30th September Shout Box

Stars & Stripes Again

He Came , He Saw, He...

Won. Who? mos623...Remember That Name

I rejoice! I commiserate.

1. mos623#1 USA. You are devious...a tactical mastermind.

2. strnog1#4 USA You are getting pretty amazing yourself.

3. chipownz USA You are strarting to become a force to be reckoned with.

4. peachy_1#2 USA You will..I'm sure be a top shot in October.

4. ryanknight USA You...are definitely beginning to find your form.

Red! A blanket of red! UK what happened? No excuses now. I don't want to hear them...not now...not near Judgement Day. mos623#1 and his platoon pummelled you flat.

The americans have done it again! 5 out of 5! It's gets tragic now. Mink has been deposed......NOT FAIR I cry. Please everyone be gentle with Mink. But there is good news...mos623#1 was afterall never expected to relinquish his crown without a titanic battle. And mink#5 looks set to become mink#1...Top UK rank.

And if that ain't going up Mount Olympus I don't know what is.

So how are the Mogul's doing?

Yesterday's History Mogul was jules44 UK

And 26 of you came in with a fantastic 10 correct in the time limit. Even onebraincellUK.....sorry...did that sound derogatory? She knows me. She won't mind once she's given me a knuckle butty.

Starting tomorrow the bonus point system will come into play on the Mogul quiz. After much faffing around I've decided to award 20 bonus points a day to the winner and 10 points to anyone who meets the criteria. Good hey? That should blow the next Challenge wide open! Go snatch them points! Nice thing is it don't matter a fig what everyone else is doing.

Any new players? No. Not a sniff from either side of the Atlantic. Do I care? In a word. No. Too excited about the team scores....shan't sleep tonight.

Will the USA make it three in a row? The UK are fielding a tough team but I suspect have'nt quite figured out how to deal with mos623. But the King of the pack ain't the team. From 1st to 150th place I'll be adding every single point tomorrow....I've resisted having a peek all week. Besides that I'd dying to know who's going to be the months MOP aswell cos so many of you are outstandingly good players and have fought your way up the rankings. Last month was mos623...came in ...stormed to the top. Can't beat that..so it's up for grabs. Yeh...everyone can breath a sigh of relief...from both sides.

I'm off into my Bomb Pod now....see tomorrow....if I dare come out.

Handy Links

Top 20 Toughies and Teams

Mogul News

29th September Shout Box

Whoopee!

Hoisted by julieanne123

Well Done

Congratulations on your first win and a dead snappy time too considering the questions get harder as the week goes on.

1. julieanne123 USA . Yesterdays highest climber too in the Top 20.

2. cyprus1 UK. The first of the super duper Brits who romped in.

3. Beckyel#7 UK Hello....wonderful to see you.

4. Seurat UK. The UK avalanche continues....

5. midgetmark#2 UK Ah...my midget.

Hey...where did all the big guns go? Good work guys...that's the way to do it. Shove them aside. Show no respect. Ain't it nice to see some new talent. julieanne123 certainly took the Call To Arms seriously....and delivered the goods. And the UK...getting tired of that swamp of red everyday? Don't blame you. cyprus1 is really starting to get into his stride. And Beckyel and Seurat...I'm chuffed for you. Fine performances from all.

Every point counts now. This tug-of-war is tight. Just think one point earned could make the difference between victory or defeat for one team. One loser. Now I know there's only 2 teams but we could call the loser the Runner Up...sounds kinder...less demoralising.

Just had a crafty peek over the parapet and.......yikes....after yesterdays stompin stormin effort by the UK...today...the USA have so far swiped the first 8 places!

Never ever has the fighting been so ferocious. It makes my little heart sing...my little pulse race. And what's more no one has deserted...all of you are reporting in...determined to snatch glory.

And yesterdays Mogul event?

People Mogul was miffy42#1 UK.

That's 3 wins miffy42. Darn good but will you be able to stem the top class opposition? A few of you are catching my eye here. ryaman and Marsalinator....wakazawaka and ryanknight.....

paper aeroplane....OldSpotPig and Quiz Beagle and peachy1 who after only playing a measly 4 games is riding at 14th place.

Different game...different names. Good hey?

Did anyone sign up for the fun? Sure did. A Big Hearty Welcome to oldgirl1249 a Commonwealth friend for the UK. No new americans came to the bear pit.

I'd just like to say...sincerely folks...you are making one incredibly happy penguin. Thanks for playing. I'm gonna scuttle back to my Bomb Pod now...if I get brave I'll go for a swim...flag retrieval.

ps. Sorry the blog was late today. I've been pottering in my herb garden...to jazz up my diet of kippers. Fish...good for the brain.

Handy Links

Top 20 Toughies and Teams

Mogul News

28th September Shout Box

Midgetmark Swiped It Back

Union Jack Hoisted by midgetmark

And ain't that lucky because all the other flags have been nicked...Come on now...own up which of you did it? Gonna have to start laying landmines on this ice floe.

1. midgetmark#2 UK. Yipee! I'm impartial but have a soft spot for my midget.

2. TriviaBaller#5 USA Well Hi. Nice to see you up here again.

3. mos623#1 USA. It's the limpet mine again. Know what it is yet?

4. tihata#7 USA Keep this up and you'll become USA rank #2

5. Mink#5 UK. You're not buckling under pressure. Impressive.

Told you the USA would come powdering back this week. Was I right or was I right? Oops..excuse the typo...meant powering...Got to hand it to you americans when the going gets tough...the tough get going. UK have midgetmark and Mink to thank for averting disaster. But Mink is still tops and heading for glory...won most games so far. Just thought I'd mention that to stir it some so if anyone fancies tackling the top dog...pin back your lugs....(translation: listen) she has 4 wins in the bag....and right up her rump we have mos623....jules44..miffy42 and midgetmark. Gee if one of them four win in the next few days there could be an upset.

There's only 2 days play to go. And I really don't have a clue who is going to swipe the prestige and glory cos I have'nt dared look.

I'll share a little insight with you though....some of you are in prime positions to make a killing...so go that extra mile....pump those little legs harder....take extra vitamins....or whip your mouse...I won't report you to Animal Welfare.

Howie72.... In the horrible spot of 21st...just gonna miss glory. Did you know I'm sticking the Top 20 into our Elect Hall of Flame. No? Well you do now.

reds4ever....has deserted his/her post. Why? Aw...you're proving a flipping good player and are just outside the Godly Lot of Top 20 Toughies in 22nd.

OldSpotPig at 23rd. Very impressive. Bet you'll do it next month.

Some of you have NOT played everyday...it's crimminal...heartbreaking.

Seurat....Avin_Itoffski....Beckyel....poolospher...luckypierre...

daver852...bluetwo ...

Queen Mary...ohsusana...malarson6...BigT..natsmom87 and sasquatch.

You've all done so incredibly well on the days you made it I shiver to think what mayhem you'd have managed with a full showing. It's mercernary enough around here. Perhaps next month you'll whip the others hey.

And how did the Mogul event do?

I've been looking forward to this bit.

Winner. Music Mogul midgetmark UK

A double whammy! Won both tournaments! midget you sure stamped your mark on the field!

A reminder. Top 10 Moguls go into the Hall of Flame. Yesterday 2 of you were destined for canonization...Aw...and now you're not. Sadly paper areoplane and ryaman were booted out of the Top 10. Commiserations. Right..that's the sympathy done with. Reality check time. Snap to attention and muscle your way back in before it's too late! I'll be cheering for you both.

That winds the postmortem up...and no new players. Tut tut. Oh...can see all my flags floating in the sea. The sites had a flaming overhaul. Set the links adrift. Well that's my weekend sorted then. Retrieving flags.

Yours? You gotta play your little hearts out. 2 days. Deadline. Judgement Day.

All leave is cancelled.

Handy Links

Top 20 Toughies and Teams

Mogul News

27th September Shout Box

Stars And Stripes

Hoisted By bluetwo

Who? A devilish newcomer that's who. A new USA secret weapon unveiled.

1. bluetwo USA Only 2nd days play and already a win. Cor.

2. results UK Congratulations...that's a personal best. Go celebrate.

3. mos623#1 USA You Again! Do you never have an offday?

4. mike32768#6 USA And you're becoming a fixture up here too.

5. WorldB#3 USA And you're playing your little heart out aswell.

It's an american invasion! All that red. Thank heavens for results. But UK you had better watch this new dynamo bluetwo. Already rocketed upto 50th place. Any bets on just how high in the stratosphere he/she can get in the last days play. Looks frightening for next month I reckon. Heck...just no one can be allowed to get complacent here.

And I'm sorry...it's getting heartrending tough for some of you guys. Same team...same sides...scrummaging for rankings. I'm mopping my eyes with a soggy tissue here.

We have marsalinator and ryaman scrapping over 15th place. Same team. Aw..what have I done wickedly setting you all against your friends.

We have mike32768 and WorldB in a tug-of-war for 10th.

Then there's thereds4ever and Howie72 sparring away for 21st.

And poolosopher and chipownz getting to grips over 35th.

The list is endless. Gee....I'm sorry. Did that sound sincere?

But there's plenty of other foul-free free for alls ensuing....

At 39th Quiz Beagle is still valiantly fending of an american onslaught. Good for you!

And what did the Moguls get up to yesterday? Who was winner?

Sci-Tech Mogul was wakazawaka...with mos623 snapping at his heels. And a crafty peek over the parapet tells me he's there again today...so far.

He certainly qualifies as one of the months new outstanding talents.

Did anyone join up ? Yeh...I 'd like to welcome geowife and ExPat come to fight for the UK and a Warm Welcome to katiesmama3 for the USA.

And a word about BrerSchultzy...Where is he? Anyone know? I've a wild theory he's been abducted by UK extremists.. Send any ransom demands to me...the Penguin or Marsalinator at Fun Trivia....or e-mail me at arecidivist@yahoo.co.uk We want him back....We miss him....We want to know he's okay.

Right I'm off now...

Handy Links

Top Twenty Toughies & Teams

Mogul News

Oops..Forgot To Mention The New Recruits!

I need a lobotomy.
Sorry guys. Here goes...
Hi there to some new troopers. For the UK we have feeble-sage....a Commonwealth friend.
And an equally Warm Welcome to bluetwo and AyatollahK (huh? seriously?) for the USA.

26th September Shout Box

Stars And Stripes

A First For Strnog1

Congratulations

Well it was mos623 leading virtually all day...no surprise there...

1. strnog1#4 USA Sneaked in and stole the show. It's called tactics

2. bluetwo USA Hello there newcomer to the quiz. Yes..we've noticed you.

3. mos623#1 USA It's unfair just how often you get shoved out the way!

4. Mink#5 UK Thank Heavens for Mink. The only UK placing.

5. mike32768#6 USA. Determined to up your ranking hey....

It was almost a rout! Come on UK that was a close shave. Can't afford to let that happen so close to months end. Tension and tempers are getting fraught aswell...or could just be that mos623 is in a locquacious mood these days. Nearly had to get in there with my wet kipper to restore order...just kidding. All geniuses have temperamental characters. It's fact. Look at that one-eared artist

chappie...

And everyone sit up straight and listen...and listen good. There's a new talent arrived. Bluetwo who shot straight into second. Now in my humble opinion if anyone can beat mos623...they could be big trouble....for the UK that is. There's another one to target. I've noticed the americans are training up some pretty nifty troopers.

But UK...not to be outdone has Mink. The Magnificent. Without her yesterday you'd have looked a bit daft.

Then get this..and be in awe.

Yesterdays Animals Mogul......Mink#5 UK

Talk about putting yourself about! What style! What elan?

And I noticed someone else who's doing darn well. mike32768...ranked 6th for the USA last month. In the Challenge he's moving up the Top 20 Toughies...and so far he's the USA Top Mogul.

But it's The Challenge team stuff that matters right now and there's a couple of ferociously tight scraps going on.
At position 40 you have to shudder and feel frightened for mhallesy sandwiched and under seige between poolosopher...hovenaut...elamcs and TAKROM. Hey...that's unfairly outnumbered. Can Quiz Beagle just behind come charging to the rescue and split those Yanks?

There's another lone UK player.....QueenMary.....bravely battling against adumbledore40...kwd42co...hilltopper67 ..igotmeajd...alone

...stranded...refusing to go down. (And this grotty text is shifting all over the page. Drat!)

Look at the Top 20...it's american tactics. Hunt in a pack and target a stray. Poor midgetmark and vivtriv is all I can say.

On the otherhand mos623 and tihata are single cell operators....all they leave in their wake is a dust cloud! Which brings us full circle back to Mink with a 150 point lead. Will it be enough I wonder?

So guy/gals this is your Mantra for the next 4 days.

WIN...I MUST WIN...PENGUIN Says SO

Handy Links

Top 20 Toughies And Teams

Mogul News

And I'm gonna scream in a minute....obstreporous text and formatting be dammned! I keep dragging it around...an it scurries off!

25th September Shout Box

Stars And Stripes

mos623...Yep You Guessed

And about time to if I may say so. I was getting worried.

1. mos623#1 USA First win for days. Was about to use the flag for a tablecloth.

2. MaggieG#4 UK One of the Greats. Did you know 75% of the time gets 10.

3. Mink#5 UK Is the pressure starting to bite. You've led virtually all month.

4. jules44 UK Unranked last month but heading for UK number 2 rank.

5. miffy42#1 UK A word about you later...you clever little thing.

Cor...this is great stuff. Almost a fullhouse for the UK. But was'nt. Warned everyone on the blog yesterday to duel to the death. And boy you've all revved your engines and gone full throttle. Is the tension building? Any mice been crushed yet in a manic vicelike grip of dread?

It could go either way...UK or USA.

Might have guessed mos623 would storm home...that was yesterday..and today he's back, the devil! And there's more. He's launched psychological warfare too in that itty bitty box. Hey! Don't lower yourself to my standards mos

Mind he could have said...but he did'nt...that Mink has won most days this month...so far. A quick regurgitation of the stats....Mink has won 4....but...mos623...jules44 and miffy42 are clamouring behind on 3 each. Heck. Mink keep running...don't look back...I don't mean to panic you...but if you want to win this months Daily Dervish...panic now!

Which reminds me....same award is up for grabs on the Mogul. After 4 days play miffy42 is gunning for that one with 2 wins closely followed by WorldB and tihata with 1 each. Hey...just had a peek out there....Mink is leading the Moguls so far today. Well Done! But er...never mind...I'll keep my beak clamped.

And the Mogul Run?

Yesterday saw miffy42 romp in at a snappy 18 seconds on geography...did'nt need no map to find the finishing post there then. Yep...it's a bit (alot) corny I know but think of this way...you'll never have heard such drivel before and no one will want to plagiarize my chattter. And miffy already has hold of the Speed Mogul record set at 17 seconds. Will such a slothfully slow time last? I shake my head in trepidation. Still sorting out the Mogul details ...but I want a Mogul Maximus for October...so far that looks to be miffy42. I've not been accepting bribes...honest.

Did anyone else join the madhouse? They sure did.

Time to say a Big Warm Hello to RosaRita (that sounds nice..kinda classy)....and fat_woman9 ( harbourer of an inferiority complex?)...and clooney ( It can't be? Can it?)..who all valiantly came to play for the USA. And to counter that threat the UK had. 0.

Right....as a noncombatant I already confided to you I'm scared so I'm off back my new shelter...The Bomb Pod. D'you like it. Neat hey? Very minimalist in design.

COUNTDOWN TO JUDGEMENT DAY
5 Days

Handy Links

Top 20 Toughies & Teams

Mogul News

September Judgement Day Draws Nigh

Wondering what it is? It's for me...my own personal bomb shelter. Custom made for penguins.

Why? Bit extreme? No way.

Well..it's like this. Last week the americans had a 2.6% lead. Now they ain't. Gone. Swiped. Filched. When I said to you Brits...Go..Go...Go and scrummage for points you did not mess about. Gotta hand it to you guys you've all pulled together as a team....top players determinedly held their ground and the rest of you were out in force hungry for victory and nicking points.

Er...don't shoot the messenger ...I'm sorry America but now you're trailing. Stats came in at 51.1% for the UK and 48.9% for the USA. After reining in the opposition the UK now have a lead of 2.2%.

What a turnabout!

This is tremendous stuff....makes my little heart pound with joy. How close can it get? This one is gonna be a struggle right to the bitter end. Good Innit? My bomb shelters ready for when the shrapnel starts to fly. I intend to survive.

The Mogul bonus points have'nt been included....did'nt think it fair with it being so new...wanted to give folk time to join up before next months bash. So that leaves only 6 days left for mayhem and carnage....for the pendulum to swing back the USA way or for the UK to deliver the coup de grace.

Do you know...I would'nt like to bet either way. This is gonna be a cracker.

So now you know...UK can expect USA to pull out all the stops. USA can expect that cool UK nerve to endure whatever you throw their way.

24th September Shout Box

midgetmark Is Back

Well Done!

The americans were threatening to pile in...

1. midgetmark#2 UK Yes...my speedy little midgetmark.

2. mos623#1 USA Yes..the american dynamo is back. Only 1 sec behind.

3. Triviaballer#5 USA Lost his speed record...but is back in zapping form

4. miffy42#1 UK . Ah magnificent miffy...and a top class Mogul too.

5. mike32768#6 USA Another familiar face. Yanks are putting on the pressure

It's getting hairy...it's getting tense. With only 6 days of the Sept tourney left everyone is snarling and snapping. mos623 looked set to steal victory yesterday until midgetmark zipped past...ducking an dodging those american mantraps.

And would you credit it? Six of the top 7 players names began with M. Triviaballer executed a magnificent manouvere meterorically muscling midway amongst em.

Enough of this inane drivel....It's cos my nerves are shot to peices watching you lot. Cos I know something you don't.

So how did the M...Mogul quiz go?

Well Movies certainly made for a mental maze. Thought it was time to make a speed record holder for that one too...wait for it...it's

miffy42...at 17 secs....but for how long?

End of the month will see a Mogul Maximus Award too..to run alongside the Reigning Champ on the Challenge. You're the best...so it's only right I honour you. Have'nt ironed out all the details of the new quiz yet...wanted to see how it went first...besides you'll have guessed by now that I make the rules up as I go along. Main thing for you to know is that your score there in no way changes your ranking on the main UK Versus USA bash.

New players?

One. Say a Big Warm Hello to Jazzrockfusion for the USA. Like your name by the way.

Now...I've done the months stats...Gonna post them imminently...

Handy Links

Top 20 Toughies And Teams

Mogul News

23rd September Shout Box

Union Jack

Hitched To The Mast By Vivtriv

Well Done There!

You know it strikes me that the Union Jack flys a tad more than the Stars And Stripes. So how's it go?

1. vivtriv#6 UK. First win this month! Well Done. Now do it again!

2. Strnog1#4 USA. One of USA posse jamming up the main table.

3. Mink#5 UK Ah..Mink...protecting your 1st place. Uncatchable now?

4. j2cp2 USA. You'll definitely be ranked next month. I'd bet on it!

5. Fitz UK. And you too...are heading for Invincible status!

Have to say everyone seems to be digging their heels in.... vivtriv is bright and alert and taking no prisoners at the mo. A right war of attrition. The battlefield is getting kinda gridlocked. Hope none of you are getting the broadband curse I've got. Heck...there's slow and downright somnambulistic....even catatonic. Rigor Mortis nearly set in this morning waiting for my blog to load.

A peek above the parapet tells me mos623 is in peak form today. Reigning Champ, remember. Funny he has'nt strayed over the pontoon bridge to the Moguls. Wonder why? Hydrophobia? Natural modesty?...

And so how goes it over there?

Yesterday saw our first History Mogul.....miffy42...setting the pace.

And would'nt you know it vivtriv...yesterday's Challenge winner is creating Mogul havoc today. Boy....you are one toughie contestant.

It's all kinda hectic and abit disorganized at the mo'. I'm just a puny penguin. I nearly forget to mention we have new victims to initiate....

A Big Warm Welcome to Cstine who enrolled for the USA.

And An equally War Hello to truecolours for the UK...and...did I type war not warm...oh well, it's apt so I'll leave it...and Jan_UK. a new fledgling Mogul Hiya to you.

Now..it's Armageddon Day soon...and I'm itching keen to know who's leading...who's gonna snatch victory....who's gonna trample the opposition into the dust. I'll go check.

Oh...and whilst I'm in calculus mode you can...if you're bored cos it's Sunday...have a gander at a little quiz I found on my travels. I'll stick it below. It's not hard. Even I did OK.

Hasta la vista!

Handy Links

Top 20 Toughies And Teams

Mogul News

A Little Easy Quiz.....The Titanic

I've popped the answers in the comments tab...Don't Cheat!

1. Titanic was labeled "unsinkable"by...
a) The captain
b) A shipbuilding journal
c) The shipbuilders

2. In 1912 dollars, the wealthiest passenger on board was worth...
a) $100 million
b) $10 million
c) $2 million

3. Exceeding minimum legal requirements of the era, the total capacity of Titanic's lifeboats was...
a) Enough for half of its passengers
b) Enough for all on board
c) Enough for first class passengers only

4. Receiving iceberg warnings from other ships, the captain...
a) Did nothing
b) Slowed the ship down
c) Changed course

5. The iceberg Titanic hit was "invisible"because...
a) The fog was very thick that night
b) Only a small portion was above water
c) It had darker than normal coloring

6. The surface area of the iceberg's gash was equivalent to the size of...
a) An Olympic swimming pool
b) A human body
c) An SUV

7. Titanic's "watertight"compartments failed because...
a) The material they were made of turned porous
b) They didn't account for water weight dragging the bow down
c) Their electronic doors malfunctioned

8. The distress signal sent out by the Titanic was significant because...
a)It marked one of the first uses of the SOS code
b) It traveled the greatest distance of any telegraph in history
c) It was misinterpreted as a routine status update

9. While the Titanic sank, lifeboat captains were instructed to...
a) Fill their boats and row away quickly to avoid suction
b) Fill their boats but stay nearby
c) Use lethal force against the crowd if necessary

10. The ship snapped in half upon sinking because...
a) The iceberg ripped it open down the center
b) Cold water shattered its low-grade steel
c) Water suction pulled the bow section down

11. Rescue did not come earlier because...
a) Other ships had to navigate around icebergs to reach Titanic
b) The wireless operator of the closest ship had gone to bed
c) Titanic's wireless operators did not send out the proper signals

12. Most passengers who weren't rescued died as a result of...
a) Drowning
b) Hypothermia
c) Dehydration

13. Despite the "women and children first"rule...
a) More men than women survived the sinking
b) More first class dogs survived than third class women
c) More first class men survived than third class children

14. The wreckage of Titanic's bow is in better shape than its stern because...
a) It sank to the ocean floor more gently
b) There was less water pressure on its flooded insides as it sank
c) The stern sank into a gorge

15. The Titanic was discovered at an ocean depth equivalent to..
a) The height of Mount Everest
b) The length of twenty football fields
c) Ten Empire State Buildings placed end to end

Now go check how you've done by clicking the comments tab. Just for fun...no prizes..But you can consider yourself a captain if you get them all right, a first mate if you get 12 or more, a good sailor for 10 or better. If you got fewer than 10 correct, you go down with the ship.

22nd September Shout Box

Union Jack Hoisted by cyprus1

So Fast The Flag Was Scorched!

What a day!...But first...

1. cyprus1 UK. Eureka! Everyone is still reeling at the speedy 15 secs!

2. strnog1#4 USA. Your reward is being the highest climber in the Top 20.

3. WorldB#3 USA. Well Done....More about this versatile mogul later.

4. Marsalinator#8 USA. Again! He's gone bionic or is vitamin supplements?

5. Triviaballer#5 USA. Hiya...Another american! A real team effort.

Well....two things hit me straight between the eyes....

Congratulations are in order....

Fastest Finger Smashed and Now Set At 15 seconds by cyprus1.

Cor...will that ever be broken? OBC tells me she saw a tournament...sometime...someplace fairly recent where someone came in at 13 secs. Never...not humanly possible. Can't be done.. huh?

And the americans are powering back and you might have guessed that Marsalinator would be in the pack. Some secret weapon? UK get laying your mantraps! (Or go be a Mogul and nab some extra bonus points). Yeh...I'm stirring it up....inciting patriotism...and Why Not?

The end of the tournament is nigh!

But what about WorldB? This fab player had a double whammy yesterday. Not only snatching a mention for 3rd in the main tourney but for becoming

Our Very First Mogul

Yep...came in top of the heap on the new quiz. He could be deposed by end of todays play. It's a daily thing remember. Earned bonus points for USA too...and so did 15 other brave pioneers who bit the bullet and waded into unknown territory without a compass. I heard a few screams...strangulated cries of delirious joy as I sat sipping shandy. Heard a splash as someone strayed off the course. Not to worry...gonna get me an outboard motor for my ice floe so I can patrol better and rescue any casualties.

Just at this mo' vivtriv is leading the Challenge and jules44 is heading for History Mogul. Two of the UK's best there and both running on high octane fuel...sorry unleaded now ain't it. Noticed one or two big names are absent...shy? Diplomatic illness? Running scared ? Dicky broadband day?

Right...gonna be jetting between the two quizzes....gotta paddle....

Handy Links...to make life easier...cos I care

Top 20 Toughies and Teams

Mogul News

New Tournament Now Open

The UK Versus USA Moguls

Hope you like it. If not...I'll just unhitch it in a month and set it adrift in the atlantic...like a viking funeral pyre.

Got any suggestions what you'd like to play...then let me know.


See how the bonus points will work in the post below this one.
This tournament is for all my new friends...YOU!

The fireworks are for the big kid in me.

Find it here...The UK Versus USA Moguls

Mogul Tournament Rules

Yep...Another Tourament To Play...but only if you want to.

Things you Might want to know.....

* It will not replace the main UK Versus USA Challenge. Head Honcho tournament remains chief!

* The new tournament is purely for fun. You don't have to play it at all. Or pick the days with subjects you fancy and skip the rest. But if you do play you might win bonus points which will be added to the UK Versus USA stats.

So Stop Waffling and Say What It Is!

* Variety of subjects changes daily...will be rotated. A daily winner earns the title Movie Mogul...or Geography Mogul... or whatever. Aswell as the prestige and trying to become Mogul Maximus...there will be generous bonus points up for grabs for the winner.

* Anyone who plays and gets 10 correct in under 60 seconds...gets a lesser award of bonus points for their country too. You can give your ego and your team a boost. Come last? Don't worry about it. Your UK/USA tournament position is not affected...up or down....and rankings are based from final postions there.

So why bother? Heck...it's fun.Try a subject you want to improve at with no danger of losing out.
Or...you know you're an ace at Movies but the hotshots on the main tourney keep hammering you? And deep down you're flippin sick of it! Well...go show em how good you are....Be A Mogul For A Day at your best subject.
And besides....I wanna bit of sadistic fun myself.. I suspect you invincible Goliaths....dare I say it...have duff subjects...I wanna weed you out!

Like I said...it's for fun.....but you can be a Mogul and earn a few extra bonus points whilst you're at it!

Rough Guide to Intended Subjects So Far....But please feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments tab at the bottom of this post.

NO SPORT....NO LITERATURE!But....Geography...Movies....History....Music....Sci-Tech...Animals (?)...Celebrities or People.

Whatever you want guys/gals.Ah...it's just come to me... I'll call it...

The UK Versus USA Moguls

Over and Out...Penguin.

21st September Shout Box

Union Jack & Miffy42 Are Becoming Inseperable

Well Done

It was nearly UK 5/0 folks! They keep trying but can't match the USA last week.

1. miffy42#1 UK. Another win for your goody bag!

2. jules44 UK Hey...you're catching Mink in the leaderboard!

3. Mink#5 UK Oops..did you hear that? Sorry but it's true.

4. ryanknight USA Well hello there....moved you up to 28th too.

5. thereds4ever UK You again? Methinks you're after a ranking next month.

There's so much new talent moving up the ranks it's getting tricky...which is good. I pick a MOP...and then want to change my mind. I really do hope you guys are enjoying yourselves as much as I am. Thank you...thankyou...thankyou...

To me you're all whirling dervishes.

No new players joined up. Don't mind...like I said once before it means I can get to know you better.

I'm not going to chat much today...too much to do. New Tournament to launch...new assault course...and I wanna have fireworks! No..I don't mean I want you to all spontaneously combust (that'd hurt)...I mean spiffy dynamite sticks!

So I'm toddling off on my mission now...pronto..but...what's that noise?... I just heard cheering from over the parapet....

Jumping Jehosophat! 15 Seconds! Cyprus1

15

2Oth September Shout Box

Star And Stripes
Good One Marsalinator

And I am chuffed...cos I like Mars. (and the chocy bars variety too).

Well...so what happened?

1. Marsalinator#8 USA. Great to see you back on top Maestro

2. thereds4ever UK. Crying shame...leding all day...argh...then robbed.

3. midgetmark#2 UK. Hello...you're improving lately my little friend.

4. mos623#1 USA. It's tough for a Reigning Champ ain't it.

5. miffy42#1 UK. Hiya miffy...doing well in the leaderboard too I see.

Marsalinator came storming in under cover of darkness...caught the sentries napping. I like your style...lull them into a false sense of security and then go for the jugular. Careful UK...I think the USA are regrouping again...they're getting clever and sneaky.

They're recruiting reinforcements again aswell.

Everyone say a big warm hello to glowmeister and TheRiddle who parachuted in last night for the USA team. And...another Commonwealth friend joined the fracas. Hi there orinoco for the UK..

Oh and Zwaur and Atakigger are still of allegiance unknown. Got till months end to declare yourself or any points you score are void. Game Rules.

You're just in time for the irregular Mop announcement. After my interim gander at the month's team event I had a camp inspection...

Some of you have really excelled this week. Better than the Dirty Dozen.

Feast your eyes on this.....

Player...And Places Won Since Weekend's Post Mortem.

Jonnowales Up 54. Yikes...yep...I am gobsmacked too! A UK player.

Pix Up 46. And this is also so worthy of a medal! Another UK player.

Nice to see my dire warnings of shameful defeat made such an impact.

But look at all these guys/gals who either courageously snatched places or held postion...that's no easy feat in a competition this tough! Great Stuff...you're doing your country proud!

Congratulations to.....

Triviaballer Up 25
Turnbaby Up 24
lunabelle Up 21
QueenMary Up 17
jacky Up 15
Kevsgal Up 15
ryanknight Up 14
kwd42co Up 14
mfc Up 12
ncb1gdog Up 10
thereds4ever Up 8
Beckyel Up 8
sparklingwine Up 8
dean521 Up 8
Tigerrag Up 8
Canadian_Cousin Up 8
blondejo31 Up 8
vivtriv Up 7
results Up 7
Tina Up 7
mhallesy Up 6
ohsusana Up 6
YankeeFan Up 6
figaro_34 Up 6
midgetmark Up 5
Seurat Up 4
bhs63 Up 4
hovenaut Up 4
igotmeajd Up 4
Mikeangel Up 4
peachy_1 Up 3
burnsbaron Up 3
TAKROM Up 3
BoudiceaUK Up 3
daver852 Up 2
elskede Up 2
teanana Up 2
janet Up 2
dcreasy Up 2
mos623 Up 1
miffy42 Up 1
ryaman Up 1
cyprus1 Up 1
Silvertop Up 1
romeomikegolf Up 1
alamain Up 1
Mink Held position
jules44 Held position
Fitz Held postion
WorldB Held position
Marsalinator Held position
OldSpotPig Held position
Stuhern Held position
BB1 Held position
tisonlyme321 Held position
polaris Held position
sleepytigercub Held position
dinka Held position

Name not on the list? Shame on you... But there's always next time!

Or you just recently joined and so I could'nt include you....don't feel left out I'll inspect your kit soon enough.

Oh...and by the way...I've been cogitating again...stretched basking on my ice floe I had a glimmer of a wicked idea...A New Tournament would be nice...kinda quirky fun...not to replace this Gladitorial Arena but to add to the angst....sorry I mean joyous adrenalin kick. More info tomorrow....unless I change my mind by then! I might, I can be a contrary Son of A ....Penguin.

Handy Links

Top 20 Toughies and Toughie Team Member Lists

19th September Shout Box

It's A Triple UK Win!

Well Done Jules44 on A Double!

I kept my beak shut...it payed off... this is the post mortem.

1. jules44 UK YES! A Double! I can shout it without paranoia now!

2. Triviaballer#5 USA Hah...the proud Fastest Finger Champ...Untouchable!

3. Mink#5 UK. Fantastic sprint....you're shaking of mos623.

4. peachy1#2 USA. In my mind you're becoming USA number 1.

5. Seurat UK . Well hello there...take a bow....Nice to see you here.

An observation...you'd think the ranked players from last month would be dominating the play...well...Hey...You Invincibles..it's me..down here with the mortals..was it a fluke? Some new talent is really giving some of you stick. But this is GOOD...Makes you wonder if we're going to see a new set of faces (albeit battered and bruised) on the Top 20 Rostrum. mos623 is proving hard to contain.... frequently getting ambushed. And I don't think the USA know quite what to do about Magnificent Mink. It's giving me the itch to check out just who is the Mop so far . (Most Outstanding Player). Do that tomorrow I reckon and I'm expecting some surprising movers.

The way things are running though ryaman ... j2cp2 and julieanne123 could join the USA elite.

As could jules44 and Fitz for the UK top 10 magnificoes.

But only if they hang onto their spots!

There's little gaggles of close hand-to-hand combat strewn over the gladitorial arena .

Skirmish. Top 3 ..... Mink... jules44 ...and mos623.

Skirmish. Joined at the hip on points thereds4ever and julieanne123... are proving tremendous players.

I notice BB1 is sneaking up the table...Hey any UK about to form a hit squad?

And you have to wince and feel sorry for QuizBegle and mhallesy..surrounded by a pack of detemined yanks battling their way up consisting of ...ryanknight....Triviaballer....poolosopher....daver852...

Pamelia..and marcez99.

And gawd...don't none of you dare look back....the next pack of hounds is snapping at your heels.

Hey...and after all my heckling....there's deserted posts lower down...Disgraceful! But a real easy kill for any of you who've recently enlisted. You can gobble up abandoned points.

Speaking of the Devil....we have 2 new recruits......4 actually.

For the USA I'd like to give a Warm Welcome to nkc04f...go grab those empty sentry posts...and for the UK...Hello there to Pix.

And 2 more who are'nt wearing uniforms (shall we interrogate them as spies?) and so of allegiance unknown. Name Rank and Number please from...

Zwaur and Atakigger ( I think your cover names are great).

Right I'm off....and all you players who've scored 10 today so far...How do you do it under such presssure! You must have nerves of steel.

Handy Links

Top 20 Players and Team Lists

18th September Shout Box

Union Jack Again!

Wonderful Stuff jules44

Go Get Em!

Well..well..

1. jules44 UK That's the 2nd win this month. Matches mos623

2. midgetmark#2 UK. Ah...my little midget came romping in! Swell.

3. mos623#1 USA Eek! It's the american bionic man.....Again

4. tihata#7 USA With team mate extraordinaire in top gear.

5. thereds4ever UK. Keep it up! You need one place to nudge into the Top 20!

It's fast...it's furious...it's flamin impressive.

I just gotta mention one of the more recent players....QueenMary....get this...after only 4 days plays has stormed right up to position 62. That's what I call trampling over half the battlefield in full combat mode!

Gruesome stuff.

Hey...you top 20 guys/gals...can you hear the wailing of the wounded left lying in the mud? QueenMary is coming...Get your weapons loaded..

Think that's it? No. There's more brutality..only 5 points split this pack .

LanaDale...petunia...binky...Bocefish...BoudiceaUK...nikonforme..

.romeomikegolf...and finstockian...

I reckon Health and Safety at play guidelines require me to warn the rest of you to skirt around these guys/gals...there is shrapnel richoceting indiscrimminately to the four winds. Mess with them at your own peril.

I've just stuck my head over the parapet for a peek at todays play so far....well....

I'll be brief....I know you know I've the Kiss of Death (no not like Dracula)...and you are learning to fear me. Can't have that. Your my mates...so the situation out on the cresta run is this... ****** is leading and on target for * ****** ***.

Wow...that'll be more than ******!

And did'nt that make for mindblowing reading! There's hope for me yet...a secondary career as a politican? What d'you reckon?

Right...I'm off to spy with my binoculars. You...get playing..there's team positions at stake. Oh and Mink...I almost forgot...Be Careful...mos623 is right up your bum.

Handy Links.

Tournament Top 20 and The Teams

17th September Shout Box

A Double Loud Cheer

Well Done Cyprus1

Well Done Cyprus1

Did you catch the echo? That was the double loud bit.

Cyprus1 has done a personal best here.....A First Win...and one of many more methinks.

Yesterday was furiously good...and flippin flappin fast.

1. cyprus1 UK. Cracking Stuff! Sprinted to the top of that flag pole and repelled all invaders.

2. thereds4ever UK. Same time...just later..UK are playing tough now.

3. Beckyel#7 UK. And another at 20 secs...this is unbelievable!

4. jules44 UK. UK again? Yep...flag pole's crammed with Brits.

5. mos623#1 USA. Nipped at the UK heels but was pushed back.

For a sunday...a day of rest...you were all fired up yesterday. Top 74 players all came in with 10 correct...

Ah shame...I can see it can be a bit soul destroying for you unlucky ones who clicked the wrong answer....accidentally did'nt click at all....adrenalin pumping in the mad race. Speed has it's price.

But cyprus1 not only won...cyprus1 must have been in strict training. Just had a gander and noticed last months final postion was 34. ....already climbed upto 17 this month. That is some real mean feat to achieve. So well done cyprus1 and an ooh of admiration. Come over to the bar on the ice floe and we can have a celebratory drink. Don't knock it...not everyone gets an invite you know. VIP only.

And if you think I'm daft what the heck is this?.....

Most Recent Winners of Entirely Fictitious Awards!

Aug 29 07: BB1 won... Basketed Cat

Aug 26 07: ferfer72 won... Your Very Own Cow

Aug 23 07: BrerSchultzy won... TWO Foam Fingers. You're number 2?

Aug 16 07: Jonnowales won... A Super Cheesy Award Badge

Aug 15 07: Julie won... A Super Lame Certificate

Aug 15 07: Stuhern won... A Hot Dog

What...one wonders has ferfer72 done with the cow? Real handy that.

And more inane stuff. Some of you have done the Classic IQ Test. And to get in the spirit of fun I did it to....erm well I did'nt measure up. Guess who got the lowest score. Moi. I'm embarrassed.

If you have'nt had a go yet ...get in there! Aim lower...salve my pride

mos623 is the brightest here...ouch...I'm the thickest.

Handy Links

Top Tournament 20 and The Two Teams

And the link for the IQ Test...peek down. It's there...just below.

The Classic IQ Test...If Your Ego Can Stand It.

Here it is. Just for fun.

The Classic IQ Test

It's observation and logical deduction and all that! Have a go at this if you're bored and allow a bit of time to do it. I ought to warn you it's flappin hard in places.

(PS. On the last page click the SKIP AD link at the top right of the page to calculate your score, it will avoid having to fill in all your details....

Then check on this ...and Go on...be brave and tell the rest of us!

What Different IQ Scores Mean.....

Over 140 - Genius or near genius
120 - 140 - Very superior intelligence
110 - 119 - Superior intelligence
90 - 109 - Normal or average intelligence
80 - 89 - Dullness
70 - 79 - Borderline deficiency
Under 70 - Definite feeble-mindedness

I must say some of them seem a bit harsh and unkind! I'm certainly not chancing scoring 70 or under!

Normal Distribution & IQ Scores
The properties of the normal distribution apply to IQ scores:
50% of IQ scores fall between 90 and 110
70% of IQ scores fall between 85 and 115
95% of IQ scores fall between 70 and 130
99.5% of IQ scores fall between 60 and 140

If you dared to have a go...Good For You!
Now pop your score in the comments tab just below this...Aw..Go on..it's just a laugh!

16th September Shout Box

Stars And Stripes


Yup...A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss


Well Done To mos623 for rolling in 1st

So how goes it...or went it yesterday?

1. mos623#1 USA. Must be flying high..knowing the USA is leading!

2. Mink#5 UK. These two are gonna be thrashing it out bigtime soon!

3. vivtriv#6 UK. You little tiger you...you climbed 4 places. Yep...4!

4. Fitz UK. Oh yes...reckon you'll easily be ranked next month.

5. wakazawaka UK...And you too. Two real talented players.

Well it was 4 out of 5 again for the UK. Needs to be...they're trailing behind a tad on the monthly team event. But things can change darn fast here and I suspect last weeks cock-up with times took a few casualties. Some of you are still licking your wounds.

Did anyone join? Yep...A Big Welcome to DaveJ for the UK. A peek over the parapet tells me he's already out there today again. That's what I like to see. Gutsy competitors.

Hey...and mos623 has'nt taken the lead. Hmn...an off day. Talking of mos623 he was last months MOP (Most Outstanding Player). Well you can't win that one again....ain't possible...but I've got my eye on someone already but because I always seem to bestow the Kiss of Death I'l keep mum for now. But this player is impressive! I don't want to jinx him/her.

Now after the serious chat and verbal bashing....don't want to put undue pressure on you UK troops...this is for fun remember so I'm going to give you all a little present. Trouble is I've got to go and find it.

It's not a quiz. Anyone with a good memory can shine at that.

It's an Intelligence Test...them tricky things where general knowledge and know-how don't apply. Instead you get to match up daft shapes...etc.

That's Intelligence!

I'll ferret it out and post it soon as poss.

For a laugh have a go and post your score in the comments tab at the bottom.

OneBrainCellUK had a bash last night. Have'nt seen her since she had a fit of the giggles and dashed off to the Global Challenge.

Handy Links

TTT (Tournament Top Twenty) and Team Lists

September Team Tournament: How Goes It?

Er guys....results are back from penguin headquarters if you're interested.
Oh dear.
It's not quite neck and neck. It's more clear by a head....well a nose at least. But it ain't over till it's over.

America Is Leading So Far
On the pie system USA have 51.3% of the pie. (75 players)
UK have 48.7 % of the pie. (77 players)
USA have swiped a lead of 2.6 %

Is it true? Are the Americans smarter? Luckier? UK you have two weeks to ambush em'....
And the hottest part of the table is from position 50 and onwards. A load of scrummaging here means anything could happen before Judgement Day. And some players make a VIP appearance and vanish leaving their posts undefended....I ask you? That's ripe for theft! If you' re hungry and report for battle everyday there's some easy pickings to be had....just hang on in and fill those deserters boots.

A word about Pix. I still don't know his/her allegiance so I left out any points. There..take that as a reprimand.....that should make you declare yourself. If a rogue UK player...would it have helped?

Now the UK are capable of reeling the USA in. Happened last month but still just got beat at the finishing post. Can the UK do it? A rough guesstimate is that if every UK troop can nobble the yank ahead of them...that ought to do it...but could still be close. Goes without saying that Mink does'nt have to. All you Americans have to do is dig your heels in, hunker down in your trenches and stay put.

Cor....this is going to be a toughie! This showdown is going to be worth selling tickets for! I just knew when I started this tournament that it was going to be great fun....full of fighting spirit.
Am I right or am I right?

15th September Shout Box

It's Still The Union Jack

Mink Dodged and Weaved and Flew Into 1st

It was a UK Double too!

1. Mink#5 UK. Oh yes...my flippers are still sore from clapping.

2. MaggieG#4 UK. A 1...2.. from 2 of the UK's best.

3. tihata#7 USA. Definitely a new American threat. Always snapping at someone's heels.

4. j2cp2 USA. And a new talent who has really stood out this month.

5. magijoh1#10 UK. Mmm...the UK definitley have a thing for M.

You know Mink does'nt like not winning. Nope. Mink is leading the tournament...has done pretty much from the start and Mink is bang on target for nabbing most wins this month too.

Mink of No-Messing Fame!

Did anyone join up?

Yes. I'd like to offer a Warm Welcome to JCSon1982 for enlisting on the USA side. And the same..Warm Hello to Karen1203....another Commonwealth friend for the UK. I like that...a comradely spirit.

It's been a funny week what with FT gremlins and blockades preventing new recruits but things are settling down some now. You have to admit it added a certain piquancy to the goings on.

I've just peeked over the parapet...oh...what's going on...need my telescope...I can just make out Mink and...oh dear....a trail of scorch marks where mos623 has singed past.

I'd love to chat but I'm keen to bob off and tot up which team is leading so far this month. About time too.Need to find out which side has to go up a gear.

I'll post my findings later today.....get the crates of beer ready....(but a nice cappucino will do me.)

Handy Links

The Top 20 Diehards and Who is Battling For Who