Sunday 28 February 2010

The Daily Teaser …

Is it just me, or is it throwing it down, out there?

It is, isn’t it?

I think I can safely say it’s raining … !

Just when Allison and I were thinking it’d be nice to have a day in the park … !

Any way, let’s move on, shall we?

Yes, let’s … !

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Trevor, Andrea, and Andy all going head to head and getting 6 out of 6. With the Lady, herself — Andrea — getting the Official First-In-Clap!

And all three of our contestants putting in some superb quotes: Andy, bless him, put in a very relevant one from Dr Robert Oppenheimer, Trevor putting in some good ’uns from Johnny Carson and Wilson Mizner, and Andrea putting in a couple from both the late Spike Milligan, and Lord Byron.

Actually, Andrea, that last one from Byron definitely caught my eye: I’m wondering if anyone’s shown it to the likes of Max Clifford

Anyway, let’s get moving on, shell we?

Here’s today’s questions, along with the ‘How To’ and License

Q1) 28th February, 1975, saw a train crash: but at which London Tube station?

Q2) 26 years later, 28th February, 2001, saw a high-speed train crash caused by a car crashing into a train: near which Yorkshire town?

Q3) 28th February, 1986, saw the assassination of Olof Palme: when killed, he was the Prime Minister of which European country?

Q4) 28th February, 1784, saw John Wesley charter which denomination of church?

Q5) And finally … 28th February, 1991, saw the end of which war?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 27th February, 1847, saw the birth of which noted English actress … ?
A1) Dame Ellen Terry.

Q2) 27th February, 2002, saw the death of which noted Irish comedian?
A2) Sir Terence Alan Patrick Seán ‘Spike’ Milligan.

Q3) More to the point, the Gælic phrase on that comedian’s gravestone translates into which English phrase?
A3) “I TOLD you I was ill”.

Q4) 27th February, 1812, saw who give their first address to the House Of Lords?
A4) George Gordon Byron, the 6th Baron Byron. Yeah, that Lord Byron. (And, no, Andrea, I don’t need the complete Childe Harold … )

Q5) 27th February, 1973, saw Wounded Knee, in South Dakota, being occupied by protestors from which organisation?
A5) AIM: The American Indian Movement.

Q6) And finally, another birthday … 27th February, 1921, saw the birth of Theodore Van Kirk, the navigator for which notorious US bomber plane?
A6) The Enola Gay.

Enjoy those, everyone, I’ll catch you later … !








Saturday 27 February 2010

Malice in Wonderland: Maliciously Wondering …

You know, I’ve got to admit, there’s times when a Movie Night can go slightly …

Slightly …

Slightly differently to how it was planned …

Certainly to what I had in mind, anyway … !

Just to give you an example, I know myself and Allison were in Brentwood Library, today, oggling its collection of DVD’s for rent, when we both got to thinking the Neil Jordan cult favourite, Company Of Wolves, mite just go down well.

Not that the two of us — along with Movie Night Adrian and Dr Kevin — actually watched it …

Sometimes, Adrian can bring in a DVD with an interestingly persuasive looking bit of blurb …

Which he did, tonight.

He’d been in Brentwood Library, earlier, as well, and managed to pick up a copy of the Simon Fellows directed, Danny Dyer film, Malice In Wonderland*.

Which wasn’t the gangster film the cover implies it is, I’m thinking.

Well …

Possibly not the gangster film the cover implies …

Because what it is, is a twisty version of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland.

Actually, maybe twisty’s not the right word, here.

Malice In Wonderland is a twisty, Gangster version of the Lewis Carroll book.

And I think we’ve hit another Repo, in that sense.

The film tells us the tale of billionaire’s daughter, Alice Dodgson — who’s found out a little something her father didn’t want her to know, and is itching to confront him with it — who is transport down the film’s version of the rabbit hole, by being hit by the cab drivein by Whitey: the Danny Dyer character, in other words.

Which, much like the book, is where it gets strange …

After all, Whitey was going to take delivery of a tie.

No, don’t ask, it’ll spoil the surprise.

•••••

Now personally?

I’m thinking I speak for all of us, in saying we’ve seen something I’ve come to think of as a Repo: The Genetic Opera, here. Or just plain Repo, in honour of the musical.

In other words, a film I think is boxed to look vaguely like something it’s — maybe — not.

That you’re — maybe — not expecting to like. Or dislike, come to that matter.

But you end up having a surprisingly acceptable evening with, anyway.

Malice In Wonderland is another Repo.

You might not be stunned by it, its artistic integrity or contribution to the field of film, acting or directorial arts when you watch it.

But you’ll be entertained, at least.




Maggie Grace Alice

Danny Dyer Whitey

Matt King Gonzo

Nathaniel Parker Harry Hunt

Bronagh Gallagher ... Hattie

Anthony Higgins Rex

Steve Haze Midge

Gary Beadle DJ Felix Chester

Amanda Boxer Bag Lady

Garrick Hagon Mr. Dodgson





* I do know the reviewer for IMDb wasn’t stunned, but did like bits of it.

The Daily Teaser …

Oh, bless!

Look’s like Andrea’s started to recover from the cold she’s been suffering with, for the past few day’s!

Nice to see you recovering, Andrea!

Let’s move on, shall we?

Yes, lets!

Yesterday’s Teaser saw both Andrea and Trevor getting 5 out of 5, with Trevor getting the Official First In Clap, and both he and Andrea putting in some very good quotes!

Let’s see what they — and you — can do with today’s questions, shall we? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’ and License

Q1) 27th February, 1847, saw the birth of which noted English actress … ?

Q2) 27th February, 2002, saw the death of which noted Irish comedian?

Q3) More to the point, the Gælic phrase on that comedian’s gravestone translates into which English phrase?

Q4) 27th February, 1812, saw who give their first address to the House Of Lords?

Q5) 27th February, 1973, saw Wounded Knee, in South Dakota, being occupied by protestors from which organisation?

Q6) And finally, another birthday … 27th February, 1921, saw the birth of Theodore Van Kirk, the navigator for which notorious US bomber plane?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 26th February, 1917, saw the first ever recording of a Jazz record, at the Victor Talking Machine Company, in New York: but what was the name of the band?

Q2) 26th February, 1936, saw Adolf Hitler open the first factory devoted to building what?
A2) The Volkswagen Beetle.

Q3) 26th February, 1936, saw an attempted coup: in which country?
A3) Japan.

Q4) On 26th February, 1993, saw the attempted truck-bombing of which New York building?
A4) The World Trade Centre.

Q5) And finally … 26th February, 1987, saw the General Synod of the Church of England vote to ordain women priests: who was the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time?
A5) Dr Robert Runcie.

Enjoy those, everyone!

Right …

Now, who’s up for a movie, tonight … ?


Friday 26 February 2010

The Daily Teaser, and the Friday Question set …

Phew …

I am — officially — up nice and early.

And can’t, for the life of me, think why.

Says I, grinning, cheekily!

Actually, can I be honest, here?

Right at the moment, I am — as you know — job-hunting.

So putting the Teasers up, along with the rest of the posts, gives a certain amount of shape to my day.

And I think I should thank you, my readers, and everyone — Simon, Trevor, Tim, Andrea, Adele, and Livy, and all my regulars — who does the Teasers, for that.

Let’s move on, shall we?

Yes, let’s …

Yesterday’s Teaser was quite fun, to be honest: bless ’im, Simon — once more hitting the Speedy Button! — getting 5 out of 5, and putting in a couple of good quotes. Which included a comment about Sam Colt that had me laughing out loud!

Trevor on the other hand …

Trevor, bless him, went in a completely different direction.

And didn’t actually worry about about in any answer, per sé.

Oh, no!!

I think Trevor’s upped the proverbial ante, on the Quote front.

He put in a week’s worth!!

Let’s see what people can do with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the ‘How To’ and License

Q1) 26th February, 1917, saw the first ever recording of a Jazz record, at the Victor Talking Machine Company, in New York: but what was the name of the band?

Q2) 26th February, 1936, saw Adolf Hitler open the first factory devoted to building what?

Q3) 26th February, 1936, saw an attempted coup: in which country?

Q4) On 26th February, 1993, saw the attempted truck-bombing of which New York building?

Q5) And finally … 26th February, 1987, saw the General Synod of the Church of England vote to ordain women priests: who was the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 25th February, 1964, saw who named as Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World?
A1) Cassius Clay. (Later known as Muhammed Ali, of course. I saw him interviewed, a couple of year’s ago, by Michæl Parkinson: Ali, at one point, apparently fell asleep, mid-questioned. Parky was understandably concerned and immediately called for help … until he noticed Ali was grinning at him. This, with serious Parkinson’s Disease. I don’t know about you, but the guy is still the Greatest, as far as I’m concerned.)

Q2) More to the point, who did the Champion beat?
A2) Charles L. ‘Sonny’ Liston.

Q3) 25th February saw Samuel Colt receive the patent for the Colt revolver: but in which year?
A3) 1836.

Q4) 25th February, 1956, saw Josef Stalin denounced at the 20th Congress of the Communist Party: by who?
A4) Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev. (Or Никита Сергеевич Хрущёв if you want to get Cyrillic about it … )

Q5) And finally … 25th February, 1986, saw who named as President of the Phillipines?
A5) Corazon Aquino.

And, finally, here’s Online 43, for all those struggling Pub Quiz Masters, out there: covered, obviously, by the same License as everything else … !

Round 1. General Knowledge.

Q1) The Rocket 3 is advertised as the world’s biggest capacity motorbike. Which British company makes it?
A1) Triumph.

Q2) What is a Jesuit; a Belgian hat, a French cheese, or a Roman Catholic priest?
A2) A Roman Catholic priest.

Q3) Who wore ‘demob’ suits, at the end of World War 2?
A3) Soldiers, leaving the army.

Q4) What’s Britain’s most popular participation sport?
A4) Fishing.

Q5) In the Tim Burton directed version of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory who played Willy Wonka?
A5) Johnny Depp.

Q6) Cars with the international registration ‘C,’ come from which Carribbean country?
A6) Cuba.

Q7) Which sport, other than rugby, competes for a Currie Cup?
A7) Cricket.

Q8) Which chemical element has the highest melting point?
A8) Carbon.

Q9) Which of Shakespeare’s plays was banned during the reign of King George 3rd?
A9) King Lear.

Q10) When Australians talk of a billabong, what are they talking about?
A10) A waterhole or oasis.



Round 2. Food & Drink.

Q11) What colour is the flesh of a cantaloupe melon?
A11) Orange.


Q12) Which fish goes into Scotch woodcock?
A12) Anchovies.

Q13) Russia is famed for producing which spirit?
A13) Vodka.

Q14) Which beer did Paul Hogan advertise?
A14) Fosters.

Q15) Gherkins are the pickled form of which vegetable?
A15) Cucumbers.

Q16) What leaf is added to pasta, in order to turn it green?
A16) Spinach.

Q17) Which gourmet fungus is a native of the Perigord region, in France?
A17) Truffles.

Q18) Steak & kidney pudding is usually made with what type of pastry?
A18) Suet pastry.

Q19) Whisky is usually made from the malted version of which grain?
A19) Barley.

Q20) What kind of fruit is a Laxton’s Superb?
A20) An apple.



Round Three. Sounds of the 80s.

Q21) What song provided a number 4 hit, for Nat King Cole in 1987?
A21) When I Fall In Love.

Q22) What was the first top ten hit, for Tanita Tikaram?
A22) Good Tradition.

Q23) What was KC & the Sunshine Bands’ only 80s’ number one?
A23) (Baby,) Give It Up.

Q24) The Art of Noise had a hit with which talking TV head?
A24) Max Headroom.

Q25) Which Tommy James song provided a hit for Billy Idol?
A25) Mony, Mony.

Q26) What was Simply Red’s first top ten hit?
A26) Holdin’ Back The Years.

Q27) What song, in 1986, was Spandau Ballets’ last UK hit?
A27) Through the Barricades.

Q28) In 1982, which girl band joined the Fun Boy 3, on It Ain’t What You Do, It’s the Way That You Do It?
A28) Bananarama.

Q29) What was Men At Work’s only UK number 1?
A29) Down Under.

Q30) What was Karel Fialka’s only UK hit?
A30) Hey, Matthew.



Round Four. Famous People.

Q31) Writer Arnold Bax is quoted as saying that you should “try everything once, except incest and … ” what?
A31) Folk dancing.

Q32) Jeffrey Archer was gaoled for what offence?
A32) Perjury.

Q33) Adrian Edmonson — Viv, from The Young Ones — went to school with which playwright?
A33) Tom Stoppard.

Q34) Who was the winner in this year’s Celebrity Big Brother?
A34) Cage fighter, Alex Reid.

Q35) Which of Roald Dahl’s relatives is famed in the fashion world?
A35) Sophie Dahl.

Q36) Pat Phoenix — Coronation Street’s Elsie Tanner — bears what relation to Cherie Blair?
A36) Stepmother.

Q37) Which former Prime Minister has twins called Mark and Carol?
A37) Margaret Thatcher.

Q38) Which model had a cameo, in the 1980s version of Batman?
A38) Jerry Hall.

Q39) What’s John Prescott’s highest ranking government position?
A39) Deputy Prime Minister.

Q40) Who released a 1975 LP called Uri Gellar?
A40) Uri Gellar.



Round Five. Science, Nature, and Technology.

Q41) Igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary, are all types of what?
A41) Rock.

Q42) What term is given to a substance that influences a chemical reaction, without being changed itself?
A42) A catalyst.

Q43) What’s the normal size of a floppy disc, in inches?
A43) 3.5 inches.

Q44) Is coal fossilised plants or animals?
A44) Plant.

Q45) Which country is the world’s largest exporter of grain?
A45) The USA.

Q46) Nylon takes its name from which two cities?
A46) London, and New York.

Q47) Mr Whitehead developed which underwater weapon, in 1866?
A47) The Torpedo.

Q48) Which letter is furthest left, on a standard computer keyboard?
A48) ‘Q.’

Q49) A clouded agaric is a poisonous variety of what plant?
A49) Mushroom.

Q50) Phytopathology is the study of what?
A50) Plant diseases.



Round Six. General Ignorence.

Q51) William White was the real name of which game-show host?
A51) Larry Grayson.

Q52) Concord is the capital of which US state?
A52) New Hampshire.

Q53) What condition links Franz Kafka, Groucho Marx and Mark Twain?
A53) Insomnia.

Q54) In Monopoly, how much does it cost to buy Bond Street?
A54) £320.

Q55) The word ‘assassin,’ originates in which language?
A55) Arabic.

Q56) True or False; Lawnmower Death were a genuine band.
A56) True; - Their biggest hit was “Oh Crikey.”

Q57) In children’s classic, Thunderbirds, what was Parker’s nickname whilst in prison?
A57) Nosey Parker.

Q58) How many tuning pegs are there, on a bass guitar?
A58) Four.

Q59) Zulu leader, Chief Buthelezi, became a government minister of which country?
A59) South Africa.

Q60) Rupert the Bear’s scarf are which two colours?
A60) Black and yellow.

Enjoy those, everyone! I’ll catch you later!