The Daily Teaser: 25-6-11

Hmmm …

He says …

There’s a reason for that …

You probably now — by now — that I’m trying to give up smoking.

And I’m using both patches and nicotine replacement gum to do so.

I’m thinking today’s going to be a bad day, for some reason.

Mostly off the back of the fact I’ve been up for an hour, already, and I’ve got through two bits of the gum and I’m getting urges to have another as we speak.

Which is weird, because I’ve actually had a comparatively good week: not only have I managed to cut down on the amount of gum I’ve used, but I’ve actually managed to reduce the amount I’ve been prescribed by quite a lot.

Oh, and had something of a result: apparently, my blood pressure, yesterday, was rather good when I did get checked out, yesterday: 110 over 81.

Hmmm …

Lets get moving on, shall we … ?

Before I turn into my grandma, and start telling you about my operation …

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Yesterday’s Teaser saw both Debbi and a welcomed back @Alexandrafunfit putting in their answers: with Debbi bagging five out of five, and Alexandra bagging 1 and a half — ‘aliens’ is almost close … !

Yesterday ALSO saw Debbi leaving a comment — here — about the death of Peter Falk.

Lets move on, and see how they — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, Creative Commons License and video …

Q1) 25th June, 1876 was the date of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, or the Battle of the Greasy Grass, as it’s known to Native Americans: who was the Lakota Sioux holy man and tribal chief whose visions were pivotal in it … ?

Q2) More to the point, the Little Bighorn flows through which two US states … ?

Q3) 25th June, 1947, saw the first publication of The Dairy of A Young Girl: how is this book better known … ?

Q4) 25th June, 1938, saw who named as the first President of Ireland … ?

Q5) 25th June, 1975, saw a State of Emergency declared: in which commonwealth country … ?

Q6) And finally … 25th June, 1903, saw the birth of writer, George Orwell: what was the name of his first published book … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 24th June, 1902, saw whose coronation delayed, due to a bout of appendicitis … ?

A1) Edward 7th’s.

Q2) One year earlier, 24th June, 1901, saw the first exhibition of the work of Pablo Picasso: in which city … ?

Q2) Paris.

Q3) 24th June, 1880, saw the first performance of Canada’s national anthem: what’s it called … ?

A3) O, Canada.

Q4) 24th June, 1997, saw the US Air force officially close it’s book on what … ?

A4) The Roswell UFO incident. (Which was — curiously enough — 50 years to the day after Keith Arnold’s first report of a UFO, in Washington. Is it me, or is that suspicious … ? Isn’t it … ? It IS, isn’t … ? Someone’s UP to something.)

Q5) And finally … 24th June, 1968, saw the death — by suicide — of actor and comedian, Tony Hancock: in which city was he, when he died … ?

A5) Sydney, Australia.

Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll leave you with this …

BBC News - Columbo star Peter Falk dies aged 83

BBC News - Columbo star Peter Falk dies aged 83

Good lord … !

I’ve got to admit, I’m mildly surprised, I really am.

Well.

Surprised …

Not not necessarily shocked.

You see, I’ve just seen a Tweet from actor, writer and comedian Stephen Fry float past in my timeline.

Saying he’d heard the news that actor — and star of Columbo — Peter Falk had died.

At the age of 83.

Now, I’m not sure if old age was the death of him …

But I do know he’d Alzheimer’s, in the past few years.

Bizarrely …

Bizarrely, I’m pretty positive I’d’ve hated to have been his family, these last few years.

»»·««

I’ve a reason for saying that, before you interrupt …

You’ve probably worked put I’m a Terry Pratchett fan, haven’t you … ?

I am …

And part of what made the news Terry Pratchett being diagnosed with a form of early on-set Alzheimer’s was the simple fact that the disease had killed a much loved grandmother of mine, in the end.

I know this is going to sound harsh: but I’m really not that worried, having seen what Alzheimer’s can do.

But Peter Falk’s death … ?

I’m thinking Peter Falk’s death, after a struggle with possibly one of the nastier diseases this world can throw at a person … ?

I’m going to be contentious, here, and tell you what I think I and many others would have said, not long after losing a relative to this condition …

I’m thinking Peter Falk’s family will feel a certain measure of relief.

After all, what died today … ?

Was only his body.

Alzheimer’s would’ve killed his mind — a mind that entertained so many — a long time ago …

»»Ω««

The Daily Teaser: 24-6-11

Hmmm …

You know, I’ve got to admit, I think the packing up smoking is going rather well.

I think …

Mostly … ?

Mostly where I think I’ve actually managed to actually cut down on the number of the nicotine replacement gum I’ve been using.

Usually … ?

Usually, I get prescribed a box of 105 of the things, and at first, I got through them at a rate of knots.

But it’s actually getting to the point where I’ve got some left at the end of the week.

I know it sounds daft, but I can’t help but think that’s rather good.

Lets get moving on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets …

»»·««

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi — all on her ownsome — putting in her answers: along with scoring 4* out of 5, she also managed to tell me exactly what Christopher Latham Sholes filed the Typewriter as. (As the Type-Writer, so you know. And I’m thinking there’s possibly miles of litigation off the back of that, Debbi, especially if Apple get involved.)

Lets see how she — and you — do with todays questions, shall we? Here there are, along with the ‘How To’, Creative Commons License and video …

Q1) 24th June, 1902, saw whose coronation delayed, due to a bout of appendicitis … ?

Q2) One year earlier, 24th June, 1901, saw the first exhibition of the work of Pablo Picasso: in which city … ?

Q3) 24th June, 1880, saw the first performance of Canada’s national anthem: what’s it called … ?

Q4) 24th June, 1997, saw the US Air force officially close it’s book on what … ?

Q5) And finally … 24th June, 1968, saw the death — by suicide — of actor and comedian, Tony Hancock: in which city was he, when he died … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 23rd June, 1912, saw the birth of mathematician, Alan Turing, the man who invented the concept of computers: what did he originally term them … ?

A1) Automatic, or Universal, Machines. (There’s one on your desk. As a point … ? I still think that a man who made such a HUGE contribution to Britain’s war effort should have been given a medal: rather than treated the way he was.)

Q2) On a related theme: 23rd June, 1868, saw Christopher Latham Sholes receive the patent for what … ?

Q2) The typewriter.

Q3) 23rd June, 1992, saw Mafia boss, John Gotti gaoled: which New York mafia family was he the head of … ?

A3) The Gambino.

Q4) 23rd June, 1964, saw the birth of TV producer, Joss Whedon: what was his most successful series, to date … ?

A4) Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Q5) Finally, and talking of TV producers … 23rd June, 2006, saw the death of which TV producer … ?

A5) Aaron Spelling. (He was famously — or possibly notoriously — ranked by Forbes as the 11th highest grossing dead celebrity in the world, in 2009. Looks like Elvis is STILL in the building …)

And, as it’s Friday, again, here’s the 60-question-set for struggling pub quiz masters: covered by the same Creative Commons License as always …

Online 109.

ROUND ONE. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.

Q1) In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue…and found what: North America, the West Indies or the Bermuda Triangle?

A1) The West Indies.

Q2) Tom Finney played all of his club football games for which team?

Q2) Preston North End.

Q3) Name either of the nicknames for the US flag. (Two points for both)

A3) Old Glory, or the Stars & Stripes

Q4) What town is the administrative of centre of Cornwall?

A4) Truro.

Q5) In which year did Ceylon change its name to Sri Lanka?

A5) 1972.

Q6) Which devoutly Christian writer wrote the Chronicles of Narnia, CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien or Philip Pullman?

A6) CS Lewis.

Q7) What name is given to dried, germinated barley?

A7) Malt barley.

Q8) Which TV rat had a hit with a cover of Love Me Tender?

A8) Roland Rat.

Q9) On which ship did Sir Francis Drake receive his knighthood?

A9) The Golden Hind.

Q10) What chemical formula represents ice?

A10) H2O.

ROUND TWO. WORLD TOUR.

Q11) Allegheny, and the Blue Ridge are in which American mountain range?

A11) The Rockies

Q12) In which African country is the N’Gorongoro Crater?

A12) Tanzania.

Q13) Flores, Corvo, and Pico are in which group of Islands, the Azores, The Canaries or the Scillies?

A13) The Azores.

Q14) Which North American city has a street called The Bowery?

A14) New York

Q15) Sir Edward Lutyens designed the Cenotaph in London and which Indian city?

A15) Delhi.

Q16) The Straits of Magellan separate the Southern American mainland from which island?

A16) Tierra Del Fuego.

Q17) Which city is the capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba?

A17) Winnipeg.

Q18) Which Australian city stands on the River Torrens, Adelaide, Sydney or Melbourne?

A18) Adelaide.

Q19) How many official languages does South Africa have?

A19) 11.

Q20) Which country is in between Guyana and French Guiana?

A20) Suriname.

ROUND THREE. MUSIC & LIGHTS.

Q21) Elaine Paige’s first top ten hit came from which musical: Cats, Evita or Les Miserablé?

A21) Cats.

Q22) Who duetted with Sarah Brightman, on the hit, Phantom Of the Opera?

A22) Michael Crawford.

Q23) The death of Conor inspired the song Tears In Heaven: which rock guitarist’s son was he?

A23) Eric Clapton’s.

Q24) Rhymes & Reasons was the first album by which male Country star?

A24) John Denver.

Q25) The Kick Inside was Kate Bush’s first album: what was her only UK No. 1 from The Kick Inside?

A25) Wuthering Heights.

Q26) Which former Beatle & his wife had a ‘Bed-In’, in a hotel in Amsterdam?

A26) John Lennon & Yoko Ono.

Q27) Which girl’s name featured in the title of a Dexy’s Midnight Runners song? (Bonus point for the song.)

A27) Eileen. (Come On, Eileen)

Q28) Who had a UK number 1 with Deeper, Underground, in 1999?

A28) Jamiroquoi.

Q29) I Wanna Hold Your Hand was the first Beatles number 1 in which country?

A29) The USA.

Q30) The Fat Of The Land debuted at number 1 in the UK and US album charts: which British dance band made it?

A30) The Prodigy.

ROUND FOUR. SCIENCE, NATURE, & TECHNOLOGY.

Q31) Dairy farming is usually associated with the rearing of which animal?

A31) Cattle.

Q32) What does the Kelvin scale measure?

A32) Temperature.

Q33) Amber is a shade of which colour … ?

A33) Orange.

Q34) What is the framework of ribs called?

A34) The Ribcage.

Q35) What continent grows the most rice?

A35) Asia.

Q36) Mars is known as what colour planet?

A36) Red.

Q37) Which metal is occasionally used in thermometers?

A37) Mercury.

Q38) What name is given to a portable computer?

A38) A Laptop.

Q39) What computer problem was possibly needlessly feared in the year 2000?

A39) The Millennium/Y2K Bug.

Q40) Audio refers to which of the senses?

A40) Hearing.

ROUND FIVE. QUIZ & GAMES SHOWS.

Q41) How long does the contestant have to answer the questions, on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

A41) As long as they want.

Q42) In the US version of The Weakest Link, who’s the host?

A42) Anne Robinson.

Q43) How many teams are there, per episode, in University Challenge?

A43) Two.

Q44) Which Swedish born personality was the first host of Dog Eat Dog?

A44) Ulrika Jonsson.

Q45) What’s the name of the celebrity version of Ready, Steady, Gook?

A45) Celebrity Ready, Steady, Gook.

Q46) Lea Kristensen assisted Jim Davidson on which TV game show?

A46) The Generation Game.

Q47) Which Philip hosted National Lottery: Winning Lines?

A47) Philip Schofield.

Q48) Which Snooker player captained a team opposite Ally McCoist, on A Question Of Sport?

A48) John Parrot.

Q49) On which Channel was the quiz show Number One shown?

A49) Channel

Q50) Which Penelope hosted a later series of What’s My Line?

A50) Penelope Keith.

ROUND SIX. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE IGNORANCE.

Q51) In which year of the 13th century did King John sign the Magna Carta.

A51) 1215.

Q52) What’s the maximum score in Snooker?

A52) 151. (Your opponent fouls on the break, giving you 4 points, after which you get a 147 break.) Or 155. (Your opponent fouls by potting the Black, on the break, giving you 7 points, then you score the 147.) OR 156. ( Your opponent fouls; - as a result, the ref gives you a free ball, from which you score 8, by potting a ‘red’ and a black. You then score a 147 as normal.)

Q53) Who preceded Queen Victoria on the throne: William 3rd, William the 4th or George the 3rd?

A53) William the 4th.

Q54) What’s Britain’s largest species of predatory fish?

A54) The pike.

Q55) What was the name of Frank Spenser’s wife, in Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em?

A55) Betty.

Q56) US elections are always held on which day of the week?

A56) Thursday.

Q57) Viticulturalist’s grew which soft fruit?

A57) Grapes.

Q58) No, No, No was the début single for which American girl band?

A58) Destiny’s Child.

Q59) What’s darker, Muscavado or demarrera sugar?

A59) Muscavado.

Q60) If ‘A’ is ‘Alpha’, & ‘B’ is ‘Bravo’, what is ‘R’?

A60) ‘Romeo’.

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

* Alan Turing actually called them ‘Automatic’ or ‘Universal’ machines.

The Daily Teaser: 23-6-11

Blimey … !

Looks like I’ve just caught the end of the episode of Who Do You Think You Are that Yesterday’s showing!

I’m glad they’ll be repeating it!

Today’s episode … ?

Features David Suchet. Seemingly, the star of Poirot and Going Postal has a family who managed to escape the Pale — the ghetto area of Tsarist Russia — by managing to wangle Turkish citizenship.

Good for them … !

Just going by the little I know of history … ?

The Pale definitely sounds like it was — in it’s time — on a par with the Holocaust!

Lets get moving on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets … !

»»·««

Yesterday’s Teaser saw a heartily welcomed back Debbi putting in her answers: on top of bagging 5 out of 5, she also managed to tell us that the UK branch of Amazon is selling copies of Shaken!

Lets see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video …

Q1) 23rd June, 1912, saw the birth of mathematician, Alan Turing*, the man who invented the concept of computers: what did he originally term them … ?

Q2) On a related theme: 23rd June, 1868, saw Christopher Latham Sholes receive the patent for what … ?

Q3) 23rd June, 1992, saw Mafia boss, John Gotti gaoled: which New York mafia family was he the head of … ?

Q4) 23rd June, 1964, saw the birth of TV producer, Joss Whedon: what was his most successful series, to date … ?

Q5) Finally, and talking of TV producers … 23rd June, 2006, saw the death of which TV producer … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 22nd June, 1911, saw the coronation of which UK king … ?

A1) George 5th.

Q2) 22nd June, 2003, saw the fall of the world’s largest hailstone: but in which US state … ?

Q2) Nebraska.

Q3) 22nd June, 1990, saw the final dismantling of which Berlin landmark … ?

A3) Checkpoint Charlie.

Q4) 22nd June, 1976, saw the Canadian House of Commons abolish what: capital punishment, feudalism or trial by combat … ?

A4) Capital Punishment.

Q5) And finally: 22nd June, 1969, saw the death of Frances Gumm: how was she better known … ?

A5) Judy Garland.

Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll leave you with a tune from birthday girl, Duffy.

* Alan Turing’s death, in the 1950s, after being arrested for being gay was — in my mind — no way to treat the man who contributed so much to Britain’s war effort and was an unhonoured war-hero: he came up with a concept that literally changed the world: Bletchley Park, where he and many othersº worked during the war, helping to crack the German Enigma and Lorenz codes, was just the START. The fact I’m writing this — and you’re reading this via — a whole series of interlinked Turing-style machines should tell you that.

º Including Tommy Flowers, the man who built those early machines.