Saturday 31 July 2010

"If This is a Man" - Primo Levi

I first read "If This is a Man" many years ago and it is still the only book about the Holocaust that I've read...and the only one I intend to read. The clarity and the scientist's dispassionate approach to the subject matter brings the true horror of his experiences into perfect focus. This poem is right at the start of the book and, I must confess, that I hadn't read it until today.

You who live safe
In your warm houses,

You who find warm food
And friendly faces when you return home.
Consider if this is a man
Who works in mud,
Who knows no peace,
Who fights for a crust of bread,
Who dies by a yes or a no.
Consider if this is a woman
Without hair, without name,
Without the strength to remember,
Empty are her eyes, cold her womb,
Like a frog in winter.
Never forget that this has happened.
Remember these words.
Engrave them in your hearts,
When at home or in the street,
When lying down, when getting up.
Repeat them to your children.
Or may your houses be destroyed,
May illness strike you down,
May your offspring turn their faces from you.

Primo Levi was a remarkable man and a great writer! I urge any one of you out there to search out his books and see for yourselves!

Your Saturday questions are:-
  1. Comedian Roy Walker was born today in 1940 in Belfast and hosted which TV game show from 1986 to 1999?

  2. Chemist and writer Primo Levi (right) was born today in 1919 and wrote the best-selling book "If This is a Man" recounting his experiences in which concentration camp?

  3. Astronauts from which spacecraft were the first to use the Lunar Rover on the Moon today in 1971?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Los Angeles; 2. "Million Dollar Baby"; 3. Paul Anka

Friday 30 July 2010

Fixed Retirement Age to be Scrapped

Oh, great! Just as I'm getting within sight of retirement age, it disappears into the distance! What's the betting that, by the time I can retire, there is no money left for pensions? All of the money has been used up by the generation before us with their index-linked, retire-at-50 deals, take the money now and screw everyone else pensions...not that I'm bitter!!

Your Friday questions are:-
  1. In which city did the Summer Olympic Games open today in 1932?

  2. Actress Hilary Swank (right) was born today in 1974 and won an Oscar for her role in which 2004 film?

  3. Which singer was born today in 1941 in Canada and had his first and only UK No 1 single in 1957 with "Diana"?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Vincent van Gogh; 2. Wesley Crusher; 3. St Paul's Cathedral

Thursday 29 July 2010

Franklin & Rice: A New Musical Duo

Condoleezza Rice joined Aretha Franklin on stage this week at a charity gig in Philadelphia! Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is a classically trained pianist and she accompanied Aretha Franklin on "I Say a Little Prayer" and "My Country 'Tis of Thee"! Amazing what 'hidden' talents some people have!!!

Your Thursday questions are:-
  1. Which artist died from a self inflicted gunshot wound today in 1890?

  2. Actor Wil Wheaton (right) was born today in 1972 and played which character in "Star Trek: The Next Generation"?

  3. Where in London did Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer marry today in 1981?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Maximilien Robespierre; 2. Peru; 3. China

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Late Again!!

I'm Sooooo late today - here are the questions!

Your Wednesday questions are:-
  1. Which French revolutionary leader was executed today in 1794?

  2. Alberto Fujimori (right) was born today in 1938 and was President of which South American country from 1990 to 2000?

  3. In which country is Tangshan that was devastated by a massive earthquake today in 1976?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. El Alamein; 2. "Ode to Billie Joe"; 3. Bob Hope

Tuesday 27 July 2010

Happy 4th Birthday BlogDumps

It's been a few weeks since I've contributed to the 'Top Sites Tuesday' meme at BlogDumps...mainly because I've been busy (I've now got a [temporary] job), but also because I find it hard to think of anything to say when I sit down at the keyboard! My experience is that the regulars are good people and deserve all the success that the website brings! I hope it goes from strength to strength over the coming years! So, if you want to see what its all about and to visit the BlogDumps 4th Birthday Party, please push my button below!

Your Tuesday questions are:-
  1. The first battle for which Egyptian town ended today in 1942?

  2. Singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry (right) was born today in 1947 and had a US number one hit in 1967 with which song?

  3. Which English born comedian died today in 2003, aged 100?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Aldous Huxley; 2. Australia; 3. Queen


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Monday 26 July 2010

Fred Dibnah's Steam Engine Sold

The steam engine that was lovingly restored over 25 years by Fred Dibnah and that was used to pull his coffin to his 2004 funeral has been sold for £240,000! He intended to collect his MBE by driving it up the Mall to Buckingham Palace, but was thwarted by officials who thought it was too heavy for the road surface!

Your Monday questions are:-
  1. Who was born today in 1894 and wrote the novel "Brave New World"?

  2. John Howard (right) was born today in 1936 and was Prime Minister of which country from 1996 to 2007?

  3. Roger Taylor, who was born today in 1949 in Norfolk, is the drummer with which band?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. David Bowie; 2. Los Angeles; 3. Louis Blériot

Sunday 25 July 2010

Ten Things We Didn't Know Last Week

I'm surprised that I've not come across this feature before, but I hope you find it interesting and amusing!!

Your Sunday questions are:-
  1. Somalian model and actress Iman was born today in 1955 and is married to which singer and actor?

  2. Actor Matt LeBlanc (right) was born today in 1967 and played the lead character in the TV series "Joey" that was set in which city?

  3. Who became the first person to fly across the English Channel today in 1909?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Window Tax; 2. Diana Prince; 3. Pittsburgh Pirates & San Francisco Giants

Saturday 24 July 2010

Strictly Come Dancing Departures

The next series of "Strictly Come Dancing" will see four new dancers partner (three men and one woman) and a reduced number of celebrities (14, down from 16) as Brian Fortuna, Matthew Cutler, Ian Waite and Lilia Kopylova leave the show. Change is good and hopefully the new girls and boys will be just as entertaining when the new series starts in September!

Your Saturday questions are:-
  1. Which controversial tax was abolished today in 1851 and replaced with House Duty?

  2. What was the name of Wonder Woman's (right) alter-ego as played by Lynda Carter who was born today in 1951?

  3. For which two MLB teams did Barry Bonds, who was born today in 1964, play?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Raymond Chandler; 2. "David Copperfield"; 3. Monica Lewinsky

Friday 23 July 2010

New 'Henge' Discovered near Stonehenge

Archaeologists from the University of Birmingham have discovered a new 'henge' only 900 metres from Stonehenge. It is theorised that the new 'henge' was made of timber. I can't add much to this story, but it is fascinating how much history is still to be dug up!

Your Friday questions are:-
  1. Who was born today in 1888 and created the private detective Philip Marlowe?

  2. Actor Daniel Radcliffe (right) was born today in 1989 and made his acting debut in the 1995 BBC production of which Dickens novel?

  3. Which infamous White House intern was born today in 1973?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jerusalem; 2. "Lethal Weapon"; 3. John Dillinger

Thursday 22 July 2010

How Depressing!!

On my regular trawl for interesting and quirky news stories I decided to look at the Birmingham page on the BBC website and was struck by the depressing and violent nature of the top stories - a shop stabbing in Yardley, two arrests following fatal shooting in Staffordshire and two charged over fatal stabbing in Erdington were the top three stories! Followed by Birmingham City Council failing to protect children, second body found after blaze in Moseley and taxi driver attacked and robbed in Frankley! It just goes to show how 'close to the edge' our cities are! And its not just 'other people'; a few weeks ago the assistant manager at one of the pubs I present a quiz at was severely beaten and robbed at the pub and a few days later there was a stabbing at another of the pubs I present a quiz at - fortunately I wasn't there on either occasion, but one day...who knows?

Your Thursday questions are:-
  1. In which city was the King David Hotel that was blown up today in 1946 killing 91 people?

  2. Actor Danny Glover (right) was born today in 1946 and played Detective Roger Murtaugh in which series of films?

  3. Which 'most wanted' criminal was shot and killed outside a Chicago cinema today in 1934?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. John Prescott; 2. 300 mph; 3. Duke of Edinburgh

Wednesday 21 July 2010

New Russian Spaceport

The Russian government has announced that it is to build a new spaceport in Eastern Russia close to the Chinese border. The Vostochny Cosmodrome will be smaller than the Soviet built Baikonur Cosmodrome which is currently leased from the Kazakhstan government. With the USA terminating the Shuttle programme, the only way to get to the International Space Station will be via Soyuz rockets. Perhaps in the future, when space exploration is much more profitable, the Americans may rue the day they let other countries overtake them!

Your Wednesday questions are:-
  1. Who came second in the Labour Party leadership election today in 1994?

  2. Sir Malcolm Campbell (right) was born today in 1885 and was the first person to drive a car over which speed (mph)?

  3. Who took his seat in the House of Lords today in 1948, but has never spoken there?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Sir Edmund Hillary; 2. Genetics; 3. Falun Gong

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Sidney the Snail Clinches World Title!

With a top speed of 0.003mph (0.005kph) over a 13-inch (31cm) course in Norfolk, Sidney the Snail raced to achieve the accolade of a world title. He successfully fought off all-comers in the go-slow championship at Congham in Norfolk. He crossed the finishing line in a leisurely 3 minutes 41 seconds to claim the World Snail Racing Championship title. About 200 competitors gathered for the annual event held at the village fête!

Your Tuesday questions are:-
  1. Which famous mountaineer was born in New Zealand today in 1919?

  2. Gregor Mendel (right) was born today in 1822 and gained posthumous fame as the figurehead of which new science?

  3. Which religious/philosophical movement was banned in China today in 2000?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Frank Sinatra; 2. Boxing ; 3. Mary Rose

Monday 19 July 2010

Louis Oosthuizen - Open Golf Champion 2010

At the start of the Open Championship at St Andrews, not many people had heard of Louis Oosthuizen, but he confounded the experts and the world's best golfers to win the Claret Jug by seven strokes from Lee Westwood! Now he is on top of the golfing world and still can't believe what has happened to him! My powers of prediction, though, are undimmed - on this blog I tipped Tiger Woods to win and then on Thursday (after the quiz at the Colebrook) I said that I couldn't see anyone getting past Rory McIlroy (who then went on to score 80 in his second round)!

Your Monday questions are:-
  1. Which 50 year old singer married 21 year old actress Mia Farrow today in 1966?

  2. At which sport has Ukrainian Vitali Klitschko (right), born today in 1971, been a world champion?

  3. Which English battleship keeled over and sank in the Solent today in 1545 with the loss of over 300 lives?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Nelson Mandela; 2. Montserrat ; 3. Bert Kwouk

Sunday 18 July 2010

Champagne Found on Seabed

Divers in the Baltic Sea have discovered 30 bottles of champagne believed to be from before the French Revolution! The divers opened one bottle and found the wine to be drinkable and in remarkably good condition. The cold, dark conditions have helped preserve the wine which could be worth as much as £45,000 a bottle if shown to be from the 18th century (currently the oldest champagne is from 1825)!

Your Sunday questions are:-
  1. Which Nobel Peace Prize winner was born today in 1918 and married his third wife today in 1998?

  2. On which island is the Soufrière Hills volcano (below) that erupted today in 1995?
  3. Who was born today in 1930 in Manchester and played Cato in the "Pink Panther" films starring Peter Sellers?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. David Hasselhoff; 2. "Blue Peter" ; 3. Lutine Bell

Saturday 17 July 2010

Solar Plane Flies for 7 Days Non-Stop

The UK-built Zephyr solar-powered plane has smashed the endurance record for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The craft took off from the US Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona at 1440 BST (0640 local time) last Friday and is still in the air! The plan is to keep it in the air for another week. Zephyr is essentially the world's first 'eternal' aircraft and will be very useful for surveillance (but also a lot easier to shoot down than a geostationary satellite!)!


Your Saturday questions are:-
  1. Who was born today in 1952 and played Mitch Buchannon in the TV series "Baywatch"?

  2. Konnie Huq (right) was born today in 1975 and was the longest serving female presenter on which children's TV programme?

  3. Which famous bell was salvaged from a shipwreck today in 1858?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Roald Amundsen; 2.USA (Chicago) ; 3. France and Italy

Friday 16 July 2010

Robbie Williams Rejoins Take That!

In one of the year's best kept secrets (not!) it has been revealed that Robbie Williams is to rejoin Take That for their next album only 15 years since their less than amicable split! I'm not particularly a fan of Take That, but I must be getting old because I would never have thought it was FIFTEEN years ago that Robbie Williams left the group - how time flies when you're getting decrepit!!

Your Friday questions are:-
  1. Who was born today in 1872 and led the first expedition to reach the South Pole?

  2. In which country was "Lord of the Dance" choreographer Michael Flatley (right) born today in 1958?

  3. The Mont Blanc Tunnel was inaugurated today in 1965 and links which two countries?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Argentina; 2."The Last King of Scotland" ; 3. Jerusalem

Thursday 15 July 2010

The Open Golf Championship

Today the Open Championship of golf begins at St Andrews on the Old Course. Normally, Tiger Woods, who has won the last two held here, would be a runaway favourite, but not this time. There are plenty who could win the Claret Jug, but I have a sneaky feeling Tiger might just pull it out of the bag!

Your Thursday questions are:-
  1. Retired footballer Mario Kempes was born today in 1954 and was the the leading scorer at the 1978 FIFA World Cup playing for which country?

  2. Forest Whitaker (right) was born today in 1961 and won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Idi Amin in which 2006 film?

  3. Which city was captured by the Crusaders today in 1099?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Matterhorn; 2. Robert Webb ; 3. Brigitte Bardot

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Psychic Octopus Paul to Retire

One of the stars of the 2010 World Cup was Paul the psychic octopus who managed a remarkable run of correct match predictions! He's going back to his old job of making children laugh at the Sea Life Aquarium at Oberhausen in Western Germany!

Your Wednesday questions are:-
  1. Which Alpine mountain was first climbed today in 1865 by Edward Whymper?

  2. Comedian David Mitchell (right) was born today in 1974 and co stars in the TV comedy "Peep Show" with which other comedian?

  3. Which French actress married for the third time today in 1966?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Philadelphia; 2. Professor Charles Xavier ; 3. Roger McGuinn

Tuesday 13 July 2010

Royal Society Launches Global Population Study

In 1930 the global human population was 2 billion, now it is 6.8 billion and in another 40 years it is expected to be 9 billion! The Royal Society is launching a study into how this population growth will affect social and economic development in the coming years. Personally I don't see how this level of human population can be sustained. As our population grows other species will be pushed to extinction, we will eventually run out of space to grow our food, the natural resources we depend on will dwindle to nothing and all our efforts to reduce our carbon emissions will be in vain (aiming for at least a 10% reduction in emissions with a 34% increase in population)! Still, by the time it gets truly critical, I won't be around any more!

Your Tuesday questions are:-
  1. In which city was the US part of Live Aid held today in 1985?

  2. Patrick Stewart (right) was born today in 1940 and played what role in the "X-Men" series of films?

  3. Which singer-songwriter and guitarist, born today in 1942, was a co-founder of The Byrds?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Henry VIII; 2. Doris Luke ; 3. Gareth Gates

Monday 12 July 2010

Spain Win the World Cup

Oh well, it's over now and the best team in the world, Spain, managed to win the FIFA World Cup with a 1 - 0 win over the Netherlands after extra time! It wasn't a great final (but there have been worse!) and the best side won. But they've won their last five games 1 - 0 and scored only eight goals in their seven games in South Africa, the lowest total by any team to win the World Cup! So, whilst it is pretty and effective it isn't entertaining. Anyway, well done Spain!

Your Monday questions are:-
  1. Who married his sixth wife Catherine Parr today in 1543?

  2. Actress Kathy Staff (right) was born today in 1928 and played which character in the TV series "Crossroads"?

  3. Who was born today in 1984 and had his first UK number one single in 2002 with "Unchained Melody"?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Skylab; 2. "Heroes" ; 3. Babe Ruth

Sunday 11 July 2010

Anonymous Login Remains!!

A couple of days ago I noted that online games publisher Blizzard were to insist that people on their forums use their real names, which I thought was a good thing! Now, following an overwhelmingly negative response, they have backed down over fears of identity theft and 'real' world harassment of their users! This is like asking turkeys to vote on Christmas. So the anonymous bullies can still express their vitriol without consequences - great!!

Your Sunday questions are:-
  1. Which space station fell back to Earth today in 1979?

  2. Greg Grunberg (right) was born today in 1966 and played Matt Parkman in which cult US TV series?

  3. Who made his Major League Baseball debut with the Boston Red Sox today in 1914?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Telstar I; 2. Daisy Duke ; 3. Nigeria

Saturday 10 July 2010

"Daybreak" on ITV

This is another TV show that I'll never see! Which is a shame because I'm a fan of Adrian Chiles, but I've never watched breakfast TV and don't expect to any time soon! "Daybreak" is the new offering to replace "GMTV" (which I never watched, either!) and will be fronted by Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley and start in September!

Your Saturday questions are:-
  1. What was the name of the world's first communications satellite that was launched today in 1962?

  2. Singer Jessica Simpson (right) was born today in 1980 and played which character in the 2005 film "The Dukes of Hazzard"?

  3. In which African country did a petroleum pipeline explode killing 250 villagers today in 2000?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. York Minster; 2. Sheffield Wednesday ; 3. Spain

Friday 9 July 2010

Airline Loses Guns!!

Most people who've travelled on enough flights will have their own tales of lost luggage, but in the USA FOUR HANDGUNS, belonging to Israeli secret service men, were put on the wrong flight and have now disappeared! The bag they were in has been found, but the guns are still missing! If the Israeli secret service can't ensure the safety of their own property when it goes in 'checked luggage', what chance do the rest of us stand?

Your Friday questions are:-
  1. Which English cathedral was struck by lightning and damaged by the resultant fire today in 1984?

  2. Controversial Italian footballer Paolo di Canio (right), born today in 1968, was playing for which English Premier League club when he received an 11 match ban in 1998 for pushing over the referee?

  3. Today in 1816, Argentina declared independence from which country?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Pauline Quirke; 2. Birmingham ; 3. West Germany

Thursday 8 July 2010

End of Anonymous Login??

A row has erupted after Blizzard - the publishers of the popular online game World of Warcraft - announced that users on its site forums would have to post under their real names. Users are worried about their privacy and safety, but I don't see a problem. I am constantly amazed at the vitriol and pure nastiness that some people can display in their forum posts when hiding behind this veil of anonymity! Imagine doing this in the 'real world' - would these people go out to the pub or bar or restaurant wearing a veil or mask and then get into a row with other people over something quite trivial? No, of course they wouldn't...but then they probably don't get out much anyway!!!

Your Thursday questions are:-
  1. Who was born today in 1958 and played Sharon Theodopolopodos in the TV sitcom "Birds of a Feather"?

  2. Joseph Chamberlain (right) was born today in 1836 and became Mayor of which Midlands city in 1873?

  3. Which country won the FIFA World Cup in Rome today in 1990?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Jimmy Carter; 2. "Thomas the Tank Engine" ; 3. Russian Empire (now Belarus)

Wednesday 7 July 2010

Men at Work Lose Royalty Case

Australian band Men at Work have been ordered to pay 5% of their royalties (from 2002 onwards) to the song "Down Under" after a judge ruled that they had plagiarised from a children's song! Larrikin Music, owners of the rights to "Kookaburra Sits in an Old Gum Tree" had sought 60% of the royalties, but the judge ruled that to be excessive. Having heard the children's song (here) I think the judge got it about right!

Your Wednesday questions are:-
  1. Which future US President married Rosalynn Smith today in 1946?

  2. Drummer Ringo Starr (right) was born today in 1940 and narrated the first two series of which children's animated TV show?

  3. In which country was artist Marc Chagall born today in 1887?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. George W Bush; 2. Tibet (now China) ; 3. Janet Leigh

Tuesday 6 July 2010

World Cup Made of Cocaine!

Now we know why Diego Maradona was so keen to get his hands on the World Cup again! Authorities in Colombia found a replica World Cup trophy made from 11 kilos of cocaine in a routine search at Bogota Airport. The 36 cm high statue was bound for an address in Spain - possibly a similar destination to the real World Cup trophy! The same article (here) also reveals that a submarine built by drug smugglers has also been discovered in Ecuador!

Your Tuesday questions are:-
  1. Which US President was born today in 1946 in Connecticut?

  2. In which country was the Dalai Lama (right) born today in 1935?

  3. Who was born today in 1927 and played Marion Crane in the 1960 film "Psycho"?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Phineas T Barnum; 2. The News ; 3. Bikini

Monday 5 July 2010

Cable Car for London?

Plans are under way to build a cable car across the Thames linking the O2 Arena with the ExCel Exhibition Centre, which are both Olympic Venues. All parties seem to think this is a good idea and it is envisaged that it could carry 2000 passengers per hour. London would then join Barcelona, Cologne, Hong Kong, Lisbon, New York and Singapore as cities that already operate cable car systems!

Your Monday questions are:-
  1. Nicknamed 'America's Greatest Showman', who was born today in 1810?

  2. What is the name of the backing band for Huey Lewis (right) who was born today in 1950?

  3. Which modern bathing suit, created by Louis Réard, made its debut in Paris today in 1946?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. United Kingdom (Birmingham to Liverpool); 2. Argentina, Colombia, Spain ; 3. Ozzy Osbourne

Sunday 4 July 2010

Move to Ban Ticket Touts

There seems to be another move afoot to ban ticket touts, but I don't see why! If I legitimately buy a car, a computer, a CD or just about anything else I can sell it on to someone else if I don't want it any more or for any reason I like. So why not the same for a ticket to any sporting or entertainment event? I understand that some people get upset because they suddenly find that they can't buy a ticket for an event they wanted to see, except at an inflated price from a ticket tout. But these people have had ample opportunity to get these tickets when they went on sale, especially in these days of the Internet! For example when Tom Waits last visited the UK (in 2004 for the first time in 17 years) I managed to acquire a pair of tickets on the day they went on sale by persevering and by being patient! According to a Guardian article all 3,400 ticket sold out in half an hour, but I got mine after 50 minutes of trying! My point is, that if you really want to see something you will get hold of the tickets by legitimate means. If you don't (or are too lazy/incompetent) the touts are there to fill a niche in the market! I've never bought from a tout, but I believe that they perform a useful function and they don't always make a profit - just as often they are left with tickets for a show that wasn't as popular as expected, commonly known as a 'tear up' or 'rip up' in the trade!

Your Sunday questions are:-
  1. In which country was the Grand Junction Railway, arguably the world's first long distance railway, opened today in 1837?

  2. Alfredo di Stefano (right) was born today in 1926 and played international football for which THREE countries?

  3. Who married his manager Sharon Arden today in 1982?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Sir Richard Hadlee; 2. Lisa Simpson ; 3.Laura Branigan

Saturday 3 July 2010

Canal Vandalism

A stretch of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal is now unnavigable following the actions of vandals! By opening the paddles at Minworth Top Lock water has drained from a 2 - 3 mile stretch of canal into a pound that is no more than 500 yards long. This resulted in a breach of the canal wall and flooded the nearby A38 road which is a main artery in and out of Birmingham! The locks are protected by anti-vandal devices which are simple and effective, but don't always work and/or are not reset by each boater that uses the lock! It's hard to know what motivates people to do this sort of thing and equally hard to know how British Waterways could prevent all such occurrences!

Your Saturday questions are:-
  1. Who was born today in 1951 in New Zealand and was the first bowler to take 400 test match wickets?

  2. Yeardley Smith (right) was born today in 1964 and provides the voice for which of "The Simpsons"?

  3. Who was born today in 1957 and had a European No 1 hit with "Self Control" in 1984?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. France; 2. Shoes ; 3. Hermann Hesse

Friday 2 July 2010

Christ the Redeemer Restored

The 130 ft (39.6 m) statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking Rio de Janeiro has reopened after four months of restoration work. Over 60,000 pieces of stone (from the original quarry) were used to repair water damage to the 79-year-old statue!

Your Friday questions are:-
  1. Which country conducted their first nuclear bomb test in the Pacific at Mururoa Atoll today in 1966?

  2. Former Philippines First Lady Imelda Marcos (right) was born today in 1929 and is renowned for her collection of what?

  3. Which Nobel Prize winning author, who wrote "Steppenwolf", was born today in 1877 in Germany?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Charles Laughton; 2. Elwood Blues ; 3. Battle of the Somme

Thursday 1 July 2010

Thursday 1st July, 2010

No notable news today that interests me, so here we go with the quiz!

Your Thursday questions are:-
  1. Who was born today in 1899 in Scarborough and played Captain Bligh in the 1935 film "Mutiny on the Bounty"?

  2. Actor Dan Ackroyd (right) was born today in 1952 and played which character in the 1980 film "The Blues Brothers"?

  3. Which infamous World War I battle began today in 1916 resulting in 64,000 Allied casualties on the first day?
Yesterday's Answers: 1. Germany; 2. The Supremes ; 3. Charles Blondin