Off Topic The "That's interesting"/geek thread

It’s very Zen, I like it.

 

My earlier post was refering to the "Parker Probe" which will metaphorically "touch the Sun".

https://www.space.com/40437-parker-solar-probe.html

There are some great video animations on the BBC portal, but they do not seem to be friendly to this message board.

 

Parker Próbę is kaunched

Parker Solar Probe: Nasa launches mission to 'touch the Sun' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-45160722

 

I already know everything I need to know about the sun.

 

Does anyone have a problem with their wifi signal?

The presenter could easily play the role of "the baddie" in Bond films. The next episode could be how to make a Bazooka or a Kalasznikow?

 

Your mobile phone has more germs than a toilet seat, but should you worry?

Scientists in Pune have discovered three new species that grow on mobile phone screens.

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Your phone is dirty and is a breeding ground for germs.

Scientists at the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) in Pune have discovered three species of microbes- two bacteria and fungus- that grow on mobile phone screens, PTI reported.

For the research, the team collected samples from 27 mobile phone screens. They found 515 different bacterial types and 28 different fungi, including the three new species.

Praveen Rahi, one of the scientists on the team, said that these bacteria and fungi thrive on human bodies. But he points out they are friendly to humans.

Studies carried out earlier have found that smartphone and tablet screens carry more germs than a toilet seat.

A 2013 report by British watchdog Which? collected samples from 90 devices and found "hazardous" levels of bacteria that can make people sick, including E. coli, NYDailyNews reported.

The report said that this could be because of the busy lifestyle that people lead today with many carrying their cellphones to the loo. Phones also get hot and are we mostly hold it in our hands or keep it in bags and pockets. This too provides for suitable conditions for germ growth.

In another study in 2015, carried out by Dr. William DePaolo, assistant professor in the Molecular Microbiology and Immunology department of the University of Southern California, collected swabs from the phone screens of Buzzfeed employees to check for bacteria in comparison to a toilet seat.

They found that while the toilet had around 3 species of bacteria, the cellphones has on an average 10-12 species of bacteria.

The phone screens also had "worse types of bacteria" including E. coli and faecal bacteria.

More at https://www.thenewsminute.com/artic...more-germs-toilet-seat-should-you-worry-58517

 

How can I not share this great news:

https://www.ft.com/content/c5ce0834-9a64-11e8-9702-5946bae86e6d

I just hope that it is not fake!

 

At least it's not the guardians website

 

I just don’t see this being a success or a competitor to Tesla.

Kalashnikov's CV-1 electric car touted as Russia's answer to Tesla
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-45292028

 

Two interesting military robotic strategies.

Igorek v Cheetah

Ridicule for Russia's newest robot, Igorek.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-45282805

Cheetah robot 'runs faster than Usain Bolt'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-19506130

I know who I would put my money on. It is just a pity that their purpose is military thus focused on “wasting” life.

Please note that the Cheetah film is from 2012 and possibly it is already faster than a Ferrari!

 

I know that it is probably a sign of an "illness" that I am replying to my own posts, but I wondered what has happened to Cheetah in the last 4 years?

It seems to have developed into the "Wildcat"

Plus, there is an amazing array of other robots availble:
https://www.bostondynamics.com/

I wonder is any are availble on loan to wear the Hoops?

 

OK, three things that I’d like recommendations on, please...

[1] Wallets

I’m a big fan of the ‘micro wallet’ as I need to carry around a number of cards, some cash & expenses receipts most of the time, but don’t like the bulk of the traditional bigger leather wallets. For about a year I’ve used the i-Clip (https://i-clip.co.uk/) which has been pretty good, but feel the concept could be improved.

I rather like the look of the SECRID, but wonder if anybody has any experience of this or similar that would like to comment...?

https://www.slimwalletjunkie.com/pr...MI6fS_5YSF3QIV5b3tCh0rOgJOEAQYCSABEgLo6vD_BwE

Next up when I have time...

[2] Cabin luggage
[3] Despatch bags

 

Looks like a Trabant or Lada - ugly!!!

 

I too hate the bulging old style wallet. Had a I-clip, but wasn’t too convinced. Now have the Secrid, which is great, much more robust, no bigger, better quality. Downside is that you can only get 4 cards in the easy access slot (ie cards with embossed writing, which most of the ones you will use have) but you can add another 4 less frequently used ones in the other pockets. There is a cash notes pocket, but it’s a bit of a rigmarole to get to it and I reckon you could only get 3 or 4 notes in if you have fully loaded the rest with cards before it would be impossible to close the thing and you have a mini bulging wallet. I just have a emergency £20 in there, and have a little leather magnetic money clip for cash. Which is mainly for foreign trips as I increasingly use contactless here.

So, if you have a limited number of cards which you need frequent access to, and are weaning yourself off cash, Secrid highly recommended.

Cabin luggage/ work bags/briefcases are also high on my list of tedious obsessions.

 

We are soooo alike. Let’s get married.

 

Registry, church, or a satanic ritual at Loftus Road?