(Part 3) Top products from r/mildlyinteresting

Ohhh! I know this!


TLDR: Bees communicate distance and heading in their dancing to food or in this case, an ideal new home. They hold a democratic process to determine the best site amongst the members of the hive. This ball you see is the mid-way journey in the move to a new location.



Bees actually have a fairly complex method of not only communication, but also a robust system of democratic decision making!

Many of you have heard that bees dance? But perhaps you do not know why. Bees communicate many things in dancing, but mostly how to find pollen, water or shelter (a new home). Scientists have studied bees and how they dance, and it turns out that by watching them enough, they can decipher their dances, a series of waggles and walking.


So say a bee found a field of pollen rich flowers, and comes back to the hive to tell the other bees where it is. They do this by dancing in front of the other bees in the hive:

In short, bees make figure 8 waggles - they shake their little bee-hinds and run in a figure-8 patterns cross the comb to communicate- and because their combs are oriented vertically, the angle at which the 8 is oriented off of vertical shows the direction in which the pollen (or destination is). Bees can coordinate this direction with their own internal “compass” and correlate it to the angle of the sun. Even though the suns angle changes as it rises or sets, the bees seem to be able to account for this based on their sycadian rhythm.

They can communicate distance by the duration of the waggle. Roughly 1 second of wings buzzing and body waggling equates to a distance of 1,000 meters! Quite some feat! Other bees (and scientists by observation) can actually watch this, decode it and find out almost exactly the location the bee is trying to communicate!

Bees also have the ability to scout and rate sites for new homes. Scientists observed and discovered this through building hundreds of hives with variables like sun exposure/ volume/ moisture/ distance entrance size etc. Older scout bees go out when the hive is growing big, or the queen is going to be displaced, and seek out candidates for new homes.

When the reach an area (just one area is sought out per bee initially ), they spend time flying around inside of it, and walking across all the surfaces doing measurements by counting steps / and time. They then do an internal rating of the suitability of their site they surveyed, and fly back to the hive! This actually is not a conscious decision (the rating) but something inherent:

“Finally, I should emphasize that almost certainly a scout bee does not consciously think through her evaluation of a site. Instead, she probably does so unconsciously with her nervous system integrating various sensory inputs relating to cavity size, entrance height, and the like, and generating within her a sense of the site’s overall goodness. It may be that finding a desirable tree cavity feels to a homeless scout bee as inherently pleasurable as feasting on a delicious meal does to a hungry human being.”


Since each scout bee only rates one location (there may be 30-50 scout bees), the dancing / democratic process can begin! The bee comes back and dances to communicate the location (and perhaps suitability) of their site. As they dance, they dance more excitedly the better the site! Ifs it’s an iffy site, they dance less fervently and may even eventually stop. If they dance excitedly, more and more bees catch on and take notice.

Here’s the democratic part; each other scout bee vegans to take a look at the dancing frenzy, and then if they like the dance, THEY GO OUT AND CHECK THE SITE THEMSELVES! They “verify” the rating! And when the come back, they begin dancing just a fervently if it is a good site! Eventually, this process repeats itself and it gets narrowed down to just 1 or 2 suitable sites! And this is not just random chance, in observations bees chose the correct site (ideal) 4/5 times!

So, after they choose the site through this process, these scout bees then begin signaling the other bees to store up honey. They run around over the hive and eventually signaling a sort of pre-flight. All the bees start beating their wings, suck up honey for the journey and begin the swarming process.

What you see on this picture is them In the middle of this process, resting around the queen. They will moving on shortly to their new home!

Please check out the book: Honeybee Democracy by Thomas D. Seeley

It’s an amazing book that goes into this process in detail, backed up by years of scientific experiments and observations!

I’d be happy to offer you guidance on your journey into the amazing world of bidets.

I started out with this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A0RHSJO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523776662&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=bidet&dpPl=1&dpID=419LXSZM6YL&ref=plSrch

It’s an awesome bidet and does the job perfectly, is super easy to install and for $35 you can’t go wrong.

However about six months ago I decided to splurge and get the king of all bidets, the Toto Washlet:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UCIOWRM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523776789&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=toto+washlet&dpPl=1&dpID=31uvbuDPUAL&ref=plSrch

It’s expensive but worth it; the water is heated, it has different speeds and the nozzle can move back and forth, and the best part is that it dries your butt afterwards, which is amazing.

One thing about bidets though—for us guys, unless you don’t mind your balls being sprayed with water, it is kind of necessary to make sure they’re out of the way, or figure out a position where the water doesn’t hit them.

Yep, that's why I called it the really expensive way. It's really one of those excess items, priced WAY beyond its actual value.

There are some pretty good moulds ^(not an affiliate link) out there, though, but it takes a little practice to make perfect spheres with them, since you need to leave a little gap at the top for the ice to expand.

(Hijacking top comment because people keep asking where to find them.)

Amazon has them

Also with a bottle opener

They are much stronger than the normal similar clips so even if you don't need them as tools, they will work better for longer. I've gifted them several times and everyone loves them.


Note: There are no affiliate links and I'm not connected to the product or company, just personally like the product.

Here's the true freedom link, because nothing says freedom like charity: https://smile.amazon.com/Thermos-16-Ounce-Drink-Bottle-Black/dp/B004VFHKUS

This is the mold I have but I got them at a slightly cheaper price during a one day sale. They're excellent for whisky!

I looked up "JNO-A360" and wow, that's a big rice cooker. (It's a "two bushel"/"20 cup" commercial model. I didn't know anyone even measured food in bushels any more.)

https://tiger-corporation-us.com/product/jno-a36u/

https://www.amazon.com/cooker-bushel-stainless-business-JNO-A360-XS/dp/B0000C97YZ

I don't think I even want to drop my little six-cup Aroma on my arm.

> The thick 1.8mm inner pot helps distribute heat evenly

AND PERMANENTLY

Here's the freedom link: https://www.amazon.com/Thermos-16-Ounce-Drink-Bottle-Black/dp/B004VFHKUS

Best coffee mug I've ever owned https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004VFHKUS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_QqEzCbQWHEJE8

What do you mean real?

This is the one I have and it's amazing.

I have yet to read it, but I've been told that Honeybee Democracy is an interesting read on how bees go about communicating where the new hive is.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0691147213/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_Kr3iybDBY5XBY

These are them. They're great. I got them because it looks cool but it also melts slower so your drink doesn't get watered down. http://www.amazon.com/Tovolo-Sphere-Ice-Molds-Set/dp/B007ACTN54

Just leave them, they will move on.

Worth a read if you're curious about what they're doing: http://www.amazon.com/Honeybee-Democracy-Thomas-D-Seeley/dp/0691147213

My first time reading about these.. well worth it I'm in stitches here laughing about it. Not sure if this is the same product but the other links I looked at are the same

https://www.amazon.com/Albanese-Candy-Sugar-Assorted-5-pound/product-reviews/B00DE4GWWY

https://www.amazon.com/Luxe-Bidet-Neo-120-Non-Electric/dp/B00A0RHSJO/ref=sr_1_4?s=kitchen-bath&ie=UTF8&qid=1511125250&sr=1-4&keywords=bidet&dpID=419LXSZM6YL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

theres a video there for the install. its easy and not permanent. you'll need some channel locks and a small adjustable wrench.

I found this on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Ji-Ga-300-Piece-Puzzle/dp/B00433MUJO
Seems it comes with a program to help you out.

Looks like it comes from Kingfisher, and looks like they do offer tooth paste with fluoride but it doesn't indicate the concentration

For everyone looking to buy this it is on amazon and here's the link! https://www.amazon.com/6-Spray-Digital-Temperature-Display-75668/dp/B00KL6XA5A/ref=sr_1_13?crid=3QP0BU59CIV59&keywords=shower+head+temperature+display&qid=1564758442&s=gateway&sprefix=shower+head+temp%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-13

so who is going to provide an amazon link for this thing?

Me I guess

Hand held version

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Multitool-Clip-Multi-Functional-Serrated/dp/B00O8RE0JI/ref=pd_bxgy_469_2/140-2874910-5300718?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00O8RE0JI&pd_rd_r=dcff3b00-7e23-11e9-b06b-1967775fe31c&pd_rd_w=8H9o8&pd_rd_wg=RUuX7&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=JE6SC1D85MSC7Z2TWE0S&psc=1&refRID=JE6SC1D85MSC7Z2TWE0S

Available from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Multitool-Clip-Multi-Functional-Serrated/dp/B00O8RE0JI/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=multi+tool+hair+clip&qid=1558704359&s=gateway&sr=8-4

[This] (https://www.amazon.com/Ceramics-Mermaid-backflow-incense-burner/dp/B01KWHNMAK/ref=sr_1_17?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1485214750&sr=1-17&keywords=ceramic+incense+burner+backflow+buddha) is the one you want to buy!

Probably this expensive ass rice cooker.

https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Promark-View-Highlighter-Color/dp/B00BPJLLSA

Is it though, "truthful"?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GGXG00E//ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=duiwath-20

Apparently on Amazon and only $30

https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Promark-View-Highlighter-Color/dp/B00BPJLLSA/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1465404848&sr=1-1&keywords=uni+promark+view+highlighter

This is the one from the picture!

Actually, I think it's this commercial rice cooker.

https://www.amazon.com/cooker-bushel-stainless-business-JNO-A360-XS/dp/B0000C97YZ

Edit: Yup, confirmed by OP below in another comment.

Spirograph.

http://www.amazon.com/Ji-Ga-300-Piece-Puzzle/dp/B00433MUJO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408285837&sr=8-1&keywords=jigazo

$22.99 on Amazon.

This one is my favorite. [NSFW]

I was more concerned about the lactating Mermaid...


Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KWHNMAK/ref=psdcmw_3734831_t1_B01F591CHK

That thing is hideous looking. This is the one I have http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ocean-Aluminum-SPA392M-Multi-functional/dp/B005Q4WAXA/ref=zg_bs_6810472011_3/187-8335381-9321505. Has digital water temperature and many other functions. There are similar models that are even cheaper than this one.

For that much you can get this crazy looking one with a digital readout and tons of faucets.

http://i.imgur.com/emRPQZB.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ocean-Aluminum-SPA392M-Multi-functional/dp/B005Q4WAXA/

http://amzn.com/B00433MUJO

amzn.com/B00GGXG00E

Now you can have your own cast iron plaque.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that's because it's fennel flavored toothpaste.

Shittens is an actual thing.

US: https://www.amazon.com/Supermarket-Register-Checkout-Microphone-Calculator/dp/B0063HUDEC/

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kids-Supermarket-Till-Cash-Register/dp/B00P525ZMQ/ (pink version)

A lot of pen lights use these http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-65018-Stylus-4-Inch-Penlight/dp/B00008BFS5/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1412627315&sr=8-7&keywords=penlight

I think it's this:


https://www.amazon.com/Kingfisher-100-Fennel-Fluoride-Toothpaste/dp/B0013G8LBU

Actually that's not correct, the one in the picture is the Uni Promark View Highlighter. You can differentiate it because the Uni has the coloured plastic behind the nib, but the Sharpie ones have black plastic behind the nib.

https://www.amazon.com/Lexar-Backup-Flash-Drive-LEHMX64GBSBNA/dp/B004TPPWUU
This is a 64GB drive.

https://www.amazon.com/Lexar-Backup-Flash-Drive-LEHMX64GBSBNA/dp/B004TPPWUU

Updated version

It's yours for $30

At Amazon? No, not quite: http://camelcamelcamel.com/Blue-Ocean-Aluminum-SPA392M-Multi-functional/product/B005Q4WAXA

I bought a very fancy pen light some years back that requires AAAA. has been going strong for years with no problems.

Edit: https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-65018-Stylus-3-AAAA-4-Inch/dp/B00008BFS5

I think it’s direct input, which relates to PA systems. This particular cash register has a built-in microphone, so I think that it most likely turns the mic on/off. It’s a weird abbreviation, though

It's probably only a few volts. It's powered by the water itself, no wiring.

Delta Faucet 6-Spray Temp2O Touch-Clean Shower Head with LED Digital Temperature Display, Chrome 75668 https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00KL6XA5A

Somebody had a boring childhood.

These types of geometric figures are technically known as hypotrochoids and epitrochoids.

https://www.amazon.com/Albanese-Candy-Sugar-Assorted-5-pound/product-reviews/B00DE4GWWY I don't know how to shorten it, also lazy.

Data banks(?) don't occupy much space. You can get 256GB micro SD cards. And this isn't that much bigger than most USB sticks. Don't have to look far too see that your comment is wrong.

Here is what a quick google search found.

https://www.amazon.com/Lexar-Backup-Flash-Drive-LEHMX64GBSBNA/dp/B004TPPWUU

I have an LED penlight like this that uses them. I don't use the light very often, shitty battery life and low light output.

Nothing like moving the toys sticker and putting a beer sticker where it used to be.

Edit: NM I was wrong.
https://www.amazon.com/Supermarket-Register-Checkout-Microphone-Calculator/dp/B0063HUDEC

read the reviews & questions shit is gold.

Some of the varieties of sugar-free gummy bears contains a laxative. I think the reviews speak for themselves. (In short, eating large amounts of them is a very bad idea)