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Austrian Town Sees the Light

Posted by Zonk on from the visitors-from-the-outside dept.

pin_gween writes "The Austrian town of Rattenberg (a 10 minute walk from sunlight during the winter) plans to install a mirror on a mountain to redirect sunlight towards the town. The town was built in the winter shadow of Rat Mountain. The plan is to place heliostat mirrors to shine light in several locations around town, where villagers could 'congregate and get sunned up.' The EU is ponying up half the $2.4 million costs. The company installing the mirrors, Bartenbach Lichtlabor GmbH, is contributing $600,000, and hopes other communities will use their technology."

14 of 339 comments (clear)

  1. ob Southpark by narkotix · · Score: 3, Funny

    SIMPSONS DID IT!!

    --
    We played dungeons and dragons for 3 hours.....then i was slain by an elf
  2. Potential Problem by SlashSquatch · · Score: 5, Funny

    If there's a glitch in focusing, then the people get fried like ants?

    --
    Autonomous Retard -- Is your camp safe? UnsafeCamp.com
    1. Re:Potential Problem by flyingsquid · · Score: 3, Funny
      If there's a glitch in focusing, then the people get fried like ants?

      You say that like this would be some kind of a reason not to do it.

    2. Re:Potential Problem by zerocool^ · · Score: 3, Funny


      And it's where the remains of Mary Magdeline are kept.

      //worst book I've ever enjoyed reading. I'm so ashamed.

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      sig?
  3. Cool! by dbolger · · Score: 5, Funny

    During peacetime, it brings light to the people, but if war is declared - instant Archimedes Death Ray! :D

  4. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 5, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  5. Re:earlier by dbolger · · Score: 4, Funny

    No, but if somebody could find a 'mirror'... ;D

    Sorry, couldn't resist.

  6. I'm Sure... by MattLiv · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...that the mirror companies decision to pay for some of the cost will reflect well on them over time.

  7. Re:If you can't stand the heat... by meringuoid · · Score: 5, Funny
    Doesn't this fall into the category of "don't live there?"

    Well, yes, probably. That said, I wonder if this might actually attract a certain type of warped tourist to the town? The City of Eternal Darkness, lit only by giant mirrors that reflect an eerie faded sunlight onto its dismal roofs... Chances are something Lovecraftian lives there.

    Myself, I'd be heading up the hill to stick a giant cut-out of a bat onto one of the mirrors :-)

    --
    Real Daleks don't climb stairs - they level the building.
  8. Re:being an EU citizen by rxmd · · Score: 3, Funny
    What about EU funds for my city - it's a bit chilly in winter. Has been for the last 5000 years. Everyone there knew it was chilly in winter and it hasn't blown up or fallen off the edge of the world because of this winter chill. I think the EU should pay for some weird underground heating to recompense us for this winter horror.
    Let me guess, you live in Helsinki? :)

    Well, the EU made Finland lower their taxes on alcohol... and since Estonia has joined the EU, the import tariffs on cheap Estonian vodka have fallen, too. ("Viru Valge" at 80%, anyone?) So the EU is actually doing something for the Finns and their cold winter nights ;)

    --
    As a state gets corrupt, its laws multiply; the most corrupt states have the most numerous laws. (Tacitus, Annales 3:27)
  9. Re:Australia by shrewd · · Score: 4, Funny

    the Austrian variety of kangaroo's live deep deep underground in dark cold caverns, they'll be alright.

  10. Gerry Anderson is prophetic again! by Yooden_Vranx · · Score: 3, Funny

    For a sneak peek at what happens next, see the classic Thunderbirds episode "Lord Parker's 'Oliday" :) http://www.fanderson.org.uk/epguides/tbirds2eg.htm l#Episode%20Four

  11. All I can think of by $RANDOMLUSER · · Score: 4, Funny

    Is Wyle E. Coyote and a giant "Acme" mirror.
    Unintended consequences ensue.

    --
    No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
  12. Someone should let this guy know by bareman · · Score: 3, Funny

    www.solardeathray.com

    and send a photographer to capture the ensuing hilarity.. er, um.. I'm mean document the event.