49 - Pioneer Hedy Lamarr, Cool Ferns & The MET's Dodgy Purchase History

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: @WhatTheFactualpodInstagram: @whatthefactualpodEmail us..: [email protected]...: www.youtube.com/@whatthefactualpodFacts 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.