Fear, Flame, Firemen … And a leaking tap …

You know, I’ve STILL got to be honest, here, my anger at Brentwood Council’s Planning Committee is STILL … 

Well … 

Let’s say it’s still there, shall we … ?

And that’s not necessarily a healthy thing.   I’ve often heard members of Alcoholics Anonymous refer to them as resentments: mostly to highlight how they can cause a relapse.

Hmmm … 

At ANY rate, let’s move on, and tell you WHY I got angry, shall I … ?

I’ve just seen a fire engine go down my street.

And given my interest in this specific local affair … ?

You can bet your bum I followed it down to the end Rollason Way, to see what happened.

Someone on the third floor of one block of flats — Boardman House, I believe — had left a tap on.

Something the firemen, themselves, couldn’t deal with: they had to get the police to come down to do.

Hmmm … 

∞∞∞

Now … 

As you can imagine, I was good and bloody angry when, only last Wednesday — 23rd May, 2012, so you know — Brentwood Council’s planning Committee voted to approve the mixed development in Saint James Road.

This, after SEVERAL complaints from Essex Fire Service about the congestion in Saint James Road, NOW, making they’re job hard.

A point I raised with the chap who seemed to be the senior fireman at the incident tonight, and that the rest of the crew were deferring to.

In his words … ?

Rollason Way is “… a bloody disaster waiting to happen”.

He went on to stress, had this been a real emergency, getting through would have cost lives.   And that, had there been more congestion … ?   A real emergency would’ve seen cars destroyed as the engine went through them to get to it.

∞∞∞

Now … 

Hmmm … 

I’ll admit, I’m still, rightly and understandably, angry.

Angry enough to ask three specific people a question.

I’m going to ask Councillors Chilvers, Clarke and Russell of the Brentwood West ward for the names of the councillors who voted to approve those flats in Saint James Road.

I believe you can give those to me.

I also FIRMLY believe those 11 councillors should be named and shamed, publicly.

Am quite willing to so do.

As they could well have made nights like tonight, in future, a lot worse.

The Daily Teaser — 31-5-2012

Hang on, hang on … 

HOW much … ???¿?

I’ve got Radio Four on in the background at the mo, and they’ve just announced the price of a pint of lager at some of the Olympic venues.

And repeat my initial question.

HOW much … ?

They’ve even told us the price … 

Dear GODS!

I’ll make a suggestion, here, if you’re coming to the UK for the Games, or the Jubilee: or just on a visit.

DON’T buy a pint at one of those venues.

Get yourself done over by honest muggers, they probably need the money … !

Either that … ?   Or stick to coffee!

♨♨♨

Let’s get moving on, shall we … ?

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi putting in her answers: and, along with putting up this post*, ALSO bagged  6 out of 6.

Let’s see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we?

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

Q1) 31st May, 1279 BC saw Ramses the Great assume the throne of Egypt: was he Ramses the 1st, 2nd or 3rd … ?

Q2) 31st May, 1669, saw who make the last entry in his diary … ?

Q3) 31st May, 1962, saw the execution of which war criminal … ?

Q4) 31st May, 1957, saw Arthur Miller found guilty of Contempt of Congress: as a result of being called before what … ?

Q5) And finally … 31st May, 1998, saw who leave the Spice Girls … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 30th May, 1631, saw the publication of France’s first newspaper: what was it called … ?

A1) La Gazette.   (And if Neville Wilson’s reading this, and get’s it wrong … ?   WELL!)

Q2) 30th May, 1859, saw the first chimes of Big Ben ring out in London.   What’s the name of the clock tower Big Ben is in … ?

A2) The Clock Tower.   (Occasionally referred to as the Clock Tower of The Palace of Westminster.)

Q3) 30th May, 1981, saw the assassination of Zia Rahman: which country was he the president of … ?

A3) Bangladesh.

Q4) 30th May, 1431, saw Joan of Arc burnt at the stake: during which war was she active … ?

A4) The Hundred Years War.

Q5) More to the point, for how many years did this war last.

A5) Debatably, 116 years: the term Hundred Years War covers a period from 1337 to 1453, and includes anything up to six different wars and an Incident … !

Q6) And finally … 30th May, 1913, saw the end of the First Balkan War: which country became independent, after the relevant treaty was signed … ?

A6) Albania.

Enjoy those, everyone.

Although, as it’s Clint Eastwood’s birthday … ?

I’ll leave you with quote from him at the end of today’s Teaser animation … 

And a quick tune … 

*        FANTASTIC piece of work, there, Debbi!   And thanking YOU for the mention! :D   Incidentely, about the Quo’s Rockin’ All Over The World … ?   You DO know that’s the song that opened the original Live Aid, back in 1985 … ?   You can’t go wrong with ol’ fashioned twelve bar boogie†!

†        I’ve ALSO seen both Status Quo and Dr Feelgood referred to as Delta Blues.   THAMES Delta Blues … 

The Daily Teaser — 30-5-2012

You know … we didn’t see a drop of rain, yesterday … 

We REALLY didn’t.

That’s despite the fact it felt — all day — as if it were JUST about to.

Actually … ?

It felt much like this morning: like the thunderstorm’s going to hit, any minute now.

I’m kind of glad it didn’t, though.   I was being interviewed for a job, in Basildon, yesterday.

The fact it was too hot to wear a coat meant I’d’ve ruined the outfit I was wearing.

And frankly … ?

It was so hot, I had to shove everything in the wash, the minute I git in!

Weather, hey … ?

Let’s move on, shall we … ?

♫♬♫

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi putting her answers: along with being flattered, getting compared with John Lydon, AND admitting she’s out there, RIGHT on the edge*, ALSO bagging 6  out of 6.

Let’s see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we?

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

Q1) 30th May, 1631, saw the publication of France’s first newspaper: what was it called … ?

Q2) 30th May, 1859, saw the first chimes of Big Ben ring out in London.   What’s the name of the clock tower Big Ben is in … ?

Q3) 30th May, 1981, saw the assassination of Zia Rahman: which country was he the president of … ?

Q4) 30th May, 1431, saw Joan of Arc burnt at the stake: during which war was she active … ?

Q5) More to the point, for how many years did this war last.

Q6) And finally … 30th May, 1913, saw the end of the First Balkan War: which country became independent, after the relevant treaty was signed … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 29th May, 1660, saw who ascend the throne of Great Britain … ?

A1) Charles 2nd.

Q2) 253 years later, 29th May, 1913, saw whose ballet provoke a riot on it’s debut in Paris … ?

A2) Igor Stravinsky’s.

Q3) More to the point, what was the name of the ballet … ?

A3) The Rite Of Spring.

Q4) 29th May, 1953, saw Hillary and Tenzing reach the summit of  Mount Everest: which country are Tenzing Norgay’s people native to … ?

A4) Nepal.

Q5) 29th May, 1999, saw Olusegun Obasanjo become his country’s first civilian president for 16 years: what is that country … ?

A5) Nigeria.

Q6) And finally … 29th May, 1999, saw the Space Shuttle Discovery  dock with what … ?

A6) The International Space Station.

Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll leave you with a tune, shall I … ?

Happy Birthday, Cee Lo … !

*        Nothing wrong with that, Debbi … !   Those of us standing behind you can only applaud, offer support … and be inspired … !

The Daily Teaser — 29-5-2012

You know, I THINK I’m going to get terribly British at you.

And complain … about the weather.

It’s too bloody hot!

Or, at least, FEELS that way!

Certainly too hot — and muggy — to sleep comfortably.

Or continuously, come to that.

Which is a bit of a pain in the proverbial: as I’ve actually got my first interview for some time, today, at 1pm.

Would you mind keeping you finger’s crossed for me … ?

I’m hoping to NOT fall asleep at it … !

Let’s move on, shall we … ?

☱☲☴☲☱

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi putting her answers: and, along with bagging 7 out of 7, also giving us the Debbi Mack Indie Authors Manifesto*.

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

Q1) 29th May, 1660, saw who ascend the throne of Great Britain … ?

Q2) 253 years later, 29th May, 1913, saw whose ballet provoke a riot on it’s debut in Paris … ?

Q3) More to the point, what was the name of the ballet … ?

Q4) 29th May, 1953, saw Hillary and Tenzing reach the summit of  Mount Everest: which country are Tenzing Norgay’s people native to … ?

Q5) 29th May, 1999, saw Olusegun Obasanjo become his country’s first civilian president for 16 years: what is that country … ?

Q6) And finally … 29th May, 1999, saw the Space Shuttle Discovery  dock with what … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 28th May, 1937, saw President Roosevelt formally open the Golden Gate Bridge: in which Californian city is the Golden Gate Bridge … ?

A1) San Francisco.

Q2) 28th May, 1998, saw which country test its first nuclear weapon … ?

A2) Pakistan.

Q3) 28th May, 1951, saw the first broadcast of The Goon Show: which of the Goons was the main writer for the series … ?

A3) Sir Terence Arthur Spike Milligan.

Q4) More to the point, what was the title the show was originally broadcast under … ?

A4) Crazy People.

Q5) And more to the point, which Goon later went on to play Inspector Clouseau … ?

A5) Peter Sellers.  (“ENTEEEEEEER, BLUEBOTTLE … !   Waits for applause: as usual, not a sausage … !”)

Q6) Moving on … 28th May, 1987, saw amateur pilot, Mathias Rust, land where … ?

A6) Red Square in Moscow.

Q7) And finally … 28th May, 1999, saw which of Da Vinci’s works go back on display … ?

A7) The Last Supper.

Enjoy those, everyone: as it’s Status Quo co-frontman Francis Rossi’s birthday … ?

Here’s Gerdundula … 

Oh, here’s their definitive live version of Caroline … 

Oh … And from their 2009 Glastonbury gig … 

You can’t tell I’m a fan, can you … ?

*        You know, I}ve got to confess, Debbi, it put’s me in mind of the Punk movement of the 70s.   John Lydon — Johnny Rotten, as he was — put it best in a recent trailer for BBC 4’s documentary on Punk Britannia: words to the effect of “You have to Do-It-Yourself, because nobody else is gonna do it for ya …”.   Actually … ?   Kind of puts me in mind of blogging, fanzines and the old Russian tradition of Samizdat: it strikes me they’ve all got something of the same ethos … 

The Daily Teaser — 28-5-2012

Hmmm … 

You know, I’ve GOT to give ITV drama, Appropriate Adult some kudos: it did rather well at last night’s BAFTA’s.

And have to be pleased that Terry Pratchett’s documentary, Choosing to Die ALSO did rather well, bagging itself the Best Single Documentary gong.

What’s really annoying … ?

Is The Fades.

It’s been cancelled, as I’m sure you’ve realised.

Despite the fact that it for nominated for Best Drama Series.

Which it THEN proceeded to win, last night … !

Now, I’ll happily repeat my belief it was cancelled because the producers couldn’t sell it abroad.

But also stress by believe that a cult series earns the name for a reason … !

Here’s the show’s producers on the subject.

Oh, and about Choosing to Die

And get moving on … 

»»·««

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi putting in her answers: who, along with agreeing with me that Waterstones — of all people — selling Kindles* seemed disappointing, to say the least, also bagged 5 out of 5.

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

Q1) 28th May, 1937, saw President Roosevelt formally open the Golden Gate Bridge: in which Californian city is the Golden Gate Bridge … ?

Q2) 28th May, 1998, saw which country test its first nuclear weapon … ?

Q3) 28th May, 1951, saw the first broadcast of The Goon Show: which of the Goons was the main writer for the series … ?

Q4) More to the point, what was the title the show was originally broadcast under … ?

Q5) And more to the point, which Goon later went on to play Inspector Clouseau … ?

Q6) Moving on … 28th May, 1987, saw amateur pilot, Mathias Rust, land where … ?

Q7) And finally … 28th May, 1999, saw which of Da Vinci’s works go back on display … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 27th May, 1927, saw Ford Motors cease making the iconic Model T: what was the name of the car they replaced it with … ?

A1) The Model A.

Q2) More to the point, in which Huxley-penned, science-fiction novel is Henry Ford — and the Model T — regarded as almost holy … ?

A2) Brave New World.

Q3) 27th May, 1937, saw what Californian landmark open to pedestrian traffic … ?

A3) The Golden Gate Bridge.

Q4) 27th May, 1997, saw the US Supreme Court rule Paula Jones could pursue a sexual harassment charge … against whom … ?

A4) President Bill Clinton.

Q5) And finally … 27th May, 1957, saw CHUM-AM become Canada’s first Top 40, Rock and Roll station: which city did it broadcast from … ?

A5) Toronto.   (I should add, here, that Chum is also the name of a popular brand of dog food in the UK.   A radio station calling itself CHUM … ?   Had me doing a double take, there … )

Enjoy those, everyone: as it’s Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman, John Fogerty’s birthday, I’ll leave you with their best known tune.

*        You’re right, there, Debbi: and much as I’m behind choice — and completely behind using the latest techno-widget to do something — sometimes, these decisions seem nonsensical … !

The Daily Teaser — 27-5-2012

Hmmm … 

You know, you’ve got to love the BBC’s news service, haven’t you … ?

I mean, no other tv station — bar the BBC’s News Channel — manages to move from the horrific to the ridiculous, in the space of a few minutes.

I mean, on the one hand … ?

On the one hand, they’ve had coverage of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest: the UK’s come 2nd from last, the Russian Grannies have done themselves proud, and the contest itself, has been won by Sweden.

I’ll have to check that out, I think.

At the other end of the scale … ?

Is the news that there’s been a massacre of of some 90 civilians — including some 32 children — in the city of Houla, in Syria.

And I have to admit, there’s a phrase, I’m thinking, that sums up my feelings, certainly.

“Someone’s going to swing for that … ”.

Yes.   Quite.

Let’s get moving on, shall we … ?

☳☵☶☵☳

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi putting in her answers: and, along with some VERY helpful links about Amazonº, also bagging 6 out of 7*. 

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

Q1) 27th May, 1927, saw Ford Motors cease making the iconic Model T: what was the name of the car they replaced it with … ?

Q2) More to the point, in which Huxley-penned, science-fiction novel is Henry Ford — and the Model T — regarded as almost holy … ?

Q3) 27th May, 1937, saw what Californian landmark open to pedestrian traffic … ?

Q4) 27th May, 1997, saw the US Supreme Court rule Paula Jones could pursue a sexual harassment charge … against whom … ?

Q5) And finally … 27th May, 1957, saw CHUM-AM become Canada’s first Top 40, Rock and Roll station: which city did it broadcast from … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 26th May, 1897, saw the publication of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.   What — in the original Romanian — does Dracula mean … ?

A1) ‘Son Of the Dragon’.

Q2) More to the point, the book is partly set in which Romanian province … ?

A2) Transylvania.

Q3) Even more to the point, Dracula’s castle is in which mountain range … ?

A3) The Carpathians.

Q4) As a final riff on the theme: which of Stoker’s novels was filmed by Ken Russell … ?

A4) The Lair of the White Worm

Q5) 26th May, 1896, saw Nicholas 2nd become the last Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias: in which year did he and his family die … ?

A5) 1918.

Q6) 26th May, 1998, saw who apologize for Japanese behaviour during World War 2 … ?

A6) Emperor Akhihito of Japan.

Q7) And finally … 26th May, 1908, saw the opening of which London Bridge … ?

A7) Vauxhall Bridge.

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

After I’ve left you with this tune from Split Enz: just so we can say Happy Birthday, to singer, Neil Finn.

Or, and with last night’s Eurovision winner, Loreen, from Sweden, with the song, Euphoria …

Right … now about those Russian Grannies … 

*       Actually, Debbi, it’s son of the dragon, as far as I can tell: dragon is just Dracul … 

º        What got me with the Waterstones move, Debbi … ?   Was the simple fact that it seems like, in agreeing to sell Kindles, it strikes me they’ve shot themselves in the foot.   (Hmmm … Normally, I’d’ve thought selling the Kindle equivalent of an iTunes gift cards would’ve been a more profitable way of doing it: but it all comes down to how much they can make off those, versus the actual hardware.)

The Daily Teaser — 26-5-2012

Hmmm … 

Can I make a confession, here … ?

I’ve actually got the BBC’s news channel on in the background: it’s Hard Talk programme on at the moment.

Complete with a live debate about the amount of coverage of the Olympic Torch Relay.

I’m in two minds about that, actually.

On the one hand … ?

My kid sister, Anna, is volunteering for this years’ Paralympics: and what’s more, Dr number 11, Matt Smith himself, is carrying the torch at some point, today.

On the other … ?

On the other, I’m no sports fan: so it’s not like I’m planning to watch!

Well … Apart from maybe the opening and closing ceremonies.

Oh … and keeping my ears open, just in case Snooker’s a demo sport. this year … 

Let’s get moving on, shall we … ?

‹‹‡››

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi putting in her answers: and, along with mentioning her Towel Day Post* — and a certain Ms McRae’s motion — also bagging 5 out of 5.

Let’s see how she — and just as importantly, you — do with today’s questions, shall we?   Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, license and video … 

Q1) 26th May, 1897, saw the publication of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.   What — in the original Romanian — does Dracula mean … ?

Q2) More to the point, the book is partly set in which Romanian province … ?

Q3) Even more to the point, Dracula’s castle is in which mountain range … ?

Q4) As a final riff on the theme: which of Stoker’s novels was filmed by Ken Russell … ?

Q5) 26th May, 1896, saw Nicholas 2nd become the last Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias: in which year did he and his family die … ?

Q6) 26th May, 1998, saw who apologize for Japanese behaviour during World War 2 … ?

Q7) And finally … 26th May, 1908, saw the opening of which London Bridge … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 25th May is — on Terry Pratchett’s Discworld — the anniversary of the Glorious Revolution: what flower do characters honouring it wear … ?

A1) Lilac.   (There’s a hard-boiled egg, too.)

Q2) 25th May is ALSO Towel Day, honouring Douglas Adams of The Hitch-hikers Guide To the Galaxy fame: what’s the name of the show’s main (human) character … ?

A2) Arthur Dent.

Q3) 25th May, 2011, saw the last mainstream broadcast of which US talk show … ?

A3) The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Q4) 25th May, 1961, saw President John F Kennedy announce the USA was to try and put a man, where … ?

A4) On the moon.

Q5) And finally … 25th May, 1979, saw the UK price of what, go up to 15 pence a pint … ?

A5) Milk.

Enjoy those, everyone.

I’ll leave you in the tender mercies of George Formby, who’s leaning on a Lamppost … 

Oh … 

And with the thought that, when I checked on the amount of people who’d looked at yesterday’s Towel Day teaser, found exactly 42 people had viewed it.

What CAN one say … ?

*        I saw that one, Debbi!  Nicely done … !   Although I think I’m going to have to sit down with Sam’s oneº: look’s like it’s going to be one to SERIOUSLY think aboutª! :D

º        She’s got a mouth on her, hasn’t she … ?    Mind you after that assault in Identity Theft … !   (Honestly, Debbi, how hard DO you want to be on a girl … !!! :D )

ª        I DO know Rupert Murdoch — in his testimony at the Leveson Enquiry, recently — definitely wasn’t enamoured of the 30%‡ cut Apple takes from those who has software and items on its iOS and Mac App Stores: but ALSO recognised that it was the cost of having something — a newspaper app, in News International’s case — on one of the must-have devices on the market.

‡       The same 30% cut they take from Amazon, for it’s iPad Kindle app.   (I’m ALSO assuming that’s why you won’t find the Mac version of MS Office on the Mac App Store.   I can’t see Redmond liking THAT much of a take.)

The Friday Question Set — 25-5-2012

You know, I’ve got to be honest, I’ve an interview on Tuesdays: in Basildon, would you believe.

It probably explains why — even given the nice weather — the back of my neck’s freezing!

Benefits of the first haircut in a decade, I suppose … 

At ANY rate … ?

At ANY rate … … 

Actually, what was I going to say … ?

I think the lose of hair ALSO mean’s I’ve started losing chunks of short term memory!

»»·««

Oh, yes!

I know what I was going to do … !

I was going to post up … THE FRIDAY QUESTION SET … !

Here’s today’s questions: covered, as ever, by the Creative Commons License, and accompanied by the ‘How To’, just in case you want to highlight something.

Online 153

ROUND ONE.   GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.

Q1) What’s the nearest river Balmoral Castle, the Dee, the Tweed or the Clyde?

A1) The Dee

Q2) Which country & western singer appeared in Gunfight?

Q2) Johnny Cash.

Q3) Which US probe was sent to Mars, in 1997?

A3) The Pathfinder.

Q4) In which London Park would you ride along Rotten Row?

A4) Hyde Park.

Q5) Which Swiss resort hosts the Golden Rose TV awards?

A5) Montreaux.

Q6) Who was the first non-Englishman to play James Bond?

A6) Sean Connery.

Q7) Which was the first British airport to have its own railway station?

A7) Gatwick.

Q8) In 2005, what type of Russian vessel was trapped off the Kamchatka peninsular?

A8) A submarine.

Q9) How many wives are you allowed, under Islamic Laws?

A9) Four.

Q10) Who had a 1950’s hit with Who’s Sorry Now?

A10) Connie Francis.

ROUND TWO.   COMEDY GREATS.

Q11) True or False: Benny Hill worked as a milkman, before finding fame as a comedian.

A11) True.

Q12) Dr Matthew Hall is better known as which wide–collared contemporary comedian?

A12) Harry Hill

Q13) In Some Mothers Do Have ’Em, what was the name of Michael Crawford’s character?

A13) Frank Spencer.

Q14) In which Australian city did Tony Hancock die, in 1968?

A14) Sydney.

Q15) Which comedian published Gridlock, Popcorn’ and Stark?   (Bonus point for naming the Channel 4 show he famously hosted.)

A15) Ben Elton.   (Saturday Night Live/Friday Night Live/Friday Night)

Q16) To whom was Dawn French married?

A16) Lenny Henry.

Q17) Which Little Britain catchphrase was voted ‘Best Catchphrase’, in a 2005 poll?

A17) ‘I’m the only gay in the village’

Q18) Which controversial Channel Four sit-com is set in the inner city Chatsworth estate?

A18) Shameless.

Q19) Alan Partridge, and Pauline Calf were creations of which comedian?

A19) Steve Coogan.

Q20) From which popular radio comedy did the phrase ‘Left hand down a bit’ come?

A20) The Navy Lark.

ROUND THREE.   FOOTBALL CRAZY.

Q21) Which team is known as the Magpies?

A21) Newcastle.

Q22) Which Patrick was the skipper of Arsenal when they spent an unbeaten season in the Premiership?

A22) Patrick Vieira.

Q23) Two colours feature in Blackburn’s home strip: name either.   (Two points for both,)

A23) Blue and white.

Q24) Which Gerald was the first Frenchman to manage Liverpool?

A24) Gerald Houllier.

Q25) In which country was the 1994 World Cup held?

A25) The USA.

Q26) Which University town has teams called City and Rovers?

A26) Bristol.

Q27) What position did Peter Shilton play?

A27) Goalkeeper.

Q28) At which club did Shearer and Owen play together?

A28) Newcastle.

Q29) What surname is shared by players, Ashley, and Joe?

A29) Cole.

Q30) What seaside club is linked to the playing career of Jimmy Armfield?

A30) Blackpool.

ROUND FOUR.   SOUNDS OF THE 80S.

Q31) Which Triangle did Barry Manilow sing about, in 1981?

A31) The Bermuda Triangle.

Q32) Which well preserved group had a number hit with Going Underground?

A32) The Jam.

Q33) Who did Dexy’s Midnight Runners tell to Come On?   (Bonus point for giving the full title of the song.)

A33) Eileen.   (Come On, Eileen.)

Q34) Which band had hits with Love On Your Side and We Are Detective?

A34) The Thompson Twins.

Q35) Which British band were the Eurovision winners in 1981?

A35) Bucks Fizz.

Q36) Andrew Ridgeley and George Michæl were in which band? 

A36) Wham!

Q37) Who exactly was Like A Virgin?

A37) Madonna.   (Like we’re stupid.)

Q38) Which Irish singer had a hit with Lady In Red?

A38) Chris de Burgh.

Q39) Spandau Ballet took their name, in part, from a notorious prison in which European country?

A39) Germany.

Q40) Which law enforcers sent a Message In A Bottle?

A40) The Police.

ROUND FIVE.   WINE.

Q41) Claret is produced in the region surrounding which French city?
A41) Bordeaux.

Q42) What term is used to describe a dry champagne: brut or demi-sec?
A42) Brut.

Q43) In which wine growing country is the Barossa valley?
A43) Australia.

Q44) Which white wine grape is the most frequently planted in California?
A44) Chardonney.

Q45) In which Antipodean country is the Marlborough wine growing region?
A45) New Zealand.

Q46) Retsina is native to which European country?
A46) Greece.

Q47) Which fortified wine has Malmsey, & Sercial varieties; – Port, Madeira, or Sherry?
A47) Madeira.

Q48) What’s the normal size of a bottle of wine?   (Centilitres or millilitres, for preference.)
A48) 75 Centilitres.   (750 millilitres.)

Q49) In which European country is Rioja made?
A49) Spain.

Q50) Along which river is most of French Sauvignon Blanc made: the Seine, the Loire or the Rhône?
A50) The Loire.


ROUND SIX.   GENERAL IGNORANCE.

Q51) If it’s 12 noon GMT, what time is it in Oslo?
A51) 1 pm

Q52) In which century was religious reformer, John Calvin born: the 16th, 17th or 18th?
A52) The 16th.

Q53) In February of 2006, Marks & Spenser started selling a red version of which fruit?
A53) Bananas.

Q54) Who wrote the novel, Anna Karenina?
A54) Leo Tolstoy.

Q55) Which bridge joins a palace and a prison, in Venice?
A55) The Bridge of Sighs.

Q56) What word can follow ‘band’, ‘mass’, & ‘pass’?
A56) ‘Age.’  (Bandage, massage, passage.)

Q57) Which came first: the Battle ofAgincourt, or the Battle of Bosworth Field?
A57) Agincourt.

Q58) What’s the nest prime number above 53?
A58) 59.

Q59) In which America state are the Everglades?
A59) Florida.

Q60) Who took over Leeds FC, in January of 2005?

A60) Ken Bates.

Enjoy those, folks: I hope they help … !