discouraging tourists! ;-)

Re:Mutants?

[glwtta]

Of course all the animals were radically affected. Approximately half of these animals are now gigantic and are terrorizing Japan as we speak. The other half have become smart-talking, hip ninjas.

Expert's Input...

[miketang16]

"If it weren't for the radioactivity, I could almost call the job 'a piece of cake,' but the radiation makes it hugely complex and extremely difficult."

Yea... and if it weren't for the radiation you wouldn't even be building the 'piece of cake'.