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Does anyone else play this online game?
I've been playing for about a week and am hooked, apparently, it's gone viral in a short space of time. Well worth a look if you like something that has you scratching your head and you have a few minutes to spare or to play during a coffee break.
www.powerlanguage.co.uk
I've been playing for about a week and am hooked, apparently, it's gone viral in a short space of time. Well worth a look if you like something that has you scratching your head and you have a few minutes to spare or to play during a coffee break.
Wordle - A daily word game
Guess the hidden word in 6 tries. A new puzzle is available each day.
www.powerlanguage.co.uk
The rules are simple: You answer the question from the previous post and post a question of your own.
Would you be friends with your brothers or sisters if they weren't your brothers and sisters?
Would you be friends with your brothers or sisters if they weren't your brothers and sisters?
hannah
They would know that I love my dog!
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
Strawberry Man
No matter what happens, there's always something to be grateful for. A mindset of gratitude will shift your perspective and bring more joy.
What's a completely ordinary thing that makes you ridiculously happy?
Gemma
Eating jelly beans. I buy a 900g jar every month
If you could instantly become brilliant at one skill, what would you choose?
It's weird I don't remember much at all from my childhood, but I remember being in Blackpool at the South Pier when the last full solar eclipse happened.
| Stage | Edinburgh and Glasgow | Galway and Dublin | Manchester and Liverpool | Norwich and Birmingham | London, Bristol and Cardiff | Truro, Cornwall |
| 'First contact' (the Moon first covers the disc of the Sun) | 6.08pm | 6.12pm | 6.13pm | 6.15pm | 6.17pm | 6.18pm |
| Eclipse maximum (when most of the Sun is covered) | 7.05pm | 7.10pm | 7.10pm | 7.11pm | 7.12pm | 7.16pm |
| End of eclipse (the Moon is no longer covering the Sun) | 8pm | 8.05-06pm | 8.03-04pm | 8.04pm | 8.06pm | 8.10pm |
Franco Pinion
Did anyone see anything?
Gemma
Absolutely nothing! Went "dark" for about 5 minutes, but it was more like overcast than dark. Disappointing!
Andy
Glad it wasn't just me that ended up disappointed about the whole thing...
Admittedly I didn't bother watching it as I didn't have any special glasses, but still - it hardly even went dark here.. it was just as though we had two sunsets in the same evening.
Admittedly I didn't bother watching it as I didn't have any special glasses, but still - it hardly even went dark here.. it was just as though we had two sunsets in the same evening.
From time to time, you may be rewarded with badges recognising contributions, milestones, and moments of excellence you have contributed to the continued growth of Idle Chatter and our little community.
Your well-deserved awards will appear below.....
Your well-deserved awards will appear below.....
Gemma
A full year of laughs, insights, and lively posts - what a journey! We're proud to award the What A Year! Badge to
Bingo in recognition of twelve months of meaningful presence on Idle Chatter.
Over the past year,
Bingo has added their voice to our forum in a way that's left a lasting mark. Through their posts and participation, they've helped make this space a little brighter, a little friendlier, and a lot more engaging.
This badge stands as a toast to a fantastic first year - and a hopeful glance toward the future. Thank you for being part of our story!
Bingo in recognition of twelve months of meaningful presence on Idle Chatter.Over the past year,
Bingo has added their voice to our forum in a way that's left a lasting mark. Through their posts and participation, they've helped make this space a little brighter, a little friendlier, and a lot more engaging.This badge stands as a toast to a fantastic first year - and a hopeful glance toward the future. Thank you for being part of our story!
Gemma
With a round of virtual applause and sincere appreciation, we proudly award the Okie Dokie Badge to
BlackEyed Pete for reaching the impressive milestone of 100 posts on Idle Chatter.
On 25 Jul 2026 at 22:41,
BlackEyed Pete officially joined the ranks of our most active and engaged members, contributing thoughtful replies, sparking conversations, and helping to keep the community lively and welcoming.
Whether sharing insights, asking questions, or simply joining in the banter, BlackEyed Pete has proven that every post counts—and they've made each one matter. Their presence has enriched the forum's spirit and helped foster a sense of camaraderie among members.
This badge is a tip of the hat to consistency, contribution, and community spirit. Here's to the first hundred—and many more to come!
BlackEyed Pete for reaching the impressive milestone of 100 posts on Idle Chatter.On 25 Jul 2026 at 22:41,
BlackEyed Pete officially joined the ranks of our most active and engaged members, contributing thoughtful replies, sparking conversations, and helping to keep the community lively and welcoming.Whether sharing insights, asking questions, or simply joining in the banter, BlackEyed Pete has proven that every post counts—and they've made each one matter. Their presence has enriched the forum's spirit and helped foster a sense of camaraderie among members.
This badge is a tip of the hat to consistency, contribution, and community spirit. Here's to the first hundred—and many more to come!
Janey
We proudly award the Hotspot Badge to
Kells, whose thread has ignited discussion and captured the community's attention, reaching 100 replies in a single topic!
Whether it was thought-provoking, entertaining, or just plain irresistible, @Kells's thread became a true conversation magnet, drawing voices from across the forum.
This badge recognises not just activity, but impact - proof that when Kells posts, people show up. Keep the spark alive!
Kells, whose thread has ignited discussion and captured the community's attention, reaching 100 replies in a single topic!Whether it was thought-provoking, entertaining, or just plain irresistible, @Kells's thread became a true conversation magnet, drawing voices from across the forum.
This badge recognises not just activity, but impact - proof that when Kells posts, people show up. Keep the spark alive!
Couple of things annoying me today.
Firstly, I ordered a new wireless keyboard and mouse online. It was dispatched last Friday and I still haven't received it. My tracking app said it had been collected by the courier on Saturday and was on route. On Tuesday, the app updated to say they couldn't deliver it and I needed to contact the sender immediately. Did this, the sender said they would create a case file and find out what was going on and get back in touch with me within 36 hours. I'm still waiting.
Secondly, somewhat trivial but I've been reading through comments and suggestions on xenForo.com (our forum software) about an upcoming major software update and, to be honest, I just want to tell them all to shut the fuck up. Never seen so much pettiness. If some of these people are forum admins I dread to think what their forums are like. I honestly think most of them want the software tailored to their needs and their needs only.
What has annoyed you today?
Firstly, I ordered a new wireless keyboard and mouse online. It was dispatched last Friday and I still haven't received it. My tracking app said it had been collected by the courier on Saturday and was on route. On Tuesday, the app updated to say they couldn't deliver it and I needed to contact the sender immediately. Did this, the sender said they would create a case file and find out what was going on and get back in touch with me within 36 hours. I'm still waiting.
Secondly, somewhat trivial but I've been reading through comments and suggestions on xenForo.com (our forum software) about an upcoming major software update and, to be honest, I just want to tell them all to shut the fuck up. Never seen so much pettiness. If some of these people are forum admins I dread to think what their forums are like. I honestly think most of them want the software tailored to their needs and their needs only.
What has annoyed you today?
Dylan
"We're making some changes to our PayPal legal agreements"
You have been making some changes to our PayPal legal agreements every 6 months for at least the last 20 years - why haven't you managed to get it right yet?
You have been making some changes to our PayPal legal agreements every 6 months for at least the last 20 years - why haven't you managed to get it right yet?
Franco Pinion
Just had an email from Groupon for an offer on Xmas decorations. FFS 
Boot Cleaner
Cafés with staff who lack initiative. The ideal time to mention what is the daily sandwich special is when you hand us the menu. Not 10 minutes later when you come over to ask "are you ready to order?" And not knowing the answer when asked shows a shocking lack of preparation. "I'll just check with the kitchen". FFS.
What's the weather like where you are today?
Been horrible here today, last week we were basking in 27C, more like 15C today with rain, wind and no sign of summer!
Been horrible here today, last week we were basking in 27C, more like 15C today with rain, wind and no sign of summer!
A
Amelia
Heavy rain and thunder today. I'd definitely say our summer is over.
Dylan
Apparently warm again next week
BlackEyed Pete
Thermometer is touching on 28°C today, another few hot days predicted this week 
Share some random facts and trivia with us all.
Superman didn't always fly.
The original comic book Superman could leap tall buildings in a single bound. But then he had to come right back down to Earth—because he didn't fly. It wasn't until the 1940s, when animators for a new animated series decided it would be too difficult to routinely draw him bending his knees, that it was decided that Superman could take off into the air. Readers got to see smooth animation, and a superhero gained a new power.
Pringles aren't actually potato chips.
The next time you see a can of Pringles, take a closer look—you won't see the word "chip" anywhere on the packaging. That's because Pringles aren't made of thinly-sliced potatoes, but instead dehydrated potato flakes pressed into their signature parabolic shape. That's what makes them less greasy. But when other potato chip manufacturers complained, the Food and Drug Administration ruled that Pringles couldn't be marketed as chips. The company eventually settled on "potato crisp."
Humans are just one of the estimated 8.7 million species on Earth.
Human beings may dominate the planet with our sprawling cities and far-reaching technology, but we are, in fact, just one species among some 8.7 million that live together on planet Earth. One 2011 study published in the journal PLoS Biology estimated that "the various forms of life on the planet included 7.8 million species of animals, 298,000 species of plants, 611,000 species of mushrooms, mould and other fungi, 36,400 species of protozoa, and 27,500 species of algae or chromists." And it's worth noting that the researchers did not venture to put an estimate on the number of bacteria.
Superman didn't always fly.
The original comic book Superman could leap tall buildings in a single bound. But then he had to come right back down to Earth—because he didn't fly. It wasn't until the 1940s, when animators for a new animated series decided it would be too difficult to routinely draw him bending his knees, that it was decided that Superman could take off into the air. Readers got to see smooth animation, and a superhero gained a new power.
Pringles aren't actually potato chips.
The next time you see a can of Pringles, take a closer look—you won't see the word "chip" anywhere on the packaging. That's because Pringles aren't made of thinly-sliced potatoes, but instead dehydrated potato flakes pressed into their signature parabolic shape. That's what makes them less greasy. But when other potato chip manufacturers complained, the Food and Drug Administration ruled that Pringles couldn't be marketed as chips. The company eventually settled on "potato crisp."
Humans are just one of the estimated 8.7 million species on Earth.
Human beings may dominate the planet with our sprawling cities and far-reaching technology, but we are, in fact, just one species among some 8.7 million that live together on planet Earth. One 2011 study published in the journal PLoS Biology estimated that "the various forms of life on the planet included 7.8 million species of animals, 298,000 species of plants, 611,000 species of mushrooms, mould and other fungi, 36,400 species of protozoa, and 27,500 species of algae or chromists." And it's worth noting that the researchers did not venture to put an estimate on the number of bacteria.
C
Crabtree
In the early 19th century, the concept of a weekend began to form in industrial Britain, where factory owners and workers agreed to Saturday afternoons off to ensure workers were sober, rested and refreshed for Monday.
BlackEyed Pete
Another historical anecdote: Duke Jing of Jin (China) died in 587 BC by falling into the toilet.
The story is memorable enough to be documented in the Chinese classic text Zuo Zhuan.
According to the Zuo Zhuan, the duke dreamed of a malevolent spirit. After waking, he consulted a wu (a shaman), who told him that he would not live to eat the new harvest's wheat. The duke's illness worsened, and he consulted a physician from the state of Qin. This physician told the duke that the disease had reached the gaohuang (膏肓), the fatty region between the heart and diaphragm, and was therefore incurable.
On day bingwu of the sixth month (August-September), the duke asked for and was presented with the new harvest wheat. Believing the shaman to have made a wrong prediction, he summoned him, showed him the new wheat, and had him executed.
Just as he was about to eat, the duke felt bloated, went to the toilet, accidentally fell in and died. At noon, a slave carried the duke's body out of the toilet. Earlier that morning, the slave had a dream that he was carrying his lord to the heavens. Consequently, the slave was buried with the duke to serve him in the afterlife.
This vivid account has given rise to a chengyu (four-character classical idiom), 病入膏肓 ('the disease has entered the gaohuang'), used to describe an incurable illness, or more broadly, a situation beyond remediation.
ThePastRevisited, what do you make of this story? Anything further to add to the demise and death of Duke Jing of Jin?
The story is memorable enough to be documented in the Chinese classic text Zuo Zhuan.
According to the Zuo Zhuan, the duke dreamed of a malevolent spirit. After waking, he consulted a wu (a shaman), who told him that he would not live to eat the new harvest's wheat. The duke's illness worsened, and he consulted a physician from the state of Qin. This physician told the duke that the disease had reached the gaohuang (膏肓), the fatty region between the heart and diaphragm, and was therefore incurable.
On day bingwu of the sixth month (August-September), the duke asked for and was presented with the new harvest wheat. Believing the shaman to have made a wrong prediction, he summoned him, showed him the new wheat, and had him executed.
Just as he was about to eat, the duke felt bloated, went to the toilet, accidentally fell in and died. At noon, a slave carried the duke's body out of the toilet. Earlier that morning, the slave had a dream that he was carrying his lord to the heavens. Consequently, the slave was buried with the duke to serve him in the afterlife.
This vivid account has given rise to a chengyu (four-character classical idiom), 病入膏肓 ('the disease has entered the gaohuang'), used to describe an incurable illness, or more broadly, a situation beyond remediation.
ThePastRevisited, what do you make of this story? Anything further to add to the demise and death of Duke Jing of Jin?
ThePastRevisited
It is one of the more striking episodes in the Zuo Zhuan, and it is usually treated by historians as a mix of political record, moral commentary, and later literary shaping rather than as a straightforward clinical account.
A few points are worth adding:
- The source: the story comes from the Zuo Zhuan, which is invaluable for Spring and Autumn history but was compiled later and often frames events to draw moral lessons about rulers, ministers, omens, and legitimacy.
- The illness narrative: the detail about the disease entering the gaohuang became important because it turned a specific royal illness into a lasting idiom, bìng rù gāo huāng, meaning an incurable condition.
- The omen structure: dreams, divination, medical consultation, and the new harvest wheat all fit a pattern common in early Chinese historical writing, where natural events and misfortune are linked to the ruler's conduct and fate.
- The death account: falling into the toilet is one of those highly memorable court anecdotes that appears designed to underline the humiliation of a ruler whose authority had already collapsed physically and symbolically.
- The slave being buried with him: this reflects older elite burial practices in which attendants or retainers could be sacrificed or interred to serve the dead ruler in the afterlife, though the reliability of each detail is hard to test.
In wider terms, the episode is useful because it shows how early Chinese texts preserved both political history and exemplary storytelling. It also demonstrates how a single court incident could produce a phrase still used centuries later.
If you want a further angle, I can also set out:
- the political position of Jin under Duke Jing,
- how the Zuo Zhuan uses this episode morally,
- or the broader history of human sacrifice and elite burial in early China.
Another online puzzle game. Addicted to this 
You have to guess where and what year. Usually looking at things like clothes/cars, etc.. to help identify the era. Pretty fun.
TimeGuessr #34 27,282/50,000
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timeguessr.com
You have to guess where and what year. Usually looking at things like clothes/cars, etc.. to help identify the era. Pretty fun.
TimeGuessr #34 27,282/50,000
️️️ ️️️ ️️ ️ ️️ TimeGuessr
TimeGuessr - the game that tests both your geography and history knowledge. Guess where and when historic photos were taken.
Dylan
TimeGuessr #1162 — 34,493/50,000
7,370 · 9y · 
7.5km
6,353 · 12y · 146.6km
5,430 · 10y · 1140.8km
6,569 · 8y · 430.7km
8,771 · 5y · 7.3km
timeguessr.com
7,370 · 9y · 7.5km 6,353 · 12y · 146.6km 5,430 · 10y · 1140.8km 6,569 · 8y · 430.7km 8,771 · 5y · 7.3kmTimeGuessr
TimeGuessr - the game that tests both your geography and history knowledge. Guess where and when historic photos were taken.
Dylan
TimeGuessr #1164 — 36,631/50,000
9,892 · 1y · 2.4km
6,561 · 2y · 2217.3km
4,276 · 26y · 224.5km
7,096 · 10y · 76.0km
8,806 · 4y · 98.6km
timeguessr.com
9,892 · 1y · 2.4km 6,561 · 2y · 2217.3km 4,276 · 26y · 224.5km 7,096 · 10y · 76.0km 8,806 · 4y · 98.6kmTimeGuessr
TimeGuessr - the game that tests both your geography and history knowledge. Guess where and when historic photos were taken.
Dylan
Tough one today
TimeGuessr #1165 — 16,507/50,000
2,012 · 11y · 12824.3km
5,113 · 16y · 386.8km
3,412 · 6y · 8861.5km
2,012 · 12y · 6145.9km
3,958 · 25y · 541.7km
timeguessr.com
TimeGuessr #1165 — 16,507/50,000
2,012 · 11y · 12824.3km 5,113 · 16y · 386.8km 3,412 · 6y · 8861.5km 2,012 · 12y · 6145.9km 3,958 · 25y · 541.7kmTimeGuessr
TimeGuessr - the game that tests both your geography and history knowledge. Guess where and when historic photos were taken.
I have had a huge interest in maps and geography since I was a very small child.
So here's a little thread on maps that I find interesting and fascinating - some represent data, some physical features, others may display key routeways and connectivity and others again might show urbanisation and the growth patterns of cities.
I am generally fascinated with the way places and routes are related to each other in spatial terms, and I could pore over a good map for ages.
Here's one to start off. Feel free to add your own!
Pangaea (a supercontinent that existed roughly 335-175 million years ago) mapped with contemporary geopolitical borders.
The original is here
So here's a little thread on maps that I find interesting and fascinating - some represent data, some physical features, others may display key routeways and connectivity and others again might show urbanisation and the growth patterns of cities.
I am generally fascinated with the way places and routes are related to each other in spatial terms, and I could pore over a good map for ages.
Here's one to start off. Feel free to add your own!
Pangaea (a supercontinent that existed roughly 335-175 million years ago) mapped with contemporary geopolitical borders.
The original is here
BlackEyed Pete
Map of Europe at the death of Charlemagne
BlackEyed Pete
Coffee consumption in Europe
C
Crabtree
Interesting maps showing portions of the Normandy landing sites, the initial naval operations, and assessed positions the following day.
As the temperatures soar during a heatwave, it's important to remember that our canine companions can have a tough time staying cool. Unlike us, dogs don't sweat to regulate their body temperature, which makes it crucial for us to take extra steps to ensure they remain comfortable and safe. Here are some effective strategies to help keep your dog cool when the heat is on:
1. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Make sure your dog has access to fresh, cool water at all times. Hydration is key in helping them manage their body temperature. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl for an extra refreshing treat!
2. Create a Cool Space
Set up a shaded area in your yard or home where your dog can escape the sun. A cooling mat can be a great investment, as it is designed to absorb heat and provide a comfortable spot for your pet to lie down.
3. Avoid Damp Towels
While it might seem like a good idea to drape a damp towel over your dog, this can actually trap heat and make them feel warmer. Instead, opt for a cooling vest or mat specifically designed for pets.
4. Limit Exercise During Peak Hours
Try to schedule walks and playtime during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. This will help prevent overheating and keep your dog happy and healthy.
5. Watch for Signs of Overheating
Be vigilant for signs that your dog may be overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to take action immediately by moving them to a cooler area and offering water.
6. Consider Indoor Activities
On particularly hot days, think about engaging your dog in indoor activities. Puzzle toys, training sessions, or even a game of fetch in a cooled space can keep them entertained without the risk of overheating.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your furry friend stays safe and comfortable during the heatwave. Remember, keeping your dog cool is not just about comfort; it's about their health and well-being too!
1. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Make sure your dog has access to fresh, cool water at all times. Hydration is key in helping them manage their body temperature. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl for an extra refreshing treat!
2. Create a Cool Space
Set up a shaded area in your yard or home where your dog can escape the sun. A cooling mat can be a great investment, as it is designed to absorb heat and provide a comfortable spot for your pet to lie down.
3. Avoid Damp Towels
While it might seem like a good idea to drape a damp towel over your dog, this can actually trap heat and make them feel warmer. Instead, opt for a cooling vest or mat specifically designed for pets.
4. Limit Exercise During Peak Hours
Try to schedule walks and playtime during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. This will help prevent overheating and keep your dog happy and healthy.
5. Watch for Signs of Overheating
Be vigilant for signs that your dog may be overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to take action immediately by moving them to a cooler area and offering water.
6. Consider Indoor Activities
On particularly hot days, think about engaging your dog in indoor activities. Puzzle toys, training sessions, or even a game of fetch in a cooled space can keep them entertained without the risk of overheating.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your furry friend stays safe and comfortable during the heatwave. Remember, keeping your dog cool is not just about comfort; it's about their health and well-being too!
Play today's puzzle
#Wordle #132 (21.08.2026) X/6
Play today's puzzle