New Blog - Pubs: Then & Now

Since I wrote this almost a year ago, I've decided not to continue with this blog, but I have started a new blog called "Pubs: Then & Now". This will show pictures of various pubs that I have photographed over the years to show how they have changed (or not!). I hope you enjoy this new blog.

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