All of these questions are related to today’s date, April 25th.
One
In 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway was officially opened. What canal, part of the Seaway, extends from Port Weller to Port Colborne, and in what country is this canal located?
Two
In 1926, Turandot premiered some sixteen months after the death of the opera’s composer. Who, pictured above, was the composer?
Three
In 1792, the louisette was first used in France. Originally named after its inventor, Antoine Louis, a surgeon and physiologist, it became more commonly known by the name used today. What is it now known as?
Four
As a precursor to licence or registration plates, what did New York State require that motor vehicle owners must display on the back of their vehicle from 1901?
Five
British and French engineers broke ground in 1859 at the site of a canal which has a terminus at Port Tewfik. What canal is it, and what rugged, arid peninsula is situated to the east of this canal?
Elvis at Prestwick Airport, 3 March 1960. See question four. Image Daily Record.
No date-related theme today, just five very random questions for you to ponder.
One
Johann Ludwig Burckhardt is best known for rediscovering two of the world’s best-known examples of rock-cut architecture in Jordan in 1812 and Egypt the following year. What are these examples of rock-cut architecture?
Answers: Petra and Abu Simbel.
Johann Ludwig Burckhardt (1784 – 1817) was a Swiss traveller, geographer and Orientalist. During his travels in Arabia, he adopted the alias Sheikh Ibrahim Ibn Abdallah and wrote his letters in French, signing them Louis. He is best known for rediscovering two of the world’s most famous examples of rock-cut architecture: the ruins of Petra, an ancient Nabataean city in Jordan, and the temples of Abu Simbel in Egypt. Petra remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when Burckhardt rediscovered it. The Great Temple at Abu Simbel remained unknown to Europeans until March 1813, when Burckhardt found the small temple and top frieze of the main temple.
Two
‘I can resist everything except temptation’ is a line from what play and who wrote it?
Answer: Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Play About a Good Woman by Oscar Wilde.
Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Play About a Good Woman is a four-act comedy by Oscar Wilde, debuting on 20 February 1892 at London’s St James’s Theatre. Lady Windermere suspects her husband of infidelity and plans to leave him for Lord Darlington. Mrs. Erlynne, the other woman, intervenes, revealing herself as Lady Windermere’s mother. She sacrifices her reputation to save the marriage, allowing Lady Windermere to return to her husband unnoticed.
Three
What religious organisation was founded by Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Alba?
Answer: Opus Dei.
Opus Dei, founded in 1928 by Josemaría Escrivá, is a Catholic Church personal prelature promoting holiness through daily life. Approved by the Holy See in 1950 and affirmed in 1982, it faces controversy over abuse allegations. Members, mostly laypeople, engage in secular careers and spiritual training globally.
Four
Elvis Presley and the beginnings of Open Golf are both linked to what town?
Answer: Prestwick.
Prestwick, a town in South Ayrshire on Scotland’s west coast, is approximately 30 miles (50 kilometres) southwest of Glasgow. The Prestwick Old Course hosted the inaugural Open Golf Championship in 1860 and was the venue for the first twelve Open Championships from 1860 to 1872, although the event did not take place in 1871. During World War II, the US Army Air Corps set up and maintained a base at the airport. Elvis Presley made his only visit to the UK on 3 March 1960 when his US Army transport aircraft stopped at the airport for refuelling en route from Germany.
Five
Who in 1762 succeeded Peter III, Emperor of Russia, and what relationship was the successor to Peter?
Answers: Catherine II (the Great); his wife.
Peter III, Emperor of Russia for six months in 1762, was overthrown by his wife, Catherine the Great. Despite implementing notable reforms, he is criticised for his alliance with Prussia. On 28 June 1762, Catherine was proclaimed heir to the Russian throne. Peter attempted to flee to Kronstadt but was repelled by the fleet’s cannons. The people of St. Petersburg armed themselves against him. After losing support from the Senate, army, and fleet, Peter was arrested and abdicated on 9 July. He was transported to Ropsha, where he died under mysterious circumstances. Officially, he died from haemorrhoidal colic and a stroke, but assassination is suspected. Some accounts suggest suffocation attempts followed by strangulation. He was buried on 3 August 1762 in the Alexander Nevsky Monastery, Saint Petersburg.
No date-related theme today, just five very random questions for you to ponder.
One
Johann Ludwig Burckhardt is best known for rediscovering two of the world’s best-known examples of rock-cut architecture in Jordan in 1812 and Egypt the following year. What are these examples of rock-cut architecture?
Two
‘I can resist everything except temptation’ is a line from what play and who wrote it?
Three
What religious organisation was founded by Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Alba?
Four
Elvis Presley and the beginnings of Open Golf are both linked to what town?
Five
Who in 1762 succeeded Peter III, Emperor of Russia, and what relationship was the successor to Peter?
On 23 April 1986, Coca-Cola introduced New Coke, a reformulated soft drink which was meant to replace their flagship brand. New Coke was not received well and was itself replaced by Old Coke, which had been rebranded Coca-Cola Classic. How long was New Coke on sale before Old Coke, now Coca-Cola Classic, was reintroduced?
79 days
163 days
251 days
Answer: 1. 79 days.
On this day in 1986, the Coca-Cola Company introduced New Coke, a reformulated soft drink designed to replace its flagship beverage and boost sales at the expense of Pepsi. However public outrage and even the company’s own bottlers rebelled. Just 79 days later, old Coke – now known as Coca-Cola Classic – returned to the shelves. New Coke was discontinued in 2002.
These questions are not date related but there is a theme continued from question one.
Two
This product from Clairol was launched in the seventies, what word fills the gap in the product’s name: Touch of … Shampoo?
Arsenic
Yogurt
Rhino
Answer: 2. Yogurt.
Clairol’s Touch of Yogurt Shampoo, introduced in the 1970s, aimed to capitalise on the natural appeal of yoghurt. However consumers were puzzled by the concept and sales suffered.
Three
Which brand launched all of the following: … AM launched in 1989 as a morning beverage with more caffeine for breakfast drinkers; followed in the early 1990s by Crystal … a caffeine-free, clear cola; finally, … Blue in 2002 as a berry-flavoured cola?
Dr Pepper
Lilt
Pepsi
Answer: 3. Pepsi.
Crystal Pepsi was launched in the early 1990s as a caffeine-free, clear cola. Its transparent appearance was meant to convey purity, but it didn’t resonate with consumers. Pepsi AM was launched in 1989 as a morning beverage with more caffeine, targeting breakfast drinkers. Pepsi Blue was launched in 2002 as a berry-flavoured cola, aiming to capture the attention of a younger audience.
Four
Kitchen Entrees was a 1980s product range launched by a brand not known for its food expertise, which brand?
Chrysler
Marlboro
Colgate
Answer: 3. Colgate.
In the 1960s, Colgate attempted to enter the ready meal market by leveraging its strong brand loyalty, introducing a line of frozen food. However, this brand extension was unsuccessful. In the 1980s, Colgate further ventured into the food market with Kitchen Entrees, but the association with oral hygiene made it difficult for consumers to accept, leading to its swift withdrawal.
Five
Bic, known for their pens and lighters branched out with what new product in the 1990s?
Disposable cameras
Disposable barbecues
Disposable underwear
Answer: 3. Disposable underwear.
To diversify its product range, Bic launched disposable underwear in the 1990s. While the company was renowned for its pens and lighters this unexpected venture ultimately failed to resonate with consumers. The concept felt too niche and struggled to gain traction in the market, resulting in its rapid decline.
On 23 April 1986, Coca-Cola introduced New Coke, a reformulated soft drink which was meant to replace their flagship brand. New Coke was not received well and was itself replaced by Old Coke, which had been rebranded Coca-Cola Classic. How long was New Coke on sale before Old Coke, now Coca-Cola Classic, was reintroduced?
79 days
163 days
251 days
These questions are not date related but there is a theme continued from question one.
Two
This product from Clairol was launched in the seventies, what word fills the gap in the product’s name: Touch of … Shampoo?
Arsenic
Yogurt
Rhino
Three
Which brand launched all of the following: … AM launched in 1989 as a morning beverage with more caffeine for breakfast drinkers; followed in the early 1990s by Crystal … a caffeine-free, clear cola; finally, … Blue in 2002 as a berry-flavoured cola?
Dr Pepper
Lilt
Pepsi
Four
Kitchen Entrees was a 1980s product range launched by a brand not known for its food expertise, which brand?
Chrysler
Marlboro
Colgate
Five
Bic, known for their pens and lighters branched out with what new product in the 1990s?
Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Where and when did these shootings occur?
Answer: Sarajevo, Bosnia; 28 June 1914.
Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb student, assassinated the heir presumptive of the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, triggering the July Crisis and World War I. Born in 1894, Princip joined Young Bosnia, seeking South Slavic unification. Rejected by the Serbian army, he plotted the assassination with the Black Hand’s help. Arrested and sentenced to 20 years, he died in 1918 from tuberculosis. His legacy is divisive, seen as heroic by some Serbs and a terrorist by others.
Two
At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, which female German athlete won gold in the long jump?
Answer: Heike Drechsler
Heike Gabriela Drechsler, born on 16 December 1964, is a renowned German former track and field athlete. Representing East Germany and later Germany, she is one of the greatest long jumpers, holding the third-best legal jump of 7.48 metres in 1988. Her wind-assisted 7.63 metres in 1992 remains the longest jump by a woman. Drechsler won two Olympic golds in long jump (1992, 2000), Olympic medals in 100 and 200 metres (1988), and held the 200 metres world record (21.71 seconds, 1986).
Three
Whose single Try Again was Grammy nominated in 2000?
Answer: Aaliyah
Try Again by Aaliyah, from Romeo Must Die (2000), blends R&B, electro, and dance-pop. Written by Static Major and Timbaland, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 solely on airplay. Critically acclaimed for its futuristic production, it earned a Grammy nomination. The music video, directed by Wayne Isham, won multiple awards.
Four
What words describes each of these: a creature which is active in the daytime; one which is active at night; and a creature which is active at dawn or dusk?
Answer: Diurnal; Nocturnal; Crepuscular.
Animals exhibit different activity patterns based on the time of day. Diurnal animals are active during daylight hours, while nocturnal animals, such as bats, are active at night, taking of advantage conditions like reduced predation, cooler temperatures, and higher humidity. Crepuscular animals, including some caprimulgiform birds like nightjars, are most active during twilight periods at dawn and dusk, though they may also be active at night if there is enough moonlight.
Five
What is the largest public park in New York City, and in which borough is it located?
Answer:Pelham Bay Park; The Bronx.
Pelham Bay Park, located in the Bronx, is New York City’s largest park at 2,772 acres. It features peninsulas, a lagoon, Eastchester Bay, Orchard Beach, golf courses and nature trails. Historical sites include the Bartow-Pell Mansion and Bronx Victory Column. Established in 1888, it was inspired by John Mullaly.
The Shot Heard Around the World
The phrase ‘shot heard around the world’ is associated with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914 in that it was one of the precursors to World War I.
Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Where and when did these shootings occur?
Two
At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, which female German athlete won gold in the long jump?
Three
Whose single Try Again was Grammy nominated in 2000?
Four
What words describes each of these: a creature which is active in the daytime; one which is active at night; and a creature which is active at dawn or dusk?
Five
What is the largest public park in New York City, and in which borough is it located?
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was born on 21 April 1926. To the nearest year how long did she reign?
Answer: 71 years.
Elizabeth II, born on 21 April 1926, was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death in 2022 — 70 years and 214 days — the longest reign of any British monarch. She was queen regnant of 32 states and monarch of 15 at her death. Educated privately, she served in World War II and married Philip Mountbatten in 1947. Her reign saw significant political changes and historic visits. Despite challenges, her popularity remained high. She died at 96, succeeded by Charles III.
Two
On this day In 1918, the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, Germany’s top World War I flying ace, was shot down and killed near Amiens, France. What act had a novelty song Snoopy vs. The Red Baron in the 1966 charts?
Answer: The Royal Guardsmen.
Snoopy vs. the Red Baron is a 1966 novelty song by The Royal Guardsmen, peaking at No.2 on the Hot 100 and No.1 in Australia and Canada. It sold nearly three million copies. The band released other Snoopy-themed songs, including The Return of the Red Baron and Snoopy’s Christmas.
Three
What was the musical Annie based on, and what type of work was it?
Answer: Little Orphan Annie; Newspaper comic strip.
Annie is a musical with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan, based on the 1924 comic strip Little Orphan Annie. It premiered in 1977, ran for nearly six years, won seven Tony Awards, and features popular songs like ‘Tomorrow‘ and ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life‘.
Four
Whose visit to a Caribbean Island nation in 1966 led to the annual celebration of April 21st as Grounation Day?
Answer: Haile Selassie.
In 1966, the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I, believed by many Rastas to be the Second Coming of Christ, arrived in Jamaica for a visit. This event is now celebrated annually in the Rastafari movement as Grounation Day, specifically on April 21.
Five
According to legend Rome was founded in what century?
Answer: 8th Century BCE
Ancient Rome, spanning from 753 BCE to 476 CE, evolved from a small Italic settlement into a dominant Mediterranean power. It encompassed the Roman Kingdom, Republic, and Empire, controlling vast territories including North Africa, Egypt, and much of Europe. At its peak in CE 117, it covered 5 million square kilometres with 50-90 million people. Rome’s influence on language, law, architecture, and governance persists, inspiring modern republics and achieving remarkable technological feats like aqueducts and roads. In Ancient Rome, its founding by Romulus was celebrated annually on April 21st.
The Royal Guardsmen
The post title had nothing to do with question one, but everything to do with question two.
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was born on 21 April 1926. To the nearest year how long did she reign?
Two
On this day In 1918, the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, Germany’s top World War I flying ace, was shot down and killed near Amiens, France. What act had a novelty song Snoopy vs. The Red Baron in the 1966 charts?
Three
What was the musical Annie based on, and what type of work was it?
Four
Whose visit to a Caribbean Island nation in 1966 led to the annual celebration of April 21st as Grounation Day?
Five
According to legend Rome was founded in what century?
All of the questions today relate to the date, April 20th.
One
In 1968, Pierre Trudeau became prime minister of Canada. What political party did he represent?
Answer: Liberal Party.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau (1919–2000) was Canada’s prime minister from 1968 to 1979 and again from 1980 to 1984. A charismatic Liberal leader, he established diplomatic ties with China, improved relations with France, and opposed Quebec separatism. Trudeau’s tenure saw Canada achieve constitutional independence from Britain with a new constitution and a Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He previously practised law and taught at the University of Montreal before entering politics. He led Canada through economic challenges, minority governments, and the October Crisis of 1970. Trudeau resigned in 1984, leaving a legacy of constitutional reform and progressive social policies.
Two
In 2008, the IndyCar Japan race was won by a female driver, the first time a woman had won an IndyCar event. Who was this driver?
Answer: Danica Patrick.
At the time of writing (April 2026), Danica Patrick is the only woman to have won in IndyCar. Danica Patrick was born on 25 March 1982 in Beloit, Wisconsin. She is a pioneering American former racing driver known for her achievements in both the IndyCar Series and the NASCAR Cup Series. She began karting at age 10, winning the World Karting Association Grand National Championship three times, and left high school at 16 to race in the UK, where she placed second in the 2000 Formula Ford festival. Returning to the United States in 2002, she competed in the Toyota Formula Atlantic. Patrick made history in 2005 by becoming the first woman to lead the Indianapolis 500 and the first woman to win an IndyCar championship event. Her career highlights include being Rookie of the Year in 2005, achieving a third-place finish at the 2009 Indianapolis 500, and setting a pole position at the 2013 Daytona 500. She competed in the IndyCar Series from 2005 to 2011 and the NASCAR Cup Series from 2012 to 2018, retiring after the 2018 Indy 500. Patrick is the most successful woman in American open-wheel racing, with her 2008 Indy Japan 300 win being the only victory by a woman in IndyCar.
Three
In 1968, the Conservative Member of Parliament and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Enoch Powell, made a speech which was about immigration. He referred to it as his ‘Birmingham Speech’, but it came to be known by what three words?
Answer: Rivers of Blood.
Enoch Powell’s ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech, delivered on 20 April 1968 in Birmingham, criticised post-WWII Commonwealth immigration to the UK and opposed the Race Relations Bill, which became the Race Relations Act 1968. Named after a prophecy from Virgil’s Aeneid, the speech was controversial, showcasing Powell’s classical scholarship. It expressed foreboding about the future, using the Roman prophecy of the River Tiber flowing with blood to symbolise impending doom and significant conflict, highlighting Powell’s deep concern.
Four
Who, on 20 April 1534, sailed from France with a Royal Commission to find a western passage to India?
Answer: Jacques Cartier.
On 20 April 1534, Cartier set sail under a royal commission to find a western passage to the East Indies. After a 20-day ocean crossing, he explored Newfoundland, the Strait of Belle Isle, Labrador, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. He returned to France in September 1534, believing he had reached Asia.
Five
In 1152, after an eight-year conflict, Baldwin III of … won sole control of the Kingdom of … from his mother Melisandre. What one word fills both the gaps in the preceding sentence?
Answer: Jerusalem.
Baldwin III, born in 1130, was King of Jerusalem from 1143 to 1163, succeeding his parents, Fulk and Melisende. Initially co-ruling with Melisende until 1152, he asserted his authority through military campaigns, notably conquering Ascalon in 1153. Baldwin expanded the kingdom’s borders, managed the Principality of Antioch, and allied with Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, marrying his niece Theodora. He died in 1163, succeeded by his brother Amalric, without leaving children.
Quizology.Online 