FrontPage Archive - July 2004
Created | Updated May 20, 2006
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1 July 2004
'Ethnically Filthy - And Proud of It'He described himself as 'an Englishman without a drop of English blood' - and he was certainly one of the wittiest, most erudite and multi-talented entertainers of the 20th Century. Rediscover the genius of Sir Peter Ustinov - A True Virtuoso.
Keep Young (or Old) And Beautiful
It's something that happens to each and every one of us, from the moment we're born - whether we like it or not! Read on to discover exactly how and why the ageing process affects us.
Quiz Show - The Original Scandal
In the 1950s, one of the highest-rated TV shows in the USA was a programme called 'Twenty-One' - but Americans were shocked and stunned when a massive scandal broke. Read 'Twenty-One' - The Game Show - the real-life story behind the movie Quiz Show.
2 July 2004
A True Hollywood StarAlthough he was born in Eltham, South-East London, Bob Hope is renowned worldwide as being one of the greatest Hollywood stars of all time. From the Road... movies through to his comedy and numerous honours, today and all weekend, we celebrate the life of a true comedy great.
There She Blows!
In one of the most bizarre events in maritime history, in June 1919, some 72 German warships were scuttled in Scapa Flow, Orkney. To find out why it happened, read on...
A Playground Classic
Most of us played it when we were children, but even if you haven't, why not acquaint yourself with the basic rules and regulations of the perennial favourite Hopscotch? You know you want to...
5 July 2004
Chequered HistoryRelatively successful in foreign and domestic affairs until he became the first and only President to resign from office, following the Watergate scandal: Today’s Entry examines the life and career of the 37th President of the USA, Richard Milhous Nixon.
Elvish Lives
Enthusiasts of JRR Tolkien's most famous works, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are often daunted when they encounter Silmarillion - but luckily today we provide an overview of this unique book.
Electricity
Designed to prove some of Einstein's greatest theories, and with the proposed ability to recreate some of the conditions responsible for the Big Bang itself – it's the Superconducting Supercollider.
6 July 2004
Branching OutIts fruit may look like apples, but you really don't want to go scrumping in this orchard. Be warned - The Manchineel Tree is possibly the most dangerous tree in the world...
New Jersey Anthem
Immortalised by the song by Bob Dylan, today meet a boxer who became 'The Man The Authorities Came To Blame' - Rubin Carter...
7 July 2004
African AdventureIt's a country of contrasts and one that's as endlessly fascinating as it is rich in history. For those either planning a visit, or for anyone keen to just find out more, today's journey through the African country of Tanzania is a must-read.
Affairs of the Smart
Impatient with intellectual gobbledygook? Take heart - a physicist, angered by the theory that science was purely a social construct, struck back and got revenge by triggering
The Sokal Affair.
Positively Prodigious
Of all his works, Mozart’s Piano Concertos (all 27 of them) are the most readily recognisable and all from the 9th onwards are frequently heard in concert halls. Today’s Entry provides a brief overview.
8 July 2004
The Devil's DynastyAlthough he's nowhere near as well-known as his own children Richard the Lionheart and 'Bad' King John, Henry II was perhaps the greatest of England's medieval monarchs. From his tempestuous marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine to the murder of Thomas Becket, the reign of Henry II - the 'First' King of England was one that should be remembered.
Let's Go Shopping!
Ever thought that it would be a good idea to combine a shopping mall with a community centre, in order to improve the spiritual and artistic health of your town? Well the people of Bellevue, Washington, USA, have done just that by constructing the Crossroads Center.
Mine's A Pint
It fills the hearts of the h2g2 Editors with glee whenever we see entries about fantastic pubs. The Salisbury Public House, Harringay, London looks just like the kind of boozer we'd love to visit. See if you agree!
9 July 2004
Safety FirstAre you the sort of person who goes running about in a panic every time you cut your finger? Perhaps you'd be less easily startled if you knew where all the plasters and bandages are - and with our guide to making your own First Aid Kit, you need never panic again...
Comedy Classics
They went all over the place in their quest to provide movie audiences with a good, old-fashioned giggle: from Singapore to Zanzibar, Morocco, Utopia, Rio, even Bali. Read all about the marvellous 'Road...' Films of Hope, Crosby and Lamour.
Boosted Beverage
Up in the snowy wastes of Quebec, Canada, the locals have concocted a marvellous boozy beverage to warm the cockles of the heart. Sounds like your kind of brew? Read Caribou (the beverage) for all the precise details.
12 July 2004
Take Me To The Clouds AboveWith the kind of rotten weather we've been having in the UK of late, any additional meteorological skills that we can pick up in order to predict the weather have just got to be useful! Learn How To Predict the Weather via Cloud Formations...
Portuguese Piety
Although it's not the most famous ecclesiastical building in the world, The Monastery of Batalha, Portugal has a great deal of fascinating history and character. Read on to find out more about this beautiful spiritual site.
Petite Particles
You might use the word 'tiny' to describe 'fun-size' chocolate bars or canteen portions, but apparently there are lots of things smaller than that, as The Sub-Atomic World of Kaons, Axions, J/Psi, Sigma and Xi Particles sets out to prove.
13 July 2004
Roll Out the BarrelAlthough most of us have visited public houses regularly, very few people are actually aware of just how the drink they are served with gets into their glasses. Today's journey around The Beer Cellar of a Public House offers enlightenment.
An Undiscovered Jewel
Explore the 149-year history of a remarkable ship that started life in Bengal - and after a stints as a Crimean War troopship and a convict ship in Western Australia, transported immigrants to New Zealand: The Edwin Fox, Picton.
Antipodean Acts
When, in 1995, Australia's Northern Territory passed a Bill to legalise euthanasia the Federal Parliament was able to override the decision. Find out how self-governing territories are controlled via Section 122 of the Australian Constitution.
14 July 2004
Holier than thouFor about 3000 years, it has been conquered and reconquered, put under siege, destroyed, deserted and rebuilt - time and time again. Today, starting from the beginning, we provide you with A Very Brief History of Jerusalem.
Comics Aside...
His mission is to protect the innocent victims of crime, but Jigsaw - and even occasionally Spider-Man - get in his way. Enter the world of The Punisher - Comic Book Hero.
The big and the small of it all
It bridges the gap between the microscopic world of quantum mechanics and the macroscopic world of our everyday experience - it's Statistical Thermodynamics.
15 July 2004
Trouble In ParadiseA tropical paradise that's been divided into two separate nations, Samoa is a series of Pacific islands with a fascinating history of colonisation, conflict and eventually peaceful democracy. Find out more about this beautiful part of the world by reading The History of Samoa.
Big-Voiced Lady
She first burst forth onto the music scene as part of 'The Weather Girls' - but did you know she was also the vocalist for 'Black Box'? Martha Wash - Singer gives you all the info you could ever need about this talented lady.
The Beat Goes On
They're an essential tool for anyone hoping to break into the world of professional drumming. They're also a lot less noisy than 'real' drums, so they're ideal for parents everywhere! Read all about Drum Practice Pads.
16 July 2004
Baker Street BrainboxHe's possibly the best-known and most beloved drug addict in British fiction. He's the greatest detective who never lived, and his exploits are still just as popular today as they've ever been. Join us as we investigate the innermost nooks and crannies of the character of Sherlock Holmes. It's elementary!
Walk Like A Californian
A female four-piece pop-rock band with a plethora of iconic Eighties hits, The Bangles and their tunes never seem to fall from favour. Find out more about how the band came together, their greatest hits and what they're up to today.
The 'World's Crookedest Street'
Any time a movie is set in or around San Francisco, chances are that there will be at least one scene set on that famous road where cars twist and turn like a demented snake to descend the hill. Read the facts about Lombard Street, San Francisco.
19 July 2004
Let's Go For A Little Walk...Single-handedly reviving the music and fashions of the 1950s into the middle of the 1970s, Showaddywaddy were a band that took Britain by storm. With their trademark multi-coloured jackets and quality cover versions, they were seldom out of the charts. Showaddywaddy: Rock 'n' Roll Revivalists takes you back to these golden days...
Wise Words For Mums
During pregnancy, mums-to-be are faced with a bewildering array of statistics and advice, often leading to more confusion than necessary. Consuming Alcohol During Pregnancy, The Consequences collates together the latest thinking about this important topic.
Anime Maestro
Shinkai Makoto is one of the leading lights in the Japanese Anime industry, creating films of staggering beauty and originality. Read 'Voices of a Distant Star' and Shorter Anime Films By Shinkai Makoto, 1997 - May 2004 to find out more about the man and his craft.
20 July 2004
Bristle FashionNo matter what time of the day you get up - or in whatever time zone - now you can discover the secret behind your morning routine. Delve into the history of Toothpaste and Toothbrushes to find out more.
Missing, Believed...
Uncover the mystery that surrounds the disappearance of Jazz musician and war hero Glenn Miller.
Ding dong!
We also return to the art of campanology - or bellringing - in the form of a brand new rewrite.
21 July 2004
Dandy SpacemanIn the week that a new series of Doctor Who begins filming in Wales, we take a look back to the early 1970s when the famous Time Lord was exiled to Earth in the form of the inimitable Jon Pertwee... just don't say 'reverse the polarity of the neutron flow', okay?
'X' Marks the Spot
Did the recent European elections leave you baffled? Phrases like the d'Hondt voting system for European Parliament can't help - but don't worry, h2g2 is on hand...
Tangled
No, it's not where Harry Potter goes Christmas shopping, it's much more interesting than that. Have a root around some Giant Hogweed to see what you can find...
22 July 2004
Behave!They're very territorial, are easily distinguishable by their metallic-sounding song and they nearly always nest in pairs - join us (and make up your own jokes) as we look at the green and yellow bird also known as Parus Major in Great Tits.
He was getting nowhere
...and so he had a cuppa tea and became one of our best-loved character actors. Today we look at the life and career of Bernard Cribbins.
Ghost story
Fans of Glasgow Celtic still sing it, but it recalls the real-life tragic death of a young footballer. We explore the story behind Johnny Thomson's Ghost.
23 July 2004
Firearms By FemalesThroughout the 20th Century, women have played an essential role in supporting Britain's war efforts. Read The Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, UK: the Role of Women Workers to find out more.
Sweet Dreams Are Made (Not) Of This
Snoring is one thing - a dangerous medical condition that can have long-lasting medical repercussions is another thing entirely. If you've never heard of Adult Sleep Apnoea, read on...
Scottish Snacks
Food in Scotland is more than just whisky and deep-fried Mars bars, you know. In particular, the food from the Orkney Islands is worth finding more about. Mmm... salmon and fudge...
26 July 2004
Goes Down Well With CustardMost people tend to have a bit of a sweet tooth (well, we all certainly do at h2g2 Towers!), and we reckon there's nothing nicer than an old-fashioned traditional British pudding to tantalise those taste buds. Spotted Dick is a particular favourite of ours - find out more about this delicious dessert.
Beg Your Pardon?
It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Canadian Rockies and it has a full name that's far too long and complex to repeat here. However, to find out more about this unique location, read Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
It's So Cute... But What Is It Again?
The Angwantibo is a tree-dwelling nocturnal primate that lives in Western Africa. Discover more about this charming mammal, its habitat, diet - all kinds of things you probably don't know already!
27 July 2004
Nothing Like A Bit Of Sauce...Thick, gloopy, sweet and just a little bit tart, there's very little that can spruce up a meal like ketchup. Find out about the origins of this popular condiment and discover more about the ingredients that go into an average bottle by reading our new guide to Ketchup.
A Party Favourite
Children of all ages can enjoy playing Pass the Parcel - this handy guide gives you all the info you need to make your party go with a swing... or at the very least, with a fun game!
Singing The Blues
He was one of the most successful and critically-acclaimed Blues Guitarists in the world, but his story had a tragic outcome. Roy Buchanan: Blues Guitarist tells all about a true maestro of his art.
28 July 2004
He's Behind You!We've all groaned every time the heroine trips over in a horror movie, or one of the supporting victims - er, cast - goes down that dark, spooky corridor. But what if you found yourself inside a horror movie - Would you be as dumb as they are? Make sure you know How to Survive a Slasher/Splatter Horror Film - just in case...
Artistic Arithmatic
Some of you might be surprised to learn that it helps to be a good mathematician if you want to be an artist. Find out about why Mathematics in the Arts is such a major consideration before you lay paint to canvas...
Who Are You?
They're not geeks - heck no! - they're certainly not nerds, yet in some sections of society, they might often be mistaken for both. Never make that mistake yourself - learn what makes Dorks so very different...
29 July 2004
Technical Merit And Artistic ImpressionAs a country, we in the UK aren't terribly good at winter sports - there's just not enough ice and snow, for one thing. However, we've been proud to rally round one sport where we have generated some world champions - ice skating. Discover how to tell a Toeless Lutz and a Triple Salchow from other Jumps in Figure Skating.
The Truth Is Out There
How could the Dogon, a small African tribe, possibly have precise information about the far-flung star Sirius? Could they have been visited in the past by amphibious aliens? That's the Dogon/Sirius Mystery. Read on to find out more...
Trump-et Minor
A movie that features a boy who can't stop farting? Why, that must be the latest by Ingmar Bergman! No? Well that's the plot of 'Thunderpants' - The Film. By the way, can you smell something in here...?
30 July 2004
A Yorkshireman's HomeYorkshire's castles have witnessed history-shaping battles, inspired William Shakespeare and Sir Walter Scott, and witnessed the murders of Kings. They are also open for you to visit seven days a week, especially on 1 August, Yorkshire Day. Today and all weekend, we take an in-depth look at some of the best castles of Yorkshire:
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