The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 31-7-2013: Battling Romans

Oh … 

I have to admit, I got a mention in an article, in last week’s Gazette: about anti-social behaviour in my street.

Frankly … ?

Well, frankly, I was expecting something of a riot in This weeks letters page.

Still … 

I can’t complain, too much.   They have publish one of my other letters … !

Ahem … !

At any rate, today’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for the Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser.

Here’s this week’s questions, covered by the usual Creative Commons License* … 

Q1) 31st July, 30 BC, saw the forces of Mark Antony and Octavian fight the Battle of Alexandria.   Who won that battle?

Q2) What was Mark Antony’s name: in Latin … ?

Q3) Mark Antony eventually went on to lose the Battle of Actium, to Octavian.   Was that a naval or land battle … ?

Q4) Which Egyptian queen was Mark Antony famously allied to … ?

Q5) That queen famously lost that battle: and committed suicide by apply a poisonous what to her breast … ?

Q6) As a result of winning the latter battle, Octavian became the first Roman Emperor: under what name do we (usually) know him … ?

Q7) More to the point, under what title did Octavian assume sole power: Consul, Magister or Princeps … ?

Q8) Famously, Octavian had been adopted by whom … ?

Q9) Name either of Shakespeare’s plays about this period of Roman history.

Q10) Finally … Who played Mark Antony in the 2005 BBC series, ‘Rome’: Jude Law, James Purefoy or Ciarán Hinds … ?

Here’s last week’s questions and answers.

Questions.

Q1) 24th July saw the discovery of the lost city of Machu Picchu.   In which year of the 20th century: 1910, 1911 or 1912?

Q2) More to the point, by a man called Hiram Bingham the what: 3rd, 4th or 5th … ?

Q3) Which Native American empire was Machu Picchu a part of: Aztec, Toltec or Incan … ?

Q4) The Empires in Q3 had a calendar that predicted the end of the world on 21st December of which year … ?

Q5) The heart of that empire was in what’s now which country: Peru, Mexico or Ecuador … ?

Q6) Machu Picchu translates into English as what: Tall Peak, Young Peak or Old Peak … ?

Q7) Either way, Machu Picchu is on a peak: in which mountain range … ?

Q8) What was the name of the Conquistador who brought down the empire Machu Picchu was part of … ?

Q9) What European country were the Conquistadors from … ?

Q10) What’s the name of the — rather violent — Mel Gibson directed film about Native South American empires … ?

Answers.

A1) 1911.

A2) Hiram Bingham 3rd.

A3) The Incan Empire.

A4) 2012.

A5) Peru.

A6) Old Peak.

A7) The Andes.

A8) Francisco Pizzaro.

A9) Spain.

A10) Apocalypto.

Enjoy those.

I’ll catch you later.

*        Regulars will know already: but for newcomers … all it means is that you’re free to copy, use, alter and build on each of my quizzes: including the Teasers, Gazette Teasers and the Friday Question Sets.   All I ask in return is that you give me an original authors credit on your event’s flyers or posters, or on the night: and, if you republish them, give me an original authors credit AND republish under the same license.   A link back to the site would be appreciated.

The Daily Teaser — 31-7-2013

Drat: I didn’t get the job … !

That’s a disappointment: definitely a disappointment.

Especially considering it was a local job … !

It was easy to get to, for a start.

Oh, well … Looks like I’ll have to take a deep breathe, and carry on looking.

But that’s disappointing … and very frustrating … !

~≈‡≈~

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi* putting in her answers: and bagging five out of five.

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 July, 781, saw the first recorded eruption of which volcano … ?

Q2) 31st July, 1987, saw the British Attorney General announce he would be suing the Sunday Telegraph.   Over which book … ?.

Q3) 31st July, 1588, saw which fleet spotted off the coast of England … ?

Q4) 31st July, 1970, was Black Tot Day: the last day that what was issued to the British Navy … ?

Q5) Finally … 31st July, 2012, saw Michael Phelps become the holder of the most Olympic Gold medals: how many swimming golds does he hold … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 30th July, 1963, saw the birth of actress, Lisa Kudrow.   Which character did she play, in Friends … ?

A1) Phoebe  Buffay.

Q2) 30th July, 1975, saw the disappearance of notorious union leader, Jimmy Hoffa.   In which year was he officially declared dead … ?

A2) 1982.

Q3) 30th July, 1859, saw the first ascent of Grand Combin.   In which mountain range is Grand Combin … ?

A3) The Alps.

Q4) 30th July, 1991, saw Luciano Pavarotti give a free concert: in which London park … ?

A4) Hyde Park.

Q5) Finally … 30th July, 762AD, saw the founding of the city of Baghdad: in which country is Baghdad … ?

A5) Iraq.

Enjoy those.

I’ll leave you with this thought from the late, Ahmet Ertegün, founder of Atlantic Records …

“In those days, we worked night and day, and we loved every minute of it. The quest for a great artist, a hit song, or a new sound was our nighttime activity. Promotions, publicity, and sales took up our daytime hours.”

Ahmet Ertegün July 31 1923 – December 14, 2006

And with this tune … 

Have a good day.

*        Yeah, a couple of friends are fans of hers, Debbi.   Got to admit, I liked her singles: although I was never THAT big a fan.   Mind you, I did like the video for Babooshka.   (Pointless trivia for you, Debbi, her costume — the really extravagant one! — was based on a Chris Achilleos piece.)

The Daily Teaser — 30-7-2013

Oh, now I love a good documentary.

You’ve worked that out, already: I must have mentioned lord knows how many time.

At ANY rate, I’ve iPlayered — yes, dotted red line, I’ve just made that word up — I’ve iPlayered a documentary I missed last night.

Mary Beard, bless her, doing her Roman Antiquarian bit.

About the one Roman Emperor who needs the help.

Caligula … !

She’s just made the very good point that rulers generally find it handy to have the support of the army: something Egyptian rulers do with remembering.   Oh … and that many Roman statues had replaceable heads: which tells you why these’s so many busts in Rome.

Hmmm … 

Let’s move on, shall we?   While Mary tell’s us a story … 

~≈¥≈~

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi* putting in her answers: after leaving us a comment about Vogon poetry — possibly the third worst in the universe — she also bagged four out of five.

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

Q1) 30th July, 1963, saw the birth of actress, Lisa Kudrow.   Which character did she play, in Friends … ?

Q2) 30th July, 1975, saw the disappearance of notorious union leader, Jimmy Hoffa.   In which year was he officially declared dead … ?

Q3) 30th July, 1859, saw the first ascent of Grand Combin.   In which mountain range is Grand Combin … ?

Q4) 30th July, 1991, saw Luciano Pavarotti give a free concert: in which London park … ?

Q5) Finally … 30th July, 762AD, saw the founding of the city of Baghdad: in which country is Baghdad … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 29th July, saw the launch of the BBC Light Programme: in which year … ?

A1) 1945.

Q2) The Light Programme is now known as which Radio Station … ?

A2) BBC Radio 2.

Q3) Which Dr Who actor famously appeared in Light Programme comedy, The Navy Lark … ?

A3) Jon Pertwee.   (Ironically, one of the characters he played was called ‘The Master’.)

Q4) The world’s longest running soap-opera — in any format — has its national origins on the BBC Light Programme.   What’s that soap opera’s name … ?

A4) The Archers.

Q5) Finally … the Light Programme ceased broadcasting in September of which year … ?

A5) 1967.

Enjoy those.

I’ll leave you with this thought from Sir Clive Sinclair …

“It was very odd when I did become famous – especially when I got knighted. I found it very embarrassing, really.”

Sir Clive Sinclair, born 30 July 1940

And with this tune from birthday girl, Kate Bush … 

And as I’ve given Caligula a mention … ?   THIS scene from I, Claudius … 

Have a good day.

*        Which is a point, Debbi: I think I’ve managed to dig up this scene from YouTube: it’s the original radio version of the Vogon Poetry scene.   (No dead swans were harmed in the making of this broadcast … )

The Daily Teaser — 29-7-2013: The Light Programme

Oh, bless … !

Bless her, an old friend, Sarah — Kevin D’s wife, if you’re wondering — managed to tip me off about a possibly local job.

I’m not going to get TOO excited.

But I HAVE managed to send in my CV, already.

And … ?    And I’m also happy to say the job’s local enough that I can walk to the High Street and pop a copy in, in person.

Here’s hoping I get a result from that … !

And remind me to give Sarah a big ‘Thank You’ for the lead.

~≈Ø≈~

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi* putting in her answers: along with admitting you can’t win them all, she also bagged four out of five.

Let’s see how she — and you — do with today’s Teaser: here it is, along with the ‘How To’, License and video … 

Q1) 29th July, saw the launch of the BBC Light Programme: in which year … ?

Q2) The Light Programme is now known as which Radio Station … ?

Q3) Which Dr Who actor famously appeared in Light Programme comedy, The Navy Lark … ?

Q4) The world’s longest running soap-opera — in any format — has its national origins on the BBC Light Programme.   What’s that soap opera’s name … ?

Q5) Finally … the Light Programme ceased broadcasting in September of which year … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 28th July, 1914, saw the Austro-Hungarian Empire declare war on Serbia: after whose assassination … ?

A1) Arch Duke Franz Ferdinard’s.

Q2) 28th July, 1948, saw the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad foil a bullion robbery: what’s the rhyming slang term for the squad … ?

A2) The Sweeney: or Sweeney Todd.

Q3) 28th July, 2000, saw the last terrorist released from the Maze Prison: what name was given to the notorious blocks many of them were held in … ?

A3) The H-blocks.

Q4) 28th July, 1974, saw the founding of Spetsgruppa A: a special forces platoon in which country … ?

A4) The USSR.

Q5) Finally … 28th July, 1955, saw the first World Conference devoted to which artificial language … ?

A5) Interlingua.

Enjoy those: I’ll leave you with this memo from the BBC … 

“ … a popular but not rubbishy programme for the masses designed to be effective in competition with neighbouring sponsored stations.”

Internal BBC memorandum about the Light Programme’s launch.

And with the theme tune to Music While You Work, one of the Light Programme’s best loved shows … 

Have a good day … 

*        Very true, Debbi, very true … !   (Oh, and it was Interlingua, I’m afraid.   It could’ve been worse, it could’ve been Klingon … !)

The Daily Teaser — 28-7-2013

I have to admit, I’ve got last night’s Top Of The Lake on: the Jane Campion mystery series.

Interesting stuff, I think.

Although I have to admit, the reason I started watching it … ?   Is because Elisabeth Moss, who’s playing the main character, Detective Robin Griffiths, don’t half look like a young Gillian Anderson.

Yeah … 

Let’s leave that thought, there, shall we?   And get a move on … !

~≈Ø≈~

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi putting in her answers: and bagging four out of six*.

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 July, 1914, saw the Austro-Hungarian Empire declare war on Serbia: after whose assassination … ?

Q2) 28th July, 1948, saw the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad foil a bullion robbery: what’s the rhyming slang term for the squad … ?

Q3) 28th July, 2000, saw the last terrorist released from the Maze Prison: what name was given to the notorious blocks many of them were held in … ?

Q4) 28th July, 1974, saw the founding of Spetsgruppa A: a special forces platoon in which country … ?

Q5) Finally … 28th July, 1955, saw the first World Conference devoted to which artificial language … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 27th July, 1694, saw the charter issued that founded the Bank Of England.   Who was England’s ruler at the time … ?

A1) There were two: William of Orange, and his queen and co-monarch, Mary 2nd.

Q2) Who — strictly speaking — owns the Bank of England?

A2) The Treasury Solicitor, on behalf of the government.

Q3) Who’s the Bank’s current governor … ?

A3) Mark Carney.

Q4) Threadneedle Street, on which the Bank stands, is in where: the City of London or the City of Westminster … ?

A4) The City Of London.

Q5) Threadneedle Street is one of nine roads that have their origins at nearby Bank Junction.   Name one of the other eight.

A5) Cornhill, Lombard Street, Mansion House Place, Walbrook, Mansion House Street, Queen Victoria Street, Poultry and Prince’s Street.

Q6) Finally … The Bank Of England is the world’s second oldest central bank.   What’s the oldest central bank … ?

A6) The Swedish Central Bank, the Sveriges Riksbank.

Enjoy those.   I’ll leave you with this thought from the late Mrs Onassis …

“What is sad for women of my generation is that they weren’t supposed to work if they had families. What were they to do when the children were grown — watch raindrops coming down the windowpane?”

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994.

Given it’s Devo co-founder Gerald Casales’ birthday … I’ll also leave you with this tune … 

Have a good day … 

*        Your missed one, there, Debbi: about the roads … ?

A Field In England — A Review

27th July, 2013: A Field In England.

I’ve said this before, and I’ll possibly say it again: genius is a hard thing to define.

Especially in a field as slippery as artistic creation: where I don’t necessarily have the critical skills skills or education to back up my view.

In the circumstances, I make the best effort I can: describing my preferences, discoveries and peeves — and the associated reasoning — as well as I can.

~≈†≈~

And it has to be said, I’ve caught a couple of damn good movies, over the course of the past few days: the 2006, Pan’s Labyrinth and 2001’s The Devil’s Backbone: both directed by Guillermo del Toro, and both fantastic films.   (Although I have to admit, I preferred The Devil’s Backbone, finding that it had an emotional resonance that worked well for me.)

But I’ve caught another film, tonight: one I rented from iTunes.

The 2013 Ben Wheatley, multi-platform release, A Field In England.

And when I say multi-platform, I mean multi-platform: including a showing — on its release date, 5th July of this year — on the UK’s Channel Four.   More on that later, I think.

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 27-7-2013: The Bank Of England

Wouldn’t you know it … ?

Britain’s had seriously gorgeous weather for the past few week: two the point where I’ve saved a fortune on heating and electricity, and those who mange to generate their own electricity with solar panels have come up trumps.

But wouldn’t you know it … ?

Today looks distinctly iffy.

And that’s putting it mildly … !

We’ll have to see what happens: but frankly, I’m expecting to get wet … !

~≈◊≈~

Yesterday’s questions saw Debbi* putting in her answers: along with admitting yesterday’s questions looked tough, she also managed to bag four out of seven.

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 July, 1694, saw the charter issued that founded the Bank Of England.   Who was England’s ruler at the time … ?

Q2) Who — strictly speaking — owns the Bank of England?

Q3) Who’s the Bank’s current governor … ?

Q4) Threadneedle Street, on which the Bank stands, is in where: the City of London or the City of Westminster … ?

Q5) Threadneedle Street is one of nine roads that have their origins at nearby Bank Junction.   Name one of the other eight.

Q6) Finally … The Bank Of England is the world’s second oldest central bank.   What’s the oldest central bank … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 26th July, 1945, saw Clement Attlee’s Labour party win that year’s General Election.   Which Conference did Attlee have to attend … ?

A1) The Potsdam Conference.

Q2) Which of the welfare organizations that Attlee introduced, was celebrated in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics … ?

A2) The NHS.

Q3) What was the name of the report that allowed Attlee to set that government organization up … ?

A3) The Beveridge Report.

Q4) Which Prime Minister lost the election to Attlee, in 1945 … ?

A4) Winston Churchill.

Q5) The election that put Attlee in Number 10 was technically held on which date in July … ?

A5) 5th July: it took a long time to hold because of various holidays, and the time it took to collect postal votes from members of the Armed Forces.

Q6) Prior to the 1945 election, Attlee had served in the wartime post as Deputy Prime Minister.   Who’s the current holder of the post … ?

A6) Nick Clegg, MP.

Q7) Finally … which (now abolished) London constituency did Attlee represent, during his his first term as PM … ?

A7) Limehouse.

I’ll leave you with this thought from William Paterson, one of the Bank’s founders …

“The bank hath benefit of interest on all moneys which it creates out of nothing.”

William Paterson, founder of the Bank Of England.

And with this tune from the Pet Shop Boys … 

*        Oh, I don’t know, Debbi: that’s not too bad a score, given the subject.

The Devil’s Backbone; or El espinazo del diablo: Oh, Well Played, Guillermo … !

Hmmm … That’s kicking off an understandable fuss.

Seemingly … ?   The trailer for the 50th anniversary episode of Dr Who has been shown at this year’s Comic Con.

And many — myself included — feel a certain amount of anger and resentment about that.

I’ve spent a few bob over the years on assorted bits of Dr Who merchandise: and had it bought for me.

I’ve ALSO paid my license fee.   I feel I should have seen the trailer on my TV: BEFORE a bunch of fans at a US convention.

I’ll quietly leave that there: but if any one is sending Steven Moffat a letter of complaint … ?   Put my name on it!

The Friday Question Set — 26-7-2013

Hmm … 

I have to admit, I’ve just been into Brentwood Library, again.

Would you believe it: they’ve STILL not managed to update the printers.

In spite of the fact they’ve got a whole new computer network … !

Hopefully, they’ll correct that, at some point.

I think, even in this day and age, it’s still a needed service.

~≈∏≈~

At any rate, it’s ANOTHER Friday: which means it’s time for another Friday Question Set.

Here’s this week’s, covered by the usual Creative Commons License*.

Online 212

Round 1: General Knowledge.

Q1) What is sold at reduced prices, during a Happy Hour?

A1) Drinks. (Accept beer.)

Q2) What are the two main ingredients — along with chutney — of a Ploughman’s Lunch?

A2) Bread & cheese.

Q3) When Martina Navratilova won her last Wimbledon title, what was her nationality?

A3) US.

Q4) Betty Boothroyd was the first woman to hold what role in the House Of Commons?

A4) Speaker of the House of Commons.

Q5) Which paid for UK daily paper has the shortest name?

A5) i.

Q6) Dame Barbara Cartland wrote what kind of literature?

A6) Romantic.

Q7) What do Henry Cooper, Keith Chegwin and Carol Thatcher have in common?

A7) They’re all twins.

Q8) What kind of animal is a dik-dik: an antelope, anteater or armadillo … ?

A8) An antelope.

Q9) What instrument does the leader of an orchestra play?

A9) Violin.

Q10) What’s Prince George of Cambridge’s middle names … ?

A10) Alexander Louis.

Round 2: Music And Lights.

Q11) Which former Spice Girl advertised Milky Bars, as a child?

A11) Emma Bunton. Accept Emma B, or Baby Spice.

Q12) Which Tina sung the theme to ‘Whistle Down the Wind?

A12) Tina Arena.

Q13) Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta is better known, how … ?

A13) Lady Gaga.

Q14) Janet and LaToyah are from which musical family?

A14) The Jacksons.

Q15) Who was Catatonia’s lead singer.

A15) Cerys Matthews. Accept Cerys.

Q16) Lulu, Marianne Faithful, or Sandy Shaw: which of those had a first hit that was written by the Rolling Stones?

A16) Marianne Faithful.

Q17) Debbie Harry was the lead singer of which band?

A17) Blondie.

Q18) Who married Bobby Brown in 1992?

A18) Whitney Houston.

Q19) Who did Diana Ross play, in Lady Sings The Blues?

A19) Billie Holliday.

Q20) Who did Diana Ross sing with, on Endless Love: Lionel Ritchie, Dolly Parton or Guy Ritchie?

A20) Lionel Richie.

Round 3: Hobbies & Leisure.

Q21) TSR Ltd are famous from producing which game?

A21) Dungeons and Dragons.

Q22) What would you be doing, if you were doing Callisthenics?

A22) Exercising. (Accept Keep Fit.)

Q23) If you were watching a PGA Tour, what sport would you be watching?

A23) Golf.

Q24) Which board game has a Genus edition?

A24) Trivial Pursuit.

Q25) What kind of toy was Hornby famed for?

A25) Model train sets. (Accept trains, or train sets.)

Q26) What exactly was a Cabbage Patch Kid … ?

A26) A doll.

Q27) How many balls are used in a game of pool?

A27) 16. (15 object balls, plus the cue ball.)

Q28) How many members are there in a water polo team?

A28) 7.

Q29) What is the national board-game of Japan?

A29) Go.

Q30) Which video-games company originally produced Sonic The Hedgehog?

A30) Sega.

Round 4: TV Dinners.

Q31) Who is Paul O’Grady’s foul-mouthed alter ego?

A31) Lily Savage.

Q32) Which Carol was the 1st presenter of ‘Changing Rooms?’

A32) Carol Smillie.

Q33) Paul Martin is the real name of which ‘Have I got News For You’ star?

A33) Paul Merton.

Q34) Laurence Llewellen Bowen is a TV expert on what?

A34) Home decorating. (Accept interior design.)

Q35) Out of Peter Cook, & Dudley Moore, who was taller?

A35) Peter Cook.

Q36) Which Zoe succeeded Gaby Roslin, on ‘The Big Breakfast?’

A36) Zoe Ball.

Q37) Who presented ‘The Full Wax?’

A37) Ruby Wax.

Q38) In the first series of ‘Men Behaving Badly,’ what was Harry Enfield’s character called?

A38) Dermot.

Q39) What sitcom was the most popular, during the 80’s?

A39) ‘Only Fools & Horse’s.’

Q40) Who wrote the 1st series of Blackadder?

A40) Rowen Atkinson, & Richard Curtis.

Round 5: On The Ball.

Q41) Which Steve scored Leicester’s 1997 League Cup Final winner?

A41) Steve Claridge.

Q42) Who followed Ossie Ardiles as manager of Spurs?

A42) Gerry Francis.

Q43) Roberto Baggio was once nicknamed the Divine … what?

A43) Ponytail.

Q44) Which English club was the first to introduce an artificial pitch?

A44) Queen’s Park Ranger’s. (Accept QPR.)

Q45) Which former Man U star has also played for Fulham, and Hibernian?

A45) George Best.

Q46) Tony Parkes was caretaker manager of which club?

A46) Blackburn.

Q47) Vinnie Jones played football for which country?

A47) Wales.

Q48) How many French clubs did Eric Cantona play for, before joining Leeds?

A48) 5.

Q49) During Cantona’s notorious ‘Kung Fu’ game, against Crystal Palace, who scored for Man U?

A49) David May.

Q50) What was the last English club George Best played for?

A50) Bournemouth.

Round 6. General Ignorance.

Q51) Which Italian dictator was the founder of Fascism?

A51) Benito Mussolini.

Q52) In which month is Epiphany?

A52) January.

Q53) Frigophobia is a fear of what?

A53) Being cold.

Q54) During the 80’s, which band had a hit with ‘Eternal Flame?’

A54) The Bangles.

Q55) Leslie Charteris created which 60’s TV spy?

A55) The Saint.

Q56) What is Britain’s most popular participation sport?

A56) Fishing.

Q57) In which year of the 50s was the first Eurovision Song Contest held?

A57) 1956.

Q58) How many yards in a chain?

A58) 22.

Q59) Beta is the second letter of which alphabet?

A59) Greek.

Q60) In Only Fools and Horses,what is the name of Del and Rodney’s local?

A60) The Nags Head.

Enjoy those: I’ll catch you later … 

*        Regulars will know already: but for newcomers … all it means is that you’re free to copy, use, alter and build on each of my quizzes: including the Teasers, Gazette Teasers and the Friday Question Sets.   All I ask in return is that you give me an original authors credit on your event’s flyers or posters, or on the night: and, if you republish them, give me an original authors credit AND republish under the same license.   A link back to the site would be appreciated.