Who, What, When, Where, Why and How VII — Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

Six questions on random topics, each beginning with one of these words: Who, What, When (When is the first word of a quote), Where, Why and How.

Who

Who currently (April 2026) is the principal occupant of the Quirinal Palace (pictured), and what is that person’s office?

Answer: Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Italian Republic.

The Quirinal Palace, the main official residence of the President of the Italian Republic, is located on the Quirinal Hill in Rome. It has served as a residence for popes, kings and presidents. Mattarella was elected on 31 January 2015, and re-elected on 29 January 2022.

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What

What song gave Tom Jones his first UK number one single and his debut US hit, where it peaked at number ten.

Answer: It’s Not Unusual.

Released in 1965, It’s Not Unusual became a chart-topper in the UK, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. It also marked his first US hit, peaking at number ten; it further climbed to number three on Billboard’s easy listening chart. Initially rejected by the BBC in the UK due to Jones’ image, the song gained popularity on pirate radio. In the US, Jones performed it three times on The Ed Sullivan Show.

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When

When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.

The above sentence opens what English classic children’s story and who wrote it?

Answers: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

The Secret Garden, a classic English children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, was first published in 1911. It has been adapted for stage and film.

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Where

Where are lemurs endemic?

Answer: Madagascar.

Lemurs are a diverse group of primates endemic to Madagascar, with around 100 extant species. They are social, nocturnal, and primarily arboreal, exhibiting a range of sizes and diets. Despite their importance for research and conservation efforts, many lemur species are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.

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Why

Why was Darwin, in Australia’s Northern Territory, extensively rebuilt twice during the twentieth century? (NB Two answers as it was rebuilt on two separate occasions.)

Answers: (First rebuild) World War II Japanese air raids; (Second rebuild) Cyclone Tracy.

On 19 February 1942, 188 Japanese warplanes attacked Darwin, killing at least 243 people and causing significant damage. This was the first of many air raids on Darwin and was the most serious attack on Australia during wartime.
Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin on 25 December 1974, killing 71 people and destroying over 70% of the city. The Darwin Reconstruction Commission oversaw the city’s rebuilding with modern materials and techniques.

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How

How old, according to television’s Smallville, was Lex Luther when he became bald?

Answer: Nine.

I’ve been bald since I was nine. I’m used to people judging me before they get to know me.
— Lex Luther, Pilot episode Smallville

Lex Luthor, introduced in the pilot as the son of billionaire Lionel Luthor, is sent to Smallville by his father to manage the local fertiliser plant. As a child, he’s caught in the first meteor shower, which leaves him completely bald but also grants him perfect health.

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