Episode 001 = Sizing Shoes and Selling Organs

2019-11-30
00:42:43

Note: Unofficial problem 0
00:00:30–00:00:45

Matt notes that "a problem squared is a problem halved" is only true if the problem is only half a problem to start with.

Note: Correction from show notes
00:01:02–00:01:02

Matt says "early adapter" when he means "early adopter". But it could be both. It's a podcast that changes you.

Problem 001-1 = What's the deal with shoe sizes?
00:01:43–00:12:42

Problem poser: Bec
Problem solver: Matt

Problem statement

I wanna know what the deal with shoe sizes is.

Solution attempt

Shoe sizes are a mess. Units are a mess. Matt proposes a system: Measure the foot length and width in mm, rounded to half centimetres. Matt discovers that this system is also called Mondopoint. [Editor's note: The Mondopoint system is standardized by ISO 9407.] Listeners are invited to embroider (or write with permanent marker) their Mondopoint shoe size onto their shoes. Matt promises to send the first listener who sends a picture of an embroidered shoe a signed copy of his book.

Ding

A "ting" by Bec

Problem 001-2 = Buy my body!
00:12:44–00:27:53

Problem poser: A future listener who replied to Bec on Twitter
Problem solver: Bec

Problem statement

What is the most number of my own organs I can sell for the highest profit without dying in the process?

Solution attempt

You can live with only 45% of your own body mass, but don't try this at home. If you sold all those body parts, you could make just over £900'000. You can also sell blood, plasma, hair, sperm, eggs, bone marrow, breast milk, faeces, urine, or be a surrogate mother. Bec's on a list now and her search history is ruined forever. Oh, and she buys human teeth from adult humans for £2 per tooth (£5 or a pint for a wisdom tooth).

Ding

None, but Bec says "So that's all the problems solved in this first episode" at the end of the episode, which I consider an implicit ding

Note: Correction from show notes
00:18:08–00:18:08

Bec says "4" instead of "6". Don't worry: the maths was all ok. Phew.

Note: Correction from show notes
00:26:20–00:26:21

Bec says "implicit permission" when she means "explicit permission". She will definitely double check before she repurposes any one else's teeth.

Problem 001-3 = Re-refridgeration
00:27:56–00:35:57

Problem poser: PRL (@UsrBinPRL)
Problem solver: Matt

Problem statement

Given the general cost of running a fridge is the electricity, and that they're continually becoming more energy efficient whilst electricity becomes more expensive, how often should one buy a new one?

Solution attempt

If you've got a fridge from the 90s, you'll make your money back in 3.5 years. If you've got a fridge from the 2000s, it'll take 7 years. Don't even keep the old fridge as a second fridge, buy a new one. But if you buy a new one now, it'll probably last you for a few decades.

Ding

A "ka-chiiing" from Bec

Problem 001-4 = Nice knick-knacks for nieces
00:35:59–00:41:21

Problem poser: Matt
Problem solver: Bec

Problem statement

Matt needs to buy Christmas presents for his nieces (7 and 9 years old) and needs cool gift ideas.

Solution attempt

Idea 1: Harry Potter invisibility cloak (£60), a cape that's green on the inside for use with a green screen.

Idea 2: Scruff A Luvs "My Real Rescue", an electronic toy dog that emulates a rescue dog.

Idea 3: smART pixelator (£50-£70), beads and an app that pixelates images for use as a template.

Idea 4: Oculus Quest (£400-£500), a VR headset. This one might have been from Bec's Christmas list.

Idea 5: LEGO Mars Research Shuttle (£20).

Ding

A "That, Bec, is a problem solved" by Matt