Alberto Contador Wins Tour de France 2009

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

Monday's questions are: -

1. Which financial institution was granted a Royal Charter today in 1694?
   
   
2. Record-breaking Australian Test cricketer Allan Border (right) was born today in 1955 and played first class cricket for which state?

   
   
3. Which deposed Middle Eastern leader died in Cairo today in 1980?
   

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

Barack Obama Calls for "New Beginning"

In a keynote speech at Cairo University, Barack Obama spoke about his understanding of the Muslim world and America's desire to interact positively with Islam around the world. This, hopefully, will be the start of a new era where the West and the Muslim world can start to live together in peace and mutual trust! Here is a link to an analysis of what he said.

Your Friday questions are: -

1. What nationality was revolutionary "Pancho" Villa who was born today in 1878?
   
   
2. American sprinter Tommie Smith (pictured right, centre), who was born today in 1944, gave the Black Power salute from the podium at which Olympic Games?
   

   
   
3. Who married singer/songwriter Marc Anthony today in 2005 in a quiet home wedding?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Amanda Holden; 2. Poland; 3. Emily Davison