James O'Brien's Mystery Hour

Why does black get hotter in the sun?- 24 Jul 14

24 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why does your voice change on Helium? - 17 Jul 14

17 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why don't freezers have a light? - 10 Jul 14

10 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why are bricks in amsterdam houses so small? - 3 Jul 14

03 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why does my cat like my swim wear? - 26 Jun 14

26 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Can dogs control the wagging of their tails? - 19 Jun 14

19 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Can a Boeing 747 Loop the Loop?- 12 Jun 14

12 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

When does the sky start? - 5 Jun 14

05 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why do Chickens keep laying eggs even if they don't hatch? - 22 May 14

22 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

James O'Brien's Mystery Hour - 15 May 14

15 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why is it not over until the fat lady sings? - 8 May 14

08 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

James eats humble pie in Mystery Hour- 1 May 14

01 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why do we have hung and hang?- 24 Apr 14

24 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

The mystery of the measuring stick and Chickens - 17 Apr 14

17 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why do Irons not have an on or off switch? - 10 Apr 14

10 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

What is a 1st or 2nd world country? - 3 Apr 14

03 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Do bell ringers play sheet music? - 27 Mar 14

27 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Can the police just take your car like in films? - 20 Mar 14

20 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Do magnets work in space?- 6 Mar 14

06 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why do we say pop your clogs?- 27 Feb 14

27 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why does the moon depending on the day seem larger or smaller?r - 20 Feb 14

20 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

When did the Mixtape start?- 13 Feb 14

13 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Can a Judge be called up to go on Jury duty?- 6 Feb 14

06 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why do coins but not bank notes have dates on? - 30 Jan 14

30 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

What qualifications do you need to be a vicar? - 23 Jan 14

23 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Who invented swimming? - 16 Jan 14

16 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

When does a murder become an assasination?- 9 Jan 14

09 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Where does the phrase hard cheese come from? - 2 Jan 14

02 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Does the sun have weather? - 12 Dec 13

12 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why isn't there a phonetic alphabet for numbers? If you took all boats out of the ocean, would the sea-level drop?

How do you explain colours to blind people? - 28 Nov 13

28 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why do stars twinkle? - 21 Nov 13

22 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why do stars twinkle, and planets don't? When did the early ages finish? What is the definition of classical music? And other mysteries.

Why is HP sauce HP Sauce? - 14 Nov 13

14 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

How do you build a house on a slope? 7th Nov

07 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

how do you build a house on a slope, how high can fireworks go, does an aeroplane become lighter after food has been consumed?

Can honey be mass produced? 24th Oct

24 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Do airplane contrails affect the atmosphere? Can you mass produce honey and why aren't there cattle grids at all of the gates in Richmond Park?

Why does my tummy rumble? 17th Oct

17 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

what is para? are final tour tickets binding if a band tours again? why does my tummy rumble? how does live yeast survive freezing? why do the back of...

What has happened to thin sliced bread? 10th Oct

10 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What are the 49ers, what's happened to thin sliced bread, could we go back in time if the earth was spun anti clockwise and how do you make cider more...

How long is the umbilicle cord?

03 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Is there such a thing as a reverse placebo effect, why does a spider stick to another spiders web and who is the last in line to the throne?

Why do towels get dirty? 26th Sept

26 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

If we're clean when we use a towel, then why do towel's get dirty? Why do dogs lift a paw when they're paying attention and can you change your godpar...

Who made the first cake? 19th September

19 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Did the big bang take place in silent darkness? Can a bird be called pregnant if she carries an egg? Does bubble bath make a bath warmer?

Can Astronauts cry in space? - 12 Sep 13

12 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why is fat flammable, does blood get thinner in winter, and why do flies always die on their backs? And other mysteries...

What is a decibel? - 5 Sep 13

05 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Could Chickens survive a fall from a tall building? What is a decibel? Why does salt melt ice? And other mysteries...

Is an apple alive? 29th August

29 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Washing Up - why the word 'up'? how tall do you have to be to not be affected by cutting raw onions and how do you treat restless leg syndrome?

Why don't we eat blue food? 22nd August

22 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Is a banana a herb, when do wasps sleep, why don't you see stars behind moonwalkers and why do estate agents always sponsor fetes?

How many cows does it take to make a pint of milk? 8th August

08 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Questions on Mystery hour today included: what does a barbecue mean, how do we know the atomic clock is accurate and how do they work out the bills fo...

Why aren't there instructions on how to use toothpaste?

01 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Talcum Powder? Why are dusters yellow, Where are all the stag beetles, Can space get too full? Why are south facing gardens better?

Why don't dogs eat us? 25th July

25 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Questions today included: Is sound quality in film getting worse? Why are people coated in iodine before an operation? Does water reduce friction and...

Why does Nelson face that way? - 18 Jul 13

18 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why does the Queen's head face left on a stamp, how do fans make hot air cold? Why does honeysuckle smell more at night? When after the Norman conques...

What is 20/20 vision? 11th July

11 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why are most batteries round, what is 20/20 vision, is the emergency siren copyrighted and why are there silent words in the English language?

Why do your eyelids puff up when you're tired? 4th July

04 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why do your eyelids puff up when you're tired. Why are some counties 'shires' and do Downing Street have to reply to all letters?

How much saliva do we produce each day? 27th June

27 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Today's questions included: How much saliva do we produce in a day, can different breeds of birds understand each other, what is 'duff' as in 'up the...

Why do pigeons nod their heads when they walk?- 20 Jun 13

20 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Why do babies have different blood to their mothers? 13 June 13

13 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What would happen if all the ice caps melted, do we defy age if we travel in space, is it true that dolphins are the only other creature to enjoy sexu...

Why are woodlice called cheesy bugs? 6th June

06 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why do old buildings have an X or S on the side, where does the expression 'house on fire' come from and if the tide goes out here, is it going in som...

Where do all the dead deer go? 30th May

30 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Lottery Bonus Ball, Police Horses, Lazy Susan, Where do all the dead Deer go?

What's better for you, bread or toast? 16th May

16 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What's healthier bread or toast, where does the saying 'pass the buck' come from and is old fat in the body really old or does it keep renewing itself...

Why does my ear smell of cheese? 9th May

09 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour today included: what's the difference between a jacket and a blazer, why do we brush our teeth with cold water and why does it smell of c...

How far does daylight stretch? - 2 May 13

02 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Who was the fat lady in the phrase, 'the fat lady sings?', how far does daylight stretch and how does someone become a saint?

Why do some people have curly hair? 25th April

25 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Today's questions included: whats the point of having a letter box at the bottom of the door and Kids want to know why don't windows wind all the way ...

Can violinists be left handed?

18 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour questions this week included: do baby girls have eggs that could be fertilised, how do they remove a Banksy painting from the wall, why a...

Can you make a pigeon explode? 28th March

28 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Any truth in a saying that if 2 people pour from the same t-pot they'll have ginger twins? Could a tree remain green all year round if the weather sta...

Why is Hippos milk pink? 21st March

21 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Could you fly through Saturn and Jupiter as surrounded by gas? Why is hippos milk pink? Why are hardback books published before paperbacks?

Why do we say 'Bully for you'? 14th March

14 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why do we say 6th round of FA cup, how do you explain a lump in the throat, what makes it a controlled explosion and can you be tickiled to death?

Why is the Isle of Dogs called the Isle of Dogs? - 7 Mar 13

07 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Questions today included-Why is a fan oven hotter than other ovens?; Why does white wine give you headaches but red wine doesn't?; Where does the phra...

Why is it called 'how's your father'? 28th Feb

28 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Questions today included: why do we call it 'how's your father'? why don't plane wheels skid backwards when the plane lands and why is chicken pox giv...

Why aren't clouds disturbed when you fly through them?

21 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What happens to a cow's udders if she's not milked? What are the secret herb and spices in KFC? Why is it easier to sleep on your side and is there an...

Do animals have accents? 14th Feb '13

14 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour today included, Are pancakes, cakes? Do animals have accents, why do we use the expression 'pear shaped' and why do we drink brandy when ...

Can dogs suck through a straw - 7 Feb 13

07 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Questions today included: Why could you see the moon this morning? How do cows produce so much fat? And, why is a landing in a house called a landing?

Did dinosaurs have genitalia? Jan 31st

31 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Questions today included: why is there a purple rubber band on asparagus, what's the highest a bird can fly, have cats eyes stopped working and why do...

James O'Brien's Mystery Hour - 24 Jan 13

28 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Could the Prime Minister change the colour of the 10 Downing St door? Who decided an x was a kiss at the end of a letter, and why doesn't central lock...

Mystery hour - How does an ice spike form in a bird bath?

17 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Why can't you get alcohol patches? Ice spike in bird bath? Do ants drown?

Will sat nav work when you're 30,000ft up in a plane?

10 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour today included, why does it take so long to fly to Australia, will sat nav work when you're high up in a plane, why don't the apostles ha...

Mystery hour - gammon and ham, the difference? 3rd Jan 2013

03 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

What's the difference between gammon and ham, why do we clink our glasses and say 'cheers', what does Tog mean for a duvet and do you use more battery...

What note is the bong on Big Ben?

07 Dec 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Question's today included: Big Ben's bong, why does garlic permiate from your skin the next day, where does the word wages come from and where does t...

Mystery Hour - how do touch screens work?

29 Nov 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Also, if you wear a coat indoors, do you ruin the benefit when you go outside, why is time measured in 60s? Will sons always be taller than their moth...

Mystery hour - can a dog hair grow in human skin?

22 Nov 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Can the internet be turned off? Is there a height restriction in basketball, what happens to the turkeys that Obama pardons for thanksgiving and can ...

Mystery Hour - Why don't we bleed extensively during surgery?- 15 Nov 12

15 Nov 2012

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Mystery Hour - Why do girls courtsey and boys bow? - 8 Nov 12

08 Nov 2012

Contributed by Lukas

What happens to the crusts of loaves when supermarkets make pre-packed sandwiches? Why don't you get sleep in your eye if you sleep during the day? Wh...

Mystery hour - how are feet measured for shoes?

26 Oct 2012

Contributed by Lukas

what's the difference between moths and butteflies, how do you measure people's feet, origin of word 'goody 2 shoes' and why do we say 'take' soup?

Mystery Hour - Can you make water? - 18 Oct 12

22 Oct 2012

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Mystery Hour - What does the saying raining cats and dogs really mean?

11 Oct 2012

Contributed by Lukas

What does the saying raining cats and dogs really mean? Do own goals count to a players goal tally? How to guide dogs know where to go? What is the ol...

Mystery hour - Why are restaurant signs shown using a spoon and fork? - 4 Oct 12

05 Oct 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour questions included: would you have an explosion in your body if you ate a mentos then drank a cola drink, why does porridge stick in a no...

Mystery hour - why do macaroons have rice paper on the bottom?

27 Sep 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Questions included: why do dogs circle before lying down, who decided where north and south was on the earth, is the oil a natural lubricant for the e...

Mystery hour - why does writing on paper make it curl?

20 Sep 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Questions today included: If we have Kingdoms, why don't we have Queendoms? Why do builders put coins in the Eaves of houses, why don't biscuits disin...

Mystery hour - Why is it called a grand slam?

13 Sep 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Why do fingers go wrinkly in the bath, the difference between single and double cream, why can't hoovers go all the way up the stairs and would bread ...

Mystery Hour - Why don't hungry foxes eat pigeons? - 6 Sep 12

06 Sep 2012

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Mystery hour - How do bats cling on when they're asleep?

30 Aug 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Questions today included: Why do you find silver spoons when digging in foundations? If the fridge is full does it use up more energy and what does t...

Mystery hour - What's the booby in 'Booby Trapped'?

16 Aug 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Questions today included: What do vegetarians feed their pets, why is there a clip on the top of a McFlurry spoon, why do we say 'Excuse my French' w...

Mystery hour - How do we know when horses are happy?

09 Aug 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Questions today included: Why do they not use lane 1 in the Olympic stadium? Is there a limit to pain, why are some sneezes so loud and what do cyclis...

Why does fish and yoghurt make you ill?

02 Aug 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour today included the defrosting of chicken, why do we say par boiled and not part boiled, why do they pat down the body of the boxer before...

Mystery hour - Why are their 5 olympic rings?

26 Jul 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour questions today included: first part of the body to develop in the womb, why do we feel sleepy when we're warm, speed of serve in tennis ...

Mystery hour - How do cats get their markings?

23 Jul 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Questions this week included, cats and their markings, why is green associated with envy, who arranged the order of the podium at the Olympics, and wh...

Mystery Hour - Why is a tennis ball green? 12 Jul 12

12 Jul 2012

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wondered "why", then this is the hour for you. Sometimes simple, sometimes intelligent, but almost always entertaining, probably the be...

Mystery hour - can you wear a toupee in your passport picture?

05 Jul 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour questions today included: Would life exist if we didn't have the magnetic field, are you allowed to wear a toupee in a passport and why ...

Mystery hour - why don't we have female composers?

28 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour questions today included: how deep is the Thames at low tide, why don't we have female composers, why is wet hair darker and why do damp ...

Mystery hour - Why are mens trouser parts called flies?

21 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Why do men get a shiny head when they go bald? Why do they put water bottles by tyres in Madeira? Why do drummers put the sticks under their nose and ...

Mystery hour - Why do pigeons have manky feet?

14 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour questions today included why do pigeons have manky feet, how do they concentrate orange juice, why aren't flying insects beaten to the gr...

Mystery hour - Why does salt make slugs melt?

07 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery hour questions today included, salt making slugs melt, why would a bird's egg be in a hanging basket and why do you get no light from a black ...

Mystery hour - Why aren't there jokes on lolly sticks?

31 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Is the word Jubilee connected to royalty, why aren't there jokes on lolly sticks and why do we say the Queen is Queen of England and not of Britain or...

Mystery hour - Do dogs get stung by stinging nettles?

25 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Questions included, dogs getting stung by stinging nettles, burnt human bones, why do we get a lump in our throat and why do cab companies use the ter...

Mystery Hour: Do Birds Get Jet Lag? Thurs 17th May

17 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Questions today included, cutting the wedding cake, cutting the nose of the cheese, a pan of water not boiling over when you put a wooden spoon on top...