Questions you'd like answering, regardless of how trivial they may seem

[Alex321]

What is a mantle? Why does picking up the mantle mean taking up responsibility for something? Why would you put one around a fireplace?

A mantle in this context is a type of cloak or coat (archaic), and signifies responsibility for something.

Apparentl;y biblical in origin.
https://writingexplained.org/idiom-dictionary/take-up-the-mantle

A Mantlelpiece (round a fire) is a different thing entirely - and notice it is mantel, rather than mantle, although given it has it's origins in a French word for hood, it may share some of the same roots.

 

[raleighnut]

A mantle in this context is a type of cloak or coat (archaic), and signifies responsibility for something.

Apparentl;y biblical in origin.
https://writingexplained.org/idiom-dictionary/take-up-the-mantle

A Mantlelpiece (round a fire) is a different thing entirely - and notice it is mantel, rather than mantle, although given it has it's origins in a French word for hood, it may share some of the same roots.

How about Gaslight Mantles, not common in houses these days but familiar to Caravanners, Bargees and Campers.

 

[Alex321]

How about Gaslight Mantles, not common in houses these days but familiar to Caravanners, Bargees and Campers.

Almost certainly stem from the same source I think.

We had them in out caravan previously, as you say, and in fact I lived in a house which still had some for a while. Which wa a bit mad considering it had been a rural pub, with the only gas supply being a large LPG tank.

 

[Jameshow]

(speaking as a massive BBT fan...) this is actually a really good point!!!

Of course the real reason is: it would mess with the show's social dynamic i.e. they all robustly defend their beloved programmes, and get irritated when Penny (or other "norms") either mock them, or fail to understand them.
A possible "sensible" answer; if they're like me, they grew up with some of these things, and they actually encouraged their love of science. So perhaps their instinctive affection for the shows blinds them. Who says Geeks don't know true love?!?

Do you know if Pennies really exist?

I'd like to find one!🤣

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Do you know if Pennies really exist?

I'd like to find one!🤣

Hundred to a pound round here.