The Times Daily Quiz: Monday August 11, 2025
2 Which Greek letter is D in the Nato phonetic alphabet?
3 On March 19, 2003, US president George W Bush announced the start of which war?
4 First published in 1887, what is the first Sherlock Holmes novel?
5 Who did Charles Rolls first meet at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on May 4, 1904?
6 The Rodgers and Hart musical Babes in Arms features the song The Lady is a … what?
7 Which city's naval base is home to almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships?
8 Which children's author was vicar of the Norfolk village of Emneth from 1953 to 1965?
9 Active from 1946 until 1992, Defa was the state-owned film studio of which country?
10 Which Whig served as prime minister from 1846 to 1852 and again from 1865 to 1866?
11 Focus Is Power is a 2025 single by which Yorkshire musician, born Rebecca Lucy Taylor?
12 In which city did the collapse of the Dale Dyke Dam cause at least 240 deaths in 1864?
13 Which US philosopher wrote Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature (1979) and Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity (1989)?
14 Ex-tennis player Todd Woodbridge hosts the Australian version of which ITV quiz show?
15 Which star of the sitcom Waiting for God is pictured?
Scroll down for answers
Answers
1 Forty thieves
2 Delta
3 Iraq war
4 A Study in Scarlet
5 Henry Royce
6 Tramp
7 Portsmouth
8 The Rev Wilbert Awdry, the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine
9 East Germany
10 Lord John Russell, 1st Earl Russell
11 Self Esteem
12 Sheffield
13 Richard Rorty
14 Tipping Point
15 Stephanie Cole
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The PR executive, whose last long-term relationship ended seven years ago, reveals: 'For me, engaging with male escorts has become a way to explore my sexuality and seek companionship on my own terms. 'I turned to escorts after growing tired of the dating scene — boring men, boring sex and endless swiping on apps. "So I thought: 'Why not?'' Despite feeling on edge in the build-up to her first encounter, Natasha says her jitters were short-lived. 'Surprisingly, I felt very relaxed and enjoyed the whole experience,' she says. 'I had to pay a ten per cent deposit up front, which felt a bit strange. "But this was to cover the dinner. 'Afterwards, we went to a hotel for sex. It wasn't cheap — £300 per hour — but it was worth every penny.' For Natasha, who says passion dwindled two years into her last relationship, getting her needs met between the sheets is a huge plus of using gigolos. 'When I'm with a male escort, I feel free to ask for exactly what I want in bed. "There's no shame, no second-guessing and no pressure to be anything but myself. I can be bolder, kinkier and more experimental. 'I get to enjoy sex with a hot, confident man, with no strings attached. It's like dating on steroids.' Natasha admits there is still a stigma around women 'and particularly black women' using escorts, but stresses there's nothing sleazy about the practice. 'I appreciate the professionalism and discretion these men bring,' she explains. 'It allows me to fully enjoy the moment without the emotional minefield that can come with relationships. 'I keep male escorts on rotation, too. It's like having a fun new plaything every couple of months.' Using escorts doesn't come cheap and Natasha is spending less on holidays and other luxuries. Her friends and family are well aware of her escort use, as she often hires them as a 'plus one' for events or dinners. But she prefers to enjoy her escort experiences away from her own home. 'SEXUAL FREEDOM' 'We always end the night at a hotel. I prefer it that way,' she says. 'My space is mine and the fun stays just where I want it.' While some may raise eyebrows at the idea of so many women enjoying escorting services, both Laura and Natasha say that when it comes to intimacy, paying for what they desire has opened up a new world of sexual freedom. 'Everyone has the right to seek pleasure, intimacy and connection in ways that feel right to them,' says Natasha. 'This isn't about being desperate or giving up on love — it's reclaiming my pleasure and prioritising fulfilling, joyful experiences, in and out of the bedroom.' Names have been changed BUT REMEMBER: STAY SAFE SAFETY should always come first, says Sun sexpert Georgie Culley. When booking an escort, stick to reputable agencies. Too-good-to-be-true prices are a red flag. Generally, escorts from legitimate agencies will cost £150-plus per hour. Before meeting, arrange a video call first, so you can verify who they are and set clear boundaries. Ask to see their ID, too. Always meet in a public place such as a restaurant or bar first. And let a trusted friend know where you'll be and who you're meeting. Avoid sharing personal details like your home address until you feel comfortable. Never transfer money in advance, unless it's through a trusted agency platform. If you do make it to the bedroom, always practise safe sex. Due to the nature of their job, escorts will likely be sleeping with lots of people, so always use condoms. Most importantly, trust your gut. If anything feels off, walk away. Your safety and comfort are key.
