"Times"

Where does the Maypole come from and what does it signify

A. Thanks to jayne b-t for this question. Maypole dancing takes places on and around May Day. May Day is the only major festival of pre-Christian Europe not adapted by the Christian church for its01:00 Mon 30th Apr 2001

What was the Beltane Fire

A. An intriguing question there from jayne b-t, answered by modge: 'Beltane is a Celtic festival, celebrated on the last day of April. It marked the end of winter and the beginning of summer. All01:00 Mon 30th Apr 2001

I am new to the Internet, are there any rules and regulations on sending email that I should follow

asks JacksonC A. There are loose rules concerning netiquette - etiquette on the Internet - which people are expected to follow, although there are no steadfast rules and regulations for sending01:00 Mon 30th Apr 2001

Is there a link between classical music and pop/rock music

A. There is a link, but it takes many and various forms, from obscure influences, to outright copying, and serious attempts to break into the ''opposition' camp. Q. Opposition - is there a war01:00 Mon 30th Apr 2001

Which type of paint is best for what

A. It really depends what you want to do and how technically proficient you are. Q. What are the main types of paint and what qualities do each possess A. The four main varieties are watercolour,01:00 Mon 30th Apr 2001

How is the word NASDAQ arrived at

A. NASDAQ is an acronym derived from the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation. Created in 1971 as an offshoot of the NASD, the US National Association of Securities Dealers,01:00 Mon 30th Apr 2001

Where does punch come from

A. The basis for most punches is rum. Rum's hidden history starts 10,000 years ago when the sugar cane plant began its migration from its home in the East Indies into China and India. As the plant01:00 Fri 27th Apr 2001

How do you make perfect mashed potatoes

A. Use good quality potatoes such as Desiree or King Edward. Cut the potato into even-sized chunks so they all cook evenly. Add salt and put the lid on the pan until they're really tender. If they01:00 Thu 26th Apr 2001

Tremors of a Geisha

It is one of the most popular novels about Japan in recent times - selling millions of copies in 32 languages - so why is the real-life geisha who provided the model for Arthur Golden's best-selling01:00 Wed 25th Apr 2001

What's the best English film ever made

A. Empire film magazine has just published the results of a survey carried out to mark St George's Day on 23 April and the number one all time best English film was The Full Monty, according to01:00 Wed 25th Apr 2001

Which two Roman emperors are back in the limelight

A. You must mean Trajan and his successor Hadrian. Their faces have emerged from the past with startling clarity after the restoration of a magnificent arch in southern Italy. Q. What and where 01:00 Mon 23rd Apr 2001

Can you recommend anywhere good to visit in the Scottish Highlands and Islands

aks SnoopPeeeA. The entire Highland region boasts beautiful and rugged scenery and is often overlooked by British tourists as weforget what is on our own doorstep. A few of the places of interest are:01:00 Mon 23rd Apr 2001

Is it safe to visit North Cyprus

asks JeffA. It is safe to visit Norht Cyprus as a British tourist, especially if you stay in one of the resorts, and yes it is a lot cheaper than the south. It is a controversial holiday destination,01:00 Mon 23rd Apr 2001

How can I get rid of warts that have suddenly developed on my daughter's face and hands

asks jayne b-t:A. Warts are very common - especially in young children - and very easily spread. They are caused by the human papillomavirus HPV and there are at least 30 known types. Common warts are01:00 Mon 23rd Apr 2001

What's all this about King Arthur being a Russian

A. Aha. You've read the latest twist in a long saga. Arthur, King of the Britons, is often claimed by the Welsh and Scottish as their own. Some say he was Roman. Many say he never existed. But the01:00 Fri 20th Apr 2001

Whatever happened to Russell Harty

A. He died on 8 June, 1988, from liver failure. He was 53. Harty was one of the great TV chat show hosts - yet will probably be remembered best for being attacked by an ill-mannered singer. Q. 01:00 Wed 18th Apr 2001

Where does the term Sterling as in 'Pounds Sterling' originate

A. The etymological derivation of the word Sterling is a bit vague, but a strong contender seems to be from the Anglo-Saxon word steorling, which referred to one early type of Norman penny marked with01:00 Tue 17th Apr 2001

Can there be a 'Greatest Sportsman of All Time'

A. The golf world has little doubt. His peers claim that Tiger Woods is not only the most important golfer in the past 50 years, but also the greatest sportsman ever. His achievements in the past 1201:00 Tue 17th Apr 2001

Q What does the term 'pirate radio' mean

A. 'Pirate' radio is the term used for any radio station that is broadcasting illegally, in other words, without obtaining the required licence from the Home Office, which governs the allocation of01:00 Mon 16th Apr 2001

Q What's the history of the pop video

A. Strange as it may seem, the embryonic notion of promoting pop music through television occurred to Mike Nesmith. Q. That's the same name as the Texan guy who was in The Monkees, the sixties01:00 Mon 16th Apr 2001