Quizology.Online

A Serious Pursuit of the Trivial

  • Yeah, who’s gonna plug their ears / When you scream? — Answers

    Here’s the answers to today’s questions.

    Concorde, 1986.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of these questions are related to today’s date, 13 July.

    One

    American actor Harrison Ford was born on this day in 1942. In a 1989 film, he played an archaeologist whose father was also an archaeologist. Both were held captive in a castle. 

    • Who played his father? 
    • Which castle and country was it located in?

    Answers

    • Sean Connery
    • Castle Brunwald (or Brunwald Castle), Austria.

    Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), directed by Steven Spielberg, stars Harrison Ford and Sean Connery. Set in 1938, Indiana searches for his kidnapped father, a Holy Grail scholar. The film, praised for its lighthearted tone, grossed $474.2 million, won an Academy Award, and led to sequels in 2008 and 2023.

    Two

    In 1985, what song featured with an emotional film of starving Ethiopian children during the Live Aid concert, and what group sang it?

    Answer: Drive, Cars.

    “One afternoon before the concert, Bowie was up in the office and we started looking through some videos of news footage, and we watched the CBC piece [footage from the Ethiopian famine, cut to the Cars’ song “Drive”]. Everyone just stopped. Bowie said: ‘You’ve got to put that in the show; it’s the most dramatic thing I’ve ever seen.’ That was probably one of the most evocative things in the whole show and really got the money rolling in.”
    —Live Aid promoter Harvey Goldsmith on Bowie picking out the CBC news piece for the concert, a video Bowie introduced on the big screen at Wembley after his set. davidbowie.com

    Three

    One artist performed live at the 1985 Live Aid concert in London and then appeared on stage at the same day’s concert in Philadelphia, USA. He performed solo at both venues but also supported other artists by playing live piano and drums. 

    • Who is this artist?
    • Who did he play piano for in London? 
    • What band did he play drums for in Philadelphia?

    Answers

    • Phil Collins
    • Sting
    • Led Zeppelin
      At the Live Aid concerts on July 13, 1985, Phil Collins performed solo at both venues, played piano for Sting at Wembley Stadium and drums for Led Zeppelin at JFK Stadium. This was made possible by him travelling between the two locations on a Concorde flight.

    Four

    Who became the second woman Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 13 July 2016, and how long did she hold the office?

    Theresa May; three years (3 years, 11 days to be exact).

    Theresa May, born in 1956, served as UK Prime Minister and Conservative Party Leader from 2016 to 2019, and Home Secretary from 2010 to 2016. She was MP for Maidenhead (1997-2024) and joined the House of Lords in 2024. May led Brexit negotiations and survived two no-confidence votes.

    Five

    In 1939, what singer, backed by trumpeter Harry James, recorded his first single, From the Bottom of My Heart?

    Answer: Frank Sinatra.

    Francis Albert Sinatra, born in 1915, was a renowned American singer and actor, nicknamed ‘Chairman of the Board’ and ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’. He sold 150 million records, won 13 Grammys, and starred in films like From Here to Eternity. Sinatra received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

    Who’s gonna plug their ears / When you scream?

    Is a line from Cars’ song Drive which featured with an emotional video during the Live Aid concerts and immediately led to an upsurge in donations. The lyrics are shown below.

    Drive
    Cars

    Who’s gonna tell you when
    It’s too late?
    Who’s gonna tell you things
    Aren’t so great?

    You can’t go on thinking
    Nothing’s wrong, oh oh
    Who’s gonna drive you home
    Tonight?

    Who’s gonna pick you up
    When you fall?
    Who’s gonna hang it up
    When you call?
    Who’s gonna pay attention
    To your dreams?
    Yeah, who’s gonna plug their ears
    When you scream?

    You can’t go on thinking
    Nothing’s wrong, oh oh
    Who’s gonna drive you home
    Tonight?

    Who’s gonna hold you down
    When you shake?
    Who’s gonna come around
    When you break?

    You can’t go on thinking
    Nothing’s wrong, oh oh
    Who’s gonna drive you home
    Tonight?

    You know you can’t go on thinking
    Nothing’s wrong
    Who’s gonna drive you home
    Tonight?
    — AZ Lyrics

  • Yeah, who’s gonna plug their ears / When you scream?

    Concorde, 1986.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of these questions are related to today’s date, 13 July.

    One

    American actor Harrison Ford was born on this day in 1942. In a 1989 film, he played an archaeologist whose father was also an archaeologist. Both were held captive in a castle. 

    • Who played his father? 
    • Which castle and country was it located in?

    Two

    In 1985, what song featured with an emotional film of starving Ethiopian children during the Live Aid concert, and what group sang it?

    Three

    One artist performed live at the 1985 Live Aid concert in London and then appeared on stage at the same day’s concert in Philadelphia, USA. He performed solo at both venues but also supported other artists by playing live piano and drums. 

    • Who is this artist?
    • Who did he play piano for in London? 
    • What band did he play drums for in Philadelphia?

    Four

    Who became the second woman Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 13 July 2016, and how long did she hold the office?

    Five

    In 1939, what singer, backed by trumpeter Harry James, recorded his first single, From the Bottom of My Heart?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Legends Are Not Born; They Are Made — Answers

    Wild Bill Hickok.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question centres around the date 12th July and a Wild West legend.  The subsequent questions aren’t date-related but continue the legend theme.

    One

    On 12 July 1861, Wild Bill Hickok supposedly fought his first gunfight in which three men died. Hickok was acquitted in court after claiming self-defence. The court papers referred to Hickok by which of these names: Dollar Bill; Double Bill or Duck Bill?

    Answer: Duck Bill.

    In 1861, in Rock Creek, Nebraska, a legend began as Wild Bill Hickok reportedly engaged in his first gunfight at a postal station. This event marked the start of his storied reputation in the Wild West. James Butler Hickok, known for his adventurous life, survived a bear attack and worked at a Pony Express station. A confrontation with David McCanles over rent turned violent, resulting in McCanles and two men’s deaths. Hickok, called ’Duck Bill’ in the court records, was acquitted, claiming self-defence.

    Two

    In which Rossini opera is Gesler, the Austrian governor of Uri and Schwyz, the villain? 

    Answer: William Tell (or Italian: Guglielmo Tell; French: Guillaume Tell).

    William Tell, a legendary Swiss folk hero, is renowned for shooting an apple off his son’s head and assassinating tyrant Albrecht Gessler. His defiance inspired Swiss rebellion, leading to the Confederacy’s formation. Emerging in 1307, Tell symbolises Swiss identity and resistance, influencing the 19th-century Restoration and 1848 Revolutions. There is no definitive evidence of Tell’s existence. Guillaume Tell is a French-language opera by Gioachino Rossini, based on the William Tell legend. It was Rossini’s last opera, featuring a famous overture with a storm and the March of the Swiss Soldiers.

    Three

    Born Robert MacGregor, this Scottish Jacobite outlaw and folk hero inspired a novel, a play, an operetta and several films. What was he better known as?

    Answer: Rob Roy.

    Robert Roy MacGregor was a Jacobite Scottish outlaw born on 7 March 1671 and died on 28 December 1734.  He later became a folk hero in Scotland and among Jacobites. An 1817 novel by Walter Scott based on MacGregor’s life was the basis for a play and an overture.

    Four

    Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg, is a national hero from the 15th century. In what modern-day country is he a hero for uniting principalities and influencing national awakening?

    Answer: Albania.

    Skanderbeg (Gjergj Kastrioti) was an Albanian nobleman and military leader who led the League of Lezhë against the Ottomans. A national hero, he deserted the Ottomans in 1443, unified Albanian principalities, and allied with Naples. Skanderbeg is celebrated for his persistent resistance and influence on the Albanian National Awakening.

    Five

    Which of these is a film that is the 1993 retelling of the Robin Hood story?

    • Robin Hood: Men in Sherwood
    • Robin Hood: Men in Tights 
    • Robin Hood: Men in Uttoxeter

    Answer: Robin Hood: Men in Tights 

    Robin Hood, a legendary 14th-century English outlaw, rebelled against authority by robbing officials and aiding the poor, primarily in South Yorkshire. His main adversary was the Sheriff of Nottingham. Despite numerous attempts, his historical existence remains unproven, with claims likely originating from an 18th-century fabrication. Robin Hood: Men in Tights is a 1993 Mel Brooks comedy film parodying the Robin Hood story, starring Cary Elwes and Richard Lewis.

  • Legends Are Not Born; They Are Made.

    Wild Bill Hickok.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question centres around the date 12th July and a Wild West legend.  The subsequent questions aren’t date-related but continue the legend theme.

    One

    On 12 July 1861, Wild Bill Hickok supposedly fought his first gunfight in which three men died. Hickok was acquitted in court after claiming self-defence. The court papers referred to Hickok by which of these names: Dollar Bill; Double Bill or Duck Bill?

    Two

    In which Rossini opera is Gesler, the Austrian governor of Uri and Schwyz, the villain? 

    Three

    Born Robert MacGregor, this Scottish Jacobite outlaw and folk hero inspired a novel, a play, an operetta and several films. What was he better known as?

    Four

    Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg, is a national hero from the 15th century. In what modern-day country is he a hero for uniting principalities and influencing national awakening?

    Five

    Which of these is a film that is the 1993 retelling of the Robin Hood story?

    • Robin Hood: Men in Sherwood
    • Robin Hood: Men in Tights 
    • Robin Hood: Men in Uttoxeter

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Vice Versa — Answers

    Here are today’s answers.

    Alexander Hamilton.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question is about the date 11 July. The other questions aren’t date-related but share a theme beginning with the first question.

    One

    At dawn on 11 July 1804, the U.S. vice president took part in a duel which resulted in Alexander Hamilton being fatally wounded. 

    • Who was the vice president involved in this duel
    • What was Hamilton’s senior role in the U.S. government of George Washington between September 1789 and January 1795?

    Answers

    • Aaron Burr
    • 1st United States Secretary of the Treasury
      The Burr–Hamilton duel occurred on July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey, between U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr and former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. Burr fatally shot Hamilton, weakening the Federalist Party and ending Burr’s career. The duel followed a long-standing political rivalry and was near Hamilton’s son’s duel site. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical Hamilton, based on Ron Chernow’s biography, debuted in 2015 and received critical acclaim, winning numerous awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 11 Tony Awards. The musical’s popularity even influenced the decision to keep Alexander Hamilton on the ten-dollar bill.

    Two

    The US vice-president referred to in question one was in that role during which president’s first term?

    Answer: Thomas Jefferson

    Aaron Burr Jr. (1756-1836) was the third US vice president (1801-1805) and a Democratic-Republican. He is remembered for the above duel and his conspiracy to form an independent country. 

    Three

    Who was Richard Nixon’s first Vice President?

    Answer: Spiro Agnew.

    Spiro Agnew, the 39th U.S. vice president, served from 1969 to 1973 under Nixon. A Republican, he was Maryland’s governor and Baltimore County executive. Agnew resigned amid a tax evasion investigation, unrelated to Watergate. He later wrote a memoir and novel, blaming Zionists for his downfall, and died in 1996.

    Four

    Which TV crime drama’s theme tune was a Billboard Hot 100 number one for Jan Hammer in 1985?

    Answer: Miami Vice, aka Miami Vice Theme.

    Miami Vice Theme by Jan Hammer, the theme song for the TV series, topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985 and won Grammy Awards in 1986. The music video features Hammer as a fugitive, performing the theme while being chased by the show’s main characters.

    Five

    What former U.K. Deputy Prime Minister became Facebook’s vice-president of global affairs and communications in 2018?

    Answer: Nick Clegg. 

    Sir Nicholas Clegg, born in 1967, was UK Deputy Prime Minister (2010-2015) and Liberal Democrat leader (2007-2015). Educated at Cambridge, he served as an MEP and MP. Clegg’s coalition with Conservatives led to controversy over tuition fees. Post-politics, he joined Facebook, becoming vice-president for global affairs and communications, a post he left in 2025. In 2026, Clegg joined the board of British AI startup NScale.

    Vice Versa

    The title originates from Latin and translates to ‘in-turned position’. It doesn’t have any direct relevance to today’s question aside from the word “vice” which appears in each question and answer groupings.

  • Vice Versa

    Alexander Hamilton.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question is about the date 11 July. The other questions aren’t date-related but share a theme beginning with the first question.

    One

    At dawn on 11 July 1804, the U.S. vice president took part in a duel which resulted in Alexander Hamilton being fatally wounded. 

    • Who was the vice president involved in this duel
    • What was Hamilton’s senior role in the U.S. government of George Washington between September 1789 and January 1795?

    Two

    The US vice-president referred to in question one was in that role during which president’s first term?

    Three

    Who was Richard Nixon’s first Vice President?

    Four

    Which TV crime drama’s theme tune was a Billboard Hot 100 number one for Jan Hammer in 1985?

    Five

    What former U.K. Deputy Prime Minister became Facebook’s vice-president of global affairs and communications in 2018?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • ROYGBIV — ANSWERS

    Here’s today’s answers.

    Rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus moluccanus), Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    The first question concerns today’s date, 10th July. The others aren’t date-related but connect to the first.

    One

    On 10 July 1985, the flagship of a campaigning organisation sank after explosions caused by two bombs planted by agents of the Directorate General for External Security.  Four questions:

    • What was the name of the ship? 
    • For what campaigning organisation was it the flagship?
    • At a harbour in what city did the sinking occur?
    • What nationality was the organisation which planted the bombs?

    Answers

    • Rainbow Warrior
    • Greenpeace
    • Auckland, New Zealand
    • French

    The sinking of Rainbow Warrior on 10 July 1985, codenamed Opération Satanique, was a French state-terrorism act. The Rainbow Warrior was docked in Auckland prior to sailing to lead planned protests against French nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Two French operatives sank the Greenpeace ship in Auckland, killing photographer Fernando Pereira. France initially denied involvement but later apologised, paid reparations, and the agents served two years in French Polynesia.

    Two

    This 1947 musical is set in ‘Missitucky’, U.S. and features a newly arrived Irishman, his daughter and a leprechaun named Og. What is this musical?

    Answer: Finian’s Rainbow.

    Finian’s Rainbow follows Irishman Finian and daughter Sharon in Missitucky (a concoction of Missi-ssippi and Ken-tucky), where he buries a stolen leprechaun’s gold, believing wealth will follow. Leprechaun Og pursues the gold, turning increasingly human. A wish leads to chaos: transforming a bigoted senator, while love blossoms, and moral lessons unfold about dreams, humanity, prejudice, and the folly of greed.

    Three

    Which metallic element derives its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow?

    Answer: Iridium

    iridium /ɪˈrɪdiəm, ʌɪˈrɪdiəm/ ♫
    ▶ noun [mass noun] (Symbol: Ir) the chemical element of atomic number 77, a hard, dense silvery-white metal.
    Iridium is a member of the transition series and is one of the densest metals. Iridium–platinum alloys are hard and corrosion-resistant and are used in jewellery and for electrical contacts
    – ORIGIN early 19th century: modern Latin, from Latin iris, irid– ‘rainbow’ (so named because it forms compounds of various colours).
    — Oxford English Dictionary 

    Four

    What is the common name for the bird pictured at the top of this post?

    Answer: Rainbow lorikeet.

    Rainbow lorikeets (Trichoglossus moluccanus), a parrot species native to Australia, inhabit rainforests, coastal bush, and woodlands along the eastern seaboard. Rainbow lorikeets are medium-sized parrots with bright, colourful plumage. Males and females are visually indistinguishable, requiring surgical sexing or DNA analysis to determine sex.

    Five

    A ballad by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg was written for a 1939 film where it would be sung by a character whose name in part is ‘Gale’. The song contains a reference to bluebirds. 

    • What is the song?
    • What is the full name of ‘Gale’?
    • What is the film?

    Answers

    • Over the Rainbow
    • Dorothy Gale
    • The Wizard of Oz

    Over the Rainbow, a ballad by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, was sung by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939). It won an Academy Award, became Garland’s signature song, and was inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2017 for its cultural significance.

    Over the Rainbow

    Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
    There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
    Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue
    And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true 

    Someday I’ll wish upon a star
    And wake up where the clouds are far
    Behind me
    Where troubles melt like lemon drops
    Away above the chimney tops
    That’s where you’ll find me 

    Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
    Birds fly over the rainbow
    Why then, oh, why can’t I? 

    If happy little bluebirds fly
    Beyond the rainbow
    Why, oh, why can’t I?
    — AZ Lyrics

    ROYGBIV

    The mnemonic ROYGBIV helps remember the colours of the rainbow: Richard of York gave battle in vain.

    (mnemonic) A mnemonic phrase to help remember the order of the seven colours of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.
    Wiktionary

  • ROYGBIV

    See question four. …? (Trichoglossus moluccanus moluccanus), Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    The first question concerns today’s date, 10th July. The others aren’t date-related but connect to the first.

    One

    On 10 July 1985, the flagship of a campaigning organisation sank after explosions caused by two bombs planted by agents of the Directorate General for External Security.  Four questions:

    • What was the name of the ship? 
    • For what campaigning organisation was it the flagship?
    • At a harbour in what city did the sinking occur?
    • What nationality was the organisation which planted the bombs?

    Two

    This 1947 musical is set in ‘Missitucky’, U.S. and features a newly arrived Irishman, his daughter and a leprechaun named Og. What is this musical?

    Three

    Which metallic element derives its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow?

    Four

    What is the common name for the bird pictured at the top of this post?

    Five

    A ballad by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg was written for a 1939 film where it would be sung by a character whose name in part is ‘Gale’. The song contains a reference to bluebirds. 

    • What is the song?
    • What is the full name of ‘Gale’?
    • What is the film?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Whistle While You Work — Answers

    Today’s answers are shown below.

    Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theatrical poster.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are not date related but are all connected by type.

    One

    The 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was adapted from a 1812 fairy tale by whom? In this film, which dwarf was beardless?

    Answer: Brothers Grimm; Dopey.

    Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a 1937 American animated musical fantasy film based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. It was Walt Disney’s first feature-length animated film and the first major American film photographed in Technicolour. The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1938 and is considered a landmark in animation history. Dopey, a dwarf in the film, is beardless, unlike the others; bald with pale skin, and unique attire, of a purple stocking cap and medieval-style shoes.

    Two

    In the 1988 comedy fantasy Who Framed Roger Rabbit what is the name of the human judge, and what animated animals make up the judge’s Toon Patrol?

    Answer: Judge Doom; Weasels.

    Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a 1988 fantasy comedy directed by Robert Zemeckis, blending live-action and animation. Based on Gary K. Wolf’s novel, it stars Bob Hoskins and Christopher Lloyd, with Charles Fleischer voicing Roger Rabbit. Set in 1947 Hollywood, it follows private investigator Eddie Valiant helping Roger, framed for murder. Produced by Steven Spielberg, it was filmed in England. Released by Disney, it grossed $351 million, won three Oscars, and revived American animation. In 2016, the film was chosen for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. 

    Three

    The Yankee Doodle…, a 1943 Tom and Jerry cartoon became the first in the series to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. What is the film’s complete title, and what real-world conflict inspired the pseudo-warfare style and military references in the film? 

    Answer: The Yankee Doodle Mouse; World War II.

    The 1943 animated short The Yankee Doodle Mouse, featuring Tom and Jerry, won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. In this film, Tom and Jerry engage in a series of comedic battles, with Jerry outsmarting Tom at every turn. Despite Tom’s various attempts to catch Jerry, including using a mallet, dynamite, and a rocket, Jerry’s cleverness and agility always prevail. The story culminates with Tom being sent flying into the sky on a rocket, leaving Jerry to celebrate his victory.

    Four

    In the 2025 film Zootopia 2, who is the Chief of the Zootopia Police Department? What actor voices the character and what animal is it?

    Answer: Chief Bogo; Idris Elba; African buffalo.

    Zootopia 2, directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, is a 2025 animated film featuring Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde pursuing a pit viper. The film, starring Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, grossed $1.870 billion, won Best Animated Feature at the BAFTAs, and received numerous award nominations.

    Five

    The 1948 cartoon I Taw a Putty Tat stars which two characters, which were both voiced by the same voice actor. Who were the two star characters and who was the voice actor?

    Answer: Tweety and Sylvester the Cat

    I Taw a Putty Tat, a 1948 Warner Bros. Merrie Melodies animated cartoon directed by Friz Freleng, premiered in April 1948. The short stars Tweety, the yellow canary, and Sylvester the cat, both voiced by Mel Blanc. Bea Benaderet provides the uncredited voice of the lady of the house, seen only from the neck down as she talks on the phone. This is the first film to feature Tweety’s speech-impaired term for a cat. Mel Blanc, known as ‘The Man of a Thousand Voices’, was an American voice actor and radio personality. He voiced numerous characters for Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoons, including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, and later voiced characters for Hanna-Barbera’s television cartoons.

    Whistle While You Work

    The post title Whistle While You Work is a song from Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, performed by Adriana Caselotti. It was featured in the 1979 stage adaptation and appears in the 2025 live-action remake.

  • Whistle While You Work

    Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theatrical poster.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are not date related but are all connected by type.

    One

    The 1937 animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was adapted from a 1812 fairy tale by whom? In this film, which dwarf was beardless?

    Two

    In the 1988 comedy fantasy Who Framed Roger Rabbit what is the name of the human judge, and what animated animals make up the judge’s Toon Patrol?

    Three

    The Yankee Doodle…, a 1943 Tom and Jerry cartoon became the first in the series to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. What is the film’s complete title, and what real-world conflict inspired the pseudo-warfare style and military references in the film? 

    Four

    In the 2025 film Zootopia 2, who is the Chief of the Zootopia Police Department? What actor voices the character and what animal is it?

    Five

    The 1948 cartoon I Taw a Putty Tat stars which two characters, which were both voiced by the same voice actor. Who were the two star characters and who was the voice actor?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.