The Friday Question Set — 19-12-2014: The Christmas Quiz

Right … 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Xmas.

At least, it’s beginning to look a lot like Xmas … 

Metaphorically … !

This mean’s several things.

The weather’s playing up.

Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, somewhere.

And I’m in a rush: present wrapping to be done, and all that!

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 17-12-2014

Right … 

That’s that started … 

~≈¥≈~

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve realised I post up the Daily Teaser, Weekly Teaser and the Friday Question Sets on pretty much a regular basis.

I started the Friday Question Sets as a result of being a former Pub Quiz master.   And, at the time, there weren’t THAT many question sets, online.

Remedying that’s something I and other’s have contributed to, over the years.

This year … ?   This year — yesterday, in fact — I’ve managed to get started on this week’s Friday Question Set: with the BIG difference to normal?

Is that it’s the Christmas set.

Here’s hoping it gets used.

~≈¥≈~

The Friday Question Set — 20-12-2013: It’s CHRISTMAS … !

OK, OK … SUE ME!

I didn’t put together a specific — and seasonal — image for today’s Friday Question set.

You’ll forgive me, I hope: especially when you consider I’ve JUST finished writing it.

And, LORDY, it was a dozy.

Certainly in the sense that each question and answers has an attached link: in the hope that everyone reading this will find that helpful.

So: WITHOUT much ado — and with reference to the fact this set is, as always, covered by the Creative Commons License* — here’s this weeks Christmas Friday Question Set …

Xmas 60: 2013
ROUND ONE. CHRISTMAS KNOWLEDGE.

Q1) Brassica oleracea is a species of vegetable that includes one found with your Christmas dinner.   WHICH one … ?
A1) The Brussel Sprout.

Q2) Father Christmas’ outfit is based out which rank of churchman?
Q2) A cardinal’s.

Q3) The importance of mistletoe come from which ancient culture … ?
A3) The Celts..

Q4) The traditional christmas cracker was invented in 1847. It originally contained what: small toys, sweets or a hat?
A4) Sweets: the original manufacturer wanted to boost sales.

Q5) The Ashen Faggot is an old English version of which Xmas tradition: the Xmas tree, the Xmas pudding or the Yule log … ?
A5) The Yule log.

Q6) 25th December, 1950: and what got stolen from Westminster Abbey … ?
A6) The Stone Of Scone.

Q7) Which form of clean ‘transport’ do Norwegians hide away somewhere in the house on Christmas Eve?
A7) Brooms: It’s to hide them from the witches … 

Q8) Which of the Three Wise Men’s gifts to the baby Jesus is also known as ‘Olibanum’?
A8) Frankincense.

Q9) The world’s longest cracker pulling chain was in London, this year.   How many people took part: 601, 602 or 603 … ?
A9) 603.

Q10) Santa Claus Land — the world’s first theme park — opened in which year of the 1940s … ?
A10) 1946.   (It’s NOW called Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.   Apparently … )

ROUND TWO. MUSIC AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.

Q11) For her 2006 album, Wintersong, Sarah McLachlan covered which John Lennon hit?
A11) Happy Xmas (War is Over).

Q12) What was Wham!’s first Christmas number one?
A12) Last Christmas..

Q13) More to the point, in which year?
A13) 1984.

Q14) In what year of the 70’s was Merry Xmas Everybody, by Slade, first a Xmas hit?
A14) 1973.

Q15) Kylie Minogue did a cover of which Xmas song, in December, of 2000?
A15) Santa Baby..

Q16) Who had a hit with the original version of that song: Nancy Sinatra, Earth Kitt or Connie Francis?
A16) Earth Kitt.

Q17) Prior to the release of Do They Know It’s Xmas, by Band Aid, in 1984, what was Britain’s biggest selling Xmas record?
A17) Mary’s Boy Child.

Q18) David Bowie had a Xmas hit, with a recording of Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy in which year of the 70’s?
A18) 1977.

Q19) With who did Bowie duet, on that song?
A19) Bing Crosby.

Q20) Which band had the UK’s Christmas No 1 in 2009?
A20) Rage Against The Machine, with Killing In The Name.

ROUND THREE. GOBBLE GOBBLE!

Q21) As a result of Jamie’s School Dinner’s, there was something of a national uproar about … what … ?
A21) Turkey Twizzlers.

Q22) Which Labour frontbencher did David Cameron recently refer to as a Turkey … ?
A22) Ed Balls.   (Or Mr Sweaty, as I prefer to think of him … )

Q23) Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the first leader in which modern country … ?
A23) Turkey.

Q24) In The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, what type of sweet does Edmund get offered … ?
A24) Turkish Delight.

Q25) Meleagris gallopavo and Meleagris ocellata … are what … ?
A25) Turkeys: the North American Wild Turkey, whichhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocellated_Turkey the Domestic Turkey is a subspecies of,  and the Ocellated Turkey, from the Yucatan.

Q26) In which Guy Ritchie film would you find Bricktop, Turkish and Cousin Avi … ?
A26) Snatch.   (Quoting Bricktop’s Pig speech may — or may not —  be a good idea … )

Q27) Which Irish rock band had a big hit with Zombie, AND goes very well with turkey … ?
A27) The Cranberries.

Q28) More to the point, what colour is the berry that band takes its name from … ?
A28) White, initially: but turning red on ripening.

Q29) In which sport are a given number of strikes — or maximum scores per ball — sometimes referred to as ‘turkeys’: ten-pin bowling, lawn bowling or boulles … ?
A29) Ten pin bowling.

Q30) What’s the capital of Turkey … ?
A30) Ankara.

ROUND FOUR. CHRISTMAS MOVIES.

Q31) Which Aardman Animations film sees Santa’s youngest song son, delivering a bicycle to a girl called Gwen … ?
A31) Arthur Christmas.

Q32) When their version of the story was released in 1961, what DID Disney call the operetta, Babes In Toyland … ?
A32) Funnily … Babes In Toyland.

Q33) Which film saw Macauley Culkin as Kevin MacAllister, defending his home against two incompetent burglars … ?
A33) Home Alone.

Q34) Which 2009 film sees Martin Freeman as a primary school teacher school teacher in charge of the school Nativity play … ?
A34) Nativity!.

Q35) French film, Joyeux Noël, is all about the famous Christmas time truce: during which war … ?
A35) World War 1.

Q36) Which Batman movie is set at Christmas … ?
A36) Batman Returns, back in 1992.

Q37) Christmas time horror movie, Rare Exports, is set in which European country: Sweden, Norway or Finland … ?
A37) Finland.

Q38) Who directed The Nightmare Before Christmas … ?
A38) Tim Burton.

Q39) What Bruce Willis film is — famously — set at an office party that gets seriously interrupted … ?
A39) Die Hard.

Q40) Which 1998 film stars Michael Keaton as a man who dies and comes back to life as a snowman … ?
A40) Jack Frost.   (It also features three of Frank Zappa’s kids — Ahmet, Dweezil and Moon-Unit, so you know — in various minor roles.)

ROUND FIVE. CHRISTMAS STUFFING.

Q41) What is the name of the cake traditionally eaten in Italy at Christmas?
A41) Panettone.

Q42) Tamales, pozoles, and menudo are tradition Xmas dishes in which Central American country?
A42) Mexico.

Q43) What’s the North American term for stuffing?
A43) Dressing.

Q44) True or false: mince pies have meat in them …
A44) USUALLY False: although some recipes do.

Q45) What vegetable was used a booby prize on kids TV show, Crackerjack?
A45) A cabbage.

Q46) Turrón is usually eaten at Christmas: in Argentina, and other Spanish speaking part of the world.   Is Turrón chocolate, nougat or liquorice?
A46) Nougat.

Q47) Traditionally eaten at Christmas, Arroz con dulce is a Puerto Rican version of what … ?
A47) Rice pudding.

Q48) If you were eating a Christmas Damper, what would you be eating?
A48) A star or wreath shaped soda bread.

Q49) More to the point, where would you be eating it: Australia, South Africa or India … ?
A49) Australia.   (The same country, I should add, that gave us the Pie Flouter)

Q50) Where would you be eating Vánoční cukroví … ?
A50) The Czech Republic.

ROUND SIX. CHRISTMAS IGNORANCE.

Q51) True or False: the 12 days of Christmas lead up to Christmas.
A51) False: they the 12 days after, including Xmas day, itself.

Q52) Which of Shakespeare’s plays is subtitled What You Will … ?
A52) Twelfth Night: and, mildly ironically, first performed on Candlemas, Feb 2nd.

Q53) According to the carol, The Twelve Days Of Christmas, what DID my True love give to me, on the twelfth day … ?
A53) 12 Drummers, drumming.

Q54) Sometimes assumed to be where Santa lives, would you find the North Pole: in the ocean or on land?
A54) Ocean: it’s in the Arctic Ocean.

Q55) What — in Monty Python’s version of the Nativity story — is the name of Brian’s mother … ?
A55) The Virgin Mandy.

Q56) Which US city banned Christmas between 1659 and 1681: Boston, New York or Galveston … ?
A56) Boston.

Q57) Speaking officially, how many White Christmas did England see, during the 20th century … ?
A57) Seven.

Q58) In which east European country is Father Christmas known as Swiety Mikolaj … ?
A58) Poland.

Q59) What’s the name of the plays usually performed at Christmas, in the UK … ?
A59) The pantomime.

Q60) And FINALLY … which part of Los Angeles is ALSO known as Tinseltown … ?
A60) Hollywood.

Enjoy those: and Happy Christmas … 

*        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 and the Friday Question Set — 16-12-2011

You know, I’ve GOT to admit — and that’s becoming a bit of a catchphrase, I know — I think I’ve just pulled off an achievement.

Well …

A very MINOR achievement, I should add, here.

You’ve probably noticed it’s Friday, haven’t you … ?

And you’ve probably ALSO worked out that I hand out a free set of quiz questions, on a Friday: I used to run pub quizzes, and know how tricky it is, finding questions sets. At least without paying through the nose for them.

Well, I’ve managed to finish off this years Christmas quiz.

Putting those links in is always a chore … !

Let’s move on, shall we … ?

‹‹•››

Yes, let’s …

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi — I really don’t where she gets the energy! — putting her answers: and, on top of trying out her Esperanto, also bagging 7 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) 16th December, 1497, saw Vasco Da Gama round the Cape of Good Hope: on which continent is the Cape of Good Hope?

Q2) 16th December, 1984, saw Mikhail Gorbachev make a successful visit to the UK: who was Soviet Russian leader, at the time … ?

Q3) 16th December is a Bollywood film about the (fictional) nuclear bombing of whichIndian city: New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata … ?

Q4) 16th December, 1969, saw the UK’s Parliament vote in favour of abolishing the death sentence for murder: in which year did the UK stop the death sentence for Treason … ?

Q5) And finally … 16th December, 1773, is the date of the Boston Tea Party: the revolutionaries who carried this out were disguised as what … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 15th December, 2009, saw the maiden flight of the 787 Dreamliner: which company built it?

A1) Boeing.

Q2) More to the point, which US state did that flight take place in … ?

A2) Washington.

Q3) 15th December, 1973, saw the American Psychiatric Association remove what from their list of psychiatric disorders?

A3) Homosexuality.

Q4) 15th December, 1859, saw the birth of linguist, Ludwig Lazarus Zamenhof: which constructed language did he famously invent … ?

A4) Esperanto.

Q5) More to the point, how does one say Hello, in that language … ?

A5) Saluton.

Q6) 15th December, 2010 saw the death of American director, Blake Edwards: what was the name of the second Pink Panther film … ?

A6) A Shot In The Dark.

Q7) And finally … 15th December, 1982, saw Spain open its borders with where … ?

A7) Gibraltar.

And here — Friday, remember? — is the Christmas-themed, Friday question set for struggling pub quiz-masters: covered, as ever, by the same license as usual.

ROUND ONE: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.

Q1) In which decade of the 19th century, were electric lights first used on Christmas trees?

A1) The 1890’s

Q2) Christmas takes place in December of each year. Which Jewish festival also takes place around then?

Q2) Hanukkah.

Q3) Which pagan festival occurs at the same time of year as Christmas?

A3) Yule.

Q4) The name of which Israeli town translates as ‘House of Bread?’

A4) Bethlehem.

Q5) Which horse gave his backers a surprise early Christmas, at the 1964 Epsom Derby?

A5) Santa Clause.

Q6) On average, how many Christmas trees are grown annually, in the UK?

A6) 70 million.

Q7) What does the Queen traditionally do, after Christmas dinner?

A7) Watch herself on TV. (She does it to review he performance)

Q8) In 1978, when the Star of Bethlehem was reportedly seen over the Vatican, the Italian government sent up what?

A8) Fighter planes.

Q9) What, in meteorology, is ‘…the Christmas Child’?

A9) El Ninõ.

Q10) What type of Egg was once described as ‘…the world’s most expensive Christmas Present’?

A10) A Faberge Egg.

ROUND TWO: AT THE YULETIDE MOVIES

Q11) Which Xmas movies sees Tom Hanks playing six different characters?

A11) The Polar Express.

Q12) What’s the name of Aardman Animation’s 2011 Christmas film … ?

A12) Arthur Christmas.

Q13) What was the name of the 1984 Christmas themed slasher film, that generated 4 sequels?

A13) Silent Night, Deadly Night.

Q14) Which 1964 science fiction clunker regularly crops up on 100 Worst Movie-lists … ?

A14) Santa Claus Conquers the Martians

Q15) What was the name of the (rather unsuccessful) 1994 Christmas film that sees Steve Martin playing the man in charge of a phone help-line: Roasted Chestnuts, Mixed Nuts or Santa’s Little Helpers?

A15) Mixed Nuts.

Q16) In A Muppet Christmas Carol, Kermit and Miss Piggy’s family are either piglets or froglets: which ones are the girls?

A16) The piglets.

Q17) More to the point: who played Scrooge, in that film … ?

A17) Michael Caine.

Q18) Joyeux Noël is a 2005 film about the famed Christmas truce, during which war … ?

A18) World War 1.

Q19) 2003 Christmas film, Blizzard, sees an aunt telling her niece a story about an ice-skater: which Star Trek: The Next Generation star directed it … ?

A19) LeVar Burton: otherwise known as Geordie LaForge: and ALSO remembered as Kunté Kinte, in the series, Roots.

Q20) Gift Wrapped is a 1952 short, about the Christmas aventures of which two Looney Tunes animals?

A20) Sylvester and Tweety Pie.

ROUND THREE: CHRISTMAS STUFFING

Q21) Damper has been served for many years: but as a Christmas dish in which country … ?

A21) Australia.

Q22) Rutabaga — or Swede, as it’s called in the UK — casserole is a popular christmas dish in which European country … ?

A22) Finland. (Nina tells the the Finnish name for the dish is LANTTULAATIKKO: which could well be a bonus point, it yo‘re feeling REALLY nasty …)

Q23) Curried goat — as well as Christmas ham — are popular Christmas dishes on which Caribbean island?

A23) Jamaica.

Q24) If you were eating Pigs in a Blanket, what are you eating … ?

A24) Sausages wrapped in bacon.

Q25) More to the point … where?

A25) The UK.

Q26) Name any of the traditional Thirteen Desserts common at Christmas time, in the Provence region of France.

A26) walnut, quince cheese, almond, raisin, casse-dents of Allauch (biscuit), calisson of Aix-en-Provence, nougat blank, nougat noir au mile, apple, pear, orange, winter melon and fougasse..

Q27) Lutefisk — fish that’s been preserved with Lye, of all things — is popular in Finland, Sweden … and where else … ?

A27) Norway. (And in the US.)

Q28) In which US state is Dungeness Crab a popular Christmas dish … ?

A28) California. (The crab is ALSO the State Crustcean of Oregon.)

Q29) Telera — popular in the Dominican Republic, this time of year — has its origins in which Central American country … ?

A29) Mexico.

Q30) In which European country is the Gourmet the usual form of christmas dinner … ?

A30) The Netherlands.

ROUND FOUR: DING DONG, CHRISTMAS SONGS!

Q31) Ring Out solstice Bells was a Christmas hit for which prog rock band?

A31) Jethro Tull.

Q32) What was George Harrison’s only Christmas song called?

A32) Ding Dong Ding Dong”.

Q33) John Lennon and Yoko Ono had a Christmas hit, in 1972: with what song?

A33) Happy Christmas (War is Over.)

Q34) Which Welsh rocker had a Christmas hit with Merry Xmas, Everyone?

A34) Shakin’ Stevens.

Q35) It’ll be Lonely This Christmas was a hit for Elvis Presley, and which glam rock band?

A35) Mud.

Q36) In which year of the 1980s did The Pretenders have a Christmas hit with 2000 Miles?

A36) 1983.

Q37) What’s the only Xmas hit to contain the line “…you cheap lousy faggot”?

A37) A Fairytale of New York, by the Pogues & Kirsty McColl. (1987)

Q38) When did Wizzard last have a hit with I Wish It Could Be Xmas Everyday?

A38) 1984.

Q39) In what year was I’m Dreaming of A White Christmas first released?

A39) 1942.

Q40) Which Soul great died on Christmas Day, 2006?

A40) James Brown.

ROUND FIVE: JINGLING ALL THE WAY.

Q41) Microsoft cut the price of which of their products, in 2008?

A41) The Xbox 360.

Q42) True or false: In Snakes and Ladders, Snakes go up, and Ladders go Down.

A42) False, it’s the other way round.

Q43) The Pokemon computer games are made by which company?

A43) Nintendo.

Q44) What toy was invented by Danish brothers, Olé & Godtfred Christiansen?

A44) Lego.

Q45) The world’s oldest toyshop is in Regent’s Street, in London; what’s it called?

A45) Hamleys.

Q46) Where does a Steiff Teddy Bear have its label of authenticity?

A46) In its ear.

Q47) What children’s toy was invented in 1900 by Frank Hornby?

A47) Meccano.

Q48) What name is given to the small discs used in a game of Tiddlywinks?

A48) Winks.

Q49) TSR Ltd found fame producing which game?

A49) Dungeons & Dragons.

Q50) What type of game is known by the initials, ‘RPG’?

A50) A role–playing game.

ROUND SIX: GENERAL IGNORANCE.

Q51) Gaja Kristnako means Happy Christmas in which language

A51) Esperanto.

Q52) Until the Second World War, St. Nick has only one helper. When the Netherlands was liberated in 1945, the liberators reinstated Sinterklaas for the sake of local children. Unaware of tradition, these liberators thought that if one helper was fun, several helpers would be even better, hence we now think of little helpers rather than a helper. Who were the liberators?

A52) The Canadians.

Q53) In which year’s Queens Speech, did Queen Elizabeth II refer to having an Anus Horribilis?

A53) 1992.

Q54) In North America, which organisation is always the first to spot that Santa is underway?

A54) NORAD: or North American Radar And Defense, if you’re feeling picky.

Q55) In which country were Christmas trees banned from the early 1920s until 1935?

A55) Soviet Union.

Q56) Which Christmas figure wore green in Victorian Britain?

A56) Father Christmas.

Q57) What kind of water is added to high quality marzipan?

A57) Rose Water.

Q58) Which European country have Christmas parties been cancelled due to the 2008 Credit Crunch?

A58) Croatia.

Q59) What kind of net, found on many a Christmas tree in the Ukraine, is supposed to bring good luck?

A59) A spiders web.

Q60) In The Christmas Song — Chestnuts roasting on an open fire … ), what are the “folks dressed up like”?

A60) Eskimos.

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

After I’ve gently suggested you check out a chap on Jamendo, called Alexander Blu.

Royalty Free Music - Stock Music Library | Jamendo PRO

A Repeat: With Extras …

You know, I’ve got to admit, I’ve been writing this blog, now, for quite some time.

You’d probably noticed, haven’t you … ?

Part of my motivation, originally, was good old fashioned greed.

Well, greed, and a fondness for showing off, being totally frank.

Well, greed, a fondness for showing off …

And frustration at the lack of freely available questions.

For a struggling pub quiz master … ?

That’s frustrating … !

Very, in fact …

Especially themed ones: you know, Christmas, Halloween, what have you.

Which will tell you why I put those 60-question-sets in the Daily Teaser posts, on Friday.

So, with that in mind … ?

I’m going to do what both the BBC and ITV — Britain’s main commercial station — have done for many years.

A couple of repeats, in other words.

Firstly … ?

Here’s the Christmas quiz from this year: initially released with yesterday’s teaser, and republished under the Creative Commons License …

Christmas Quiz 2010

ROUND ONE: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.

Q1) Which one of Santa’s reindeer shares its name with a love god?

A1) Cupid.

Q2) Whose ghost was the first to appear to Ebenezer Scrooge?

Q2) Jacob Marley.

Q3) Which supermarket got into trouble, in 2009, for putting “Santa Loves All Kids, including the Ginger ones” on some of its Xmas cards?

A3) Tescos.

Q4) Boxing Day, December the 26th, is also the feast day of which saint?

A4) Saint Stephen.

Q5) Which item of Christmas decoration did Prince Albert introduce to the UK?

A5) The Christmas Tree.

Q6) George Orwell once said that “the whole point of Christmas was to have a …” what?

A6) Debauch.

Q7) Christmas takes place a week before New Year. Which festival takes place a week after the Jewish New Year?

A7) Yom Kippur, the Day Of Atonement.

Q8) Finding a button in your xmas pudding means you’ll be what, during the New Year?

A8) A bachelor.

Q9) A Robert L. May short story in 1939 was the first appearance of which Xmas character?

A9) Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Q10) Saint Nicholas was born in which country?

A10) Turkey.

ROUND TWO: MUSIC AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.

Q11) Christmas hit, 2000 Miles, was a hit for which US band?

A11) The Pretenders.

Q12) Noddy Holder and Dave Hill topped the Christmas charts with which band?

A12) Slade.

Q13) More to the point, with what song?

A13) Merry Christmas, Everybody.

Q14) According to a popular Christmas song, who had “…a jolly happy soul”?

A14) Frosty the Snowman.

Q15) Which 2009 song, was the first to be a Christmas Number One, purely on download sales?

A15) Killing In the Name, by Rage Against the Machine

Q16) Boney M had a Xmas hit with Mary’s Boy Child; - how many members of Boney M sang on Boney M’s records?

A16) Just one: Liz Mitchell

Q17) Rolf Harris had a Christmas number 1, in 1969: with which song?

A17) Two Little Boys.

Q18) Which composer wrote the music for Hark the Herald Angels Sing: Felix Mendelssohn, Johann Sebastien Bach or Ludwig van Beethoven?

A18) Felix Mendelssohn.

Q19) What did my true love send to me, on the 2nd day of Xmas?

A19) Two turtle doves.

Q20) Which singer appears on both the original version of Do They Know It’s Christmas and the 2005 remake?

A20) Bono, from U2.

ROUND THREE: IN PANTO

Q21) What told Dick Whittington to “… turn again”?

A21) The Bells Of London.

Q22) In which pantomime does Maid Marian appear?

A22) Babes In The Wood.

Q23) In traditional versions of “Cinderella”, what is the name of Prince Charming’s friend?

A23) Dandini.

Q24) In Jack and the Beanstalk, what does Jack get in exchange for his mother’s cow?

A24) Magic Beans.

Q25) What is the name of Aladdin’s mother?

A25) Widow Twankey.

Q26) When Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger on a spindle, what happened to her?

A26) She fell asleep.

Q27) What does Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother turn into a coach?

A27) A Pumpkin.

Q28) Who is the sweetheart of Harlequin in Italian pantomime?

A28) Columbine.

Q29) Who ate the Gingerbread House?

A29) Hansel And Gretel.

Q30) Which pantomime character marries Alice Fitzwarren?

A30) Dick Whittington.

ROUND FOUR: Christmas TV Puddings …

Q31) The Vicar in White was the 2007 Christmas special for which TV show?

A31) The Vicar Of Dibley.

Q32) Dear Dad, Death Takes a Holiday, and ’Twas the Day After Christmas were Christmas episodes of which wartime American comedy?

A32) M*A*S*H.

Q33) How many Morecambe & Wise Christmas Specials were there?

A33) Fourteen. (The first in 1969, and last in 1983.)

Q34) What’s the name of the 2008 Doctor Who Xmas Special? (Bonus point for telling us which Australian singer made an appearance in it.)

A34) The Voyage of the Damned. (Kylie Minogue.)

Q35) How many Christmas specials did the late Ronnie Barker appear in?

A35) Nine. (Seven for the The Two Ronnies and two Porridge specials.)

Q36) According to the characters in TV show South Park who else visits, on Christmas Day?

A36) Mr Hanky, the Christmas Poo.

Q37) What vegetable was used a booby prize on kids TV show, Crackerjack?

A37) A cabbage.

Q38) Which long running character died in the 2006 EastEnders Christmas special?

A38) Pauline Fowler.

Q39) More to the point, which late actress played that character?

A39) Wendy Richards.

Q40) Which comedienne appeared in the 2006 Dr Who Xmas special?

A40) Catherine Tate.

ROUND FIVE: TOYS AND GAMES AND OTHER ARGUMENTS.

Q41) Which Nintendo computer games console went on sale in 2006?

A41) The Wii.

Q42) Barbara Millicent Roberts is better known as Barbie. Who was her boyfriend?

A42) Ken.

Q43) Which Japanese collectable card game has proved popular, over the past few years?

A43) Yu-Gi-Oh.

Q44) Which rather spoiled dolls have been a christmas hit, over the past few years?

A44) Bratz.

Q45) He’s Action Man in the UK; what’s his US name?

A45) GI Joe.

Q46) What board-game has a circular board, & wedges shaped pieces?

A46) Trivial Pursuits.

Q47) Which football based game has a name that means ‘Hobby’?

A47) Subbuteo.

Q48) According to popular belief, what board game causes the most family arguments, at Christmas?

A48) Monopoly.

Q49) What traditional Christmas game involves pulling raisins out of burning brandy?

A49) Snap Dragon.

Q50) What puzzle sold over 150 million copies, whilst causing the largest amount of Repetitive Strain Injury?

A50) Rubik’s Cube.

ROUND SIX: – GENERAL IGNORANCE.

Q51) Christmas Day 1967, Paul McCartney announced his engagement to who?

A51) Jane Asher. (Who’s now — ironically — got a site devoted to her range of wedding cakes … )

Q52) In a 2008 advert, posters relocated the Nativity into what: bus shelter, airport, or taxi rank?

A52) Bus shelter.

Q53) The traditional Christmas tree, in Trafalgar Square, is a present to the UK, from which European country?

A53) Norway.

Q54) The traditional Christmas cracker was invented in 1847. It originally contained what?

A54) Sweets. (Bonbons, to be precise …)

Q55) Which Xmas decoration is also known as the Great Ashen Faggot?

A55) The Yule Log. (I don’t know about anyone else, bur I’m getting worrying images of Julien Clary. At any rate, if no-one makes comments about faggots or logs … )

Q56) On Christmas Day in 1950 what was stolen from Westminster Abbey?

A56) The Stone of Scone.

Q57) In February 1993 Queen Elizabeth issued a writ against which newspaper over the publication of her Christmas day speech?

A57) The Sun.

Q58) Which King of England was crowned on Christmas day?

A58) William the Conqueror.

Q59) If you were born on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day, what would your star sign be?

A59) Capricorn.

Q60) In some countries, Christmas gifts are usually given on January 1st: by which saint … ?

A60) Saint Basil of Cæsarea

And here’s last years’s one, as well.

ROUND ONE: – CHRISTMAS KNOWLEDGE.

(A Generalised Christmas trivia round. That’s going to be fun. Really.)

Q1) In which century were fake Xmas trees first used; the 18th, 19th or 20th?

A1) The Nineteenth.

Q2) According to Dutch and Belgian tradition, Santa Clause lives in which European country?

Q2) Spain. (And he travels around by steam boat.)

Q3) A three ton Christmas cake was made and eaten, in 2008. But in which German city?

A3) Dresden.

Q4) Which Will Smith film had a record US opening weekend, in December of 2007?

A4) I Am Legend.

Q5) According to national statistics how many Christmas cards does the average family send every year; – 15, 35 or 55?

A5) 55.

Q6) Which Christmas tale saw it’s 25th anniversary, in 2007?

A6) The Snowman, by Raymond Briggs.

Q7) Who makes the traditional Urbi et Orbi speech, at Xmas?

A7) The Pope.

Q8) On which website was the Queen’s Speech made available, in 2007?

A8) YouTube.

Q9) Who named Christmas Island in 1777?

A9) Captain William Mynors.

Q10) According to legend, what special task did King Arthur perform one Christmas Day?

A10) Pulled the sword from the stone.

ROUND TWO: – MUSIC AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS.

(And Carol isn’t in sight. Who is Carol, anyway … ? Ooh, about Q19 …)

Q11) Which band had a 1968 Xmas hit with Lily the Pink?

A11) The Scaffold.

Q12) Which former Beatle had a Xmas hit with Pipes of Peace?

A12) Paul McCartney.

Q13) According to the song, Xmas is coming, and the what is getting fat?

A13) The Goose.

Q14) If you were wassailing at Christmas, what would you be singing?

A14) Carols.

Q15) What Jonah Lewie song was the only Christmas hit on Stiff Records?

A15) Stop The Cavalry.

Q16) How many version’s of Leonard Cohen song, Hallejeujah charted in the Christmas 2008 chart? (Bonus for telling us who had a Number One hit with it.)

A16) Three. (X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, at number 1, Jeff Buckley, at Number 2, and Leonard Cohen himself, at number 36)

Q17) Which girl-band had the Christmas number 1 in 2002?

A17) Girls Aloud.

Q18) According to the carol, when did Good King Wencelas look out; Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Boxing Day?

A18) Boxing Day; - the Feast of Saint Stephen.

Q19) What do You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman, by Aretha Franklin, The Locomotion, and Tony Orlando hit, Halfway to Paradise all have in common?

A19) They’re all Carole’s. Written by singer-songwriter, Carole King, in other words.

Q20) In what year did Band Aid first have a Christmas no.1, with Do They Know It’s Christmas?

A20) 1984.

ROUND THREE: – TOYS AND GAMES.

(The Real Meaning of Christmas is … )

Q21) Barbara Millicent Roberts is better known how?

A21) Barbie.

Q22) Which Sony console was delayed until 2007?

A22) The Playstation 3.

Q23) Which children’s characters saw their 50th anniversary, in 2008?

A23) The Smurfs.

Q24) What toy does an actophile collect?

A24) Teddy bears.

Q25) What was the name of Nintendo’s 2005 canine computer game?

A25) Nintendogs.

Q26) Which toy brick got recalled in 2008?

A26) Sticklebricks.

Q27) Who bought the toy company, Corgi, in 2008?

A27) Hornby.

Q28) What children’s toy was invented in 1900 by Frank Hornby?

A28) Meccano.

Q29) In the board game, Cluedo, what colour is the Reverend?

A29) Green.

Q30) What type of toy was found in a cabbage patch?

A30) Doll. (DO NOT accept Cabbage Patch Kids.)

ROUND FOUR: – AT THE FESTIVE MOVIES.

(Films either released at Christmas, or with a seasonal connection …)

Q31) Denise Richards played Dr Christmas Jones in which James Bond movie?

A31) The World is Not Enough.

Q32) Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz co-star with Jack Black and Jude Law in which romantic Christmas movie?

A32) The Holiday, released in 2006.

Q33) In which Bruce Willis film do terrorists take over an office block on Christmas Eve?

A33) Die Hard.

Q34) What is the name of George Bailey's guardian angel in It’s A Wonderful Life?

A34) Clarence Oddbody.

Q35) Who won an Oscar for Best Actress in 1993 for her role in The Piano?

A35) Holly Hunter.

Q36) What do George C. Scott, Alastair Sim, Daffy Duck, Michael Caine, and Jim Carey all have in common?

A36) They have all played the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Q37) In which city is Kevin left in the original Home Alone?

A37) Chicago.

Q38) 2005 saw a straight to DVD Xmas clunker called My Little Pony: A Very … what … Christmas?

A38) My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas. (Straight to DVD, remember; that should tell you something …)

Q39) What was the subtitle of The Santa Clause 3?

A39) The Escape Clause.

Q40) In which celebrated film does James Stewart attempt suicide one Christmas?

A40) It’s a Wonderful Life.

ROUND FIVE: – GETTING STUFFED.

(By festive food …)

Q41) Name any of the three days do Americans consume the most food?

A41) Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and Superbowl Sunday.

Q42) One often has a glass of something before Christmas dinner as an APERITIF. The word stems from the Latin word meaning what?

A42) To open.

Q43) The name of which herb is used as a magic word in a Christmas pantomime?

A43) Sesame.

Q44) According to a 2008 report, who eats more Brussel sprouts; – men, or women?

A44) Men. (Feel free to insert the inevitable joke, here …)

Q45) Eggnog is traditionally consumed in the US over Christmas and which other holiday season?

A45) Thanksgiving.

Q46) Which Christmas dinner was eaten by Elizebeth 1st to celebrate the English victory over the Spanish Armada; – fish, peacock, goose, or eel?

A46) Goose.

Q47) In which European capital city is eel a traditional dinner on Christmas Eve; London, Rome, Paris or Oslo?

A47) Rome.

Q48) Révellion is the term for Christmas dinner, in which European language?

A48) French.

Q49) Thousands of what were marched on London from Norfolk just prior to Christmas each year in Victorian times?

A49) Turkeys and Geese. (The turkeys wore little leather boots, the geese just had their feet tarred.)

Q50) Which German city, famous for its Christmas market (Christkindmarkt) and Christmas ginger bread (Lebkuchen) was once known as the “… ginger bread capital of the world”?

A50) Nuremburg; – or Nürnberg in German.

ROUND SIX: – CHRISTMAS IGNORANCE.

(Like the first round; except tougher!!)

Q51) The poem A Visit From Saint Nicholas, is better known how?

A51) The Night Before Christmas.

Q52) 1843 saw the first commercial printing of what?

A52) Christmas cards. (By Sir Henry Cole.)

Q53) Tom Smith was the first person to make Xmas Crackers. What type of Russian did he name them after?

A53) Cossacks. (He thought the snap sounded like a Cossack’s whip.)

Q54) ‘Caribou’ is the North American name for what?

A54) Reindeer.

Q55) Who beat Austria 6-0, on aggregate, in the play-offs for the 2002 World Cup?

A55) Turkey

Q56) Which one of Santa’s reindeer shares its name with a love god?

A56) Cupid

Q57) In which decade of the 19th century were electric lights first used on Christmas trees?

A57) The 1890’s

Q58) Which island nation banned Christmas in 1969 and re-introduced it in 2000?

A58) Cuba.

Q59) Which Puritan leader banned Christmas in 1647?

A59) Oliver Cromwell.

Q60) What was the second ghost to appear to Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol?

A60) The Ghost of Christmas Past.

Enjoy them, every one …