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Pope Gregory's Sneeze
Episode 197
Why do we say ‘God Bless You’ when we sneeze? Some historians trace it back to 16th February, 600 - and a decree supposedly issued by the pun-loving,…
3 years, 10 months ago
The Delia Smith Backlash
Episode 196
TV chef Delia Smith built a stellar career on the success spawned from her first book, ‘How To Cheat At Cooking’ in 1971. So, when she published a re…
3 years, 10 months ago
The Night of 206 Stars
Episode 195
The Rockettes kicked off a celebrity line-up including Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minelli, Jimmy Stewart, Al Pacino and Miss Piggy at ‘The Night of 100 S…
3 years, 10 months ago
The Urinary Leash
Episode 194
The first women’s public toilets in London opened on Bedford St on 11th February, 1852 - attempting to capitalize on the success of George Jennings’ …
3 years, 11 months ago
Trouble at the Tavern
Episode 193
Violent ‘town versus gown’ confrontations have been part of Oxford life ever since the University was founded - but reached an ignominious peak on 10…
3 years, 11 months ago
Horseracing Hits Britain
Episode 192
Chester Racecourse hosted Britain’s first ever recorded horse-racing meet on 9th February, 1539. The winner received a set of silver bells to hang fr…
3 years, 11 months ago
Inventing The Credit Card
Episode 191
Diners Club, the world’s first credit card, was used for the first time at Major’s Cabin Grill in New York City on February 8th, 1950. Perhaps at odd…
3 years, 11 months ago
Preventing Technological Surprise
Episode 190
Inventing the internet and pioneering satellite navigation, U.S. government agency DARPA has had an illustrious history since being founded by Presid…
3 years, 11 months ago
Barry Bremen, The Great Imposter
Episode 189
Disguised variously as a baseball umpire, NFL referee, pro golfer, and even Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, Barry Bremen earned his reputation as America…
3 years, 11 months ago
Who Killed Belle Starr?
Episode 188
The women of the Wild West mostly spent their lives laundering men’s clothes, bringing up children, and avoiding getting caught in the crossfire - bu…
3 years, 11 months ago