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That's News to Me (2) Trivia Quiz

This is a quiz on the news in the British media during August 2003. How well do you remember the news?

A multiple-choice quiz by rialto88. Estimated time: 6 mins.

Author
rialto88

Time
6 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
148,069

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
20

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
12 / 20

Plays
1150

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 20

1. During August 2003 President Taylor stood down as President of which country? Hint

Libya

Nigeria

Siberia

Liberia

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Question 2 of 20

2. Temperatures rose in Britain in August 2003 and the all time record temperature since records began (101 degrees Fahrenheit) was recorded. What effect did these temperatures have on the railways in Britain? Hint

The railways slowed down.

The rail staff went on strike due to illegal working conditions.

The signalling systems caught fire.

Free drinks were provided in the buffet cars.

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Question 3 of 20

3. Following industrial strikes in July 2003 British Airways offered holiday makers who had suffered, compensation. What was the standard offer of compensation (to all sufferers before taking special cases into account) made during August 2003? Hint

a book token for the book of their choice

a flight voucher for eighty pounds sterling

a sleeping bag for next year

a replacement holiday

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Question 4 of 20

4. Due to what was described as "a specific terrorist threat" British Airways suspended flights to which country during August 2003? Hint

United States of America

Iraq

Northern Ireland

Saudia Arabia

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Question 5 of 20

5. The big continuing media story in August 2003 was the "Hutton Inquiry" into the death of the Government's weapons expert Doctor David Kelly. Is it true that Tony Blair (the Prime Minister) told the inquiry in person that he would have resigned if the government's Iraq dossier had been "sexed up"?

Yes

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Question 6 of 20

6. Which former British Prime Minister was hospitalized in August 2003 for a blood clot on the lung, following a holiday in Austria? Hint

Margaret Thatcher

Tony Benn

John Major

Edward Heath

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Question 7 of 20

7. During August 2003 British doctors performed an operation while the patient was conscious and under anaesthetic. This was the first time that this type of operation had been performed this way in Britain. What type of operation was done? Hint

a leg amputation

heart transplant

heart-by-pass surgery

brain transplant

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Question 8 of 20

8. In August 2003 a thirteen year old child genius gained what? Hint

three "O" levels with top grades

a top job in politics

a first class Masters degree in nuclear physics

three "A" levels with top grades

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Question 9 of 20

9. During August 2003 John Prescott (the Deputy Prime Minister) said that he still gets a "buzz" out of what? Hint

being Deputy Prime Minister

watching his favourite football team

voting Labour

eating hamburgers

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Question 10 of 20

10. During August 2003 North America suffered its worst ever what? Hint

invasion of British football fans

hurricane

power cut

heat wave

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Question 11 of 20

11. Which former dictator died in hospital in Saudi Arabia during August 2003? Hint

Fidel Castro

Idi Amin

Saddam Hussein

all of these

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Question 12 of 20

12. Which country finally accepted responsibility, in August 2003, for the Lockerbie disaster? Hint

Liberia

Libya

Iraq

Afghanistan

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Question 13 of 20

13. In August 2003 a Chief Constable of Police said that some of his officers are so bad at interviews, that viewers of "the Bill" or "Inspector Morse" (British TV programmes) would solve crimes better. Which Chief Constable "spilt the beans" (a British expression meaning gave the game away)? Hint

the Metropolitan Police Commissioner for Greater London

all of them

the Chief Constable for Merseyside

the Chief Constable for Greater Manchester

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Question 14 of 20

14. What was the name of the computer virus whose new version started to cause worldwide havoc in August 2003? Hint

a new version of Siboq Windows

a new version of Sobiq Windows

a new version of Sadami Windows

a new version of Hussein Windows

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Question 15 of 20

15. What was the "nick name" of Saddam Hussein's top general who was captured by the Americans in Iraq in August 2003? Hint

Bio Ali

Mohammed Ali

Chemical Ali

Chemical Joe

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Question 16 of 20

16. In August 2003 a beggar was banned from begging by a Judge after being arrested 97 times for the offence of begging in a public place.
He now faces up to two years in prison if he is caught begging again. Which Council brought this legal action? Hint

Greater London Council

Manchester City Council

Birmingham City Council

Oxford City Council

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Question 17 of 20

17. Which famous west London street carnival took place as usual towards the end of August 2003? Hint

Kensington Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival

Wandsworth Carnival

Westminster Carnival

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Question 18 of 20

18. In August 2003 which essential public service was threatening its first strike for seven years? Hint

the Royal Mail (the post)

British Football (the Premier League)

British Television (the B.B.C.)

London Transport (the buses)

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Question 19 of 20

19. In August 2003 which employee of 10, Downing Street eventually announced their intended resignation having been expected by the media to announce this retirement since the end of July 2003? Hint

Tony Blair

Alistair Campbell

the police officer on the door

the cook

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Question 20 of 20

20. Near the end of August 2003 what happened that caused chaos to London commuters on their way home? Hint

a London Transport strike

there were no newspapers to read

the public houses went on strike

a powercut

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. During August 2003 President Taylor stood down as President of which country?

Answer: Liberia

Amid tremendous unrest in Liberia, President Taylor eventually went into exile in Nigeria.

Answer: The railways slowed down.

Due to the threat of rails buckling in the heat the railways imposed speed restrictions. This measure was seen as an essential safety precaution. However, the more regular rail user may have needed this explanation for the delays to separate them from the routine delays that seem to be prevalent whatever the weather or time of year.

Answer: a flight voucher for eighty pounds sterling

Yes, having spent all those hours in the airport waiting for flights, they were offered money off the next time they chose British Airways.
Other compensation was paid to cover specific losses.

4. Due to what was described as "a specific terrorist threat" British Airways suspended flights to which country during August 2003?

Answer: Saudia Arabia

British Airways were again in the news and this time it was believed that an attempt would be made to shoot down one of their aircrafts.

Answer: Yes

At the end of August 2003 the Prime Minister appeared in person to give evidence to the inquiry (only the second ever Prime Minister to give evidence in this way). He called for the inquiry himself to clear up the controversy (or critics may say to abate the pressure on him over the death of Doctor Kelly) and entered the witness box himself.

6. Which former British Prime Minister was hospitalized in August 2003 for a blood clot on the lung, following a holiday in Austria?

Answer: Edward Heath

After being admitted to hospital in Austria while on holiday for a stomach problem the blood clot on the lung was discovered. The 87 year old ex-Premier was treated in a London hospital.

Answer: heart-by-pass surgery

British medicine is advancing every day and we do not know if the patient was allowed to watch the proceedings.

8. In August 2003 a thirteen year old child genius gained what?

Answer: three "A" levels with top grades

This only shows that British education can deliver. However, it must be a bit boring to wait for the time when the qualifications can be used either at work or university.

9. During August 2003 John Prescott (the Deputy Prime Minister) said that he still gets a "buzz" out of what?

Answer: being Deputy Prime Minister

Apparently he wanted to serve a third term as Labour's Deputy Prime Minister because he still got a "buzz" out of it. Well it's nice to know that someone gets a "buzz" from him doing the job. What is it they say about "repeated experience" being of no gain? Also, "a change is as good as a rest" comes to mind.

10. During August 2003 North America suffered its worst ever what?

Answer: power cut

An incredible electricity cut blacked out a large part of North America including parts of Canada and New York for a substantial period of time and caused chaos.

11. Which former dictator died in hospital in Saudi Arabia during August 2003?

Answer: Idi Amin

The ex-Ugandan ruler died in exile.

12. Which country finally accepted responsibility, in August 2003, for the Lockerbie disaster?

Answer: Libya

Fifteen years after this tragic event Libya accepted responsibility.

Answer: the Chief Constable for Greater Manchester

Well, Michael Todd, the Chief Constable for Greater Manchester, is the one who turned "Queen's Evidence" (an English legal term for someone who "grasses" on his mates) here. His comments will be no surprise to the top lawyers who have attended police stations and probably passed the collection hat round for their client before getting the client released.

The trench warfare in the police stations may never be the same again if his remarks are acted upon.

14. What was the name of the computer virus whose new version started to cause worldwide havoc in August 2003?

Answer: a new version of Sobiq Windows

The virus started to spread fast via e-mail virtually stopping some businesses operating by the e-mail system.

15. What was the "nick name" of Saddam Hussein's top general who was captured by the Americans in Iraq in August 2003?

Answer: Chemical Ali

Ali Hassan Al-Majid a top general in the Iraq regime was captured in August, but there was still no sign of Sadam himself. He was responsible for using chemical weapons in Iraq against Kurds.

16. In August 2003 a beggar was banned from begging by a Judge after being arrested 97 times for the offence of begging in a public place. He now faces up to two years in prison if he is caught begging again. Which Council brought this legal action?

Answer: Manchester City Council

This was a Civil Court Action by Manchester City Council. Bearing in mind Courts can award "up to two years in prison", it might be in the beggar's interest to have a short period inside with state-approved board and lodging.

17. Which famous west London street carnival took place as usual towards the end of August 2003?

Answer: Notting Hill Carnival

More than 50,000 revellers took to the streets in this multicultural delight. The media as usual followed up its obsession with the small amount of crime that these events will always attract.

18. In August 2003 which essential public service was threatening its first strike for seven years?

Answer: the Royal Mail (the post)

Probably the hardest worked employees in the country (six days a week and with a ridiculously early start in the morning) are still trying to secure sensible pay, conditions and future security of employment.

19. In August 2003 which employee of 10, Downing Street eventually announced their intended resignation having been expected by the media to announce this retirement since the end of July 2003?

Answer: Alistair Campbell

Tony Blair's media chief (called the chief spin-doctor by the media) resigned at the end of August 2003 after rumours of the coming resignation were leaked at the end of July 2003. Apparently he wants to spend more time with his family, and nobody would ever criticise his ability to spin, not even the Conservatives.

20. Near the end of August 2003 what happened that caused chaos to London commuters on their way home?

Answer: a powercut

London, never willing to be outdone by the Americans, managed to have its own powerstrike that stopped the underground, trains and traffic lights. London came to a standstill. Some commuters went to the public houses, but others queued, or walked, or looked for accommodation. The Mayor, Ken Livingstone, said that he would be talking to the Prime Minister ...

Source: Author rialto88

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