tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64045000528768538762024-03-18T03:01:32.801+00:00Sands Media ServicesSupporting journalismPeter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.comBlogger1135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-52329328216026507552024-03-15T12:47:00.001+00:002024-03-16T09:19:17.775+00:00Test your knowledge with the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorers in last week’s newsquiz were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> both on 22, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> on 20 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Marion Fountayne</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Nick Turner</span> on 18. The top team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Amelia Cox and the Global Newsroom</span> with another maximum score of 25. The <span style="color: #cc0000;">Broad Oak drinkers Peter, Stacey, Nicky, Les, Kevin and Amanda</span> scored 22, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> 21 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward </span>19. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week’s news. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfmbqWcbhseAl8mOPwA2wW_ykKWSf5EquSgw3wC1Dadp7NFDmr5qbM1xu8A1eBM7LCdb7WngX_7SorQm5AsF6FZqqSQinuj3d5-t2Z9EqFcPwOvt38whJD2QW2DtifeL7mm_FkTxAhrboZBzF33j8wDjELh47LxqnoNI4eFbUTWULGhCCNWtC7BzkH0YN/s1289/Pages%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1289" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfmbqWcbhseAl8mOPwA2wW_ykKWSf5EquSgw3wC1Dadp7NFDmr5qbM1xu8A1eBM7LCdb7WngX_7SorQm5AsF6FZqqSQinuj3d5-t2Z9EqFcPwOvt38whJD2QW2DtifeL7mm_FkTxAhrboZBzF33j8wDjELh47LxqnoNI4eFbUTWULGhCCNWtC7BzkH0YN/s320/Pages%20front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">A selection of today's front pages</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. </span>What was the name of the Conservative donor who reportedly said MP Diane Abbott 'should be shot’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>Veteran MP Diane Abbott was ignored by the Speaker during the PMQs debate about racist comments, in which she was a central character, despite standing up to speak how many times?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span> Former Conservative deputy chairman Lee Anderson became the first-ever MP for which political party?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> The Communities Secretary Michael Gove unveiled a new definition of what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5.</span> Defence sources accused Russia of a 'wildly irresponsible' act of electronic warfare for allegedly jamming the satellite signal on an RAF aircraft carrying who back from Poland?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6.</span> US President Joe Biden and predecessor Donald Trump won their parties’ nominations meaning what will happen in November’s presidential election for the first time since 1956?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>Apologising for the doctored image of her children, the Princess of Wales said: 'Like many __ __, I do occasionally experiment with editing.’ What are the missing two words?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8. </span>NHS England announced that children will no longer routinely be prescribed what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>The Office for National Statistics announced that what items had been included in the basket of goods used to calculate inflation, for the first time since 1992, because of a 'resurgence of popularity’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> Thirty-four bodies were removed from the Legacy Independent Funeral Directors, following reports of 'concern for care of the deceased’, in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11. </span>The headteacher at Redbridge Community School in Southampton wrote a letter to parents apologising for what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12. </span>According to the Office for National Statistics, a fifth of adults aged 16 to 64 in the UK were what? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> A ship, carrying almost 200 tonnes of aid, finally set sail for Gaza from which country?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> Who revealed he had been sexually abused at the age of 11 by a predatory assistant matron, who he describes as a 'voracious paedophile’, at his boarding school?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15. </span>Jonathan Wade, of National Highways, told people to avoid what by finding 'something to do at home – decorate the bathroom or something, or play in the garden’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16. </span>Who launched a brand called American Riviera Orchard for home, food, garden and lifestyle goods?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17. </span>The second day of the Cheltenham Festival, previously known as Ladies Day, was renamed what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> England's James Anderson became the first pace bowler to take how many Test wickets?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>Which singers called Louis Walsh 'spiteful and disrespectful' after he described them as ‘vile’ to his Celebrity Big Brother housemates’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>Where did three-year-old Viking triumph on Sunday?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Who raised almost £1million for Red Nose Day by attempting to cycle from London to Hull in five days?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>Which Canadian singer will play the coveted 'legend slot' on Sunday afternoon at this year’s Glastonbury?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan was voted the Weakest Link on the TV quiz after saying the White Cliffs of Dover were made from what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> Who explained why he did not read out the names of all ten best picture nominees at the Oscars, saying the show's producers made the decision?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25. </span>Barbie, last year's highest grossing film, received just one award at the Oscars? What was it for?<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a><br /></span><div><br /></div></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-24230710382108478372024-03-08T13:23:00.003+00:002024-03-08T13:31:09.446+00:00Time to tackle the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">George Mann</span><span style="text-align: left;"> with a score of 22, just ahead of </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Janet Boyle</span><span style="text-align: left;"> 21, </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Marion Fountayne</span><span style="text-align: left;">, </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Toby Brown</span><span style="text-align: left;">, </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Johnny Jenkins</span><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Jayme Bryla</span><span style="text-align: left;"> all on 19 and </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Robert Rea</span><span style="text-align: left;"> on 18. The top team was the </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Red Lion drinkers Peter, Stacey, Kevin and Amanda </span><span style="text-align: left;">on 22, ahead of </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span><span style="text-align: left;"> on 21, </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span><span style="text-align: left;">, </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Neil and Jo Benson</span><span style="text-align: left;"> and </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Broad Oak drinkers Thom, Clare, Tim, Taylor and Kev</span><span style="text-align: left;"> on 19 and </span><span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: left;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span><span style="text-align: left;"> 16. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span></div></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l0lub_vTahRDfmE4JBvJBE0cHC7MQ0Jhpc8KCGyu3drlc_nu3Z-IT0aqL1DSpqPxM0IUpKENvXcTyhy_sVBQm1PMH87OXAyM1JPk24T6ZGqAw3N2NyQXpXzvE0VvPckWmI9iwsD1Qh7ryGUQef1Cp9Qphui-GcJemHIxsW2y_XbhSbXsg9DVPnSAdJoe/s1750/Front%20pages.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1750" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l0lub_vTahRDfmE4JBvJBE0cHC7MQ0Jhpc8KCGyu3drlc_nu3Z-IT0aqL1DSpqPxM0IUpKENvXcTyhy_sVBQm1PMH87OXAyM1JPk24T6ZGqAw3N2NyQXpXzvE0VvPckWmI9iwsD1Qh7ryGUQef1Cp9Qphui-GcJemHIxsW2y_XbhSbXsg9DVPnSAdJoe/s320/Front%20pages.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Different front page approaches to Wednesday's Budget</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">1.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> In his Budget Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a cut in National Insurance by how much in the pound, matching a previous cut in January?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said he planned an extra tax on what in October 2026 as a deterrent? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span> Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the Budget was 'the last desperate act of a party that has failed' and branded Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak as 'the __ __ of decline’. What are the two missing words?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> Labour peer Peter Mandelson, discussing the importance of presentation in politics, said that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer needed to do what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5.</span> Science Secretary Michelle Donelan faced calls to resign after taxpayers paid how much to cover damages given to an academic who she had falsely accused of supporting Hamas?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>Who announced she had taken the 'difficult decision’ to stand down, after 27 years as Maidenhead MP, at the next election?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>Government commissioner Robin Simcox said that London had become a 'no-go zone' for who?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8. </span>A seven-year investigation found that an Army spy, with what codename, who operated at the heart of the IRA during the Troubles probably cost more lives than he saved?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>Who quit GB News after media regulator Ofcom said that broadcasting rules had been broken? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10. </span>Nikki Haley quit her presidential campaign, making Donald Trump the last Republican in the race, after the Super Tuesday results saw her win a single state. What was it?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> Which country officially became the 32nd member of Nato at a ceremony in Washington?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12. </span>Who said it fully accepted a report that concluded its £100million fund to address historical links to slavery was 'too small’ and should be £1billion?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> Which company was fined €1.8billion (£1.5billion) by the EU for breaking competition laws over music streaming?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> France became the first country in the world to include the right to what in its constitution?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15. </span>A major fire near a stadium resulted in which football club postponing their Championship match against Preston North End?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16.</span> Which country declared a state of emergency after thousands of inmates escaped prison and armed gang leaders threatened civil war if the Prime Minister did not resign?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Weapons handler Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who loaded a gun for actor Alec Baldwin before it killed a cinematographer on the set of which film, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> The theme from Terminator 2 and Frank Sinatra’s My Way were played at whose funeral?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>Which company reached an agreement to buy Virgin Money in a £2.9billion deal?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20.</span> Which organisation, founded in the City of London Tavern in Bishopsgate on March 4 1824, celebrated its bicentenary and calculated it had saved 146,277 lives?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty discussed how they shared loading the dishwasher, putting out the rubbish and doing the cooking, in an exclusive video interview for which magazine?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22.</span> Dave Rowntree, the drummer from which Britpop band, was selected as the Labour candidate for Mid Sussex?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> What happened to 71-year-old grandmother Anne Hughes in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, that was caught on CCTV and viewed by millions?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); color: #cc0000;">24.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, monospace;">The shirt worn by </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, monospace;">Colin Firth</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, monospace;"> during the TV adaptation of which novel was sold at auction for £20,000 in London?</span><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25.</span> Singer/songwriter Raye made history at the Brit Awards by winning how many awards?<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div></div></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-30020400586359808692024-03-01T12:32:00.006+00:002024-03-01T15:48:05.164+00:00Time to tackle the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">David Banks</span> with an impressive PB of 24, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle </span>on 22, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Andy Reed</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann </span>on 20 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> on 18. The top team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Tom Croasdell</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">and the Global Newsroom </span>who, for the third time, scored a maximum 25. <span style="color: #cc0000;">The Plough drinkers</span> scored 23, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> 20 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> 18. Here is this week's newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week's news. Why not give it a go and let me know your score.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ5oqgKxCwU4Hu3DImaLCSM6N9yhEy3heYqNFEdyjg7FeurGcRjhv3Jn6psJqDQVHvArZj9FE_-SIi7JlIFLEdftdZGXoSLHZu2T7zwXI_pniSwVvUbwovaP9R_U6TAtwquCZro_mRsiSVNu6E6WCYqpSBTwxkH5J97PGmj1DRzO58R6d6pk24oMgpJ2Q/s2048/GHfQdDXXkAAteqC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ5oqgKxCwU4Hu3DImaLCSM6N9yhEy3heYqNFEdyjg7FeurGcRjhv3Jn6psJqDQVHvArZj9FE_-SIi7JlIFLEdftdZGXoSLHZu2T7zwXI_pniSwVvUbwovaP9R_U6TAtwquCZro_mRsiSVNu6E6WCYqpSBTwxkH5J97PGmj1DRzO58R6d6pk24oMgpJ2Q/s320/GHfQdDXXkAAteqC.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">A selection of yesterday's front pages</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1.</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"> George Galloway won the Rochdale by-election, with </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">a majority of 5,697, standing for which party?</span><div style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2.<span style="color: black;"> In his victory speech after winning the Rochdale by-election, George Galloway said: ‘Keir Starmer - this is for __.’ What is the missing word?</span></div></span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span> Tory MP Lee Anderson had the party whip withdrawn for saying: 'I don't actually believe that the Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they've got control of __’. What is the missing name? </span><br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> The Home Office announced a £31million package that included improving the safety of who?</span><br style="font-family: verdana;" /><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">5.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Home Secretary James Cleverly asked who to stop what they were doing as they had 'made their point’ and were 'not really saying anything new’?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>Why did Downing Street criticise a West End production of Slave Play, describing it as 'wrong and divisive’?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>The Resolution Foundation reported that what was on the rise among young people - with 34 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 affected?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">8.</span> Thousands of people from which industry gathered outside the Welsh Parliament to protest against the Government's proposed subsidy plans?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>Donald Trump took a step closer to the Republican presidential nomination after a 20-point margin win against Nikki Haley in which state, where she served as governor?</span><br style="font-family: verdana;" /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">10. </span>President Volodymyr Zelensky said how many Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the Russian invasion?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> The minimum fine for parents taking children out of school without permission will rise across England from September from £60 to how much per parent?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> Which retailer announced plans to cut around 1,500 jobs as part of an attempt to save around £1billion a year?</span><br style="font-family: verdana;" /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> Which sporting executive was exonerated of any wrongdoing by an independent investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by a female member of staff?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> An independent inquiry said that police services required a 'radical overhaul' to its recruitment process 'to stop another __ __ operating in plain sight’. What is the missing name?</span><br style="font-family: verdana;" /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> Prince William unexpectedly pulled out of a memorial service for who, where he had been due to give a reading, because of a 'personal matter’?</span><br style="font-family: verdana;" /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">16.</span> Iain Packer was given the second longest sentence in Scottish legal history for the murder of Emma Caldwell almost 20 years ago. He was sentenced to life, serving at least how many years?</span><br style="font-family: verdana;" /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Hundreds of people are to be moved out of their council homes in which city after the properties were found to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> Welsh singer Charlotte Church denied being antisemitic after leading a choir in a rendition of what song?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">19.</span> TV chef Dave Myers, who died aged 66, was one half of which duo with co-star Si King?</span><br style="font-family: verdana;" /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">20.</span> The 'discriminatory term' </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hottentots</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> led to which film being reclassified from a U to a PG?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Which European footballer said he was 'sad, shocked and heartbroken' after being banned from football for four years for a doping offence?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>Who postponed her Las Vegas residency due to illness?<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Everton's penalty for breaching Premier League financial rules was reduced from ten points to how many after an appeal?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> The Royal Mint added which pop star to its Music Legends series, with the issue of three collectible coins?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25.</span> Where will Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Fern Britton and Levi Roots reportedly be next week?<br /><br />Answers<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a> </span></span></div></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-14550056405420505232024-02-23T12:44:00.008+00:002024-02-23T12:57:31.626+00:00Have a crack at the newsquiz<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorers in last week’s newsquiz were <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> with 21.5, narrowly ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Liz Gerard</span> on 21. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> scored 20.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Nick Turner</span> 19 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jon Ball</span> 17. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The top team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Tony and Christine Smith</span> with an impressive 24, just ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> on 23, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> on 21, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Neil and Jo Benson</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Elsom and Monica Greep</span> on 20.5 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Gavin Devine and his Ypres Castle friends</span> on 18. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCBkXP1byGqcg56Vqzf7c2m8R4BbowI0hrnlukpA5X9C4D61vDLZsRrjJX-aVXqSaTRKC5t_LRhHOEZyzjDzTUpqSDAA6Y9rvhtoVKnk1u1DjrCiO_NST3AbYaCoDLBlRtSqEqJQzRc5KfFTkgCKSGFh17zjkYwXd2ZXdGWy2oRcHjqjbGDssKY_Lmfyb/s2048/GG-xz9gWAAAZ1Uy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCBkXP1byGqcg56Vqzf7c2m8R4BbowI0hrnlukpA5X9C4D61vDLZsRrjJX-aVXqSaTRKC5t_LRhHOEZyzjDzTUpqSDAA6Y9rvhtoVKnk1u1DjrCiO_NST3AbYaCoDLBlRtSqEqJQzRc5KfFTkgCKSGFh17zjkYwXd2ZXdGWy2oRcHjqjbGDssKY_Lmfyb/s320/GG-xz9gWAAAZ1Uy.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">A selection of today's front pages</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle faced calls to resign for breaking with parliamentary convention by doing what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2.</span> Britain's top immigration officer David Neal was sacked after claiming the UK Border Force failed to check hundreds of private jets arriving at which UK airport? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. </span>Lord David Cameron was the first Foreign Secretary in 30 years to visit where?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> A row erupted between former Post Office chairman Henry Staunton and the Government after he said in a Sunday Times interview that he had been told to do what by a top civil servant? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, talking about new guidance for headteachers, said: 'You go to school, you go to learn, you go to create those friendships, you go to speak to people and socialise and you go to get educated – you don’t go to sit on your __ __.’ What are the two missing words?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>Defence Secretary Grant Shapps saw what go ‘plop’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>The Foreign Office froze the assets of six Russians and banned them from travelling to the UK. Where did they work?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8.</span> The Home Office said it was 'pleased' with which Court of Appeal ruling, saying: 'Our priority remains maintaining the safety and security of the UK and we will robustly defend any decision made in doing so’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9.</span> NHS England announced the introduction of __ rule under which patients will be granted the right to obtain an urgent second opinion about their care. What is the missing name?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> Three children, aged nine months, three and seven, were found dead at a suburban semi-detached house in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> American firm Intuitive Machines became the first private company to land a spacecraft on the Moon. What was the craft called?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12. </span>The Equality and Human Rights Commission said that what symptoms should be considered a disability and employers face being sued if they do not make 'reasonable adjustments'?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> At least four people died and more were missing after a massive fire ripped through apartment blocks in which European city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14. </span>Which London building is set to become a hotel after it was sold to MCR Hotels for £275million?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> Police said they were investigating after a Star of David necklace on whose statue, in Camden Market, London, was covered with a sticker of a Palestinian flag?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16. </span>Footballer Dani Alves, who played 126 times for Brazil, was sentenced to four years and six months for raping a woman in a nightclub in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Which former Olympic champion said he was 'optimistic, positive and surrounded by love' after revealing he was diagnosed with cancer?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18. </span>Actor Michael J.Fox, who was diagnosed with what condition when he was 29, made a surprise appearance at the Baftas to present the best film award?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19.</span> John Savident, known for playing butcher Fred Elliott in which TV series, died aged 86?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>Roy Hodgson, who left Crystal Palace days after falling ill during a training session, was the oldest ever manager in the Premier League. How old is he?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> What was the name of the former dancing professional on Strictly Come Dancing, who partnered Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden, who died aged 44?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>The V&A museum in London is looking to recruit an adviser to give the insights into memorabilia related to who?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23. </span>To the nearest million how much did Richard and Debbie Nuttall from Colne, Lancashire, win in the EuroMillions jackpot?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> A study by Chemnitz University in Germany found there were 546 words in the English language which mean what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25.</span> According to research by Perspectus Global what was voted the UK's favourite sweet?</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <span><a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a> </span></span></span></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-85390086013593400242024-02-16T13:50:00.007+00:002024-02-16T14:00:55.296+00:00It's newsquiz time! <span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorers in last week’s newsquiz were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Chay Quinn</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Johnny Jenkins</span> both with a score of 23, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> on 21.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> on 20.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jon Brady</span> on 20 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> on 16. The top team was<span style="color: #cc0000;"> Alicia Edwards and the Global Newsroom</span> with a maximum score of 25, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Red Lion drinkers Stacey, Peter, Kevin, Amanda, George, Nicky and Les </span>on 23. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Elsom and Monica Greep</span> scored 22, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> 20, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> 18.5 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> 18. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8xxwHuzGp-m3VJeYpViCvIvWXTbXqGIbATN4d54qS3HQ1wZNHJBke_mGm9QBkxcH_RsG5j0zGcFkQA74mPTxwoV2yWPoNXYFEpltMIHhxH5xoWCtT3JfLn2-83fm0aO7BK7e8w-NViH4CTKgZb4ufgX27L5jOXNKvofX3-ynFdXCC4yJ3XyMoVxk6BZb/s1200/GGccVoHWYAAhdGN.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8xxwHuzGp-m3VJeYpViCvIvWXTbXqGIbATN4d54qS3HQ1wZNHJBke_mGm9QBkxcH_RsG5j0zGcFkQA74mPTxwoV2yWPoNXYFEpltMIHhxH5xoWCtT3JfLn2-83fm0aO7BK7e8w-NViH4CTKgZb4ufgX27L5jOXNKvofX3-ynFdXCC4yJ3XyMoVxk6BZb/s320/GGccVoHWYAAhdGN.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Today's front pages</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> The swing from the Conservatives to Labour in which constituency’s by-election was the second biggest in any post-war election, overturning a majority of 18,000?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>What is the name of the Rochdale by-election candidate who the Labour Party will no longer support because of his comments about Israel?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. </span>After the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: 'Having spent years in the slow lane, Rishi Sunak has now put our economy into reverse. This is Rishi’s __ and it is the British people who will pay the price.’ What is the missing word?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> Despite the first monthly fall in food prices in more than two years, inflation remained unchanged in January at what per cent?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5.</span> What is the name of the small border town in Gaza, where around 1.5 million civilians are living, which came under heavy Israeli air strikes?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>Police were called to which Tory backbencher’s home after dozens of people, some holding Palestinian flags, were filmed gathering outside and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>Three people who wore and displayed images of what were found guilty of a terror offence and given a 12-month conditional discharge at Westminister magistrates court?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8.</span> US presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would 'encourage' Russia to attack any Nato member that failed to do what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>Where was mother-of-two and radio DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan killed?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> DJ Steve Wright, who presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades, died 'unexpectedly’. How old was he?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> In a controversial revamp Harry and Meghan's website Archewell now automatically redirects people to __.com. What is the missing word?</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> In an interview with Good Morning America, Prince Harry said he had considered becoming what, adding ‘the thought has crossed my mind but not a high priority right now’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> The Times reported that the Home Office had a budget of about £30,000 to pay influencers on TikTok to do what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14. </span>According to the British Retail Consortium what hit a record high last year with 16.7 million incidents recorded?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> Names for London's six Overground lines were revealed. They are the Mildmay line, the Weaver line, the Suffragette line, the Liberty line and which two others? Half a point for each.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16.</span> Cosmetics chain The Body Shop, which collapsed into administration putting more than 2,200 jobs at risk, was founded in 1976 by which environmental campaigner?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Piran Ditta Khan, 75, appeared in court charged with murdering PC Sharon Beshenivsky in 2005 when she had responded to a robbery at a travel agents in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18. </span>Retailers, including Sainsbury’s, warned that Britain could face shortages of what due to supply issues caused by Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19.</span> More than 100 people were told by a clinic, at Guy's Hospital in London, that what may have been damaged?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>The High Court ruled which university had contributed to the death of a 20-year-old student who took her own life while suffering from a mental health condition?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> What was watched by 123.4 million people in the US, making it the most viewed broadcast since the 1969 moon landing?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22.</span> Which country won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title for the third time?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> </span><span class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3" style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: #141414; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sir Paul McCartney was reunited with what after 51 years?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">24. </span>Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean appropriately announced their retirement from skating on a visit to which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25.</span> Which presenters were unveiled as the new hosts of ITV’s This Morning, replacing Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield. Half a point for each name.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-77471486439711860782024-02-09T12:19:00.003+00:002024-02-09T22:38:45.943+00:00Time to tackle the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> with 22.5, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> on 20, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Meg Byrom</span> on 19.5 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Emily Cooper</span> on 17.</div>The top teams were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Red Lion drinkers Peter and Stacey </span>all on 20. Also on the leaderboard were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> with 17. Here is this week's newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week's events. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKq0cdUrkR24l-c8xrJjVPDB2QNZAXAIEVi7SzxCLouBUC64VVEQ0U4dlxFf6Wo_PSq26pQ3LqCE8cZ9jN5_tGABtJkuyUhQ6OyuNqILy-gvoJHMUu43OPqZlPfxuMUp0KaMDIBnwf8DaBHtliw-zQV6WvBQsNd8qhu_VlwoWzEel-iImKtoGmCa2Fro3/s1200/GF404kzWcAAm5Af.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKq0cdUrkR24l-c8xrJjVPDB2QNZAXAIEVi7SzxCLouBUC64VVEQ0U4dlxFf6Wo_PSq26pQ3LqCE8cZ9jN5_tGABtJkuyUhQ6OyuNqILy-gvoJHMUu43OPqZlPfxuMUp0KaMDIBnwf8DaBHtliw-zQV6WvBQsNd8qhu_VlwoWzEel-iImKtoGmCa2Fro3/s320/GF404kzWcAAm5Af.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Today's front pages</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. </span>After his cancer diagnosis King Charles was driven from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace where he was flown by helicopter to where?</span><br /><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, monospace;">2. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, monospace;">The day after visiting his cancer-stricken father in London, the Duke of Sussex gave a speech and presented awards at a ceremony in Las Vegas for which sport?</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span> Rishi Sunak declined to apologise after listing a 'number of Labour U-turns' at Prime Minister’s Questions and accusing Keir Starmer of changing his position on defining what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> Liz Truss and Jacob Rees-Mogg were among politicians who launched a new political movement to 'rally right-wing Tory MPs ahead of a General Election'. What is the group called?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5</span>. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was accused of taking a 'depraved’ £1,000 bet with who over whether deportation flights to Rwanda will take off before the election?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>Labour leader Keir Starmer said he had no choice but to ditch his party's green investment pledge of how much a year?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>America fired more than 125 'precision munitions' from long-range bombers at which two countries, warning they could be just 'the beginning' of its response? Half a point for each.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8.</span> The Government announced a bonus of how much to dentists who set up practices in areas with poor access to NHS care?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>Hundreds of people queued up outside St Pauls Dental Practice, which enrolled 1,500 people in two days, in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> Russian leader Vladimir Putin gave an interview with which American broadcaster, his first with the Western media since the invasion of Ukraine?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> US President Joe Biden, responding to a report that said his memory had 'significant limitations', inadvertently referred to Egyptian leader Abdul Fattah al-Sisi as the president of which country?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12. </span>Who will remain in prison after losing a Parole Board bid for freedom with the panel saying he continued to show a 'lack of victim empathy'?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13. </span>Rapper Ashley Warren was arrested after the death of 68-year-old grandmother Esther Martin in his house in Essex. How did she die?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> Which singer's lawyers issued a cease-and-desist letter to 21-year-old Florida student Jack Sweeney?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15. </span>Which airline started weighing passengers at departure gates?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16.</span> Jonnie Irwin, who died aged 50, was best known for presenting Channel 4's A Place In The Sun and which BBC programme?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Ian Lavender, who died aged 77, was best known for playing Private Pike in the comedy Dad’s Army but was also Derek Harkinson in which BBC series?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> What was the name of the Wales and Lions fly-half, nicknamed 'the King' after a victorious tour of New Zealand in 1971, who died aged 79?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>The Premier League said it had ruled out being part of an International Football Association Board pilot scheme to introduce what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>F1 Red Bull boss Christian Horner, who is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, is married to which singer? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> TV presenter Kate Garraway said that being called what, by an Amazon deliveryman, 'took my breath away'?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>What happened to US rapper Killer Mike after he won three categories at the Grammys?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Taylor Swift has </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">now won the most number of Album Of The Year awards at the Grammys,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> moving ahead of Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra and Paul Simon. How many has she won?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> Fifa announced that the 2026 football World Cup final will be held on July 19 in which American state?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25.</span> An image of what animal, taken by British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani, won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award?<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-11554913174764016652024-02-02T15:55:00.001+00:002024-02-02T15:55:08.198+00:00Meg wins the newsquiz wine<span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4B5QBBIUL852pksJrrSxpHBPOl7sjLa7j-YJtc6GgMn4FstXmv-OqdPnESSG5dqE6Sx3H6PyBHsQ3C4uhs_W6_7hHZhrBp4PvgKHDCZ3MU2EB4ysCGLxPMML4LunC0X4XmBiV_MVtddjtNMnGuGfaTEZNnK1C1OxevwrinJnSXBl2CVmySzNzsawZ_GaZ/s1328/Meg%20and%20Emily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4B5QBBIUL852pksJrrSxpHBPOl7sjLa7j-YJtc6GgMn4FstXmv-OqdPnESSG5dqE6Sx3H6PyBHsQ3C4uhs_W6_7hHZhrBp4PvgKHDCZ3MU2EB4ysCGLxPMML4LunC0X4XmBiV_MVtddjtNMnGuGfaTEZNnK1C1OxevwrinJnSXBl2CVmySzNzsawZ_GaZ/s320/Meg%20and%20Emily.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Meg, with the wine, and Emily</span></div><br />I have spent the last week with two bright Daily Mail trainees in London. They wrote stories, pitched to the newsdesk and to Femail and gained an understanding of Mail style. As usual we finished with the newsquiz. The winner, who collected a bottle of Picpoul, was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Meg Bryom </span>with 19.5 points, narrowly beating <span style="color: #cc0000;">Emily Cooper</span>. They now head back to the newsrooms in London and Glasgow and I wish them well. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> with 23, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Giles Borg</span> on 21, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Tom Savage</span> on 20, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> on 19 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> on 16. <br />The top team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Amelia Cox</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">and the Global newsroom</span> with a maximum score of 25. Well done to them. <span style="color: #cc0000;">The Queen’s Head drinkers Kevin, Mandy, Peter, Stacey, Nicky, Les and Simon</span> scored 23, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Elsom</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">and Monica Greep</span> scored 20, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Thom, Tim and Craig </span>and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Neil and Jo Benson</span> scored 19.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> 19 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> 17. Here is this week’s score. See if you can beat Meg’s score.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZQJM9bcInxnU3U5IUXfZv2iNc_ldZD178_FSll4MkRhxsCE5mCIEul3sfOtHtSSc-fVcfKUwREUQZ9jxZEZP36Yt60fjKvn04p6nSeB5JccRd_XqUNGLRo-vcvoGj6ED9CAipwQzz-cGkCHKW-s9_Ma7-CgQsPuUS-H3P79Hd6OZU9Aiz0ZaHA3Z1TQ8/s1200/GFSd4obWcAEpSlr.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZQJM9bcInxnU3U5IUXfZv2iNc_ldZD178_FSll4MkRhxsCE5mCIEul3sfOtHtSSc-fVcfKUwREUQZ9jxZEZP36Yt60fjKvn04p6nSeB5JccRd_XqUNGLRo-vcvoGj6ED9CAipwQzz-cGkCHKW-s9_Ma7-CgQsPuUS-H3P79Hd6OZU9Aiz0ZaHA3Z1TQ8/s320/GFSd4obWcAEpSlr.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Today's front pages</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. </span>The identity of the two underage killers of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey was lifted at Manchester Crown Court. What are their names? Half a point for each.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>The International Monetary Fund advised Chancellor Jeremy Hunt against doing what in his spring budget?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span> In a controversial speech Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said: ’We should be starting to set out what a __ __ would look like - what it would comprise, how it would work.’ What are the two missing words?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4. </span>What is the name of the Conservative MP who announced he would not contest the next election, saying: 'There comes a point when the threats to your personal safety become too much’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the Government would take ’strong action’ to ban what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span> A tearful Nicola Sturgeon told the Covid Inquiry that a large part of her wished she had not been what when the pandemic struck?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>Politician Michelle O'Neill looks set to become the first ever what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8. </span>The Office for National Statistics projected that the UK population will be how many million in two years time?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>Abdul Shokoor Ezedi, 35, was on the run after a 'targeted’ chemical attack on a mother and her two daughters in which London suburb? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10. </span>Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was given two prison sentences in two days. The first was for ten years. How long was the second?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11. </span>Civil servants were told at workshops that looking at their phones or doing what could be interpreted as micro-aggression?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> A 30-year-old man, who was shot dead by police after breaking into a South London house, was carrying a knife, sword, hatchet and which other weapon?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> A 44-year-old man was charged with murder and five others were detained after the fatal stabbings of two boys aged 15 and 16 in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> King Charles was discharged on Monday, after treatment for an enlarged prostate, having spent how many nights in the London Clinic private hospital?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15. </span>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed that he did not eat anything for how many hours at the start of each week?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16.</span> Tech billionaire Elon Musk claimed his Neuralink company has successfully done what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Who claimed that he was a target at the BBC because of professional jealously and that he was 'a second-generation immigrant of non-white, working-class roots’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> Who became the first football team from the sixth tier to reach the last 16 of the FA Cup since 1978?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19.</span> Footballer Marcus Rashford was dropped from Manchester United’s FA Cup tie after going on a two-day bender in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>The Metropolitan police apologised after a volunteer officer was filmed telling 20-year-old Harmonie London to stop doing what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton announced he will leave Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season and join which rival team?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22.</span> What was shot with a tranquilliser dart while feeding off a bird table and returned to the Highland wildlife park where it lives?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Who auctioned off 120 of his guitars and amps raising over £8million - some for charity? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> Who was announced as Paul O’Grady's replacement on the TV series For the Love of Dogs?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25. </span>Harry Clark collected £95,000 for being a good what?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-74687398325556261732024-01-29T13:28:00.002+00:002024-01-29T13:28:31.848+00:00Daily Mail looking for trainees<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhOMRfirVwUrV67fKVEt0spKuQ-dyKr6N6lgSnbRtRzpAy2Lauv5KC2Hmq-asBmA6yUeAVR1gGN0R7izxpIXhGvl3-iIAb4IQM7mrSKxMtoP2hMgUMnUDoiQnzdVC1IuTc_W4mZubeIIDAZ9s9OWRzZJNn4UJI5jb28sKPDnjm5DeqI5__prcdfs7oKk8/s1169/SMS-DM20Years-1.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1169" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhOMRfirVwUrV67fKVEt0spKuQ-dyKr6N6lgSnbRtRzpAy2Lauv5KC2Hmq-asBmA6yUeAVR1gGN0R7izxpIXhGvl3-iIAb4IQM7mrSKxMtoP2hMgUMnUDoiQnzdVC1IuTc_W4mZubeIIDAZ9s9OWRzZJNn4UJI5jb28sKPDnjm5DeqI5__prcdfs7oKk8/s320/SMS-DM20Years-1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Last year I celebrated my 20th year running the <span style="color: #cc0000;">Daily Mail's</span> editorial training scheme. There have been more than 500 trainees in London, New York and Sydney ... many who are now senior executives on the papers and online. The details are <a href="http://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/2023/10/blog-post.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a>. And today we start all over again. We are looking for budding journalists who want to work for Britain's most successful newspaper group. The details are on Hold The Front Page <a href="https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/jobsboard/view/news-reporters-and-sub-editors-london/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a>. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Get your application in and I might see you in September. </span><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYacj7frIWMGL9TapQVPewTQoYEnCxf7Bj-sLVvVyOd_iHjcy63312OauJl4iYR8dVOEe-yvEvDk4jLWX1d2agNUPF-tLqXrfsNka7NK_gQrXFN32LZSGWO9W-AselqmQWyfPrEXFCMLSQQH2pcCv2F2pcliUboNlw2PDFmZ0ANSozomNHaccM23BBKOnq/s3507/Mail%20scheme%20advert%202024%20(titles)%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3507" data-original-width="2480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYacj7frIWMGL9TapQVPewTQoYEnCxf7Bj-sLVvVyOd_iHjcy63312OauJl4iYR8dVOEe-yvEvDk4jLWX1d2agNUPF-tLqXrfsNka7NK_gQrXFN32LZSGWO9W-AselqmQWyfPrEXFCMLSQQH2pcCv2F2pcliUboNlw2PDFmZ0ANSozomNHaccM23BBKOnq/s320/Mail%20scheme%20advert%202024%20(titles)%20copy.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-66451205774894399942024-01-26T12:37:00.001+00:002024-01-26T12:42:07.638+00:00Test your knowledge with the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> with 22.5, just ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> on 22, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> on 21.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Johnny Jenkins</span> on 20 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jon Ball</span> on 18. The top team was the <span style="color: #cc0000;">Queen’s Head drinkers Amanda, Kevin, Nicky, Les, Peter and Stacey</span> with 22.5, narrowly ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons </span>with 22. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Neil and Jo Benson</span> scored 20.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> 19 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Thom and Rosie</span> 15.5. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1Ju7V5DBkO9pG_17_FjhpYXfVt0eGkbzB8o4wcQItDNxNMsYpG9lq3L7VSP2MXFe9cnxdc8TKfaaCkMXFjBu9U3mXpVX7yEpAExmL8ogQ76LBwJgkSz5Qj7aRTlBwF3d3TAdcVjSFaGVVUa2QZLPTzCKnejaw7LLG9YJmtWVoWEgjm5YYoGfiM-a3kSY/s1283/Front%20pages%20-%20Jan%2026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1Ju7V5DBkO9pG_17_FjhpYXfVt0eGkbzB8o4wcQItDNxNMsYpG9lq3L7VSP2MXFe9cnxdc8TKfaaCkMXFjBu9U3mXpVX7yEpAExmL8ogQ76LBwJgkSz5Qj7aRTlBwF3d3TAdcVjSFaGVVUa2QZLPTzCKnejaw7LLG9YJmtWVoWEgjm5YYoGfiM-a3kSY/s320/Front%20pages%20-%20Jan%2026.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Today's front-pages</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> What is the name of the former Cabinet minister who called for his party to replace Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister or be 'massacred' in the General Election?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>The former Cabinet minister who called for Rishi Sunak to be replaced told the BBC: 'No one likes that guy that’s shouting __ but I suspect that people will be even less happy if we hit the __.’ What is the missing word?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span> The House of Lords voted by 214 to 171 to not ratify what?<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> The head of the Army, General Sir Patrick Sanders said Britain should train a '__ army' ready to fight a war on land in the future? What is the missing word?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>Messages revealed to the COVID inquiry showed that Scotland’s former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described ex PM Boris Johnson as what during the pandemic?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6.</span> Paranoid schizophrenic Valdo Calocane was sentenced to indefinite detention in a high-security hospital after randomly killing two students and a caretaker during a knife rampage in which city?<br /></span><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">7. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to the Hamas-run health ministry how many people have been killed in Gaza since Israel's offensive began?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8.</span> A health charity warned that almost 10 million people in England can no longer access the free removal of what on the NHS?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>An Ofcom consultation document on the future of the postal service, led Downing Street to say: 'The Prime Minister would not countenance seeing __ deliveries scrapped.’ What is the missing word?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10. </span>With Jocelyn causing chaos, how many named storms have now hit the UK this season - equalling the record?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, leaving who as Donald Trump’s only significant Republican rival?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> Which country become the fifth to land a spacecraft on the moon?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13. </span>Alabama executed convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith using what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14. </span>Which retailer dropped an advert for school uniforms after it was accused of sexualising young children?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> Scientists kept the Doomsday Clock - which shows how symbolically close the world is to Armageddon - at how many seconds to midnight?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16. </span>Who announced he was quitting his job saying he was 'running out of energy' and 'I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again'?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17. </span>Who said on Instagram: 'Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock, but I'm in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support?’<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> German music producer Frank Farian, who died aged 82, was founder of which disco band who had hit singles including Daddy Cool, Rasputin and Rivers of Babylon?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>Actress Reese Witherspoon caused an online stir by sharing a TikTok video in which she enjoyed a 'chococinno' made of what topped with coffee, chocolate and salted caramel syrups?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20.</span> Which sporting personality said he would 'swap eyes' with his son if it was possible to help the teenager see again?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Oppenheimer was shortlisted in how many categories for next month’s Oscars - the most nominations for a single film since 2018? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>The second leg semi-finals of the Carabao Cup were played this week, meaning which two football teams will meet in the final on February 25? Half a point for each?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Actor Tom Hollander told how he was mistakenly sent a seven-figure bonus for a role in a film he wasn't in. What was the film? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> The BBC pulled an episode of which TV programme from iPlayer after concerns were raised about ‘extravagant claims’ for health products?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25.</span> Which singer-songwriter received seven Brit Award nominations, a new record for one artist in a single year?<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a><br /><br /></span></div></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-68597915453023490242024-01-25T17:11:00.002+00:002024-01-25T17:11:49.566+00:00Regional Press Awards shortlist announced<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0AEpVfQp5umX154STPkJE6hTKT-Tkm5Y3NuZwqKAKhsvBytfQzOjP6pcWDweoH7D0sJHw6MeMnGpRDorMsWxex8FQhcd5Rkir5nEzjrwwLULGN-dCOCHvTppye8TnM21XyxihKVl51qUtM0pLp0TQgc9UX1Lc7KwJfltlphw-4INScPP7x0Y5ZY2ZNfJ/s300/Screenshot20230710at09_26_18-e1706110240229.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="300" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0AEpVfQp5umX154STPkJE6hTKT-Tkm5Y3NuZwqKAKhsvBytfQzOjP6pcWDweoH7D0sJHw6MeMnGpRDorMsWxex8FQhcd5Rkir5nEzjrwwLULGN-dCOCHvTppye8TnM21XyxihKVl51qUtM0pLp0TQgc9UX1Lc7KwJfltlphw-4INScPP7x0Y5ZY2ZNfJ/s1600/Screenshot20230710at09_26_18-e1706110240229.png" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">I am delighted to be chairing the judges again, along with </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Alison Gow</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">, in this year’s Regional Press Awards. We spent yesterday in intense and lively debate with more than 50 respected judges from the industry. Whatever challenges the regional titles might be facing, I am delighted to report that the standard in all categories was exceptionally high. The shortlists are </span><a href="https://www.theregionalpressawards.com/shortlist-2024" style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"> and there is a report on Hold The Front Page </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2024/news/regional-press-awards-shortlist-revealed/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a>.</span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"> Well done all those nominated and I look forward to a celebratory drink on April 16. </span></div><p></p>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-26778041428234034902024-01-19T13:03:00.005+00:002024-01-19T13:20:22.740+00:00It's newsquiz time ...<span style="font-family: verdana;">Last week’s newsquiz was clearly tougher than usual with average scores well down. To spare their blushes, I haven’t included those who recorded a score of less than 15. The top solo scorers were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Damon Wake</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> with 18.5, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> on 18 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> on 15. The top team was the <span style="color: #cc0000;">Queen's Head drinkers Amanda, Kevin, Stacey, Peter and Les </span>with 19. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe </span>scored 17, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> 15.5 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons </span>15. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCb4Y_i63oBxPPC5sIj4usXYhYC_jNTQspngH_z2YjJ5HodRWPNt5l9egIu0MYVfEEspstyBg_15PRk3SgQasb926V2rxIIjjOaBUK9XJBlltdaZHzFEOJ0nGctBPYVWzYTP4aRY7c548O610fPCz1jw9OB4GFNbMm8Rff5S2bU62RNrrw8zDE-c3GLnKO/s2048/GEAOCsaWwAAyvWp.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCb4Y_i63oBxPPC5sIj4usXYhYC_jNTQspngH_z2YjJ5HodRWPNt5l9egIu0MYVfEEspstyBg_15PRk3SgQasb926V2rxIIjjOaBUK9XJBlltdaZHzFEOJ0nGctBPYVWzYTP4aRY7c548O610fPCz1jw9OB4GFNbMm8Rff5S2bU62RNrrw8zDE-c3GLnKO/s320/GEAOCsaWwAAyvWp.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Wednesday's front pages</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation bill passed its final Commons hurdle with what majority?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2.</span> Name the two Tory party deputy chairmen who resigned over Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill? Half a point for each.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. </span>Which of these was NOT one of the 11 Tory MPs who voted against the Government on the Rwanda bill - a) Robert Jenrick b) Mark Francois c) Suella Braverman d) Jacob Rees-Mogg<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4. </span>The European boss of Fujitsu, Paul Patterson, told the Commons’ Business and Trade Committee that his company had a 'moral obligation' to do what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>Tata Steel announced it was to push ahead with plans to close both blast furnaces at its works in which town, leading to around 2,800 UK job losses?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6.</span> Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said ‘the world is in a pre-war phase’, adding that 'in five years' time we could be looking at multiple theatres involving Russia, China, __ and __.’ What are the two missing countries? Half a point for each.</span><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">7.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles was to undergo a 'corrective procedure’ in hospital for what?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8. </span>China accused the US of sending 'a gravely wrong signal’ after Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated the winner of the election in which country?.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9.</span> Donald Trump won an overwhelming victory in the US’s first election contest of 2024, taking 51 per cent of the Republican votes in which state’s caucuses?<br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">10. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dame Jenny Harries, chief executive of the Health Security Agency, said what disease was likely to spread rapidly across the UK unless more people take up the vaccine?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> A report found that Greater Manchester Police and which town’s council had 'seriously’ failed to protect children from sexual abuse by grooming gangs?<br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">12. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to a biography by Robert Hardman, a member of Queen Elizabeth's staff said she was 'as angry as I'd ever seen her’ over what?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> A two-year-old boy was believed to have starved to death after his father died of a heart attack, leaving him alone at their house in which coastal town?<br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">14. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">What did a dogwalker find in a shopping bag dumped on a street in Newham, East London?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> At least nine people were killed after which country launched retaliatory missile strikes into Iran?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16. </span>ITV sports presenter Eni Aluko said on social media that she had been genuinely scared, didn’t leave her house and was now abroad following controversial comments by who?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> What was the name of BBC Radio 1’s first female presenter, who went on to become its longest-serving host, who died aged 83?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> The former prime minister of which country married her long-term partner Clarke Gayford, after cancelling the wedding during strict Covid restrictions in 2022?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19.</span> An official portrait of King Charles, created to hang in public buildings across the UK, was made available under a Government scheme costing how much?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20.</span> Wales and Gloucester winger Louis Rees-Zammit, 22, announced he was quitting rugby union to do what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan exchanged insults with Ali Carter, the defeated Masters finalist, after being accused of '__ all over the floor’. What is the missing word?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22.</span> British brothers Stewart and Louis Ahearne were jailed for three-and-a-half years after confessing to breaking into a museum in which European city and stealing 14th century Chinese Ming Dynasty antiques?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Former Liverpool footballer Jordan Henderson completed his move back into European football after his Saudi Arabia contract was terminated and he signed for which club?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> The NHS in Scotland advised people to walk like what, to avoid falling in icy conditions?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25.</span> Researchers at the University of Cambridge said that removing what from pub menus could have a positive effect on health?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-66583203543802344142024-01-12T14:19:00.004+00:002024-01-12T14:49:25.433+00:00Time to tackle the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> with 22.5, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> on 21, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> on 17, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Gavin Devine</span> on 16 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Nick Turner</span> on 15.<br />The top team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> with 18, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe </span>and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> who both scored 17.5. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about he week. Give it a go and let me know your score.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujVTnXdVj9JK9PbRzhFhQXvV-CdsQXYVX943qHnW9I40sHxjiK08Jp80HSoxbo6tjb3R4pJW3yrRysEgnTzYtRrIe-J8lNMXtX4P7kh5WdPoy7bFqWnrHChgxObokR58PoaXyOGPLFS34tbEssWo41m62Vgg1kMMzA5beQglCa2WSH73ltp3ttYEADSGH/s2048/GDme57qXEAAaIhF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujVTnXdVj9JK9PbRzhFhQXvV-CdsQXYVX943qHnW9I40sHxjiK08Jp80HSoxbo6tjb3R4pJW3yrRysEgnTzYtRrIe-J8lNMXtX4P7kh5WdPoy7bFqWnrHChgxObokR58PoaXyOGPLFS34tbEssWo41m62Vgg1kMMzA5beQglCa2WSH73ltp3ttYEADSGH/s320/GDme57qXEAAaIhF.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Today's front pages</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. </span>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, referring to 'one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in our nation’s history’, announced plans for a blanket acquittal for post office operators 'to make sure those convicted are swiftly __ and __’. What are the two missing words? Half a point for each.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>Which senior politician, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">who was postal affairs minister in the coalition government from 2010 to 2012,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> was accused of 'airbrushing his actions’ in the handling of the Post Office IT scandal?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span> Ex-Post Office investigator Stephen Bradshaw told the inquiry that it was incorrect that investigators 'behaved like __ __ looking to collect their bounty with the threats and lies’. What are the two missing words?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> US and UK strikes by air and sea targeted 16 Houthi positions including command centres, munitions depots and air defence systems in which country?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak travelled to Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the UK announced it would provide how much in military aid to Ukraine over the coming year?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>Defence Secretary Grant Shapps’s request that who should justify their existence led to Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Southby-Tailyour saying his remarks were 'highly alarming’ and former head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Lord West, describing them as 'extraordinary and dangerous’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>Which European country's civil defence minister warned it could soon face the prospect of war and urged citizens to join voluntary defence organisations in preparation for a potential armed conflict?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8. </span>Scientists at the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service said 2023 was the hottest year in history with earth being how many degrees centigrade hotter than the period before the mass burning of fossil fuels?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9.</span> The US aviation regulator grounded 171 Boeing 737 Max 9s after part of a plane, operated by which airline, fell off?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic said that its US lunar lander had 'no chance' of making a soft landing on the moon for what reason?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11. </span>Actor David Soul, best known for his role in the television series Starsky & Hutch and who died at the age of 80, had two No 1 hits in the UK in the 1970s. Name either of them.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> What nickname was given to German footballer Franz Beckenbauer, who died aged 78, who won the World Cup as captain in 1974 and manager in 1990?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13. </span>When Wales and Lions legend JPR Williams, who died aged 74, retired from rugby he resurrected his career as what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> The RAC called on the Government to commission an independent study into what, after research found 85 per cent of drivers affected believe the problem is getting worse?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> Gabriel Attal was named as France's youngest Prime Minister in modern history. How old is he?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16.</span> Armed gangsters stormed a television station during a live broadcast, prompting which country’s president to declare a state of 'internal armed conflict’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17. </span>The Government defended spending nearly £27,000 on what during the Covid pandemic?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18. </span>The parents of Jonathan Udall, 31, from Brighton are to receive a £79million payout after his death. How and where was he killed?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19.</span> Why did Arsenal players wear an all-white kit at home for the first time in the club's history against Liverpool in the FA Cup?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>Former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer of what and in a 'best-case' scenario had about a year left to live?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Which singer found his wife hanged at their home in Gloucestershire?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22.</span> Which actor urged the Government to ban machetes and zombie knives as he launched a campaign called Don't Stop Your Future? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Singer FKA twigs accused the Advertising Standards Authority of 'double standards' after an advert for which brand was banned for presenting her as a 'stereotypical sexual object’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> The Prince of Wales surprised rugby league legends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield by awarding them with their CBEs in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25. </span>Hollywood actress Gillian Anderson stunned fans by stepping out to the Golden Globes in a striking gown embroidered with hundreds of what?<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></span></div></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-38142181807517691872024-01-11T18:44:00.005+00:002024-01-14T18:09:07.901+00:00Richard Rampton: A legal genius<span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9morpvQlEigBZcUnP5IKcye3JD2_sU7neANNzmt4HE5NbPVFN-YRxbwhRUQO0QNkoM6kGRKGJJIhw8QRNH9vs80ESSHTW03V2TZ30XXUsslMSetdcwn9kKu5rEHwD4TvVYXTN9u8-n9VZKqFOacnpI6ukQVcSQKHxXHqpffQrn1qTeXLjWyRok86sh8G/s588/Richard%20Rampton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9morpvQlEigBZcUnP5IKcye3JD2_sU7neANNzmt4HE5NbPVFN-YRxbwhRUQO0QNkoM6kGRKGJJIhw8QRNH9vs80ESSHTW03V2TZ30XXUsslMSetdcwn9kKu5rEHwD4TvVYXTN9u8-n9VZKqFOacnpI6ukQVcSQKHxXHqpffQrn1qTeXLjWyRok86sh8G/s320/Richard%20Rampton.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><br />I was saddened to read that renowned defamation lawyer <span style="color: #cc0000;">Richard Rampton</span>, KC, died just before New Year. His was an extraordinary career, detailed here in this <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2024/jan/01/richard-rampton-obituary"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Guardian obituary.</span></a></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">One small aside is that Richard represented me when I was charged with contempt of court in 1993 and something he said to me has remained a part of me ever since.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had received a letter from the Attorney General asking me to explain why I had committed contempt and to give good reason why I should not be sent to prison.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was editing <span style="color: #cc0000;">The Northern Echo</span> in 1992 when a special constable, Glenn Goodman, was shot dead in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire. The speculation was that it was an IRA hit.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">When the killer was arrested five days later, he was indeed an IRA activist. ITN named him on the Six O'clock News and mentioned that he had previous convictions, including killing an SAS officer. I ran the details in the next day’s Echo.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Long after the court case had finished, I received the Attorney General’s letter. I went to see Richard who asked me why I had done it. I explained that it was in our readers’ interest to be aware that an IRA cell was operating in the North-East. Richard raised an eyebrow. ‘It was also in the public domain,’ I said hopefully. ’The public domain,’ he said. ’That is the worst defence I have ever heard.’ </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">He put together a detailed case arguing that we knew the IRA man’s trial would be held in London and showing how many copies of the Echo were sold there. There was also nine-month gap from our story being published to the court case starting.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Richard was clear - the chances of an Old Bailey juror having read The Northern Echo was more than remote. Even if they had, they could not possibly remember it. There had been no substantial risk of serious prejudice. <br />There were four publishers and one broadcaster, ITN, up for contempt at the Royal Courts of Justice. One by one they apologised to the court. As the regional editor, I was last in the pecking order.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Richard told the three judges that I did not wish to apologise to the court. They stared at me and asked him to repeat it. He did.<br />The prosecution countered Richard’s ’location, distance and time’ defence with a scenario where people would travel South from the North-East with their Echoes, leave them in bars and cafes in Sidcup to be picked up and read by people who, nine months later, would be called up for jury duty. Richard called this ’the absurd notion of leakage’. <br />In the end, we won. As the judges got up to leave, the matter of legal costs was raised. The judges declined each request. When it got to me, Richard stood up and said: ’This is the editor of The Northern Echo who came here today and refused to apologise to the court because he knew he had not committed contempt and you have confirmed he was right. On what grounds would you not give him his costs?' ‘You have your costs Mr Rampton,’ they said. More than £30,000 straight back on my bottom line.<br />I filed my copy, was interviewed by the BBC and then said to Richard, please let me buy you and the team a drink in the Seven Stars. No, he replied, the Attorney General will buy us a drink. <br />It was a remarkable and unforgettable experience. I thought I was going to lose but Richard filled me with confidence, was on my side from the outset and was a brilliant operator. Oh, and my Fantasy Football team has always been called the Public Domain - as it has the worst defence you have ever seen. RIP and big thanks, Richard.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-66328882931349051702024-01-05T13:39:00.004+00:002024-01-05T14:03:04.529+00:00First newsquiz of 2024<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> with 22 just ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> on 21, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown and Jayme Bryla</span> on 19 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Marion Fountayne</span> on 18. The top teams were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons with Alexandra and Will </span>and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> who all scored 22. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Elsom and Monica Greep</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Meike Leonard with Tom, David, Ben, Ivo and Jane</span> both scored 20. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Our Peter, Jackie, Sarah and Joe</span> scored 17. Nobody got a bonus point for recognising the French resort of Le Grau Du Roi. Here is the first quiz of 2024. Give it a go and let me know your score. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nvg2QoJGFH_3YGPt3mzZWhKAizkIE7ih0jNTV9CRQPugztIHptNAamrQpCc5H41b9GIQFdFwRVHYtBw684vVL0Q4dO5MsyrNWdfaZD-ooiTTAEVsL_GNcStays3MUsWzungJGG28Vq-45Nqx77cEhbGiDyLrjQHqkyTblEJqp_A_2Z8cZj8-iHz9oS2o/s2048/GDCVAzPXMAAoHzg.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nvg2QoJGFH_3YGPt3mzZWhKAizkIE7ih0jNTV9CRQPugztIHptNAamrQpCc5H41b9GIQFdFwRVHYtBw684vVL0Q4dO5MsyrNWdfaZD-ooiTTAEVsL_GNcStays3MUsWzungJGG28Vq-45Nqx77cEhbGiDyLrjQHqkyTblEJqp_A_2Z8cZj8-iHz9oS2o/s320/GDCVAzPXMAAoHzg.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Today's front pages</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> The epicentre of the earthquake that left at least 64 people dead was on which Japanese peninsula?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>Five people working for which organisation were killed after their plane was hit by a Japan Airlines Airbus on the runway at Tokyo's Haneda airport?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. </span>Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, said the Government would not hesitate to take 'direct action’ against which group to prevent attacks on ships?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> The deputy political leader of Hamas, Saleh al-Arouri, was assassinated in which city?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>More than 100 people were killed and 150 wounded after two explosions rocked a ceremony at a cemetery in which country?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">6.</span> In his new year's message, President Volodymyr Zelensky promised a sharp increase in the amount of weapons Ukraine produces next year with at least a million what being built?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak indicated that he expected to call a General Election 'in the second half' of 2024 - but in what month is the latest an election can be called?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">8.</span> A petition calling for Paula Vennells to be stripped of her CBE passed 350,000 signatures following what?</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">9.</span> What is the name of the Danish Queen who announced her surprise abdication in a new year TV address?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> How were Kate Vokes, 54, and her son Archie, 22, killed?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Britain and Ireland have the highest rate of consumption of what in the world?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> A 15-year-old boy was arrested following the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Harry Pitman while waiting to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks on which London hill?<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> Father of two Liam Stych rescued a mother and her three-year-old child from a car that was submerged in water under a bridge in which city?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> Camila Batmanghelidjh, who died aged 61, created which children’s charity, becoming one of the most powerful campaigners for disadvantaged youngsters?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> TV presenter Kate Garraway announced that her husband Derek Draper had died after a battle with long covid. How old was he?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="font-family: Verdana, monospace;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0); color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">16.</span> What connected Former US President Bill Clinton, singer Michael Jackson, magician David Copperfield and Pope John Paul II this week?</div><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> What was the name of the actress who played Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins and the title role in Miranda, in which she starred as a mermaid, who died aged 100?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> Who was ‘at home’ after being freed on parole, nearly 11 years after murdering his girlfriend? <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>Who defeated teenager Luke ’The Nuke' Littler to win his first darts World Championship title?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20.</span> Nine-year-old Tony Hudgell became the youngest person to do what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> The husband of Tory peer Michelle Mone claimed his family was being treated 'like a __' to distract from Government ‘incompetence’. What is the missing word?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22.</span> The earliest version of which cartoon couple were freed from copyright restrictions?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Which journalist saw his report on genocide caused by Pol Pot’s reign of terror in Cambodia take over half of the Daily Mirror, won an Emmy for the documentary Year Zero: The Silent Death of Cambodia, was banned from South Africa by the apartheid regime and witnessed the assassination of Robert Kennedy in Los Angeles?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> Which football club sacked manager Wayne Rooney after just 83 days and 15 games in charge?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">25</span>. Which two teams were top of the English and Scottish Premier Leagues on the first day of 2024? Half a point for each?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-16207028222493265122023-12-29T17:02:00.004+00:002023-12-29T17:20:27.984+00:00Last newsquiz of 2023<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top scorers in last week’s newsquiz were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Nick Turner</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> both with 21, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Marion Fountayne</span> on 20, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> on 19.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> on 19 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Gavin Devine</span> on 17. The top team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons with Alexandra</span> who scored 23 just ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Simon, Sue and Will Cole</span> on 22. Others on the leaderboard were the <span style="color: #cc0000;">Waterworks squad of Pete, Stacey and Franki </span>who scored 20, the same score as <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span>, and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Elsom and Monica Greep</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span>. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Our Peter, Jackie, Sam and Anna </span>scored 17. Here is the last newsquiz of 2023. Give it a go and let me know your score. I have put the quiz together a little later today as I was visiting the place photographed below. A bonus point if you can tell me where it is. Have a happy New Year and may all your news in 2024 be good news. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseeMId7742zaisz7k-YnIALP_kSgu4_yI0HG_5qj9Uk3tzqb4RRe744uJRcQKTvko1XU37-KQ3qzWoXq-OC4yAEA5fmVczX0oaBa34XBA9l4NcWmKLGpLD9kS4JxhG3Ub8EuoBXNFqLxmS7CPx-OEzBQRqPIwsXTsyXeABdeyI4TC-fMalYm8FojoXgfD/s2048/412651497_7273996582611093_4927719208574109259_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseeMId7742zaisz7k-YnIALP_kSgu4_yI0HG_5qj9Uk3tzqb4RRe744uJRcQKTvko1XU37-KQ3qzWoXq-OC4yAEA5fmVczX0oaBa34XBA9l4NcWmKLGpLD9kS4JxhG3Ub8EuoBXNFqLxmS7CPx-OEzBQRqPIwsXTsyXeABdeyI4TC-fMalYm8FojoXgfD/s320/412651497_7273996582611093_4927719208574109259_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. </span>In his Christmas Day speech, King Charles said: 'At a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world, I pray that we can also do all in our power to __ each other’. What is the missing word?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>Which religious figure is to be knighted by King Charles for his 'personal service' to the Crown?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. </span>Who attended the Royal family's Christmas church service at Sandringham for the first time in more than 30 years?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4. </span>Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced he will set out a spring budget on what date in March?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>Figures showed that visitors to where in England paid £146 million for car parking, up from £96.7 million the year before?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>More than 100 flood alerts were issued for parts of the UK and police in Scotland declared a 'major incident' as a storm with what name hit the country?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7.</span> Former European Commission president Jacques Delors, who died aged 98, is remembered in the UK for which famous three-word front page headline published in The Sun in 1990?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8. </span>Turkish President Erdogan compared Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to which historical figure?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>Six fire engines, a drone, and a rope rescue team were called to a 'fire' at Blackpool Tower that turned out to be what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10. </span>Which state became the second, after Colorado, to rule that Donald Trump cannot run for president next year?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11. </span>The Government announced that people will soon be able to buy what by the pint?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12. </span>Released state papers showed that former prime minister Tony Blair backed proposals for Wimbledon FC to move to which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13. </span>Two men were arrested on suspicion of theft after the removal of what from a junction in Peckham, south-east London?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> What was the name of the Australian chef, known the godfather of avocado toast and the king of breakfast, who died aged 54?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15. </span>Jewellery and watches worth £1million were reported stolen from which Premier League footballer’s house in Cheshire?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16.</span> South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, 48, who was found dead in his car gained worldwide fame following the release of which Oscar-winning film?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17. </span>A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after a car hit a crowd of people outside a property in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake in which football club for more than £1billion?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>F</span><span class="ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3" style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: #141414; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">ormer James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan was charged with trespassing where?</span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>Henry Sandon, who died on Christmas Day aged 95, was an expert on which BBC TV programme?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21. </span>Sam Allison became the first black person in 15 years to do what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>A bronze 21-foot statue of which singer was unveiled in her hometown of Barranquilla?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> ITV announced that Holly Willoughby will return to television to present what show with Stephen Mulhern in January?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24. </span>Actor Chris Gascoyne left Coronation Street after playing which character for 23 years?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25. </span>Despite a campaign supporting Fairytale of New York, in tribute to Pogues singer Shane MacGowan, what song was the UK’s Christmas No 1?<br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #990000;">here</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-87739456242841141702023-12-22T12:28:00.003+00:002023-12-22T12:59:13.719+00:00Try the Christmas-week newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Amelia Cox</span> with 21, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Marion Fountayne</span> on 20, <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> on 19, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Andy Reed</span> on 18, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jayme Bryla</span> on 17, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> on 16 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Gavin Devine</span> on 15. The top team was the <span style="color: #cc0000;">Queen’s Head squad Pete, Stacey, Nicky and Les</span> with an impressive 24. Also on the leaderboard were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Tom Savage with his ma</span> on 21, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> on 20, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> on 17.5 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Elsom and Monica Greep </span>on 17. Thanks to those of you who take part in the quiz each week. It started as a way of ensuring my journalism trainees were keeping up to date with the news and then it grew online. We haven’t missed a week since 2014. I hope you enjoy it and that it helps keep you sharp on a Friday night/Saturday morning. Have a great Christmas but keep an eye on what's going on. We will be here as usual next Friday. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. I look forward to receiving your scores.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuykQ8hkRl6K1D1qWfN3Tm4yiRV3PuUxmuIcLwmXBMYO1GuagoHq6lvSnKBv3U70Cey50eT9_3iJNb12qKjq7_RWxqCzCBMJVAU0NHiVdzSicxMwbkWbLxdddG7yvKn74W1GrEbNaaatJBRICG-LWvNW36f3_4kuFiDRbJHlxtfQbAy5rq8V4-2n28IIQB/s2048/GB8DGW0WsAA94OT.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuykQ8hkRl6K1D1qWfN3Tm4yiRV3PuUxmuIcLwmXBMYO1GuagoHq6lvSnKBv3U70Cey50eT9_3iJNb12qKjq7_RWxqCzCBMJVAU0NHiVdzSicxMwbkWbLxdddG7yvKn74W1GrEbNaaatJBRICG-LWvNW36f3_4kuFiDRbJHlxtfQbAy5rq8V4-2n28IIQB/s320/GB8DGW0WsAA94OT.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">A selection of today's front pages</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> The Hamas health ministry in Gaza said more than how many people had been killed since Israel began its retaliatory operation on October 7?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2.</span> What is the name of the university in Prague where a 24-year-old student shot dead at least 14 people and injured another 25? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span> A junior doctors' strike, from Wednesday to Saturday, is part of a long-running dispute with the BMA demanding a pay rise of what per cent?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4. </span>What did Prime Minister Rishi Sunak say the Government was taking 'incredibly seriously’, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer say was a 'shocking disgrace from top to bottom’ and led Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf to call for the 'undemocratic' House of Lords to be scrapped?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5.</span> Peter Bone, suspended as an MP over bullying and sexual misconduct claims, lost his seat after being removed by constituents in a recall petition, meaning a by-election will be held in which constituency next year?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>The Government published its long-delayed guidance for England’s schools on what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7.</span> The Department for Education announced that secondary school pupils will be able to take a GCSE in what language from 2025?</span><div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">8. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Office for National Statistics announced that the latest inflation figure for the UK is what per cent, making it the lowest for more than two years?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>The Nuffield Trust think tank said which service had been cut back so much it was at the most perilous position in its 75-year history in England?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> Oil giant BP announced it would pause what because of the 'deteriorating security situation’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> A judge at Manchester Crown Court ruled that the two teenagers who killed 16-year-old Brianna Ghey could be named … but not until when?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12. </span>Christmas travel plans were disrupted as a storm named what battered the northern half of the UK?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13. </span>After the High Court ruled that Prince Harry was the victim of phone hacking by Mirror Group Newspapers and awarded him £140,600 in damages, who reacted by saying the royal wouldn't know the truth if it 'slapped him around his California tanned face’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> Which US state’s Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump could not run for president next year in the state because he had engaged in an insurrection over the US Capitol riot?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> Who was ordered by a Washington DC court to pay $148.1million to two election workers after falsely accusing them of trying to steal the election in Georgia?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16. </span>North Yorkshire businessman Colin Armstrong, 78, was rescued four days after being kidnapped by 15 armed men in which country?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Why was Bournemouth’s home fixture against Luton Town in the Premier League abandoned?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">18. </span>British teenager Alex Batty, who was missing for six years, was back in the care of his grandmother in which English town?</span><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">19.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, 83, revealed she has joined what organisation?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20.</span> Premier League side Nottingham Forest sacked manager Steve Cooper and replaced him with who?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">21. </span>Lioness goalkeeper Mary Earps was voted BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year but who was second and third? Half a point for each name.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>The BBC axed which show, blaming inflation and dwindling ratings, which had been running for more than 50 years?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Why was 16-year-old Luke ’The Nuke’ Littler in the headlines?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24. </span>A row erupted after 20-year-old Eve Gilles became the first contestant with what to win the 100-year-old Miss France contest?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25. </span>During the final of Strictly Come Dancing, Olly Alexander announced he would be doing what next year?</span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><br /></div></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-1457218119749621502023-12-15T12:41:00.001+00:002023-12-15T13:23:11.951+00:00Have a crack at the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> with 21, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> with 19.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jayme Bryla</span> with 17 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Gavin Devine</span> with 15. The top team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> also with 21. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Trev, Carole, Peter and Jackie</span> scored 18 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> 16.5. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0GV4GWiVMbvskTEE5QNQoLxBTM-LM8dUxLDhbWGturCje51pwz9v32W2Ub-oyn3ifTixJawhHQMucbcq0mrbFU0SulRvxGp-ebYkMMFhsMQPwX6Ln-cY_GXAdFILv9epkFovKhr8Enlf64yu_zqrHNn2SaT4nQqeMPorDQxWz7mPR3EL2aOCk24mYLmF/s1200/GBNjOMwXgAAW10o.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0GV4GWiVMbvskTEE5QNQoLxBTM-LM8dUxLDhbWGturCje51pwz9v32W2Ub-oyn3ifTixJawhHQMucbcq0mrbFU0SulRvxGp-ebYkMMFhsMQPwX6Ln-cY_GXAdFILv9epkFovKhr8Enlf64yu_zqrHNn2SaT4nQqeMPorDQxWz7mPR3EL2aOCk24mYLmF/s320/GBNjOMwXgAAW10o.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">A selection of Wednesday's front pages</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> The Government saw off a revolt against its Rwanda safety bill with a majority of how many votes?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>What is the name of the chairman of the Conservative ERG group which called on the Government to withdraw the Rwanda deportation bill and return with one that 'doesn't have all these holes in it’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. </span>At the Covid Inquiry Rishi Sunak, when asked about No 10 officials referring to the Treasury as the ‘pro-__ squad’, said: 'I do not think it is a fair characterisation of the incredibly hard-working people that I was lucky to be supported by’. What is the missing word?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4. </span>The Bank of England held interest rates at what per cent for the third time in a row?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>Who announced he was standing down, saying: 'When I stood for the leadership, I said that, if elected, I would serve for five years. Exactly five years have passed since I was confirmed as first minister in 2018’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6.</span> At Cop28 all countries agreed, for the first time, on the need to 'transition away from __ __ in energy systems’. What are the two missing words?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>Which retailer removed an advertising campaign from its website and social media channels after criticism that it resembled images of destruction in Gaza?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8. </span>BBC presenter Gary Lineker reacted to being told to 'stick to football' by posting four pictures with a caption that read 'a tad rich coming from someone who can't even stick to one name'. The pictures were of Michael Green, Sebastian Fox, Corinne Stockheath and who else?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>Scott Benton, MP for Blackpool South, was suspended from Parliament for how many days for reportedly offering to lobby ministers on behalf of the gambling industry?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> The Refugee Council called for an independent review into what, saying that it was 'tragically not surprising'?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> Divers searched a river in a park in which city looking for missing mother-of-three Gaynor Lord?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12. </span>The High Court ordered Prince Harry to pay which newspaper more than £48,000 after he lost his attempt to strike out part of the paper's defence in a libel case?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13. </span>Alex Batty, who disappeared in Spain aged 11, was found six years later near which French city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> Which EU country blocked €50billion in aid for Ukraine?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> All professional football in Turkey was suspended after what happened?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16.</span> Why did Northampton Town's DJ Matty apologise to fans after the game against Portsmouth?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Ryan O’Neal, who died aged 81, became a household name in which 1970 film, co-starring with Ali MacGraw and earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18. </span>Which company apologised after a video emerged of a security guard soaking a homeless man’s belongings with a water from a mop bucket in London?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>What was the name of the British actress, who had starring roles in 1960s films including Saturday Night and Sunday Morning and Alfie, who died aged 87?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>Nurse Catherine Hudson, who gave patients sedatives to keep them 'quiet and compliant' and make her life easier at a hospital in which town, was jailed for more than seven years?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21. </span>Tesco recalled its Finest Apple & Cranberry Stuffing Mix (130g), with a best before date of September 2024 due to the 'possible presence' of what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22.</span> On Saturday December 23, 40-year-old Rebecca Welch will become the first woman to do what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> According to BabyCentre, what name retained its position as the most popular baby girl's name of 2023?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> Barbie and Oppenheimer led the film nominations at the Golden Globe Awards but which drama led the TV list with nine nominations?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25.</span> Made in Chelsea’s Sam Thompson was crowned King of the Jungle in I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here - but who came second?<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-13056484621706450522023-12-08T11:44:00.010+00:002023-12-09T11:02:16.136+00:00Time to tackle the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;">There were some higher than average scores in last week’s newsquiz. The top solo scorer was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> with 22.5, just ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Tom Savage</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> on 22, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Damon Wake</span> on 21, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Marion Fountayne</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Nick Turner</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Liz Gerard</span> on 20 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Johnny Jenkins</span> on 17. The top team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Elsom and Monica Greep</span> with a massive 24, just ahead of the <span style="color: #cc0000;">Boulogne boozers Pete, Stacey, Amanda and Kevin</span> on 23. Others on the leaderboard were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Neil and Jo Benson</span> on 22, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> on 21.5 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Thom and Tim</span> on 21. Here is this week's newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQ8LUgzbfp-JHyqdA60-8rfsM-xzFGiUO9woQqpVFrkjjxjA-t3Qvp9erKm259-Cbg5AlSK0GyfturMWZQKRItjRjYRjffXrdIxtU0-rtEQbF7axdj7aT7GPMLISb9DixhOmwifPVNZyLOCxKt-57d-MJbARgSWKZ5zMwy3koIRV73ztLUIMYVDc6OeAt/s2159/Frontzzzzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="2159" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQ8LUgzbfp-JHyqdA60-8rfsM-xzFGiUO9woQqpVFrkjjxjA-t3Qvp9erKm259-Cbg5AlSK0GyfturMWZQKRItjRjYRjffXrdIxtU0-rtEQbF7axdj7aT7GPMLISb9DixhOmwifPVNZyLOCxKt-57d-MJbARgSWKZ5zMwy3koIRV73ztLUIMYVDc6OeAt/s320/Frontzzzzz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Some of today's front pages</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> Robert Jenrick resigned as Immigration minister, telling PM Rishi Sunak that what was 'a triumph of hope over experience’?<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">2.</span> Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled plans to increase the minimum salary, for skilled workers from overseas who could be granted a visa, from £26,200 to what amount?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span> Former Prime Minister told the Covid Inquiry that he regretted suggesting what was 'bollocks' in a handwritten note?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4. </span>At the Covid Inquiry former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was interrupted by four women, who were ordered to leave, holding pieces of paper that spelled out the message: 'The dead can't hear __ __.’ What are the missing two words?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>Boris Johnson wore a hat showing his support for which football team as he arrived to give evidence to the Covid Inquiry?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>Labour leader Keir Starmer was criticised for a Daily Telegraph article in which he named Margaret Thatcher, and which other two former PMs, as examples of how politicians can effect meaningful change? Half a point for each.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>The Government announced that what will rise from £159 to £169.50 - an increase of 6.6 per cent? .<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8. </span>What is the name of the US Secretary of State who met Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron in Washington and then issued a warning to Israel to put a 'premium on civilian protection’? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>Passengers were trapped for four hours and plunged into darkness on trains heading to and from which London railway station after damage to overhead cables?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10. </span>A German nurse was stabbed to death and two other people, including a British man, were injured near which European landmark?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11. </span>Which former teacher, who died aged 79, served as a Member of the European Parliament for 15 years, was minister of state for Europe and Africa in Gordon Brown’s government and became a life peer?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> Prince Harry lost his legal challenge at the High Court in a bid to be allowed to do what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13. </span>At least 22 people died after a volcanic eruption on Mount Marapi in which country?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14. </span>Writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who died aged 65, appeared in which TV drama series as Jeremiah ‘Jimmy' Jesus, between 2013 and 2022?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15. </span>Who was named Time Magazine's person of the year as someone who had 'found a way to transcend borders and be a source of light’? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16.</span> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Oslo's mayor </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anne Lindboe said she was looking at ways of reducing the carbon footprint of what?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">17. </span>Golf's governing bodies announced changes to ball specifications which will shorten the distance professional golfers can propel tee shots by approximately how many yards?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18. </span>Who became the oldest player to win the UK Snooker Championship, two days before he celebrated his 48th birthday?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>The Lionesses failed to qualify for the Women’s Nations League and the Olympics despite a win over Scotland by what score?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20.</span> Actress Brigit Forsyth, who died aged 83, made her name as Bob’s long suffering wife Thelma in which BBC television series?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Anchor Maryam Moshiri apologised for doing what at the start of a BBC news bulletin at noon on Wednesday?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>Which word, slang for 'style, charm or attractiveness’ was named Word of the Year by Oxford University Press, publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23. </span>Why was faded Union Flag bunting, metal pedestrian barriers and old ring-binders in the headlines? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> Which former footballer was criticised for saying that women 'shouldn't be talking with any kind of authority in the men's game’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25. </span>Who was the first person to be evicted from this year’s I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-40712743399321502252023-12-05T11:13:00.005+00:002023-12-05T14:56:42.465+00:00Newspapers: The ever-changing image<span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRx49qOMcD_CYLFuBKCJWoDn8Z-sfcdDSviqxxGPaL1A-Q_Q5BhuJGWJ4oXk3hkN_3D5YH8gM1efY-CBZluMLcIrK1ebWq89aFGbJqWb1yi2R3nRtqywjEHHHyO3nkiiOIyvL1HwzUDtzc0-eIQqrEVAbe9sADRuaD3UpvCg8gL0yo8-zPSxnQdL9k6T4/s2725/Picture%20Power%20cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1922" data-original-width="2725" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRx49qOMcD_CYLFuBKCJWoDn8Z-sfcdDSviqxxGPaL1A-Q_Q5BhuJGWJ4oXk3hkN_3D5YH8gM1efY-CBZluMLcIrK1ebWq89aFGbJqWb1yi2R3nRtqywjEHHHyO3nkiiOIyvL1HwzUDtzc0-eIQqrEVAbe9sADRuaD3UpvCg8gL0yo8-zPSxnQdL9k6T4/s320/Picture%20Power%20cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The use of images in the media has changed colossally. Forty years ago newspapers were using a small selection of black and white photos, taken only by professional photographers. Today everyone with a mobile, that’s around 6.8billion people, is a photographer and videographer with instant access to publishing. Publishers can find pictures and videos of anything. Births, marriages, deaths, bomb blasts, altercations, crashes, celebrities, events, sport, sex, pranks … are all out there to be gathered. When I was editing a paper we might use 40 pictures in an issue. Today <span style="color: #cc0000;">MailOnline</span> can use 100 on a single story. I counted an astonishing 1,104 pictures and 74 videos on the UK home page. In my latest article for <span style="color: #cc0000;">InPublishing</span> I talk to MailOnline editorial director <span style="color: #cc0000;">Ben Bailey</span>, Metro editor <span style="color: #cc0000;">Deborah Arthurs</span>, Evening Standard editor <span style="color: #cc0000;">Dylan Jones</span> and photography consultant <span style="color: #cc0000;">Ian Day</span> about the changes, their impact and what happens next. Read it <a href="https://www.inpublishing.co.uk/articles/picture-power-22590"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a>.<br /></span><br />Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-54293828777795595892023-12-01T15:30:00.002+00:002023-12-02T09:33:30.659+00:00Time to tackle the newsquiz ...<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Chay Quinn</span> with an amazing 24, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Marguerite Turner</span> on 22, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Marion Fountayne</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> on 21, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Liz Gerard</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jayme Bryla</span> on 20 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Gavin Devine </span>on 16. The top team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> with 22, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Queen’s Head drinkers Pete and Stacey</span> on 21, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Neil and Jo Benson</span> on 20 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> on 18. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-drqIIoce_13MZk9CG2Ftzhmu5RvpdpXnXqwuMalUSu3LyOB_4LpDaJYlccRaMwiyHGOymSNP7mwk-lroboJrrjYj9ASe4-whgX-DaIQWtgl067FML0RQWE37HfwDLRfjrejQE9G4YJyE8A0jKqxj9bRaVzRvUOr-zUEhTgMPbBqg6CT3JapDD1KbQf2/s1200/F_72ySTXcAEPCq-.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-drqIIoce_13MZk9CG2Ftzhmu5RvpdpXnXqwuMalUSu3LyOB_4LpDaJYlccRaMwiyHGOymSNP7mwk-lroboJrrjYj9ASe4-whgX-DaIQWtgl067FML0RQWE37HfwDLRfjrejQE9G4YJyE8A0jKqxj9bRaVzRvUOr-zUEhTgMPbBqg6CT3JapDD1KbQf2/s320/F_72ySTXcAEPCq-.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Tributes to Terry Venables dominated</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Monday's front pages </span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> A book by biographer Omid Scobie was pulled from the shelves in which country after a 'translation error' included the names of two royal family members who allegedly raised questions about Prince Archie's skin colour?</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>What is Omid Scobie's book called?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. </span>After Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled a meeting with the Greek PM, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said at PMQs: 'Never mind the British Museum, it's the Prime Minister who has obviously lost his __’. What is the missing word?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> World leaders are meeting at Cop28 which is being held where?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5.</span> Ahead of the Cop28 summit, which country insisted that coal, which it depends on for almost three-quarters of its electricity generation, will remain its main source of energy for years to come?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6.</span> Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the Covid Inquiry that what would have cut deaths in the first Covid wave by 90 per cent?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>Former Cabinet minister Sajid Javid told the Covid Inquiry he felt Boris Johnson was 'not in charge' and that who was 'running the Government’ during the pandemic?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">8.</span></span> Two teenagers appeared at Manchester Crown Court accused of stabbing 16-year-old Brianna Ghey how many times in a 'sustained and violent attack' in a park near Warrington?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>The family and friends of Israeli-Irish girl Emily Hand celebrated what birthday after she was released from captivity in Gaza?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> The UK detected its first ever human case of H1N2, a strain of what disease, after a patient was tested by a GP in North Yorkshire?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> Which English city's council issued a Section 114 notice, in effect declaring itself bankrupt?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> Staff at Caversham Primary School told an inquest that there was a 'direct link' between head teacher Ruth Perry’s ‘deterioration' and ‘death’ and what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13. </span>How old was former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who played a polarising role in US foreign policy during the Cold War, who died this week?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14. </span>Forty-one labourers were rescued after 17 days trapped in a collapsed tunnel under which mountain range?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> Ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair said 'I never met anyone who didn't like him’, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said he did 'the right thing for the country at a time of extraordinary turmoil’ and Boris Johnson described him as a ’towering figure’. Who were they talking about?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16.</span> Which one of these football teams did Terry Venables, who died aged 80, not manage - Crystal Palace, Queens Park Rangers, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur,<br />Chelsea, England or Australia?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17. </span>Who used an appearance at Westminster to urge MPs to do more to meet the target of ending HIV transmissions in England by 2030?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18. </span>Actor Dean Sullivan, who died aged 68, was best known for his portrayal of Jimmy Corkhill in which television series between 1986 and 2003?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>The Government stepped in to potentially block a loan repayment that would have allowed a UAE-backed group to take control of which UK newspaper?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20.</span> England rugby captain Owen Farrell made himself unavailable for the 2024 Six Nations ‘in order to prioritise' what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Author Paul Lynch won the Booker prize for his fifth novel Prophet Song about the rise of a fascist regime in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22.</span> What is the name of the pub that made a £700 Christmas advert that racked up millions of views on social media and was shown on national TV?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Name the two I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here contestants who quit the show for medical reasons this week? Half a point for each.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> Ladbrokes slashed the odds on what song to be No 1 at Christmas to 1/4?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25. </span>Who said goodbye to Edinburgh as they prepared to return home to China after 12 years?<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-80599376360987731782023-11-26T13:26:00.003+00:002023-11-27T10:31:30.368+00:00Deadline extended in Regional Press Awards<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-d1lIGz_qtdzn9wMAy0VCw9Bl02rqDwfLEOpT9Nwi6ohbtJ-60b7JML1iPYZozGQa1xmgusDzZJyVUy-Utk6sZIp26sa8qE9miEU2z90dnBSIkT5ZqnOgZYINzQ830pI4D9Qg0ctmb-ndwqniuoL4_U8jhF6Mz_OncmZy3XlzO2mMji8BZ37g4iYvH4mZ/s650/Screenshot20230710at09_26_18-e16920041845071.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="650" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-d1lIGz_qtdzn9wMAy0VCw9Bl02rqDwfLEOpT9Nwi6ohbtJ-60b7JML1iPYZozGQa1xmgusDzZJyVUy-Utk6sZIp26sa8qE9miEU2z90dnBSIkT5ZqnOgZYINzQ830pI4D9Qg0ctmb-ndwqniuoL4_U8jhF6Mz_OncmZy3XlzO2mMji8BZ37g4iYvH4mZ/s320/Screenshot20230710at09_26_18-e16920041845071.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is no doubt that </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">regional newspapers</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> are facing difficult times at the moment. But their survival is crucial. As I have written so many times before, covering local democracy, shining lights in dark corners, exposing the corrupt, campaigning for local causes, fighting injustices and a lot more will all be threatened without a vibrant regional Press. That is why I am delighted to be joining <span style="color: #cc0000;">Alison Gow</span> as chair of the judges in the Regional Press Awards. We had a meeting last week and agreed to extend the deadline - so you now have until midnight on Thursday (November 30) to get your entries in. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 29); color: #1d1d1d; font-family: verdana;">We have added three categories this year – Opinion Writer, Crime & Investigation Reporter and Best Live Coverage – making 21 awards. The full list is below. </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 29); color: #1d1d1d; font-family: verdana;">So if you are working in the </span><span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: verdana;">local and regional Press, get your entries in and let's celebrate the great work that still goes on up and down the country. And I look forward to catching up with you at the awards lunch next April. Entry detail are</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;"> <a href="https://www.theregionalpressawards.com"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a>.</span><span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: verdana;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">INDIVIDUAL AWARDS</span></span></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 29); color: #1d1d1d; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cathryn Nicholl Award<br />Crime & Investigation Reporter of the Year<br />Designer of the Year<br />Feature Writer of the Year<br />Opinion Writer of the Year<br />Photographer of the Year<br />Reporter of the Year (Daily)<br />Reporter of the Year (Weekly)<br />Specialist Journalist of the Year<br />Sports Journalist of the Year<br />Young Journalist of the Year</span></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">TEAM AWARDS</span></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 29); color: #1d1d1d; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Best Live Coverage<br />Campaign of the Year<br />Digital Initiative of the Year<br />Front Page of the Year<br />News Website of the Year<br />Reporting Communities Award<br />Scoop of the Year<br />Supplement of the Year</span></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 29); font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">ORGANISATION AWARDS</span></p><p style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 29); color: #1d1d1d; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">News Brand of the Year (Small)<br />News Brand of the Year (Large)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-88462115031760243432023-11-24T12:19:00.003+00:002023-11-24T12:38:06.646+00:00Have a crack at the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> with a personal best of 23. Others on the leaderboard were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Marion Fountayne</span> with 21, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Thomas Godfrey</span> with 20, <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> with 19 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Gavin Devine</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Andy Reed</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jayme Bryla</span> with 16. The top teams were the Broad Oak drinkers <span style="color: #cc0000;">Pete, Stacey, Nicky and Les </span>and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> both with 21. They were ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Neil and Jo Benson</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> on 19 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> on 18. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO8DzdGFg5c63D91W8vAqH6lugJ9QCOhWeMBlYDwRpvIhSsdfTiPgNyhwIQNOeSvHHdEJ4qd01-0UOv2-dLQNuUrL9stLmsvNk90gQ5c4MQKbKcez9lFGi0UfKORHCYjRgscwvRjLT-RUSIexlk859-YEPgEGO9LPVAp5ZNF8tsyJ-Ivm1fQZjx6Gh65F/s1848/frontzzz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1848" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO8DzdGFg5c63D91W8vAqH6lugJ9QCOhWeMBlYDwRpvIhSsdfTiPgNyhwIQNOeSvHHdEJ4qd01-0UOv2-dLQNuUrL9stLmsvNk90gQ5c4MQKbKcez9lFGi0UfKORHCYjRgscwvRjLT-RUSIexlk859-YEPgEGO9LPVAp5ZNF8tsyJ-Ivm1fQZjx6Gh65F/s320/frontzzz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">A selection of today's front pages</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> In his Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that what would be cut from 12 per cent to ten per cent from January 6, affecting 27 million people?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that the state pension would increase by what per cent from April, in line with average earnings?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3.</span> Former chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance told the Covid inquiry that scientific and medical advisers were not told about what scheme until it was announced by then Chancellor Rishi Sunak?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> Notes from Sir Patrick Vallance's diary, which was handed over to the Covid inquiry, said 'watching PM get his head around stats is awful' and added: 'PM is clearly __'. What is the missing word?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5.</span> Who told the Covid inquiry that his family were threatened with 'having their throats cut' during the pandemic and that he was asked by police to leave his house over safety concerns?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>Home Secretary James Cleverly denied describing which Northern town as a 'shithole'?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7.</span> Why did Shrewsbury Town Council postpone its Christmas lights switch-on?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">8.</span> Thirty-four people were arrested and a police officer was seriously injured during a riot following a knife attack in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9.</span> Lorries carrying medical supplies made their way into Gaza from Egypt after a four-day pause in fighting, mediated by which country, was agreed by Israel and Hamas? </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> Four men received minimum jail sentences of more than 41 years for the murder of 28-year-old Ashley Dale in her home in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> Firms including Apple, Disney, IBM and Comcast paused adverts on X (formerly Twitter) after it was accused of what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12. </span>The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health warned doctors to be on high alert for what disease as vaccine rates among young children dipped to a ten-year low?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> Staff at which company, that created ChatGPT, called on the board to resign after the dismissal of former boss and co-founder Sam Altman?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> Who is to be released from prison on parole in January, nearly 11 years after he murdered his girlfriend?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15. </span>Former TV pundit Javier Milei, who wielded a chainsaw to illustrate his plans to cut down the size of the state, was elected president of which country?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16. </span>What is the name of the leader of the anti-Islam Party for Freedom which became the largest party in the Dutch parliament?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> R&B singer Cassie accused who of sex trafficking and assault in a lawsuit filed in a New York court?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> Why did Taylor Swift postpone a concert in Brazil on Saturday night?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>Who agreed to pay a fine of €7million (£6.1million) in a deal with Spanish tax authorities to avoid a trial?<br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">20.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> What is the name of the TV presenter, who fronted Posh Frocks And New Trousers, Razzmatazz and appeared on I'm A Celebrity, who died aged 64, four months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Researchers in California claimed to have discovered why some people get a headache after what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>Why will non-league football team Horsham play in the second round of the FA cup despite losing their first round game 3-0? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23. </span>Australia won the Cricket World Cup by six wickets after a Travis Head century took them to victory over which country?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> According to a poll by Perspectus Global which word, used to describe something extremely good or impressive, was voted the most irritating in modern culture?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">25. </span>The King presented members of which South Korean K-pop group with honorary MBEs at Buckingham Palace?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-82336062429352854772023-11-17T13:38:00.008+00:002023-11-18T07:08:24.650+00:00It's time to tackle the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorers in last week’s newsquiz were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Liz Gerard</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Andy Reed</span> both on 22. Others on the leaderboard were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Giles Borg </span>on 21, <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> on 20.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> on 20, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> on 19.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span> on 19, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jo Wadsworth</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Chay Quinn</span> on 18, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Claire@Savy</span> on 16.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Gavin Devine</span> on 16 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Ed Mortimer</span> on 15.5. The top scoring team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Meike Leonard, Pieter Snepvangers and Sam Lawley </span>on 21.5, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> on 19.5, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Neil and Jo Benson</span> on 19, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> on 18.5 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Elsom and Monica Greep</span> on 17. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg1wHGE9XzyNMB4Q1wkj2Rz69B59-LLNwXABXiTUxCJ4gwZsI5vhTlAmTE1-gpxGp3Z1rVrRLvI8CGeZCd-I7Rwhqy2ycFPr-_bIA66lx4zrRvvDBsa9tB2Lni2mewPg5aiezTK9Ig3PGF3UXCxxgjBSill1LLIRDWIE4lhDRlCRm6gdodjmPAfvYpTpc/s1200/F-2ft1KXgAAUCEo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg1wHGE9XzyNMB4Q1wkj2Rz69B59-LLNwXABXiTUxCJ4gwZsI5vhTlAmTE1-gpxGp3Z1rVrRLvI8CGeZCd-I7Rwhqy2ycFPr-_bIA66lx4zrRvvDBsa9tB2Lni2mewPg5aiezTK9Ig3PGF3UXCxxgjBSill1LLIRDWIE4lhDRlCRm6gdodjmPAfvYpTpc/s320/F-2ft1KXgAAUCEo.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Tuesday's Cabinet reshuffle front pages</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> In a letter responding to her sacking as Home Secretary, which of these did Suella Braverman not say about Rishi Sunak? a) He failed to deliver on every single key policy b) He needed to resign and call a General Election c) He opted for wishful thinking as a comfort blanket to avoid hard choices d) He was uncertain, weak and lacking in leadership. <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>David Cameron’s appointment as Foreign Secretary was celebrated by which country, saying it had the 'potential to breathe new life' into its relationship with the UK?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. </span>Lord Cameron’s first trip abroad as Foreign Secretary was to which country?<br /></span><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">4.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> In the Cabinet reshuffle, who replaced Steve Barclay as Health Secretary?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5.</span> Esther McVey made a return to the Cabinet, as a minister without portfolio, with Downing Street sources saying she would be Rishi Sunak's '__ __ tsar'? What are the two missing words?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6.</span> Sir Keir Starmer suffered a rebellion over his position on the Israel-Gaza war, with how many Labour MPs voting for an immediate ceasefire?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>How many judges at the Supreme Court upheld a Court of Appeal ruling that the Government's Rwanda asylum policy was unlawful?<br /></span><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">8. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Former deputy prime minister Damian Green compared Suella Braverman's five-point proposal to get the Rwanda flights off the ground to the behaviour of who?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9.</span> Inflation fell to what per cent in October, its lowest level for two years?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> Health Secretary Michael Matheson made a statement to the Scottish Parliament in which he blamed what on his sons?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11.</span> Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said doing what was 'unfortunate' and 'inflammatory in certain ways' but it was not illegal?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> Which county's police force apologised for 'failing' 23-year-old Gracie Spinks, who was stabbed to death by a former colleague? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> What was the name of the eight-month old baby at the centre of a legal battle who died after her life support was turned off at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> Six people, including three children, died in a house fire in which London borough?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15.</span> Two children of what age were charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death in Wolverhampton?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16. </span>Why was the town of Grindavik being evacuated?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Everton FC said it was shocked and disappointed to have been deducted how many points for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> At what occasion did Russell Watson sing How Great Thou Art at Manchester Cathedral on Monday?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>King Charles celebrated his 75th birthday with the launch of a project to help people facing what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>Why were people living in the Italian seaside town of Ladispoli told to not leave their homes on Saturday?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris, the co-founders of which company, are to receive £144million each after agreeing to sell their business to Mars?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>What was director Ridley Scott's three-word message for those pointing out factual inaccuracies in his new film Napoleon?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Who raised more than £4million for Children in Need by running and walking 115 miles from Leicester to Bolton over four days?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24. </span>Where will politician Nigel Farage, This Morning presenter Josie Gibson and Britney Spears's sister Jamie Lynne be meeting this weekend?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25. </span>According to Samsung research what is the most popular song that Brits play when dusting and vacuuming?<br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-80937833516793763712023-11-10T13:14:00.006+00:002023-11-10T13:45:31.009+00:00Have a crack at the newsquiz<span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> with a score of 22, just ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Marion Fountayne</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> on 21. Others on the leaderboard were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Robert Rea</span>, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Johnny Jenkins</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Gavin Devine</span> on 20 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Surfleet </span>on 18. The top teams were <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jack Elsom</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">and Monica Green</span> and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons </span>on 20, just ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> on 19.5 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> on 19. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week’s news stories. Give it a go and let me know your score.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQCTbJIlGN1p1iPr8Z7ROl7DxkyUv34xAJd014D1AUL6IFdM0HZAN08zxsolrgKoR-zoJpRSRKuNdtc_Y7EFjR7JEOEusyvdXwdZR2MFo1MB7ezm-SyvmHrKpwrX1DE430oGd49w4WoJEfJstMWo3q0KUTcHRRc9QeaUJUCNiJ7wPxlAHeGvhybAylX7e/s1800/F-jVnFDXEAI2WvK.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQCTbJIlGN1p1iPr8Z7ROl7DxkyUv34xAJd014D1AUL6IFdM0HZAN08zxsolrgKoR-zoJpRSRKuNdtc_Y7EFjR7JEOEusyvdXwdZR2MFo1MB7ezm-SyvmHrKpwrX1DE430oGd49w4WoJEfJstMWo3q0KUTcHRRc9QeaUJUCNiJ7wPxlAHeGvhybAylX7e/s320/F-jVnFDXEAI2WvK.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">A selection of today's front pages</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. </span>There were calls for </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Home Secretary </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Suella Braverman to be sacked after Downing Street said it had not cleared an article, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">published in which newspaper,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> that accused the Met police of bias?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>Which Cabinet minister said of Suella Braverman’s comments about police bias, that they 'are not words that I myself would have used’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. </span>During a debate on the King's Speech, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer warned Rishi Sunak that without a serious what he could not be a serious Prime Minister?<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> Prince Charles delivered the first King’s Speech in more than 70 years as he outlined how many laws that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants get through Parliament before the next election?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>Reacting to the pro-Palestinian marches planned for the weekend, the founder of the English Defence League Tommy Robinson posted a video calling for a gathering where on Saturday 'to show that British people aren’t happy’?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">6. </span>Home Secretary Suella Braverman was criticised after saying: ‘We cannot allow our streets to be taken over by rows of tents occupied by people, many of them from abroad, living on the streets as a__ __. What are the two missing words?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">7.</span> The White House said Israel had agreed to enforce humanitarian pauses in fighting </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">for how long </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">every day to allow Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">8.</span> Which two former prime ministers visited Israel, saying they were there to express solidarity with the Netanyahu government? Half a point for each.<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">9.</span> United Nations secretary general António Guterres said: 'We must act now to find a way out of this brutal, awful, agonising dead end of destruction. Gaza is becoming a __ for children.’ What is the missing word?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> Lord Sedwill, who was Cabinet Secretary until the autumn of 2020, told the Covid inquiry that he had left then Prime Minster Boris Johnson 'under no doubt’ that who should be replaced?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">11. </span>Former Tory Party chairman Jake Berry sent a letter to police exposing an alleged cover-up of what offence committed by an MP?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> In her book, The Plot: The Political Assassination of Boris Johnson, former Cabinet minister Nadine Dorries revealed that a Tory known as Dr No cut up what and nailed it to a former girlfriend’s family's front door? <br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> A 14-year-old was charged with murder after a 15-year-old boy died in a stabbing near a school in which city?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">14. </span>British Steel announced a £1.25 billion plan to replace two blast furnaces in which town - threatening up to 2,000 jobs?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">15. </span>Just Stop Oil protesters were arrested after smashing the glass on the Rokeby Venus painting at the National Gallery in London, which had previously been targeted by which campaign group?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">16. </span>Two men pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court to health and safety offences after 11 customers were left with spinal injuries while doing what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Who left her weekly BBC Radio Wales show, saying she would 'not be silenced' by the corporation’s new social media guidelines?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">18.</span> Disney was criticised for recreating what in London for a TV drama?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>Arkansas military veteran Aaron James became the first person in the world to have what transplanted?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>Which retailer reported better-than-expected results for the first half of the year - with pre-tax profits rising 56 per cent to £326million?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">21. </span>What is the name of the newspaper company, owners of the Mirror, Express, Star and more than 200 regional titles, which announced plans to cut 450 jobs?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">22. </span>The drug anastrozole was licensed by the NHS regulatory agency after trials showed it could reduce the incidence of what by almost 50 per cent?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23.</span> Nestle announced it had made the 'difficult decision' to scrap what confectionary bar after 64 years due to low sales?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found that British women topped the list as the world’s biggest what?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">25. </span>Britain’s loneliest sheep, rescued by farmers after being stranded on a beach in Scotland for two years, was given what name?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6404500052876853876.post-39539410508626866872023-11-03T15:09:00.001+00:002023-11-03T15:36:51.629+00:00Time to tackle the newsquiz<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The top solo scorer in last week’s newsquiz was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Janet Boyle</span> with 21.5, just ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">George Mann</span> on 20, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Marguerite Turner</span> on 18, <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jayme Bryla</span> on 17.5 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Toby Brown </span>on 17. The top team was <span style="color: #cc0000;">Bruce and Sarah Hayward</span> with 17.5, ahead of <span style="color: #cc0000;">Maura and Phil Parsons</span> on 17 and <span style="color: #cc0000;">Adam Batstone and Lucy Thorpe</span> on 16.5. It was clearly a tougher week with a lot of quiz regulars posting below average scores. Here is this week’s newsquiz. As usual there are 25 questions about the week. Give it a go and let me know your score. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWBrm0Sc0GKlCU35dKX1P8xTJ-our8niSngltuS_xz0fipKaFXFHJwROQ2gY5a3pt5t3kIk6wxty6FZI9_oo0-3mO4yJCtEyadV66qIQrNkVOcsxfXQPkJd5ygRBiE9aABD-RK-o55nr_IPm0l7nOhYxhyqtghbxIqUlxdVD5n_BRiJ6cUOH25b20rw1X/s1423/Pages%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="1149" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWBrm0Sc0GKlCU35dKX1P8xTJ-our8niSngltuS_xz0fipKaFXFHJwROQ2gY5a3pt5t3kIk6wxty6FZI9_oo0-3mO4yJCtEyadV66qIQrNkVOcsxfXQPkJd5ygRBiE9aABD-RK-o55nr_IPm0l7nOhYxhyqtghbxIqUlxdVD5n_BRiJ6cUOH25b20rw1X/s320/Pages%20front.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">A selection of today's front pages</span></div><p></p><div class="ApplePlainTextBody" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; word-wrap: break-word;"><br /></div><div class="ApplePlainTextBody" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">1.</span> The Covid inquiry heard that former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance had written that Boris Johnson was obsessed with older people accepting what? </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. </span>At the Covid inquiry, who described the Cabinet Office as a 'bomb site' and a 'dumpster fire', with many officials in the wrong job?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. </span>The Covid inquiry heard that former Health Secretary Matt Hancock told officials that he – rather than the medical profession – 'should ultimately decide what’?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">4.</span> What six-word phrase did Palestinian supporters chant in London, was described by Home Secretary Suella Braverman as an 'expression of a violent desire to see Israel erased’ and led to Labour MP Andy McDonald being suspended?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. </span>Speaking after a Cobra meeting, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said of the London pro-Palestine protests: 'To my mind there is only one way to describe those marches: They are __ marches’? What is the missing word?<br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;">6.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> A mob shouting antisemitic slogans stormed an airport in which Russian republic, hunting for people arriving from Tel Aviv?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">7. </span>An activist tossed dozens of what, painted in the colours of the Palestine flag, into a Birmingham McDonald’s?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">8. </span>What is the name of the crossing between Gaza and Egypt that opened for the first time in more than three weeks to allow the evacuation of injured Palestinians and foreign passport holders?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. </span>A video of a window being blown-in was caught on a baby monitor, <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(20, 20, 20); color: #141414;">hailstones 'bigger than golf balls' hit locals and dozens of </span>people were evacuated to hotels when Storm Ciarán brought 104mph winds to which island?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">10.</span> How old was Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing in Friends, who was found dead in a hot tub at his LA home? <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">11. </span>What name was given to the declaration signed by 28 governments, including the UK, US and China, on the first day of the AI safety summit?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">12.</span> In a discussion with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, at the end of the AI safety summit, tech billionaire Elon Musk predicted: 'There will come a point where no __ is needed.' What is the missing word?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">13.</span> Police investigated the death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who died after a 'freak accident', while playing for which team?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">14.</span> Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced that plans to do what had been withdrawn because they failed to meet the required standards?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">15. </span>Former leadership candidate Ash Regan quit the SNP to become the first ever MSP for which party?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">16. </span>The Colombian government said the father of which Premier League footballer had been kidnapped by left-wing rebels?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">17.</span> Marks & Spencer apologised after a clip from its Christmas advert was criticised for showing burning paper hats resembling what?<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">18. </span>Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales, who kissed a player following the Women's World Cup final, was banned from all football-related activities for how many years by Fifa?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">19. </span>Who withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, saying 'this is not my time’?</span></div></div><div class="ApplePlainTextBody" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">20. </span>King Charles acknowledged the 'abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against’ the people of which country in their struggle for independence?</span></div><div class="ApplePlainTextBody" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">21.</span> Yorkshire Cricket Club agreed to sell its ground, Headingley, for £23million to who?</span></div><div class="ApplePlainTextBody" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">22.</span> In a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: 'I am excited to say that I am shortly going to be joining you on __ __’ What are the missing words?<br /><span style="color: #cc0000;">23. </span>In the Rugby World Cup, All Blacks captain Sam Cane became the first player to do what?<br /></span></div><div class="ApplePlainTextBody" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">24.</span> Lionel Messi won the men's Ballon d'Or, for the best footballer in the world for 2022-23, meaning he has collected the award for a record number of times. How many?</span></div><div class="ApplePlainTextBody" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">25.</span> The Beatles song Now And Then was released with the help of AI and audio tech pioneered by which film director?</span></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Answers <a href="https://sandsmediaservices.blogspot.com/p/newsquiz-answers_20.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a></span></div>Peter Sandshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17353740636707756851noreply@blogger.com0