Lord's Prayer on a Pin Head

Graham Short from Bournville has inscribed the Lord's Prayer onto a pin head. It took him 300 hours and I can only ask, "WHY?" His next aim is to engrave a chapter of the Koran onto another pin head! Crazy, but it does no-one any harm so we'll just have to add him to the list of English eccentrics!

Your Sunday questions are: -

1. The last British troops left which country today in 1948?
   
   
2. International goalkeeper Dino Zoff (right) was born today in 1942 and was a FIFA World Cup winner with which country?
   
   
3. Name the English nanny who was born today in 1978 and was at the centre of an infamous 1997 US murder case.

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Ralph Nader; 2. No Relation; 3. Pokemon

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
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Skeleton Donation to Edinburgh Dungeon

I must admit that this is one of those "I wish I'd thought of that!" stories! A couple from Scotland (both nurses) have decided to leave their bodies to medical science (Edinburgh University Medical College) for dissection before their skeletons are displayed at Edinburgh Dungeon! As well as highlighting the lack of bodies left to medical science it also eliminates the need for an expensive funeral. Personally, I'd like the disposal of my remains to cost as little as possible whilst doing as much good as can be managed (most likely as a salutary lesson to youngsters not to eat and drink like I do!!)!

Your Saturday questions are: -

1. Which consumer activist, who ran for the US Presidency four times, was born today in 1934?
   
   
2. Actor Adam Baldwin (right) was born today in 1962 and is what relation to fellow actors Alec, Daniel, William and Stephen Baldwin?
   
   
3. Today in 1996, Nintendo introduced which video game that had been created by Satoshi Tajiri?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. World Trade Center (North Tower); 2. New Zealand; 3. Victor Hugo

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Racist T-Shirts?

Political Correctness Gone Mad! A Scottish T-shirt shop has been displaying "Anyone But England" T-shirts for the forthcoming World Cup in South Africa. Grampian police advised a Slanj store worker to consider whether the display was appropriate and whether it should be removed! How ridiculous! It's just a bit of harmless banter and we English expect nothing less from our Scottish brethren! When England lift the World Cup trophy in July they will look pretty stupid and small minded...but until then, let them have their bit of fun!

Your Friday questions are: -

1. A truck bomb parked beneath which New York skyscraper exploded today in 1993, killing six people?
   
   
2. Helen Clark (right), born today in 1950, was Prime Minister of which Commonwealth country from 1999 - 2008?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1802 and wrote the novels "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Les Misérables"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jean Todt; 2. Philippines; 3. "A Clockwork Orange"

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
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Online Archive of UK Scientists

The British Library has begun a three-year project to create a vast, online oral history and archive of British science. The project will see 200 British scientists interviewed and their recollections recorded for the audio library. It is planned that this will start to fill in the gap that there are very few recordings of many of Britain's scientific greats! For example there are only two recordings of Ernest Rutherford and NONE of Alan Turing, Christopher Cockerel nor Nobel Laureate A V Hill. The project will be jointly run by the British Library, National Life Stories (a charity) and the Science Museum!

Your Thursday questions are: -

1. Who was born today in 1946 and was elected as President of the governing body of world motor sport, the FIA, in 2009?
   
   
2. Which country did Ferdinand Marcos (right) leave today in 1986 after 20 years in power following a tainted election?
   
   
3. Writer Anthony Burgess was born today in 1917 and had which of his novels turned into a cult 1971 film directed by Stanley Kubrick?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Kurt Cobain; 2. French; 3. Toothbrush Bristles

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
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Plane Spotters in Trouble

I don't think I'll ever understand it - by 'it' I mean Plane Spotting! Every few years a group of Brits will get arrested in foreign lands for plane spotting and they always seem surprised! If a group of foreign nationals armed with cameras, binoculars, laptop and an air traffic control scanner were apprehended near any of our airports, they would be locked up and closely interrogated...and quite rightly so! To me, Plane Spotting and Train Spotting are childhood pursuits to interest youngsters about the world around them - I myself had "I-Spy" books in my youth - but to carry on such an endeavour into adulthood is weird! As long as they do no harm its OK by me, but they shouldn't be surprised (nor expect our help) when they get arrested!!

Your Wednesday questions are: -

1. Who married Courtney Love on Waikiki Beach, Hawaii today in 1992?
   
   
2. What nationality is four-time Formula 1 World Champion driver Alain Prost (right) who was born today in 1955?
   
   
3. What was the first use of nylon that went on sale today in 1938?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Juan Manuel Fangio; 2. Enola Gay (Hiroshima); 3. Richard Sharpe

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
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BlogDumps Top Sites Tuesday #48

Well, it's Top Sites Tuesday again at BlogDumps, looking for Two Thoughts - and I don't even have one! So, I'll pass this week and just leave you with the questions...but you'll need THREE thoughts for these!

Your Tuesday questions are: -

1. Which five-time Formula 1 World Champion Driver was kidnapped by Cuban rebels today in 1958?
   
   
2. Paul Tibbets (right) was born today in 1915 and is best known for being the pilot of which plane on 6th August 1945?
   
   
3. Which is the best-known character created by novelist Bernard Cornwell who was born today in 1944?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Niki Lauda; 2. "You're Beautiful"; 3. France

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Come Join Top Sites Tuesday and be #1 on BlogDumps!
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Singing Helps 'Rewire' Brain

Researchers have presented their findings to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) that demonstrate how singing can help stroke patients recover their powers of speech. This article also has one of the best new euphemisms that I've seen in a long while - the ongoing trial has shown how the brain responds to melodic intonation therapy! A fascinating piece of work which will hopefully help many people in the years to come (and possibly me as well!)!

Your Monday questions are: -

1. Which three-time Formula 1 World Champion Driver was born in Vienna today in 1949?
   
   
2. What was the title of the 2005 worldwide Number One hit by James Blunt (right) who was born today in 1974?
   
   
3. Troops from which country landed near Fishguard in Wales today in 1797?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Norway; 2. Polaroid Instant Camera; 3. "Voice of an Angel"

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
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Tiger Woods - One Year On

On this day last year I commented on Tiger Woods imminent return to golf following his long injury lay off. Now, one year later, having won several tournaments, but crucially, not having added to his total of 14 Major Titles, it seems as though he may not play at all in 2010! At his very sombre and apologetic press conference on Friday he said "I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don't know when that day will be. I don't rule out that it will be this year." Now he goes back for more therapy. I wish him well and hope that he is back playing golf and entertaining his many fans soon!

Your Sunday questions are: -

1. Born today in 1937, Harald V is king of which European country?
   
   
2. What type of camera was demonstrated by Edwin land (right) today in 1947?
   
   
3. What was the title of the 1998 debut album release by Charlotte Church who was born today in 1986?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Cruz; 2. Rupert Giles; 3. John Glenn

My book "The Easy Quiz Master"
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5,000 New Marine Species Discovered

The Census of Marine Life will report in October, but a preview has shown that 5,000 new species have been discovered in the 10 years it has been running!

Your Saturday questions are: -

1. Which son of David and Victoria Beckham was born today in 2005?
   
   
2. Actor Anthony Head (right) was born today in 1954 and played what character in the US TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"?
   
   
3. Who became the first American to orbit the earth today in 1962?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Iwo Jima; 2. "Cat Ballou"; 3. Gossip

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

JK Rowling Fights Plagiarism Claim

I'm constantly amazed at the number of occasions where someone claims "I wrote that" some time after a successful novel/song/film has been published! JK Rowling has been accused by the estate of late author Adrian Jacobs of plagiarising a portion of his book "The Adventures of Willy the Wizard" in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire". This book was published in 2000 and they've only just got around to claiming...to me that sounds more like a cynical attempt to extract maximum value rather that a genuine grievance! I'm not a "Harry Potter" fan, but it seems to me that there are generic themes and situations involved in the fantasy genre and there will be coincidences like this all of the time!

Your Friday questions are: -

1. On which Japanese island did 30,000 US Marines land today in 1945?
   
   
2. Lee Marvin (right) was born today in 1924 and won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in which 1965 comedy western?
   
   
3. Beth Ditto was born today in 1981 and is the singer with which American indie rock band?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Sir Bobby Robson; 2. 'Gentleman Jim'; 3. Japan

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

Reader's Digest UK in Administration

Does this mean that I won't be winning the Prize Draw after all? I must say that I thought Reader's Digest had bitten the dust long ago as evidenced by the fact that I haven't been invited to enter their prize draws for ages!!

Your Thursday questions are: -

1. Which former England football manager was born today in 1933?
   
   
2. What was the nickname of boxer James J Corbett (right) who died today in 1933?
   
   
3. In which country was Yoko Ono born today in 1933?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jim Brown; 2. Hetty Wainthropp; 3. "Waltzing Matilda"

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

Police Drone Grounded

Merseyside Police have had to ground their new £40,000 remote controlled surveillance helicopter because they don't have a licence!! New rules that came into force at the start of the year mean that to fly within 50 m of people and within 150 m of buildings a permit is required. It just makes you wonder which other laws our police aren't aware of or don't follow!

Your Wednesday questions are: -

1. Who was born today in 1936 and was the first American Footballer to score 100 touchdowns in his career?
   
   
2. Actress Patricia Routledge (right) was born today in 1929 and played which pensioner and amateur detective on TV?
   
   
3. What is the most famous song/poem written by Australian poet 'Banjo' Patterson who was born today in 1864?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Fidel Castro; 2. California; 3. Nylon

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

BlogDumps Top Sites Tuesday #47

This week's theme is "What Do You Most Like About Where You Live?" Well, there's not really enough space here to go into great detail, but I'll try to give you a flavour of my part of Stirchley which is a suburb of Birmingham. I live in a terraced house on quiet street and I can see the Cadbury chocolate factory peeking over the embankment that carries both the canal and railway line. Just round the corner is my favourite cafe where you will find me on most weekday mornings! There's a great pub nearby, the recently restored British Oak which is now thriving again after a few years in the doldrums! My favourite balti restaurant, Yasser's, is also within easy walking distance! Everything you need within a few hundred yards, it's just a shame that I have to move away!

Your Tuesday questions are: -

1. Who became Prime Minister of Cuba today in 1959?
   
   
2. Singer and actor Sonny Bono (right) was born today in 1935 and was a member of the US House of Representatives for which state?
   
   
3. American scientist Wallace H Carothers was granted a US Patent for which product today in 1937?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Decimal Coinage; 2. "Doctor Quinn: Medicine Woman"; 3. Graham Hill

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.

No Paint on Bus in Devon!

Has the world gone mad??? An over 65-year-old man was refused passage on a bus in Devon because he was carrying a tin of fence paint that he had bought from a DIY store! Apparently paint cannot be carried on Transdev Yellow Buses because it might cause a mess! Now in the hands of 'playful' teenagers this could be a problem, but I don't think that a pensioner is going to cause too much trouble! It's another one in the eye for the environmentalists as we're always being told that it is better for the world if we use more public transport. Our victim in this case was rescued by a friend who drove him the 10 miles back home (seriously damaging the environment in the process!)!

Your Monday questions are: -

1. What was introduced in Britain today in 1971?
   
   
2. Actress Jane Seymour (right) was born today in 1951 and won a Golden Globe Award in 1996 for the title role in which TV series?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1929 and is the only driver to have completed the 'Triple Crown' of victories in the Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans 24 Hour races?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Chicago; 2. Miss Moneypenny; 3. Buffalo Bills

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

Pubs Win Court Battle Over Music

Pubs, hotels and restaurants are likely to get a share of a £20 million refund on excess charges that have been made for playing recorded music in their establishments. Phonographic Performance Limited brought in the charges in 2005, but a court has now ruled that they were excessive. This is great news for pubs in these difficult times...I just hope they don't celebrate by turning it up too loud!!

Your Sunday questions are: -

1. In which city was the 'St Valentine's Day Massacre' today in 1929?
   
   
2. Actress Lois Maxwell (right) was born today in 1927 in Canada and played which role in fourteen "James Bond" films?
   
   
3. Former quarterback Jim Kelly was born today in 1960 and led which team to the Super Bowl for four consecutive years in the 1990's?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Robbie Williams; 2. Jelena Jankovic; 3. France

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

Trawler Finds Lost Camera

A South African couple have been reunited with their camera after losing it overboard from the QM2 en route from New York to Southampton in 2008! A Spanish trawlerman discovered the camera in his nets off the west coast of Europe. There were five photos still intact on the memory card which were shown on a local BBC news programme. A friend of the couple saw the pictures and the rest, as they say, is history!

Your Saturday questions are: -

1. Which pop singer was born today in 1974 in Newcastle-under-Lyme?
   
   
2. Jamie Murray (right) was born today in 1986 and won the Wimbledon Mixed Doubles title in 2007 partnered with which Serbian tennis player?
   
   
3. Which country detonated their first atom bomb today in 1960, becoming the world's fourth nuclear power?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Santiago; 2. Nine Days; 3. Christina Ricci

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

NASA Launches Solar Probe

The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has finally been launched from Cape Canaveral after a weather delay. The SDO is designed to study the solar surface to give us a better understanding of the Sun's weather and help to predict storms that can affect us here on Earth. I'm also hopeful that the SDO will also give a better understanding of the variability of the Sun's output and how this relates to climate change. All of the energy that keeps the Earth warm originates from the Sun and I believe that this must be a far greater factor than Man's puny efforts!

Your Friday questions are: -

1. Which South American capital city was founded today in 1541 by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia?
   
   
2. Lady Jane Grey (right) was executed today in 1554 and had spent how many days on the English throne in July 1553?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1980 and appeared as Wednesday Addams in the 1990's "Addams Family" films?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Lourdes; 2. Rachel; 3. Nelson Mandela

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

Whatever Happened to Swine Flu?

The National Pandemic Flu Service in England is to close because of the sharp decline in cases of the H1N1 swine flu virus. So what happened? Did the mass vaccinations work or was the virus not as serious as first thought? I believe that it's the latter! Should we be bothered that this pandemic was hyped up? I don't think so, because when the day comes that a serious virus does appear, all of the authorities will be better prepared. The only slight problem is if too many people believe that the authorities are 'crying wolf' next time and don't take enough heed!

Your Thursday questions are: -

1. Where did Saint Bernadette have her first vision of the Virgin Mary today in 1858?
   
   
2. Jennifer Aniston (right) was born today in 1969 and played which character in the US TV sitcom "Friends"?
   
   
3. Who was released after 27 years in prison today in 1990?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Canada; 2. Number Two; 3. (British) Open

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

Backless Hospital Gown Redesigned

The traditional draughty and backless hospital gown is getting a Hollywood-style makeover by one of the world's top designers. Ben de Lisi, famed for creating red-carpet frocks for stars like Kate Winslet, says his "aspirational" new design will preserve patients' modesty! Personally I've never needed one, but no doubt that day probably isn't too far away - it'll need to cover a large area!

Your Wednesday questions are: -

1. Today in 1763, the Treaty of Paris ceded control of Canada to which country?
   
   
2. Actor Robert Wagner (right) was born today in 1930 and played what role in the "Austin Powers" movies?
   
   
3. Golfer Greg Norman was born today in 1955 and won which Major Championship in 1986 and 1993?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Michael Foale; 2. "Keeping Up Appearances"; 3. Beatles

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

BlogDumps Top Sites Tuesday #46

It's "Two Thoughts on a Tuesday" at BlogDumps again...and I don't have even one at the moment. I've spent the last couple of weeks marking GCSE exam papers and my mind is a blank! For all those who say modern exams are much easier than "in my day", I can say that's complete rubbish! Sure the exams are structured differently, but they do test out fully the pupil's reasoning skills, memory and logic. And for those people that say today's kids are less intelligent than in years gone by...again, that's rubbish! There's a full range of abilities displayed from all the candidates, the future should be safe!

Your Tuesday questions are: -

1. Who was the first British born astronaut to perform a space walk today in 1995?
   
   
2. Actor Clive Swift (right) was born today in 1936 and played Richard Bucket in which UK TV sitcom?
   
   
3. Which group made their first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" today in 1964?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jules Verne; 2. "The Odd Couple"; 3. John Williams

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!

Pensioner Joins Judo Elite

Martial arts expert George Kerr, 72, was named a "10th Dan" black belt at a ceremony held by the International Judo Federation in Paris. He is one of only five non-Japanese recipients of the award, which honours his contribution to the sport. Fewer than 20 people have ever received this honour and only seven are still living. This is a remarkable achievement!

Your Monday questions are: -

1. Who was born in France today in 1828 and created the character Captain Nemo?
   
   
2. Actor Jack Lemmon (right) was born today in 1925 and starred alongside Walter Matthau in which 1968 comedy film?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1932 and has won Oscars for his work on the films "Fiddler on the Roof", "Jaws", "Star Wars", "E.T." and "Schindler's List"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. "Utopia"; 2. Ashton Kutcher; 3. Leon Trotsky

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

Climate Change Scepticism Rises

In a poll carried out by Populus for the BBC it would appear that a significantly fewer number of people in Britain believe that Climate Change is actually happening, and is man made, than in a similar poll in November (Down to 75% from 83%)! From my point of view, I believe that Climate Change is happening, but that the Earth has been warming since the end of the last Ice Age, long before any involvement from humans! The future of the human race IS at stake, but we should be planning how to survive the challenge and NOT trying to do a 'King Canute'! Mankind doesn't have the ability to stop Climate Change, but we can survive it!

Your Sunday questions are: -

1. What is the most famous work by Sir Thomas More who was born today in 1478?
   
   
2. Which actor was born today in 1978 and married Demi Moore (right) in 2005?
   
   
3. Ramón Mercader was born in Barcelona today in 1914 and became infamous for the murder of which Russian in 1940?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Kenya; 2. Singapore; 3. Eva Braun

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

Doctor Who Props Auction

A selection of props and costumes from "Doctor Who" are going to be auctioned off later this month. They include costumes worn by David Tennant, Billie Piper and Kylie Minogue together with Cybermen and Daleks! The sale is being held by Bonhams and there are 166 lots in total. If I had enough money I'd go for the first lot, which is the "Torchwood" Range Rover estimated to fetch £10 - £15,000!

Your Saturday questions are: -

1. In which country was Princess Elizabeth today in 1952 when George VI died and she became queen?
   
   
2. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles (right) founded which city, now a republic, today in 1819?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1912 and was Adolf Hitler's wife?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. John Boyd Dunlop; 2. "Alien"; 3. Argentina

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