Quiz time

[simon c]

New quiz:

Where and what is the tallest structure in Australia

[craigb]

If we are talking man made, then I would say the Rialto in Melbourne.

[hexbaz]

I was going to suggest Rialto (I've been up there!), but I bet there are radio masts higher, elsewhere in Oz.

Are the plans for the world's largest structure still on the cards? A solar power tower was going to be built in the outback by a company called Enviromission, who last year claimed the tower, at a height of 1,000 metres would be about twice the height of the current tallest structure in the world.

It was a clever design, using solar energy to cause an updraught inside the tower (by heating a glass-house at its base - the tower acting like a chimney), which would drive turbines to produce the electricity. This concept only works well if you go to huge heights. There were also claims that there would be enough residual heat in the 'glasshouse' to enable generation for 24 hours.

It is allegedly expected to be completed in 2006 in the remote Buronga district in New South Wales.

[simon c]

The rialto is the tallest building in australia, but as Hexbaz implies, there are quite a number of other structures that are taller.

Keep guessing

[hexbaz]

OK, I have done a little research, and it seems that at 427 metres, the Omega Base Navigation Mast in Sale, Vic is the largest structure in Australia.

Of course, if they do build that solar tower it will be BY FAR the largest, at 1000 metres, in 2006.

[simon c]

is the correct answer

your turn

[hexbaz]

hmmm. Since by some fluke (and a little research) a pommie got an ozzie question correct, I suppose (given that it is my bed time!) I should pose a similar (and probably far too easy) Brit question for you....

What is the highest structure currently open to the public in London, England?

[simon c]

hmm, could be a few options here:

1. The pedantic answer. What is the HIGHEST structure in London currently open to the public? Hamstead Hill is the highest point in london so there probably is at least a public toilet on the hill that is open to the public.
2. Canary Wharf is the TALLEST buidling, but by your emphasis that isn't right. I think it is closed to the public on terrorism grounds rather like the Post Office tower was closed to the public in the 70's.
3. I assume the same logic applies to the other tall buildings, eg NatWest tower (or whatever it is called now).
4. That means the answer is the London Eye?

Simon

[hexbaz]

Yes - somewhat surprisingly, that is correct. It is possible to gain access to the other buildings you mention, but the observation decks are no longer open to the general public.

So back to you again!

[hexbaz]

OK; simon c is obviously reluctant to give us a new challenge! Here's one to ponder in the mean time:

What have the following people got in common?

Bob Dylan, Lewis Carroll, Oscar Wilde, Elvis Presley, David Jason, John Lennon, Leonardo da Vinci and Edgar Allan Poe.

[Bob Willson]

They are all dead men. Some may argue the case as the completeness of some of their deaths but the answer is still valid.

[hexbaz]

whilst they may well be dead eventually, that is not the answer I was looking for!

[hexbaz]

OK! As small clue: Whilst this fact is true for all those listed, it was best known about Elvis and refers to a time before he became famous.

[outback]

Before he was famous Elvis wasn't dead, So I guess that means they are all alive, Some may argue the case as the completeness of some of their lives but the answer is still valid.

[Driver]

Before he became famous, Elvis wasn't famous. This was also true for all the others named: before each of them became famous he wasn't famous! This answer is indisputably correct (and grammatically accurate) and I claim the prize!