Home Secretary 'Porn' Shock!

Following on from the investigation into the 'second home' expenses of Home Secretary Jacqui Smith comes the news that she has claimed for the use of two 'adult' films watched by her husband. Whilst I don't really think this is such a heinous crime, it is very embarrassing and just goes to show that Tony Blair's promise that New Labour would be "whiter than white" was just more empty rhetoric!

Here are Tuesday's teasers: -

1. Today is Freedom Day on which Mediterranean island, celebrating the final departure of British troops in 1979?

   
   
2. Actor Christopher Walken (right) was born today in 1943 and won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in which 1978 film?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1926 and wrote the novel "The French Lieutenant's Woman"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Diethyl Ether; 2. Ravi Shankar; 3. Rubeus Hagrid

Jenson Button Wins in Melbourne

Remarkable! After one win in his previous 153 Grands Prix, Jenson Button led all the way from pole position to take the chequered flag in first place. This just goes to show that when a F1 driver gets into a decent car, most of them could take it through to victory, however, truly great drivers can do well in an average car. Michael Schumacher was such a driver and, with Lewis Hamilton finishing third (after starting from 18th on the grid), maybe he is another great driver in the making.

Your questions for the new week: -

1. What did American doctor Crawford Long first use as an anaesthetic today in 1842?

   
   
2. Who is the famous father of multi Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Norah Jones (right) who was born today in 1979?
   
   
3. What role in the "Harry Potter" movies is played by Robbie Coltrane who was born today in 1950?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Republic of Ireland; 2. "Xena: Warrior Princess"; 3. Queen Victoria

British Summer Time Starts

Today the clocks go forward in the UK and the rest of Europe! Daylight Saving is a funny term and, every year, there are people who ask why we do it. From my point of view, I much prefer the lighter evenings as I'm generally a late riser! I gather that in the US the clocks went forward three weeks ago. Follow the link above to learn more about the background to the whole subject - very interesting!

Your Sunday brain teasers are: -

1. Which was the first country to ban smoking in all work places, including bars and restaurants, today in 2004?

   
   
2. Which 1990's US TV series starred Lucy Lawless (right) who was born today in 1968 in New Zealand?
   
   
3. Who opened the Royal Albert Hall (pictured below) today in 1871 in London?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Sewer System; 2. (Arnold) Rimmer; 3. Jesse Owens

Robbie Williams Rejoins Take That?

It appears that Robbie Williams is on the verge of getting back together with Take That. I'm not sure who is the most desperate!!

Your Saturday brain teasers are: -

1. Civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette was born today in 1819 and created what network in London?

   
   
2. Actor Chris Barrie (right) was born today in 1960 and played what character in the TV sci-fi comedy series "Red Dwarf"?
   
   
3. Which athlete was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President George H W Bush today in 1990?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. James Callaghan; 2. "Reservoir Dogs"; 3. Viagra

Another Holiday in Space

US billionaire Charles Simonyi has blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for his second holiday visit to the International Space Station. This link will take you to the story.

Your Friday questions are: -

1. Which former British Prime Minister was born in Portsmouth today in 1912?

   
   
2. Which 1992 movie was the first feature film directed by Quentin Tarantino (right) who was born today in 1963?
   
   
3. What is the trade name of the drug Sildenafil that was approved for use in the USA by the FDA today in 1996?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Barbra Streisand; 2. "The God Delusion"; 3. Bangladesh

Colin Montgomerie - 500 Not Out

When he tees off at the Andalucia Open, Colin Montgomerie will be starting his 500th Tour Event! Congratulations to him and hopefully there will be many more! He's aiming at 650! (Hopefully this link will play wherever you are!)

Your Thursday teasers are: -

1. Who starred as Fanny Brice when the musical "Funny Girl" opened on Broadway today in 1964?

   
   
2. Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins (right), who was born today in 1941, wrote which 2006 book that challenges the existence of a 'supernatural creator'?
   
   
3. East Pakistan, which declared independence today in 1971, is now known by what name?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Six; 2. Carrie Bradshaw; 3. Hercules

Sixty Foot Penis on Roof

For once, mere words are redundant, follow this link for the story of an 18-year old who painted this on his parent's roof! Fantastic!!

Picture courtesy KNS News and BBC

Your Wednesday posers are: -

1. How many countries made up the European Economic Community when it was established today in 1957?

   
   
2. Sarah Jessica Parker (right), who was born today in 1965, played which character in the film and TV series "Sex and the City"?
   
   
3. Elton John (below), who was born today in 1947, has what middle name?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Tommy Hilfiger; 2. Marine Chronometer; 3. Indianapolis Colts

New Labour Sleaze

Does anyone remember when Tony Blair was elected in 1997 saying that New Labour were going to be 'whiter than white'? Tony Blair isn't in charge any more, but his party is looking increasingly sleazy as various ministers try to defend their expenses. Hot on the heels of Home Secretary Jacqui Smith comes Employment Minister Tony McNulty saying that he hasn't broken any rules - that's as may be, but what about decency and honour? I don't think too many current politicians know the meaning of these words!

Tuesday's teasers for you are: -

1. Which fashion designer was born today in 1951 in Elmira, New York?

   
   
2. John Harrison (right) was born today in 1693 and invented what essential device for global navigation?
   
   
3. Quarterback Peyton Manning (below), born today in 1976, was MVP in Superbowl XLI playing for which team?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Elisha G Otis; 2. Virgil 'Gus' Grissom; 3. Oxford (Iffley Road)