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Discover the unseen settings and hidden functionalities of your Apple Watch that could be affecting your device's performance and privacy. Learn how to easily override default configurations to protect your data and extend your device's lifespan. Stay informed with our expert guide to smarter, safer tech use.
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00:00If you've ever gotten bored while waiting in a car, like I have, you might have played around with a
00:05headrest.
00:05Yep, you can pull them off, and they'll come right off relatively easily.
00:09It seems useless at first, but that's something you'll want to do if you're ever trapped in a car and
00:15need to break a window to get out, like I do.
00:18Even a box of aluminum foil has its secret.
00:21On the side of the box, you can see a small tab you can push in.
00:25So simple, but that's what actually holds the roll of foil in place.
00:30This tab makes it way easier to unroll a sheet and tear it off without any frustration.
00:37Ever wondered why gripping a certain tool, handle, or even a pen kind of feels more secure when it's coated
00:43with a rubbery material?
00:45The keratin of the outer layer of the human skin is rough and stiff at a small scale.
00:50So, let's say you have a polished metal or glass, which is stiff, but also a smooth and impenetrable surface.
00:57When you encounter that, the actual contact area is small, as is the friction at the beginning.
01:03Your sweat pores secrete moisture, which is why the keratin gets hydrated and becomes softer.
01:09Because of that, it requires many seconds for the contact area to increase to the same value it reaches almost
01:15right away with some soft materials like rubber.
01:18However, this mechanism might be used by our tactile senses when we want to identify materials.
01:25Now, the pom-poms on beanies and other hats have their purpose.
01:29And it's not just to look cute and fluffy.
01:32Well, at least they did have a purpose.
01:34One of the theories says French sailors used to wear hats with pom-poms so they wouldn't hurt their heads
01:40on the ship when the weather got rough.
01:42Yep, the ceilings of the ship were really low.
01:44So, when the waves were too big, bang, you could easily hit your head on the ceiling.
01:48So, the pom-poms came in handy.
01:51Now, they're just a cute addition to our winter cats.
01:55That mysterious drawer under the oven, the one where you keep all your kitchen gear you just don't know where
02:00else to put?
02:01Well, you used it well in that case, but the drawer was originally designed for keeping your meals warm, at
02:08least until you're ready to serve them.
02:10And that space under your lower cabinets that protrude slightly and can't be lifted?
02:15This area is also called a toe kick.
02:18It's the reason why you can stand closer to the counter while cooking.
02:22Also, the doors of the cabinets are off the ground, so they'll swing over your toes.
02:28The cabinet under the sink isn't for storage either.
02:31Maybe that's where you keep your cleaning products, but its real purpose is to give you access if your sinks
02:37leak and you need to do some plumbing work.
02:40That weird little hole at the top of a lollipop stick you can see after finishing a candy is not
02:46a whistle.
02:47It has something to do with the manufacturing process.
02:50When pouring hot molten caramel into a mold, some of it will seep into this mysterious hole and harden.
02:57This way, the candy will stay on the stick and won't fall off.
03:02Keyboard letters aren't just randomly arranged the way they are.
03:05The first keyboard ever made belonged to the typewriter.
03:08Typists eventually got so good at their job, they started typing too quickly.
03:13So the key arms would get cross-wired at some point and stuck.
03:18That's why manufacturers had to make the order of keys more random to intentionally slow down typists so they could
03:24keep the machine running.
03:26Do you like to let those brushes on the side of the escalators and malls polish your shoes?
03:31Believe it or not, that's not their main gig.
03:34The bristles are there for safety.
03:37People used to get their bags and clothes stuck in those escalators when they would stand too close to the
03:42sides.
03:42These nylon bristles kind of play with people's minds, and they keep their feet away from the escalator's skirt panels
03:49and avoid accidents.
03:51Most people assume bobby pins have curves for fashion, which is why they mostly place it in their hair with
03:57the wavy side up.
03:58But those little waves are actually there to catch the underlying bulk of hair and grip the pin into place.
04:05So the wavy side should go down.
04:09You've probably noticed measuring tapes mostly come with a metal stub that ends with a small slot.
04:14If your hands are full of stuff, simply hang the slot on a nail for measurement.
04:19If you take a closer look, you'll see the stub is a little bit serrated on one side.
04:24This means you can use it to mark the points, so you don't even need a pencil.
04:29If you spend a lot of time in planes, you've probably noticed that little hole located at the bottom of
04:35the window.
04:35Well, nothing to be nervous about, it's what keeps us safe while flying high.
04:40It's something called a bleed hole.
04:42You can see right there in the middle of the pane of the three window panes that actually protect passengers
04:48from the outside pressure.
04:49This hole may be tiny, but it takes all that pressure off the outer one.
04:54The hole also gradually exposes it to cabin pressure, which helps with fixing pressure imbalances on the windows, if there
05:01are any.
05:03There's a number 57 staring at you from the middle of the Heinz ketchup bottle forever.
05:08According to the company, only 11% of people are aware the number really has nothing to do with the
05:14product label.
05:15It's actually a sweet spot, where you can tap to get the sauce onto the plate.
05:20So, next time you want some ketchup, there's no need to bang the bottom off.
05:24Just hit this spot.
05:27Grooves on the bottom of cups are there to make cleaning them in the dishwasher more convenient.
05:32When you place your cups upside down, these grooves will allow the water to flow rather than stagnate.
05:38This way, the water won't spill onto your feet when you take the cups out.
05:42The grooves are there to allow cool air to flow beneath the cup, too.
05:46They also keep cups from cracking when they heat up after you pour hot beverages in.
05:52You probably noticed that little dot next to the camera on an iPhone and probably thought it was a flash.
05:59Nope, not a flash, but a microphone in charge of catching sounds when you're using the back camera.
06:05Next time you're looking for a quick bite and decide for fries at McDonald's, check that bendable flap near the
06:12top of the box.
06:13Some like to bend it towards the fries.
06:16That way, you can cover your fries up and keep them warm.
06:18But if you're not that patient, you can flip the flap backward and basically turn it into a makeshift plate
06:25for your fries.
06:26Just bend it down firmly enough.
06:28You don't want it to spring back up and spread the sauce all over you.
06:31Take it from me, it's messy.
06:34In the 1970s, people didn't want toothpaste just to keep their mouths healthy, but also to freshen their breath.
06:41Aquafresh decided to answer that call, so they added a blue stripe to their product.
06:46Since consumers started paying more attention to their teeth and gums, the company added a third red stripe to their
06:52paste.
06:53The paste now has three functions – freshening, cleaning, and plaque control.
06:58And yes, solid white toothpaste can offer the same benefits, but brands continue to add stripes to their paste anyway.
07:06Speaking of toothpaste, do you know those colors on the bottom of tubes?
07:10The colors don't mean anything in particular.
07:12They're there to help in the manufacturing by telling light sensors where the end of the tube is.
07:18Thanks to it, the machine can cut and seal the tube properly.
07:22Hand sanitizers are commonplace nowadays, and you can apply them in many other ways besides just cleaning your hands.
07:28It also works great when you want to remove stains from your clothes.
07:33Sanitizer breaks up oily, greasy spillages, and does a great job as a degreaser.
07:38You can even use it as a deodorant if you get caught out on a hot day.
07:43The bottom of the bottle mostly has a small, odd-shaped notch.
07:48It's called a deco lug, and without it, your bottle wouldn't look the way it does now.
07:53Such bottles are mass-produced in factories using machinery, and each of them looks the same.
07:58Since plastic bottles mostly needed artwork on them, manufacturers wanted to make sure the artwork always gets printed in the
08:05same position for each bottle.
08:07So they invented the deco lug, short for decorating lug.
08:11It actually holds each bottle at the same orientation in the machine that applies the artwork.
08:17Without it, workers would have to watch the whole process and adjust the bottles by hand.
08:24You know, there are all sorts of amazing things you can do with products already lying around the house that
08:31were meant for other things.
08:33We'll explore some of those, plus everyday items that have other purposes you may not be aware of.
08:40I'm also in a silly mood, so hey, let's have some fun!
08:44Many pairs of kitchen scissors today have a serrated opening where the handles and blades meet.
08:49You can use this as an herb stripper to de-stem difficult herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chives.
08:57Saves you a lot of time trying to pick the leaves off by hand.
09:00And if you're short of a vase, you could present roses to your significant other this way.
09:06Just be careful when you're pointing the sharp end.
09:10The metal tab on soda cans can be flipped around.
09:13You can slip a straw in place so you don't have to hold it up to your mouth.
09:17The stay-on tab replaced the pull ring tab created in the early 60s.
09:22You remember those, don't you?
09:24Those could be quite sharp and easily discarded where they could be a menace for others.
09:30Now you can pop your straw straight into one.
09:33Also means you can produce some bubbles and make a mess.
09:37Sometimes, when you purchase an article of clothing, you receive a plastic baggie with an extra button and a swash
09:44of fabric.
09:45While the fabric is clearly used to patch holes, it can also be used to test the effects of various
09:51cleaners on certain surfaces.
09:53It's handy, too, to test wash cycles before using them to wash the whole garment.
09:58And if you want to clean your nose with it, that suggestion never came from me.
10:04You can use a screwdriver for leverage if you're having trouble lifting or moving something.
10:10Some also have a hexagonal-shaped handle that fits inside a wrench or spanner.
10:15You can use it to improve torque and, again, for leverage.
10:19A little easier on your hands.
10:21Some of us aren't that strong.
10:23Or maybe that's just me.
10:25Rubber bands are great for many things.
10:27But if you have a bottle that's hard to open, you can wrap the band around it for a better
10:33grip.
10:35Escalators have those fluffy black brushes for a similar reason that some have yellow lines on their steps.
10:41To try and deter people from getting too close to dangerous places.
10:45People don't always take notice.
10:47And sometimes, clothing can drape close to a point where the step meets the edge or skirt.
10:52The brush is a little barrier to help prevent this from happening.
10:57They can also catch bits of fluff and prevent other small things from falling down into the gaps.
11:04Your average pair of jeans has several features that are both functional and somewhat sentimental.
11:10The meadow rivets around the pockets help secure the stress points.
11:14This ensures they last a bit longer than average, though not all jeans have them.
11:20Many still have a tiny pocket, directly above the main pocket.
11:25This was originally meant to hold a pocket watch.
11:28Even though pocket watches are mostly a thing of the past, many people still use this space to store coins,
11:34rings, or even a portable USB.
11:38Now, this may seem a little obvious, but if you've ever wondered what all the notches are in a car
11:44tire, it's for traction on the road.
11:46However, there are also a good indicator if your tire is getting too worn down.
11:52If those notches aren't so deep anymore and are almost flush with the road, it's time to replace them.
11:59If you don't, the next time you try to stop suddenly at a stop sign, you might be surprised to
12:05find your car has turned into a giant roller skate.
12:09Those takeaway containers most associated with Chinese restaurants are designed to not only carry your food home, but to store
12:17them in the fridge.
12:18They double as a plate, as you can eat straight out of them and don't have to worry about dirty
12:23dishes.
12:24Yay!
12:25They were actually patented way back in 1894 to transport freshly shucked oysters and were known as oyster pails.
12:34They were later adapted to use as leak-proof containers for food.
12:39While you're sitting on an airplane and looking out the window, you may have noticed those little holes, or in
12:45some instances, a small singular opening near the bottom.
12:49This is called a breather hole, and no, it's not for you.
12:52It's designed to equalize the difference in air pressure which builds up between the pressurized cabin and the atmosphere outside,
13:00especially during high altitudes.
13:02It also releases moisture from between the panes to avoid frost from forming on the windows and obstructing that all
13:10-important view.
13:12Sorry, but it looks like you won't be drawing a smiley face on it anytime soon.
13:17This was first introduced way back in 1956 by a company in Japan.
13:22Pretty cool, huh?
13:23They got their inspiration from snap-off rows on chocolate bars.
13:28Just don't get the two mixed up.
13:30One doesn't taste good.
13:32When it comes to measuring tape, almost every reel has an empty slot in the metallic end.
13:38This is called a nail grab, so you can attach it to a nail or screw.
13:43A handy trick to do measurements without requiring someone else to hold it in place.
13:49Ooh, very nifty.
13:52Bobby pins have grooves on one side to hold your hair in place better.
13:56Crazy notion, huh?
13:58The straight side goes face up while the grooves go down against your head.
14:02They're called bobby pins because of the bobbed hairstyle, which was popular in the 1920s,
14:09though the pins were invented in the 19th century.
14:12The look is gone, but the pins remain.
14:15Please take them out before you wash your hair, as they don't look great stuck to your fingers.
14:21If you've been in a car or a bus and noticed the textured black dots baked into the black edges,
14:27you've probably worked out that it's not there for its pretty looks.
14:31It's called frit, a ceramic paint.
14:34Its main purpose is to protect the window from ultraviolet rays.
14:38It also creates a rough surface for the adhesive to cling to.
14:43Now, if you see a pink lump of adhesive in the corner, please do not touch it.
14:49It's actually someone's old bubble gum.
14:52If you take a look at the bottom of the log, chances are you'll see one or two little holes.
14:58This is to let water out from the inside that may have been trapped due to rain.
15:02This mini-draining capability prevents the inner working from rusting over or freezing in place if the weather is very
15:10cold.
15:11If, in another situation, the lock becomes stuck,
15:15you can ease an oil-based product inside to lubricate the lock and get it working again.
15:22If you've lost the key and want to ease your frustrations, you can yell into the holes.
15:27It won't do anything to unlock it, but it may help you feel a little better.
15:33Some dress shirts have a fabric loop on the back.
15:36You guessed it, it's used for hanging the shirt up.
15:39The loops were reportedly first used in the Navy, as it was easy to simply hang them on the wall.
15:46During the 1960s in colleges, the fashion of the day was to wear the shirt buttoned all the way to
15:52the top,
15:53which made them difficult to hang.
15:55So designers began putting the loop on the back.
15:58If the student removed the loop, it signified that they were going steady in a relationship.
16:03Unless your friend ripped one off for a prank, now everyone's asking whom you're with.
16:09There's a little more to this story, but we haven't got time to hang around.
16:14And yes, that's a bad pun.
16:17On purpose.
16:18It's what I do.
16:20Ever wondered why coins have those little ridges along the edge?
16:24It's a leftover from earlier times when they were worth more.
16:28Counterfeiters could easily file the edges off to sell as gold or silver coins to make some profit.
16:34The ridges were created so it was much easier to tell which of the coins had been altered.
16:40It's not needed today, but the coins still have that altered style.
16:44If you ever get really bored, you could try counting how many ridges there are.
16:50Actually, that is a very boring idea.
16:52Forget that and watch another Bright Side video instead.
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.
17:15Some 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.
17:38This 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.
17:50These giant machines have massive blades which catch the wind.
17:55This makes them spin, generating power that can be added to the electrical grid.
18:00You may think those blades have smooth edges, like you would find on a fan, but they're not.
18:05They'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.
18:42Well, 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, and 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.
19:02I 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.
19:55Some of us have made the mistake of using a permanent marker on a whiteboard.
20:00Guess what? It 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.
20:55The hole ensures that the internal and external pressure is the same, which allows the ink to flow freely into
21:01the tip.
21:02If 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.
21:51But 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? 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.
22:35Those sturdy containers the food comes in can actually be turned into plates.
22:41First, grab the creases on the sides of the packaging.
22:44Slowly pull these apart.
22:46Push 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
23:20associated with this particular style of cuisine.
23:22Now, when it comes to dessert, or breakfast, or both actually, a popular choice is a donut.
23:30But people often wonder about the hole in the center.
23:33Wait, another hole?
23:34You bet.
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.
23:44It 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.
24:30When 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.
24:47But this way, people were able to type too quickly for the machine to handle.
24:53Levers 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.
25:05The 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.
26:18By 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 vs. 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.
27:31Now, 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?
28:20The parcel hook has got you covered.
28:22Three, 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.
28:38Apple 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,
28:49the size seems to only fit your 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.
29:44So, 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.
30:32It 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, and 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.
41:49Legally speaking, of course.
41:50According to the Canadian Currency Act,
41:53there'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,
42:01you 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.
42:35Because 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,
43:56and 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,
48:24while 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,
56:11I 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 of 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.
58:07The 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.
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