- 6 weeks ago
Discover the amazing 'Capillary Bypass' technique that turns regular toilet paper into a powerful water extractor and fragrance diffuser. This DIY hack reveals how a simple cut can create a 'Passive Scent Engine,' releasing delightful aromas while avoiding harmful chemicals found in store-bought sprays. Say goodbye to expensive solutions and hello to an innovative, eco-friendly alternative that enhances your space effortlessly. Explore the hidden potential of everyday items!
Category
😹
FunTranscript
00:00You know, there are all sorts of amazing things you can do with products already lying around the house that
00:07were meant for other things.
00:09We'll explore some of those, plus everyday items that have other purposes you may not be aware of.
00:15I'm also in a silly mood, so hey, let's have some fun!
00:20Many pairs of kitchen scissors today have a serrated opening where the handles and blades meet.
00:25You can use this as an herb stripper to de-stem difficult herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chives.
00:33Saves you a lot of time trying to pick the leaves off by hand.
00:36And if you're short of a vase, you could present roses to your significant other this way.
00:42Just be careful when you're pointing the sharp end.
00:45The metal tab on soda cans can be flipped around.
00:49You can slip a straw in place so you don't have to hold it up to your mouth.
00:53This stay-on tab replaced the pull ring tab created in the early 60s.
00:58You remember those, don't you?
01:00Those could be quite sharp and easily discarded where they could be a menace for others.
01:05Now you can pop your straw straight into one.
01:09Also means you can produce some bubbles and make a mess.
01:13Sometimes when you purchase an article of clothing, you receive a plastic baggie with an extra button and a swash
01:20of fabric.
01:21While the fabric is clearly used to patch holes, it can also be used to test the effects of various
01:27cleaners on certain surfaces.
01:29It's handy, too, to test wash cycles before using them to wash the whole garment.
01:35And if you want to clean your nose with it, that suggestion never came from me.
01:40You can use a screwdriver for leverage if you're having trouble lifting or moving something.
01:46Some also have a hexagonal-shaped handle that fits inside a wrench or spanner.
01:51You can use it to improve torque and, again, for leverage.
01:55A little easier on your hands.
01:57Some of us aren't that strong.
01:58Or maybe that's just me.
02:01Rubber bands are great for many things.
02:03But if you have a bottle that's hard to open, you can wrap the band around it for a better
02:08grip.
02:11Escalators have those fluffy black brushes for a similar reason that some have yellow lines on their steps.
02:17To try and deter people from getting too close to dangerous places.
02:21People don't always take notice.
02:23And sometimes clothing can drape close to a point where the step meets the edge or skirt.
02:28The brush is a little barrier to help prevent this from happening.
02:32They can also catch bits of fluff and prevent other small things from falling down into the gaps.
02:40Your average pair of jeans has several features that are both functional and somewhat sentimental.
02:46The meadow rivets around the pockets help secure the stress points.
02:50This ensures they last a bit longer than average, though not all jeans have them.
02:56Many still have a tiny pocket directly above the main pocket.
03:00This was originally meant to hold a pocket watch.
03:03Even though pocket watches are mostly a thing of the past, many people still use this space to store coins,
03:10rings, or even a portable USB.
03:14Now, this may seem a little obvious.
03:16But if you've ever wondered what all the notches are in a car tire, it's for traction on the road.
03:22However, there are also a good indicator if your tire is getting too worn down.
03:28If those notches aren't so deep anymore and are almost flush with the road, it's time to replace them.
03:35If you don't, the next time you try to stop suddenly at a stop sign, you might be surprised to
03:41find your car has turned into a giant roller skate.
03:44Those takeaway containers, most associated with Chinese restaurants, are designed to not only carry your food home, but to store
03:53them in the fridge.
03:54They double as a plate, as you can eat straight out of them and don't have to worry about dirty
03:59dishes.
04:00Yay!
04:01They were actually patented way back in 1894 to transport freshly shucked oysters and were known as oyster pails.
04:10They were later adapted to use as leak-proof containers for food.
04:15While you're sitting on an airplane and looking out the window, you may have noticed those little holes, or in
04:21some instances, a small singular opening near the bottom.
04:25This is called a breather hole, and no, it's not for you.
04:28It's designed to equalize the difference in air pressure which builds up between the pressurized cabin and the atmosphere outside,
04:36especially during high altitudes.
04:39It also releases moisture from between the panes to avoid frost from forming on the windows and obstructing that all
04:46-important view.
04:47Sorry, but it looks like you won't be drawing a smiley face on it anytime soon.
04:53This was first introduced way back in 1956 by a company in Japan.
04:58Pretty cool, huh?
04:59They got their inspiration from snap-off rows on chocolate bars.
05:04Just don't get the two mixed up.
05:06One doesn't taste good.
05:08When it comes to measuring tape, almost every reel has an empty slot in the metallic end.
05:14This is called a nail grab, so you can attach it to a nail or screw.
05:19A handy trick to do measurements without requiring someone else to hold it in place.
05:25Ooh, very nifty.
05:27Bobby pins have grooves on one side to hold your hair in place better.
05:32Crazy notion, huh?
05:34The straight side goes face up while the grooves go down against your head.
05:38They're called bobby pins because of the bobbed hairstyle, which was popular in the 1920s,
05:45though the pins were invented in the 19th century.
05:48The look is gone, but the pins remain.
05:51Please take them out before you wash your hair, as they don't look great stuck to your fingers.
05:57If you've been in a car or a bus and noticed the textured black dots baked into the black edges,
06:03you've probably worked out that it's not there for its pretty looks.
06:07It's called FRIT, a ceramic paint.
06:10Its main purpose is to protect the window from ultraviolet rays.
06:14It also creates a rough surface for the adhesive to cling to.
06:19Now, if you see a pink lump of adhesive in the corner, please do not touch it.
06:24It's actually someone's old bubble gum.
06:28If you take a look at the bottom of the lock, chances are you'll see one or two little holes.
06:34This is to let water out from the inside that may have been trapped due to rain.
06:39This mini-draining capability prevents the inner working from rusting over or freezing in place if the weather is very
06:46cold.
06:46If, in another situation, the lock becomes stuck, you can ease an oil-based product inside to lubricate the lock
06:55and get it working again.
06:58If you've lost the key and want to ease your frustrations, you can yell into the holes.
07:03It won't do anything to unlock it, but it may help you feel a little better.
07:09Some dress shirts have a fabric loop on the back.
07:12You guessed it, it's used for hanging the shirt up.
07:15The loops were reportedly first used in the Navy, as it was easy to simply hang them on the wall.
07:22During the 1960s in colleges, the fashion of the day was to wear the shirt buttoned all the way to
07:28the top, which made them difficult to hang.
07:31So designers began putting the loop on the back.
07:34If the student removed the loop, it signified that they were going steady in a relationship.
07:39Unless your friend ripped one off for a prank, now everyone's asking whom you're with.
07:45There's a little more to this story, but we haven't got time to hang around.
07:50And yes, that's a bad pun.
07:53On purpose.
07:54It's what I do.
07:56Ever wondered why coins have those little ridges along the edge?
08:00It's a leftover from earlier times when they were worth more.
08:04Counterfeiters could easily file the edges off to sell as gold or silver coins to make some profit.
08:10The ridges were created so it was much easier to tell which of the coins had been altered.
08:16It's not needed today, but the coins still have that altered style.
08:20If you ever get really bored, you could try counting how many ridges there are.
08:25Actually, that is a very boring idea.
08:28Forget that and watch another Bright Side video instead.
08:34If you've ever gotten bored while waiting in a car like I have, you might have played around with a
08:39headrest.
08:40Yep, you can pull them off and they'll come right off relatively easily.
08:44It seems useless at first, but that's something you'll want to do if you're ever trapped in a car and
08:50need to break a window to get out, like I do.
08:52Even a box of aluminum foil has its secret.
08:55On the side of the box, you can see a small tab you can push in.
09:00So simple, but that's what actually holds the roll of foil in place.
09:04This tab makes it way easier to unroll a sheet and tear it off without any frustration.
09:11Ever wondered why gripping a certain tool, handle, or even a pen kind of feels more secure when it's coated
09:17with a rubbery material?
09:19The keratin of the outer layer of the human skin is rough and stiff at a small scale.
09:24So, let's say you have a polished metal or glass which is stiff, but also a smooth and impenetrable surface.
09:31When you encounter that, the actual contact area is small, as is the friction at the beginning.
09:37Your sweat pores secrete moisture, which is why the keratin gets hydrated and becomes softer.
09:43Because of that, it requires many seconds for the contact area to increase to the same value it reaches almost
09:50right away with some soft materials like rubber.
09:53This mechanism might be used by our tactile senses when we want to identify materials.
09:59Now, the pom-poms on beanies and other hats have their purpose.
10:03And it's not just to look cute and fluffy.
10:06Well, at least they did have a purpose.
10:08One of the theories says French sailors used to wear hats with pom-poms so they wouldn't hurt their heads
10:14on the ship when the weather got rough.
10:16Yep, the ceilings of the ship were really low.
10:19When the waves were too big, bang, you could easily hit your head on the ceiling.
10:23So, the pom-poms came in handy.
10:25Now, they're just a cute addition to our winter cats.
10:29That mysterious drawer under the oven, the one where you keep all your kitchen gear you just don't know where
10:35else to put?
10:35Well, you used it well in that case, but the drawer was originally designed for keeping your meals warm, at
10:42least until you're ready to serve them.
10:44And that space under your lower cabinets that protrude slightly and can't be lifted?
10:49This area is also called a toe kick.
10:52It's the reason why you can stand closer to the counter while cooking.
10:56Also, the doors of the cabinets are off the ground, so they'll swing over your toes.
11:01The cabinet under the sink isn't for storage, either.
11:05Maybe that's where you keep your cleaning products, but its real purpose is to give you access if your sinks
11:11leak and you need to do some plumbing work.
11:14That weird little hole at the top of a lollipop stick you can see after finishing a candy is not
11:20a whistle.
11:21It has something to do with the manufacturing process.
11:24When pouring hot molten caramel into a mold, some of it will seep into this mysterious hole and harden.
11:31This way, the candy will stay on the stick and won't fall off.
11:36Keyboard letters aren't just randomly arranged the way they are.
11:39The first keyboard ever made belonged to the typewriter.
11:43Typists eventually got so good at their job, they started typing too quickly.
11:47So the key arms would get cross-wired at some point and stuck.
11:52That's why manufacturers had to make the order of keys more random to intentionally slow down typists so they could
11:58keep the machine running.
12:01Do you like to let those brushes on the side of the escalators and malls polish your shoes?
12:06Believe it or not, that's not their main gig.
12:09The bristles are there for safety.
12:11People used to get their bags and clothes stuck in those escalators when they would stand too close to the
12:16sides.
12:17These nylon bristles kind of play with people's minds, and they keep their feet away from the escalator's skirt panels
12:23and avoid accidents.
12:25Most people assume bobby pins have curves for fashion, which is why they mostly place it in their hair with
12:31the wavy side up.
12:33But those little waves are actually there to catch the underlying bulk of hair and grip the pin into place.
12:39So the wavy side should go down.
12:43You've probably noticed measuring tapes mostly come with a metal stub that ends with a small slot.
12:49If your hands are full of stuff, simply hang the slot on a nail for measurement.
12:53If you take a closer look, you'll see the stub is a little bit serrated on one side.
12:58This means you can use it to mark the points, so you don't even need a pencil.
13:03If you spend a lot of time in planes, you've probably noticed that little hole located at the bottom of
13:09the window.
13:10Nothing to be nervous about.
13:12It's what keeps us safe while flying high.
13:14It's something called a bleed hole.
13:16You can see right there in the middle of the pane of the three window panes that actually protect passengers
13:22from the outside pressure.
13:23This hole may be tiny, but it takes all that pressure off the outer one.
13:28The hole also gradually exposes it to cabin pressure, which helps with fixing pressure imbalances on the windows, if there
13:35are any.
13:37There's a number 57 staring at you from the middle of the Heinz ketchup bottle forever.
13:42According to the company, only 11% of people are aware the number really has nothing to do with the
13:48product label.
13:49It's actually a sweet spot where you can tap to get the sauce onto the plate.
13:54So, next time you want some ketchup, there's no need to bang the bottom off.
13:58Just hit this spot.
14:01Grooves on the bottom of cups are there to make cleaning them in the dishwasher more convenient.
14:06When you place your cups upside down, these grooves will allow the water to flow rather than stagnate.
14:12This way, the water won't spill onto your feet when you take the cups out.
14:16The grooves are there to allow cool air to flow beneath the cup, too.
14:20They also keep cups from cracking when they heat up after you pour hot beverages in.
14:26You probably noticed that little dot next to the camera on an iPhone and probably thought it was a flash.
14:33Nope, not a flash, but a microphone in charge of catching sounds when you're using the back camera.
14:39Next time you're looking for a quick bite and decide for fries at McDonald's, check that bendable flap near the
14:46top of the box.
14:47Some like to bend it towards the fries.
14:50That way, you can cover your fries up and keep them warm.
14:53But if you're not that patient, you can flip the flap backward and basically turn it into a makeshift plate
14:59for your fries.
15:00Just bend it down firmly enough.
15:02You don't want it to spring back up and spread the sauce all over you.
15:05Take it from me, it's messy.
15:08In the 1970s, people didn't want toothpaste just to keep their mouths healthy, but also to freshen their breath.
15:16Aquafresh decided to answer that call, so they added a blue stripe to their product.
15:20Since consumers started paying more attention to their teeth and gums, the company added a third red stripe to their
15:26paste.
15:27The paste now has three functions – freshening, cleaning, and plaque control.
15:31And yes, solid white toothpaste can offer the same benefits, but brands continue to add stripes to their paste anyway.
15:40Speaking of toothpaste, do you know those colors on the bottom of tubes?
15:44The colors don't mean anything in particular.
15:46They're there to help in the manufacturing by telling light sensors where the end of the tube is.
15:52Thanks to it, the machine can cut and seal the tube properly.
15:56Hand sanitizers are commonplace nowadays, and you can apply them in many other ways besides just cleaning your hands.
16:03It also works great when you want to remove stains from your clothes.
16:07Sanitizer breaks up oily, greasy spillages and does a great job as a degreaser.
16:12You can even use it as a deodorant if you get caught out on a hot day.
16:17The bottom of the bottle mostly has a small, odd-shaped notch.
16:22It's called a deco lug, and without it, your bottle wouldn't look the way it does now.
16:27Such bottles are mass-produced in factories using machinery, and each of them looks the same.
16:33Since plastic bottles mostly needed artwork on them,
16:36manufacturers wanted to make sure the artwork always gets printed in the same position for each bottle.
16:41So they invented the deco lug, short for decorating lug.
16:45It actually holds each bottle at the same orientation in the machine that applies the artwork.
16:51Without it, workers would have to watch the whole process and adjust the bottles by hand.
16:58Did you know zippers have locks?
17:00Or that food containers have been designed to make your life so much easier?
17:05If only you knew how to use them properly.
17:08Well, get ready to find out the secrets behind everyday items you have certainly been taking for granted.
17:14Some airplanes have wings with upturned ends.
17:18But why?
17:19When a plane is soaring through the sky, air begins to spiral around the tips of the wings.
17:24This can cause something called drag.
17:27This means that the airplane has to work harder to move forward as the drag acts as resistance.
17:32The upturned ends, or winglets, reduce the amount of drag the plane experiences.
17:37This makes for a smoother, more efficient ride and improves the aircraft's stability.
17:43Many countries around the world have started to explore wind as a way to generate electricity.
17:48This involves using large turbines.
17:51These giant machines have massive blades which catch the wind.
17:55This makes them spin, generating power that can be added to the electrical grid.
17:59You may think those blades have smooth edges, like you would find on a fan, but they're not.
18:06They're actually covered in little pointy teeth called serrations, similar to what you would see on a saw.
18:12People living near wind turbines will appreciate these serrations.
18:16They not only reduce the noise as the blades spin, making them much quieter, but also reduce how far that
18:23noise will travel.
18:23Now, I'll bet you have a blender, and I'll also bet you use it incorrectly.
18:30When making a smoothie, for example, do you cram in all those healthy fruits and veggies, and then cover them
18:36with your preferred liquid?
18:38Then you turn the device on, and it winds, struggles, and sounds like it might blow a fuse.
18:43Well, you are supposed to add all the liquids first.
18:46Then you can add the solids.
18:48The blades don't have to struggle as much to spin through the liquid.
18:51This creates a whirlpool effect.
18:53And the device is able to pull the solid food down and blend everything evenly.
18:58Your next smoothie will have fewer chunks.
19:01Yes, you are welcome.
19:03I know that with online banking, you are handling fewer checks.
19:07But next time you see one, take a close-up look at the signature lines on the front and back.
19:13No, closer than that.
19:15I think you might need to grab a magnifying glass.
19:18Those lines are really teeny-tiny words.
19:21Called micro-printing, they make it harder for people to print fake checks.
19:26This will be indicated on the check with the letters MP, often near where the signature goes.
19:32The words that make up these lines can be anything from authorized signature to original document.
19:38Most printers are unable to reproduce the micro-printing, making it easier to detect a fake check.
19:44Hand sanitizer is everywhere these days.
19:48Yep, nothing gets past me.
19:49And though it's great at keeping your fingers free of germs, it's actually much more useful than you think.
19:56Some of us have made the mistake of using a permanent marker on a whiteboard.
20:00Guess what?
20:01It doesn't come off.
20:02But grab your hand sanitizer, and it can lift that stubborn mark.
20:07It can also help with cleaning windows, sunglasses, and mirrors.
20:11Do you have a magic key fob for your car?
20:15Most fobs are designed to lock and unlock your car doors.
20:18Some even allow you to start your car from a distance.
20:21But there's one feature some fobs have that you would never know unless you read the manual.
20:27And who has time for that?
20:29To see if you have a special fob, hold down the unlock button for a whole two seconds.
20:35For some car brands, this will open the windows of your car.
20:38This allows you to access your car if there's ever an issue with the door locks or to let out
20:44hot air on a summer day.
20:46You might have noticed a hole along the side of the shaft or barrel of some ballpoint pens.
20:52This is designed to handle pressure.
20:54The hole ensures that the internal and external pressure is the same, which allows the ink to flow freely into
21:01the tip.
21:01If these pressures were different, the ink could become stuck inside, making the pen useless.
21:07Another hole you might see is at the very top of a pen's cap.
21:11This is a new development, with companies adding it in 1991.
21:16First, it helps keep the ink from drying out. Yay!
21:20Second, it ensures that if you accidentally swallow it, the cap will not completely block your airway.
21:26You'll still be able to breathe while seeking help.
21:29Huh, double yay!
21:30But maybe, think about stop putting caps in your mouth in the first place.
21:35Speaking of holes, some shoes are designed with two extra holes, or eyelets.
21:40They're located near the arch, just above the sole of the shoe.
21:44Everyone assumes they're there to help your feet breathe and keep sweating, and the resulting smelliness to a minimum.
21:50But you're actually supposed to use them when lacing up.
21:54They allow you to get a tighter, better fit, and reduce the chances of spraining your ankle.
22:00Some people prefer to drink soda from a glass bottle, arguing that it tastes better.
22:05Whether or not this is true, the bottle does have a unique design feature that most people completely ignore.
22:12It's that long, tapered neck.
22:14Heat transfers from the hand.
22:16If you hold the bottle around the thicker body, you are warming the contents inside.
22:21Warm cola?
22:22Mmm, no thanks.
22:24You should be holding on to the long neck instead.
22:27This way, your drink will stay colder longer.
22:30Hungry?
22:31Who doesn't like some delicious Chinese takeout?
22:34Here's a shocker.
22:36Those sturdy containers the food comes in can actually be turned into plates.
22:40First, grab the creases on the sides of the packaging.
22:44Slowly pull these apart.
22:45Push the corners down to flatten the box.
22:48This is ideal for rice and noodle dishes, but not so good for soup.
22:53Another surprise?
22:54Chinese takeout containers were not invented in China.
22:58They were created in 1894 by Frederick Weeks Wilcox, a man from Chicago.
23:04He called his creation a paper pail and was inspired by Japanese origami when he designed them.
23:11As Chinese food gained in popularity in America, these paper pails were used for delivery and takeout, and eventually became
23:19associated with this particular style of cuisine.
23:22Now, when it comes to dessert, or breakfast, or both actually, a popular choice is a donut.
23:35Although it's hard to know who exactly invented the hole in a donut, some stories give credit to a sailor
23:42named Hanson Gregory.
23:43It was 1847, and Hanson was only 16 years old.
23:49At the time, he was working on a lime trading chip.
23:52The deep-fried cakes served on board were nice and crispy on the outside, but undercooked and doughy on the
23:58inside.
23:59He suggested adding a hole in the middle, which would allow the batter to cook evenly.
24:04The modern donut was born.
24:07Hanson is now my personal hero.
24:09Of course, with all that food, it'll make doing up your pants a little harder.
24:14Luckily, most zippers now have locks.
24:17A locking mechanism, which often looks like a little pin or bump, was added to help keep the zipper done
24:23up.
24:24When you position the pull tab flat along the teeth, the pin hooks in place, and the zipper can't move.
24:31When you lift the tab, it becomes unlocked, and you can easily open and close it.
24:36Now, why are the letters on the computer keyboard in such random order?
24:40This feature dates back to when manual typewriters were used.
24:45Initially, the keys were placed in alphabetical order.
24:48But this way, people were able to type too quickly for the machine to handle.
24:52So, levers associated with certain letters would often get jammed together.
24:57The QWERTY keyboard, which is the one we still use today, was designed to slow people down and reduce the
25:03chance of hitting two keys that might jam.
25:06The QWERTY keyboard may no longer be essential, but we have become used to it.
25:11Now, feel the F and J keys on your computer.
25:15Each of these has a little bump on it.
25:17These are known as homing bars, and the F and J are called position keys.
25:22They were designed to help you properly place your hand when typing without having to look down at them.
25:28This allows for touch typing, when you use your muscle memory to remember where each key was.
25:34For it to work, you have to put your fingers in a specific position before starting.
25:39This means ASDF for the left hand and JKL for the right hand.
25:45This is especially useful if you have to transcribe something for your job.
25:49You can read the original and type it out without slowing down to look at your keyboard.
25:55Even the human body has its own little secrets hiding in plain sight.
26:00On your fingers, at the base of each nail, there's something called a cuticle.
26:05Many people think it is just a bit of extra skin, and they cut or trim it, often when getting
26:11a manicure.
26:12But the cuticle is there to protect the nail from becoming infected by bacteria or fungus.
26:17By removing it, you are leaving your fingernails exposed.
26:22If you really want the look of a longer nail, you can gently push the cuticle back towards the base
26:28of the nail.
26:29It can still do its job, and you can still get that funky nail art you always wanted.
26:35You see these blades?
26:36They have notched corners to make your cutting experience smoother.
26:40Ooh!
26:41The front edge notch helps with separating blades during manufacturing,
26:45while the trailing edge notch helps the blade glide easily.
26:49And a fun fact!
26:50That notch on the front also helps you spot unused sections of the blade.
26:55Just a little visual indicator to make your life easier.
26:58When it comes to silver versus black blades, they're both made from the same stuff.
27:03But black blades are sharper and are better suited for cutting through tough materials,
27:08while silver blades strike a balance between cutting power and durability.
27:13If you want that extra cutting oomph, go for black.
27:16Oh, almost forgot!
27:18The only thing those blades aren't meant to cut is food.
27:21It has a rust-proofing oil coating, which is not safe for humans.
27:27Check this one out!
27:28It's totally giving me childhood vibes.
27:30Now, I remember my grandma having tomato-shaped pin cushions just like this.
27:35And sometimes they would look more like a salad, with a little pepper thrown in there.
27:40Well, believe it or not, this salad actually has a purpose.
27:44The tomato keeps your pins in place, while the pepper keeps them sharp.
27:49Those peppers are filled with sand, which helps keep your pins nice and sharp.
27:53And it's not just sand.
27:55Crushed walnuts can also be used to keep your pins in tip-top shape.
28:00Now, look at this multiple pocket tool and this little hook on it.
28:04It's a bit of a mystery, but it's actually pretty handy.
28:08I counted at least four different applications.
28:11One, you can use it to carry all sorts of awkward stuff, like camping gear or heavy parcels.
28:17Two, need to twist some wire or play around with knots?
28:20One, the parcel hook has got you covered.
28:23Three, this hook can save the day with those stubborn zippers, like the ones on your luggage.
28:29Four, it's great for pretending to be a budget version of Captain Hook.
28:33If you know more applications, let me know in the comments.
28:37Apple users, with this feature, you'll never get laundry surprises again.
28:42Now, I bet you've had this situation at least once in your life.
28:46You wash your stuff, and when you take it out of the washing machine, the size seems to only fit
28:52your cat.
28:52Your iPhone camera can actually translate those funky laundry symbols for you.
28:57There are two requirements, though.
28:59You must have iOS 17, and your phone must be in English.
29:03Take a photo of the care label, go to the Photos app, and see the details of the image.
29:08Everything will be automatically decoded and explained to you.
29:13Now, many toasters come with nifty, removable crumb trays at the bottom.
29:18It's super important to give these trays a good clean every now and then to keep your toaster running smoothly
29:24and avoid any potential fire hazards.
29:27Just pop them out, shake out the crumbs, and you're good to go.
29:30Where you shake them out is up to you.
29:33Those little compartments on your gas pump aren't just for show.
29:36They're actually there to hold your cap while you're filling up.
29:39This nifty feature keeps things tidy and prevents any spills or drips on the handle.
29:45So, say goodbye to messy refueling experiences and hello to a cleaner pump.
29:50Plus, it makes the whole process way more convenient and efficient.
29:55Now, I'll bet your oven gets so greasy and dirty sometimes that you can even hear it oink.
30:01Just kidding.
30:02I know you're a tidy person.
30:04Anyway, if you're looking for a way to bring your kitchen cleaning to a whole new level, here's a tip
30:10for you.
30:11Most oven doors have handy latches that let you pop the door off for easy cleaning, saving your pore back
30:18from the strain.
30:20When you're draining noodles or potatoes, there's no need to bother transferring everything to a colander in the sink.
30:26Just throw the colander right into the pot, hold it down, and pour the liquid out.
30:31It makes life so much easier, especially when you want to save that starchy water for recipes.
30:37It's a must for authentic pasta, by the way.
30:42So, let's say you've snagged this gem at a thrift store a while back for just under a dollar.
30:47It's seen better days, serving as an ashtray, but you decide it's time to give it a new lease on
30:53life.
30:54Here's the lowdown on how to make it shine again.
30:57Mix up a solution of boiling water, baking soda, and table salt in a bowl lined with aluminum foil.
31:04Let the piece soak for about 15 minutes, and repeat this process three times.
31:10In between soaks, gently scrub any rough spots with a microfiber cloth.
31:15After the final soak, dry the piece off and rub on some toothpaste, baking soda, and peroxide.
31:21Buff out any remaining tarnish with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
31:26Rinse it off, and now your piece is practically gleaming like a mirror.
31:32These aluminum foil boxes have nifty little tabs on the sides that make it super easy to grab a sheet
31:38without any hassle.
31:39It's like a fancy little bonus that makes the product a breeze and ensures you'll have a smooth sailing experience
31:46every time.
31:48Manual can openers often come with a handy built-in feature, also known as a bottle opener.
31:54It's like getting two tools in one.
31:56But did you know that this bottle opener actually has another useful function?
32:01It can help you loosen those stubborn, hard-to-open jars.
32:05Simply lift the lid slightly at a couple of points with the bottle opener, and then watch it as it
32:11effortlessly twists right off.
32:13Yeah!
32:16Okay, I just found that, apparently, you're supposed to save the first and last slices of a loaf of sliced
32:22bread for last.
32:23It's like a bread hack or something.
32:25Apparently, those end pieces help keep the rest of the bread fresher for longer, and you shouldn't eat them until
32:31you've devoured the rest of the loaf.
32:33So, next time you're making a sandwich, save those heel slices for the very end.
32:38Even bread-eating needs a good strategy.
32:41Now, look at those blue levers on the top rack of your dishwasher.
32:45I was curious about them, too.
32:46And it turns out they are actually water bottle sprayers.
32:50They help to ensure that your bottles get a thorough cleaning and rinse during the wash cycle.
32:57Many vegetable peelers have those little scoops on top for taking out the eyes from potatoes.
33:02And here's a cool tip.
33:04You can actually use vegetable peelers in both directions to peel faster.
33:08But most people just stick to one direction.
33:13When using yellow mustard, make sure to push the lid of the bottle all the way open until you hear
33:18a satisfying click.
33:19This way, the lid will stay securely in place and won't get in the way when you're dispensing the mustard
33:25onto your food.
33:26It's a simple step that can make your condiment experience hassle-free and enjoyable.
33:32So there!
33:34You know that little hole at the end of your pot or pan?
33:37Well, it's not just for show.
33:39You can actually use it as a handy holder for your forks and spoons.
33:43Next time you're cooking up a storm in the kitchen, just pop your utensils in that convenient little hole and
33:49keep them close at hand.
33:52Okay, just a heads up to remember to switch the direction of your ceiling fan for the changing weather.
33:58And to give it a good clean, too.
34:00I've seen that a lot of folks found it helpful before to reverse the fan's direction by flipping a switch
34:07for different seasons.
34:08So this is just a friendly reminder to go ahead and do it again, pushing hot air down and pulling
34:14cold air up.
34:17When you're chowing down for some pizza, just tear off the top of the box and use it as a
34:22big old plate.
34:23You can even rip the box in half and fold it to save some leftovers for later.
34:29Well, that's it for today.
34:30What, you want to know more cool facts?
34:33Sure, but you'll have to subscribe and hit the bell to get more videos.
34:37I'm waiting.
34:38Go ahead.
34:42You know how they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do?
34:46Meaning, in Rome, you need to make sure your goldfish has a deluxe bowl to live in.
34:52In Nigeria, don't you dare to bring your own wheelbarrow.
34:55And perish the thought of adding as much mayo as you want to your dish when you're in France.
35:01Yep, bands around the world may be surprising, to say the least.
35:05Number one.
35:06You will never see a good old doorknob in Vancouver, Canada.
35:11Some time ago, the city changed its building code to require the use of cool and sleek door levers instead.
35:17This change is all about making buildings more accessible and easier to use.
35:21Not only new buildings are getting a new makeover.
35:24Even Vancouver's historic city hall had its fancy Art Deco doorknobs replaced with shiny gold levers.
35:31But it's not that you can't legally have it in your house.
35:34There isn't a team of doorknob police coming to your house to confiscate your knobs.
35:38You can keep them as long as you like.
35:42Number two comes with a geoguesser tip for y'all.
35:46If you see this chair in the picture, it means it's 100% not in Basel, Switzerland.
35:51It's called a monoblock chair, and it's special.
35:54You see, most objects give away clues about when and where they're from, like the shape of electrical outlets or
36:00the labels on your shampoo bottle.
36:02But the monoblock is context-free.
36:05Some people call them one of the world's most perfectly designed objects, while others say the homogenous nature of the
36:11chair is disturbing and the real evil of globalization.
36:14But why is it banned in Basel?
36:17Turns out the authorities just want the city to be pretty, and the chair design isn't to their liking.
36:23Right, if you want to keep one in your backyard, feel free.
36:26But they've been a big no in public spaces since 2008.
36:33Three, if you were ever thinking of bringing a wheelbarrow to Nigeria, I've got some news for you.
36:39Don't even try.
36:40Should you need it for some reason during your stay in Nigeria, just buy one there when you arrive.
36:46The authorities won't let you bring your imported wheelbarrow across the border.
36:50Why?
36:50Well, they're all about supporting their own manufacturing industry.
36:54So they want to give their local wheelbarrow makers a chance to shine.
36:59At number 4, we've got China, where the authorities decided to put a stop to time travel.
37:06Wait a minute, it's not what you think.
37:07No time travel machine has been invented.
37:10The ban is on TV shows and movies.
37:12By the way, it's not something new.
37:14The law was introduced in the early 2010s.
37:18Apparently, the big shots in charge want to keep things real and are not too keen on distorting historical events.
37:24They say some scripts are getting a bit too wild.
37:27Making up myths, promoting superstition, and disrespecting the country's past.
37:335. Coffee pods
37:35They've become super popular because they make brewing coffee so easy.
37:39But Hamburg, Germany doesn't seem to be a fan of those pods.
37:43Around 8 years ago, they took a stand by banning plastic coffee pods from authorities' offices.
37:48These little pods are made of various materials, making recycling a real challenge.
37:53While it's true that these coffee capsules can create a lot of problems, they're still loved by many.
37:59In fact, they've become a big hit in the US and Europe, making up a chunk of the coffee market.
38:05Hamburg is hoping to lead the way in showing people just how wasteful these pods really are.
38:11Number 6. Chewing gum
38:13It has been banned in Singapore since 1992.
38:17The ban was put in place to stop people from sticking gum in all sorts of weird places, like subway
38:22doors, lock cylinders, and elevator buttons.
38:26Yuck!
38:26But costly train shenanigans were the last straw for the authorities.
38:30The ban was put in place after some serious gum incidents on the Mass Rapid Transit, or MRT, trains in
38:37the late 80s.
38:38Some mischievous or mischievous pranksters have been gumming up the words on MRT trains by sticking chewing gum on the
38:45door sensors.
38:46That caused a sticky situation and messed up train services.
38:50And there you have it. Chewing gum got completely banned.
38:53Now, just a note here. Yep, these are gums prescribed for therapeutic or dental reasons.
38:58And yep, they're still allowed.
39:00Also, don't get this whole ban wrong. It's not illegal to chew gum in Singapore.
39:05So if you come there as a tourist, you can bring in a little gum for personal use if you're
39:10traveling.
39:10Just do not stick it under this nice park bench, okay?
39:14What will create you a ton of troubles, though, is importing and selling chewing gum.
39:22Iceland is number 7 in our ban hit parade.
39:25Back in 1994, Reykjavik was like, no dogs allowed.
39:29It wasn't because they were all about cats.
39:31It was to stop this nasty tapeworm from spreading.
39:34The disease was serious business, causing all sorts of health problems.
39:38But don't worry. Dogs are cool now as long as they follow the rules.
39:43Nowadays in Reykjavik, it's all about the cats.
39:46They're everywhere, roaming the streets like they, you know, own the place.
39:50You can't walk two steps without seeing a furry little friend begging for attention.
39:54These Reykjavik kitties are so popular that they even have their own Facebook page.
39:59People love them.
40:00And some even carry around treats just in case they come across a friendly feline.
40:05And since there aren't many threats to cats in Iceland, they're thriving.
40:118. The Philippines
40:12Now, this one is really weird. Singing my way in karaoke bars is sort of banned in this country.
40:18This seemingly harmless song has been linked to some pretty serious consequences,
40:23like fistfights and even people's early demise.
40:26No one knows the exact number of lethal cases caused by this song,
40:30but there have been at least a handful of incidents in the last 10 years.
40:34The song's lyrics, which can come off as a bit arrogant and prideful,
40:39seem to rile people up when sung in a not-so-great way.
40:42This has led some karaoke bars to unofficially ban the song to prevent any craziness from breaking out.
40:509. Hey, have you heard about Japan's Metabo Law?
40:54It's all about measuring waist sizes to tackle obesity.
40:57It was introduced in 2008, and the idea was that if companies and local authorities didn't meet the goals,
41:04they would face financial penalties.
41:06The Ministry of Health believed this campaign would help prevent various health conditions.
41:11So, every year, people aged 40 to 75 had to get their waist measured.
41:17Employers and local authorities needed to make sure at least 65% of people participated.
41:22The goal was to reduce Japan's obesity rates by 25% by 2015.
41:28And if they hadn't made it, they would have gotten slapped with a fine.
41:32Did it work?
41:33Well, in 2024, there were only 4.5% of people who reportedly have weight issues in Japan.
41:4110. And we're back to Canada.
41:43So, if you catch someone in there counting out pennies in line,
41:47you can totally have some fun with them, legally speaking, of course.
41:50According to the Canadian Currency Act, there's a limit to the number of pennies you can use in a transaction.
41:5625, to be exact.
41:58So, if someone tries using 26 coins, you can play sheriff and send them to coin jail.
42:04Snatch up their pennies as evidence.
42:06Yeah.
42:0811. And a condiment-regulated country here.
42:11Apparently, in France, they're cracking down on condiments in public schools.
42:15They're trying to make meals healthier for students.
42:18The rule is that you can't just go crazy with mayo, ketchup, and vinaigrette anymore.
42:23They have to be served according to the dish.
42:27Finally, Italy.
42:29In Rome, you can't keep your goldfish in a boring old glass bowl.
42:33Nope, that's considered cruel, because those little guys need their oxygen flow.
42:38Plus, if you keep them in a bowl for too long, they might go blind.
42:41Also, you can't give away goldfish's prizes.
42:44The law has a whole subsection about it.
42:47So, if you're planning on bringing a goldfish home from your next trip to Rome,
42:51make sure you've got a fancy tank ready for them.
42:54And thank you for watching.
42:59What's hiding inside Coca-Cola cans and regular household batteries?
43:04Why do magnets affect breakfast cereals?
43:07Do crosswalk buttons actually work, or are they just useless decorations?
43:12What does that USB symbol really mean?
43:16I'm not sure I know the answers to these and similar questions,
43:20but I'm eager to learn the truth together with you.
43:23Let's find it out.
43:25Coca-Cola cans have a secret few people know about.
43:29Here's a Coke can.
43:30Let's submerge it in a highly corrosive alkaline solution.
43:34The aluminum dissolves due to a process known as hydrolysis,
43:38and we can see a plastic liner inside the can.
43:41It's made from a polymer or epoxy resin,
43:44and serves as some kind of a protective barrier
43:46between the aluminum walls of the can and the rather acidic soda.
43:52Despite a popular myth,
43:54household batteries don't actually contain liquid,
43:57and if you accidentally cut them open,
43:59no toxic liquid will spill.
44:01Most of them are dry cell batteries,
44:03which are made of electrochemical cells.
44:05Those convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
44:09Larger batteries often house numerous small cells within them, too.
44:13Even Tesla vehicle batteries consist of multiple small cells.
44:17When combined, they easily provide the necessary voltage.
44:23Most toothbrushes have differently colored bristles,
44:25but they aren't just pleasing to the eye.
44:28Those bristles, often blue, have a functional purpose.
44:31They're called toothbrush indicators,
44:33and their colors fade as you use the brush.
44:36The American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush
44:39at least four times a year.
44:41And by getting paler,
44:43these bristles help you figure out
44:44when it's time to replace your toothbrush.
44:48You'll probably agree that there's no better snack than a pack of chips.
44:52Some are flat, others have ridges.
44:54Is it just aesthetics?
44:56Not really.
44:57The main purpose of those lines on some kinds of chips
45:00is to help with the distribution of spices and seasonings.
45:03In other words, all those substances that make your chips taste like cheese
45:07are mostly stored inside the lines.
45:09Plus, the lines make chips crunchier.
45:14Now, this one might be a surprise,
45:16but some breakfast cereals are magnetic.
45:18That's because they're often fortified with iron
45:20in the form of a fine powder.
45:23Due to the added iron,
45:25cereal flakes get attracted to magnets.
45:27All this may sound kind of alarming,
45:29but in reality,
45:30the iron content in the flakes is minimal
45:32and doesn't pose any threat to your health.
45:35That clear fluid in gel pens is called the ink follower
45:38or stopper fluid.
45:40The gel in such pens contains pigment particles
45:43dissolved in a polymer solution.
45:45The main task of the stopper fluid is to be a barrier
45:48to prevent the gel from evaporating or leaking out.
45:52Without this transparent fluid,
45:54your gel pen wouldn't function.
45:56The fluid always stays in one position
45:59and doesn't get dissolved with the gel.
46:01Neither does it move backwards or flow out of the pen.
46:06Many pedestrian crosswalk buttons,
46:08namely in New York,
46:10are placebo buttons.
46:11They do literally nothing when you press them.
46:14Originally, they were functional
46:16after being introduced in 1964,
46:18but today,
46:19most of them don't affect traffic lights,
46:21which are programmed
46:21based on the real needs of the traffic flow.
46:25Why do such buttons even exist then?
46:27It's a simple psychological trick,
46:29providing you with an illusion of control.
46:33You might have noticed that movie theater seats
46:35are almost always red.
46:38This choice isn't random.
46:39It has strategic importance,
46:41which is rooted in visual science.
46:43The thing is,
46:44red light has a longer wavelength.
46:46It means that it's the first color
46:48to disappear in low light.
46:50It allows the audience to concentrate better
46:52on the screen once the movie begins.
46:54Such a design choice enhances the viewing experience
46:56by minimizing distractions.
47:00Speed bumps are crucial for pedestrian safety,
47:03but at the same time,
47:04they can seriously increase car emissions
47:06due to the non-stop acceleration
47:08and deceleration they cause.
47:11To address this issue,
47:13some cities like London
47:14are testing fake speed bumps.
47:16Those are optical illusions painted on the road.
47:19They look raised from a driver's perspective,
47:22but in reality, they're flat.
47:24Authorities hope that this approach
47:26will slow down drivers
47:27without having a negative impact on the environment.
47:32Soda bottles are always filled in such a way
47:34that there's some space
47:36between the liquid and the cap.
47:37That's because soda contains carbon dioxide.
47:40It's a gas that can expand
47:42once the bottle's heated.
47:43If there's no gap in the bottle,
47:45it can break because of the pressure building inside.
47:49Also, when you open your drink,
47:50the gases go out in the form of bubbles,
47:52making the drink overflow.
47:54The gap helps with this problem, too.
47:59The USB symbol,
48:00looking like a trident,
48:02has always sparked multiple speculations
48:04about its origin.
48:06One popular idea is that
48:08it represents Neptune's trident
48:09and symbolizes power and adaptability.
48:12But there's also a little bit less exciting theory.
48:16A man who claimed to have designed the symbol
48:18in the 1980s stated that
48:20it was supposed to represent connectivity.
48:21The large circle symbolizes a computer,
48:25while the attached shapes,
48:26the circle, the triangle, and square,
48:28stand for different outputs.
48:32The design of a tennis racket
48:34has a specific feature known as the throat.
48:37It's an open space below the head of the racket.
48:40This space isn't just for storing balls,
48:43it also improves the racket's aerodynamics
48:45by letting air pass through.
48:47It seriously reduces drag during swings.
48:51Speaking of tennis,
48:53tennis courts are usually built
48:54with a north-south orientation.
48:56It helps minimize the impact
48:58of the sun's position during the game,
49:00ensuring that neither player
49:01has the sun directly in their eyes.
49:05Look closely at a tram's overhead lines,
49:08and you'll see that its contact wires
49:10zigzag back and forth
49:11instead of going in a straight line.
49:13That's because all trams have pantographs
49:16attached to their roofs.
49:18The upper part of the pantograph
49:20is gradually worn down by the overhead wire
49:22and eventually needs to be replaced.
49:25To wear it down evenly,
49:27the wire is not installed strictly
49:29along the tram's path,
49:30but in zigzag patterns.
49:33As the tram moves,
49:34the pantograph slides along the wire,
49:36and it wears down evenly.
49:40Those cone-shaped water cooler cups?
49:42Their shape is intentionally designed
49:45to prevent users
49:45from setting the cups down.
49:47This allows employees
49:49to minimize the risk
49:50of spilling water on their desks
49:51around various electronic devices.
49:54Plus, less material is used
49:56to produce cone-shaped cups,
49:57which makes the process less wasteful
49:59and more cost-effective.
50:01It also kind of supports sustainability
50:03by encouraging people
50:05to drink their water quickly
50:06and dispose of their cups
50:07immediately after.
50:11Most suitcases have two zipper pulls,
50:13and it serves several purposes.
50:16First of all,
50:17if one zipper fails,
50:18the other can keep the suitcase closed.
50:21Even better,
50:22having two zippers
50:23allows you to have easier access
50:25to small sections of your suitcase
50:27without having to open it entirely.
50:30And finally,
50:31when you have two zippers,
50:32you can connect them with a padlock
50:34for increased security.
50:38Some plastic milk containers
50:39have dents on their sides.
50:41These dents serve several purposes.
50:44When milk spoils,
50:45it usually causes swelling
50:46and high-pressure buildup
50:48inside the container.
50:49That's when the dent pops out
50:50and doesn't let the jug blow up.
50:53Plus,
50:53if you decide to freeze the milk,
50:55it will expand like any other fluid.
50:58And then again,
50:59the indentation will pop out
51:01and prevent the container
51:02from breaking inside your freezer.
51:06If you ever had a problem
51:08figuring out
51:08why fake pockets exist,
51:10you need to hear this.
51:12The main reason
51:13is that if a clothing item
51:14has a specific cut or shape,
51:16pockets may spoil it.
51:18They can alter the item's shape
51:20either in the warehouse
51:21or already on the retail rack.
51:23The solution?
51:25Getting rid of the pockets
51:26in key areas.
51:27Plus,
51:28fake pockets are obviously cheaper
51:30and they don't get stretched out.
51:33The thermos wasn't actually invented
51:35to keep your coffee warm.
51:38It was made by a Scottish scientist
51:40who wanted a safe place
51:41to keep his chemicals
51:42at a stable temperature.
51:44So,
51:45he took two bottles,
51:46put the smaller one
51:47inside the bigger bottle,
51:48and vacuumed out
51:49the air between them.
51:54There are some inventions
51:56that make us say,
51:57dude,
51:57why didn't I come up with this?
51:59And then you have
52:00the next question,
52:01why don't we have it
52:03in my hometown yet?
52:04I'm talking about things
52:06like splash-proof toilets,
52:08liquid trees,
52:09and skyscrapers
52:10with slides.
52:12Yep,
52:13they're all pretty real,
52:14and you're about
52:15to fall in love with them.
52:17Have you ever used
52:19a public bathroom
52:20in the summer
52:20in your shorts
52:21and sandals
52:22and got splashed?
52:24It happens to the best of us,
52:25so no worries.
52:26If only there was
52:27some solution
52:28to this problem,
52:29perhaps a urinal
52:31with a small hole
52:32so no liquid
52:33goes where it shouldn't.
52:34Looks pretty yucky
52:35and painful to me.
52:37An assistant professor
52:38at the University of Waterloo,
52:41Zhao Penn,
52:41and his colleagues
52:42came up with
52:43a way better solution
52:44for this sensitive issue.
52:47Their designs
52:48were inspired
52:48by physics
52:49and dogs.
52:50When a stream of liquid
52:52moves on a solid surface
52:53at a shallow angle,
52:55the splash is reduced,
52:56and the smaller the angle,
52:57the fewer splashes you'll see.
52:59You can even minimize them
53:01to a zero.
53:02And when dogs
53:03do their business,
53:04they lift their hind legs
53:05and do it on the vertical surface
53:07of a tree or a wall.
53:08I don't know
53:09if they actually care about it,
53:11but this does reduce the splash.
53:13Good job, Pluto!
53:15The team invented
53:16several models
53:17and presented them
53:18at the American Physical Society
53:20conference,
53:20and it was a hit.
53:22The inventors say
53:23that all of the models
53:24are no splash,
53:26but their favorites
53:26are the slice of apple
53:28and the one that looks
53:29like a tall and slender jay
53:31with a narrow and long opening.
53:33The new urinals
53:34aren't just super cool,
53:36but also more sustainable.
53:38You won't have to wash the floor
53:39with water, chemicals,
53:41and human energy
53:42after every use,
53:43which is a win-win.
53:46Here's another
53:47innovative public toilet idea
53:48for you,
53:49this time from Japan.
53:51They have completely
53:53transparent walls,
53:54which means,
53:55yes,
53:55you can see everything
53:56that's going on inside,
53:58from the toilet itself
53:59to the hand wash sink.
54:01It sounds pretty creepy,
54:02but the idea was actually
54:04to create a safe restroom
54:05in the park.
54:07Visitors can see
54:08if there's someone
54:08hiding inside
54:09before entering
54:10and also check
54:11if the toilet is clean
54:12before entering.
54:14When you go inside
54:15and lock the door,
54:16the walls change color
54:17to opaque
54:18and no one will be able
54:20to see you.
54:21They used glass
54:22covered with PD-LC film
54:24to make the walls,
54:25which allowed them
54:26to go from being transparent
54:27to safely in tents
54:29using electricity.
54:31Alright,
54:32now you've nearly convinced me
54:33to try one of those
54:34magical toilets.
54:35Oh,
54:35and they also double
54:37as excellent lanterns
54:38in the dark,
54:39shining bright
54:40in different colors.
54:41Bring a couple
54:42to my local park,
54:43I don't mind.
54:44Take a deep breath.
54:46If you don't like
54:47what you're breathing in,
54:48do something about it.
54:49That must have been
54:50exactly what the smart guys
54:52at the University of Belgrade,
54:53Serbia thought
54:54and invented
54:55the liquid tree.
54:57The liquid tree,
54:58not the pun
54:59and laugh a bit,
55:00consists of a glass tank
55:02filled with over
55:03150 gallons of water,
55:05some microalgae
55:06and a solar panel,
55:07which provides electricity
55:09to a small pump.
55:10The microalgae need heating,
55:12so just in case
55:13there's no sun
55:14and the temperatures drop,
55:16the photobioreactor
55:17is also connected
55:18to the city grid.
55:20Microalgae work hard
55:21to do some photosynthesis magic
55:23and convert water
55:24and CO2 into oxygen,
55:26and then it goes
55:27into the atmosphere.
55:29The liquid tree
55:30also comes with a bench
55:31to sit on
55:32and enjoy its work.
55:33The liquid tree
55:34needs more work
55:35than a regular tree
55:36in the park.
55:37They need to replace
55:38the water and microalgae
55:40almost completely
55:41every month and a half.
55:43And they also need
55:44to take out the biomass
55:45that is the byproduct
55:47of the process,
55:48and let's admit,
55:49nothing can replace
55:50those blooming babes
55:51in spring.
55:52If you ever find yourself
55:54casually wandering
55:55in the forests of Estonia,
55:56don't freak out
55:57if you see
55:58some giant megaphones.
55:59These wooden acoustic giants
56:01were set three hours away
56:03from the country's capital
56:05by interior architecture students.
56:07That's way cooler
56:08than the hamster roller coaster
56:10I once built
56:10for a science fair,
56:12I have to admit.
56:13More than half of Estonia
56:15is covered by woods,
56:16and they're pretty proud
56:17of this natural wealth.
56:18So it's not the first
56:19art project of this kind,
56:21and there was a winding,
56:22elevated pathway
56:23and a faceted woodland cabin.
56:26The idea of the megaphones
56:28is to crank up
56:29the natural sounds
56:30of a forest
56:31and also to serve
56:32as a rest spot
56:33for hikers.
56:35These wooden beauties
56:36are large enough
56:37to host several people.
56:39And hey,
56:40if you walk this far
56:41into the woodland,
56:42you'll be thankful for this.
56:44The students were given
56:45a task to invent
56:46some concepts
56:47of a forest library.
56:49They built the megaphones
56:50off-site
56:51and brought them
56:52to their permanent spots.
56:53They're set in such a way
56:55that sounds from three directions
56:57meet in the center
56:58and create a cool,
56:59natural surround sound effect.
57:01Have you ever helped
57:03your friends move
57:04into a new apartment
57:05in a building
57:05without an elevator?
57:07Then you're gonna love this one.
57:09Houses in Amsterdam
57:10have hooks on top.
57:11This is a medieval invention
57:13for pulling stuff up the houses.
57:15The simple tech
57:16consisting of a wheel
57:17and a rope
57:18still functions now,
57:19centuries later.
57:20Why not just use the stairs?
57:23Well,
57:23if you get inside
57:24one of those narrow
57:25Amsterdam buildings,
57:26you'll see
57:27there's hardly enough room
57:29to comfortably ascend
57:30and you can forget
57:31about even trying
57:32to pull a table on top.
57:34Back in the medieval ages,
57:36pretty much like now,
57:38only rich people
57:38could afford housing
57:39around the canals
57:40in the best parts
57:41of the city.
57:42Those people
57:43were mostly traders
57:44and used the canals
57:45for their business.
57:47They stored goods
57:48in the same houses
57:49they lived in
57:49and with regular floods,
57:51they had to find a way
57:53to keep the goods dry.
57:54And that's why
57:55they needed to invent
57:56something to lift furniture,
57:58goods,
57:59boxes,
58:00instruments,
58:01and food
58:01on the upper floors
58:03and pull it in
58:04through fully open
58:05wide windows.
58:06The lifting tech
58:08is one of the reasons
58:09the houses in Amsterdam
58:10are leaning forward.
58:12This position
58:13helped keep both
58:14the lifted stuff
58:15and the walls
58:15and windows safe
58:17during transportation.
58:18They didn't have
58:19to touch each other.
58:21The gables
58:22also assisted
58:23in the process
58:23and had to be made firm
58:25to withstand
58:26all the heavy weight.
58:27And in case you're wondering
58:28what gables are,
58:30they're sections of wall
58:31between the edges
58:32of a dual-pitched roof,
58:34typical for Amsterdam.
58:37Folks who live
58:38or work in skyscrapers
58:39have the opposite problem.
58:41Getting out of the building
58:42can take a while
58:43as you wait in line
58:44for the elevator.
58:45A slide going from the top
58:47of a skyscraper
58:48could be a solution.
58:49In 2016,
58:51they added one
58:52outside of the U.S. Bank Tower
58:53in Los Angeles
58:54at the height of 1,000 feet.
58:57The see-through slide
58:58made of glass
58:59just one inch thick
59:00was built to withstand
59:01hurricane-force winds
59:03and earthquakes.
59:04It was built
59:05to bring tourists
59:06to the building,
59:07though not for the convenience
59:08of office workers.
59:09And then they decided
59:11it wasn't such a great idea
59:13so the slide was removed
59:14as part of the reconstruction
59:16of the building.
59:17A Hong Kong photographer
59:19and editor
59:20who became famous online
59:21went even wilder
59:23with his imagination
59:24and designed
59:24a double-decker bus
59:26with a slide.
59:27It's not his only
59:29futuristic photography masterpiece
59:31as he likes to play
59:32with perspective
59:33and proportions.
59:34I can totally see myself
59:36sliding away
59:37when someone asks me
59:38to pay for the ride.
Comments