Strictly Come Dancing 2009

The new batch of dancers has been announced for the 2009 series of "Strictly Come Dancing" which starts in September. Of the celebs, two have caught my eye - Martina Hingis and Joe Calzaghe - who'd have thought that they'd be in a competition like this? Most of the rest are soap stars and TV presenters, but as usual I expect it to be fun to watch. Last weekend saw the start of "The X Factor", but I prefer "Strictly"!

Your Wednesday posers are: -

1. Which athlete, now a TV pundit, set the current 400 metres world record today in 1999 in Seville?
   
   
2. In which modern day country was Mother Theresa (right) born today in 1910?
   
   
3. Who was born today in 1980 and played James T Kirk in the 2009 film "Star Trek"?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Horses; 2. Seven; 3. Paris

Star Trek Coincidence

I like a good coincidence - so here's another! Today in 1952, Jonathan Frakes was born. He's probably most famous for playing Commander William Riker in "Star Trek: TNG". Today in 1938, Diana Muldaur was born. She played Doctor Pulaski in the second series of "TNG" and she also appeared in two episodes of the original "Star Trek". The final piece in the jigsaw is that today in 1921, Gene Roddenberry was born!

Your Wednesday teasers are: -

1. Which former US President was born William Jefferson Blythe III today in 1946?
   
   
2. What was the real first name of fashion designer Coco Chanel (right) who was born today in 1883?
   
   
3. Which American jockey was born today in 1931 and rode 8,833 winners during his career?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Mars; 2. Sundance; 3. Tottenham Hotspur

Smart Clothes - A Suit That Takes Photos?

You may have noticed that I like a bit of 'weird science' from time to time! Today's example is almost sci-fi in it's concept - clothes that could take photographs (or maybe even videos?)! Imagine how "Star Trek" would have been if they'd all been wearing 'smart clothes' on away missions!

Your Saturday questions are: -

1. The first transatlantic TV transmission was sent via which satellite today in 1962?
   
   
2. In which country was actor Yul Brynner (right) born today in 1922?
   
   
3. Which Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee was published today in 1960?
   

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Rainbow Warrior; 2. Take That; 3. John Wyndham

Star Trek - Movie Review

I remember first watching "Star Trek" when it originally appeared on BBC in the late 60's; I've watched every incarnation since and enjoyed them all (some a bit more than others, but all the versions have been generally very good). So, what about this latest JJ Abrams version...I can exclusively reveal that...it is FANTASTIC!

It is fast paced, exciting, funny and is recognisably "Star Trek" and modern at the same time. Zachary Quinto IS Spock and Karl Urban could be Leonard McCoy's long lost love child. Chris Pine as Kirk will take a bit more getting used to, which I look forward to in the next films, as I think he was a bit underused in this opening episode. Simon Pegg was great as Scotty, but again, hopefully we'll see more of him in the subsequent movies. Of the other characters, perhaps Zoe Saldana's Uhura is the most different from the original; from the start we see that she is smart, stong, sensitive and sexy...a modern woman!

So, a big THUMBS UP from me!!

Here are your Sunday teasers: -

1. Which rock star was born Paul Hewson in Dublin today in 1960?

   
   
2. Fred Astaire (right), who was born today in 1899 received his only Oscar nomination for which 1974 film?
   
   
3. Who was elected the first Socialist President of France today in 1981?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Contained a Working Enigma Code Machine; 2. "Murphy Brown"; 3. Richard Adams

Star Trek - New Movie

The new "Star Trek" movie has it's UK release today! I'll be going to see it on Saturday and I'll report my view on it when I've seen it! Hopefully, it's as good as the trailers!!

Your Friday posers are: -

1. John Snagge was born today in 1904 and commentated on which annual sporting event from 1931 to 1980?

   
   
2. What was invented by Dr John Pemberton (right) today in 1886?
   
   
   
3. Who was born today in Madrid today in 1975 and had a UK No 1 single in 2002 with "Hero"?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Sony; 2. Baltimore Colts; 3. Polaroid

Star Trek Returns

At last! The UK premiere of the new "Star Trek" film was last night...and by all accounts it's a great film! I for one can't wait to see it when its on general release.

Your Tuesday teasers are: -

1. Which African Emperor visited Jamaica today in 1966?

   
   
2. Singer Iggy Pop (right), who was born today in 1947, is backed by which band?
   
   
3. What pen name was used by "Jane Eyre" author Charlotte Bronte who was born today in 1816?

Yesterday's Answers: 1. Irish; 2. "King Kong"; 3. Apollo 16