Lateral with Tom Scott 136: Kayaking by umbrella
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May 16, 2025 Join Jenny Draper, a tour guide and author of 'Mavericks', Virginia Schutte, a marine biology PhD known for her quick wit, and Inés Dawson, a biomechanics expert from Draw Curiosity, for a whimsical dialogue. They dive into the quirky lives of historical figures and even ponder the absurdity of kayaking with an umbrella. Expect amusing exchanges about communal cycling, peculiar safety signs, and the strange charm of medieval marketplaces. Their banter brings a delightful perspective to adventure and strange science!
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Umbrella as Kayak Sail
- Kayakers find umbrellas useful as makeshift sails on rivers or coastlines to speed travel using wind power.
- This inventive use helps kayakers if the wind is right, but steering visibility is compromised.
Poles Gauge Canyon Safety
- Poles spaced about 30 cm apart in South Utah slot canyons serve as size gauges to prevent tourists getting stuck.
- Signs warn if you can't fit between poles, the narrow canyon is unsafe to enter.
Inmates Generate Power, Cut Time
- Inmates in Minas Gerais, Brazil, cycle stationary bikes to generate electricity, earning time off their sentences.
- This community service promotes exercise, safety, and reduces prison time, benefiting inmates and locals alike.
