Lateral with Tom Scott 140: Tuvalu's lost star
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Jun 13, 2025 Ella Hubber, Caroline Roper, and Tom Lum, hosts of the Comedy Science podcast, are back with a playful exploration of quirky topics. They dive into the amusing connection between preserved fish and the New York Stock Exchange, sparking laughter and intrigue. The trio also discusses the psychological effects of sound in gaming, the enigmatic details of Marine AFC’s numbers, and Tuvalu's flag evolution. Their banter showcases the interplay of humor, history, and culture, making for a delightful and unexpected conversation.
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Why 69°F Was Missing on Apple Weather
- Apple's weather app displayed no 69°F until 2021 because temperature data was stored in whole Celsius degrees. - Conversion to Fahrenheit caused 69°F not to appear, jumping from 68°F to 70°F between 20°C and 21°C.
Sound Effects Influenced Game Balance
- In Wolfenstein Enemy Territory, Allied players had an edge not from code but from psychological effects. - The deeper, bassier gun sounds on Allied weapons made players feel stronger and play more confidently despite identical stats.
Numbers on Marine AFC's Fence Explained
- Marine AFC's pitch backs onto a row of houses with numbers on the fence for identification. - The numbers help residents know whose garden the ball went into when kicked over the fence.