Home From the Cut

Yes, I'm back! But I've a lot of sorting out/catching up to do, so I'll just leave you with the questions today!!

Your Sunday questions are: -

1. Which war ended today in 1902 with the Peace of Vereeniging?
   
   
2. Born today in 1948, John Bonham (right) was the drummer with which rock band?
   
   
3. Actor and director Clint Eastwood was born today in 1930 and has won four Oscars - how many have been for acting?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jane Seymour; 2. Colm Meaney; 3. Madison Square Garden

Back Home

Holiday over, time to get back home, pick up the post, get depressed at the bills, start doing the clothes washing and generally get back down to the normal routine of life! Then it'll be time to find out where I'm drinking and eating tonight...life gets back to normal!!

Your Saturday questions are: -

1. Who became Henry VIII's third wife today in 1536?
   

   
   
2. Which actor was born today in 1953 and played Chief Miles O'Brien (right) in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine"?
   

   
   
3. Which New York venue changed it's name from Gilmores Garden today in 1879?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Gilbert Keith; 2. Annette Bening; 3. Manchester United

Back to Lapworth

It's a day's trip back from Birmingham to Lapworth along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and the Stratford Canal! A very pleasant trip with only 11 locks at the very end of the journey (and a couple of lift bridges). If we are back in time, we will be heading back to Brum for an evening in the Country Girl and a balti at Yasser's. If we're later, it'll be the Navigation Inn or The Boot in Lapworth!

Your Friday teasers are: -

1. What were the first names of influential English writer GK Chesterton who was born today in 1874?
   
   
2. Which actress, and wife of Warren Beatty (right), was born today in 1958?
   
   
3. Brian Kidd scored for which club in the European Cup Final on his 19th birthday today in 1968?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"; 2. Eleven; 3. "The Last Supper"

Alpha Inventions

If we are on schedule, we should be in Birmingham! Undoubtedly, we'll be having a curry at the Raj Doot again (below from last year!)Your Thursday testers are: -

1. Author Ian Fleming, who was born today in 1908, wrote which famous children's story?
   
   
2. The Chrysler Building (right), which was completed today in 1931, spent how many months as the world's tallest building?
   
   
3. Which Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece was put back on display today in 1999, after 22 years of restoration work?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Bismarck; 2. Hammer Film Productions; 3. Mick Jagger

Atherstone or Polesworth

We should have reached Atherstone before the end of the day, possibly will have gone through the flight of locks, which always seem (to me) to be the slowest flight that we pass through! they take ages to fill and empty...and there are always lots of boats around meaning that 3 hours to do the 11 locks is a good time - often takes much longer! This means that we could have reached Polesworth where there are quite a few pubs (again if they haven't closed down!!).

We will hopefully be able to find a suitable place to watch the Champions League Final. Whilst I'd like Manchester United to win, if it's a great game and it ends up 5 - 4, then it won't bother me if Barcelona win by that scoreline!

Your Wednesday posers are: -

1. Which German battleship was sunk in the North Atlantic today in 1941?
   
   
2. Actor Christopher Lee (right), who was born today in 1922, played Count Dracula nine times in films by which production company?
   
   
3. Today in 1964 in Coventry, 11 boys were suspended from school for having a hair style like which singer?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Everest; 2. Tonto; 3. Sally Ride

Ansty and Coventry (Maybe)

Onward to Ansty, where a delicious lunch at the Rose & Castle awaits. Then, it's decision time - do we have enough time to get into Coventry and still allow us to get back to Lapworth for Friday evening. We won't know until we are at Hawkesbury Junction and we'll make the choice then. Either way, we'll find some suitable drinking establishments!!

Your Tuesday teasers are: -

1. Today in 2003, Sherpa Lakpa Gelu climbed which mountain in a record time of 10 hours 56 minutes?
   
   
2. Actor Jay Silverheels (right) was born today in 1912 and is most famous for playing which character on TV from 1949 to 1957?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1951 and was the first American woman to go into space?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. John F Kennedy; 2. Mike Myers; 3. Babe Ruth

Hillmorton and Rugby

After Braunston, we'll be passing through Hillmorton and Rugby on the North Oxford Canal. There are some lovely pubs in both places (assuming they're all still there) so we will be having a pleasant time!!

Your Bank Holiday Monday questions are: -

1. Who said, today in 1961, that America would put a man on the moon and return him safely before the end of the decade?
   
   
2. Who was born in Canada today in 1963 and provides the voice for "Shrek" (right)?
   
   
3. Who hit his 714th and final Home Run today in 1935?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Bob Dylan; 2. "The English Patient"; 3. Brooklyn Bridge

Long Itchington and Beyond

Lunchtime at the Two Boats, hopefully in glorious sunshine, and then onwards towards Braunston - the centre of the canal system.

Sunday's questions are: -

1. Which American singer was born Robert Zimmerman today in 1941?
   
   
2. Actress Kristin Scott Thomas (right) was born today in 1960 and played Katharine Clifton in which multi-Oscar winning 1996 film?
   
   
3. After 14 years of construction, what opened to traffic in New York today in 1883?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Franz Mesmer; 2. Chess; 3. Bonnie Parker & Clyde Barrow

The Holiday Starts Here

It's back to our narrowboat Emma Jane for a week cruising the English Canals. Today we set off from our moorings at Lapworth and should, hopefully, be spending the evening in Warwick (or maybe as far as Leamington Spa). Either way we'll have to navigate the Hatton flight of locks on the Grand Union Canal! We will also get to see the runners in the annual 145 mile Grand Union Canal Race from Birmingham to London - they must be mad!

Saturday's questions are: -

1. Who was born today in 1734 in Germany and was a pioneer in the field of hypnosis?
   
   
2. Born today in 1951, Anatoly Karpov (right) was a World Champion at what?
   
   
3. Which infamous bank-robbing duo were ambushed and killed in Louisiana today in 1934?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jordan (aka Katie Price); 2. Serbia (Belgrade); 3. Aer Lingus

Ivor Novello Awards

The winners of the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards have been announced. Elbow won two awards and others went to Duffy, Ting Tings, Vince Clarke, Smokey Robinson, Massive Attack and Edwyn Collins. Coldplay were also winners, but no-one from the band (or their management) bothered to turn up!

Friday's questions are: -

1. Which glamour model and celebrity was born Katrina Amy Alexandria Alexis Infield in Brighton today in 1978?
   
   
2. World No 4 ranked tennis player Novak Djokovic (right) was born in which country today in 1987?
   
   
3. What is the national airline of Ireland that was formed today in 1936?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Lauren Bacall; 2. United Kingdom (London); 3. Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart

Pringles ARE Potato Crisps

In a ruling by the Court of Appeal it has been decided that Pringles are to be classed as Potato Crisps for tax purposes and are liable for VAT. I was surprised to find out that Pringles are only 42% potato!

Thursday's questions are: -

1. Which actress married actor Humphrey Bogart today in 1945?
   
   
2. In which country was former Sugababe Mutya Buena (right) born today in 1985?
   
   
3. Who became the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean today in 1927; and who became the first woman to repeat the feat today in 1932?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Cher; 2. Spitfire; 3. Argentina (5), Spain (92), Czech Republic (68)

Michael Martin Stands Down as Speaker

The events of 19th May 2009 will become quiz questions for me in future years. It was indeed an historic day, the first time in 300 years that the Speaker of the House of Commons has been forced to leave office. Follow the links in this piece to find out the background, but it all stems from the row over MPs expenses!

Wednesday's questions are: -

1. Which singer and actress was born Cherilyn Sarkisian today in 1946?
   
   
2. R J Mitchell (right) who was born today in 1895 is best known for the design of which World War II fighter plane?
   
   
3. Today is the birthday of three international goalkeepers. Name the countries each of these footballers has represented - Leo Franco (1977); Iker Casillas (1981); Petr Čech (1982).

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Napoleon Bonaparte; 2. Sarah Jessica Parker; 3. The Who

Wolfram Alpha Goes Live

A new search engine, Wolfram Alpha has just gone live. It is described as a Computational Knowledge Engine rather than a search engine. It's inventors plan on it being a complementary service to Google and other traditional search engines. Only time will tell if it becomes anything like as useful as Google has become, but it does look like an interesting concept!

Tuesday's questions are: -

1. Who established the Légion d'honneur in France today in 1802?
   
   
2. Which actress married actor Matthew Broderick (right) today in 1997?
   
   
3. Pete Townshend, who was born today in 1945, is a founder member of which rock band?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Helen Sharman; 2. "Babylon 5"; 3. Poland

Norway Wins Eurovision Song Contest

I managed to catch the end of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest - the announcement of the final votes is usually the best bit - and Norway were the run away winners. United Kingdom came a creditable fifth; somewhat better than last place in 2008. Graham Norton seemed to be doing a good job as our compere for the evening, with none of the depressing moaning that Terry Wogan used to indulge in!

Monday's questions are: -

1. Who was the first Briton to orbit the earth today in 1991?
   
   
2. Actor Andreas Katsulas, who was born today in 1946, played Ambassador/Citizen G'Kar (right) in which TV science fiction series?
   
   
3. In which country was Pope John Paul II born today in 1920?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Boer War; 2. "Orinoco Flow"; 3. Sugar Ray Leonard

Manchester United Win Premier League

By drawing 0 - 0 with Arsenal, Manchester United clinched their third successive Premier League title. This was only the second time (out of 11 victories) to be clinched at Old Trafford.

Your Sunday questions are: -

1. During which war was the Siege of Mafeking that was relieved today in 1900?
   
   
2. What was the title of the 1988 No 1 debut solo single by Enya (right) who was born today in 1961?
   
   
3. Rated as one of the best boxers ever, who was born today in 1956 and held various world titles between 1979 and 1990?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Hires Root Beer; 2. Four; 3. John Prescott

Drink Ban @ Tottenham

It's a funny old game, Harry! The last person you would expect to impose a drinking ban on his players is Harry Redknapp, Tottenham Hotspur's current manager! It is a sign of how football has changed in the last few years that it is now unacceptable for footballers to get drunk! That is one massive culture change in the game!!

Your Saturday questions are: -

1. Which drink was created by Charles Elmer Hires today in 1866?
   
   
2. Actor Pierce Brosnan (right), who was born today in 1953, has starred as James Bond in how many films?
   
   
3. Who punched the protestor that threw an egg at him today in 2001?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. McDonald's; 2.Senegal; 3. "The Wizard of Oz"

Edgbaston Cricket Ground Revamp

Despite resident's objections, Birmingham City Council have approved plans for a £30 million revamp of Edgbaston Cricket Ground. There was a danger that Warwickshire County Cricket Club might have to move from Edgbaston if these plans had not been approved.

Your Friday questions are: -

1. Who opened their first restaurant today in 1940 in San Bernardino, California?
   
   
2. In which country was French international footballer Patrice Evra (right) born today in 1981?
   
   
3. What is the most famous book written by Lyman Frank Baum who was born today in 1856?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Skylab; 2. John Eric Bartholomew; 3. George Lucas

Condron.us

No real news that inspires me today, so I'll plug the Condron Blogroll again. It is a very interesting site that allows bloggers to get more exposure to more people around the world!

Your Thursday questions are: -

1. Which space station was launched from the Kennedy Space Centre today in 1973, the last launch of a Saturn V rocket?

   
   
2. What was the real name of comedian Eric Morecambe (right) who was born today in 1926?
   
   
3. Which film director and producer was born today in 1944 and created the character Indiana Jones?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Pope John Paul II; 2. The Brown Bomber; 3. "The Birds"

Quiz Night @ Bull's Head

Last night was the regular Tuesday Night Quiz at the Bull's Head in Hall Green. I haven't mentioned it recently, but it is still going well with plenty of teams still coming along for an entertaining evening of gentle quizzing. It is still a mystery to me why/how, after 8+ years of presenting Quiz Nights, they appear to be as popular as ever...not that I'm complaining!!

Your Wednesday questions are: -

1. Who was shot and seriously wounded by Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Ağca today in 1981?
   

   
   
2. What was the nickname of World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joe Louis (right, in WWII poster) who was born today in 1914?
   
   
3. Daphne du Maurier, who was born today in 1907, wrote which story that was turned into a classic 1963 film by Alfred Hitchcock?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Mick Jagger; 2. Donna Noble; 3. Mike Weir

Jordan and Peter Andre Separate

After almost 6 months blogging, I've finally decided to bring some important news to you all. Jordan and Peter are splitting up! It's a sad day when a couple decide to go their separate ways, but it must be doubly difficult when it is played out in the full glare of the media spotlight. Still, I've not followed their careers and I'll offer no further comment...but for those of you who want to find out more there should be enough links...here...here...here...and here!

Your Tuesday teasers are: -

1. Which rock star married Bianca Pérez-Mora Macías today in 1971?
   

   
   
2. Actress and comedienne Catherine Tate (right) was born today in 1968 and played which character in "Doctor Who"?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1970 in Canada and was the first left-handed golfer to win the US Masters?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Siam; 2. "The Phil Silvers Show"; 3. "White Christmas"

Martin Kendall Wins Soccer Saturday Super 6

Imagine my surprise in the early hours of yesterday. I'd just stumbled in from a pub crawl around Selly Oak and a Lamb Jalfrezi from the Dilshad. Before going to bed i thought I'd check to see how my Soccer Saturday Super 6 predictions had gone - not well as it turned out, I got none right...again!

So, I then checked on Matthew & Martin's scores to see how they'd done. I nearly fell off my chair when I saw the words, "Martin Kendall from Birmingham has won this week's competition by correctly predicting 4 of the 6 results correctly." My immediate thought was, there must be another Martin Kendall (there isn't) as this doesn't happen to people you know! Anyway, well done to Martin and maybe I'll catch up the six game deficit in the next 2 weeks (or maybe not!!)

Your Monday questions are: -

1. What was Thailand called before its change of name today in 1949?
   

   
   
2. What was the name of the TV show, set in an Army Motor Pool, that starred Phil Silvers (right) who was born today in 1911?
   
   
3. Irving Berlin, who was born today in 1888, won his only Oscar for which song from the film "Holiday Inn"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Bono (of U2); 2. "Towering Inferno"; 3. François Mitterand

Star Trek - Movie Review

I remember first watching "Star Trek" when it originally appeared on BBC in the late 60's; I've watched every incarnation since and enjoyed them all (some a bit more than others, but all the versions have been generally very good). So, what about this latest JJ Abrams version...I can exclusively reveal that...it is FANTASTIC!

It is fast paced, exciting, funny and is recognisably "Star Trek" and modern at the same time. Zachary Quinto IS Spock and Karl Urban could be Leonard McCoy's long lost love child. Chris Pine as Kirk will take a bit more getting used to, which I look forward to in the next films, as I think he was a bit underused in this opening episode. Simon Pegg was great as Scotty, but again, hopefully we'll see more of him in the subsequent movies. Of the other characters, perhaps Zoe Saldana's Uhura is the most different from the original; from the start we see that she is smart, stong, sensitive and sexy...a modern woman!

So, a big THUMBS UP from me!!

Here are your Sunday teasers: -

1. Which rock star was born Paul Hewson in Dublin today in 1960?

   
   
2. Fred Astaire (right), who was born today in 1899 received his only Oscar nomination for which 1974 film?
   
   
3. Who was elected the first Socialist President of France today in 1981?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Contained a Working Enigma Code Machine; 2. "Murphy Brown"; 3. Richard Adams

UK Politicians Morally Bankrupt

It's an utter disgrace! The Daily Telegraph has revealed, early, what several cabinet ministers and other leading politicians have been claiming for. It makes for sorry reading and, worst of all, they're all saying that it was within the rules!! That's as may be, but it's no excuse for taking the piss like they seem to be doing! (Although I do have some sympathy for John Prescott - as someone with a fat arse, I can appreciate the need for a second new toilet seat in a year; they just don't make 'em like they used to!!)

Enough ranting here are your Saturday testers: -

1. Why was the capture of German submarine U-110 by the Royal Navy, today in 1941, so significant?

   
   
2. Actress Candice Bergen (right) was born today in 1946 and played the title role in which US TV comedy series from 1988 to 1998?
   
   
   
3. Who was the author of "Watership Down" that was born today in 1920?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. University Boat Race; 2. Coca Cola; 3. Enrique Iglesias

Star Trek - New Movie

The new "Star Trek" movie has it's UK release today! I'll be going to see it on Saturday and I'll report my view on it when I've seen it! Hopefully, it's as good as the trailers!!

Your Friday posers are: -

1. John Snagge was born today in 1904 and commentated on which annual sporting event from 1931 to 1980?

   
   
2. What was invented by Dr John Pemberton (right) today in 1886?
   
   
   
3. Who was born today in Madrid today in 1975 and had a UK No 1 single in 2002 with "Hero"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Sony; 2. Baltimore Colts; 3. Polaroid

Fawlty Towers Reunion

For the first time in almost 30 years John Cleese, Prunella Scales, Connie Booth and Andrew Sachs were reunited to promote a G.O.L.D. documentary about their iconic sitcom "Fawlty Towers". John Cleese ruled out the prospect of any more episodes as they are all "too old and tired"!

Your Thursday questions are: -

1. Founded today in 1946, Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering are now known by what name?
   
   
   
2. Quarterback Johnny Unitas (right) was born today in 1933 and led which team to victory in the 1971 Super Bowl?
   
   
   
3. Edwin Land, who was born today in 1909, founded which camera company?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. First Postage Stamp - Penny Black; 2. 61 Survivors; 3. George Eliot was the pseudonym for Mary Anne Evans

Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

Just before sitting down to write this blog I caught the last part of a BBC2 programme about the new 'science' utilising the theory of Six Degrees of Separation, which essentially postulates that everyone in the world is only six friendships away from everyone else! Strange, but actually true! I need to watch it again to fully understand it. Hopefully the links in this blog will help you to follow the ideas better.

Your Wednesday questions are: -

1. What was first issued today in 1840?
   
   
2. Of the 97 people on the German zeppelin Hindenburg (right) today in 1937 when it burst into flames in New Jersey, how many survived - 0, 36 or 61?
   
   
3. Today in 1880, author George Eliot married John Walter Cross. Why was there no scandal?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Iran; 2. Billy Bob Thornton; 3. Karl Marx

John Higgins - World Snooker Champion

John Higgins clinched the Betfred World Professional Snooker title at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield for the third time. He beat Shaun Murphy 18 - 9 in a final that never quite reached the heights of some of the previous rounds.

Your Tuesday questions are: -

1. Which country's embassy was stormed by SAS troops in London today in 1980?
   
   
2. Which actor married Angelina Jolie (right) today in 2000?
   
   
3. Which philosopher and revolutionary was born in Prussia today in 1818?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Horse; 2. "Roman Holiday"; 3. Al Capone

Ancient New York Tsunami

Apparently, about 2,300 years ago a massive tsunami crashed into the New York region of North America. (see this link) While researching this I came across the United States Geological Survey website, which for trivia nuts like me, is a gold mine of information for use in quizzes!

Is this possible today? The answer is "Yes!". In fact, terrorists armed with the right weapons could wreak such havoc on the Eastern Seaboard of the USA! Well, that's my theory and I've written a film outline that exploits this possibility. All it now needs is a proper thriller writer to turn it into a screenplay and we could all be richly entertained!

Your Bank Holiday Monday questions are: -

1. Today in 2003, Idaho Gem was the first clone of which animal family to be born?
   
   
2. Actress Audrey Hepburn (right), who was born today in 1929, won an Oscar for her performance in which 1953 romantic comedy co-starring Gregory Peck?
   
   
3. Who entered Atlanta US Penitentiary today in 1932 for tax evasion?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jamaica; 2. True; 3. Stephen Hendry

Andrew Sachs Thanks Ross and Brand

It's a funny old world! Some months ago Andrew Sachs was the 'victim' of a phone prank by Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross that resulted in Brand's resignation, Ross being suspended for 3 months and the BBC fined £150,000. Now it appears that it has boosted Andrew Sachs' career. Not since the days of "Fawlty Towers" has he been so busy, he's even due to appear in "Coronation Street" soon!

Your Sunday posers are: -

1. Which Caribbean island was discovered by Christopher Columbus today in 1494?
   
   
2. True or False; the top of the Sears Tower (right), which became the world's tallest building today in 1973, is the highest point in the State of Illinois.
   
   
3. Who became the first 7-time winner of the World Professional Snooker Championship today in 1999?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. De Havilland Comet; 2. Italy; 3. "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"

Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton

Tonight (Sunday 4 am UK time) is the big showdown between Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao and Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton for the IBO World Junior Welterweight title currently held by Hatton. This is being staged at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Hopefully it will be as exciting as Carl Froch's last round victory last weekend. For an in depth form guide and pre-bout analysis, follow this link.

Your Saturday teasers are: -

1. What was the world's first jet airliner that made its maiden flight to Johannesburg today in 1952?
   
   
   
2. In which country was fashion designer Donatella Versace (right) born today in 1955?
   
   
3. For which play did Tennessee Williams win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama today in 1955?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Tokyo; 2. "Catch-22"; 3. Ten

British Army Leaves Basra

Finally, after six years, the British Army has finished combat operations in Iraq! After all this time and an invasion that has never been properly justified, was it all worth it?

Your Friday posers are: -

1. Today in 1940 the Summer Olympic Games, scheduled for which city, were cancelled because of the outbreak of World War II?
   
   
   
2. Author Joseph Heller (below) was born today in 1932 and is best remembered for which 1961 novel?
   
3. How many countries joined the European Union today in 2004?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Adolf Hitler; 2. Train Crash; 3. Kirsten Dunst