CIU Quiz Regional Heat

This year marks only the second time I have entered the National CIU Quiz but already it has became one of the quizzing highlights of the year. It was off to the Lemmington Social Club in Newcastle again for this years Regional Heat. The Sunderland Echo Quiz League often organises a few teams to compete in the event and due to the fact that we came third last year, it was decided that the team would remain in tact.

The quiz itself is great fun with a nice range of questions, pitched well and enjoyable. Sport and Tv/Film play a big part but there are also rounds on Connections, a List Round (this time it was listing the 10 players with over 500 Premier League Appearances) and a picture round that is more than just "Name this Celebrity". A written round of 10 questions comes towards the end just before a Who Am I? round in which a number of clues are read about a particular person...the sooner you answer the more points on offer. Ongoing scores are given so you know exactly how you are faring and there are plenty of prizes to be won not just for the winners, but "nearest the pin" bonus roads, booby prizes for the team who are second last and prizes for TV/Film and Sport rounds.

This year was always going to be tough. Gosforth Empire have won the national final in previous years, and although we beat them at last years final, they hammered us in the heat and did so again this year.

In fact from early on the quiz was between 4 teams with only 3 places up for grabs in the final. At the half way stage it became apparent that we were in a scrap for third. A team involving Mastermind finalist Michael McPartland and  players from the Sunderland League were scrapping it out at the top with Gosforth Empire whilst ourselves, and a Middlesbrough based team headed by Mastermind Champion Clive Dunning were neck and neck with a team including myself, Brain of Britain Semi Finalist 2014 Dave Taylor and local quiz league players.

Going into the written round there was half a point in it. We felt we maybe had 9 or 10 on the written round which would have given us a shout going into the final round. Within seconds of the first clue starting in the final round Dave went in for 5 points recognising it was Sandi Toksvig from some obscure clue. I think in fact Dave was the only person in the room to get it from the first clue so we could only watch and wait. The team from Middlesborough seemed to submit there answer for 3 points which meant it was going to be tight.

In the end it was the written round that cost us with neither of the team knowing the country in which John Peel died (I had a hunch for Greece...Dave did say South America and it turned out to be Peru) and also not recognising the postcode for Buckingham Palace. With the Middlesbrough team scoring a full house it meant even with the success in the last round we missed out by a mere point. Winning the Sport Round (£40 prize) was a mere consolation.

It will be a shame not to compete in this years CIU Final as it is indeed one of the quizzing highlights of the year for me, but congratulations to the three teams who made it and I hope one of you takes the title in Septembers Final.

Roll on next year

Mastermind - New Series

Quick update to mention that Mastermind returns on Friday 8th August BBC 2at 8pm!

The Mastermind Challenge will be taking place again this year so keep an eye out!

Pub Quizzing: The Isis, Sunderland

The Isis, Sunderland

I may have mentioned previously that one of my favourite local quizzes is Monday Night Quiz at the Isis in Sunderland. Recently they have decided to drop Red Tooth, for reasons unknown as the quiz was very popular every single week, and bring in a local quizmaster. I was pleasantly surprised to realise, upon attending this week’s quiz, that the quizmaster was a fellow Sunderland Echo Quiz League player….already my expectations were high.

The quiz now starts out with a very reasonable round of 10 pictures which you have all night to work out. The quiz is geared, in my view, towards the 45+ age range as most of the punters tend to be around that age and hence the picture round reflects this. ….as does the second round which is music. Failed to recognise Tommy Steele amongst others and thus at the end of the first two rounds we were rather far behind (or at least I assumed so).

The questions follow with a mix of themed rounds (Sport, TV/Film etc) with a connections round thrown in for good measure. All quite a nice mix of questions on this occasion. The only round I did not take a liking to was the multiple choice round which were questions based mainly on guesswork. This was followed by one of my favourite rounds….Guess the Year? This round involves being told 5 years (1991,1993,1995,1997,1999) for instance. You are then given a list of events and have to decided which year they happened in. Each year can only be used once and it makes for cracking fun when the clues are as well pitched as this!

The quiz ends with a Wipeout Round. This is followed by a “raffle ticket” jackpot question in front of the pub with 2 rounds of Card bingo thrown in. Quite a packed night!

In all The Isis change has been for the better in terms of questions….it is now hand written rather than bought in. (I do enjoy Red Tooth though). The attendance was low compared to when I last went, with about 25 people in 5 teams but some annoying factors have been cut out (such as the over generous help from the quizmaster!!).

All in all The Isis remains a fantastic pub quiz night in Sunderland and well worth a visit.

Week in Quizzing

Although most the week has been spent unpacking (mainly books) there has been plenty of time for other bits and bobs. The CIU Quiz North East Heat took place on Wednesday and I headed through to Lemmington in Newcastle, with the same team who had placed 3rd at the national finals last year, so hopes were high. I will be doing a separate post about the event later but suffice to say for now things did not work out as planned.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The World Cup and Commonwealth Games have been merely a distraction as I await the return of the Sunderland Echo Quiz League :). The presentation night, with the annual pairs competition takes place this week. I very much enjoyed the pairs last year, the first time indeed I had quizzed in such a competition. Of course, often I quiz in a twosome but I very much enjoyed the pairs contest and hope to do a tad better this year!

Ashbrooke will also receive their winners trophy after winning the league last year. In two season I have played the league I think a different team has won all of the 4 competitions I have taken part in which bodes well for the diversity of the league I guess!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have spent a lot of the week setting for the upcoming knockout contest that precedes the Sunderland Echo Quiz League actually. Over the summer I have been cobbling together odd pairs of questions here and there only to find when I drew up my list, I had over 160 questions (only 48 needed) so the weekend was spent narrowing it down for the set to be used on 6th August. I will of course post up the set once the games have been played.

I find setting to be a very enjoyable part of being in a Quiz League. I never thought prior to joining the League I would say that, but I would love to set League questions on a more permanent and regular basis.

One of my favourite quizzing memories of last year was setting, and presenting, a full set of questions to the League which produced 3 close games. Fingers crossed for this set.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am still on the lookout for quizzes in South Shields to attend. I have not quite had time to hunt around the pubs as of yet but a friend who works at Red Tooth has given me some ideas of local pubs hosting quiz nights. If anyone local knows any good quiz nights within South Shields...please let me know.

Around the World in Quiz Shows #3 - The Chase USA

The Chase USA

Currently in its third season on the Game Show Network in the USA, The Chase has been a big hit since it crossed the pond. Above is the first episode of the second season (not a great deal of choice on Youtube).

I don't need to explain to you the rules of The Chase. The USA version remains the same as the original UK version with a number of minor exceptions.

1) There are only 3 players. The episodes are not shorter but there is much more chit chat and the pace of the whole show seems a tad slower. They have dropped a lot of the dramatic music, the "alarm" that rings when the player or chaser has given an answer is gone and the whole thing feels a lot less intense than the UK version.

2) Presence of the Chaser. Mark is there from the off and stays there throughout. No coming and going. I like this idea. Coupled with the visible audience and the whole "in the pit" feel of the show it gives a different feel and increases the whole "duel" element, which is of course central to the show. Mark is much more animated and more of a "deal" is made about him, if you get my drift. 

3) Cash Builder. Each question is worth $5,000 meaning there is more money at stake in this version (even taking into account conversion rates). The questions are well pitched throughout.

4) The show has a different feel to it, as mentioned above and GSN have thrown in the usual "hyping up" and "coming up trailers" which often, in the episodes I have seen, gives spoilers away. 

5) Final Chase. Time isn't wasted by saying the names of the contestants who have buzzed in. I suppose that gives the contestants a little more time in the full scale of things than in the UK version.

Overall, despite the slower pace and loss of the intensity of the UK version this is, at the core, the same Chase we know and love. 

Around the World in Quiz Shows #2 - Millionaire Hot Seat (Australia)

Millionaire Hot Seat (Australia)

Millionaire Hot Seat is the second show in the series I am currently putting together for the Blog looking at various quiz shows around the world. Currently on air Down Under is Millionaire Hot Seat, a variation on the obvious....

The game involves a circle of players with one in the Hot Seat. They are not working together and instead are playing for a solo win. The first player sits in the seat and the game beings with the usual range of "gimmie" questions for easy money.

When the first player hits a question they don't know on Millionaire Hot Seat they can pass and in comes the next player in the circle. They cannot pass on the question the previous player passed on and thus must have a guess. Any incorrect answer and that player is eliminated! As the correct answers keep coming the money keeps building. Traditional WWTBAM money scoring starting out at £100 and ending up 15 questions later with $250,000.

The pace is fast and the questions are against a timer so there is little time to breath after the initial chats when the new contestants emerge. One thing I am learning though is that Australian TV is insane in terms of advert breaks so if you are following these series on You Tube be prepared for Aussie ads! I did try and find edited versions for the links but gave up!

So who wins this came of Millionaire musical chairs? Whoever is in the hotseat and gives the final correct answer of the show. 

My general opinion is that Millionaire Hot Seat is a fun show putting a new twist on an tried and tested theme. In the episodes I have seen there is a tactical element as people pass in the hope of coming back in the seat later when the money is bigger. It gives every episode a different feel and every game a different path. The questions soon get harder as the big money comes so there is plenty to get stuck in and I must admit to enjoying Millionaire Hot Seat very much indeed!

Another big money game show in Australian. With Million Dollar Minute reviewed last week and Millionaire Hot Seat this week, it seems Australian quizzers have plenty of big money shows to aim for!

Any thoughts on Millionaire Hot Seat?

Ten For Tuesday

Ten Pub Quiz Questions to keep you going for Tuesday...


1. Xena Hughes, daughter of former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes, is due to represent Wales in which sport at the upcoming Commonwealth Games?

2. Under what name has Natasha Khan released her latest album "The Haunted Man"?

3. Melanza is the Italian name for what food?

4. The name of which type of pasta translates from Italian as "Big Tubes" or "Pipes"?

5. Zalando, the largest European online specialist fashion company, is based in which country?

6. Who wrote the bestseller "Chocolat", later adapted into a famous movie? Her latest title is "The Gospel of Loki"

7.Name the photographer who has been dubbed "Mary Poppins with a Camera" after a large collection of her works were discovered this week turning her into something of a posthumous icon?

8. Sally Pearson won a Gold Medal for Australia in the 2012 Olympics in what Athletics Event?

9. "The Fault in Our Stars" has been a major success at UK Box Offices recently....but can you name the author of book on which the film is based?

10. Who quit International football after captaining Germany to victory in the 2014 Fifa World Cup?



Answers

1. Hockey
2. Bat For Lashes
3. Aubergine
4. Cannelloni
5. Germany
6. Joanne Harris
7.Vivian Maier
8. 110m Hurdles
9. John Green
10. Phillip Lahm

Week in Quizzing

I may have mentioned previously that I have spent much of the weekend moving home. Not as stressful as a full move as I have simply moved around 20 minutes down the road and into my girlfriends flat. After spending 2 years living in Sunderland, a time which I have enjoyed very much, it is onwards to South Shields. I will thus be spending some time over the next few weeks searching for local quizzes so if anyone is from the area, or knows of any good quizzes, let me know!

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Transporting my book collection was by far the trickiest task of the venture. Faced with constant questions of  -

 

 

“Do you really need this one”?

 

”Isn’t this World History Book the same as that World History Book?”

 

”I am sure I have just seen three copies of this Pears Cyclopedia somewhere else?”

 

 

But no, despite the added trips and the back breaking effort, I managed to not part with a single book. Result!

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

I have managed to keep revision going strong this week. As strange as this sounds, my new moves means more commuting time, and as I am currently using public transport, this means more reading time.  One book which has kept my attention is Thomas Penn’s excellent The Winter King. A Gripping fact-heavy, highly readable account of a fascinating period in British History. Follow the link below for more information – HERE

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

I have also been ramping up my Shakespeare knowledge as, despite feeling confident enough with it since I first started taking up quizzing seriously, I have been getting an awful lot of questions wrong on the subject as of late. To vary things up a bit I have been turning to a mixture of texts and film adaptations and must recommend this excellent star-studded adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. Click HERE for further informtion.

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

The week ahead sees the North East Heat of the CIU Quiz. If you recall, last year we made it through the heat in second place and managed to come third in the Final. With a team containing Kevin Ashman coming only second it was some achievement. I will once again be on a team with local players from the Sunderland Echo Quiz League (including Brain of Britain semi finalist Dave Taylor) so fingers crossed we can qualify again. In opposition will be teams including former national champions Gosforth Empire and a team led by current Mastermind Clive Dunning. Should be a great night!

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

Current Applications Pending:

 

 

Fifteen to One (Anyone who applied had word yet?)

 

The Edge (I think this may be filming soon so I can cross that off…)

 

Pointless (Still keeping my fingers crossed)

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Have a good week!!!!

Current Affairs Questions

A selection of questions on the news of the past week to test your knowledge ready for that pesky current affairs round that lies just around the corner....

Answers just below.


1. Najib Razak, much in the news this week, is the Prime Minister of which country?

2. Which American TV series may be forced to change its title in the UK after losing a court case this week?

3. Found on most high streets and in most villages across the country, a branch of what opened in St James Church this week?

4. It was announced that which British Actor will take over from Colin Firth as the voice of Paddington Bear?

5. Which former World Leader is currently involved in a trial which the press are dubbing "Rubygate"?

6. Typhoon Rammasun struck which country this week?

7. Who became the youngest female to ever be appointed a cabinet position this week in David Cameron's reshuffle?

8. Which 2012 Olympic Champion gave birth to a son, Reggie, this week?

9. Which former dictator is suing the makes of Call of Duty: Black Ops?

10. Released this week, "Age of Extinction" is the latest film in which series?

11. Who became Mrs.Fernandez-Versini?

12. The Tip of which Monarchs beard was sold at auction for £1,600?

13. Which multi-ward winner, real name Elly Jackson, released her second album - Trouble In Paradise?


Answers

1. Malaysia
2. Glee
3. The Post Office
4.Ben Whishaw
5. Silvio Berlusconi
6. China
7. Liz Truss
8. Jessica Ennis Hill
9. Manuel Noriega
10. Transformers
11.Cheryl Cole/Tweedy (Cheryl from Girls Aloud)
12. Charles I
13. La Roux

Around the World in Quiz Shows #1 - Million Dollar Minute (Australia)

Million Dollar Minute 

Million Dollar Minute is an Australian Game Show that I heard of recently and decided to hunt it down on Youtube….ah, the wonders of the Internet!

Hunting down the show has given me an idea for a new feature on the blog looking at gameshows from around the world and what better place to start than with Million Dollar Minute.

Million Dollar Minute began in 2013 and as the name suggests is a big money quiz show. Three contestants begin, as you can see in the above episode, on the buzzer for points. The winner of round 1 is made a cash offer for their points which they can choose to keep or sell. A nice little touch. The questions I have seen in the episodes so far have been pretty enjoyable in the first rounds and that in itself is enough to keep me coming back to Million Dollar Minute.

The second round is called Snapshot and begins with faded pictures after a question is asked . First to buzz gets the money or points…..contestants can choose the money for their pockets or the points to aid towards winning the round. Makes a good tactical element.

It is straight back to questions on the buzzer and points building after that with Million Dollar Minute offering cash for points at the end of the round.  By this point around $10k has been given away in most of the episodes I have watched without any of the contenders having to leave the show nor give up their chase of the big prize. Certainly a worthwhile game show in terms of financial incentives!

After a double point round, and more offers of cash, the player with the most points gets to play The Million Dollar Minute for $20,000. The Million Dollar Minute consists of a series of multiple choice questions. The contestant needs to simply answer 5 questions within the minute to win the money. Of course these questions are a little trickier than previous rounds and with only 2 seconds per question it puts the player under pressure. The player is not aware, in fact nor is the viewer, if the answers given are correct until the minute is up.

If the $20,000 has been won and the 5 questions have been answered, then the player gets a tough choice….take the $20,000 and go home, or play on for a chance at a Million! But staying on involves coming back to the show again and again and again with the prize money rising each time. I think it is around 7-8 shows a player would need to win to take the $1 Million. A Tough ask!

Overall I think Million Dollar Minute Is a fun gameshow with a good range of questions, nice mix of rounds. It rattles along at a fast pace (as you will see in the above video it is mainly the adverts that drag on!) and plenty of questions to get stuck into.  I enjoyed it and will certainly try and catch a few episodes online as and when I can.

Any thoughts on Million Dollar Minute?

Moving

For the second time since starting TQA I will be moving home this weekend so won't get time to update any posts on the blog for about the next 4-5 days.

University Challenge Quiz Book

The series returned to our screens this week with a cracking first episode. I thought I would take that opportunity to recommend the official BBC University Challenge Quiz Book. It has been out a few years now and I am sure many of you have it already, but for those who haven't its a cracking title packed full of challenging questions from the show. No filler, no wasted space....just reams of quality questions. 

Mid-week Questions...

     A few questions to beat the Wednesday blues....

1    1. What was the name of Lady Godiva’s husband?

2. Which Italian Painter and Sculptor helped shaped the Futurist movement, drafting two Futurist Manifestos in 1910 and 1912?

3. Which part of a church is separated from the main area  by the transept?

4. Which French writer, born in 1880, is credited coining the term “surrealism”?

5. Which 2014 film is based on a book with the subtitle “Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History”?

Answers

1. Leofric
2. Umbreto Boccioni
3. Apse
4. Apollinaire
5. The Monuments Men

Book Suggestion

Lucy Worsley is a name you have have heard before and lately she has became something of a regular on the BBC. I was actually unaware before buying this book "A Very British Murder" that it was based on a TV series. Nevertheless, after reading this title I have been hunting the episodes down online. The book looks at how murder became a national phenomenon, or rather I should say how the interest and obsession with murder cases became a national phenomenon. It charts the "big" murder cases of the period, looks at how murder became central to fiction and other related issues.

A great read! Well worth your time.

University Challenge - Match 1

University Challenge returned to BBC 2 last night, just when the World Cup was over..great timing!

The BBC tend to pick a cracking episode to start the series and they didn't disappoint this series. Manchester, who we followed in the documentary selecting the teams earlier in the month, took on Selwyn Cambridge. The game was very to and fro from the early stages but some very wreckless buzzing from Manchester, coupled with some cracking answers from Selwyn (particularly captain Pugh Ginn) was enough to give Selwyn the victory. With 160 Manchester could well be back but Selwyn look like a very strong contender already!

Great to be back!

University Challenge

I have broken my tradition of always seeming to miss the first episode of University Challenge. Largely thanks to the excellent Class of 2014 documentary shown by the BBC recently. Anyway, tonight Manchester University take on Selwyn College Cambridge in a first round tie.

15 for Friday

Almost the end of another week. In what I hope is the start of a semi regular feature here are 15 quick questions to get stuck into. Answers below....Let me know how many you managed!

Questions

1. Nouakchott is the capital of which country?
2. Which Mozart Opera opens on the island of Crete shortly after the Trojan War?
3. Steep Holm and Flat Holm both lie in which body of Water?
4. What is the opposite of a Phallic Symbol?
5. Hester Prynne and her baby Pearl feature in which 19th Century novel set in Boston?

6.Which puppet has been known in Spain as "La Rana Gustavo"?
7.Who was arrested under the name of John Palmen in 1739?
8. Following the Death of Martin Luther King, who became leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Organisation?

9. Archimago, a deceitful Wizard and The Red Cross Knight feature in which major Literary work?
10. In Indian religion, what name is given to the eternal law of the Cosmos, inherent in the very nature of things?

11. Wrigley Field is home to which MLB team?
12. Manchego Cheese originates in what country?
13. What name is given to a Young Pigeon?
14. The ELO system, created by Physicist Arpad Elo, is used to rank players of what game?
15. Which American Novelist is best known for her works "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged"?

Answers

1. Mauritania
2. Idomeneo
3. Bristol Channel
4. Yonic Symbol
5. The Scarlet Letter

6. Kermit the Frog
7. Dick Turpin
8. Ralph Abernathy
9. The Faerie Queen
10.Dharma

11. Chicago Cubs
12.Spain
13. Squab
14. Chess
15. Ayn Rand

Book Suggestions

This title - Atlas of Histories Greatest Heroes and Villains - may well feature in my annual run down of the most useful books I have used this year. Featured here are fact-heavy profiles of 50 famous figures from history as well as detailed maps of the areas in which they ruled, worked and fought etc. Each page is packed with useful quiz facts and it is ideal for revision and setting. Its currently doing the rounds in The Works and well worth a look!

Little bit off track here as there is very little quiz value in this work.....but I can't do a Book Suggestion list this week without mentioning the title which has held my attention more than any other. You won't need me to tell you that Tracey Thorn is one half of Everything But The Girl and her book, Bedsit Disco Queen, was released last year to much critical acclaim. When I noticed it on sale in The Works for a couple of quid I therefore couldn't turn it down and spend 2 days glued to this. Fascinating tale of her career and life, superbly written and highly entertaining whether you are a fan of EGBT or not!

10 Quick Questions

Its the middle of the week. Time for some teasers. (Hoping this becomes a regular feature) Answers below.....

Questions

1. Which novel of 1889 features George, Harris and Montmorency as the leading characters?

2. Which of the Greek Muses was the Goddess of love poetry?

3. Who is the patron saint of Astronomers?

4. Peace, Just Joey and Whisky Mac are all types of what?

5. In which Modern Day Country would you find Mount Hermon?

6. In Indian Cookery, what is Ghee?

7. Which organisation's HQ is the "George Bush Centre for Intelligence"?

8. Which major UK Mobile Phone Provider was previously known as Cellnet?

9. Which seminal literary work is set around the "Land of the Geats" in the 6th Century?

10. Jennie Finch is a famous American female in which sport?

Answers

1.Three Men in a Boat

2. Erato

3. Dominic

4. Rose

5. Syria

6. Butter

7. CIA

8. 02

9. Beowulf

10.Baseball/Softball

University Challenge Class of 2014

The BBC showed a very interesting documentary on the University Challenge application process for the upcoming series. Almost slipped my attention but thanks to iplayer I have caught up with it and you can see it for the next few days HERE (2x60 minute episodes)

Roll on the new series on Monday!

Quiz in the North

Passing this on from John Wilson who is organising a Quiz in a couple of weekends time in Rochdale. The event takes place on Saturday August 9th and already looks as if its going to be well attended. I have plans to go myself so perhaps look forward to seeing a few familiar faces!

Here is the information directly from John...




"Fed up of having to travel to quizzes?
Well, let us bring the quiz to you.
Announcing Quiz In The North, to take place on Saturday 9th August at Rochdale Town Hall, starting at 11:30. Before lunch there will be a shortish written quiz, with a slight bias towards questions about the North. After lunch there will be a quiz using handsets organised by Dave Bill, and then Dave Tilley will preside over a team table quiz. All are welcome for all or part of the day. Admission is £5 towards venue hire and printing costs.
If you have any queries, please contact me on 07969 858632 or via email at johnandirenewilson@btinternet.com Thanks John Wilson"

Sports Quest - Weekly Sports Quiz

I mentioned the great new app - Sports Quest - a few weeks back. Well worth a download for the normal and often updated content alone....but they have recently added a very useful section focusing on Sporting Current Affairs. A great way to keep up to date and check your knowledge of the latest goings on the World of Sport. Updated every week and the app itself is free to download.

Only Connect Final

Congratulations go to the Europhiles who were last night crowned champions of the latest series of Only Connect. Taking part in this series was a joy and even though we got eliminated in the early stages it was a pleasure to be a part of! Well done Europhiles!

I do however have one or two criticism about the last few episodes of this show. At first I thought it was just me, but having read around the net it seems many people share the view that the Final, and last weeks Semi in particular, were just way too obscure and this didn't half dent the fun! I have watched this show since series 1 and found last nights final a very very tough watch. Surely, for this to work on BBC 2, they need to avoid episodes like that last two. In earlier rounds the setting was great and the new setting team did a grand job but from the Semi Finals onwards, the quality from the previous series in terms of setting just wasn't there!

See you on BBC 2

Book Suggestions

(For some reason the Amazon link feature is not working today so apologies for lack of links)

The bookstores are full of titles commemorating the First World at at present. Max Hastings "Catastrophe" being just one amongst many but I doubt there are many finer title out there covering the period. Hastings has been one of the finest writers of his generation and this a detailed, engaging title which has the balance of stories and opinion just right. Despite being a long book it never gets boring and Hastings is as accessible and interesting as ever.

Sometimes the words "The Mammoth Book of...." can be a little off putting but not in this case. Travel in Dangerous Places is a great collection of writings from some of the explorers you have likely answered a thousand quiz questions about. Gripping and exciting reading with a fantastic selection chosen. Found it very useful in terms of cementing knowledge too!

Mastermind Specialist Subjects

After disappointments with Brain of Britain and Only Connect this year, not to mention Eggheads, my next aim is to appear on Mastermind. I have been having a thought as to what I may consider as a specialist subject and would appreciate any advice from contestants who have tackled the black chair in the past.

My main consideration is this.....do I go for subjects I am already fairly strong on, or learn a totally new subjects for the show?

I can see the benefit of both. If I were to take a subject about which I am already passionate then a little of the groundwork is done. Coupled with the fact that it will be something I am naturally interested in, I can certainly see the advantages. However, my main worries are a) killing my interest in the subject with learning it for Mastermind and b) not revising enough, if lucky enough to get on the show, due to assumed knowledge.

I am steering towards applying for the 2015/2016 series with subjects I know little about at present. The tactic to success seems to be to choose something narrow and I feel, the way I learn, taking something new and devoting a period of time to soaking up everything and anything about that particular subject would be the way forward.

Twitter Feed

The Twitter Feed is still going strong with questions added regularly, book reviews and useful links. @quizaddictblog is the address. Make sure to follow the account and please say hi whilst you are over there!

New Quiz Podcast

David Clark (Mastermind winner and author of the Life After Mastermind blog) has launched a new podcast containing questions, views and opinions. First episode is available HERE


Well worth a listen!

Fifteen to One

The news I guess most people were hoping for...Fifteen to One is coming back for a second series in its current incarnation. No news on if the criticism levelled at Series 1 have been listened to, considering the show dropped viewers heavily as the series went on you would imagine something may be done, but regardless of any of that the imformation you really will be wanting to know is the application process.

Simply pop off an email to 15to1apps@remedyproductions.tv and within no time the form will be with you.

Good luck!