A real mix this month with sad news of the man behind WD-40, plenty of bull from Audi, a motorcycling robot and a steam-powered finale.
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There was sad news at the beginning of August with the death of John S. Barry, the man credited with popularising WD-40, the water-displacing lubricant spray. Although not initially involved in the development of the now globally famous product, Barry joined manufacturer The Rocket Chemical Company as President and CEO in 1969.
He immediately changed the name to the WD-40 Company and grew the business exponentially. Interestingly, in order to protect the formula of WD-40 (which stands for "Water Displacement, formulation successful in 40th attempt" the product has never been patented. However, while often copied, it remains the most recognised brand of its kind in the world.
Meanwhile, if you are a bull in good condition you'd better beware: Audi may be after your hide. The German car manufacturer is increasing the amount of bull, as opposed to cow, hides used for leather upholstery in its top of the range vehicles. Apparently bull hide is softer and more supple. Audi even employs a "Nose Team" to ensure the leather smells expensive!
For fans of the Terminator films, fact and fiction may be growing closer. Castrol's motorcycle lubricants team have created Flossie, a motorcycle-riding robot to help with long-term testing. Flossie currently only rides stationary 'bikes, but it may only be a matter of time...
And last but not least, as reported in last month's Bulletin, the World's 'fastest kettle' was gearing up for a world record. Well, after several technical setbacks, the British Steam Car Challenge Team finally broke the World Land Speed Record for a steam powered car, setting an average speed of 139.843mph (225.055khp hitting a steaming 151mph (243kph) on the second run. Congratulations to the team, perhaps a nice celebratory cup of tea is in order. Could someone put the kettle on?