Isn't this a motoring question?
Summary
James O'Brien hosts Mystery Hour, fielding listener questions ranging from why razors are sharpened on leather strops to the origin of "Wendy houses." Callers also debate the purpose of pedestrian crossing buttons, the role of pheromones in attraction without smell, and the history behind Roman numeral clocks. The episode features humorous banter, including a correction on Ewok origins and a discussion on the etymology of "John Doe," as O'Brien seeks answers to these everyday curiosities.
Topics discussed
Intro, format explanation, and electric car anecdote
Listener message regarding Reform UK and racism
Sharpening chisels and barbering ears
Origin of the term 'Wendy house'
Do pedestrian crossing buttons actually work?
Pheromones and attraction without a sense of smell
Origin of the names John Doe and Joe Bloggs
Why Roman numeral IV is used on clocks
Detailed answer on sharpening tools and stropping
Defining general knowledge vs specialist knowledge
Why fire alarms are called 'bells' and name trends
History of Roman numerals and clock faces
Listener background in medieval history reenactment
Police officer explains pedestrian button mechanics
Answer on the origin of the Wendy house
Scientific answer on human pheromones
Sign-off
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