Slightly Tweaked Format

The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed a slight change of format to my posts. I originally started this to showcase some quiz questions that would interest and challenge you about events/birthdays from 'This Day in History'. As the weeks have gone by I've tried to include topical events to express my views and also to help get a better search engine listing. (Don't really know what I'm doing, but it seemed like a good idea at the time!!).

As I tend to waffle on a bit, the questions seemed to get a bit lost, so now they stand out a bit more. After all that's why I started this endeavour. Any comments gratefully received!

Without further ado...THE QUESTIONS: -

1. Today in 2001, in a Scottish court sitting in Holland, Abdelbasset al-Megrahi was convicted of what?
   


2. What was the title of the only solo UK Number 1 single for Justin Timberlake (right), who was born today in 1981?
   


3. Which five-funnelled steamship, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was launched today in 1858 at Millwall?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Shalamar; 2. "The Prestige"; 3. Oliver Cromwell

Broadband in Every UK Home by 2012

That's what the government have announced. It's a bold ambition, but what wiil it bring us? Sure, we all like to be kept up-to-date about the world via the internet (as we are now!), but will it bring any other benefits? I think it will in ways that we probably can't imagine at the moment...watch this space.

Just to keep you all updated, I didn't get the job at Cadbury World. So it's back to the job hunt for me!!

The teasers for today: -

1. Singer Jody Watley, born today in 1959, was a member of which R&B group from 1977 - 1984?
   
2. Actor Christian Bale (right) was born today in 1974 and played magician Alfred Borden in which 2006 film directed by Christopher Nolan?
   
3. Which English leader was formally executed today in 1661, having been dead for two years?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Oxford; 2. Mississippi (Kosciusko); 3. "I don't like Mondays"

Colin Montgomerie European Ryder Cup Captain

For the next Ryder Cup match, to be played at The Celtic Manor Resort in 2010, the European captain is to be Colin Montgomerie.

As someone who like to follow a little white ball around the countryside, I think this is a great choice. I am a big fan of Monty and hope he can capture the form he showed as a player in his role as captain.

So, today's questions are: -

1. Which university refused to give Margaret Thatcher an honorary degree today in 1986?


2. In which US State was Oprah Winfrey born today in 1954(pictured, right, at her 50th birthday party)?


3. What was the most famous quote from Brenda Ann Spencer who went on a shooting spree at her local school in San Diego, killing two people, today in 1979?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Henry Morton Stanley; 2. Frodo Baggins; 3. Danny DeVito

Car Firms Get £2.3bn Loan Package

This latest announcement by Lord Mandelson is very welcome news here in the Midlands! Jaguar and Land Rover, directly and indirectly, are responsible for over 70,000 jobs in the region and it would be a very big blow if they were to collapse.

Anyway, on to today's teasers: -

1. Who was born today in 1841 in Wales and is famous for saying, “Dr Livingston, I presume”?
   


2. Which role in "The Lord of the Rings" Film Trilogy was played by Elijah Wood (right) who was born today in 1981?
   


3. Which actor married actress Rhea Perlman, who played Carla in “Cheers”, today in 1982?

Picture of Elijah Wood: © 2001 New Line Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Yesterday's Answers: 1. "Sin City"; 2. Two (US Open - 2000 & Australian Open - 2005); 3. Pepsi

Cadbury World - New Job??

Today I had an interview for a part-time job at Cadbury World. This was for one of the posts in customer service, showing people around and generally ensuring that they have a good time. I applied mainly because I need the income, I'm a 10 minute walk away and I consume rather too much of their products for my own good!

As an indication of the times we currently live in, apparently there were 500 applicants! We'll all find out in the next few days whether we've made the grade, but although I'd love to work at Cadbury World (and I thought my interview went well), I'm not holding my breath. I'll keep you posted!

So, today's questions are: -

1. Frank Miller, who was born today in 1957, wrote, co-produced and co-directed which 2005 film based on his graphic novel series of the same name?
   
   
2. How many Grand Slam singles titles were won by Marat Safin (right) who was born today in 1980 in Moscow?
   
   
3. Michael Jackson suffered second degree burns to his scalp while filming a commercial for which product today in 1984?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Sperm Whale; 2. The Great One; 3. Australia

Lady GaGa UK Number 1 - Third Week

Now I'm getting a bit old for this pop music lark, but whenever I do get a chance I like to listen to modern music...and some of it is quite good. I have to keep an eye on the current hits so that I can set quiz questions that will appeal to the younger audience. I heard this song on last week's "The Sunday Night Project" and I liked it...I'll rate it as a HIT! (OK, so that wasn't such a tough decision!!)

So, today's questions are: -

1. What exploded in the Taiwanese city of Tainan today in 2004 as the result of a build up of gases of decomposition?
2. What was the nickname of retired ice hockey player Wayne Gretsky (right) who was born today in 1961?
3. In which country was the Rum Rebellion today in 1808?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Felix Mendelssohn (The Bride was...Victoria!); 2. Real Madrid; 3. France

Celebrity Big Brother 2009 - Ulrika Jonsson Wins!

Ulrika Jonsson was the shock winner of this year's Celebrity Big Brother! I must admit to watching almost none of it, but I'm glad that Ulrikakaka won - she gets such a bad press and the British public obviously likes her.

And the questions are: -

1. Who composed “The Wedding March” that was presented for the first time today in 1858 at the wedding of Queen Victoria’s daughter? (Extra point for knowing the name of the bride)
   
2. Brazilian footballer Robinho (right), who was born today in 1984, joined Manchester City from which football club in 2008?
   
3. Today in 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games were inaugurated at Chamonix. In which country is Chamonix?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Beer in Cans; 2. Hadrian; 3. Leningrad

Jonathan Ross is Back!!

So, tonight saw the return of Jonathan Ross to our screens. Although he deserved his ban, hopefully he will still be as irreverent as he was before. He's not everyone's cup of tea, but he does earn his money - a chat show, a radio show and film reviews - its not as though he just does a half-hour show each week!! And then he'll be presenting the BAFTA's next month. No peace for the wicked!

Here are today's historical teasers - not a celebrity in sight: -

1. What was first sold by the Krueger Brewing Company in Virginia, USA today in 1935?
   
2. Which Roman Emperor was born today in 76AD and visited Britannia in 122AD?
   
3. What was the Russian city of St Petersburg (below) renamed today in 1924?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. "The A Team"; 2. True; 3. Andrei Kanchelskis

You will never think of them in the same way again

I've just returned from Solihull Arts Complex having visited this exhibition by John Garghan. I met John through my quizzes at the Bull's Head, and what an interesting chap he is.

I'm no arts connoisseur, but what John does is fascinating. He generates works of art from photos of burnt out cars! To see exactly how this works you need to visit his website and blog (links above). The finished pictures, when hung in a gallery and properly lit, are stunning. Alongside each piece there is a description of where John found the car and a little story about how he took the photo. Well worth a visit if you are in or around Solihull

Anyway, here are the teasers for today: -

1. Which classic TV series starring George Peppard first aired in the USA today in 1983?
   
2. True or False - Richard Dean Anderson (right), who was born today in 1950, is an honorary Brigadier General in the US Air Force?
   
3. Which footballer, born today in 1969, scored in both the Manchester and Liverpool derby matches in the same year?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. George Foreman; 2. Donald Trump; 3. Rorke's Drift

Brit Awards 2009 - Nominations Announced

The nominations for the 2009 Brit Awards were made yesterday. There were few shocks, most notably though, the UK's biggest current international Female Artist was not nominated for Best Female. Whatever you think of how Leona Lewis came to fame, she surely deserves to be nominated.

Duffy and Coldplay lead the way with four nominations each. A full list can be found here.

So, onto today's questions: -

1. Who was the first professional boxer to defeat Joe Frazier today in 1973 in Jamaica?


2. Which New York businessman and TV personality married his third wife Melania (right) today in 2005?


3. A record number of eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded following which battle that began today in 1879 in South Africa?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. "The Kumars at No 42"; 2. Mackenzie Allen; 3. Concorde

The Pound in Your Pocket = $1.40

On the day that Barack Obama is inaugurated, the British currency slides to a new low point against the Dollar and Yen. It also fell again versus the Euro. As someone said on the radio a few days ago, lenders look at the UK and consider it to be a poorer investment than McDonald's! That's some comedown in 150 years; from world superpower to being less viable than a hamburger restaurant!

No sense in getting too depressed....here are today's posers: -

1. Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar, who married today in 2005, co-star in which spoof TV chat show?
   
2. Geena Davis, who was born today in 1956, played the US President in the TV series "Commander in Chief". What was the President's name?
   
3. Which airliner entered commercial service with its first scheduled flights today in 1976?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Joe Swash; 2. Sophie, Countess of Wessex; 3. The 'Final Solution' to the Jewish Problem; Bonus Answer - Barack Hussein Obama

Barack Hussein Obama II - 44th US President

Well, there can only be one story today - Barack Obama is being inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America - and the first African American to hold the post. Today is truly an historic day!

It is frustrating to realise that, because of the way our electoral system works here in the UK, it is almost impossible for something similar to happen here! (Except, of course, we've had a woman as our elected leader long before the USA!)

Today's questions are: -

1. Which actor was born today in 1982 and won the 2008 series of "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!"?
2. What is the official title of Sophie Rhys-Jones who was born today in 1965?
3. What was agreed at the Wannsee Conference in Berlin today in 1942?

And a final, bonus, question: -

• What was the name of Barack Obama's father?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jensen Button; 2. 6 (Australian, Wimbledon, US Open Twice Each); 3. CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra)

New Banks Rescue Package

It looks as though Gordon Brown is set to announce more measures to encourage the banks to "Lend, lend, lend"! As far as I'm concerned I'd like to see all debts wiped out so that we can all start from scratch again! This is, of course, a purely sefish suggestion considering the extent of my own debts at the moment!!

Here are the teasers for today: -

1. Which Formula 1 racing driver was born today on 1980 and won his first Grand Prix in Hungary in 2006 at his 113th attempt?
   
   
2. How many Grand Slam Singles titles were won by Stefan Edberg (right) who was born today in 1966?
   
   
3. Sir Simon Rattle, who was born today in 1955 in Liverpool, came to prominence as conductor of which British orchestra?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. United Kingdom (London); 2. "Dances with Wolves"; 3. Successfully land an aeroplane on a ship; 4. Robert Green

New Year, More Golf

Now that the weather is a little better here in the English Midlands, I've been out playing golf (today and last Sunday). Having not played since 1st November, I've surprised myself by playing quite well after such a long lay-off. In fact both times I've been only 3 shots over my handicap! Last week I lost 2 & 1 to my good friend Dave at Widney Manor, but today I extracted revenge by winning 2 & 1 at Kilworth Springs. A new course for us both and well worth the 45 mile drive to get there.

On with today's questions: -

1. In which country was Peter Roget, creator of the first Thesaurus, born today in 1779?
2. Kevin Costner (right), who was born today in 1955, won two Oscars for which 1990 film?
3. What was Eugene Ely the first pilot to do today in 1911 in San Francisco Bay?
4. Who is the West Ham and England goalkeeper that was born today in 1980?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. True (Andy Kaufman 1949; Jim Carrey 1962); 2. "All Summer Long"; 3. Captain Robert F Scott

A Question of Genius

This morning I was up and out early for a 9 o'clock appointment at the BBC Studios at the Mailbox here in Birmingham. I'd had a call the previous evening and, after answering some difficult questions, I was invited to an audition for a new daytime BBC quiz show - A Question of Genius.

There were 7 of us at the audition where we did the obligatory 60 - 90 seconds to camera saying who we are and why we think we'd make good contestants - I hate that, I'm just not lively enough!

Anyway, after playing some of the proposed rounds we were all let go back to the real world after a couple of hours. All I can say is that I think it will be a very good quiz show. The questions are NOT easy, but strategy and luck at the right stage are just as important. I enjoyed the experience, it was good fun, but whether I get on the show is a matter of luck now! (I've previously failed to get on "Eggheads", "1 vs. 100", "The Great Pretender" and "Wogan's Perfect Recall" so I'm not holding my breath!!)

Here we go, today's brain teasers: -

1. True or False – Jim Carrey and Andy Kaufman, whom he played in the 1999 film “Man on the Moon”, were both born today?
   
2. What was the title of the 2008 UK No 1 single by Kid Rock (pictured right with Pamela Anderson in 2003) who was born today in 1971?


3. Who led the second team to reach the South Pole today in 1912?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Vatican City (Holy See); 2. M; 3. Sade

Third Runway for Heathrow

The Government has given the go-ahead for a third runway at Heathrow. Their argument to counter the climate change lobbyists is that they will only allow new, more efficient engined planes and that there will be a great reduction in planes circling waiting for a landing spot.

To me that all sounds plausible and is probably correct...but I can't oppose those people who don't believe it, because this government has lied to us in the past.

Personally, I think the environmentalists have got it wrong again. Banning things and restricting access never works...people don't like being told what they can't do. Instead the solution must be one that gives people a better life whilst also reducing emissions. Not easy to achieve, but the only viable approach (in my humble opinion!).

Anyway, enough of my wittering, let's have the questions!

1. Today in 1982, Britain resumed full diplomatic relations with which country for the first time since 1534?
   
2. Actor Bernard Lee (right), who died today in 1981, is probably best remembered for playing which role in the first eleven "Bond" films?
   
3. Best known for her debut 1984 album “Diamond Life”, which singer was born today in 1959 in Nigeria?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Wikipedia; 2. "Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two"; 3. Portugal

Superb Website for Trivia Buffs

While setting the Tuesday night quiz at the Bull's Head I discovered this fantastic website - Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations - which has the widest range of statistics on world food production (and very up-to-date as well!).

For example: - the world production of Wheat in 2007 was 607 million tonnes (in 1961 it was 222 MT). The single largest country production was China with nearly 109 MT (in 1961; USSR with 62MT).

There are many more bits of information to keep any self-respecting trivia buff happy for hours!

But, here come today's posers: -

1. Which free online encyclopaedia appeared today in 2001?
   
2. TV presenter Claudia Winkleman (right) was born today in 1972 and has fronted which BBC2 programme since 2004?
   
3. The Alvor Agreement, signed today in 1975, granted Angola independence from which European country?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Miami Dolphins; 2. Foo Fighters; 3. Casablanca

Hillary Clinton - "Smart Power"

The new US Secretary of State has spoken; Hillary Clinton has said that the US should use 'smart power' to help solve the world's problems. Finally, the American government might have a chance to be a force for good in the world.

Over a hundred years ago, Theodore Roosevelt used the phrase, "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far". Perhaps, the new US regime are about to heed his wise words; too often in the recent past America has waved the big stick first before shouting at their enemies (and allies)!

Here are today's questions: -

1. Who defeated the Washington Redskins today in 1973 to become the first NFL team to complete a season undefeated?
   
2. Drummer Dave Grohl (right) was born today in 1969 and formed which band after the death of Kurt Cobain?
   
3. Of all the cities in all the world, where did Franklin D Roosevelt and Winston Churchill meet today in 1943?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. George W Bush; 2. Johnny Cash; 3. Stephen Hendry

Kate Winslett Wins Two Golden Globes

After being nominated on five previous occasions, Kate Winslett finally won, not one , but TWO Golden Globes! She is the first actress since Sigourney Weaver in 1989 to win both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress awards at the same time and only the fourth actress to win two awards in one night (Joan Plowright in 1992 and Helen Mirren in 2006).

Kate Winslett has also been nominated five times for Oscars, perhaps this year her run of disappointments at the Academy Awards will come to an end - who knows, but she will still be the talk of film trivia buffs everywhere!!

The teasers for today are: -

1. Who fainted today in 2002 after choking on a pretzel?
   
2. Who performed live at Folsom Prison for the second time today in 1968?
   
3. Who was born today in 1969 and is the youngest player to have been World Professional Snooker Champion?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. The National Trust; 2. Space Rockets; 3. QM2

Ted 'The Count' Hankey - World Darts Champion

Another week, another World Darts Champion!! This time it is Ted Hankey who defeated Tony O'Shea 7 - 6 in the BDO Final. I'm not a particular fan of darts, but they are always the first World Champions to be crowned each year, so as a trivia buff, it is interesting news!

The teasers for today are: -

1. Which conservation organisation was founded in the UK today in 1895?


2. Sergei Korolev was born today in 1907 and was the Soviet Union’s ‘Chief Designer’ of what in the 50’s and 60’s?


3. Which Cunard ocean liner departed on her maiden voyage today in 2004?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Ivanhoe; 2. Mary J Blige; 3. Ben Crenshaw; 4. Jasper Fforde

Gabby Logan on Radio Five Live

Every Sunday morning at 10 am Gabby Logan starts her Radio 5 Live show by wishing "Happy Birthday" to various sports stars, celebrities and notable figures. She then lists some events that also took place on that date.

This week I'm going to email her and suggest that, for fun, she asks questions about the date and that she could take a look at this blog for suggestions. If I can get a mention on her show that would be great and maybe lead to many others visiting this blog...and who knows where that could lead?

So, today's questions are: -

1. What is the 'heroic' middle name of Wigan striker Emile Heskey who was born today in 1978?
   
   
2. Who was born today in 1971 (right) and had a UK Top 10 album and single in 2002 titled “No More Drama”?
   
   
3. Which golfer was born today in 1952 in Austin, Texas and won the US Masters in 1984 and 1995?
   
   
4. Which author was born in London today in 1961 and created the "Thursday Next" series of novels?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. England (Highgate, London); 2. Scarecrow; 3. First Section of the London Underground

The Weekend Is Here!!

Saturday comes around again! Time to relax from the pressures of the week; time for some of us to drink too much; time for some of us to just chill out; or time to just have some simple enjoyment! I've probably rambled a bit too much this week, but not today!

Straight to the questions: -

1. In which UK country was singer Rod Stewart born today in 1945?
   


2. Actor Ray Bolger, who was born today in 1904, played which character in the film “The Wizard of Oz”?
   


3. What was opened in London today in 1863 by Prime Minister Gladstone?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Income Tax; 2. Crystal Gayle; 3. SS Lazio

England Cricket Turmoil

Don't you just love the way English sport is run? The latest saga of incompetence and stupidity is the England cricket team. Appointing the best player in the team seemed like a good decision (that's what the Aussies do!), but when that player is not suited to the wider role that the captain has to perform and the coach is not up to international standards you have a recipe for disaster. Mihir Bose has all of the facts and exposes the full story.

The 'blazer brigade' got it wrong again, but why does it keep happening in our sport - football (the FA), rugby (the RFU) and cricket (the ECB) all seem to be run by people who, however well intentioned, shouldn't be allowed near a thriving business that international teams now are!

Anyway, enough of my ramblings, here are today's teasers: -

1. What tax was introduced by William Pitt the Younger today in 1799 to help fund the Napoleonic Wars?
   
2. Which country music singer was born Brenda Gail Webb (right) in Kentucky today in 1951?
   
3. Which football club was founded today in 1900 in Rome?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Robert; 2. Marco Fu; 3. Mona Lisa

Five Presidents for Lunch

Can you imagine it, five US Presidents around the same lunch table! I for one would want to be a fly on the wall of that room. (I wonder if anyone asked Bill, "How's Hillary?")

That's another reason that the phrase 'Only in America' is so apt; could you really see Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, John Major and Margaret Thatcher sitting down at the same table together with David Cameron (once he'd been elected as the next Prime Minister)? I'd like to think it could happen, but don't think it will.

Today's questions: -

1. What does the R stand for in the name of singer R Kelly who was born today in 1967?


2. Who is this snooker player (right) that was born today in 1978 in Hong Kong?


3. Which famous painting was first exhibited in the USA today in 1962 at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Golf; 2. Liberal Democratic Party; 3. Galileo Galilei

Woolworth's Finally Closes

After almost 100 years as a fixture on the British High Street, Woolworth's is no more. In trouble already, the recession has swept it away like flotsam on a tidal wave that has taken many companies and will take many more before it is over.

In the short term it is bad for those of us who have lost our jobs, but in the long term, new companies will rise to replace the old, new jobs will be created and the renewal of the economy will occur...and then there'll be another recession!

The cycle of boom and bust will continue, until someone comes up with a better way of structuring the world economy.

Enough of the 'doom and gloom', here are some teasers to take your mind off it: -

1. Which sport is played by Natalie Gulbis (pictured, right) who was born today in 1983 in Sacramento?
   


2. Nick Clegg, MP for Sheffield Hallam, was born today in 1967 and is leader of which political party?
   


3. Who first observed three of the four moons around Jupiter today in 1610?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Arctic Monkeys; 2. Nancy Kerrigan; 3. John Delorean

Is Global Warming Over?

Here in Birmingham it is pretty cold at the moment. The first time for many years that we've had such a prolonged cold snap in December/January. So, is Global Warming over? No chance, as Philip Eden said on Radio 5 Live this evening, "You have to distinguish between weather and climate!" Apparently, the variations in weather are much broader than the gradual change in the climate.

So, to the Global Warming naysayers, you'll need a better reason for not believing in the new 'religion' of Global warming!

Before the glaciers melt and London is deluged in the floods I'd better give you the questions: -

1. Alex Turner, vocalist and lead guitarist of which Sheffield based band, was born today in 1986?


2. Which American skater was attacked, suffering knee damage, today in 1994, but went on to win a Silver medal at the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer?


3. Who was born today in 1925 in Detroit and is pictured (below) with his most famous car?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Italy (Rome); 2. Shetlands; 3. "Stargate: Atlantis"

Phil Taylor - 14-Time World Champion

Phil 'The Power' Taylor wins his 14th World Championship at a canter defeating Raymond 'Barney' van Barneveld by 7 - 1 in the final. A tremendous effort, but as a few friends and me were discussing the other evening, "Is Darts a Sport?"

Well, I don't want to bore you with the full extent of our somewhat drunken discussions, but I'd like to leave you with this thought/question - can anything that is played in a pub ever be called a sport? (answers on a postcard, please!)

On with the questions: -

1. In which country was King Juan Carlos of Spain born, today in 1938?
2. The oil tanker MV Braer ran aground off the coast of which islands today in 1993?
3. Actor Joe Flanigan (below) was born today in 1967 and plays Colonel John Sheppard in which TV sci-fi series? Joe Flannigan at Comic Con 2007. Reproduced Courtesy Jill Bratcher © 2007 or Jill B./MajorSamFan © 2007

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Appendix; 2. Julia Ormond; 3. Sir Edmund Hillary

A New Doctor Who

The cat is finally out of the bag; the new Doctor Who is to be played by Matt Smith. At 26 he'll be the youngest ever Doctor Who. Obviously something like this is great for we trivia buffs, but as a fan of Doctor Who myself it is also very interesting news.

I've not heard of Matt Smith so it will be fun to see how it works out with him as the Doctor. My only gripe (and it's a pretty minor one!) is that I long for the 'good old days' when the Doctor regenerated and you didn't know who it was going to be!

Here we go, more trivia: -

1. Dr William Grant was the first to surgically remove what successfully from a patient, today in 1885?
   


2. Who was born today in 1965 in Surrey (pictured right) and played the title role in the 1995 film “Sabrina”?
   


3. Which New Zealander led the first overland expedition to successfully reach the South Pole, since Captain Scott, today in 1958?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Leonardo da Vinci; 2. Britney Spears; 3. Alaska

Celebrity Big Brother is Back!!

From the sublime to the ridiculous - the Cuban Revolution to Celebrity Big Brother! That's how a decent quiz works, it is the only time where you will go from talking about a significant world event to a piece of useless trivia within seconds...and you'll enjoy both! (and everything in between!)

I won't watch much of CBB2009, but I'll be interested in the outcome; similarly, I'm not that fussed about the minutiae of the Cuban Revolution, but the outcome is of interest. That's the curse of the quizzer - the surface of any topic is interesting, but too much detail and we can't be bothered with it!

Anyway, on to the trivia: -

1. Who unsuccessfully tested a flying machine today in 1496?
2. Who married Jason Allen Alexander today in 2004, the marriage being annulled 2 days later?
3. What became the 49th State of the USA today in 1959?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Andrews Sisters; 2. Lord Byron; 3. Peter Sutcliffe (Yorkshire Ripper)

Fiftieth Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution

The Cuban Revolution is 50 years old - how many people would have predicted that in 1959 (apart from Fidel Castro and his allies, that is!)? Despite everything the USA has tried to do to destablisie it Cuba has survived. A remarkable achievement, whether you agree with communism or not!

Here are some questions about three less important, but still interesting anniversaries: -

1. Which American all-girl group recorded “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” today in 1941?
   
2. Which poet and peer married his wife Anne today in 1815?
   
3. Which infamous mass murderer was arrested in Sheffield today in 1981?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Melinda; 2. Samuel Pepys; 3. "Robin Hood"

Happy New Year

My apologies for the late appearance of today's installment, but as you can imagine, I'm a little hung over. Last night, just the ten of us, went to The Country Girl (my local pub in Selly Oak) for a few drinks before departing for Yasser's, our favourite Balti restaurant in Birmingham (and, in fact, the world!) where we saw in the New Year.

Then we all decamped to mine for a few more glasses of wine. So, a good night was had by all...and I'm now paying for it!!

However, no amount of pain will stop me from giving you your fix of questions: -

1. What is the first name of Bill Gates’ wife whom he married today in 1994?


2. Who started his diary today in 1660?


3. Actor Jonas Armstrong (right) was born today in 1981 and stars in the title role of what BBC TV series?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Farthing; 2. Billie Piper; 3. Dr Lillith Sternin