We get everything here, nuclear war, radiation fears, and a college senior’s life in danger. This kid, Biron, knows more about radiation than I know about computers. And I know a lot about computers. In his mind was basically an entire story history of Earth and the story of radiation.
It’s strange, even after nuclear bombs and nuclear plant meltdowns, the common person doesn’t know much about nuclear radiation. Except if you swim in it, you’ll probably die or turn into the Hulk. Papa’s feelin’ lucky tonight! I suppose it’s necessary in the narrative. Earth is a mess. I always wonder if every generation is smarter than previous generations. Like in 4 generations, are we all going to be able to do calculus? Are we all going to be able to slap together a robot and upload some quick AI? This kid also has 2 forms of radiation detection in his room. I don’t think there’s a geiger counter within 5 miles of my house. Maybe that’s what freedom is – not needing deterrents in your house. Either freedom or captivity. Not sure.
His life is threatened by a bomb in a room, and the description sounds a lot like Schrodinger’s Cat (1935). This book was published in 1951. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.
I think this is the first recorded instance of an Escape the Room game. However, this version of the escape the room game would get horrible reviews. Biron lives in, what is basically, a bomb shelter dormitory. Biron actually considers trying to break a thick slab of concrete to get out. How thick? He slams a wooden chair on the floor for a few minutes to get someone’s attention. That’s right, not the walls, he needed gravity’s help. If that was the solution to the game, I’d be so mad, I’d probably slam the chair into the floor after losing. I’m gonna ruin your chair because your solution sucks.
Paradoxically, he got wifi in his room. I’m still trying to do the math on that one, but it seems pretty unlikely.
Quotable Quote
Somewhere inside the box a tiny atomic pile was constructed. Short-lived artificial isotopes heated it slowly, permeating it with the appropriate particles. When the threshold of head and particle density was reached, the pile reacted.
I just don’t understand why they didn’t just shoot the kid if they had the free time to set this up.
Get The Stars, Like Dust
Tim enjoys playing guitar and memorizing all the words to his favorite pop songs. When he’s traveling, catch him on planes reading from his trusty Kindle.