I'm Done!!!

After almost 21 months of continuous daily blogging I'm having a rest. I'm not sure if I can be bothered to do this any more as it has become something of a 'fixed point' in my day! It all seems a bit pointless. If anyone would like me to carry on, please leave a comment and, if there are enough, I will resume blogging....but if not....then I'm gone!

Your Friday questions are:-

1. In which country was the first flight of a jet powered aeroplane today in 1939?
   
   
2. Australian mark Webber (right) was born today in 1976 and is currently a driver for which Formula 1 racing team?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1886 and composed "The Dambusters March"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Captain James Cook; 2. 'The Man of a Thousand Faces'; 3. Pope John Paul I

Geo-Engineering to Save the Planet??

Er...no, it won't work! A study of possible Geo-engineering projects has shown that they will not stop the projected rise in the world's oceans! Anyone who has read my mutterings on this subject will know that I'm not surprised by this news! The best hope for humanity is to plan for survival. Move away from the vulnerable coastal areas, grow more food in less space...errr...that's about it! I would suggest that we need to reduce the population, but that's never going to happen by consent. Humans are smarter than the dinosaurs, so we should be able to plan our way out of this natural change in the world's climate!

Your Thursday questions are:-

1. Who set sail from Plymouth on board HMS Endeavour today in 1768?
   
   
2. What was the nickname of actor Lon Chaney Sr. (right) who died today in 1930?
   
   
3. Who became Pope today in 1978, but only held the office for 33 days?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Frederick Forsyth; 2. "Achy Breaky Heart"; 3. Croatia

The Late Late Late Show!!

Very, very late back tonight...so here they are.

Your Wednesday questions are:-

1. Who was born today in 1938 and wrote the novel "The Odessa File"?
   
   
2. What is the biggest selling single released by Billy Ray Cyrus (right) who was born today in 1961?
   
   
3. In which country is Vukovar which was attacked today in 1991 resulting in an 87 day siege?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Captain Matthew Webb; 2. Norwich City; 3. Mikhail Gorbachev

Earth Bugs Survive in Space

This is a fascinating story and could help us to understand how life might be transported around the universe. Bacteria from the cliffs near to Beer in Devon were put on the outside of the International Space Station and left for 553 days. Remarkably, many survived the exposure to outer space! OK, so that's a long way short of the millions of years that they would need to survive to travel between planets in different solar systems...but it's a start! An interesting experiment; I wonder where it will lead us.

Your Tuesday questions are:-

1. Who started out on the first successful swim across the English Channel today in 1875?
   
   
2. Stephen Fry (right) was born today in 1957 and was appointed to the board of directors of which English football club in 2010?
   
   
3. Who resigned as the General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party today in 1991?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Gene Kelly; 2. Tottenham Hotspur; 3. Geoff Capes

Dirty Tricks?

When it was announced that the man responsible for the Wikileaks publication of many secret Afghan War documents had been accused of rape, I smelled a rat! Now, the warrant for the arrest of Julian Assange has been cancelled without explanation! Very strange. Possibly this was a warning from the 'powers-that-be' to be very careful in future...or have I watched too many spy stories?!

Your Monday questions are:-

1. Which dancer, singer and actor was born today in 1912 in Pittsburgh?
   
   
2. Retired footballer Gary Mabbutt (right) was born today in 1961 and played for which First Division/Premier League team from 1982 to 1998?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1949 in Lincolnshire and was the World's Strongest Man twice in the 1980's?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Steve Davis; 2. Sir Guy of Gisborne; 3. America

Text Rescue!

Imagine the scene, you're 11,500 ft up Mont Blanc, with a dislocated shoulder and the weather closes in! With battery power running out, there's only one option...text a friend in Shropshire...simples! That's what Finn McCann and Tom Greenwood did on Wednesday and they're here to tell the tale! It is amazing how modern communication technology can become so useful!

Your Sunday questions are:-

1. Which six-time World Champion snooker player was born today in 1957?
   
   
2. Richard Armitage (right) was born today in 1971 and played which character in the BBC TV series "Robin Hood"?
   
   
3. Which yacht won the first race for what became known as the America's Cup today in 1851?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Captain James Cook ; 2. Liverpool; 3. Oasis

More Papal Tat!

Pope Benedict XVI is due to visit Birmingham in September for the beatification of Cardinal Newman. So far so good, but there have been stories of the prodigious amount of souvenirs that will be available to help pay for the visit (about £12 million)! The latest item is a football style shirt that is half England football shirt and half Vatican flag! I wonder if you can get it with a number and your name on the back. I hope so, I'll have number 664 saying "I Live Next Door to Him!"

Your Saturday questions are:-

1. Who claimed eastern Australia for Britain today in 1770 naming it New South Wales?
   
   
2. In which English city was "Sex and the City" star Kim Cattrall (right) born today in 1952?
   
   
3. Which band released "Be Here Now", the UK's fastest ever selling album, today in 1997?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Norman Cook (aka Fat Boy Slim); 2. "Distant Drums"; 3. Marchioness

What is the Most Popular Film Shown in Britain?

By gross takings "Avatar" is the biggest movie in British cinema history...but if you take into account inflation and cinema going 'habits'..."E.T." comes out on top ahead of even "Titanic"! This is an age old discussion (well, as old as the cinema!!) and will always provoke debate. This survey only went back for about 40 years, because "Gone with the Wind" would probably come out on top! I don't really understand the criteria used, but it is good for a few arguments!!

Your Friday questions are:-

1. Who married TV presenter and former Radio 1 DJ Zoe Ball today in 1999?
   
   
2. What was the only UK number one single, posthumously released in 1966, by Jim Reeves (right) who was born today in 1923?
   
   
3. What was the name of the pleasure boat that sank on the Thames killing 51 people today in 1989?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Mikhail Gorbachev; 2. Jonathan Frakes; 3. Australia

Who Quizzes the Quiz Master?

It's just the questions again today...late back from the quiz at the Woodman's Rest! I was 'ambushed' by a group of people wanting to quiz the quiz master - I quite enjoy discussing the quiz (and other obscure questions) with the quiz goers, but it usually means I'm late getting back home!

Your Thursday questions are:-

1. Who was placed under house arrest today in 1991 while on holiday in Crimea?
   
   
2. Who was born today in 1952 and played Commander William Riker (right) in "Star Trek: The Next Generation"?
   
   
3. Who were England's opponents today in 1975 when the Headingley Test Match was abandoned because of a vandalised pitch?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. MIKA; 2. "The Incredible Hulk"; 3. Godfrey Evans

Late Yet Again!!

Quiz night at the Bull's Head ran a bit over, then I needed petrol for the car, so this is all you get today...sorry!!

Your Wednesday questions are:-

1. Who was born in Beirut today in 1983 and had a UK No 1 single in 2007 with "Grace Kelly"?
   
   
2. Actor Edward Norton (right) was born today in 1969 and starred as Bruce Banner in which 2008 film?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1920 and was England's second most capped wicketkeeper?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Brazilian; 2. "Mystic River"; 3. New York Red Bulls

Tony Blair Controversy...Again!

It's Top Sites Tuesday at BlogDumps again and for the past few weeks I've failed to come up with anything to say! The story of Tony Blair giving away all of the proceeds from his book, "A Journey" to the Royal British Legion has already stirred up quite a bit of controversy already...so I thought I'd add my bit. The £4 million advance plus all royalties will go towards the £25 million Battle Back Challenge Centre which is due to open in 2012 for the rehabilitation of injured soldiers, airmen and sailors. Now, I'm no fan of Tony Blair and was against our invasion of Iraq, but I did agree with the deployment of British troops in Afghanistan. He is being criticised by people for his donation, but I think that's very unfair. No leader takes the decision to go to war lightly and, let's be honest, its not a decision any of us would ever want to make, but he had to. Whether it was right or wrong is a largely irrelevant argument...that's why we elect these people to make the difficult choices...imagine the comments if he just pocketed the £4 million and did nothing to help! Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't - would the critics rather he kept the money?

Your Tuesday questions are:-

1. What nationality is three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet who was born today in 1952?
   
   
2. Actor Sean Penn (right) was born today in 1960 and won his first Oscar for which 2003 film?
   
   
3. Footballer Thierry Henry was born today in 1977 and now plays for which MLS team?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Hugo Gernsback (The 'Hugos'); 2. Trinidad; 3. Pete Best


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Maradona for Aston Villa?

Oh yes! It's definitely the silly season! It would appear from this story that Diego Maradona is interested in becoming Aston Villa's new coach/manager. It would be fantastic if he did become their manager...if only for the entertainment value! The chances of it actually happening are, at best, very slim...but it's stories like these that keep us all amused!

Your Monday questions are:-

1. Which writer, publisher and inventor was born today in 1884 and has one of the major science fiction awards named after him?
   
   
2. On which Caribbean island was retired newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald (right) born today in 1939?
   
   
3. Who did Ringo Starr replace as drummer with the Beatles today in 1962?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Macbeth; 2. Roads; 3. "Time Team"

The Dangers of Book Signings!

This article caught my eye - Tony Blair is due to sign his latest book, "A Journey", at Waterstones soon, but he will only sign his name (no personal dedication allowed), your phone (and/or camera) will be taken from you and you will be ushered through quickly so that the shop can maximise the numbers. I can understand a high level of security for our former Prime Minister, but it sort of defeats the idea of a book signing. It should be an opportunity to talk to one of your favourite authors and receive a personal memento. This sound like you just get a book with his signature and nothing else to show that you were actually there!!

Your Sunday questions are:-

1. Which King of Scotland was killed at the Battle of Lumphanan today in 1057?
   
   
2. John Metcalf (right), also known as Blind Jack of Knaresborough, was born today in 1717 and became one of the first professional builders of what?
   
   
3. Actor Tony Robinson was born today in 1946 and has presented which Channel 4 programme since 1994?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. 'Magic'; 2. Kate Ritchie; 3. Literature

German Economic Growth

The German economy grew by 2.2% in the last quarter (whatever that really means!). There is a chart in this story that appears to show that the UK has the second best performance out of the six countries highlighted, but this isn't highlighted! I don't really understand economics, but it is what makes the world go round!

Your Saturday questions are:-

1. What was the nickname of retired basketball player Earvin Johnson who was born today in 1959?
   
   
2. Who was born today in 1978 and played Sally Fletcher (right) in the Australian soap opera "Home and Away"?
   
   
3. John Galsworthy was born today in 1867 and was awarded a Nobel Prize in which category in 1932?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. John Logie Baird; 2. The Undertones; 3. Coventry Cathedral

Paris Hilton Sued over 'Wrong Hair'

Has the world gone mad?? Paris Hilton is being sued by a company for $35 million for wearing the wrong hair extensions! Hopefully, this is just a 'silly season' story and the company (who I'm not going to name here!) will gain from all of the publicity! If not, then the world has definitely gone mad!

Your Friday questions are:-

1. Which television pioneer was born today in 1888 in Scotland?
   
   
2. Feargal Sharkey (right) was born today in 1958 in Northern Ireland and first came to fame as the lead singer with which band?
   
   
3. Scottish architect Basil Spence was born today in 1907 in Bombay and is best known for designing which English cathedral?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. The Coconuts; 2. The 'Shoe Bomber'; 3. Japan

Rubik's Cube Problem Solved

Now, I'm not sure whether this was a pointless exercise (like the Amazon walk) or whether there are any other applications...but mathematicians have determined that the minimum number of moves to solve any scrambled Rubik's Cube is 20 (some can be solved in less)! This is now known as 'God's Number' and was determined using 'God's Algorithm'! This algorithm can be used for solving many complex puzzles, so it may, one day, have a use in the real world!!

Your Thursday questions are:-

1. What is the name of the backing band for Kid Creole who was born Thomas August Darnell Browder today in 1950?
   
   
2. What is the nickname of Richard Reid (right) who was born in London today in 1973?
   
   
3. In which country did JAL Flight 123 crash today in 1984 killing 520 people; still the deadliest ever single plane crash?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Watts; 2. Terry Gene Bollea; 3. France

"Sherlock" Will Be Back!

I've never been a particular fan of Sherlock Holmes, but I've usually enjoyed the TV series and films when I've seen them. I very much enjoyed the Guy Ritchie directed film version earlier this year and I was very entertained by the BBC's new, modern day, version that has just finished it's first series of (only) three episodes! It was announced today that the producers have been given the green light to make more of them! I'm not sure yet when the next instalments will be broadcast, but I'll be waiting expectantly. What has impressed me most about the new series is that, although it is set in modern day London, it still has a 'Victorian' feel to it - helped by the fact that London is still a Victorian city!

Your Wednesday questions are:-

1. In which Los Angeles suburb did large scale rioting begin today in 1965?
   
   
2. What is the real name of wrestler Hulk Hogan (right) who was born today in 1953?
   
   
3. Today in 1960, Chad declared independence from which country?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. London Wasps; 2. The Ronettes; 3. Antonio Banderas

Man Walks the Length of the Amazon

This story took my eye today, but I have to ask...why? Englishman Ed Stafford has walked the length of the River Amazon and it took him 859 days! A fantastic achievement, but how does it further the human condition? It strikes me as a pointless exercise - rivers are for sailing/rowing/floating on! I applaud people who explore and find new places/things, but stunts like this are, ultimately, meaningless to all except the participants!

Your Tuesday questions are:-

1. Former England rugby union captain Lawrence Dallaglio was born today in 1972 and played his entire career with which club??
   
   
2. Ronnie Spector (right) was born today in 1943 and was the lead singer with which 1960's pop group?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1960 and provided the voice for Puss in Boots in the "Shrek" films?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Edward VII; 2. Tippi Hedren; 3. Gerald Ford

It's That Monday Feeling!

It's been a quiet weekend and now its Monday I'm not inspired by anything...so here are the questions!

Your Monday questions are:-

1. Who was crowned King today in 1902?
   
   
2. Which actress is the mother of Melanie Griffith (right) who was born today in 1957?
   
   
3. Who succeeded Richard Nixon as US President today in 1974?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Nigel Mansell; 2. Swimming; 3. Joe Tex

World Record Pirate Gathering

Exactly a year ago I brought you the news that the world record for a gathering of Zombies had been broken! This year I can report that the world record for a gathering of Pirates has been smashed at Hastings! The previous record, set in July in Germany was 1,800, but in Hastings there were 6,166 pirates as verified by the Guinness Book of Records team! It's good to know that in the field of silliness, the British still reign supreme!!!

Your Sunday questions are:-

1. Which British racing driver and former F1 World Champion and Indy Car Champion was born today in 1953?
   
   
2. Movie star Esther Williams (right) was born today in 1921 and was a US National champion in which sport?
   
   
3. "Ain't Gonna Bump No More (With No Big Fat Woman)" was the only UK Top 3 hit for which singer who was born today in 1933?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Paul 'Red' Adair; 2. Ethiopia; 3. France

Wine Vending Machines!

America leads the world yet again - this time with vending machines that sell wine! In the state of Pennsylvania the sale of alcohol is strictly regulated and until now could only be bought in state-owned outlets. These vending machines are being trialled in supermarkets, but the machine will check your age, then your credit card for payment and then finally, there's the breathalyser! You can't buy the wine if you are drunk! So, here's a little moral dilemma for you - if you've driven to the supermarket to get a bottle of wine and the machine tells you that you are over the limit, would you drive home??

Your Saturday questions are:-

1. Which oilfield fire fighter died today in 2004?
   
   
2. What nationality was Abebe Bikila (right) who was born today in 1932 and won the Olympic Marathon title twice (1960 & 1964)?
   
   
3. Ivory Coast gained independence from which country today in 1960?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Sir Freddie Laker; 2. "Charge of the Light Brigade"; 3. Arsenal

Radio Listening Figures

The latest listening figures are out for the last quarter and the main headline is that Chris Evans has lost over a million listeners - and the news mongers are rapt with glee...but he's lost a million of the 1.5 million he gained last quarter and still has more listeners than Terry Wogan (but that's not 'news'!). The rest of the stats from RAJAR, who compile these figures, show that speech radio made big gains in this period and music radio, as a whole, lost out. This is almost certainly because of the General Election and World Cup!

Your Friday questions are:-

1. Who was born today in 1922 and formed the first budget airline, 'Skytrain', in the 1970's?
   
   
2. Set in the Crimean War, what is the most famous poem by Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson (right) who was born today in 1809?
   
   
3. World Cup Runner-up Robin van Persie was born today in 1983 and currently plays for which Premier League team?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Ray Clemence; 2. Mel Brooks; 3. William Wallace (Braveheart)

Red Arrows Can Fly Again

The Red Arrows are free to take to the skies again after a potential fault in the ejector seat system has been rectified. That's good news for everyone who marvels at the skill shown by the pilots in producing such spectacular aerial displays!

Your Thursday questions are:-

1. Which former Liverpool and England goalkeeper was born today in 1948 in Skegness?
   
   
2. Actress Anne Bancroft (right) married which film director today in 1964?
   
   
3. Which Scottish rebel was captured today in 1305?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Louis Vuitton; 2. Boston Red Sox; 3. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Homing Snails?

It has been claimed that snails do indeed have a homing instinct and the BBC have set up an experiment to determine whether this is true and, if so, how far snails will travel to return home! I can't think of anything else to add as this seems a wonderfully marvellous way of wasting some time whilst adding a tiny bit to the sum of human knowledge - where would we all be without such quirkiness?

Your Wednesday questions are:-

1. Which luggage designer was born today in 1821 in France?
   
   
2. Roger Clemens (right) was born today in 1962 and began his MLB career with which team?
   
   
3. Which English Romantic poet, who wrote "Ozymandias" and "To a Skylark" was born today in 1792?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jesse Owens; 2. "Thriller"; 3. France

Holiday at Risk???

A sixty mile section of the Leeds - Liverpool Canal is to be closed because of lack of water. Since the floods of November last year when the reservoirs were full there has been very little rain and they are now down to 10% of capacity! British Waterways will not allow them to go below this level to protect the wildlife. Our holiday plans don't include the Leeds - Liverpool canal, but our planned journey is to go via Manchester and hopefully there won't be any more closures. This is a big trip in a narrowboat (250 miles; 200 locks) and with less water about we can not make such rapid progress...so I would ask you all to do a rain dance for the next three weeks! Knowing our luck, it will start to rain about 5 minutes after we set off!

Your Tuesday questions are:-

1. Who won the Olympic Men's 100 metres title today in 1936?
   
   
2. John Landis (right) was born today in 1950 and directed which 1983 Michael Jackson video?
   
   
3. Today in 1960, Niger gained full independence from which country?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Wild Bill Hickok; 2. Robert Zimmerman; 3. "Avatar"

Car Parking Justice

This story amused me...I suppose many of us like to see the very well off get their comeuppance once in a while! Parked outside Harrods, a Koenigsegg CCXR (one of only six ever made!) and a £350,000 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce were both clamped about ten days ago! No doubt they'll get away with diplomatic immunity, but it still amuses the less wealthy among us!!

Your Monday questions are:-

1. Who was shot from behind and killed while playing poker in Deadwood today in 1876?
   
   
2. What was Bob Dylan's (right) name before he changed it today in 1962?
   
   
3. Which 2009 blockbuster film featured Sam Worthington, born today in 1976, as disabled former Marine Jake Sully?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Herman Melville; 2. Ronon Dex; 3. Claudius

Rowers Break 114-Year-Old Atlantic Record

Taken at face value, this story looks like a monumental achievement and their endeavours are to be applauded! However...the original record was set in 1896 by TWO men (this expedition used FOUR rowers) in an open wooden boat (this time was with a high-tech craft) with no other support!! I'm not sure what the original crew did for food, but their achievement was monumental even though it has been largely forgotten. The feat of the Artemis is excellent and should be suitably recognised, but the original crew of Frank Samuelson and George Harbo were almost super human...and they were the first people to row across an ocean!

Your Sunday questions are:-

1. Which writer, best known for his novel "Moby Dick", was born today in 1819?
   
   
2. Actor Jason Momoa (right) was born today in 1979 in Hawaii and played which character in the TV series "Stargate Atlantis"?
   
   
3. Which Roman Emperor, who succeeded Caligula, was born today in 10 BC?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. "Catchphrase"; 2. Auschwitz; 3. Apollo 15