Molly

On a recent trip to Tokyo, my wife popped down to reception, leaving me alone in our hotel room.
After a few minutes, I decided to turn the TV on. It was only then that I discovered that she had accidentally taken both room entry cards with her. And since you use these to activate the electricity to the room, I couldn't turn the TV on.
Then I had a thought! I tore this beer mat in half and dropped it in the slot.
It worked! The power came on and I could watch crazy Japanese TV.
For decades I'd assumed you had to use the magnetic room key card because, you know, it opens your door so therefore MUST be used to turn the power on.
But no, any old bit of card will do the job!

This wooden thingy is fastened to the wall, at about 6 ft height, in my laundry area. Not a clue what it does. It's been nagging at me since I moved in five years ago. I hope this is not too exciting.