Sunday, 27 March 2011

The Daily Teaser …

Blimey …

I’m thinking, here, that it’s now officially summer time, at least here in the UK.

And all because the clocks went forward, last night.

Yep.

We’re now on British Summer Time.

Not that you}d know it, looking out of my front room window.

I think ‘overcast’ is definitely the word … !

Lets get moving on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets … !

»»•««

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi, bless ’er, putting in her answers: along with scoring 5 out of 5, it also saw her managing to leave me a comment on this post.

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 March, 2000, saw the death of singer/songwriter, band leader and actor, Ian Dury*: what was the name of his first UK No. 1, with The Blockheads … ?

Q2) 27th March saw Russian citizens vote in the first multi-party Soviet Elections: in which year of the 1980s … ?

Q3) 27th March, 1958, saw Nikita Khrushchev names as Premier — or Chairman of the Council of Ministers, if you’re being picky — of the USSR: which other title did he hold … ?

Q4) 27th March, 1309, saw Pope Clement 5th excommunicate which Italian city-state … ?

Q5) 27th March, 1998, saw the US Food and Drug Administration approve the use of which drug … ?

Q6) And finally … 27th March, 1935, saw the birth of English actor, Julian Glover: in which Bond film did he play Aristotle Kristatos … ?
And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 26th March, 1839, saw the first Henley Royal what, held … ?
A1) Regatta.

Q2) Nine years’ earlier, 26th March, 1830, saw the first publication of what, in New York … ?
Q2) The Book of Mormon.

Q3) 26th March, 1991, saw Mercosur — the Southern Common Market — established by the signing of the Treaty of Asunción: name any of the four South American countries that signed the Treaty of Asunción.
A3) Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Q4) 26th March, 1973, saw which London institution admit women to its trading floor … ?
A4) The London Stock Exchange. (Glad I corrected meself, there, I almost wrote that down as the London Stick Exchange: giving me weird mental images of people in loud blazers, swapping twigs … )

Q5) And finally … 26th March, 1940, saw the birth of the amateur Rodeo rider known variously as either ‘The Kosher Cowboy’, or ‘The Jewish Cowboy’: who is he … ?
A5) Actor, James Caan.
Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you all, later … !




* Interesting story for you: The Blockheads, Ian Dury’s old backing band, were impressed by Andy Serkis’ performance as Dury in the 2010 film, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll. So impressed that they took him on the next tour. Sod the Oscar for Best Actor, THAT’S what I call an award!

Saturday, 26 March 2011

*Eraserhead*: Blood, Guts, and the Insides of David Lynch’s head …

You know, I think I’m going to be quick, with this.

Possibly.

But I know I’ve been meaning to tell you about Thursday night.

Which I’ve got to admit, I had to myself.

Having nothing else to do, I just had to watch the copy of David Lynch film, Eraserhead, that I’ve had sitting around for a while: and that I know Movie Night Adrian and Kevin D weren’t necessarily keen on seeing.

I think I can appreciate that: but at 89 minutes … ?

I also think they’ve missed a treat …

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser …

Bleaugh …

And possibly double bleaugh … !

I think I hate feeling this tired.

The irony is … ?

That I think I managed to get a comparatively early night, last night. Complete with a copy of John Wyndham’s The Kraken Wakes.

Riveting stuff: I know Brian Aldiss refered to Wyndham’s work as “cosy catastrophes”, but usually I find Wyndham’s work jogs along at a nice pace.

Let’s get moving on, shall we … ?

Before I start using words like ‘premise’ … !

»»•««

Yesterday’s Teaser was quiet dashed quiet: and saw no-one having a go at it!

Lets hope that changes: here’s today’s changes, along with the ‘How To’, License and video

Q1) 26th March, 1839, saw the first Henley Royal what, held … ?

Q2) Nine years’ earlier, 26th March, 1830, saw the first publication of what, in New York … ?

Q3) 26th March, 1991, saw Mercosur — the Southern Common Market — established by the signing of the Treaty of Asunción: name any of the four South American countries that signed the Treaty of Asunción.

Q4) 26th March, 1973, saw which London institution admit women to its trading floor … ?

Q5) And finally … 26th March, 1940, saw the birth of the amateur Rodeo rider known variously as either ‘The Kosher Cowboy’, or ‘The Jewish Cowboy’: who is he … ?
And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 25th March, 1975, saw the death — by assassination — of King Faisal: which Middle Eastern country was he king of … ?
A1) Saudi Arabia.

Q2) 25th March, 1655, saw astronomer, Christiaan Huygens, discover Titan: Titan is the largest moon of which planet … ?
Q2) Saturn.

Q3) 25th March, 2001, saw the death of test pilot, Brian Trubshawe: which supersonic plane did he famously act as pilot for … ?
A3) Concorde.

Q4) 25th March, 1811, saw which poet expelled from Oxford, after publishing a pamphlet about atheism … ?
A4) Percy Shelley.

Q5) 25th March, 1807, saw the Swansea and Mumbles Railway become the first passenger-carrying railway in the world: it broke world records for using how many forms of traction, during the years of operation … ?
A5) Six: horse-drawn, sail power, steam power, electric power, petrol and diesel.
Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you later …


Friday, 25 March 2011

The Doctor is IN …

Any one see the Red Nose Day Dr Who specials … ?

Anyone … ?

I’ve got to admit, I did, and thoroughly enjoyed them: in particular, the fact they had a BIG announcement at the end, informing us Series 6 will be aired at Easter, this year.

Spoilers, Debbi, just in case you’re reading this …

At ANY rate … ?

One other thing I do know is I’ve just seen a tweet go past from Steven Moffat, the show’s lead writer.

Showing us the link to something on the official Dr Who site: something he calls a ‘prequel’ …

Here …


Enjoy that: I’ll leave you the trailer, and other bits, too …



The Daily Teaser And Friday Question Set.

Hmmm …

Well, it looks like Andrew Marr’s The Making Of Modern Britain — on Yesterday — have got to the Abdication Crisis.

Oh …

And the founding of Butlins holiday camps.

Strangely contrasting pair of events, but there you go: that’s the UK all over for you … !

At least, if nothing else, Andrew Marr managed to show us a few clips of Gracie Fields

Lets get moving on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets

»»•««

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi — all on her ownsome —putting in her answers and bagging 5 out of 5. Lets see how she — and you — do with today’s questions: here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video

Q1) 25th March, 1975, saw the death — by assassination — of King Faisal: which Middle Eastern country was he king of … ?

Q2) 25th March, 1655, saw astronomer, Christiaan Huygens, discover Titan: Titan is the largest moon of which planet … ?

Q3) 25th March, 2001, saw the death of test pilot, Brian Trubshawe: which supersonic plane did he famously act as pilot for … ?

Q4) 25th March, 1811, saw which poet expelled from Oxford, after publishing a pamphlet about atheism … ?

Q5) 25th March, 1807, saw the Swansea and Mumbles Railway become the first passenger-carrying railway in the world: it broke world records for using how many forms of traction, during the years of operation … ?
And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …
Q1) 24th March, 2001, saw the initial release of which operating system … ?
A1) Mac OS X. (Couldn’t resist it … )

Q2) Seven years later, 24th March, 2008, saw which country hold its very first democratic election … ?
Q2) Bhutan.

Q3) 24th March, 1953, saw the death of which member of the British Royal family … ?
A3) Queen Mary: the current queen’s grandmother.

Q4) 24th March, 1882, saw Robert Koch discover the bacterium responsible for which disease … ?
A4) Tuberculosis.

Q5) And finally … 24th March, 1958, saw which singer conscripted into the US army … ?
A5) Elvis Presley.
And here — as it’s Friday — is the Friday question set for struggling pub quiz masters: covered by the Creative Commons license, as always …
Online 96: Copied from Hutton 156

ROUND ONE. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE.

Q1) In France, the names of individual motorways begin with which letter?
A1) A.

Q2) Who or what, does the Blue Cross Charity provide aid to?
Q2) Animals.

Q3) Where does a hydrophyte plant live?
A3) In water.

Q4) In the song, Rule Britannia, where is Britannia told to rule?
A4) The Waves.

Q5) In the House of Commons, what qualification do you need to be Father of the House?
A5) The longest serving MP.

Q6) In music, what note is on the bottom line of the Treble clef?
A6) E.

Q7) If you are an LLD, what subject have you studied?
A7) Law.

Q8) Famous French singer, Giovanna Gassion, sang under which stage-name?
A8) Edith Piaf.

Q9) Asteroids are numbered in order of what, discovery, size or dampness?
A9) Discovery.

Q10) Angela Rippon was the first women to present the BBC News, and which other programme?
A10) Top Gear.



ROUND TWO. SPORTING CHANCES.

Q11) Gold Cup Day at Ascot, is also known as what?
A11) Ladies Day.

Q12) The biographies of cricketers, Viv Richards and Clive Lloyd were written by which newsreader?
A12) Trevor McDonald.

Q13) Who was the manager of Manchester United’s, immediately prior to Sir Alex Ferguson?
A13) Ron Atkinson.

Q14) Who did Jack Charlton play all his League games with?
A14) Leeds United.

Q15) What was the name of the board game launched by Terry Venables?
A15) The Manager.

Q16) In 1848, William Mitchell drew up the rules to which rather sedate sport, Lawn Green Bowls or Croquet?
A16) Lawn Green Bowls.

Q17) The House is the goal area in which icy Scottish sport?
A17) Curling.

Q18) Who’s the first practising Sikh to play Cricket for England?
A18) Monty Panesar.

Q19) Kuwait made its only appearance in football’s World Cup, in which year of the 1980s?
A19) 1982.

Q20) What’s the oldest recorded sport in Europe?
A20) Hurling.



ROUND THREE. AT THE MOVIES.

Q21) Nick Nolte described one of his female co-stars as “…a ball breaker.” Who was he talking about?
A21) Barbra Streisand.

Q22) True or false: The 1978 version of Superman was Christopher Reeves first film.
A22) False. It was actually his second.

Q23) Marlene Dietrich appeared in the German version of The Blue Angel. Who played her role in the US version?
A23) She did.

Q24) Who played Truman, in The Truman Show?
A24) Jim Carrey.

Q25) What was the name of Jodie Forster’s character, in The Silence of The Lambs?
A25) Clarice Starling. (Accept just Clarice.)

Q26) In the 90’s version of Doctor Doolittle, who plays Dr Doolittle?
A26) Eddie Murphy.

Q27) Which Jools appeared in Spiceworld:The Movie?
A27) Jools Holland.

Q28) Which member of the Sex Pistols did Gary Oldman play, in Sid & Nancy?
A28) Sid Vicious.

Q29) What sort of power station was the setting for the film, The China Syndrome?
A29) A nuclear power station.

Q30) Which west London borough is associated with classic English comedies?
A30) Ealing.



ROUND FOUR. EUROPEAN TOUR.

Q31) If you were in France, and crossed La Manche, were would you be?
A31) England: ‘La Manche’, or ‘The Sleeve’ is the French name for the English Channel.

Q32) Which country has the international registration letter, B?
A32) Belgium.

Q33) Which German city hosted the 1972 Olympics?
A33) Munich.

Q34) In which country is the port of Rotterdam?
A34) Holland.

Q35) Which sea’s name means ‘Middle of the Earth’?
A35) The Mediterranean.

Q36) In which city would you find the Champs Elysées … ?
A36) Paris.

Q37) Reykjavik is the capital of which country?
A37) Iceland.

Q38) Which island is further south, Corsica or Sardinia?
A38) Sardinia.

Q39) Which river runs through Belgrade, Budapest and Vienna?
A39) The Danube.

Q40) Which sea is Europe’s lowest point below Sea level?
A40) The Caspian Sea.



ROUND FIVE. ON THE BOX.

Q41) Erotica was the daughter of Ludicrus and Ammonia. But in which Frankie Howard comedy series?
A41) Up Pompeii.

Q42) In the original series of Blackadder, which comedian played Richard 3rd?
A42) Peter Cook.

Q43) The Rockford Files famously opened with what, a piece of music, an answer-phone message or the sound of footsteps?
A43) An answer-phone message.

Q44) In the TV series, Buffy: the Vampire Slayer, how many slayers had there been?
A44) Three. (Bonus point if you can name two of them: Buffy, Kendra and Faith, so you know.)

Q45) Jeux Sans Frontieres was the international version of It’s a Knockout. Which now altered European country has won it the most times?
A45) West Germany. (Four times, all told.)

Q46) Which detective series starred Pam Ferris & Felicity Kendal?
A46) Rosemary and Thyme.

Q47) Saffron, Eddie and Bubble appeared in which sitcom?
A47) Absolutely Fabulous.

Q48) Whose catchphrase is “I Don’t Believe It”?
A48) Victor Meldrew’s.

Q49) Which member of the Simpson family is a vegetarian?
A49) Lisa.

Q50) Name either of the current Doctor Who spin-off series. (Two points for both.)
A50) Torchwood or The Sarah Jane Adventures.



ROUND SIX. GENERAL IGNORANCE.

Q51) A brochette is another name for what type of take-away food?
A51) A kebab.

Q52) In motor racing, Johnny Herbert was the first driver to be sacked twice. But by which team?
A52) Benetton.

Q53) Violet Carson was the first Coronation Street actress to be awarded what, a BAFTA, an OBE or an Emmy?
A53) An OBE.

Q54) Makeyevka is a city in which East European country?
A54) The Ukraine.

Q55) What does a lapidary deal in, gems, precious metals or camels?
A55) Gems.

Q56) Who was the only male, British artist to feature in the first UK album chart?
A56) Max Bygraves.

Q57) Edward McGinnis is better known as one half of which comedy duo?
A57) Little and Large: he’s Eddie Large.

Q58) Radium has the same atomic number as which bingo call? (Extra point for the number.)
A58) Two fat ladies. (88)

Q59) ‘Balti’ is an Indian word for what?
A59) Bucket.

Q60) Which northern US state was the first to abolish slavery?
A60) Pennsylvania.
Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you later …