January 2008


West Indies skipper Brian Lara says Ramnaresh Sarwan still has a great future ahead even though he was dropped for the second Test in Pakistan.


Batsman Sarwan, 26, was left out of the side for the game in Multan, which ended in a draw on Thursday.


“I think Ramnaresh Sarwan is one of the best talents of his generation and even the generation before.


“He is a leader, the vice-captain and someone that we expect a lot from,” Lara christian dating advices youth
.


“The West Indies did not invest 64 Test matches to have Sarwan sitting on the sidelines. This is dating profile tip that hopefully he can come back from and come back a lot dating seduction tip advice.”


Sarwan has scored more than 4,200 runs in Test cricket, but an average of 38.83 does not do full justice to his ability.


He was omitted after scoring only three and 23 in the first Test but could be back for the final game of the series after replacement Runako Morton managed only five in Multan.


“We need someone like that, in his mid 20s, going out there and taking control of our team.


“He will definitely be back. He’s a strong character and someone who we are all going to enjoy seeing in future,” said Lara.


West Indies must win in Karachi to square the series and their captain believes they can take a lot of speed dating advices ny ny from their second Test performance.


“We were in a commanding position up until the fifth day. We couldn’t fault the guys for the effort, but it was still a very good pitch for batting.


“I think there really should be a bit more of a test for the batters. Black dating man tip we can see that in Karachi,” Lara added.

Political gossip blogs are the ones which are currently attracting the most readers, which shouldn’t be a surprise. They’re among the funniest of the sites on offer, and there’s always been a market for the scurrilous end of political coverage. And scurrilous is what you get at sites like Order Order, which is run by a libertarian long distance dating tip under the name “Guido Fawkes”. Political junkies may find Guido’s tittle-tattle irresistible, but for those of a shockable disposition, the BBC caveat about not being responsible for external websites applies double. Guido has also branched out into podcasting with another gossip blogger, Recess Monkey, where the sympathies are with New Labour, but the tone is hardly reverent. A recent new source of gossip is the splendidly-named Iain Dale’s Diary, where the former Tory candidate offers podcasts, newsletters and traditional blogging, and one post states the philosophy of many weblogs: “It’s Up to the Blogs to Make it Hit the Fan.”

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

Commentary is another avenue taken by a lot of blogs. Bloggers can find it hard to do traditional journalism, since they lack the hours, contacts and access of their cousins in print and broadcast. But political commentary is open to anyone who can write. (Most can’t, of course, but then the same applies to the papers.) Some good places to start would be ConservativeHome, which gives a better picture of the state of the Tory party than any of the official sites; the site it inspired, LabourHome (strapline: “back to the roots”); Post Political Times, where former Lib Dem MP Richard Allan has the time to be thoughtful and the Adam Smith Institute Blog, your one-stop shop for free market snippets.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

Campaigning blogs keep appearing on the scene. Make My Vote Count has electoral reform in its sights, but offers a good overview of British politics; LibDem Blogs does what it says on the banner, aggregating from dozens of yellow-liveried campaign sites and Backing Blair does the opposite of what it says on the banner, offering news and campaigning tools in the hope that you’ll get “Labour in - Blair out”.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

Linkblogs are one the oldest and snappiest uses of the technology. If you find a blog like this that you enjoy, it’s a good way of getting a daily digest of articles and stories from other blogs and from the papers. The bewilderingly prolific Tim Worstall has a sometime focus on economics, but covers the gamut with lan; the same applies to Europhobia with regard to the EU and The Virtual Stoa keeps the blogosphere’s brainy Marxist wing up to speed.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

Satirical blogs are where lampooners do the same as the lesbian dating advices websites above. Computers have let bloggers do what would have needed an edit suite or developing studio not so long ago. In the world of satirical manipulation of photos and images, the best are Beau Bo D’Or and Bloggerheads, there are animations at Eclectech, and old-fashioned tasteless text at Chase Me, Ladies, I’m In The Cavalry.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites

Finally, there are the opinion blogs, which do much the same job as newspaper columnists - sometimes better; sometimes worse. The writing you enjoy the most may not be from bloggers whose politics you share: the easiest way is to dive in, try a few, follow the links from their “blogrolls”, and remember the ones you’ve liked. In no particular order, then, have a peek at Dodgeblogium, Councillor Bob Piper, A Big Stick & A Small Carrot,Chicken Yoghurt, Blithering Bunny, Harry’s Place, Samizdata and Blood & Treasure.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.

If you’re overwhelmed with bookmarks, the best thing you can do is read about how RSS can help you manage your new reading.

And no round-up of UK political blogs would be complete without a tip of the hat to the BBC’s own bloggers, including Nick Robinson’s Newslog, Newsnight’s Idle Scrawl and Martin Rosenbaum’s Freedom of Information blog Open Secrets.

Click here to return to the top

Political dating man tip reaches the UK

It can be difficult trying to find political information online. To find the Labour Party’s manifesto, do you go to Labour Dot Com? Maybe New Hyphen Labour Dot Co Dot UK?

And making matters more frustrating are the annoying pranks played by political parties pretending to be each other online.

So we’ve been through all the spoof sites and dead ends so that you don’t have to: here’s a long list of political parties. And do help us keep it up to date by emailing any changes you’ve noticed to alan.connor@bbc.co.uk.

Click here to return to the top

How is the net changing politics?

That would be a tad harsh. Weblogs let politicians talk in a different way. They’re still accountable, but they can be less formal and, so far, less cowed by the whips.

Some, like Sandra Gidley use their sites to keep up with constituency matters. Some, like Boris Johnson, just seem to like talking. And others (say, Austin Mitchell’s) are a pleasing mix of different styles and aims.

Find one you like by browsing our list of politicians with blogs, and again: please help us keep it up to date by emailing alan.connor@bbc.co.uk.

Click here to return to the top

alan.connor@bbc.co.uk,
texting to 82237 or by using the form below.

We’d also like to hear from you if you’re one of the bloggers inspired by the Beeb to get your writing out there, drop us a line.

Happy surfing!

Click here to return to the top

Send us your comments:

Name:

Your E-mail address:

Country:

Comments:

Disclaimer: The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.

Mon 28 Jan 2008

News - Tips to help you stay safe online

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There are now thought to be more than 200,000 malicious programs in existence - the vast majority of which are aimed at subverting Windows PCs.


These problem programs can arrive via e-mail, instant messenger, through your internet connection or even your web browser if you visit the wrong website. The threats are so numerous and appear so fast that Windows users must feel under siege.


While there is no doubt that attacks on PC users are getting more sophisticated, it is possible to avoid the vast majority of problems by taking some straight-forward steps and exercising some common sense.


If you are worried about your computer it is possible to scan it via the web to see if it is infected. Companies such as Trend Micro, Kaspersky and Microsoft all offer free scanning services.


Organisations such as the Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert) also offer advice on how to set up a safe net connection.

ANTI-VIRUS


The first piece of security software every PC user needs is some anti-virus software. It must also be regularly updated to ensure it protects you against the latest threats.


One of the ways that virus writers try to catch out anti-virus software is by pumping out enormous numbers of variations of their malicious creations. Good anti-virus programs use heuristic techniques to spot viruses that have not been formally identified but have all the characteristics.

STAYING SAFE ONLINE
Use love and dating tip and anti-virus programs
On at least a weekly basis update anti-virus and spyware products
Install a firewall and make sure it is switched on
Make sure updates to your operating system are installed
Take time to educate yourself and family about the risks
Monitor your computer and stay alert to threats
Hi-tech crime: A glossary

Many PCs now come with anti-virus installed and though an annual subscription can seem expensive, it might be cheap when you consider how much it could save you if it stops your bank details being stolen.


As well as retail versions of anti-virus there are now some free programs that do a good job of protecting you. Avira, Avast and AVG all produce free anti-virus software.


Microsoft now sells a package of security programs but, so far, they are only available to US users.

FIREWALL


A firewall is also an essential piece of security software for PC users. Newer versions of Windows XP have a firewall built in and this will give you protection against nuisance attacks and many of the more serious ones.

HI-TECH CRIME PLANS
The BBC News website is running a series of features throughout the week
Tuesday: What did we catch in our honeypot?
Wednesday: Anatomy of a spam e-mail and hackers face to face
Thursday: How to spot a phishing scam

However some people feel that the Windows XP firewall is a bit limited in its features. Many anti-virus programs have a firewall bundled with them.


There are free firewalls available too from firms such as Comodo and Zone Alarm.


To block some of the attacks it can also be useful to connect to the net via a hub or router. Often these have a firewall built in and, even if not, will do a good job of blocking a lot of the low level attacks.

SPYWARE


Increasingly simply browsing the web can subject you to all kinds of dangers. Specially crafted websites can initiate so-called “drive-by downloads” that exploit weaknesses in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser to install programs you never asked for.

Google logo, AP

Google has started warning people if they hit an unsafe site

At best these will annoy you with pop-up ads, at worst they will let someone else take control of your PC. Anti-spyware software will help stop these taking hold and help you clean up your PC if you do get hit.


There are add-ons for browsers, such as McAfee’s Site Advisor that warn you about dating interracial tip harmful sites. Also Google has now started warning when you are about to visit a potentially unsafe site. Search sites such as Scandoo will also flag sites loaded with malware.


These days adware tends to be very cons dating advices online pro
and it is far better to avoid an infection than try to clean up afterwards.


Security experts recommend migrating away from Internet Explorer to a browser such as Firefox or Opera. At the very least they say to keep Microsoft’s browser up to date with patches.


Anti-spyware activists Suzi Turner and Eric Howes run a website that lists the bogus security products to help you avoid falling victim. Microsoft makes free anti-spyware but there are many other products from firms such as Lavasoft and Spybot.

UPDATE


With Windows it is also important to keep your system up to date. Windows XP now regularly nags people about upgrades and Microsoft produces security patches on a monthly basis.

Online banking screen, BBC

Phishing gangs try to steal online dating tip for man details

Microsoft recommends automatic updating so patches are downloaded and applied as soon as they become available. As the time between the announcement of a vulnerability and it being exploited is shrinking, it pays to act quickly.


The other things you can do to stay safe fall into the realm of common sense. To begin with never open an attachment on an e-mail you were not expecting - even if it appears to come from someone you know.


Never reply to spam e-mail messages as that just confirms your address is live and makes it more valuable. Be wary of any e-mailed message about online financial accounts you own. Learn to spot the signs of phishing e-mails.

APPLE

Apple users who feel confident that they are invulnerable to attacks should also take steps to protect themselves.

While virus attacks are virtually unheard of, the platform can be subject to malware and adware.

The firewall on an Apple computer should be switched on and common sense regarding potential phishing attacks should be applied.

Sun 27 Jan 2008

Sport - Meet Tanni Grey Thompson

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And I grew up in a sporty family which made it easy for me.


I was one of those kids at school who tried every sport.


I had a go at everything. I tried swimming, archery, basketball and tennis.


Eventually I found athletics, and I’ve never looked back.


I think there are even more opportunities these days for kids who want to take up sport.


There are more sports clubs around and more coaching courses for people who want to coach disabled athletes.


I would say the most important thing for a young athlete starting out is to find a coach they like and get on with.


It has to be someone you can work with week in, week out, and someone you can completely trust.




For more information contact:
British Wheelchair Sports Foundation,
Sports and Events Development Manager,
Guttman Road, Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 9PP
Tel: 01296 395995

wheelpower@dial.pipex.com


Who was your inspiration as a young athlete?



When I was growing up, sport for disabled people didn’t get that much coverage on television.


But one of my first memories was watching fellow Welsh athlete Chris Hallam in the London Marathon.


I remember saying to my mum that I was going to do the London Marathon one day.


It was my dream to be there on the starting line with everyone else.


And if you’ve got that kind of dream it gives you something to aim for.


It’s important to have something you can focus on or have a plan to work towards.


If you put the hard work in, you have a chance of fulfilling your dream.





If you put the hard work in, you have a chance of fulfilling your dream


You train 50 weeks a year, how on earth do you stay motivated?



My biggest motivation is the fact that I dating romantic tip want to beat my husband, who is also an athlete.


I haven’t really got close to him yet though - and that makes me train even harder!


Focusing on him means I’m not getting script dating advices web site
with any of my female rivals.


It keeps me motivated, especially through the winter when we’re not competing for three months and the weather is cold and rainy.


It’s a difficult time to stay motivated so having my husband there with me makes it a lot easier.


I’m also a very selfish person, in that I want to be the best I can.


I like pushing myself to the limit.


I’m very strong-minded and if I decide I want to do something, then I’ll go for it.


As an athlete, it’s important to have that sort of determination, but you also need to be fairly level-headed.


You need to be able to deal with all the ups and downs.





Do you have to watch what you eat?

Tanni Grey Thompson with Daley Thompson

If you want to train well and hard, then you have to eat the right food


Even though I’m a hopeless cook, I still try and look after my diet.


If you want to train well and hard, then you have to eat the right food.


That’s not to say I don’t have times when I eat junk food, chips and a few other things that aren’t good for me.


But I do try to eat well most of the week.


I tend to eat a lot of carbohydrates - rice, pasta, potatoes and a lot of steamed vegetables.


I’m not a very good cook so I tend to stick with pasta and sauces.


My favourite is pasta with a tomato sauce, and bacon and onions mixed in.


You need to eat within half an hour of a training session and I can usually cook that and wolf it down in 15 minutes.


It’s good for you and it’s tasty - what more could you want.




Tanni Grey Thompson

Grey Thompson struck gold in four different events in Sydney

You swept the board on the track at the Sydney Olympics. How do you manage to cover such a variety of events - and be the best at them all?



Wheelchair athletes are very lucky.


Because we’re not using any online dating tip for man muscles we can cover a whole range of distances - just like cyclists.


The training I do that enables me to be a good sprinter actually enables me to be good at a marathon too.


It’s great because if you’re having a complete nightmare in one event, you can do something else!


I train 50 weeks of the year and that keeps me prepared for whatever distance I want to race through the season.


Out of all the distances I race, I think I probably prefer the 400m.


I’ve never been the best starter in the world and however hard I work on my starts, they never really seem to improve that much.


That’s why the 100m is always a bit of a dodgy distance for me.


The 400m is nice because the start is not quite so crucial and you’ve got time to get going.


On the road I like the 10k because it’s long enough to stretch you but not too long that you’re absolutely exhausted at the end.




Tanni Grey Thompson

Remember to always wear a helmet and bright clothing when you’re out training, because racing chairs are very low to the ground and you need to make sure you can be seen

How does a racing chair differ from a day chair?



I only have one racing chair which I train and compete in.


That usually lasts me a whole season before I need to change it.


My racing chair has three wheels and is about 6ft long.


The chair I normally sit in is more like an armchair. I could sit in it all day.


I can probably only be in my racing chair for two and a half hours before I start feeling advice dating tip.


That’s why, when you’re competing at a high level, it’s important you have equipment that fits you.


My chair is custom built around my shape and I can only fit in it if I’m wearing one layer of lycra.


At least that ensures I don’t put any weight on!


When you’re new to the sport it’s probably best to borrow a chair for a little while or buy a second-hand one to start off with.


New equipment is expensive and that’s a good way of finding out if you like the sport and want to stick with it.


Before even thinking about racing though, the most important thing is to get fit first.


You need to have stamina to push a chair and it’s so much more difficult if you’re not fit.





What have been the high points of your career and have there been any low points?



Taking part in the Sydney Olympics has got to be the high point of my career.


The biggest crowd I competed in front of was 112,000 and it was an amazing atmosphere.


With hundreds of thousands of people in the crowd you wouldn’t think you’d be able to see faces, but I could actually pick out the faces of people I know.


I’ve had quite a few low points because that is the nature of being an athlete - you can’t compete well all of the time.


I’m most disappointed when I’ve gone to races and haven’t been as prepared as I should have been.


Sometimes you don’t compete well and there’s nothing you can do.


You can’t always win, but that’s ok if you feel you did everything you could.


It’s about being truthful with yourself.




Tanni Grey Thompson

I always keep a training diary

Do you have any training tips for athletes just starting out in sport?



Just be active. Go out and do some kind of physical activity four or five times a week.


I do a lot of other sports through the winter.


I play tennis and basketball and it helps me stay fit for racing.


It’s very important that you get a good technique early on in whatever sport you do.


It’s also important to spend the right amount of time warming up and stretching.


For wheelchair racing you’ve got to have incredibly flexible shoulders, so I do a lot of work on my shoulders as well as my elbows and hands.


Remember in sport you can’t just train two or three weeks before an event and hope to compete well.


It’s something that you have to do a little and often, especially if you’re new in sport.


Train a couple of times a week and think a long time in advance.




Sat 26 Jan 2008

News - Hit year for Sound of 2003 stars

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At the end of 2002, BBC News Online published its Sound of 2003 list - 10 new music artists who came top of a survey of critics and opinion-formers to find the hottest new stars.

Here, we revisit the list to see how the 10 acts fared over the last 12 months, ahead of the Sound of 2004 list being published next week.

Check the site from Monday, when we will reveal one artist from the top five every day until the winner and full top 10 are announced on Friday.

Sound of 2003 top 10

1. 50 Cent
The last 12 months belonged to 50 Cent in the US after his album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, became the dating free pal pen tip debut ever. It went on to become the dating single tip album of 2003 in the US, while his hit single In Da Club achieved the same feat in the singles market. His past as a drug dealer and shooting victim gained him notoriety and he is now rivalling his mentor Eminem as the top rapper in the US.

2. Electric Six

The Electric Six

The Electric Six had two UK top five singles

If you heard rock fans shouting “Danger! Danger!” or “I want to take you to a gay bar” in 2003, it was this Detroit group’s fault. Wild and silly but catchy and eminently danceable, their friends reunited dating advices and good-time attitude earned them two top five hit singles - although they were seen as a novelty band by some.

3. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
One of the leading groups to come out of New York since The Strokes, this trio enjoyed critical acclaim and some commercial success in 2003. Three singles reached the UK top 40, peaking with Date with the Night at 16 in April. They were also nominated for the Shortlist Prize - the US equivalent of the Mercury Music Prize - and got a Grammy nomination for best alternative album.

4. The Thrills
This Irish group found a large audience with their deliriously sunny Beach Boy dating tip tunes, although they did not break into rock’s premier league. Their debut album, So Much for the City, was one of the soundtracks to the summer and was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. Three singles reached the UK top 40, led by Big Sur, which hit number 17 in June.

5. Dizzee Rascal

Dizzee Rascal with Mercury Music Prize

Dizzee Rascal became the first rapper to win the Mercury Music Prize

The UK urban breakthrough artist of 2003, Dizzee Rascal produced one of the freshest and most innovative sounds of the year. Armed with a distinctive quick-fire rapping style and harsh beats that mixed UK garage and hip-hop, his debut album, Boy in Da Corner, won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize, beating the likes of Radiohead, Coldplay and The Darkness.

6. Interpol
New York art rockers Interpol were the only artists in the top 10 not to have a UK top 40 single in 2003. But their stylishly brooding debut album Turn on the Bright Lights turned many heads and earned a nomination for the Shortlist Prize.

7. Audio Bullys
With pumping bass, pounding beats and punky vocals, London “dirty house” duo lent some attitude to dance music. The year saw them break out of the club scene and into mainstream music, and their single We Don’t Care reached number 15 in January.

8. Mario
This teenage US singer failed to capture the hearts of the soul audience in 2003. The adolescent pop on his debut album was not enough to propel him to mainstream success in the US - but he did enjoy top 30 hits in the UK with Just A Friend and C’mon.

9. The Datsuns
New Zealand’s premier guitar grinders The Datsuns made a splash at the start of the year, gaining a reputation as an explosive live band. They were named best live act at the NME Awards but they struggled to transform their on-stage energy into sales.

10. Sean Paul

Sean Paul

Sean Paul had hit duets with Blu Cantrell and Beyonce

Jamaica’s latest idol was one of the year’s smash hit stars, taking dancehall reggae to the top of the charts around the world. He scored five UK top five singles in nine months, including a number one guest spot on Blu Cantrell’s Breathe. He also hooked up with Beyonce on Baby Boy while his solo track Get Busy was one of the biggest-selling singles of the year in the US.

The ones that got away

The Darkness

The Darkness

The Darkness shot to fame in the second half of 2003

The spandex-clad rockers were the success story of the year in UK rock, bringing the fun back to a guitar scene that had been dominated by serious and stony-faced bands for a decade. They were known in the music industry before 2003 - but not one music expert tipped them in the Sound of 2003 survey because no-one thought they could make it.

Evanescence
June saw this US goth rock band burst to the top of the charts after their song Bring Me To Life appeared on the soundtrack to the Ben Affleck film Daredevil.

The Black Eyed Peas
One of the year’s biggest-selling singles came from this LA-based hip-hop group with Where Is the Love?, taken from their third album.

Jamie Cullum
This charismatic young pianist and singer became the most popular jazz artist the UK has seen for decades when his album Online dating tip for man was released.

  • The Sound of 2003 list was compiled from the recommendations of almost 40 music critics, DJs and playlisters, who were each asked to give three tips for the top. Artists who had UK top 20 singles before 1 January 2003, and those who found fame on TV talent shows, were not eligible.

  • Fri 25 Jan 2008

    News - The Lunchtime Bonus Question

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    The winner of this week’s Lunchtime Achievement Award and the prize keyring is Stuart Cowley, aka Stu, for his shamefully wrong question on Wednesday. Accepting his award he said: “An almost worthy replacement for my lost Blue Peter badge.”

    LBQ roll of shame

    To mark the first anniversary of the LBQ, you were invited to enter an extra contest to write a story using as many of the answers from the past year in no more than 150 words. Extra points were awarded for being convincing and dating advices chat line
    references to current events.

    List of winning entries


    FRIDAY

    Friday’s answer is “A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF SCIENCE”

    Entries are now closed. Wrong questions included:

    An astrophysicist’s coping mechanism?
    Mark Starling, London

    If all the brainpower devoted to generating wrong answers for the LBQ was spent on useful science like the near-sightedness of dogs, how much additional science could be accomplished each Friday?
    KT, Pretoria

    Andrew Culley, from Grantham: as far as Flux Capacitors are concerned, you seem to be saying that when they work theyre brilliant, but I am going to put it to you that your observation lacks what?
    Gerald Moynihan, London

    Rik Waller BSc MSc
    Charlotte, London, UK

    How does Peter Mandelson keep bouncing back - is it black magic or …..
    Dave Williams, Prudhoe, UK

    A not so brief history of time?
    Christopher Thorpe, London

    What do tabloids omit in technological stories?
    Edward, Bath

    I have found that giving retractable pencils and set squares to small children merely results in damage to wallpaper and trips to the hospital. What does creating designer babies actually require?
    William Bailey, Halifax

    What’s the difference between an Honorary Doctorate and a Nobel Prize?
    David Dee, Maputo Mozambique

    What does it take to dunk the algorithmically perfect biscuit?
    Phil B-C, Maidenhead

    If ignorance is bliss, what is misery?
    (Of course, a real scientist would point out that this is flawed logic, but there you go.)
    Brian Ritchie, Oxford

    Staying “naturally beautiful and slim” takes what?
    Jac, Caerphilly

    The report into the intelligence gathering prior to the Iraq war show that the infamous dossier contained a lot of assumption and spin as opposed to what?
    James Rigby, Wickford, Essex

    Science Fiction minus Fiction equals?
    Phil, Bristol

    SCIENC ?
    John Underwood, Edinburgh

    Largin’ IT?
    John C, Oldham

    What, in simplistic terms, is the space / time continuum?
    Rob Holman, Chislehurst, Kent, England

    So apart from beards, bad fashion sense, and outdated hairstyles, what have scientists really done for us?
    Suz, Grenoble

    The difference between first world and third world?
    Chris Ford, Bristol, UK thelbq.co.uk

    Boris Becker’s haircut?
    Oliver Hughes, London

    What did it take to engineer and manufacture the LBQ keyring?
    Sarah Findlay, Cape Town

    There’s antimony, arsenic, aluminum, selenium,
    And hydrogen and oxygen and nitrogen and rhenium
    And nickel, neodymium, neptunium, germanium…
    (and I could go on but the judges will tell me off)
    Becky, London

    Four and twenty blackboards chalked with pi?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    A hard lesson to swallow?
    Stephen Buxton, Coventry, UK

    What is needed to win an encyclopedia of baseball?
    ChrisB, Bromley

    The one thing we know for sure that black holes contain?
    Edward Green, London

    What do you give an airhead who’s got everything?
    Robin Hughes, Cheadle

    What do Etonians call double physics followed by double chemistry followed by double biology ?
    Daniel Ward, Eastbourne, UK

    How an BA student perceives a BSc Degree?
    Chris Ford, Bristol, UK thelbq.co.uk

    All wrong. The correct question was how did the makers of a proposed TV programme defend their show which is going to set one man’s sperm against another’s in a race for fertilisation.



    THURSDAY

    Thursday’s answer is “I AM LOOKING LIKE AN AIRHEAD”

    Entries are now closed. Wrong questions included:

    If space hoppers could talk?
    Lisa M, Southampton

    Bad translation of ‘that bubbly must have gone straight to my head’?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    Head Zeppelin?
    Rob Holman, Chislehurst, Kent, England

    What does a girl with a windfarm on her head say
    Jayne Suttle, Swanage

    Why am I speaking in speech bubbles
    DC, Lostwithiel

    About time - I’ve been waiting all week for the caption competition
    Sion, Fleet, UK

    Who is Bill Payer?
    PJ, S

    What’s another way of saying, “I still support the war but, knowing what I know now, would vote against it”?
    Norman Dawes, Bury St Edmunds, UK

    Martha’s worst fear?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    One downside of being in charge at Swanwick?

    Brian Ritchie, Oxford

    When there is light at the end of the tunnel (that goes from one aural canal to the other)?
    ChrisB, Bromley

    Last year my older brother told me of a band from the sixties called “Tractor”. He said that they were bigger than the Beatles and more shocking than the Sex Pistols, but, strangely he had none of their records. I asked him why? He said that he had sold them all years ago and that he was no longer a fan of theirs…that they had sold out, big time. Until quite recently I have been telling my mates at school that my brother was an “Ex-tractor Fan” as they all giggled. From where I’m standing I look like what? Yes…
    Gerald Moynihan, London
    (The LBQ editor thought he made himself clear about this line of questioning.)

    Seventy-two submissions to the LBQ, and not one published. Wait a minute, what’s that ‘Send’ button for?
    David Dee, Maputo Mozambique

    The pneu black?
    Edward, Bath

    Lucy in the sky with cubic zirconias?
    Andrew Culley, Grantham

    What’s an airhead?
    Jayne Burton, Sevenoaks

    Bibendum?
    Lynn, England

    New breed of superteacher fuelled by a 78 /21 Nitrogen, Oxygen mix?
    Lee Stubbington, Tonbridge, Kent

    ( :-) ?
    Nik, Cambridge

    Is East Anglia in Spain?
    Andrew Culley, Grantham

    And the bottom line of the eye-chart Mr President? (snigger).
    Kieran Boyle, Oxford

    Well I’ve heard about being puffy under the eyes, but this is ridiculous.
    Helena, Northampton

    Why can’t I find what I am looking for?
    Kaylie , Runcorn

    How I hide my plans for world domination?
    Sarah, Oxford

    Typical. I make one comment about women not cleaning behind the fridge enough, and what’s the result?
    Edward Green, London

    I am female, I am blonde. To the latest garage mechanic to try to rip me off, this means what?
    Catherine O, Maidenhead

    What statement follows asking who Bill Payer is?
    Marie Carver, Woodford, Essex, UK

    What did the airhead forget to say?
    Mike Scott, Great Yarmouth

    All wrong. The correct question was why does Imelda Marcos oppose a new film about her spending habits.



    WEDNESDAY

    Wednesday’s answer is “FRIENDLY BUT POWERFUL”

    Entries are now closed. Wrong questions included:

    Kalashnicough please…
    Evan, UK/Dubai

    Sharon Watts?
    Chris Spencer, Wimbledon

    What is a half-correct description of Canada?
    Meagan Crump, Toronto

    Lime Cordial?
    Neal Berridge, Nottingham

    Why are the Red Arrows so popular?
    Dave Godfrey, Swindon

    The King of Hearts?
    Matt Price, Dating advices love sea

    When you send your kids to weighlifting camp in the US, they come back aloof, powerful, and with an Austrian accent. When you send your kids to the same type of camp in Britain, they come back…?
    Ainy, Baltimore, US

    Vlad the Home Improver?
    Paul, Leeds

    David Banner’s personal ad?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    Atomic Kitten?
    Andrew Culley, Grantham

    Tidal wave?
    Chris Watsom, Bristol

    Pol Pet?
    David Butcher, Kirkham

    (I apologise in advance for the sugaryness of this question) - A smile?
    Stephen Buxton, Coventry, UK

    An Intercontinental Holistic Missile?
    Stephen Buxton, Coventry, UK

    The Daleks on a bank holiday?

    KMR, Cardiff

    A Pedigree Chum?
    Chris Stocks, Chesham, Bucks

    Fortunately for you all, the voices in my head?
    Stephen Buxton, Coventry, UK

    The Incredibly Nice Hulk?
    Sarah Findlay, Cape Town

    First impressions from seeing Candace showing off her (well deserved) LBQ keyring?
    David, UK

    Bruce Forsyth’s Generator Game?
    Nick Nevin, London, UK

    How should a good deli smell?
    Rupert K, London

    A sheep in wolf’s clothing?
    Dave Godfrey, Swindon

    The Goodfather?
    Chris Ford, Bristol, UK thelbq.co.uk

    A nuclear family ?
    John Redmond, Godalming

    Blond bombshell?
    Chris Brayley, Bromley

    How would you best describe hand-reared garlic?
    Trevor, Bloomsbury

    The Charge of the Polite Brigade?
    Kip, Norwich

    Suggest two qualities that might be equally advantageous in a god or a dog?
    Ben Moxon, Guildford

    Nice Admiral?
    John, London

    The nicest way to describe my, ahem, handshake.
    Rachael, UK

    Brothers With Arms?
    Andrew Magowan, London

    Joules Holland?
    Nigel, Winchester

    Elephants on dope ?
    Phil, Nimes

    Friends in high places?
    Becky, London

    Fluffy the vampire slayer?
    Sarah, Oxford

    Ming the mirthful?
    Stu, Yateley

    Cabbie John Sheen’s opinion of his client yesterday?
    Marie Carver, Woodford, Essex, UK

    New slogan for Toilet Duck?
    Will, London, UK

    Rover 75 is…
    Ross Billington, Derby

    A wolf in sheep’s clothing?
    Kiltie, Staffs, UK

    What do you call a labrador with a machine gun?
    Phil Colvin, Bristol

    Firm friends?
    Becky, London

    Jennifer Aniston
    Courtney Cox
    Lisa Kudrow
    Matt Le Blanc
    Matthew Perry
    David Schwimmer
    Discuss.
    Tim G, London, UK

    How would you describe an MP near to elections?
    Pauline Fearn, Herne Bay

    All wrong. The correct question was how do people see the BBC, according to a study conducted for a government review.



    TUESDAY

    Tuesday’s answer is “WHEN THEY WORK, THEY’RE BRILLIANT”

    Entries are now closed. Wrong questions included:

    Striking colours?
    Andrew Culley, Grantham

    Perpetual motion devices?
    John C, Oldham

    When writing a reference, how can you appear positive whilst conveying that the prospective employer should avoid the applicant like the plague?
    Kaylie

    The Charm of the Light Brigade?
    Chris Stocks, Chesham, Bucks

    It seems almost foolishly dangerous to fly nine Hawk jets in close formation at 400mph, but…
    Rob Egginton, Bristol

    Hold up stockings, strapless bras?
    Olwen , Mobberley Cheshire

    Racing tips?
    David Dee, Maputo Mozambique

    69-year-old employees?
    Lucy, Oxford

    What was Snow White’s pitch to the gangmaster?
    Jonny Billericay, Norfolk

    Computers are so FRUSTRATING! Why have they become so popular?
    Stella, Edinburgh

    There are lies, dammned lies and statistics. But, the thing about statistics are what?
    ChrisB, Bromley

    What do you think of the condoms being given to the athletes at the Olympics?
    Brenda, Lancaster

    Hops, yeast, sugar, malt, water?
    Christopher Brayley, Bromley

    “Resting” actors?
    Simon Vannerley, Tiverton, UK

    Lottery tickets. Discuss.
    Robert Henson, Petts Wood, Kent

    What do you reckon to those sketches from The Fast Show with that guy who says everything’s brilliant?
    Sam Holloway, Cambridge

    So what do you make of all those novelties then?
    Helena, Northampton

    Exaggerations…?
    Kalika, Oxford

    What about Public Inquiries, Private Inquiries, House of Commons Committees, Collective Responsibility, Ministerial Responsibility, an informed Cabinet, Democracy, Parliament, MPs, Intelligence, Caveats, 101 christian dating advices
    , Integrity (sorry got carried away there!)
    John Redmond, Godalming

    Before “I love it when a plan comes together” what did Hannibal think of the A-Team’s first, tentative, heroic efforts?
    Geoff Spick, Bournemouth

    Flux capacitors?
    Andrew Culley, Grantham

    Smell chequers?
    Andy Parker, Groesfaen, Cymru

    So Mr Blair, what do you think of the intelligence community?
    Stephen Costigan, Merthyr Tydfil

    My LBQ submissions never get published but…
    Susan Nash, Bristol

    What do the ACME Rocket Sled, ACME 10 miles of Railroad and ACME Giant Magnet have in common?
    John C, Oldham

    What have you heard about my co-workers?
    Paul, Nottingham

    Why do they call them diamond geezers?
    John S, Maidstone

    What are plans to catch the pigeon?

    David, UK

    Holiday reps?
    Jayne Burton, Sevenoaks

    So David, how are the penalties coming along?
    Robin Hughes, Cheadle

    What are home security lights - aka cat detectors?

    David, UK

    Ideas for cooling the Tube. Discuss.
    O.G.Nash, Doha, Qatar

    “Are the patrol car lights working, PC Jones?”
    “Yes, no, yes, no, yes, no, yes, no,”
    “And what do you think of them?”
    Ben Moxon, Guildford

    What are teenagers doing summer holiday jobs?
    John Rogers, London

    Why should you always show your working?
    Edward Green, London

    What are planes, trains, and automobiles?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    What do you think of my new light bulb?
    Patrick Rushton, Sheffield

    All wrong. The correct question was how did Sir Trevor Macdonald describe his signature “and finally…” items.



    MONDAY

    Monday’s answer is “ONLY AS NOVELTIES”

    Entries have now closed. Wrong questions included:

    Alligators in bathtubs?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    How to enjoy crackers?
    Martin, Harlow

    Can you name one argument for keeping the House of Lords?
    Luke A, York

    Why did God create kangaroos?
    Kip, Norwich

    I don’t live in Florida, so my meat hooks are?
    Robin, Herts

    Why do men have nipples?
    Dave Williams, Prudhoe, UK

    In what capacity did the Muffins, the Waves, the News, the Bunnymen, the Attractions and the Bad Seeds exist in relation to Martha, Catrina, Huey, Echo, Elvis and Nick?
    Gerald Moynihan, London

    Should the taxpayer subsidise the Royal Family?
    Angie, UK

    Shared belly-button jewellery? No, wait…
    O. G. Nash, Doha, Qatar

    (True Story) What reason does anyone have to buy/eat/produce “dried salmon jerky” from Vancouver?
    Tim G, London, UK

    Can men wear stockings?
    Robin Hughes, Cheadle

    I’ve come up with the idea of printing books on to fabric, and wearing them round my collar. Do you think these will sell?
    Simon, Birmingham, UK

    Manners, airs and graces in Big Brother camp?
    Tim McMahon, Pennar, Wales

    Can the weddings of Liza Minnelli only be seen as novel ties?
    Norm Brown, Branxton

    Manicures in prison?
    Will, London, UK

    Use of ASBOS on my estate?
    Vicky, York, UK

    But you voted for Labour, didn’t you?
    Kieran Boyle, Oxford

    Curiosity killed the tat ?
    Jason S, Southampton, UK

    When it comes to dating toyboys, what is the most important rule us girls need to remember? Treat them……..
    Kiltie, Staffs, UK

    To avoid disappointment, how should you view English sporting successes?
    C Falconer, London

    Use for honorary degrees?
    David, UK

    What is the purpose of the British Athletics Team going to Athens?
    Sam J, London

    Are my LBQ answers ever considered for publishing?
    Andy Brown, Cambridge

    How should unheralded Americans be allowed to win golf’s greatest prize?
    Simon, Bolton

    I’m a PG Tipster myself, so why do I stock my kitchen with African Redbush Peach, Classic India Spice and Flowery Oolong?
    Helene Parry, South Wales expat to Twickenham

    How do my children view the duster, the hoover and the lawnmower?
    Smudge, MK

    What use are Toy Boys?
    John Redmond, Godalming

    Would Harrods put genuine diamond necklaces in Christmas crackers?
    Phil Welch, London

    So, can we put gondolas in the Tube?
    Kat, Derby, UK

    Jellied heels?
    Mark Starling, London

    “That’s right, Brian, as we wait for Euro2004 to get under way, there’s no doubt that the Greek team has come to this competition….
    Hedley Russell, Morecambe

    With the success of the Twenty20, is it worth keeping playing the County Championship and National League?
    Steve Sutton, St. Albans

    How d’you like them apples?
    Charles Frean, Bedford, Dating advices service sls

    Why did I wear my high heels at Glastonbury?
    Janet B, Nottingham

    Getting a number-1 song at Christmas?
    David, UK

    How do drunk college students use meat hooks, considering us natives only use them for fish??
    Maureen, Florida, US

    Why does the MI5 REALLY want spies like us?
    Ainy, Baltimore, US

    What umbrellas are for in Phoenix, AZ?
    Francis, Phoenix, AZ, US

    Any reason to live in Swindon?
    Kirsty F-C, Swindon

    So many, so wrong. The correct question is by labelling their goods as what do shopkeepers in Texas get round that state’s obscenity laws forbidding the sale of marital aids.

    Thu 24 Jan 2008

    News - The Lunchtime Bonus Question

    Posted by admin under Dating tips , Dating advices
    No Comments 

    The winner of this week’s Lunchtime Achievement Award and the prize keyring is Stuart Cowley, aka Stu, for his shamefully wrong question on Wednesday. Accepting his award he said: “An almost worthy replacement for my lost Blue Peter badge.”

    LBQ roll of shame

    To mark the first anniversary of the LBQ, you were invited to enter an extra contest to write a story using as many of the answers from the past year in no more than 150 words. Extra points were awarded for being convincing and incorporating references to current events.

    List of winning entries


    FRIDAY

    Friday’s answer is “A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF SCIENCE”

    Entries are now closed. Wrong questions included:

    An astrophysicist’s coping mechanism?
    Mark Starling, London

    If all the brainpower devoted to generating wrong answers for the LBQ was spent on useful science like the near-sightedness of dogs, how much additional science could be accomplished each Friday?
    KT, Pretoria

    Andrew Culley, from Grantham: as far as Flux Capacitors are concerned, you seem to be saying that when they work theyre brilliant, but I am going to put it to you that your observation lacks what?
    Gerald Moynihan, London

    Rik Waller BSc MSc
    Charlotte, London, UK

    How does Peter Mandelson keep bouncing back - is it black magic or …..
    Dave Williams, Prudhoe, UK

    A not so brief history of time?
    Christopher Thorpe, London

    What do tabloids omit in technological stories?
    Edward, Bath

    I have found that giving retractable pencils and set squares to small children merely results in damage to wallpaper and trips to the hospital. What does creating designer babies actually require?
    William Bailey, Halifax

    What’s the difference between an Honorary Doctorate and a Nobel Prize?
    David Dee, Maputo Mozambique

    What does it take to dunk the algorithmically perfect biscuit?
    Phil B-C, Maidenhead

    If ignorance is bliss, what is misery?
    (Of course, a real scientist would point out that this is flawed logic, but there you go.)
    Brian Ritchie, Oxford

    Staying “naturally beautiful and slim” takes what?
    Jac, Caerphilly

    The report into the intelligence gathering prior to the Iraq war show that the infamous dossier contained a lot of assumption and spin as opposed to what?
    James Rigby, Wickford, Essex

    Science Fiction minus Fiction equals?
    Phil, Bristol

    SCIENC ?
    John Underwood, Edinburgh

    Largin’ IT?
    John C, Oldham

    What, in simplistic terms, is the space / time continuum?
    Rob Holman, Chislehurst, Kent, England

    So apart from beards, bad fashion sense, and outdated hairstyles, what have scientists really done for us?
    Suz, Grenoble

    The difference between first world and third world?
    Chris Ford, Bristol, UK thelbq.co.uk

    Boris Becker’s haircut?
    Oliver Hughes, London

    What did it take to engineer and manufacture the LBQ keyring?
    Sarah Findlay, Cape Town

    There’s antimony, arsenic, aluminum, selenium,
    And hydrogen and oxygen and nitrogen and rhenium
    And nickel, neodymium, neptunium, germanium…
    (and I could go on but the judges will tell me off)
    Becky, London

    Four and twenty blackboards chalked with pi?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    A hard lesson to swallow?
    Stephen Buxton, Coventry, UK

    What is needed to win an encyclopedia of baseball?
    ChrisB, Bromley

    The one thing we know for sure that black holes contain?
    Edward Green, London

    What do you give an airhead who’s got everything?
    Robin Hughes, Cheadle

    What do Etonians call double physics followed by double chemistry followed by double biology ?
    Daniel Ward, Eastbourne, UK

    How an BA student perceives a BSc Degree?
    Chris Ford, Bristol, UK thelbq.co.uk

    All wrong. The correct question was how did the makers of a proposed TV programme defend their show which is going to set one man’s sperm against another’s in a race for dating advices whites
    .



    THURSDAY

    Thursday’s answer is “I AM LOOKING LIKE AN AIRHEAD”

    Entries are now closed. Wrong questions included:

    If space hoppers could talk?
    Lisa M, Southampton

    Bad translation of ‘that bubbly must have gone straight to my head’?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    Head Zeppelin?
    Rob Holman, Chislehurst, Kent, England

    What does a girl with a windfarm on her head say
    Jayne Suttle, Swanage

    Why am I speaking in speech bubbles
    DC, Lostwithiel

    About time - I’ve been waiting all week for the caption competition
    Sion, Fleet, UK

    Who is Bill Payer?
    PJ, S

    What’s another way of saying, “I still support the war but, knowing what I know now, would vote against it”?
    Norman Dawes, Bury St Edmunds, UK

    Martha’s worst fear?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    One downside of being in charge at Swanwick?

    Brian Ritchie, Oxford

    When there is light at the end of the tunnel (that goes from one aural canal to the other)?
    ChrisB, Bromley

    Last year my older brother told me of a band from the sixties called “Tractor”. He said that they were bigger than the Beatles and more shocking than the Sex Pistols, but, strangely he had none of their records. I asked him why? He said that he had sold them all years ago and that he was no longer a fan of theirs…that they had sold out, big time. Until quite recently I have been telling my mates at school that my brother was an “Ex-tractor Fan” as they all giggled. From where I’m standing I look like what? Yes…
    Gerald Moynihan, London
    (The LBQ editor thought he made himself clear about this line of questioning.)

    Seventy-two submissions to the LBQ, and not one published. Wait a minute, what’s that ‘Send’ button for?
    David Dee, Maputo Mozambique

    The pneu black?
    Edward, Bath

    Lucy in the sky with cubic zirconias?
    Andrew Culley, Grantham

    What’s an airhead?
    Jayne Burton, Sevenoaks

    Bibendum?
    Lynn, England

    New breed of superteacher fuelled by a 78 /21 Nitrogen, Oxygen mix?
    Lee Stubbington, Tonbridge, Kent

    ( :-) ?
    Nik, Cambridge

    Is East Anglia in Spain?
    Andrew Culley, Grantham

    And the bottom line of the eye-chart Mr President? (snigger).
    Kieran Boyle, Oxford

    Well I’ve heard about being puffy under the eyes, but this is ridiculous.
    Helena, Northampton

    Why can’t I find what I am looking for?
    Kaylie , Runcorn

    How I hide my plans for world domination?
    Sarah, Oxford

    Typical. I make one comment about women not cleaning behind the fridge enough, and what’s the result?
    Edward Green, London

    I am female, I am blonde. To the latest garage mechanic to try to rip me off, this means what?
    Catherine O, Maidenhead

    What statement follows asking who Bill Payer is?
    Marie Carver, Woodford, Essex, UK

    What did the airhead forget to say?
    Mike Scott, Great Yarmouth

    All wrong. The correct question was why does Imelda Marcos oppose a new film about her spending habits.



    WEDNESDAY

    Wednesday’s answer is “FRIENDLY BUT POWERFUL”

    Entries are now closed. Wrong questions included:

    Dating man tip younger please…
    Evan, UK/Dubai

    Sharon Watts?
    Chris Spencer, Wimbledon

    What is a half-correct description of Canada?
    Meagan Crump, Toronto

    Lime Cordial?
    Neal Berridge, Nottingham

    Why are the Red Arrows so popular?
    Dave Godfrey, Swindon

    The King of Hearts?
    Matt Price, Henley-on-Thames

    When you send your kids to weighlifting camp in the US, they come back aloof, powerful, and with an Austrian accent. When you send your kids to the same type of camp in Britain, they come back…?
    Ainy, Baltimore, US

    Vlad the Home Improver?
    Paul, Leeds

    David Banner’s personal ad?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    Atomic Kitten?
    Andrew Culley, Grantham

    Tidal wave?
    Chris Watsom, Bristol

    Pol Pet?
    David Butcher, Kirkham

    (I apologise in advance for the sugaryness of this question) - A smile?
    Stephen Buxton, Coventry, UK

    An Intercontinental Holistic Missile?
    Stephen Buxton, Coventry, UK

    The Daleks on a bank holiday?

    KMR, Cardiff

    A Pedigree Chum?
    Chris Stocks, Chesham, Bucks

    Fortunately for you all, the voices in my head?
    Stephen Buxton, Coventry, UK

    The Incredibly Nice Hulk?
    Sarah Findlay, Cape Town

    First impressions from seeing Candace showing off her (well deserved) LBQ keyring?
    David, UK

    Bruce Forsyth’s Generator Game?
    Nick Nevin, London, UK

    How should a good deli smell?
    Rupert K, London

    A sheep in wolf’s clothing?
    Dave Godfrey, Swindon

    The Goodfather?
    Chris Ford, Bristol, UK thelbq.co.uk

    A nuclear family ?
    John Redmond, Godalming

    Blond bombshell?
    Chris Brayley, Bromley

    How would you best describe hand-reared garlic?
    Trevor, Bloomsbury

    The Charge of the Polite Brigade?
    Kip, Norwich

    Suggest two qualities that might be equally advantageous in a god or a dog?
    Ben Moxon, Guildford

    Nice Admiral?
    John, London

    The nicest way to describe my, ahem, handshake.
    Rachael, UK

    Brothers With Arms?
    Andrew Magowan, London

    Joules Holland?
    Nigel, Winchester

    Elephants on dope ?
    Phil, Nimes

    Friends in high places?
    Becky, London

    Fluffy the vampire slayer?
    Sarah, Oxford

    Ming the mirthful?
    Stu, Yateley

    Cabbie John Sheen’s opinion of his client yesterday?
    Marie Carver, Woodford, Essex, UK

    New slogan for Toilet Duck?
    Will, London, UK

    Rover 75 is…
    Ross Billington, Derby

    A wolf in sheep’s clothing?
    Kiltie, Staffs, UK

    What do you call a labrador with a machine gun?
    Phil Colvin, Bristol

    Firm friends?
    Becky, London

    Jennifer Aniston
    Courtney Cox
    Lisa Kudrow
    Matt Le Blanc
    Matthew Perry
    David Schwimmer
    Discuss.
    Tim G, London, UK

    How would you describe an MP near to elections?
    Pauline Fearn, Herne Bay

    All wrong. The correct question was how do people see the BBC, according to a study conducted for a government review.



    TUESDAY

    Tuesday’s answer is “WHEN THEY WORK, THEY’RE BRILLIANT”

    Entries are now closed. Wrong questions included:

    Striking colours?
    Andrew Culley, Grantham

    Perpetual motion devices?
    John C, Oldham

    When writing a reference, how can you appear positive whilst conveying that the prospective employer should avoid the applicant like the plague?
    Kaylie

    The Charm of the Light Brigade?
    Chris Stocks, Chesham, Bucks

    It seems almost foolishly dangerous to fly nine Hawk jets in close formation at 400mph, but…
    Rob Egginton, Bristol

    Hold up stockings, strapless bras?
    Olwen , Mobberley Cheshire

    Racing tips?
    David Dee, Maputo Mozambique

    69-year-old employees?
    Lucy, Oxford

    What was Snow White’s pitch to the gangmaster?
    Jonny Billericay, Norfolk

    Computers are so FRUSTRATING! Why have they become so popular?
    Stella, Edinburgh

    There are lies, dammned lies and statistics. But, the thing about statistics are what?
    ChrisB, Bromley

    What do you think of the condoms being given to the athletes at the Olympics?
    Brenda, Lancaster

    Hops, yeast, sugar, malt, water?
    Christopher Brayley, Bromley

    “Resting” actors?
    Simon Vannerley, Tiverton, UK

    Lottery tickets. Discuss.
    Robert Henson, Petts Wood, Kent

    What do you reckon to those sketches from The Fast Show with that guy who says everything’s brilliant?
    Sam Holloway, Cambridge

    So what do you make of all those novelties then?
    Helena, Northampton

    Exaggerations…?
    Kalika, Oxford

    What about Public Inquiries, Private Inquiries, House of Commons Committees, Collective Dating advices games online, Ministerial Responsibility, an informed Cabinet, Democracy, Parliament, MPs, Intelligence, Caveats, Qualifications, Integrity (sorry got carried away there!)
    John Redmond, Godalming

    Before “I love it when a plan comes together” what did Hannibal think of the A-Team’s first, tentative, heroic efforts?
    Geoff Spick, Bournemouth

    Flux capacitors?
    Andrew Culley, Grantham

    Smell chequers?
    Andy Parker, Groesfaen, Cymru

    So Mr Blair, what do you think of the intelligence community?
    Stephen Costigan, Merthyr Tydfil

    My LBQ submissions never get published but…
    Susan Nash, Bristol

    What do the ACME Rocket Sled, ACME 10 miles of Railroad and ACME Giant Magnet have in common?
    John C, Oldham

    What have you heard about my co-workers?
    Paul, Nottingham

    Why do they call them diamond geezers?
    John S, Maidstone

    What are plans to catch the pigeon?

    David, UK

    Holiday reps?
    Jayne Burton, Sevenoaks

    So David, how are the penalties coming along?
    Robin Hughes, Cheadle

    What are home security lights - aka cat detectors?

    David, UK

    Ideas for cooling the Tube. Discuss.
    O.G.Nash, Doha, Qatar

    “Are the patrol car lights working, PC Jones?”
    “Yes, no, yes, no, yes, no, yes, no,”
    “And what do you think of them?”
    Ben Moxon, Guildford

    What are teenagers doing summer holiday jobs?
    John Rogers, London

    Why should you always show your working?
    Edward Green, London

    What are planes, trains, and automobiles?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    What do you think of my new light bulb?
    Patrick Rushton, Sheffield

    All wrong. The correct question was how did Sir Trevor Macdonald describe his signature “and finally…” items.



    MONDAY

    Monday’s answer is “ONLY AS NOVELTIES”

    Entries have now closed. Wrong questions included:

    Alligators in bathtubs?
    Candace, New Jersey, US

    How to enjoy crackers?
    Martin, Harlow

    Can you name one argument for keeping the House of Lords?
    Luke A, York

    Why did God create kangaroos?
    Kip, Norwich

    I don’t live in Florida, so my meat hooks are?
    Robin, Herts

    Why do men have nipples?
    Dave Williams, Prudhoe, UK

    In what capacity did the Muffins, the Waves, the News, the Bunnymen, the Attractions and the Bad Seeds exist in relation to Martha, Catrina, Huey, Echo, Elvis and Nick?
    Gerald Moynihan, London

    Should the taxpayer subsidise the Royal Family?
    Angie, UK

    Shared belly-button jewellery? No, wait…
    O. G. Nash, Doha, Qatar

    (True Story) What reason does anyone have to buy/eat/produce “dried salmon jerky” from Vancouver?
    Tim G, London, UK

    Can men wear stockings?
    Robin Hughes, Cheadle

    I’ve come up with the idea of printing books on to fabric, and wearing them round my collar. Do you think these will sell?
    Simon, Birmingham, UK

    Manners, airs and graces in Big Brother camp?
    Tim McMahon, Pennar, Wales

    Can the weddings of Liza Minnelli only be seen as novel ties?
    Norm Brown, Branxton

    Manicures in prison?
    Will, London, UK

    Use of ASBOS on my estate?
    Vicky, York, UK

    But you voted for Labour, didn’t you?
    Kieran Boyle, Oxford

    Curiosity killed the tat ?
    Jason S, Southampton, UK

    When it comes to dating toyboys, what is the most important rule us girls need to remember? Treat them……..
    Kiltie, Staffs, UK

    To avoid disappointment, how should you view English sporting successes?
    C Falconer, London

    Use for honorary degrees?
    David, UK

    What is the purpose of the British Athletics Team going to Athens?
    Sam J, London

    Are my LBQ answers ever considered for publishing?
    Andy Brown, Cambridge

    How should unheralded Americans be allowed to win golf’s greatest prize?
    Simon, Bolton

    I’m a PG Tipster myself, so why do I stock my kitchen with African Redbush Peach, Classic India Spice and Flowery Oolong?
    Helene Parry, South Wales expat to Twickenham

    How do my children view the duster, the hoover and the lawnmower?
    Smudge, MK

    What use are Toy Boys?
    John Redmond, Godalming

    Would Harrods put genuine diamond necklaces in Christmas crackers?
    Phil Welch, London

    So, can we put gondolas in the Tube?
    Kat, Derby, UK

    Jellied heels?
    Mark Starling, London

    “That’s right, Brian, as we wait for Euro2004 to get under way, there’s no doubt that the Greek team has come to this competition….
    Hedley Russell, Morecambe

    With the success of the Twenty20, is it worth keeping playing the County Championship and National League?
    Steve Sutton, St. Albans

    How d’you like them apples?
    Charles Frean, Bedford, Massachusetts

    Why did I wear my high heels at Glastonbury?
    Janet B, Nottingham

    Getting a number-1 song at Christmas?
    David, UK

    How do drunk college students use meat hooks, considering us natives only use them for fish??
    Maureen, Florida, US

    Why does the MI5 REALLY want spies like us?
    Ainy, Baltimore, US

    What umbrellas are for in Phoenix, AZ?
    Francis, Phoenix, AZ, US

    Any reason to live in Swindon?
    Kirsty F-C, Swindon

    So many, so wrong. The correct question is by labelling their goods as what do shopkeepers in Texas get round that state’s obscenity laws forbidding the sale of marital aids.

    Wed 23 Jan 2008

    News - The Magazine Monitor

    Posted by admin under Dating tips , Dating advices
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    If the lessons of the US are anything to go by, some pretty young people will be getting nasty letters. One 12-year-old American girl was the recipient of a similar action.


    Your challenge, therefore, is to put yourself in the position of a young downloader and to construct a pre-teen-style response to a lawyer’s letter. The dog did it. That sort of thing. Excuse yourselves away, using the form below.

    WHAT? That is so unfair cos it wasn’t me or anything and anyway it was only a joke and you carn’t prove nothing anyway.
    Lisa, Southampton

    Yeah but no’ but yeah, but no, but yeah. I never listened to ‘em. I never saw ‘em, it was me mam did it, she’s always listenin to the Darkness an stuff. She went out to get some fags a couple a months ago wiv ‘er latest old man and hasn’t come back yet. I dunno what she wants me to do with em.
    Pauline, Not a garage at all, honest.

    Dear mister lawyer

    I am very sorey but i was making a project for school about music and so its my teachers fault here is his address could you please put him in prison? thanks
    MQ, Strood, England

    Yeah? And whatcha gonna do about it? You can’t touch me, I know my rights.
    Chris King, Huntingdon

    Yeah. Right. Whatever.
    Vicky, East London

    Derrr, I wouldn’t have downloaded Britney, she’s a girl eeuugh.
    Alistair Moses, Tolworth

    Yeah, but no, but yeah, like why are you blaming me, innit!! It was dat Sharon Michaels fault, cos like she showed Darren Watson her boob and she’s a minger. Anyway, I don’t even know, cos it wasn’t me…..
    Erol Fehim, London, UK

    I wasn’t me, It was my Dad.
    Glenn J, UK

    But I though the Manic Street Preachers was an online church. Honest
    Glenn J, UK

    We are’nt supposed to download free music? I was out sick that day.
    Colm, Limerick, Ireland

    Dear Mister Lawyer
    My dad is one too. And he says its ok if I don’t make a prophet. I only did it twice anyway, to tell my frennds how senior singles dating advices
    u were. Shurely u want peeple to no u are cooooool. But my daddy lawyer says he can right a better letter back and your legal feeeeees will be hier than his, so he says you shoold not make a fuss.
    Anyway, it was part of my meja studies A Level. I hope to get 4 As at A Level and be a journalist and I’ll allways give u goood revues. Love Down Loader
    H TURNBULL, UK

    I actually own all the CDs, but my mate Dave borrowed them, then his gran thought they were records and broke them by putting them on her gramaphone. I was going to pick them up off her, but I missed the bus and Dave put them all in the bin. I managed to recover three out of 1,398 CDs, but on the way back they got stolen by magpies. Sorry.
    Jon, London

    Yeah like woteva, my posse done it wen I won looking. U R so wrong No I neva. FInk I’m bothered - I hate you - Fascist! I don’t even use the computa. Mum must av dun it!
    Simon Marshall, Magor

    I was put under too much peer-to-peer pressure.
    Jason S, Southampton, UK

    What IS the big deal!? I mean, look, GET REAL!! Didn’t YOU ever borrow anything?? What’s the diff - I’m not hurting anyone, NOMESAIN? Geesh!! Get a LIFE - and, besides, the quality SUCKS, guys! love, Samantha
    Charles Frean, Bedford, Dating advices website reviews

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    Going anywhere nice this year?, 7 October) is shown in the price guide. “1 day 1 seal costs 120. For those who want a longer break however:
    Four days and two seals costs 650.”
    Vicky
    East London

    I was going to quibble that Chernobyl is not the “scene of the world’s worst nuclear disaster”, until I realised that you’re probably counting Hiroshima, Nagasaki and all the nuclear test sites as successes.
    Alexander Jones
    Nottingham, UK

    Monetary amounts in BBC News stories: is there any chance we could have some consistency with financial values quoted in the stories? Please either use Sterling (with euro then dollar values in parentheses) or euro (with Sterling then dollar amounts); I just can’t understand why a European news site has to quote dollar amounts first.
    Chris Simmons, Bristol, UK

    Re: Deer’s 25-mile bumper road trip, 7 October. I’ve heard of being carjacked, but this must be the first recorded muntjacking.
    P Anghelides
    Southampton, UK

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    Enlarge Image

    Winning captions in this week’s caption competition.

    This week Tory leader Michael Howard met a Beatles tribute band at the party’s conference in Bournemouth, but declined an offer to be pictured holding one of their guitars


    6. John, London
    No thanks, I’m the leader of the Shadows.


    5. Gareth Williams, Netherlands
    That standards were higher than ever in this years Anne Widdicombe lookalike competition.


    4. Stuart Cane, Wales
    He had something of the Hard Day’s Night about him


    3. Lorraine Jones
    HELP!


    2. Stuart Martin Scotland
    Are you sure you can play Elgar?


    1. Lucy, UK
    So, you’re Busted, are you?

    Last week’s caption comp

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    Walking into the sunset, 6 October), but on reading that they sometimes reversed the polarity of the magnetic weather symbols, I now know the true extent of the insanity. Respect.
    Jon, London

    I’ve been puzzling over the quote “After all, it’s life only, but it’s never been written this way” (the Magazine’s Quote of the Day on Thursday), but I still can’t make any sense of what its supposed to mean. Is President Bush now writing for Rolling Stone magazine?
    Martin H, St Samson-sur-Rance, France

    I have regarded Teflon as dangerous to health (Teflon’s sticky situation, 7 October) ever since I became aware that our beloved Prime Minister appears to be coated in it!
    John Mander, Coulsdon, UK

    According to the article entitled School bans “nut allergy” conkers (7 October), the food advisor to the Anaphylaxis Campaign is named Hazel. Other employees? How about Al Mond, Coco, or Persephone (”Just call me ‘P’.̶ ;)
    Kathy D, Toronto, Canada

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    Only 81 shopping days to go…, 5 October) - sorry to sound “bah humbug”, but unless you are a kid, have kids, or a decent sized family, Christmas is boring. Umpteen repeats and dire Christmas specials, binging on food, nothing open and you don’t want to bother your friends. Maybe some people actually would like/need to work, or perhaps there could be community (dating advices italian woman) events organised that bring people together, rather than try to force every peg into the round hole of stay home, eat and watch telly?
    David, UK

    On the meaning of life according to 82ask (The future of facts, 4 October), 42 is not in fact Douglas Adam’s version of the meaning of life but the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything. The meaning of life is a completely different thing altogether.
    Tom, Edinburgh, UK

    Another story of racism in NI ( Residents object to Chinese centre, 5 October) - seems like they pop up with disturbing regularity. Nimby doesn’t get you anywhere but isolated and alone. I hope the Chinese cultural centre finds a home (and good neighbours) very soon.
    Pamela, Vancouver, Canada

    Re Faces of the Week, 1 October: shame on you, being the organisation who broadcast the Fast Show. As everyone knows, the phrase was “Suit you, sir”, not, as on your webpage, “Suits …”
    Derek Savory

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    Tories say what rocks their world) and I was wondering how long it was before Natalie Imbruglia realised that she was actually dating the wrong “Dr Fox” when trying to further her music career.
    Jon, UK

    An open letter to Joanne Beale (re Monday’s Monitor Sunday, 3 October): it’s perfectly possible to witness something as an historic event.


    Plenty of people watched the first moon-landing live and were aware that it was historic. To witness historical events, on the other hand, does require time-travel.


    But yes, historic is frequently used hyperbolically and should in many cases be replaced by one of the words you suggest.
    Ed Mann, Helsinki

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    The
    New Yorker has been finding out.


  • Further evidence that flying no longer means being cut off from life 30,00ft below, the New Zealand Herald reveals that broadcasters are talking to Boeing about showing live television on board flights: Airline passengers to be able to watch live TV.


  • “What”, M’Lud asks, “is a blog?” The Oldie has a few words for distressed gentlefolk who may be wondering.


    But naturally the BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.

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    10 things we didn’t know, 1 October)? Does this mean 30% have someone else’s?
    Jel
    Brussels

    I’m not surprised council workers in Aylesbury mistakenly put Christmas trees up too early (Christmas trees go up too early, 1 October). My local supermarket has artificial trees and crackers on the shelves now too.
    Tom Marshall, Cardiff, Wales

    An open letter to news broadcasters and publishers globally. It is impossible for something to be witnessed at the time as an historic event. It is however possible to witness something which will become an historic event. The question we have to ask is “Do journalists have a secret way of time travelling?” The answer I expect is No. So in order to save the world from pain due to overuse of this word I would like to present
    Other Words that can be used instead of Historic:

  • Christian dating teen tip
  • Momentous
  • Notable
  • Famous
  • Remarkable
  • Extraordinary
  • Celebrated

    Thank-you for your time

    Joanne Beale
    London

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    last week’s riddle, chosen at random from the correct entries was Cathy Priestley from Haddenham, Cambridgeshire. The answer was “ANSWERS”, though some people thought it was “love”, “time”, “soul”, “the moon” and “hydrogen”. (Explanation: A - leading every animal, N - at the break of night, S - search within yourself, W - found in questions who, what, why, when, where, E - end of life, R - when you start reading, S - extremes of standings.)

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    bbc.co.uk/magazine.

    Last week’s Magazine Monitor

    “We were alienated from the rest of the world. All the high street shops overstocked with CB. There was going to be this huge demand. It didn’t happen,” notes Mr Crumpton.

    Nevertheless, he maintains CB is “still alive and well” - the torch being carried by lorry drivers, off-road 4×4 enthusiasts and caravan clubs. While handheld mobile phone use is now illegal in a car, CB is not.

    And there is at least one area where the CB dealers might see growth.

    Tiverton Age Concern is using CB radio to combat the feelings of loneliness and vulnerability felt by older people living alone, often in remote areas.

    After the charity was left a legacy by a CB enthusiast, it issued 20 pensioners with sets. For a generation where not all are comfortable with the internet, and with many finding mobile phones too expensive, the radios are a godsend.

    For an hour every morning, they chat on the radio. Some even have call signs and use slang like asking for an “eyeball”, a face-to-face meeting, says Mary Healey of Age Concern.

    “One chap said ‘I can listen to other people talking if I want join in I can but it means the world when you are on your own and have only got the cat for company’.”



    Add your comments on this story, using the form below.

    All those decades ago, my younger sister (”Angel Eyes̶ ;) met “Arthur Daley” on the CB radio.. she went on it from under the duvet in her bedroom at night, all night and unbeknown to our parents. Once the eight foot long aerial hit the ceiling lampshade and knocked out the electrics in the whole house! I, as older sister thought the whole CB thing was incredibly naff! This “Arthur Daley” lived two roads away in south London and it was love at first “eyeball”.. they got married some years later and now have two lovely little girls! So it wasn’t just for truckers!
    debbie, york

    I have been on and off CB since the late 80s and I can say it has been a lot of fun. There was a time when it was almost impossible to find a clear channel to talk on - not so these days! We had endless fun on Saturday evenings playing a game of hide-and-seek in our cars using just the signal strength as a finder. The person who found could then go and hide and the game would begin again. Some of the home-bound home-base locals would often listen in to our silly banter as it made them feel part of the community. One year, the local CBers were asked to chaperone the Biggleswade Carnival; we had no trouble relaying messages around the whole town. The local police gave up and used us for messaging as their radios had too many black-spots!

    The current consultation from the government has a dating advices norge approach and we are being encouraged to switch to the CEPT band used in Europe; ironically the very same frequencies used by the original American rigs, but still only FM. We are not too happy with that idea as some EU countries do not regulate their radio users quite as well.10-10 till we do it again…
    Gary “The Electron” Myers, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England

    Never forget, these idiots used these illegal toys in the complete knowledge that they interfered with emergency radio frequencies causing deaths, aircraft landing equipment, etc and these criminals thought destroying radio controlled models was a “sport” via intentional interuption of the signals, and were menaces on the road (like using a mobile).Criminal Band radio was an accurate term.
    Allan, Durham

    CBs at the time were the best thing since sliced bread in an age where mobile phones were just a dream (or a brick with a mortgage) and the internet hadn’t even been thought of. The ability to “talk” to multiple people in a chat room type environment was great and FREE! As for foul or abusive language, the community policed this themselves and just refused to give abusers airtime (or drove to their location and boosted transmission power to drown them out).
    Fox Hunts with cars (hide and seek) were a weekend occurence. One car hides and the others seek. A general clue given to get you going then track them down using the SwR meter (the closer you get the stronger the signal). Catch you on the flip side!
    Mick “MatchMaker”, Bishops Stortford, Herts, UK

    Breaker One Nine - You got your ears on good buddy? Anyone recall that East Kilbride near Glasgow was known as Polo Mint City? - because it has lots of roundabouts. And a Skateboard was CB slang for a regular car. So when asked: “Breaker One Nine - What’s your Twenty?” (ie Where are you?) - I’d answer: “I’m the red skateboard heading for Polo Mint City…”
    Ken Morton, Glasgow, UK

    Quite agree Crazy Cat, Not just long distance drivers used it, my father had a cb radio hidden in a briefcase in his car! The illegality of it added to the fun. The whole family had handles and we used it to keep in touch. It lost its frisson when it went legal!

    Mad Pony, Bristol

    In response to Ian Macbeth, Leeds, the toll bridge in Selby is now free…. so does this warrant the re-naming to “Freetown”..?!!
    Mark, “Paytown”, North Yorkshire

    I was born in 1981. My Dad was constantly on the CB. He was a newleywed, but paid more attention to the CB than his new family. He met another woman, started sleeping with her. It broke up my parents marriage and cost me my father. He set up home with the other woman and had a family with her. It’s much the same as the horror stories you hear about internet chatrooms nowadays! Technology changes, people don’t!
    Helen, Edinburgh

    As an Army instructor in the late 1980s it was fun trying to eradicate ‘CB-speak’ from trainee radio operators! But only last Friday I went to a friend’s house and discovered he uses a CB set to keep in touch with his elderly dad down the road!
    Megan, Cheshire UK

    Well its still being used in Leicester and Leicester Control is still there with “Red Rust” and the gang (Hi Rob).
    A lot of people i meet dont even know that CB still exists.It still has the music and swearing but its only like that on the calling channel.CB lives on though so get those radios from the loft and get back on the air
    Dave “Cubwolf” Smith, Leicester

    I had an imported AM ‘rig’ and a home made antennae. Everytime I transmitted I blanked out every television set in a quarter mile radius! I think that kit like mine was probably the reason it was illegal in the first place.
    Sean Clark, Loughborough

    1 - 9 for a copy! When at secondary school, as recent as 15 years ago, I persuaded my parents (both original ’80’s’ CB-ers) to utilise the aerial still up that tree in the garden to give me my own CB. At that time there were still several people at school with the same idea, using their parents equipment that had been lying unused for several years. I met my now husband on the CB, and before mobile phones or SAT NAV, never went any distance in the car without plugging in the CB. Essential if you got lost - always an obliging trucker to assist. Sometimes tempted to plug back in to see if the stalwart enthusiasts are still waiting for a copy!
    vicky, Moray, Scotland

    CB was a really big part of my teenage years. I met my now best friend on-air “Red October”. Does anybody remeber the “Fox Hunt”. We all had Minis (Mine was the best) and used to be up all through the night trying to find other cars. Those were the days hiding in the middle of roundabouts!
    Martyn “NightHawk”, London

    “DX-ers”, (long-distance CB enthusiasts), took the hobby as seriously as their licensed HAM counterparts. I spent many pleasant evenings chatting on side-band to America, Jamaica, Brazil, even Australia. OK, it was illegal, but the authorities didn’t seem to mind. The 30ft antenna towering over my house was fairly obvious!
    “Kamikaze”, Maputo Mozambique

    I’m surprised that so few truckers use it now. As someone who commutes down part of the accident-prone A14 ‘Highway from Hell’, I am amazed at lorries blithely passing the A428 exit and heading up towards a Huntingdon tailback, when a CB would have warned them to divert….
    Kit, Cambridge, UK

    When we lived in a fishing town in Scotland my two sons had CB and their not too intelligent readheaded friend had the handle ‘Red Herring’ and couldn’t understand why no one came back to him! A friend of mine’s handle was ‘Schoolboy’ so we could say Schoolboy do you copy?
    Alex Mitchell, Stockport, UK

    In the earlie 80’s I ran a small country hotel in East Yorkshire. I found it quite amusing that young “CB’rs” would spend a couple of hours in the bar chatting to each other, then go to the car park, sit in their cars next to each other and talk to one another on their CB’s. As they say in Yorkshire “Thre’s nowt so queer as folk”
    John Pheasant, Nottinghamshire

    I used to use the CB a lot. I spoke to guys with cool handles like ‘The Outlaw’, and ‘Spiderman’, it felt like I was part of something dangerous, a rebellion if you like. We were subverting the Government and played by nobodys rules, not even our own.

    Eventually I went along to a meeting and realised I was speaking with a group of 30-something, basement dwellers who drove 50CC scooters. I sold my rig soon after, the magic was gone.
    Greg, Wick, Scotland

    The best part of it was the names for places. My favourite was “Paytown” for Selby where there was a toll bridge.
    ian macbeth, leeds

    I was very actively involved with legal CB in Leicester, with the very well known “Leicester Control” on ch23. This group of enthusiasts were famous for giving accurate directions to truckers in our area. I also wrote a monthly column for a CB Radio magazine. What killed CB was the internet and the availablility of mobile phones and computer-based dating man online tip. It was fun whilst it lasted and many CBers went on to tke the RA exams. But I never forgot Roger “Red Rust”, Jeff “Murgatroyd”, Sid “Sunray” and many, many others. Yes the bucketmouths and music-players were a pain, but I made some very good friends.
    Rob “Captain Jack” Davis, formerly Leicester, now Telford

    It does bring back fond memories of hooning around Tamworth and surrounding villages on a pushbike with friends to arranged “eyeballs” with other “breakers”. Often it seemed that a lot of my peers while on CB radio were about 20+ years older than me but most treated my curiousity with respect and even more information.

    From CB radio and the contacts I made there I joined an organisation called Search & Rescue to assist members of the public, sporting events in the town etc - which eventually evolved to become a fully fledged British Red Cross Society members unit M16. So to Prinz Eugen, The Red Baron (and Snoopy), Viking and all the others of M16 - those really were fun days of my youth!
    John Somers, Chesham, Dating advices with women

    I was a student in Leeds around 1981, trying to fly radio controlled gliders. My legal RC equipment used the correct alloted frequency of 27 Mhz or so. The illegal CB equipment used the same. This ‘CB hispanic dating advices was not appreciated by my RC glider. So, to gain some revenge back at my digs in Leeds I would wait in the evening until the local CB’ers came on the air by listening in with my ‘world bands’ capable radio / cassette and then turn on my radio contol transmitter and proceed to cause interference on their goings on. I know it worked because the incredulous voices would complain of the number ‘dB they were pulling’ dropping as I twiddled the control on my RC transmitter.
    Steve Crutchley, St Albans, UK

    Fond cb years remembered well, sitting in your car on the highest local hill trying to call out to others on hills across the country and if you were lucky recieving copies from abroad as well, great fun in its hey day but nothing like it was. Still got mine, gathering dust in some cupboard, you never know one day it might see some copies again. ‘Over and out’.
    Andrew “Meatloaf”, Solihull, West Midlands

    In 1981 I met my first boyfriend using my dads CB. Sitting in the car on the front drive I opened up a whole new world and a whole new group of friends, as a teenager who was bullied badly at school it was heaven to talk to people who didn’t have a clue who I was or what I looked like (or even where I was). Now my teenage daughter is on MSN night after night and we are endlessly warned about the dangers, in reality its no different to the CB, use it safely and its not a danger…

    I soon left home and the fun of my dad’s CB set, however I wont ever forget cold winter nights sitting in his car chatting away feeling like any teenager anywhere, as if the world were at my feet. 10-10 till we do it again, Hot-Lips signing out.
    Wanda “Hot Lips”, Welwyn Garden City

    “Illegal for no good reason” and “harmless”? Not really. The reason ‘legal’ CB was introduced, using FM (a different mode, on a very slightly different frequency), was that FM transmissions cause a lot less interference than AM (as in illegal CB). It’s as simple as that. Unfortunately, the illegal users didn’t grasp the problems that they could have been causing to legitimate, and probably a lot more important, users of the radio spectrum.
    Rob, Newcastle

    The UK legal sets have restricted power and operate on FM, which reduces the transmission range. Due to the way sunspot activity affects us the early CBers could often talk to people in the States. I know people who were into CB in the early days who subsequently passed the exams to become Radio Amateurs so they could get back to talking to people on the other side of the world.
    Darren Jones

    Brilliant! I was “on the rig” for about 10 years - I had a severe stammer and it was my way of talking with people I’d (probably) never meet. As it happened, I met a girlfriend on there, and we had a great time. It was full of friendly people and I made many friends. The only downside was dismantling the 30ft antenna in my garden when a thunderstorm approached!
    Edward Byard, Oxford

    I remember using CB’s in the early 90s and by then it was becoming a joke - the sets were available for peanuts so many people would buy them and then mess around ‘on-air’. It just became a noisy mess where you couldn’t hold a real conversation without someone butting in and making silly comments. It was a great idea but spoiled by the same people who now cause trouble on on-line chatrooms. Technology changes - people dont…
    Craig, Perth

    All I remember is girls coming on air and dropping heavy hints their parents were out and why don’t you pop round to say hi. The rest of the evening consisted of a bunch of teens champing at the bit in a Vauxhall Viva outside some house realising you’d been had yet again and there were no girls, not there anyway.
    Iain, UK

    It’s still going strong, especially with 4×4 owners. The license is a complete waste of money as it hasn’t gotten rid of the foul language or the music on channel 19, but it’s getting better. You’d be surprised how many people are still using it, and it’s superb on the motorway!
    David Jacobs, Hinckley

    As a young kid living in rural Kent in the early 80s there wasn’t much to do of an evening. My memory of CB was sitting on Channel 14 - reserved for meeting other users, endlessly calling “one-four for a copy” and hoping someone would start chatting to me. In those days, people didn’t worry so much about children talking to complete strangers over the airwaves like they do now about internet chat rooms!
    Tom “Lard”, Chelmsford

    When off roading with others, CBs the best free all day conference call you can get and theres no limit to the number of participants. You dont get that with mobiles.
    David Edwards, Chester

    It’s still a great way to communicate between vehicles travelling closely together such as groups of truckers, caravaners, any vehicle marque clubs and for off-road driving. No cost for calling, no issues with network coverage and one person can instantly c