A Problem Squared

The hosts dive into the curious world of competing films with similar concepts and the playful rivalries that arise, like 'Ants' vs. 'A Bug's Life.' They unpack the intriguing surge of Northern Lights visibility in the UK, linking it to solar activity and modern technology. The concept of 'frenemy films' takes center stage, spotlighting how contrasting movies can captivate varied audiences. With a mix of humor and insight, they explore the creative challenges faced in podcasting and celebrate notable milestones.

🍀 Does the 13th really fall more frequently on Friday?  💿  How do you make a giant disco ball wearable?    🍩 And we have some any other doughness.  If you want to find out more about the cardboard related event (called Number City!) Matt attended on Orkney Island, have a look at this link: https://oisf.org/fest-event/number-city/. Do send your problems and solutions to the website: www.aproblemsquared.com. If you’re on Patreon and have a creative Wizard offer to give Bec and Matt, please comment on the ‘Sup ‘Zards’ pinned post!  And if you like, leave us a review, pass the podcast onto a friend or give us a rating! Every little helps.  If you want even more from A Problem Squared, you can find us onTwitter,Instagram, and on Discord.

Discover the quirky origins of podcasting, tracing its evolution from audio blogs to big names like 'Serial.' Learn how to truly lose an election in the U.S. amidst colorful discussions about voter representation and strategy. Enjoy humorous anecdotes from cycling escapades in Berlin and the delightful intersection of math and art. The hosts reflect on the charm of early podcasting days while weaving in their comedic takes on everyday experiences. The episode is a delightful mix of humor, history, and thought-provoking insights.

Can tic-tac-toe ever be fun? The hosts dive into the complexities of solved games, exploring how strategies can change the gameplay experience. They also playfully discuss whimsical variations of the name 'Neil', creating amusing nicknames like 'Pocket Neil'. A humorous debate on bird anatomy and dog limbs adds to the charm, while personal stories from their Boulder trip provide a lighthearted backdrop. Expect clever insights alongside plenty of laughs!

Ever wondered how many colors are really in a rainbow? Dive into the whimsical world of light refraction and the beauty of nature. Discover the quirky process behind asteroid naming, including a hilarious personal nomination. Engage with philosophical musings on broken clocks and perception, blending humor with deep thoughts. Also, enjoy charming anecdotes from a show premiere and explore the delightful confusion of hospital navigation. This playful journey invites you to appreciate both science and absurdity in everyday life.

Dr. Lauren Eve Simonitis, a sensory biologist specializing in shark senses, dives into fascinating discussions about the impressive olfactory skills of sharks. She explains how quickly they can detect blood in the water and debunks myths surrounding shark attacks. The conversation also shifts to the math and strategy behind optimal dartboard designs, exploring how layout affects gameplay. With playful humor and intriguing insights, listeners gain a unique perspective on both sharks and darts!

Why do washing machines often lie about their cycle times? This light-hearted discussion leads to anecdotes from travels and misadventures. They hilariously ponder the value of 400 Lincoln pennies and the absurdities of financial markets. Listeners are invited to share quirky experiences, while the hosts explore whimsical proposals for enjoying a solar eclipse at a unique venue. The conversation is sprinkled with laughter, personal stories, and a sense of community that keeps everyone engaged.

On this episode... 🐍If you pooled up all the snake venom in the world would it be enough to kill all the non-immune mammals? 👢Do dogs have 2 arms? Or do we have 4 legs? 📜And we open the business briefcase.  If you want to know more about lizard sampling, do that here: ‘Hierarchical distance sampling to estimate population sizes of common lizards across a desert ecoregion’: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.4780 There’s a great video by Technology Connections to turn signals and specifically syncing them up, you can find that here: https://youtu.be/2z5A-COlDPk?si=SWSE_FX3fuyLH1X0 You can find the rude praying hands here: https://www.reddit.com/r/teams/comments/xvpefh/can_we_please_talk_about_the_praying_emoji_on/ https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/hand-gestures-in-microsoft-teams-free-ff2354cd-17fa-44fc-80c9-3d88c577a1ad As always, send your problems and solutions to our website: www.aproblemsquared.com. And, if you want more from A Problem Squared, you can also find us on Twitter, Instagram, Discord and on Patreon.

Discover the environmental impact of tire wear particles and the challenges of deciphering academic papers. Explore the formation of curved shapes with a Rubik's cube and geometric exploration of cones and hyperboloids. Learn about creative gifting ideas for a billionth second birthday and unique solutions for displaying enamel pins.

Discover if it's possible to climb every mountain and how to simulate a solar eclipse. Learn about a gravel race and peek data. Get ready for loose ends and change, along with some victory cries!