What do egg whites, chocolates, and duct tape have in common?
Hello, fellow adventure lover!
We’ve had plenty of cold, stormy days here in Western Australia, and I’m battling a nasty flu. So the studio desk is now under a small mountain of tissues while I soldier on. Thankfully, spring is just around the corner, and I’m looking forward to warmer weather ahead! There’s no shortage of inspiration on this end, though, as you can see from my adventures below.
What about you? Tell me what you’ve been up to this month!
This Month’s Adventures
An essential part of the writing process for me is to explore, both mentally and physically. So there’s been a lot of walk-abouts this month, checking out different trails in Western Australia, and lots of sunsets at our famed beaches.
I’ve been having plenty of indoor, ‘intellectual adventures’ too. Think back to The Imperial Alchemist for a second... remember how Sarah had escaped her kidnapper with a clever little device from her favourite TV show, MacGvyer? You may not know this, but the original MacGyver series from the 80s inspired me to become an engineer in a previous life. As a secret agent and trained scientist, MacGyver would solve complex problems by making extraordinary things out of mundane objects, constantly wowing everyone with the ever-expanding applications of his Swiss Army knife and duct tape. Come to think of it, I’m pretty sure he has inspired a whole generation of engineers.
So while watching some reruns of Mythbusters, I came across a few neat tricks that I thought I’d share with you. Here are 3 of his most memorable hacks. And the best part? They're not just the stuff of TV magic; they actually work! (Disclaimer: Please don't try these at home, especially if you value your car or your chocolate stash.)
1. The Egg-straordinary Radiator Fix:
Faced with a leaky radiator in the episode "Bushmaster," MacGyver did what any of us would do: he cracked open some eggs. Pouring the egg whites into the radiator, he used their protein-rich magic to seal the leak and make his getaway. But before you start seeing your breakfast as an automotive tool, remember that this is just a temporary solution. While it has been confirmed as plausible by MythBusters, using eggs as radiator sealants may lead to a rather scrambled engine situation.
2. Chocolate: Not Just for Dessert Anymore:
Who knew that chocolate could save the day beyond satisfying a sweet tooth? In a tense situation involving a sulfuric acid leak, MacGyver proved that chocolate's sucrose and glucose could react with the acid to create elemental carbon and a thick residue. Science confirms it (Formula: 2H2SO4 (l) + C12H22O11 (s) --> 12C (s) + 13H2O (l) + 2SO2 (g) + O2 (g)), and MythBusters gave it a thumbs up. A delicious solution, but don't waste your favorite truffles on this one.
3. A Freezing Escape with a Warm Solution:
Trapped in a walk-in freezer? MacGyver was, but he didn't let that chill his resolve. Utilizing ice, a light bulb, and some metal bars, he concocted a brilliant plan to melt ice into the freezer's lock, then waited for it to refreeze, granting him a frosty escape. It's a trick as cool as it sounds, but perhaps best left to the realms of fiction unless you find yourself in an ice-cold predicament.
Whether it's sealing leaks with breakfast or saving the day with dessert, MacGyver's ingenuity has always pushed the boundaries of what's possible. These stories remind me that a little creativity can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
I hope that your month ahead is filled with creativity, innovation, and, of course, some good old-fashioned entertainment!
What I’m Reading/Watching
Oh this is an exciting one! Also known as the White City or Ciudad Blanca, the legend of the Lost City of the Monkey God has been a bedtime story for generations of children in Honduras. A lost, cursed city of immense wealth, trespassing it will ensure you a certain death. For centuries, adventurers and explorers have searched for this ancient, mysterious place.
The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston is a real-life account of the 2015 archaeological quest deep in the jungles of Honduras, chronicling Preston's firsthand experience as a journalist and participant in the expedition led by documentary producer Steve Elkins, who enlisted the help of archaeologists, scientists, and government officials to uncover the secrets of the lost civilization.
Along the way, Preston describes the challenges and dangers they faced in the hostile environment, as well as the stunning findings and implications of their research. The book also delves into the controversy and criticism that surrounded their project, and the unexpected consequences of their exposure to a deadly tropical disease 😖 Captivating, excruciating, and exciting, this book reads like a real-life Indiana Jones adventure.
I’m trying to track down the documentary to watch in Australia - let me know if you figure out where I can watch it!
Until next month, stay happy and well 🙂
A. H. Wang
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