Lateral with Tom Scott

170: Please don't!

16 snips
Jan 9, 2026
In this entertaining discussion, returning guests Annie Rauwerda, a quirky Wikipedia editor, and Charlotte Yeung, a PhD student and beauty pageant finalist, are joined by first-time panel guest Alexis Dahl, a science communicator. They delve into some eyebrow-raising topics, like the peculiar reason behind the iPhone alarm ending at 4:39 AM. Annie shares the hilarity of a test pilot wearing a gorilla mask for a prank, while Alexis explains the art of using rectangular compression bandages for bite injuries. A wild mix of facts and humor ensues!
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ANECDOTE

Rock Sitting Club In Darwin

  • Annie Rauwerda described 'rock sitting' in Darwin where people sat on rocks for days after a hurricane.
  • The group formed lasting friendships and some members married after those prolonged gatherings.
INSIGHT

Album Designed To Look Pirated

  • System of a Down's 2002 album Steal This Album deliberately mimicked a pirated CD's crudely-written cover.
  • Stores labeled copies with 'please don't' to stop staff or customers mistaking it for a bootleg.
ANECDOTE

Gorilla Mask Test-Flight Prank

  • Jack Willems, a Bell test pilot, sometimes flew wearing a gorilla mask, bowler hat, and cigar to make sightings unbelievable.
  • He used the disguise while flying the P-59 to ensure witnesses wouldn't be believed about a propeller-less jet.
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