Swine Flu Cannot be Contained!

Well, what a surprise, the UK authorities have conceded that they cannot control the spread of Swine Flu! Amazing, Nature beats Man, again! Apparently, the computer models predict that it will lead to 100,000 new cases per week once the epidemic gets into full swing. It will be interesting to see whether the models are as accurate as those predicting Climate Change effects! I'm not aiming to belittle the potential seriousness of the virus, but I do find it amazing that 'we' always think that we can beat Mother Nature and then are surprised when we lose again!

Your Friday teasers are: -

1. Who took command of the Continental Army in the American War of Independence today in 1775?
   
   
2. Musician Vince Clarke (right) was born today in 1961 and teamed up with singer Alison Moyet to form which 80's pop duo?
   

   
   
3. Today in 1938, which steam locomotive set a world speed record of 126 mph? (the record still stands for a steam locomotive)
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. 'The Crocodile'; 2. "Herbie: Fully Loaded"; 3. Yorkshire

Ulysses to be Shut Down

After 18 years the Ulysses spacecraft is to be turned off. This spacecraft has determined that the solar wind is blowing at a 50-year low. This results in more cosmic radiation hitting the Earth which may result in Climate Change effects. It's too complicated to explain here, but if you follow the links, more light will be shed on the subject! And once you've looked at the evidence I'll just ask one question on this - do you think that Man or the Sun is likely to have most effect on the Earth's climate?

Sunday's questions are: -

1. Who was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip in Sarajevo today in 1914?
   
   
2. Retired American Football quarterback John Elway (right) was born today in 1960 and played for which club from 1983 to 1998?
   

   
   
3. Name the former Chief UN Weapons Inspector who was born in Sweden today in 1928.
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Pool; 2. Ireland; 3. United Kingdom (Enfield, London)

Latest Climate Change Predictions

Where to start?!? If Swine Flu doesn't get me Climate Change might...or I might just die peacefully in my sleep! Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced that the UK needs to plan now for a future that will be hotter and bring greater extremes of flood and drought. This is based on the latest computer models presented in the UK Climate Projections 2009 report (UKCP09). I'm yet to be convinced that these models can accurately predict the future, especially when similarly sophisticated computers can't predict the weather more than 4 DAYS ahead!

Friday's questions: -

1. Kuwait declared independence from which country today in 1961?
   
   
2. In which city was Mayor of London, Boris Johnson (right), born today in 1964?
   
   
3. Which country defeated Hungary 4 - 2 in Paris today in 1938 to win the FIFA World Cup for the second time?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg; 2. Attempting to Vote in the 1872 Presidential Election; 3. Bobbitt

Third Runway for Heathrow

The Government has given the go-ahead for a third runway at Heathrow. Their argument to counter the climate change lobbyists is that they will only allow new, more efficient engined planes and that there will be a great reduction in planes circling waiting for a landing spot.

To me that all sounds plausible and is probably correct...but I can't oppose those people who don't believe it, because this government has lied to us in the past.

Personally, I think the environmentalists have got it wrong again. Banning things and restricting access never works...people don't like being told what they can't do. Instead the solution must be one that gives people a better life whilst also reducing emissions. Not easy to achieve, but the only viable approach (in my humble opinion!).

Anyway, enough of my wittering, let's have the questions!

1. Today in 1982, Britain resumed full diplomatic relations with which country for the first time since 1534?
   
2. Actor Bernard Lee (right), who died today in 1981, is probably best remembered for playing which role in the first eleven "Bond" films?
   
3. Best known for her debut 1984 album “Diamond Life”, which singer was born today in 1959 in Nigeria?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Wikipedia; 2. "Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two"; 3. Portugal