Henry Winkler, beloved as the Fonz, shares his secrets on how to look cool and effortlessly exudes charm. Fritz Volrath, an expert on spiderwebs from Oxford, discusses their innovative medical uses for wound care. Additionally, Leslie, the inventor of Jenga, recalls the game's journey from family fun in Ghana to global phenomenon. The conversation sparkles with a playful analysis of Halloween treats and quirky anecdotes, blending humor with practical tips for social relaxation and creativity.
The podcast reveals that pumpkin-shaped Reese's contain a remarkable 67% peanut butter, making them the superior choice for fans.
Spider webs emerge as an effective and natural alternative for wound care, demonstrating both antibacterial properties and clotting aid.
Deep dives
Peanut Butter to Chocolate Ratio
The peanut butter to chocolate ratio in various shapes of Reese's Cups is examined, revealing insights about the unique frustum shape of traditional cups. Calculations indicate that the king size has 37% peanut butter, while the regular size comprises about 30%. In comparison, the pumpkin-shaped Reese's, particularly the king size, boasts an impressive 67% peanut butter. These findings suggest that pumpkin shapes offer a significantly better peanut butter experience, supporting the idea that they are a superior option for peanut butter enthusiasts.
Using Spider Webs for First Aid
Spider webs are discussed as an effective natural solution for staunching bleeding, drawing on a real-life example where someone used webs to treat a machete cut. The structure of spider silk, described as a fine mesh, provides a surface for blood to clot, enhancing its effectiveness in wound care. Notably, spider webs also possess antibacterial properties, making them a clean alternative to traditional bandages. This insight indicates that in the absence of modern medical supplies, spider webs can be a practical and surprisingly effective first-aid method.
The Origins of Jenga
The origin of Jenga is recounted through an interview with Leslie Scott, who describes how the game evolved from playing with wooden blocks in Ghana. Scott explains that the unique aspect of Jenga is the slight variability in block sizes, which enables the game to work effectively. Initially, the blocks were crafted from offcuts of timber, leading to the realization that varying dimensions would enhance the game's playability. This revelation about Jenga's design process showcases the balance between function and play enjoyment in game development.
This week from the archives, a teenage math wiz helps Mike and Ian optimize the Reese's chocolate pumpkin, and a tip on the spookiest (and most strategic) way to heal an open wound. Plus, when one listener wants to know how to look cool, the guys call up the Fonz himself.
You can email your burning questions to howto@npr.org.
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How To Do Everything is hosted by Mike Danforth and Ian Chillag. It is produced by Heena Srivastava. Technical direction from Lorna White.