OneGuyFromBarlick

Test the speed of light with your microwave oven - see the details in this forum thread: Physics

I think the main thing was that I overheated it Ian. As I say, seems to be functioning OK now.
Peter, why on earth would I want to test the speed of light. All I need to know is that, like electricity, it is faster than me!

You might not want to test the speed of light but it's fun for children and an excuse to get them interested in science and we desperately need more home-grown scientists.

I buy this magazine for my two granddaughters, and I'm told they love it - and there is a scramble for it when it arrives. Aquila

Looks good Tripps, how old are your grandchildren?

They're nine and eleven now. I've sent it to them for about two years.

When they get a bit older David add Private Eye as well....

That's a good magazine, Tripps. I've often thought about subscribing to it myself.
I've also often thought there should be a children's edition of Private Eye. Shorten it, take out the most offensive words etc, brighten it up - and make it available online. Perhaps the Eye should get together with the publisher of the Horrible History series of books.

What a good idea Peter, tell Strobes......

On your suggestion I have done so by email this morning!

I have had evidence that he does actually read his mail.....

...and I got a reply 15 minutes later, even if it did only say `Thanks for the idea'.

Well done Strobes!
Today's tip. Even the most obscure historical research can become useful eventually. The Bowker Drain research becomes a weapon today!

I've now got a second reply from PE, this time signed off with `Ed'. I don't suppose it will be Ian Hislop!

Even so, two responses is good Peter!
Reading responses in other topics today's tip is that if you are not allergic to certain foods and drinks you are extremely lucky and should be aware of it. As far as I am aware I have no allergies whatsoever. Gott sei dank!

I know we keep alluding to it in the threads on the site but don't relax your guard even though you are fully vaccinated. The virus is still with us and even if you are protected you may be helping to pass it on. Also, be very wary of what may seem like slight ailments. If they persist, get advice because they can sometimes be caused by what is generally called Long Covid. There could be more of this about than is recognised.

When one workshop project comes to an end it is essential to start another as soon as possible, otherwise the machinist dies!

You know you are getting old when sitting on a form next to the main road and observing people and traffic is an interesting way of passing the time. It's amazing what you see if you simply observe.

Have you heard about `forest bathing'? It's another of those trendy fads that some of us are surprised by because it's what we've always done! LINK

Yes, I always think the same thing Peter. It's like sitting still and thinking, all of a sudden it's a therapy, 'Mindfulness'.
I think it's the same syndrome as kids and sex, they always assume that they invented it.

Today's tip is when you get what looks like bad news don't immediately assume the worst. This doesn't help of course but is what you should have in mind!

It's a good time to remind ourselves that there are lies, damned lies and statistics. I can't remember a time ever when statistics were used so routinely

Statistics require the person receiving the data to have a level of understanding to give the statistics their true meaning. Today's example...
7 am news. Vaccination has been shown to reduce transmissions by up to 50%.
7 -30 news Vaccination has been shown to reduce transmission within the same family household by 50%.

Two statements trying to say the same thing but capable of two different interpretations.

Exactly Ken. Trouble is it's a bit of good news and it's short on the ground at the moment.

If you have more than one account with a bank or building society or even simply a joint account make sure that when you communicate with the organisation you ensure they are looking at the correct account. We have multiple joint accounts so that we can keep funds for separate uses. We recently had a mix up when I asked for a new debit card for an account but we were sent a card for the wrong account. Customer services were very helpful but it needed a lot of security questions and explanations. They said they would send a new card for the correct account and a PIN number, in separate Royal Mail posts. Got the card 10 days ago and rang them today to say no PIN had yet arrived. They are sending another one but it was only at the end of the call when I asked for a final check on the account and the card number and it turned out they would have sent a PIN for Mrs Tiz's card number which has the final digit different from mine. Always double check!