Another Year Over - Was It Any Good?

This year I managed to achieve a long held ambition, namely to appear on a TV quiz show - "A Question of Genius" - and to cap it all I managed to win an episode and qualified for the series final! The rest of the year has been frustratingly unsuccessful - I'm still out of work and the house is up for sale as I've almost run out of finances! I also lost in my annual golf challenge with Dave for the first time! Oh well, it could be worse! Hopefully 2010 will see a turn around in my fortunes!

Your Thursday questions are: -

1. Who married Jada Pinkett today in 1997?
   
   
2. Sir Ben Kingsley (right) was born today in 1943 and won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in which 1982 film?
   
   
3. Which city did Queen Victoria choose to be capital of Canada today in 1857?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Saddam Hussein; 2. Eldrick; 3. Philippines

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

More Snow in Birmingham

It's winter so I shouldn't be surprised that it's snowing again, but in this age of Global Warming shouldn't it just be raining? Anyway, one thing's for sure, the next Ice Age is just around the corner - the past few Ice Ages have been preceded by a period of warming - so we'd better get used to this weather!!

Your Wednesday questions are: -

1. Who was hanged at 'Camp Justice' in Baghdad today in 2006?
   
   
2. What is the real first name of Tiger Woods (right) who was born today in 1975?
   
   
3. Ferdinand Marcos became President of which country today in 1965?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Thomas Becket; 2. Czechoslovakia; 3. John Voight

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

BlogDumps Top Sites Tuesday #40

New Year's Resolutions - I'll make the same resolution this year as I've done for many years - I resolve I never to make New Year's Resolutions and I never will! Oops, failed again! I actually don't make them because my will power is so poor, not for any other reason!

Your Tuesday questions are: -

1. Who was killed at Canterbury Cathedral today in 1170?
   
   
2. Today in 1989, Vaclav Havel (right) was elected President of which former communist country?
   
   
3. Which actor was born today in 1938 and is the father of Angelina Jolie?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Violin; 2. New England Patriots; 3. Keith Floyd

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

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Off to a Quiz!!

Quiz tonight as a participant! It's ages since I've been to a Quiz Night to answer questions, so hopefully I won't embarrass myself by not knowing anything!!

Your Monday questions are: -

1. Which instrument is played by classical musician Nigel Kennedy who was born today in 1956?
   
   
2. Placekicker Adam Vinatieri (right) was born today in 1972 and won his first three Super Bowl titles with which team?
   
   
3. Which TV chef was born today in 1943 in Somerset?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. HMS Beagle; 2. Istanbul; 3. Gérard Depardieu

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Not So Quick Visit to Tesco

'Tis the season to go shopping...or NOT! We took a quick trip to Tesco to get one or two things and have a coffee. Tesco wasn't overly busy, but it still took 15 minutes to get out of the car park as the 'hordes' were heading for B&Q and Toys'R'Us which are on the same entry road. It amazes me that these retail parks only ever seem to have one small road in and can never cope with Saturday traffic! Obviously they don't 'bribe' the local councils enough to get better access!!

Your Sunday questions are: -

1. Charles Darwin set sail on his voyage of discovery on board which ship today in 1831?
   
   
2. In which city is the Hagia Sophia (right) that was inaugurated today in 537?
   
   
3. Which actor and winemaker was born in France today in 1948?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Chaiman Mao; 2. Boston Red Sox; 3. Charles Babbage

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Why Boxing Day?

Until very recently I hadn't realised that to most of the world December 26th isn't Boxing Day, but St Stephen's Day! The term Boxing Day is only used in the UK, Canada, Australia and other Christian Commonwealth countries. The origin of the term is believed to come from the practise of wealthy people giving presents to those less well off. These were stored in a 'Christmas Box' which wasn't opened until December 26th. However, there are several different interpretations that can be found here!

Your Boxing Day questions are: -

1. Which Chinese leader was born today in 1893?
   
   
2. Which baseball club sold Babe Ruth (right) to the New York Yankees today in 1919?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1791 in London and is credited with inventing the first computer?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Hirohito; 2. Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong; 3. Stone of Scone

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Merry Christmas; Ho Ho Ho!!

Merry Christmas to all of my readers wherever you may be! I hope you all have a wonderful time during the festive season!

Your Christmas Day questions are: -

1. Who became Emperor of Japan today in 1926?
   
   
2. What is the real full name of English singer Dido (right) who was born today in 1971?
   
   
3. What was stolen from Westminster Abbey by Scottish Nationalist students today in 1950?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. John Thaw; 2. "Twilight"; 3. Libya

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Swedish Straw Goat Destroyed by Fire - Again!

I'm constantly amazed at the strange stories to be found around the world! This one centres on the traditional Swedish Yuletide symbol of a straw goat erected in the town of Gavle. First erected in 1966, the goat has been burned down 24 times since, the latest attack occurring in the early hours of Wednesday morning! The torching now seems to have become a tradition as well!

Your Christmas Eve questions are: -

1. Which actor married actress Sheila Hancock today in 1973?
   
   
2. Author Stephenie Meyer (right) was born today, also in 1973, and wrote which series of vampire romance novels?
   
   
3. Which North African country declared independence today in 1951 with Idris I being proclaimed king?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Voyager; 2. Danish; 3. Vincent van Gogh

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Birmingham Schmap

I've had a picture published as part of Birmingham Schmap, which the more eagle-eyed amongst you will see that I've added to my blog!

Your Wednesday questions are: -

1. What was the name of the first aircraft to complete a non-stop flight around the world, without refuelling, when it landed at Edwards Air Force Base today in 1986?
   
   
2. What nationality was pianist and comedian Victor Borge (right) who died today in 2000?
   
   
3. Which artist cut off part of his earlobe today in 1888?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Skibo Castle; 2. "Joe Le Taxi"; 3. Giacomo Puccini

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

BlogDumps Top Sites Tuesday #39

"What Puts You in the Holiday Spirit?" is this week's theme. It doesn't take much; once I know I'm going away somewhere (anywhere) that means I can forget about my worries for a while and take in the new experiences! This Christmas I'll be at my parents' place for a few days, as I have for the past few Christmases. It's a quiet time of food, telly, beer & wine...and more telly! Then it's back to Birmingham for the 'End of Year' Quiz at the Bull's Head and time to get ready for the New Year's Eve celebrations. Each year a group of us get together for some food and lots of drink (less as the years go by!!), but as usual there's no real plan yet as to where we'll go this year. The last couple of years it's been back to mine after the curry...and maybe it will be again!

Anyway, before I go I'd like to wish all at BlogDumps and the many fellow revellers around the world; Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Your Tuesday questions are: -

1. In which Scottish castle did Madonna marry film maker Guy Ritchie today in 2000?
   
   
2. French singer Vanessa Paradis (right) was born today in 1972 and had a UK No. 3 hit in 1988 with which song?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1858 in Italy and wrote the opera "Madame Butterfly"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Mayflower; 2. Hanoi; 3. Charles De Gaulle

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Come Join Top Sites Tuesday and be #1 on BlogDumps!
The purpose of this Meme is to encourage
Networking between bloggers to have fun while doing it!
Make sure to visit all the other participants and leave comments.
View More Top Sites Tuesday Participants on Technorati here.
See who Tweeted this Post!

Rage Against The Machine - UK Christmas Number One!

I don't like the song, but in a blow against the "X-Factor" domination of the charts I'm pleased that Rage Against the Machine have topped the charts and halted the run of consecutive "X-Factor" winners being Christmas Number 1! Don't tell anyone else, but I quite like the song from Joe McElderry and I'm sure it will be Number 1 next week!

Your Monday questions are: -

1. What ship reached Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts today in 1620?
   
   
2. Actress Jane Fonda (right) was born today in 1937 and controversially visited which city in July 1972?
   
   
3. Who was elected President of France today in 1958?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Brigitte Bardot; 2. USA; 3. South Carolina

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Official Reopening of Digbeth Coach Station

Finally, the new Digbeth Coach Station has been officially reopened by England coach Fabio Capello! For many years Digbeth Coach Station was an old fashioned, dowdy place and not the best place for people to get their first impression of Birmingham, but now it has been completely rebuilt!

Your Sunday questions are: -

1. French film director Roger Vadim married which actress today in 1952?
   
   
2. The inventor of the Van de Graaff Generator, Robert Van de Graaff (right), was born in which country today in 1901?
   
   
3. Which was the first state to secede from the United States today in 1860?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Ricky Ponting; 2. "The Professionals"; 3. Adolf Hitler

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Global Warming - Deal or No Deal?

Our politicians again show us in Copenhagen exactly why they are so despised the world over, by not agreeing to ignore their differences for the greater good! Still, if climate change is going to be as drastic as the scientists predict it should mean a reduction in the global human population which will be good news for all of the other species that do survive! This is a natural phenomenon and should be allowed to run its course - just as insect populations swarm and decline so the human population has grown too large and needs thinning out!

Your Saturday questions are: -

1. Which Australian cricket captain was born today in 1974 in Tasmania?
   
   
2. Actor Gordon Jackson (right) was born today in 1923 and played George Cowley, head of CI5, in all 57 episodes of which TV series?
   
   
3. Who became Supreme Commander of the German Army today in 1941?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Christina Aguilera; 2. "Saving Private Ryan"; 3. Death Penalty for Murder

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Christmas Quiz at the Colebrook

Despite being over a week away, last night was the Christmas Quiz at the Colebrook and my last one of the year there, as next Thursday is Christmas Eve and it's New Year's Eve the week after! I've volunteered to do quizzes on those nights, but they've not taken me up on my generous offer (thankfully!!)

Your Friday questions are: -

1. Who was born today in 1980 in New York and released the 2006 hit album "Back to Basics"?
   
   
2. Steven Spielberg (right) was born today in 1946 and received his second Best Director Oscar for which film?
   
   
3. What was abolished in Britain today in 1969?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. River Plate (off Montevideo); 2. Captain Edward Smith; 3. Philippines

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Coldest Place in the Solar System?

The Moon has the coldest place in the Solar System yet measured by a spacecraft. It found temperatures as low as -249°C (that's just 26 degrees above Absolute Zero!!), but elsewhere on the Moon temperatures can rise as high as 127°C at the equator in direct sunlight! Simply amazing how inhospitable the Universe is even at such a small distance away from our little haven!

Your Thursday questions are: -

1. Where was the German battleship Admiral Graf Spee scuttled today in 1939?
   
   
2. Actor Bernard Hill (right) was born today in 1944 and played what role in the 1997 film "Titanic"?
   
   
3. In which country was World Champion boxer Manny Pacquiao born today in 1978?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Trevor Immelman; 2. "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep"; 3. Ardennes

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Knievel Junior Back to Try Father's Stunt

Robbie Knievel, son of Evel, is planning to attempt a jump over 16 double decker buses on a motorcycle in a recreation of the stunt that nearly ended his father's career! Brave or crazy? You decide!!

Your Wednesday questions are: -

1. Which golfer was born today in 1979 in Cape Town and won the 2008 US Masters?
   
   
2. Which book by Philip K Dick (right), who was born today in 1928, was made into the film "Blade Runner"?
   
   
3. The Battle of the Bulge began today in 1944 along which heavily wooded mountain range in Belgium, Luxembourg and France?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Sylvester Stallone; 2. Lanfranco; 3. J Paul Getty

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

BlogDumps Top Sites Tuesday #38

This week's theme is "What Do You Want from Santa?" My answer is, as it is almost every year, "I don't know!!" As there are no physical presents that I'd like, it only leaves me with the 'things' that would make my life easier. First would be a job; second would be for someone to publish my quiz book (based around this blog); third would be for someone to turn my film idea into a blockbuster; fourth would be to win the lottery! Not much to ask for, I know, but I've been a good boy (honest!!) so maybe Santa will oblige with one of the four possibilities!

Your Tuesday questions are: -

1. Who married Danish actress Brigitte Nielsen today in 1985?
   
   
2. What is the full first name of jockey Frankie Dettori (right) who was born today in 1970 in Milan?
   
   
3. Which industrialist and oil billionaire was born today in 1892 in Minneapolis?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. "High School Musical"; 2. Apollo 17; 3. George Washington

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Come Join Top Sites Tuesday and be #1 on BlogDumps!
The purpose of this Meme is to encourage
Networking between bloggers to have fun while doing it!
Make sure to visit all the other participants and leave comments.
View More Top Sites Tuesday Participants on Technorati here.
See who Tweeted this Post!

Joe McElderry Wins X-Factor

It was no surprise that bookies favourite Joe McElderry won the sixth series of "The X-Factor" this weekend. I've watched some of this series (more than any other!) and I'd like to have seen Stacey Solomon win as she seemed to have more character than the other finalists as well as being able to sing!

In other 'news' this weekend, Ali Bastian (& Brian Fortuna) were surprisingly eliminated from "Strictly Come Dancing" and Ryan Giggs was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2009!

Your Monday questions are: -

1. Vanessa Hudgens was born today in 1988 and starred as Gabriella Montez in which series of movies?
   
   
2. Eugene Cernan (right) was the last man to walk on the Moon, today in 1972, as part of which Apollo mission?
   
   
3. Which former US President died today in 1799?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Francis Drake; 2. "Ray"; 3. Saddam Hussein

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Invasion of Iraq - Latest!!

Tony Blair has finally admitted that he would have backed the invasion of Iraq even if he had known there were no weapons of mass destruction! Whilst I agree that Saddam Hussein and his sons were a threat to the region, it was still wrong of us to assume the role of policeman without the necessary authorisation!

Your Sunday questions are: -

1. Who set sail from Plymouth today in 1577 on a three-year voyage around the world?
   
   
2. Jamie Foxx (right) was born today in 1967 and won the 2005 Best Actor Oscar for his role in which film?
   
   
3. Who was captured today in 2003 as part of Operation Red Dawn?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Kenya; 2. Edvard Munch; 3. Tracy Austin

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Are Eco Light Bulbs Any Good?

Personally, I like the eco light bulbs, but I've never quite believed all of the hype surrounding them and this article shows that they're not quite as wonderful as promoted to us! As with all new technology, they will no doubt be a stepping stone to something (possibly LED lighting) that is even better in the future!

Your Saturday questions are: -

1. Which African country gained independence from Britain today in 1963?
   
   
2. Which Norwegian expressionist painter (self portrait, right) was born today in 1863?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1962 and won the US Open Women's Singles title twice?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Edward VIII; 2. "Juliet Bravo"; 3. Chechnya

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Swine Flu - Less Lethal

So far the death rate from Swine Flu in Britain has been 0.026% (that's 26 deaths per 100,000 infected - 283 in total) and two thirds of those have come from groups now eligible for vaccination! This means that for the general population, the chances of dying from Swine Flu are about 90 in a million if you've caught it! That's good news and I'd be interested to see whether these figures are replicated worldwide, but we rarely get to see such statistics!

Your Friday questions are: -

1. Who abdicated from the throne today in 1936?
   
   
2. Actress Anna Carteret (right) was born today in 1942 and played Inspector Kate Longton in which 80's TV drama series?
   
   
3. Today in 1994, Boris Yeltsin ordered Russian troops into which breakaway republic?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Dorothy Lamour; 2. Chile; 3. London

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Tiger, Tiger, Not So Bright!

So far I've resisted making any comment about Tiger Woods current predicament, because, really, it's none of our business! But where would blogging be if we didn't pass comment on things that don't concern us? Tiger Woods is the best golfer in the world and has been for quite some years now; that's why he's rich and famous and gets lots of sponsorship; and that should be why he'll continue to make money from what he is good at! He's done no more than many men before him and been unfaithful - he'll no doubt pay for it in his personal life. It shouldn't affect his professional life, nor our opinion of him as a golfer...it's just good to see (from the point of view of having not very much) that fame and fortune just don't guarantee happiness and fulfilment!!

Your Thursday questions are: -

1. Who was born today in 1914 and starred in the seven "Road to..." movies starting with "Road to Singapore" in 1940?
   
   
2. Augusto Pinochet (right), who died today in 2006, was dictator of which South American country from 1974 to 1990?
   
   
3. In which city were the first traffic lights, resembling railway signals, installed today in 1868?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Lech Walesa; 2. "Shakespeare In Love"; 3. John Milton

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

Pete's 'Today in History' Quiz Blog - One Year On

I've surprised myself! It's been just over one year since I started this blog (I actually missed the anniversary which was yesterday!) I can't believe that I've managed to keep this up for 365 days and made a blog entry for each day (although the entry for 16th September has disappeared into the 'ether'!!)

My thanks to everyone who has visited; I hope that you've been entertained and informed by the questions (and my ramblings!) and I hope that I can keep on for some time to come!

Your Wednesday questions are: -

1. Who was elected President of Poland today in 1990?
   
   
2. Dame Judi Dench (right) was born today in 1934 and won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, despite being on screen for only 8 minutes, for her role in which 1998 film?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1608 and wrote the epic poem "Paradise Lost"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Mark Chapman; 2. "LA Confidential"; 3. Germany (Berlin)

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

BlogDumps Top Sites Tuesday #37

This week's theme is 'What is Your Favourite Holiday Music?' My all time favourite Christmas song is "I Believe in Father Christmas" by Greg Lake. It was written in 1974, but this version is from a 1994 TV special. Coming from England, the line "...but instead it just kept on raining" was so apt and I've always liked this song because of that, and its overall simplicity and unsentimentality - a welcome antidote to the over commercialisation of the season!

Your Tuesday questions are: -

1. Who shot and killed John Lennon today in 1980?
   
   
2. Kim Basinger (right) was born today in 1953 and won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for which 1997 film?
   
   
3. In which country was artist Lucien Freud born today in 1922?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Beatles; 2. Bucks Fizz; 3. Delaware


Come Join Top Sites Tuesday and be #1 on BlogDumps!
The purpose of this Meme is to encourage
Networking between bloggers to have fun while doing it!
Make sure to visit all the other participants and leave comments.
View More Top Sites Tuesday Participants on Technorati here.
See who Tweeted this Post!

Iron Curtain Kept Out 'Alien' Birds

Yet another 'strange but true' story! This time, it has come to light that the Iron Curtain, as well as restricting the movements of people also restricted the movements of exotic bird species. Unlike in the West this has resulted in much less colonisation by introduced bird species!

Your Monday questions are: -

1. Which group appeared as the panel on "Juke Box Jury" today in 1963?
   
   
2. Singer Mike Nolan (right) was born today and was an original member of which Eurovision Song Contest winning group?
   
   
3. What became the first of the United States today in 1787?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Andrew Flintoff; 2. Nick Park; 3. Everglades National Park

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.

A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall - Bob Dylan

Believe it or not, this Bob Dylan song has been chosen as the theme song for the upcoming conference on climate change in Copenhagen! I'm no Dylan aficionado (but I know some who are!!) so I can't say whether the song is appropriate for this subject, but it strikes me that they've just seen the title and thought "Ooh, that sounds like a good idea"! maybe they'll fly him over especially to perform it!!

Your Sunday questions are: -

1. Which England cricketer was born today in 1977 in Preston?
   
   
2. Who is the creator of "Wallace and Gromit" (right) that was born today in 1958 also in Preston?
   
   
3. Which Florida National Park was dedicated by President Truman today in 1947?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Bermuda Triangle; 2. Gwyneth Paltrow; 3. Prohibition of Alcohol

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
is available NOW from Amazon and Lulu.