Pete's 'Today In History' Quiz: July 2009

Friday, 31 July 2009

Procul Harum Organist Wins Back Rights

Matthew Fisher has won his long battle for co-writing rights to the Procul Harum hit record "Whiter Shade of Pale". He initially won the case in 2006, had the decision overturned in 2008 and now the Law Lords have ruled that he did indeed co-write the hit and is due 40% of the royalties!

Friday's questions are: -

Which multi-millionaire author was born today in 1965 in Gloucestershire?
Actor Dean Cain (right) was born today in 1966 and played which superhero on TV for four years?
Today in 1936 the International Olympic Committee announced that which Asian city would be hosts for the 1940 Summer Olympic Games?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Emily Bronte; 2. Kate Bush ; 3. Mexico

Thursday, 30 July 2009

Met Office Revises Summer Forecast

Why do they do it? It's common knowledge amongst experts that it isn't possible to forecast the weather more than 4 days in advance. So, earlier in the year the Met Office issued a summer forecast that indicated we were in for quite a good summer! On a day when it has rained solidly for about 12 hours here in Birmingham, they have now said that August will be more unsettled than predicted and that whilst they stand by their original statement, it did only have a probability of 65%! I am a fan of the Met Office and, by and large, their forecasts are good. If only they'd stick to what they're good at!

Thursday's questions are: -

Who was born today in 1818 and wrote the novel "Wuthering Heights"?
Who was born today in 1958 and had a UK No 1 single in 1978 with "Wuthering Heights"?
The last 'old style' VW Beetle (below) rolled off the assembly line in which country today in 2003?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jennifer Aniston; 2. Renault ; 3. 'Il Duce'

Wednesday, 29 July 2009

England to Host Rugby World Cup(s)

It's been announced on the same day that England will host the Rugby World Cup in 2013 (League) and 2015 (Union)! It's not really such a coup as there are really only two viable options for the Rugby League World Cup and, with only half a dozen options for the Union version, it was pretty much England's time again. Not wishing to lessen the achievements, though, just imagine the sporting events on our doorstep in the next decade; 2012 - Olympics (& Paralympics); 2013 - Rugby League World Cup; 2015 - Rugby Union World Cup; 2018 - FIFA World Cup??

Wednesday's questions are: -

Who married Brad Pitt today in 2000?
Spanish racing driver Fernando Alonso (right) was born today in 1981 and was Formula 1 World Champion in 2005 & 2006 driving for which team?
What was the nickname of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini who was born today in 1883?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Earl Tupper; 2. Jim Davis ; 3. Bermuda

Tuesday, 28 July 2009

Happy Birthday BlogDumps!

This is a party I'm very happy to be at and I've brought food (stored in Q 1), someone to entertain the kids (Q 2) and a holiday destination for us all to look forward to (Q 3)! Cheers, now where's the cold beer?

Tuesday's questions are: -

Who was born today in 1908 in New Hampshire and invented a range of airtight plastic containers for storing food?
Who was born today in 1945 and created the cartoon strip "Garfield" (right)?
Which Atlantic island was first colonised by survivors of the English ship Sea Venture today in 1609?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Bank of England; 2. Queensland ; 3. Shah of Iran

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.

Monday, 27 July 2009

Alberto Contador Wins Tour de France 2009

For the second time, Spain's Alberto Contador has won the Tour de France from Andy Schleck and a remarkable Lance Armstrong who was third at the age of 37! Britain's Bradley Wiggins was fourth (equal best finish for a Brit since Robert Millar in 1984) and Mark Cavendish won the final stage to take his tally to six for this Tour (the first time for 30 years this feat has been achieved)! Its not an event I follow closely, but it is one of the world's great sporting occasions and I'm in complete admiration for the men who manage to ride the 2,149 miles and spend 86 hours (winner) in the saddle over 21 stages - they are truly remarkable!

Monday's questions are: -

Which financial institution was granted a Royal Charter today in 1694?
Record-breaking Australian Test cricketer Allan Border (right) was born today in 1955 and played first class cricket for which state?
Which deposed Middle Eastern leader died in Cairo today in 1980?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Manchester City; 2. "Miss Congeniality" ; 3. Liberia

Sunday, 26 July 2009

Joanna Lumley to Visit Nepal

Following her complete rout of the British Government over Gurkha rights, Joanna Lumley is flying out to Nepal and is expected to get a reception as though it was a state visit! It just goes to show that even in these cynical times if you have a just cause, passion and a definite plan you can force governments into U-turns!

Sunday's questions are: -

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was born today in 1949 and bought which Premier League football club in 2007?
Actress Sandra Bullock (right) was born today in 1964 and starred as an undercover FBI agent at a beauty pageant in which 2000 film?
Which was the first African colony to gain freedom today in 1847?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Louise Brown; 2. "The Golden Girls" ; 3. Barcelona

Saturday, 25 July 2009

Politician Admits Mistake - Shock!

No surprise that it wasn't a British politician! Barack Obama again sets the standard for rectifying his mistakes! First he shows that he is human after all by making some ill judged comments and then only two days later expresses his regret and that he should have chosen his words better!

Saturday's questions are: -

Who was the first "Test Tube Baby" born today in 1978?
Actress Estelle Getty (right) was born today in 1923 and played Sophia in which long running TV sitcom?
Which city staged the Olympic Games that opened today in 1992?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Spanish; 2. Atlantic Ocean ; 3. Alexandre Dumas pére

Friday, 24 July 2009

VW to Take Over Porsche?

How ironic that the company whose initial success was based on the Beetle, designed by Ferdinand Porsche, should be about to take over the company he founded and his son continued to run after World War II! Volkswagen is already one of Europe's biggest car manufacturers and the addition of Porsche will complete its range of cars from family to luxury to sports.

Friday's questions are: -

What nationality is cyclist Miguel Indurain who won the Tour de France for a fourth time today in 1994?
Amelia Earhart (right) was born today in 1897 and, in 1935, became the first woman to fly solo across which ocean?
Which author was born today in 1802 and wrote "The Three Musketeers" and "The Count of Monte Cristo"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Egypt; 2. Saul Hudson ; 3. Prince Andrew & Sarah Ferguson

Thursday, 23 July 2009

UK Losing 52 Pubs Per Week

This is very bad news - the English pub is one of our great cultural icons and should be preserved at all costs. With the recession following on so closely behind the smoking ban, pubs that haven't diversified into food are struggling to make ends meet. This means that many traditional village pubs and back street boozers cannot continue. This has resulted in a loss of about 24,000 jobs so far - imagine the reaction if a major manufacturer or financial institution closed with such a loss of jobs; but as it has been a trickle (now a torrent) there has been no government intervention!

Thursday's questions are: -

King Farouk was overthrown in a military coup in which African country today in 1952?
What is the real name of former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash (right) who was born today in 1965 in England?
Which couple married at Westminster Abbey today in 1986?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jean Charles de Menezes; 2. USA ; 3. Wiley Post

Wednesday, 22 July 2009

Rise in Animal Tests

I find it amazing that there were 3.7 million 'procedures' carried out on animals in medical testing facilities in England, Scotland and Wales last year. This is a 14% rise compared with 2007 and is part of a trend that has been rising for the past 7 years! Naively, I thought that the amount of testing on animals was being reduced year-on-year, but obviously I was wrong. I accept that there will, probably, always be a need to carry out some experimentation on animals, but it must be kept to a minimum! The Dr Hadwen Trust is the leading facility researching alternatives and should be fully supported.

Wednesday's questions are: -

Who was killed by Metropolitan Police Officers at Stockwell Underground station today in 2005?
In which country was actor Willem Dafoe (right) born today in 1955?
Who completed the first solo flight around the world today in 1933?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"; 2. Boulder, Colorado ; 3. Sirimavo Bandaranaike

Tuesday, 21 July 2009

Apollo 11 - 40 Years Later

Forty years ago, today, at some extremely early hour of the morning (0256 GMT) I was dragged out of bed by my parents in time to see Neil Armstrong step onto the moon. I wouldn't have missed it for the world! Looking back now and thinking about it for the first time in a long while has made me fully appreciate how remarkable a feat this was. To send men so far from the nearest source of habitable atmosphere in such flimsy vessels and to bring them back safely was truly astonishing! And just one final thought to leave you with; one of my pet hate phrases is when someone says, "Well if we can put a man on the moon why can't they..." (fill in your own blanks for solving a difficult problem in society)! The fact of the matter is that, at the moment, WE CAN'T PUT A MAN ON THE MOON, which makes it all the more stunning an achievement to have done it in 1969!

Tuesday's questions are: -

Which "Harry Potter" book was released today in 2007?
Which city was the setting for the TV show "Mork & Mindy" that starred Robin Williams (right), who was born today in 1951?
Who became the world's first woman to be elected Prime Minister today in 1960 in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka)?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Bruce Lee; 2. Brazil ; 3. Euston

Monday, 20 July 2009

Stewart Cink - Open Golf Champion 2009

What a stunning finale to the 138th Open Golf Championship! Imagine standing on the 18th tee of the final round needing a par to win the Open and then failing to quite manage it. A nightmare in golfing terms that befell Tom Watson this year. It's a fate that has overtaken many famous golfers and is part of the spectacle of this fantastic game. So, well done to Stewart Cink for winning the Claret Jug, but it was Tom Watson's Open!

Monday's questions are: -

Which actor and former Crown Colony Cha Cha Cha dance champion died in Hong Kong today in 1973 aged 32?
Supermodel Gisele Bundchen (right) was born today in 1980 in which country?
Which railway station, London's first, opened today in 1837?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Paris; 2. Bristol ; 3. Ilie Nastase

Sunday, 19 July 2009

Images of Moon Landings - 40 Years On

Images from the Apollo 14 landing sites have been sent back to Earth by Nasa's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) showing the lunar module and trail of footprints. Forty years after the original moon landings these are the first images to show the original sites. NASA are using this mission to scout out new landing sites for future exploration and possible colonisation.

Your Sunday questions are: -

The first line of which city's underground railway system opened today in 1900?
Brunel's SS Great Britain (right) was launched from which city today in 1843?
Which former US Open and French Open men's singles tennis champion was born today in 1946 in Bucharest?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. William Makepeace Thackeray; 2. Bobby Brown ; 3. Germany (Messerschmitt Me-262)

Saturday, 18 July 2009

San Diego Menaced by Jumbo Squid

No, it's not like something from a B-movie! Apparently, divers off the coast of San Diego have reported unnerving encounters with Humboldt Squid which grow up to 5 ft long! Is this an El Nino effect, something to do with global warming or just seasonal variation? Who knows, but it's intriguing nonetheless!

Your Saturday questions are: -

Who was born today in 1811 and wrote the novel "Vanity Fair"?
Who married singer Whitney Houston (right) today in 1992?
Which country developed the first jet-powered fighter plane that took its maiden flight today in 1942?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. River Thames; 2. Germany; 3. Juan Antonio Samaranch

Friday, 17 July 2009

New Element Named Copernicium

The latest addition to the Periodic Table now has a name - Copernicium has the atomic number 112 (symbol Cp) and is named after astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus!

Your Friday questions are: -

On which river did Handel's "Water Music" premiere today in 1717 at the request of George I?
Angela Merkel (right) was born today in 1954 and became the Chancellor of which country in November 2005?
Which former President of the International Olympic Committee was born in Barcelona today in 1920?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Saddam Hussein; 2. Chicago White Sox; 3. Jupiter

Thursday, 16 July 2009

138th Open Golf Championship

Today sees the start of the Open Golf Championship (the 'British' Open to our American cousins!) on the Ailsa Course at Turnberry. Can Tiger win his fourth Claret Jug, will Harrington get out of his slump and win again or could Monty do it this time? I'll be watching as much as I can on the BBC. It looks like a great course and should be a thrilling tournament!

Your Thursday questions are: -

Who became President of Iraq today in 1979?
'Shoeless' Joe Jackson (right) was born today in 1888 and finished his baseball career at which club?
Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with which planet today in 1994? (Collisions continued until 22nd July)

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Boeing 707; 2. United Kingdom (Hampshire); 3. Napoleon Bonaparte

Wednesday, 15 July 2009

Floozy in the Jacuzzi - £70,000 Bill

The main piece of public art here in Birmingham, the so-called 'Floozy in the Jacuzzi' (below), has sprung several leaks and it will cost £70,000 to repair them all. The fountain in Victoria Square has been turned off until all of the repairs can be completed. Till then we'll just have to wait to see her in all her glory once again!!

Your Wednesday questions are: -

The prototype of which 4-engined jet airliner made its maiden flight from Seattle today in 1954?
In which country is Blackbushe Airport where Bob Dylan (right) appeared today in 1978?
Who surrendered to Captain Frederick Maitland on board HMS Bellerophon today in 1815?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Seven; 2. Leslie Lynch King Jr; 3. Honduras and El Salvador

Tuesday, 14 July 2009

Blogdumps - Top Sites Tuesday #16

As you may have guessed I like quizzes and trivia! I don't really enjoy going too deeply into a subject, I just love knowing a little about a lot of things. Sometimes I envy people who can get to grips with a topic and become an in depth expert, and then I'm amazed when it turns out that's all they seem to know!! It takes all sorts!

In keeping with today's "Two Topic" theme, I'll expand on my love of Judie Tzuke's music. I chose "Stay With Me Till Dawn" as my favourite song of hers as it is probably the most accessible and was her only chart hit - 30 years ago (July 1979). But 16 Studio Albums, 5 Live Albums and 5 Compilations she's still going strong. My two favourite songs of hers are "Understanding" and her cover of Jackson Browne's "Lives in the Balance". Have a look at her MySpace page for some up-to-date songs and her own website to maybe even purchase a CD or two (no, I'm not on commission!!) Judie has also been working with other artists such as Lucie Silvas, Morcheeba, Freemasons and many more including daughter Bailey! (And if you like a bit of Trance check this remix of "Don't Look Behind You" by American DJ Seth Hutton!)

Your Tuesday questions are: -

How many prisoners were freed when the Bastille was stormed today in 1789 marking the start of the French Revolution?
Gerald Ford (right), 38th President of the United States, was born with what name today in 1913?
The so-called Football War started today in 1969 between which Central American countries?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Ruth Ellis; 2. HOLLYWOODLAND; 3. Ernö Rubik

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.

Monday, 13 July 2009

Olympic Hopeful Opens Brothel

Now here's an unusual way of raising funds for a career in athletics! A New Zealand athlete has opened a brothel in a bid for Taekwondo glory at the 2012 Olympics in London. Prostitution is legal in New Zealand, so good luck Logan Campbell, I salute your resourcefulness!

Your Monday questions are: -

Who was the last woman to be executed in the UK today in 1955?
What did the 'Hollywood Sign' (below) originally say when it was first erected today in 1923?
Which inventor and puzzle designer was born today in 1944 in Budapest?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Fleetwood Mac; 2. Cliff (Heathcliff) Huxtable; 3. Horatio Nelson

Sunday, 12 July 2009

Torchwood Finished?

The absolutely stunning five-parter "Torchwood - Children of Earth" blazed across our screens this week! I did wonder if Russell T Davies could fill five hours with quality science fiction, but I needn't have worried. It showed what SF can (and should be) by tackling a huge problem (Alien Invasion) and giving no easy solutions. The major characters all had to make decisions that had serious consequences with no shirking from the truly awfulness of the situation! There are plenty of reviews scattered about the Internet, so I won't reveal any more about the plot so, if you haven't seen it yet, be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of action and ideas!

Your Sunday questions are: -

Singer Christine McVie, who was born today in 1943, joined which band in 1970?
Comedian Bill Cosby (right) was born today in 1937 and played which character in the sitcom "The Cosby Show"?
Which British hero lost an eye at the siege of Calvi in Corsica today in 1794?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Telstar I; 2. Russia (Vladivostok); 3. "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Saturday, 11 July 2009

Smart Clothes - A Suit That Takes Photos?

You may have noticed that I like a bit of 'weird science' from time to time! Today's example is almost sci-fi in it's concept - clothes that could take photographs (or maybe even videos?)! Imagine how "Star Trek" would have been if they'd all been wearing 'smart clothes' on away missions!

Your Saturday questions are: -

The first transatlantic TV transmission was sent via which satellite today in 1962?
In which country was actor Yul Brynner (right) born today in 1922?
Which Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee was published today in 1960?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Rainbow Warrior; 2. Take That; 3. John Wyndham

Friday, 10 July 2009

Strictly Come Dancing - New Judge Announced

Keen readers of this blog will know that I am a fan of "Strictly Come Dancing"! It has been announced that Alesha Dixon will replace Arlene Phillips as one of the judges. Although I'm a fan of Alesha in this setting, I'm not sure that she will be mean enough as a judge. Arlene has the years of experience and made a very good judge because she knows the dance world inside out! But what do I know? I'll still be watching when the new season starts in the autumn!

Your Friday questions are: -

Which Greenpeace ship was sunk in Auckland harbour by French agents today in 1985?
Jason Orange (right) was born today in 1970 and is a member of which 'boy' band?
Who was born today in 1903 in the village of Knowle (just outside Birmingham) and wrote "The Day of the Triffids"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Queen Elizabeth II; 2. "Philadelphia"; 3. Johnny Weissmuller

Thursday, 9 July 2009

Historical Thesaurus Published

After 44 years of painstaking work, scholars at Glasgow University have finally produced "The Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary", to be published by Oxford University Press in October. This book is twice the size of Roget's Thesaurus and details how words have evolved through the years. It's a bargain at £250!

Your Thursday questions are: -

Who had an unscheduled conversation with intruder Michael Fagan, in her bedroom, today in 1982?
Actor Tom Hanks (right) was born today in 1956 and won his first Oscar for which 1993 film?
Who became the first swimmer to break the 1-minute barrier for the 100 metres Freestyle today in 1922?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Percy Bysshe Shelley; 2. Kadima; 3. The Wall Street Journal

Wednesday, 8 July 2009

The Ashes - First Test Match in Cardiff

Today sees the renewal of an old rivalry when England take on Australia in the first Ashes Test Match at Cardiff. This is the first time a test match has been played on this ground, so it should be interesting as neither side should have any advantage. Let's hope it is as close and as tensely interesting as in 2005!

Your Wednesday questions are: -

Which poet drowned today in 1822 off the coast of Italy, aged 29?
Israeli politician Tzipi Livni (right) was born today in 1958 and, in 2008, became Prime Minister as leader of which political party?
Which newspaper was first published today in 1889 by Dow Jones & Company of New York?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Pierre Cardin; 2. "Worzel Gummidge"; 3. Sliced Bread

Tuesday, 7 July 2009

My Favourite Food or Dessert

This Tuesday's Blogdumps theme is somewhat of a challenge for me..there's so much I could choose from! Could it be Steak and Kidney Pie or Battered Haddock, Chips and Mushy Peas or Braised Liver and Onions or Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding or...well you get the idea! After much deliberation, my favourite food is a fresh

Toasted Bacon Sandwich made by Jean at Bournville Lane Café (served with a Cup of Tea [No Milk!!] and some friendly banter with husband Derek)! Many a happy hour spent here discussing life and generally putting the world to rights!

Your Tuesday questions are: -

Which French fashion designer was born today in 1922 near Venice, Italy?
Jon Pertwee (right) was born today in 1919 and, after playing the third incarnation of "Doctor Who", went on to star as a scarecrow in which children's TV series?
What was sold for the first time by the Chillicothe Baking Company today in 1928?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Singapore; 2. "Shine"; 3. United Kingdom (R34)

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

Monday, 6 July 2009

Torchwood is Back!!

A new series of "Torchwood" starts on BBC1 today at 9pm! The trailers look great - a bit like 'Children of the Damned/Midwich Cuckoos', but I'm sure it will develop into something significantly different. This series consists of five hour-long episodes on five consecutive nights - I can't wait!!

Your Monday questions are: -

Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles was born today in 1781 and founded which Asian city?
Actor Geoffrey Rush (right) was born today in 1951 and won an Oscar for his portrayal of pianist David Helfgott in which 1996 film?
Which country built the airship that was first to cross the Atlantic Ocean today in 1919?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Algeria; 2. 2006; 3. SPAM

Sunday, 5 July 2009

Coin with No Date

A customer in a Peterborough was given a 20p coin in his change - no real shock there - but it did not have the year stamped on it! Apparently this coin could be worth up to £7000! I'll be studying my change a lot more closely from now on!!

Your Sunday posers are: -

Which North African country gained Independence after 132 years of French rule, today in 1962?
French tennis player Amélie Mauresmo (right) was born today in 1979 and won both the Australian Open and Wimbledon singles titles in which year?
What tinned meat was introduced by the Hormel Foods Corporation today in 1937?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. David & Victoria Beckham; 2. 'The Queen of Mean'; 3. Radio Free Europe

Saturday, 4 July 2009

Andy Murray Out of Wimbledon

After playing very well to get to the Wimbledon semi-finals, Andy Murray lost out to Andy Roddick who will go on to try (for the third time!) and beat Roger Federer in Sunday's final. Andy Murray should be pleased with his overall performance as he almost went all the way, but as he's only 22 he must surely have many more opportunities in the future! It was a bad day all round for the Murray family as brother Jamie fell at the semi-final stage in the mixed doubles with his partner Liezel Huber!

Your Saturday teasers are: -

Which famous couple married today in 1999 at a castle on the outskirts of Dublin?
What nickname was given to Leona Helmsley (right) who was born today in 1920, after reportedly saying, "We don't pay taxes. Only the little people pay taxes"?
Which radio station went on air for the first time today in 1950, from a transmitter in Germany, with initial broadcasts aimed at Czechoslovakia?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. George Washington; 2. Yazoo; 3. Mallard