It would seem this week requires a scavenger hunt. Well strap yourselves in and prepare for some hardcore, general knowledge!

What is the height of the world's biggest tree and how long did it take to grow?

Well, the tallest living tree is measured at 112 metres, and is estimated to have been growing for over 1000 years. It is a Mendocino Tree in Ukiah, California. It's status as world's tallest tree became official in 1996.
http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2001/OlgaVapnyar.shtml


What is the quickest and most reliable way to reach Madonna?

Well, it would seem the best way to reach Madonna would be to contact her agent, Liz Rosenberg. Her details can be found on the internet. Contacting her is almost a surefire way to contact Madonna.
http://www.madonnatribe.com/contact/


Age of the oldest ever captive elephant? Older than the average wild age?

Lin Wang of the Taipei Zoo in Asia lived for 86 years, outliving the average wild age of 70.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lin_Wang

a) How would you define the word 'glycomics'? In your own words, what does it really mean ? b)What does the term 'seagull manager' refer to?

I would define glycomics as an applied study of functions and structure of carboydrates in the biological systems of organisms, however that was after I did a little reading on the topic.

In my own words I guess it really means how different foods provide the body with different levels of sugar, from which the body draws energy to perform day to day physical activities. It could also cover the effects of excessive carbohydrate intake?

In perhaps a little low-brow fashion, a seagull manager refers to a manager at an organisation who flies in, flaps about and makes alot of noise, craps on everything and then leaves. It is a metaphor of course of an inefficient, rude manager.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=seagull+manager
http://www.griffith.edu.au/science/institute-glycomics/research/what-is-glycomics

5. What was David Cronenberg's most recent feature film? Which of his films Had 'Blondie' in it?

David Cronenberg's most recent film was Eastern Promises (2007). The film with blondie in it was a horror flick called Videodrome.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=David+Cronenberg%27s+latest+film&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Fname%2Fnm0000343%2F

6. When was the original 'Hackers' released?

In 1995, and it had Angelina Jolie (Kate Libby/Acid Burn) in it.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Hackers&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt0113243%2F

7. Why do phone numbers in Hollywood films start with '555'?

Because there is no combination of random numbers which isn't currently someone in the world's phone number, and some people would call numbers they saw on movies and tv shows for kicks. '555' links directly to directory assistance, no matter where you are in the world, and thus prevents these annoying pranks.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Why+do+all+movie+phone+numbers+begin+with+555%3F&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightdope.com%2Fcolumns%2Fread%2F345%2Fwhy-do-phone-numbers-in-tv-shows-and-movies-all-start-with-555

8. What is the cheapest form of travel from the Gold Coast to Cairns?

To train or bus to Roma St in Brisbane and then catch the tilt train. It's roughly a 24 hr journey.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Train+gold+coast+to+cairns&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.railmaps.com.au%2Ftrains_brisbane.htm

9. What song was top of the Australian Pop Charts this week in 1970?

Up Around The Bend/Run Through The Jungle - Creedence Clearwater Revival.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_number-one_singles_in_Australia_during_the_1970s

10. Which Brisbane band includes Stephen Stockwell on keyboards and vocals?

The punk band known as The Black Assasins, existant in the late 1970s early 1980s.

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Brisbane+band+steven+stockwell&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fmembers.optusnet.com.au%2F%7Etoxicoh%2Fblackas.htm

Well that pretty much nails it, ciao!