Gill & Pete are back again with more Friday Fact Fun!

This week Gill tells us the lovely story of how the term "woollybacks" is steeped in history and is not in fact a derogatory term for people from St. Helens. She also tells us the source of the word "ghost" and is championing the bringing back of the word "copemate". She also tells us how the word gossip was born! Finally she is here to tell you guys that putting your elbows on the table when you eat is absolutely fine... unless you have a dodgy table.

Pete tells us the slightly chaotic story of how animals once ruled the streets of big cities and we didn't mind cos they ate the rubbish. Yes, you read that right. He also tells us of the strange, subliminal messages that certain folded corners of a calling card could convey.

Finally he tells us of the great George Wilson who brought London to a standstill because the public couldn't cope with him walking a very very long way so they just had to gamble and drink. But it wasn't George's fault.

Now we're off to have a have a bet on the Olympic walking event because we love it.

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Facts The Way I Like It! is written and presented by Gill Smith & Pete Moor.

Subjects & Research by Gill Smith & Pete Moor.

Sound, Editing & Music by Pete Moor.

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Welcome back to WTF HQ for another Facts The Way I Like It!

Gill is back in town from her round the world tour and frankly is bristling with more facts. This week Gill tells us of the mad craze that took hold of Victorian Britain and made everyone far too interested in ferns. Yes, ferns.

She also tells us where the phrase "Being in the Limelight" comes from.

Finally, she tells us how Kim Kardashian helped a priceless sarcophagus find its way home after a viral photo exposed the MET's somewhat mirky art purchase history.

Pete weighs in this week with the story of Hedy Lamarr and how she and composer George Antheil developed an ingenious system to help the Second World War effort and prevent radio controlled torpedoes being intercepted by the enemy.

Also, he tells us how that simple yet effective idea has become the bedrock of a vast array of modern technology and communications.

He also shares the current runners and riders in the mid-21st century space race and the roadmap for the next humans to set foot on the moon and what it all might mean for human space endeavour overall.

Finally, Pete has a few quick fire facts including Guy Fawkes' frankly useless ability to choose a pseudonym.

Right, we're off to get some custard creams and methodically disassemble our toys to see how they work...

Follow us on Social Media:

Threads: @WhatTheFactualpod

Instagram: @whatthefactualpod

Email us..: whatthefactualpod@gmail.com

Youtube...: www.youtube.com/@whatthefactualpod

Facts The Way I Like It! is written and presented by Gill Smith & Pete Moor.

Subjects & Research by Gill Smith & Pete Moor.

Sound, Editing & Music by Pete Moor.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Friday and we all know what that means... Except we don't because you're wrong. It's not Gill and Pete... It's Karen and Pete!

Yes, stepping in for Gill Smith again, is our favourite stand in presenter and fellow keen fact nerd, Karen Hassan.

This week Karen takes us down memory lane and reminds us of a time when instead of trawling through hundreds of films on Netflix and never making a decision, we would do that in person, standing in a Blockbuster store. She tells us all to dig out the crates in the loft to see if we have an original VHS worth a fortune.

She also tells us the colourful history of Tarot cards and finally she tells us why we say "mind your P's and Q's" or why we think we do!

Pete shares the story of a recently rediscovered composer, Florence Price who overcame prejudice in early 20th century America to achieve a musical first which has lead to her music being finally, rightly performed and appreciated by the world.

He also shares the frankly ridiculous world of the Blanket Octopus and the slight mis-match between the male and the female and finally he suggests that if we're ever lost... Maybe try using a cow as a compass.

Right, we're off to the local Cineplex with a VHS camcorder.

Follow us on Social Media:

Threads: @WhatTheFactualpod

Instagram: @whatthefactualpod

Email us..: whatthefactualpod@gmail.com

Youtube...: https://www.youtube.com/@whatthefactualpod

Facts The Way I Like It! is written and presented by Gill Smith & Pete Moor.

Subjects & Research by Gill Smith & Pete Moor.

Sound, Editing & Music by Pete Moor.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.