Women in Power Milestones - Where's Maggie?

The Equalities Office has produced a list of 'milestones' celebrating 'women in power' that didn't name Margaret Thatcher as Britain's first woman Prime Minister. Strangely, for a government 'fact sheet', it did name several prominent Labour politicians...none of whom have been Prime Minister! In itself this isn't really a serious oversight, but if they get it so wrong on trivial matters, how can we be sure that they are right on the serious issues?

Your Thursday questions are: -

1. Which song was first published today in 1814 as a poem, "Defence of Fort McHenry", by Francis Scott Key?

   
   
2. British racing driver Damon Hill (right) was born today in 1960 and won his only Formula 1 World Championship for which team in 1996?

   
   
3. Who was born today in 1901 and circumnavigated the globe, single-handed, in a yacht called 'Gipsy Moth IV'?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. General Motors; 2. Humphrey Bogart & Jason Robards; 3. Marc Bolan

England to Host Rugby World Cup(s)

It's been announced on the same day that England will host the Rugby World Cup in 2013 (League) and 2015 (Union)! It's not really such a coup as there are really only two viable options for the Rugby League World Cup and, with only half a dozen options for the Union version, it was pretty much England's time again. Not wishing to lessen the achievements, though, just imagine the sporting events on our doorstep in the next decade; 2012 - Olympics (& Paralympics); 2013 - Rugby League World Cup; 2015 - Rugby Union World Cup; 2018 - FIFA World Cup??

Wednesday's questions are: -

1. Who married Brad Pitt today in 2000?
   
   
2. Spanish racing driver Fernando Alonso (right) was born today in 1981 and was Formula 1 World Champion in 2005 & 2006 driving for which team?

   
   
3. What was the nickname of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini who was born today in 1883?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Earl Tupper; 2. Jim Davis ; 3. Bermuda

Peace Breaks Out in Formula 1

After threats of splits and breakaways, the world of Formula 1 Motor Racing has returned to normality with compromises all round! Max Moseley WILL retire, the teams WILL spend less and Bernie Ecclestone WILL be chuckling all the way back to the bank!

Thursday's questions are: -

1. Mozambique achieved independence from which country today in 1975?
   
   
2. Ricky Gervais (right), who was born today in 1961, played Andy Millman in which TV sitcom?
   

   
   
3. Who died today in 1876, with two of his brothers, at what Native Americans call the Battle of Greasy Grass Creek?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Battle of Bannockburn; 2. Tears for Fears; 3. Juan Manuel Fangio

Science Fiction Author in £1 Million Deal

As a fan of Science Fiction (SF) it is good to see an author get such a fantastic advance. I've not read much by Alistair Reynolds, but it is heartening to see that publishers will still pay good money to authors. It should be noted that the £1 million is for TEN books, not just the one! He even has his own blog and Wikipedia entry.

Wednesday's questions are: -

1. Where did Robert the Bruce defeat Edward II of England today in 1314?
   
   
2. Curt Smith (right), who was born today in 1961, and Roland Orzabal founded which 1980's band?
   

   
   
3. Which 5-time Formula 1 World Champion was born in Argentina today in 1911?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Zizou; 2. "Rockferry"; 3. Paris

US Masters Tees Off

Today sees the start of the 2009 US Masters golf tournament at Augusta National. The first Major of the year is always hotly anticipated, but I'll miss most of it again as it clashes with our traditional Easter narrowboat trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. Still, I'll keep abreast of the action via the newspapers and TV in the pubs we will inevitably visit during the trip!

Thursday's teasers for you: -

1. What was the name of the first Japanese built aircraft to fly to Europe that landed at Croydon Airport today in 1937?

   
   
2. What nationality is former Formula 1 World Champion driver Jacques Villeneuve (right) who was born today in 1971?
   
   
3. Which British engineer was born in Portsmouth today in 1806?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Carmel-by-the Sea; 2. Nicolas Cage; 3. France & United Kingdom

New Banks Rescue Package

It looks as though Gordon Brown is set to announce more measures to encourage the banks to "Lend, lend, lend"! As far as I'm concerned I'd like to see all debts wiped out so that we can all start from scratch again! This is, of course, a purely sefish suggestion considering the extent of my own debts at the moment!!

Here are the teasers for today: -

1. Which Formula 1 racing driver was born today on 1980 and won his first Grand Prix in Hungary in 2006 at his 113th attempt?
   
   
2. How many Grand Slam Singles titles were won by Stefan Edberg (right) who was born today in 1966?
   
   
3. Sir Simon Rattle, who was born today in 1955 in Liverpool, came to prominence as conductor of which British orchestra?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. United Kingdom (London); 2. "Dances with Wolves"; 3. Successfully land an aeroplane on a ship; 4. Robert Green