Review of the Year 2008

So, here we are at the end of another year...and what a year it has been for me. I started 2008 as the owner of a failing franchise, self published my first book (The Easy Quiz Master), spent several months signing on at the JobCentre, got a job (with my first ever company car) and was then made redundant 4 months later. So I'm back to signing on in the middle of the worst recession for many a long year and I'm driving my third car of the year!

Here's hoping that 2009 is better for me than 2008 and that I can start paying off the debts that are now building up!

Still, onto the important stuff, more quiz questions: -

1. Which coin ceased to be legal tender in the UK today in 1960?
   
2. Which award-winning actress and former teenage pop star married actor Laurence Fox today in 2007?
   
3. Actress Bebe Neuwirth, who was born today in 1958, played which character in the TV sitcoms "Cheers" and "Frasier"?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Heidi Fleiss; 2. Seoul (1988); 3. Diana Ross

Steven Gerrard - Role Model?

Should our footballers be considered role models? I don't think so. Take this latest incident with Steven Gerrard. Although we don't know the facts yet, I'll wager that he was severely provoked before getting involved in the brawl. Some will say that he shouldn't have been there, but others moan that footballers stay behind their high walls and live in a different world to we mere mortals! As Graham Taylor famously once said, "Footballers are human beings also"! (Just to set the record straight - I'm NOT a Liverpool fan, far from it - Manchester United are my team, but I do feel sympathy for these people who are in the limelight because of their skills only - who are expected to be so much more!)

Here's another batch of trivia for you: -

1. Which infamous ‘Hollywood Madam’ was born today in 1965?
   


2. Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, born today in 1961, was disqualified for failing a doping test at which Olympic Games?
   


3. Which singer was arrested for drink driving in Arizona today in 2002?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. "Becker"; 2. "Hole in the Ground" and "Right Said Fred"; 3. David Boon

Back to Birmingham

I'm back in Birmingham now after the usual quiet Christmas away with my parents in Scotter. I now have just 2 days to compile my 'End of the Year' Quiz for the Bull's Head tomorrow night. So rather than waffle on today, it's straight to the questions: -

1. Ted Danson, who was born today in 1947, played the title role as a grumpy New York doctor in which TV sitcom?
2. Name both of the 1962 UK Top 10 hits for Bernard Cribbins who was born today in 1928.
3. Which cricketer was born today in 1960 in Tasmania and claimed the record for drinking 52 cans of beer on a flight from Sydney to London?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Tay; 2. Maggie Smith; 3. Richard Clayderman

Israel, Palestine, The Gaza Strip - When Will They Learn??

Again the level of violence escalates in the Middle East. Yet again, Hamas attacks Israel with rockets and Israel responds by bombing Gaza. People die and the peace process goes back several years.

I don't understand why neither side can see - bombing your enemies DOESN'T WORK! Germany bombing Britain in WWII only made our resolve greater; the Allies bombing Germany didn't destroy their morale, it strenghthened their resolve as well! A succession of terrorist organisations have discovered that by attacking the civilian population only makes them less popular and sets their cause back. No one wins when the bombs start flying - why can't these people realise this?

Today's questions are: -

1. The bridge over which Scottish river collapsed today in 1879 resulting in 75 deaths?
2. Who was born today in 1934 and plays Prof. Minerva MacGonnagall in the “Harry Potter” films?
3. Which pianist (see picture) was born Phillippe Pagès in Paris today in 1953?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Simon LeBon; 2. Indonesia; 3. Benazir Bhutto

Sir Bruce Forsyth??

Is it time for Brucie to get his bonus? I think so!

For many years Bruce Forsyth has been one of the best TV entertainers in Britain. Even though he is not as slick as he used to be, he's still the consummate professional and "Strictly Come Dancing" always finishes on time. Sure he makes mistakes, but his recovery is masterful - he's the king of the ad lib. So I say, "Arise, Sir Bruce!"

Anyway, on to today's questions: -

1. Model Yasmin Parvenah married which English singer today in 1985?
2. Today in 1949, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands granted sovereignty to which Asian country after over 300 years of Dutch rule?
3. Who was assassinated in Rawalpindi today in 2007?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. "King Lear"; 2. Iran; 3. Dermot Murnaghan

Village Life or City Life

For the first time in many years (at least 25!) I walked around the village of Scotter. This is where I grew up and in many ways, the place is still the same...yet there are many changes!

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Two things struck me as I went for my stroll to the newsagent to get my EuroMillions tickets. Firstly, everyone who I passed on the pavement said, "Good Morning" - this doesn't happen in Birmingham!. The second thing was, as I approached the newsagent, a young man pulled up in his car and popped into the shop. As I passed his car I noticed that the engine was running and the car was empty!! Definitely wouldn't have happened in Brum!!

So, would I move back to a village? Not yet, I still love the city!

On to the Boxing Day questions: -

1. The first recorded performance of which Shakespeare tragedy took place today in 1606?
2. In which Middle Eastern country is the city of Bam that was devastated by an earthquake today in 2003?
3. Which newsreader and host of the quiz show “Eggheads” was born today in 1957?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Leona Lewis (2006), Girls Aloud (2002), Spice Girls (1996/97/98), Whitney Houston (1992), Winifred Atwell (1954); 2. Hilda Ogden; 3. Thomas Edison

Merry Christmas

Christmas Day again, it seems to come around faster each year. Today I'm writing from my parents home in Scotter, a village near Scunthorpe. Christmas lunch is not far away, so I'd better make this a quick blog today.

On to the Christmas questions: -

1. Since the official UK singles chart began in 1952, 6 female only acts have had the Christmas Number 1. Alexandra Burke is the latest, name the other five.
2. Which character left “Coronation Street” after 23 years on Christmas Day 1987?
3. Which inventor married his first wife today in 1871?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. John Stonehouse MP; 2. "The Aviator"; 3. Ava Gardner; 4. Afghanistan

Is The Pope Gay?

Who would have thought it - controversy at the Bull's Head Christmas Quiz? Not in the questions themselves, but in the giving of a prize to the most amusing (in my opinion) team name.

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The pub was packed and 25 teams entered the quiz - thank goodness the pub was open till midnight! Anyway, there weren't quite so many good team names tonight, but "Ken Dodd's Dad's Dog's Dead" is always a favourite, but not to be spoken quickly! "Nora Batty's Love Children" was also good, but I chose "We Think the Pope is Gay" as the winner, which I thought was apt following Benedict XVI's comments reported in the news (click on today's title for link).

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Unfortunately for me, a devout Catholic (who'd had a few to drink!) was very offended and told me so, quite loudly and repeatedly. He was the only one, but it is a lesson to be considered in my line of work - you can offend people easily by being a bit thoughtless. Still, no harm done (and no bolt of lightning!!).

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On to the teasers for today: -

1. Who was found alive in Australia today in 1974 after faking his death in Florida?
2. Howard Hughes, who was born today in 1905, was the subject of which 2004 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio?
3. Which actress, who was born today in 1922, dated Howard Hughes and was played by Kate Beckinsale in the 2004 film (above)?
4. Hamid Karzai, who was born today in 1957, is the President of which Asian country?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Nicaragua; 2. Coelacanth; 3. Carla Bruni

Bull's Head Christmas Quiz Night

Only 2 days before Christmas and it's the Christmas Quiz at the Bull's Head. Each year it gets harder to write a Christmas Quiz as there are only a limited number of questions about Christmas and the festive season, but I think I've got a couple of new ones!

Last Thursday was the Colebrook Christmas Quiz, which went very well. As an extra prize I gave a bottle of wine to the team with the most amusing name...in my opinion! A team name that I have always liked is "I'm Not a Gynaecologist, But I'll Take a Look", but as it didn't have a Christmas theme they didn't win the prize. Another close one was "King Herod's Baby Sitting Circle", but in the end I gave the wine to "Feed the Scousers, Let Them Know It's Christmas" - suitably insulting and festive at the same time!!

It's question time again: -

1. Managua is the capital of which Central American country that was struck by a powerful earthquake today in 1972 which killed over 5,000 people?
2. Which fish that was believed to be long extinct was discovered today in 1938 off South Africa?
3. Which singer/songwriter and model was born today in 1967 in Turin and married Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008?
   
   Yesterday's Answers: 1. Richard Reid; 2. "Nuts!"; 3. "Joe Le Taxi"

Barack Obama to use Science to tackle Global Warming

Barack Obama said that "today, more than ever before, science holds the key to our survival as a planet and our security and prosperity as a nation". He said it was "time we once again put science at the top of our agenda" and that he was confident that the US could "lead the world into a new future of peace and prosperity".

Finally, a world leader who appreciates the need for a technological solution to the earth's problems, rather than the knee jerk rhetoric we've had to date from so-called environmentalists! Time will tell whether this approach will work, but as a scientist myself, I sincerely hope it does!

That's enough pontification from me...on to the questions: -

1. Who tried to blow up American Airlines Flight 63 today in 2001 with explosives in his shoe?


2. Today in 1944 at the Battle of the Bulge, what was General Anthony McAuliffe’s (pictured) one word response to the German surrender ultimatum?


3. Vanessa Paradis was born today in 1972 and had a UK No 3 hit in 1988 with which song?

Monday is here, but it's only a short working week til Christmas!!

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Ted Turner; 2. General George S Patton; 3. United Kingdom (London)

Strictly Come Dancing - Not the Right Result!!

Having watched the whole series of Strictly Come Dancing, I'm very disappointed by the final result. Tom Chambers should have been eliminated last week as he was the worst dancer...and not very entertaining, either!! At least John Sergeant was fun to watch while he was in it!! Anyway, enough cup finals have been won against the run of play with a goal in the final few minutes - that's what Tom & Camilla managed with their show dance, but it shouldn't disguise that they are undeserved champions!

Still, nobody died, so let's get on with the serious stuff - more questions!!: -

1. Which media mogul married Jane Fonda today in 1991 on her 54th birthday?
2. Which World War II general died today in 1945 as the result of a road accident in Germany?
3. In which country was actor Kiefer Sutherland, star of the hit TV series "24", born today in 1966?

Have a happy Sunday.

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Billy Bragg; 2. Panama; 3. Oliver Stone

Fergie vs Mourinho; Benitez vs Ramos; Scolari vs Ranieri - What a Champions League Draw!

What a fascinating draw for the English teams in the Champions League. Alex Ferguson pitting his wits against Jose Mourinho again; Rafael Benitez up against Juande Ramos and the team that supposedly wanted to tempt him away from Liverpool; and finally, Claudio Ranieri returns to Stamford Bridge against 'Big Phil' Scolari's Chelsea. I for one can't wait!

Today's brain teasers are: -

1. Which singer/songwriter, known as the Bard of Barking, was born today in 1957?
   
2. The United States sent troops into which Central American country to overthrow government of Manuel Noriega today in 1989?
   
3. The films “JFK” in 1991 and “Nixon” in 1995 were both released in the USA on 20th December. Who directed them both?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Little Sparrow; 2. Richard Hammond; 3. "A Christmas Carol"

Watergate Scandal - Deep Throat dies at 95

It makes you wonder, what would the world have been like if there had been no Watergate Scandal? What if Nixon had continued to the end of his second term - would Jimmy Carter have been the next President? Who knows, but if it hadn't been for 'Deep Throat' we could be living in a very different world today.

So, onto today's teasers: -

1. What was the nickname of French singer Edith Piaf who was born today in 1915?
2. Which “Top Gear” presenter was born today in 1969 in Birmingham?
3. Which novel was first published today in 1843?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Arantxa Sanchez Vicario; 2. "Brief Encounter"; 3. 39 mph (actually 39.245 mph/63.159 km/h)

Barack Obama - Time Magazine Person of the Year

Time Magazine have selected Barack Obama as their Person of the Year. Although they made a shortlist of five people, there could have been no other choice. Let's hope he can deliver a better America with an improved standing in the world. That will be good for all of us!

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Here's your daily 'fix'!

1. Nicknamed 'The Barcelona Bumblebee', which four-time Grand Slam winning women’s tennis player was born today in 1971?
2. Which classic 1946 film starred Celia Johnson, who was born today in 1908, and Trevor Howard?
3. In miles per hour, what was the first recognised World Land Speed record set today in 1898 by Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat? (to the nearest whole mph)

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Orville Wright; 2. Paula Radcliffe; 3. Australia

Sam Allardyce for Blackburn Rovers - It's a Funny Old Game

So, Blackburn Rovers have appointed Sam Allardyce to replace Paul Ince as manager. It's a funny old game where a club gives a manager too few games before sacking them and then appoints a manager who had a similarly small number of games at Newcastle before being sacked! Hopefully Paul Ince will get another chance at a top club.

1. Name the person who piloted the first heavier than air machine on its maiden flight at Kitty Hawk today in 1903.

2. Who was born today in 1973 in Cheshire and has won both the London and New York marathons on three occasions?


3. Harold Holt who went missing, presumed drowned, today in 1967, was Prime Minister of which Commonwealth country at the time?

That's all for today, folks!!!

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Harlan ('Colonel' Sanders); 2. Kazakhstan; 3. 9

Mamma Mia! It's a Record!

"Mamma Mia! The Movie" has just overtaken "Titanic" as the biggest grossing movie in the UK. I've not seen it myself so I can't comment, but I do know that Abba's music is always a sure bet for having a good time.

Tonight I'll be at the Bull's Head in Hall Green for the Tuesday Night Quiz...these questions may be of help if you go to the quiz...but maybe not!!

1. What was the first name of this man (pictured, right) who died today in 1980 aged 90?
2. What is the world's largest landlocked country that was the last former Soviet republic to declare independence today in 1991?
3. Ludwig van Beethoven, who was born today in 1770, composed how many symphonies?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Gustave Eiffel; 2. Rod Stewart; 3. Grandad

Strictly Come Dancing Catastrophe!!

As a fan of "Strictly Come Dancing" I think Saturday's result was a travesty. Tom Chambers was the worst dancer on the night and deserved to be eliminated. I'd spotted the fact that he would have been in the dance-off, but so had the bookies, so I didn't put a bet on, thankfully! In the immortal words of Craig Revell-Horwood, "It's a dahnce competition, dahling!"

Rachel Unthank and the Winterset at Lichfield Guildhall played an excellent gig last night. The acoustics are perfect and their performance was spot-on, so much so that they performed their final song acapella without microphones...and it was perfect!

So, onto today's questions: -

1. Which French engineer, responsible for the internal structure of the Statue of Liberty, was born today in 1832?
2. Who married his second wife Rachel Hunter today in 1990?
3. Actor Lennard Pearce, who died today in 1984, is best known for what role in the sitcom "Only Fools and Horses"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Roald Amundsen; 2. Over 30; 3. Yvette

Today in History - December 14

Sunday is here, but there's no time to rest for the blogger. After giving you your quiz 'fix' it's off to Tesco's and later to Lichfield to see Rachel Unthank at the Guildhall. Should be an interesting evening!

So, today's questions: -

1. Who led the first expedition that reached the South Pole today in 1911?
2. What was the age limit for women who were first allowed to vote in a UK General Election today in 1918?
3. Vicki Michelle, who was born today in 1950, played which character in the sitcom “’Allo, ‘Allo”?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Denis Thatcher; 2. Christopher Plummer; 3. Dick van Dyke; 4. Saddam Hussein

Today in History - December 13

Hooray, the weekend's here! Except, when you're out of work all the days start to blend into each other! Here in Birmingham it is raining heavily, so no golf again this weekend. It's been almost 6 weeks since I last picked up my clubs for a game! Still I've got Christmas quizzes to write.

Today's questions are: -

1. Who married Margaret Kempson in 1942 and Margaret Roberts today in 1951?
2. Who was born today in 1929 in Montreal and co-starred with Julie Andrews in “The Sound of Music”?
3. Who was born today in 1925 in Missouri and co-starred with Julie Andrews in “Mary Poppins”?
4. Who was captured in Operation Red Dawn today in 2003?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Kenya; 2. "A Beautiful Mind"; 3. Princess Anne (Princess Royal)

Today in History - December 12

Last night was the Colebrook Quiz Night. This is a quiz that I don't write and, you'd think that anyone can read out a set of questions, but not so. It is supplied by Redtooth who provide pub quizzes country wide...but every now and then there are errors and it requires an experienced quiz master to make sure that all goes smoothly. For example, last week a question was, 'What is the name of the NHL team based in Ottawa?' The answer given was 'Oilers'.

I couldn't see the link between Ottawa and Oil, so I decided to look it up on Google using my phone and, sure enough, the FLYERS are the NHL team in Ottawa; the OILERS are from EDMONTON. Fortunately I'd spotted it before any controversy could arise and nobody was any the wiser.

So, onto today's questions: -

1. Which country gained independence from Britain today in 1963? (see flag)


2. Jennifer Connelly was born today in 1970 and went on to win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA awards for which 2001 film?


3. Who married Commander Tim Laurence in Scotland today in 1992?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (now United Nations Children's Fund); 2. United Kingdom (Leeds); 3. Olivia Newton-John

Today in History - December 11

Here we go again, some more questions to get 'the little grey cells' working: -

1. UNICEF was formed today in 1946; what do the letters UNICEF stand for?
2. In which country was chef Marco Pierre White born today in 1961?
3. Born today in 1882, Nobel Prize winning physicist Max Born was the grandfather of which star of the movie "Grease"?

Have Fun!

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Thailand; 2. Kenneth Branagh; 3. Paul Hardcastle

Today in History - December 10

Well I've made it to Day 3. Last night was the Bull's Head quiz which was a close run affair. Going into the last round five teams were level on 47 points. A tie break loomed and, sure enough, three teams scored a maximum 20 on the final round! (and there are only two prizes!!)

The tie breaker was - How many steps up are there in the annual race to the top of the Empire State Building? The answers in were - 'Barenaked Latecomers' 322; 'The Mercenaries' 650; 'Judean Liberation Front' 2500. The answer is 1576! Out came the calculator...and the winners were 'Judean Liberation Front' BY 2 STEPS!!

So, onto today's questions: -

1. Which Asian country became a Constitutional Monarchy today in 1932?
2. Who was born today in 1960 in Belfast and is currently starring in the BBC TV series "Wallander"?
3. "19" was the only UK No 1 single for which musician who was born today in 1957?

Good luck!

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Michael Dorn who plays Worf; 2. Smallpox; 3. "The Charge of the Light Brigade"

Today in History - December 9

Day 2...here we go again!! Some more questions to test your general knowledge.

1. This actor was born today in 1952. Who is he and what role did he play in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Deep Space Nine"?
2. The eradication of which virus was certified today in 1979?
3. Which poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson was first published in England today in 1854?

Good luck!

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Teri Hatcher; 2. Clifton Suspension Bridge; 3. Germany (Berlin)

Today in History - December 8

Well, here goes, my first attempt at blogging. I intend to give three questions per day based on the events and happenings of that particular day in history. Some will be easy, some hard and hopefully all will generate some interest in finding out more of the background to the question.

1. Who was born today in 1964 and plays Susan Meyer in “Desperate Housewives”?
2. Which bridge over the River Avon was officially opened today in 1864?
3. In which country was artist Lucien Freud born today in 1922?

Answers will appear tomorrow with some more questions.