Tuesday 30 November 2010

Winterwonderland

You know, I’ve got to admit, I’m a devil for misreading rotas, I am … !

Turn’s out I had today off: but, given the weather, I’m also willing to bet I’d’ve had a phone call to ask me in.

Either way … ?

It meant that I could use my phone to take a few snaps, along the way.

If you’ve read today’s teaser, you’d’ve seen the first one: the next’s after daylight struck.

The third’s on the way up Warley Hill: and yes, before we complain about the roads not being gritted, that’s a gritting lorry caught in the carpark Warley Hill turned into, this morning.

And the last is outside the shop: I thought I’d show you the precinct area.

Just before people turned it into Brentwood’s version of the Cresta Run … …

«•»






The Saint Andrews Day Teaser

Well, it’s official, Ladies and Gentlemen.

My home town of Brentwood … ?

Is now covered in snow.

Which means I’m going to give some serious thought to getting the bus into work.

That’s assuming the buses haven’t given up the ghost: they’ve a bad habit of doing that at the least possibly excuse …

«•»

But lets get moving on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets … !

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Trevor — who’s hopefully not as snowed under — scoring 5 out of 5: and quoting C. S. Lewis. Lets see how he — and you — do with today’s themed questions, shall we? Here they are, along with the How To and License

Q1) Name the Saint Andrews University graduates who’ve recently announced their wedding.


Q2) Which group had a massive hit with festival favourite Why Does it Always Rain On Me?

Q3) Which playing card is known as the “…Curse of Scotland”?

Q4) What is the name of the annual Games held at Bræmar?

Q5) Hampden Park Stadium — in Glasgow — is home to the Scottish national football team: and which Scottish League team … ?

Q6) 30th November, 1934 saw which stream locomotive become the first to go faster than 100 MPH?

Q7) 30th November, 1996, saw the death of American musician, Tiny Tim: which stringed instrument was he famed for playing … ?

Q8) And finally … 30th November, 1982, saw animal activists bomb where … ?
And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 29th November, 1975, saw which racing driver killed in an air crash … ?

A1) Graham Hill.

Q2) 29th November, 1913, saw the founding of the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime in Paris: that’s the governing body for which sport … ?
A2) Fencing.

Q3) 29th November, 1895, saw the birth of Busby Berkeley: which 1933 musical — directed by Lloyd Bacon — did he provide the choreography for … ?
A3) 42nd Street.

Q4) 29th November, 1898, saw the birth of the author of The Screwtape Letters: what was his name … ?
A4) C. S. (Clive Staples) Lewis.

Q5) And finally … 29th November, 1965, saw the launch of the Alouette 2: but by which country’s space agency … ?
A5) Canada’s.
Enjoy that lot, everyone: now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make a snowman …


Monday 29 November 2010

Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead: The Most Criminally Underrated Movie on Earth


Can I make a confession, here … ?

Or, at least, be frank … ?

I mentioned, this morning, that I’d managed to sleep through my alarm.

There’s a reason for that.

Myself and Movie Night Adrian were watching a film, last night, and I was up a touch later than I maybe should have been, bookmarking some of the more immediately relevant pages.

Ones I wanted to add to this post, to help clarify — hopefully — what I’m going to say.

The film we saw … ?

Was the Gary Fleder directed, Scott Rosenberg penned, Things To Do In Denver, When You’re Dead.

Something that both I and Adrian agreed made Pulp Fiction look hopelessly overrated … !

No, seriously … !!

It’s like comparing a Maserati to a Ford Edsel … !

Ahem

I think I’d better calm down and tell you about this, hadn’t I … ?

Before I fill this post up with needless dots … … … …

«•»

Leslie Nielsen, RIP

Oooh …

Now that’s sad to hear.

I’ve just heard on the news that actor, Leslie Nielsen has died.

So, before I go to work, I thought I’d post up a couple of videos with the man himself.










«•»

The Daily Teaser…

You know, I’ve got to admit, I’m happy that I’ve got an alarm that goes off at ten minute intervals, I really am.

I’d’ve hated to be late for work or post this up late, just because I’ve slept through it, I really would …

Lets get moving on, shall we … ?

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Trevor putting in his answers: and, along with bagging 6 out of 6, he also found time to quote both John Bunyan and William Blake.

Granted the Teasers aren’t as lyrical, but let’s see how he — and you — do with today’s set of questions, shall we? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’ and License

Q1) 29th November, 1975, saw which racing driver killed in an air crash … ?


Q2) 29th November, 1913, saw the founding of the Fédération Internationale d'Escrime in Paris: that’s the governing body for which sport … ?

Q3) 29th November, 1895, saw the birth of Busby Berkeley: which 1933 musical — directed by Lloyd Bacon — did he provide the choreography for … ?

Q4) 29th November, 1898, saw the birth of the author of The Screwtape Letters: what was his name … ?

Q5) And finally … 29th November, 1965, saw the launch of the Alouette 2: but by which country’s space agency … ?
And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 28th November 1785, saw the Treaty of Hopewell signed, between the US government and which tribe of Native Americans … ?

A1) The Cherokee.

Q2) 28th November, 1520, saw the first Europeans to cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific, via the South American Strait: the three ships concerned were under whose command … ?
A2) Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan.

Q3) 28th November, 1950, saw the birth of US actor, Ed Harris: in which James Cameron film does he play Bud Brigham … ?
A3) The Abyss.

Q4) 28th November, 1960, saw which country become independent of France … ?
A4) Mauritania.

Q5) On a similar theme, 28th November, 1975, saw which country become independent of Portugal … ?
A5) East Timor.

Q6) And finally … 28th November, 1994, saw the death of which of the Great Train Robbers … ?
A6) Ronald ‘Buster’ Christopher Edwards.
Enjoy those, folks, I’ll catch you later …

Sunday 28 November 2010

The Daily Teaser…

Hmmm …

Hmmm …

That’s a thought …

I just hope I don’t get into trouble …

I don’t know if you’ve been following the stuff I put up here about Merlin, but I’ve managed to put the URI for the post on YouTube page with the clip. If that makes sense … ?

I just hope I don’t get much bad comment from the actual copyright owners.

Which is actually a second point: that seems to have changed from BBC Worldwide to Fremantle Media.

With no actual sign on either the Wikipedia or IMDb entries that that’s who the owners are …

Funny, that …

«•»

But lets get moving on, shall we … ? Before I start getting even more incoherent …

Yesterday’s Teaser saw putting in his answers: and — along with bagging 5 out of 5 — and quoting both L. Sprague de Camp and Ernie Wise.

Lets see how he — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’ and License
Q1) 28th November 1785, saw the Treaty of Hopewell signed, between the US government and which tribe of Native Americans … ?


Q2) 28th November, 1520, saw the first Europeans to cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific, via the South American Strait: the three ships concerned were under whose command … ?

Q3) 28th November, 1950, saw the birth of US actor, Ed Harris: in which James Cameron film does he play Bud Brigham … ?

Q4) 28th November, 1960, saw which country become independent of France … ?

Q5) On a similar theme, 28th November, 1975, saw which country become independent of Portugal … ?

Q6) And finally … 28th November, 1994, saw the death of which of the Great Train Robbers … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 27th November, 2006, saw the death of British DJ, Alan Freeman: what was his nickname … ?

A1) Fluff.

Q2) 27th November, 2001, saw a hydrogen atmosphere discovered on which extra-solar planet … ?
A2) HD 209458 b: otherwise known as Osiris. (Am I the only person who really think the name is slightly evil sounding … ?)

Q3) 27th November, 1978, saw the birth of Birmingham born rapper, Mike Skinner: who is he better known as … ?
A3) The Streets.

Q4) 27th November, 1973, saw the US Senate confirm Gerald Ford as President of the USA: but under which Amendment to the US Constitution … ?
A4) The 25th.

Q5) And finally … 27th November is the birth of both Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Lee: but which of them is the older? (Or would be if they were still alive … )
A5) Bruce Lee: he was born 27/11/1940, whereas Jimi was born on 27/11/1942.
Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you later. Enjoy the videos, though …



I don’t know about you, but The Streets first couple of hit were fantastic … !



Saturday 27 November 2010

Merlin: Episode 12, The Coming of Arthur — Part 1

*Spoilers*

You know, I think I’m …

Whoah, now hang on, just a second, and think, here, shall we, Paul … ?

You’ve probably read quite a bit of my posts, by now, haven’t you?

So me telling you that I’m impressed by … impressed by something … ?

Is going to be about par for the course, isn’t it … ?

Even if it’s not strictly accurate.

Now, if you haven’t read the title’s post … ?

I’m talking about the twelve episode — the penultimate episode — of series three of Merlin: The Coming Of Arthur — Part 1 … … … …

Couldn’t see that one coming, could we … ?

And I’ll happily admit, I’m impressed …

In part …

Tonight’s episode … ?

The Coming Of Arthur — Part 1 starts fairly innocently, with one of Camelot’s patrols attacked and killed on the borders between Camelot and Cenred’s realm.

And it’s leader, Sir Leon being helped by nearby druids: who bring him back to life with the help of something called ‘The Cup of Life’, last seen being wielded by Nimueh (Michelle Ryan) way back in series 1.

«•»

I’ve got to admit, I’d completely forgotten bout that.

But, of course, given that Merlin is the 21st century take on the stories of Arthur, its version of the Grail was going to make an appearance — or re-appearance, I should say —at some point.

«•»

Where was I … ?

Cup of Life , yeah … !

The now healed Leon reports back to Camelot: complete with details of how he was healed. Including the fact that the druids had used the Cup of Life.

Uther, Gaius — and Merlin — know of both the cup, it’s abilities and about how it can be misused.

By the likes of … oooh … an evil warlord, looking to take over Camelot.

So sends Bradley James’ Arthur — along with Merlin, played by Colin Morgan, and joined by Gwaine, played by Eion Macken — out to find the Cup, before it falls into the wrong hands.

«•»

You know, it’s really a shame Cenred — played by Tom Ellis — gets treacherously betrayed and killed by one of his own — now immortal — troops, at the behest of Morgause, played by Emilia Fox.

Thought he had a lot of potential as a long term villain, that chap …

Cie la Vie …

«•»

Now, my first urge, here … ?

Is too try and be polite, and try not to spoil things, too much.

But to hell with it … !

I have put the word Spoilers at the top of the page for a reason … !

Now, I’ll happily admit that with the rebooted Dr Who, I’ve generally felt the the penultimate episodes are generally stronger the the season climax: with the possibly exception of the Matt Smith, Karen Gillane, Stephen Moffat season five climax: I thought both were quite strong.

Part one of The Coming Of Arthur, though … ?

Isn’t the strongest episode, I believe: but is a nice way to start the season finale.

And, as a big climax … ?

Has a very powerful show and tell as it’s closing scene …


Enjoy the episode, when you see it, folks …

Let me know what you think of it.

And as a final thought … ?

Get ready for next week: I’m hoping this particular two-parter may improve …

The Daily Teaser…

Hmmm …

You know, I’ve got to admit, I’ve just seen a story on the BBC’s news Channel that’s got me briefly wondering.

Basically … ?

Football referees in Scotland have gone on strike.

And several of the Portuguese and Polish referees that the SPL have drafted in to fill in at this weeks matches have gone home, already.

I’m just wondering what Terry — one of the late customers at a pub I worked at, and a former referee, himself — would’ve made of that: feel free to say something, Trevor … !

Lets get moving on, shall we … ?

«•»

Moving on, yesterday’s Teaser saw a welcome return for both Kaiju* and @Euthymios, who — along with Trevor — all put in answers. It saw Trevor and @Euthymios scoring 5 out of 5, with Kaiju bagging 4 out of 5: and I’m tempted to give Kaiju an extra point, as the Wikipedia entries are all over the shop!

Lets see how they — and you — do with today’s questions: here they are, along with the ‘How To’ and License
Q1) 27th November, 2006, saw the death of British DJ, Alan Freeman: what was his nickname … ?

Q2) 27th November, 2001, saw a hydrogen atmosphere discovered on which extra-solar planet … ?

Q3) 27th November, 1978, saw the birth of Birmingham born rapper, Mike Skinner: who is he better known as … ?

Q4) 27th November, 1973, saw the US Senate confirm Gerald Ford as President of the USA: but under which Amendment to the US Constitution … ?

Q5) And finally … 27th November is the birth of both Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Lee: but which of them is the older? (Or would be if they were still alive … )

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 26th November, 1778, saw Captain James Cook become the first European to visit which island?
A1) Maui

Q2) 26th November, 1917, saw the foundation of the National Hockey League: name any of the first five teams to sign up.
A2) Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Bulldogs, and Toronto Arenas.

Q3) 26th November, 1939, saw the birth of singer, Anna Mae Bullock: how is she better known … ?
A3) Tina Turner.

Q4) 26th November, 1970, saw the heaviest recorded rainfall, in the town of Basse-Terre, Guadaloupe: how much rain — in inches — fell in the space of a minute … ?
A4) 1.5 inches.

Q5) And finally … 26th November, 1953, saw the UK’s House of Lords vote for what: commercial TV, The Official Secrets Act, or commercial whaling … ?
A5) Commercial TV.
Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you later.

Let me know what you think of the video …














* Who’s been having trouble with his browser.

Friday 26 November 2010

The Daily Teaser and The Friday Question Set

Oh, well, that’s nice …

The BBC’s news channel’s showing a brief article about a couple in Cornwall who’ve restored an old bus.

Not just any old bus: it’s an old cinema bus — although I’m blowed if I know the proper term, although I’d suspect it’s ‘mobile cinema’ — that the couple bought to see what they could do with it.

There’s probably a lot I could say …

But I’ll let your imaginations run riot.

Let’s move on, shall we … ?

||»•«||

Yesterday’s teaser was a relatively quiet one, with just Trevor putting in his answers: along with some quotes from Andrew Carnegie, he managed to score 5 out of 5.

Lets see how he — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we … ? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’ and License
Q1) 26th November, 1778, saw Captain James Cook become the first European to visit which island?


Q2) 26th November, 1917, saw the foundation of the National Hockey League: name any of the first five teams to sign up.

Q3) 26th November, 1939, saw the birth of singer, Anna Mae Bullock: how is she better known … ?

Q4) 26th November, 1970, saw the heaviest recorded rainfall, in the town of Basse-Terre, Guadaloupe: how much rain — in inches — fell in the space of a minute … ?

Q5) And finally … 26th November, 1953, saw the UK’s House of Lords vote for what: commercial TV, The Official Secrets Act, or commercial whaling … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 25th November, 1867, saw who patent dynamite … ?
A1) Alfred Nobel.

Q2) 25th November, 1881, saw the birth of Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli: who was he better known, as Pope?
A2) Pope John 23rd.

Q3) 25th November, 1974, saw the death of which former UN Secretary General … ?
A3) U Thant. (Apparently, the U is a Burmese honorific, roughly equivalent to ‘Mr’.)

Q4) 25th November, 1843, saw the birth of industrialist, Henry Ware Elliot: which famed American poet was his youngest son … ?
A4) T. S. Elliot.

Q5) And finally … 25th November, 1914, saw the birth of baseball player, Joe DiMaggio: with which team did he spend his 13-year career … ?
A5) The New York Yankees.
Finally, here’s today’s 60-question-set for struggling pub quiz masters, released under the Creative Commons license
Online 80

ROUND ONE. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.

Q1) Who’s announced plan’s for a hip–hop album, this year?
A1) Elton John.

Q2) The Space Shuttle Atlantis got delayed by lightning: in which year … ?
Q2) 2006.

Q3) The king of Bahrain declared his Kingdom to be a constitutional monarchy on Valentine’s Day of which year of this century?
A3) 2002.

Q4) A pier table is built to between two what, windows or chairs?
A4) Windows.

Q5) A bright red Gran Turismo is used in which US detective series?
A5) Starsky & Hutch.

Q6) Which PM held office first, Eden or MacMillen?
A6) Anthony Eden.

Q7) Sharron Davies is associated with which sport?
A7) Swimming.

Q8) Who wrote Animal Farm?
A8) George Orwell.

Q9) In the Bible, which book immediately follows the Acts of the Apostles?
A9) Romans.

Q10) Which Premiership boss completed 10 years at the same club, in 2005?
A10) Alan Curbishley.



ROUND TWO. HISTORY.

Q11) Which English King lost the Crown Jewels in the Wash?
A11) King John.
Q12) What was the first country to put a man made object on the Moon, deliberately, or otherwise?
A12) The USSR. (The Lunik 2 crashed there in 1959.)

Q13) Who were the Jacobins, the followers of James 2nd, or French Revolutionaries?
A13) French Revolutionaries. (James 2nd,s follower’s were Jacobites!)

Q14) Which hero of the Wild West was shot, whilst playing poker?
A14) Wild Bill Hickok.

Q15) Joseph Smith founded which odd, American church?
A15) Mormonism. (Accept Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.)

Q16) In which year of the 1980s was the Space Shuttle 1st launched?
A16) 1981.

Q17) In which South American country are the remains of the Inca, Peru, or Brazil?
A17) Peru.

Q18) During the 60’s, Leonard Pearson was PM of which Commonwealth country?
A18) Canada.

Q19) Which famous American said, “I have a dream”?
A19) Doctor Martin Luther King.

Q20) Which detective writer caused a sensation by disappearing, for a few weeks, in 1926?
A20) Agatha Christie.



ROUND THREE. TV DINNERS.

Q21) Which future Doctor Who appeared in Our Friends in the North?
A21) Christopher Ecclestone.

Q22) Who is Steve & Tracey’s daughter, in Coronation Street?
A22) Amy.

Q23) What’s the first name of Hugh Laurie’s character, in House?
A23) Gregory. (Accept Greg.)

Q24) In which ITV series was business conducted at the Winchester?
A24) Minder.

Q25) Which panel game regularly features Merton v Hislop?
A25) Have I Got News For You.

Q26) Who played Remington Steele?
A26) Pierce Brosnan

Q27) In M*A*S*H, what does MASH stand for?
A27) Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.

Q28) According to the title of their chat–show, The Kumars live at which number house?
A28) 42.

Q29) What was Mr Ed, a talking horse, or a talking cat?
A29) A talking horse.

Q30) Roobarb & Custard were a dog and cat, respectively;– name either’s colour. (Two point’s for both.)
A30) Roobarb was green, Custard was pink.



ROUND FOUR. THE WRITTEN WORD.

Q31) Who wrote Frankenstein, Percy Shelley, or his wife, Mary?
A31) Mary Shelley.

Q32) Who wrote the Foundation series of sci–fi novels?
A32) Isaac Asimov.

Q33) Dorothy Sayers created which fictional detective?
A33) Lord Peter Wimsey.

Q34) Who wrote Agnes Grey, Emily Brontë, Anne Brontë or Lorraine Brontë?
A34) Anne.

Q35) Portia is in which of Shalespeare’s plays?
A35) The Merchant of Venice.

Q36) The Charles Dickens character, John Dawkins, is better known how?
A36) The Artful Dodger.

Q37) Which famous horse was created by Anna Sewell?
A37) Black Beauty.

Q38) Which English king compiled the Domesday Book?
A38) William the Conqueror.

Q39) Winston Smith is the main character in which George Orwell novel?
A39) 1984.

Q40) In the Bible, what’s the first Commandment?
A40) Thou shall have No Other God Before Me.



ROUND FIVE. BLINDED WITH SCIENCE.

Q41) Au is the chemical symbol for which element?
A41) Gold

Q42) Which organ is affected by Cirrhosis?
A42) The Liver.

Q43) How much doe a litre of water weigh?
A43) 1 kilogram.

Q44) In which year of the 1860’s were traffic lights introduced in London?
A44) 1868.

Q45) Which European city was home to the world’s 1st contraceptive clinic?
A45) Amsterdam. (In 1881)

Q46) How many moons does Saturn have, 5, 15, 18, or 25?
A46) 18.

Q47) How many degrees from the Greenwich Meridian is the International Date Line?
A47) 180°.

Q48) What Comet is thought to be the star of Bethlehem, that foretold the birth of Jesus?
A48) Halley’s Comet.

Q49) True or False; – Ubuntu, Zen Walk and Fedora are commercial computer operating systems.
A49) False; – they’re both free.

Q50) Ombrophobia is a fear of what, rain, umbrella’s, or Mexicans?
A50) Rain.



ROUND SIX. GENERAL IGNORANCE.

Q51) In which North American country is the city of Calgary?
A51) Canada.

Q52) Which Martin starred in The Chief?
A52) Martin Shaw.

Q53) Milk & Alcohol was the only hit for which Canvey based band?
A53) Dr Feelgood.

Q54) What word can go after “sign” & before “office”?
A54) “Post”.

Q55) Which George wrote Pygmalion?
A55) George Bernard Shaw.

Q56) How would 71 be shown in Roman numerals?
A56) lxxi.

Q57) It was 9/11 in the States; – how is it usually written, in England?
A57) 11/9.

Q58) In which month is Saint George’s Day?
A58) April.

Q59) Which bird gave Fleetwood Mac their first Number 1?
A59) The Albatross.

Q60) What’s the only English anagram of the word CAUTION?
A60) AUCTION.
Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you later.