Leaderboard

19/Aug/2023 40 Heaven 17 — Temptation 37 Eurythmics — Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) 37 David Bowie — Modern Love 36 Eddy Grant — Electric Avenue 34 Soft Cell — Torch 34 Madness — Wings Of A Dove 33 The Jam — The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow) 32 Yazoo — Only You 31 Dionne Warwick — Heartbreaker 30 Spandau Ballet — Gold 30 Duran Duran — Save A Prayer 28 Lionel Richie — All Night Long (All Night) +4 23 The Human League — (Keep Feeling) Fascination 21 The Stranglers — Golden Brown 21 Paul Young — Love Of The Common People 20 Dire Straits — Private Investigations 20 Imagination — Just An Illusion 20 The Human League — Mirror Man 19 Tracey Ullman — They Don't Know 15 Steve Miller Band — Abracadabra 15 Wham! — Bad Boys 15 David Bowie — China Girl 14 Chas & Dave — Ain't No Pleasing You 10 F. R. David — Words 00 Toni Basil — Mickey -6 Thank you @RoverAndOut

Not entirely off the radar as there was some sort of paywalled obit on this guy. Anyhow, recently published was this for Ronald Bond aka Ronnie Bond, prolific British TV ad jingle writer: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/4418450. Died January 2022. Bran Flakes - They're tasty, tasty, very very tasty... Coco-Pops - I'd rather have a bowl of Coco-Pops. Cadbury's Flake - Only the crumbliest, flakiest chocolate, tastes like chocolate never tasted before. Lee Cooper Jeans - Don't be a dummy. This one is interesting as it was sung by Gary Numan for the ad, but John Du Cann took it to #33 in the UK singles chart in October 1979. Couldn't find a mention here.

That bran flakes song was an absolute classic. Gordon Kaye off Allo Allo acted as the waiter in the ad I think

The info I get on astronauts are primarily from events and public appearances which I keep track on, as well as the multiple space/spaceflight related group chats that I am a part of, which include a few insiders and people who've met or even known them personally. It's not necessarily accurate, but at least it's better than not knowing anything at all.

Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor died on this day 530 years ago, aged 77. - Frederick became the duke of Austria when he was 9 years old- his uncle served as his regent until he came of age. During this time, his brother Albert (the archduke) would contest his brother for the rights as co-ruler. - In 1440, Frederick became the king of Germany, having been elected after his cousin Albert II's death. He would become the Holy Roman Emperor in 1452 after a 15-year vacancy, as its first ruler from the (extremely inbred) Habsburg dynasty. - During his reign, Frederick failed to invade Hungary (in 1459), and was known for being a patron to musicians and Jewish scholars (his successor was less kind to the latter group). - Frederick signed "AEIOU" onto all of his things- this meant either "Alles Erdreich ist Österreich untertan" or "Austriae est imperare orbi universo", which translated means "All the world is subject to Austria". - Frederick was diagnosed with arteriosclerosis in 1493, and one of his legs had to be amputated because of it. He died from either complications from the amputation, old age, or food poisoning (after contracting severe diarrhea after eating a melon). His son Maximilian I would succeed him as the Holy Roman Emperor (he was his co-ruler in Germany since 1486).

John Deacon (the bassist for Queen) is 72.

It certainly seems that the DDP is on track for a record year. The revised estimate is now 292 as of the end of July. It was 290 at the end of June. July had 22 hits, plus obits for the ISIS leader and Brewer, so a total of 24 added to the June total of 161. As of writing on 19 August, there are 200 hits total. A updated estimate from July is 207 by end of August, with the older June estimate at 204. Currently, the monthly hit rate is still greater than 0.7 hits/day (21 hits/month), and the yearly rate is well above 0.8. It is entirely possible that using these base rates that the final totals are being underestimated, but that error will be reduced with each monthly update.

You know what I miss? Fox News. We used to get it here. I'm very much for getting some sort of balanced view, you see. Just so I can understand - you see both sides, no matter how crazy they are and make up your mind. If I understand right from various things I have seen, there aren't many who want a re-run and would be content with both major parties ditching Biden and Trump completely. In the event that these are the nominees, there's a huge gap in US politics for a third candidate who could conceivably prevent either getting the Electoral College votes needed. Obviously we don't want another George Wallace scenario. I hear something along the lines of "these prosecutions of Trump are electoral interference and the relevant prosecutorial authorities should be arrested in other states and incarcerated". I also hear a lot of disillusionment with America's support for Ukraine and the billions of dollars going there instead of being spent at home. As an observer only, it seems to me that both sides think the Republic is at risk if the other wins - in the political world. In the country, perhaps folks are more interested in their pocket book, their K401s (Have I got that right?) their mortgages, gas payments etc. I don't think they care about the machinations of the parties. In my view, whatever you think the successes of Trump are, the fact is he rode the Obama economic recovery for 2 years and did little in the year before COVID hit. Both Biden and Trump would be lame duck Presidents serving a final term. The two party system is broken, just as it is in the UK Parliament. So I do not know, America. My heart is with you, but I do not envy your options here. If both Biden and Trump for whatever reason do not survive the winter, who could be your choice?

I'm deeply sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one, @diego. I'm thinking of you during this time of sadness. My condolences to you and your whole family. 19/Aug/2023 40 Heaven 17 — Temptation 37 Eurythmics — Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) +1 37 David Bowie — Modern Love +1 36 Eddy Grant — Electric Avenue 34 Soft Cell — Torch 34 Madness — Wings Of A Dove 33 The Jam — The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow) 32 Yazoo — Only You 31 Dionne Warwick — Heartbreaker +2 30 Spandau Ballet — Gold 30 Duran Duran — Save A Prayer 24 Lionel Richie — All Night Long (All Night) 23 The Human League — (Keep Feeling) Fascination 21 The Stranglers — Golden Brown 21 Paul Young — Love Of The Common People 20 Dire Straits — Private Investigations 20 Imagination — Just An Illusion 20 The Human League — Mirror Man 19 Tracey Ullman — They Don't Know 15 Steve Miller Band — Abracadabra 15 Wham! — Bad Boys 15 David Bowie — China Girl -6 14 Chas & Dave — Ain't No Pleasing You 10 F. R. David — Words 06 Toni Basil — Mickey

19/08/2023 73 Britney Spears - Toxic 61 Gorillaz - Dare 51 Stereophonics - Dakota 51 Tony Christie ft Peter Kay — (Is This The Way To) Amarillo 48 Sugababes - Push the Button 48 Madonna - Hung Up 47 Natasha Bedingfield - These Words 43 James Blunt - You’re Beautiful 39 Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor 38 Usher ft. Lil’ Jon & Ludacris - Yeah! 36 U2 - Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own 31 Britney Spears - Everytime 29 The Shapeshifters - Lola’s Theme 25 Mario Winans ft. Enya & P. Diddy - I Don’t Wanna Know 19 The Pussycat Dolls - Stickwitu -6 16 Oasis - Lyla 16 Oasis - The Importance of Being Idle  14 LMC vs U2 - Take Me to the Clouds Above 12 Nizlopi — JCB Song +4 09 Nelly ft. Tim McGraw - Over and Over 06 The Streets - Dry Your Eyes Tempting as it was to put The Streets out of their misery, I don't actually mind the song so I'll give it a stay of execution. And I'll throw in one more vote for Nizlopi before @TQR gets his way... It's done much better than I thought it would, though!

19th August 40 Heaven 17 — Temptation 36 Eddy Grant — Electric Avenue 36 Eurythmics — Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) 36 David Bowie — Modern Love 34 Soft Cell - Torch 34 Madness — Wings Of A Dove 33 The Jam — The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow) 32 Yazoo — Only You 30 Spandau Ballet — Gold 30 Duran Duran — Save A Prayer 29 Dionne Warwick - Heartbreaker 24 Lionel Richie — All Night Long (All Night) +4 23 The Human League — (Keep Feeling) Fascination 21 The Stranglers — Golden Brown 21 David Bowie — China Girl 21 Paul Young — Love Of The Common People 20 Dire Straits — Private Investigations 20 Imagination — Just An Illusion 20 The Human League — Mirror Man 19 Tracey Ullman — They Don't Know 15 Steve Miller Band — Abracadabra 15 Wham! — Bad Boys 14 Chas & Dave — Ain't No Pleasing You 10 F. R. David — Words 06 Toni Basil - Mickey -2 00 Trio — Da Da Da -4 I'm disappointed in your @Toast! You hate Lionel so much you passed up an opportunity to score a goal AND an assist in one round?! (Perhaps you like them, I have no love for either).

He's on iPlayer talking about I Claudius filmed recently. Bar his hair going whiter that man hasn't aged in three decades.

None of this is like 2016. In 2016 he was a buffoon with big words and no track record. In 2020, he had the track record and lost. Since 2020, he has tried to overturn the election he lost and been indicted in 4 different states. America is completely batshit crazy, I fully accept that, but the rump of the Republican party don't decide presidential elections, independents and swing voters do and if Trump is the Republican nominee they are going to swing firmly and decisively behind Biden. The crazies associated with Trump lost the Arizona governor's race and the Georgia Senate race in 2020, both races they were tipped to win. It shows that when push comes to shove, there are some things that even natural conservatives can't turn a blind eye to. I would think that Trump's actions post-2020 election and the subsequent court cases aren't going to do him any favours (regardless of how many more Republicans back him the more he's indicted). I accept Trump doesn't seem to conform to any logical electoral math, but no President in history has got more votes in a third election, and none of them have been criminally indicted in the intervening period. He. Won't. Win. (And if he does, then America might as well pack up and go home, because there's nothing left to fight for.)

Reports coming in that Steven Lambert, prolific stunt performer, has died: He worked as James Woods' stunt double for over 25 years. He's also worked as Martin Short's stunt double for the film Innerspace; as River Phoenix's stunt double in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade; and Jason Statham's stunt double in The One. Credits include American Ninja, Revenge of the Ninja, Always, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, Total Recall (1990), Timecop, Star Trek: Insurrection, Casino, Titanic, The Ocean's 11 Trilogy, and White House Down. But also interestingly Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, thus following Paul Reubens to the grave.

Haven't they got anyone else?

British entertainer and television presenter Bruce Forsyth died on this day 6 years ago, aged 89. Forsyth came to national attention from the late 1950s through the ITV series Sunday Night at the London Palladium. He went on to host several game shows, including The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right, The Price Is Right and You Bet!. He co-presented Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2013. In 2012, Guinness World Records recognised Forsyth as having the longest television career for a male entertainer.

Now that Nick Hitchon has gotten a QO, I can stop sulking and bring you an update. Not many popular hits, but there were a few important ones. These are who I have since the last update: 23rd July: Nick Hitchon 8th August: Federico Bahamontes 8th August: Yulia Borisova 9th August: Doreen Mantle 17th August: John Devitt 17th August: Michael Parkinson 18th August: James L. Buckley With the Bahamontes hit, @Thatcherretakes the lead that @WEPheld for a full 4 days. WEP drops down to second, just ahead of @TheSpinosauruswho becomes the third player to pass the 1000 point mark. Despite their worries, with only 6 hits down, they have plenty of scope to rack up scores as the year progresses. @TQRand I both enter the top 10, which is listed below. At the bottom of the pile, Parkie gives @Bibliogryphontheir first hit of the game, leaving only @chickencobra, @DeathByArsenicand @Pedro67 still with nul-points. Full scoreboard is on page 1, let me know if I missed anyone, Thatcher (1253 points) 8 hits [Federico Bahamontes, George Alagiah, Gianluca Vialli, Gina Lollobrigida, Milan Kundera Rolf Harris*, Ted Kaczynski, Tony Bennett] WEP (1204 points) 7 hits [Augie Nieto, George Alagiah*, Jango Edwards, Mutulu Shakur, Ralf Harris, Teresa Taylor, Tim Lobinger] TheSpinosaurus (1189 points) 6 hits [Alan Arkin, King Constantine, Horst-Dieter Hottges*, John Devitt, Michael Parkinson, Tony Bennett] Gcreptile (999 points) 8 hits [Burt Bacharach, Daniel N Paul, Frederic Forrest, George Alagiah, Grant Turner, Haris Ibrahim, Menahem Pressler, William Consovoy] The Unknown Man (893 points) 5 hits [George Alagiah*, Gianluca Vialli, Milan Kundera, Rolf Harris, Ted Kaczynski] Death Impends (891 points) 7 hits [Bert I Gordon, Billy Graham, Ed Ames, Francoise Gilot, Jimmy Weldon, Lucille Randon, Milan Kundera] Toast (857 points) 9 hits [Fay Weldon, George Alagiah, Gianluca Vialli, Just Fontaine, King Constantine, Milan Kundera, Rolf Harris, Ryiuchi Sakamoto, Winnie Ewing] Arghton (856 points) 9 hits [Carmen Sevilla, Emlain Kabua, George Alagiah, Gianluca Vialli, Ivan Silayev*, Otis Taylor, Rafiq Nishonov, Tim Lobinger, Winnie Ewing) An Fear Beag (846 points) 8 hits [George Alagiah, Gianluca Vialli, Lucille Randon, Mary Quant, Nick Hitchon, Nigel Lawson, Ryiuchi Sakamoto, Tim Keller] TQR (839 points) 5 hits [George Alagiah, Harry Belafonte, Michael Parkinson, Nigel Lawson, Tony Bennett]

He's reached the 6-month mark... only 15% of hospice patients make it this far.

Patricia Bredin has reportedly died: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-66509586 First UK singer. Sure she is a DDP pick, she was in the past. Edit: she is! IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0106639/

Sat 19 August 73 Britney Spears - Toxic 61 Gorillaz - Dare 51 Stereophonics - Dakota 51 Tony Christie ft Peter Kay — (Is This The Way To) Amarillo +4 48 Sugababes - Push the Button 48 Madonna - Hung Up 47 Natasha Bedingfield - These Words 43 James Blunt - You’re Beautiful 39 Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor 38 Usher ft. Lil’ Jon & Ludacris - Yeah! 36 U2 - Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own 31 Britney Spears - Everytime 25 Mario Winans ft. Enya & P. Diddy - I Don’t Wanna Know 25 The Shapeshifters - Lola’s Theme 25 The Pussycat Dolls - Stickwitu 16 Oasis - Lyla 16 Oasis - The Importance of Being Idle  15 Nelly ft. Tim McGraw - Over and Over 14 LMC vs U2 - Take Me to the Clouds Above 08 Nizlopi — JCB Song -5 06 The Streets - Dry Your Eyes -1

august 18th at 551pm 73 Britney Spears - Toxic 61 Gorillaz - Dare 51 Stereophonics - Dakota 48 Sugababes - Push the Button 48 Madonna - Hung Up 43 James Blunt - You’re Beautiful 43 Natasha Bedingfield - These Words 43 Tony Christie ft Peter Kay — (Is This The Way To) Amarillo 38 Usher ft. Lil’ Jon & Ludacris - Yeah! 36 Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor 36 U2 - Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own +4 31 Britney Spears - Everytime -6 25 Mario Winans ft. Enya & P. Diddy - I Don’t Wanna Know 25 The Shapeshifters - Lola’s Theme 25 The Pussycat Dolls - Stickwitu 19 Nizlipi — JCB Song 16 Oasis - Lyla 16 Oasis - The Importance of Being Idle  15 Nelly ft. Tim McGraw - Over and Over 14 LMC vs U2 - Take Me to the Clouds Above 11 Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock 07The Streets - Dry Your Eyes

"Parkinson dies from a brief Disease" would be my obit headline suggestion. RIP- can't say I'm familiar with his work (I'm American)... save for a guest song from a 1980 episode:

Sam Cutler dead. I think he might get some proper broadsheet QOs in the fullness of time. Quite sad about this, he was always happy to engage with anyone who had questions.

Then they would dub the two together.

Poltergeist star Heather O'Rourke died today in 1988, aged 12.