See question 5. Artist pression of ESA’s … satellite observing the Milky Way, with a background image of the sky compiled from data from more than 1.8 billion stars. Image ESA via Wikipedia
One
… was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.
Published for the first time on this date in 1843, what begins with the quote above and whose surname is missing from the start?
Two
Born on this day in 1906, what Soviet leader, along with US President Jimmy Carter, signed the unsuccessful SALT II treaty in Vienna in 1979?
Three
A singer born in Paris, France, on 19 December 1915, came to be known as ‘little sparrow’. Who was she?
Four
On this day in 1606, Christopher Newport, in command of the Discovery, the Godspeed, and the Susan Constant, sailed from London, England. The following April, they entered a bay—the largest estuary in the United States—and went on to set up the first permanent English settlement in North America. What was the name of the bay and the colony?
Five
In 2013, the European Space Agency launched a spacecraft that could be described as a space telescope or astronomical observatory. Named after the personification of Earth in Greek mythology, what was its name?
The Glimmer Twins. See question five. Image Atlas Obscura
Today’s questions are all related to events that occurred on December 18th.
One
How many US presidents have been impeached, and who are they?
Answer: Three; Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump (twice)
On 18 December 2019 Donald Trump became the third US president to be impeached. He was impeached a second time in January 2021. Impeachment is a congressional check on presidential power, requiring a simple majority vote in the House and a two-thirds majority in the Senate for conviction and removal from office. Despite being impeached, none of these presidents were convicted or removed from office. In 1974, in a bid to avoid being impeached Richard Nixon, became the first president to resign.
Two
In 1892, Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker was first presented at which theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia
Answer: Mariinsky Theatre
The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky’s final ballet, premiered in December 1892. Despite initial criticism of the choreography, scenery, and performance, it has become the most frequently performed ballet and a popular introduction to classical music. Though initially not as successful as the earlier Nutcracker Suite, it gained popularity and is now performed by many ballet companies, especially in North America.
Three
Born on this day in 1946, this director directed Richard Dreyfuss as Matt Hooper in a 1975 film and as Roy Neary in a 1977 one. Who is the director and what are the films?
Answer: Steven Spielberg; Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Steven Spielberg, the highest-grossing director of all time, is renowned for pioneering the modern blockbuster with films like Jaws and Schindler’s List. He co-founded Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks Pictures, producing numerous successful films and TV series. Spielberg’s filmmaking journey began in childhood, leading to early successes. His breakthrough with Jaws (1975) established him as a leading director and created the summer blockbuster genre. He is also celebrated for diverse works, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
Four
The TV special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! premiered in 1966 and was an adaptation of a 1957 children’s book written under a pen name. Could you tell me what that pen name was and what is the author’s real name?
Answer: Dr. Seuss; Theodor Seuss Geisel
Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, was an American children’s author and illustrator. He wrote and illustrated over 60 books, including classics like The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham, selling over 600 million copies worldwide. His work has been adapted into numerous television specials, films, and a Broadway musical. His birthday, March 2nd, is marked annually as National Read Across America Day
Five
Born on this day in 1943, one half of ‘The Glimmer Twins’. This British musician and guitarist met a singer, his musical and songwriting ‘twin’ at a railway station in 1961. Their chance encounter ultimately led to their becoming key figures in the formation of a legendary rock band. Who was the musician born on this day?
Answer: Keith Richards
Born in Dartford, Kent, in 1943, Keith Richards is a celebrated British musician, guitarist, songwriter and record producer. His innovative chord-heavy playing style, influenced by early blues, has been a key factor in the Rolling Stones’ immense success. He is best known as a founding member and guitarist of the Rolling Stones, with a successful songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger. *Rolling Stones *magazine’s ‘500 Greatest Songs of All Time’ list included fourteen songs written by Richards and Jagger.
The Glimmer Twins
The post title refers to a name used by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger who have produced Stones’ albums under the pseudonym ‘The Glimmer Twins’ starting with It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (1974).
The Glimmer Twins. See question five. Image Atlas Obscura
Today’s questions are all related to events that occurred on December 18th.
One
How many US presidents have been impeached, and who are they?
Two
In 1892, Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker was first presented at which theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia
Three
Born on this day in 1946, this director directed Richard Dreyfuss as Matt Hooper in a 1975 film and as Roy Neary in a 1977 one. Who is the director and what are the films?
Four
The TV special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! premiered in 1966 and was an adaptation of a 1957 children’s book written under a pen name. Could you tell me what that pen name was and what is the author’s real name?
Five
Born on this day in 1943, one half of ‘The Glimmer Twins’. This British musician and guitarist met a singer, his musical and songwriting ‘twin’ at a railway station in 1961. Their chance encounter ultimately led to their becoming key figures in the formation of a legendary rock band. Who was the musician born on this day?
The Simpsons first appeared on American television as a full-length series in 1989. On whose television series had they previously appeared in short animated segments?
Answer:The Tracey Ullman Show
The Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire, a Christmas special, aired on American television on December 17th, 1989. The show had began as short animated segments on The Tracey Ullman Show before becoming its own half-hour series, eventually growing into the longest-running scripted TV show in US history.
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Two
What is the name of Homer Simpson’s favourite beer?
Answer: Duff Beer
Duff Beer has become so iconic that real-world novelty versions and theme-park brands have been produced, despite the beer being fictional.
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Three
D’oh. DOH. Doh. D’oooh (with or without either ! or ?). Dan Castellaneta, who voices Homer Simpson, adopted the expression after noticing its frequent use by an actor in films starring what duo.
Answer: Laurel and Hardy
Jimmy Finlayson, the moustachioed Scottish actor who starred in 33 Laurel and Hardy films frequently used the expression in their comedies influenced this.
Four
Which convenience store is frequently visited by Homer Simpson and is run by Apu Nahasapeemapetilon?
Answer: The Kwik-E-Mart
The Kwik-E-Mart is first mentioned in the episode, ‘Bart the General’, and quickly became one of the show’s most recognisable locations.
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Five
The title of the 699th episode of The Simpsons, first aired in 2021, cleverly referenced Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? What was the episode’s title?
Answer:Do Pizza Bots Dream of Electric Guitars
The Simpsons episode ‘Do Pizza Bots Dream of Electric Guitars’ aired on 14 March 2021. It follows Homer’s attempt to reunite his childhood band, which is thwarted by J. J. Abrams.
The Simpsons first appeared on American television as a full-length series in 1989. On whose television series had they previously appeared in short animated segments?
Two
What is the name of Homer Simpson’s favourite beer?
Three
D’oh. DOH. Doh. D’oooh (with or without either ! or ?). Dan Castellaneta, who voices Homer Simpson, adopted the expression after noticing its frequent use by an actor in films starring what duo.
Four
Which convenience store is frequently visited by Homer Simpson and is run by Apu Nahasapeemapetilon?
Five
The title of the 699th episode of The Simpsons, first aired in 2021, cleverly referenced Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? What was the episode’s title?
Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.
All of today’s questions are about writers who were born on December 16th.
Contrary to my previous statement, this is Mark Twain, a writer, but not one born on December 16th. Image Wikipedia
One
Everytime I read Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone
To which writer, born this day in 1775, was Mark Twain referring when he said the above?
Answer: Jane Austen
Jane Austen was an English novelist known for her six novels that critique the English landed gentry and explore women’s dependence on marriage. Although her novels were moderately successful during her lifetime, they gained widespread acclaim and popularity after her death. Austen’s work has inspired numerous adaptations and critical essays.
Two
What television writer, born in 1943, was a creator of both Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue?
Answer: Steven Bochco
Steven Bochco, an American television writer and producer, developed numerous crime dramas including Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue.
Three
Ubik, a 1969 science fiction novel by an American writer born in 1928, was selected by Time magazine in 2009 as one of the 100 greatest novels since 1923. Who was the writer?
Answer: Philip K. Dick
Philip K. Dick was an American science fiction writer known for exploring philosophical and social questions in his work. He wrote 45 novels and 121 short stories, gaining acclaim with The Man in the High Castle and later works like Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and Ubik. His posthumous influence extended to Hollywood, inspiring numerous films and TV adaptations.
Four
Born on this day in 1899, this English playwright, actor and composer had a part as a convict in The Italian Job (1969). Who was this?
Answer: Noël Coward
Noël Coward was a prolific English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer known for his wit and flamboyance. He achieved enduring success with over 50 plays, numerous songs and a diverse body of work spanning six decades.
Five
In Arthur C. Clarke’s 1953 short story The Nine Billion Names of God, what unexpected device do Tibetan monks acquire to complete a sacred task that has taken generations?
Answer: Computer
When the story was published, computers were still room-sized, rare machines known mainly to scientists and governments. Clarke’s tale is often cited as one of the earliest and most striking examples of science fiction exploring the uneasy intersection between advanced technology and ancient religious belief—ending with a famously chilling final line as the task is completed.
The Moving Finger Writes
The post title comes from
The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it. RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM by Omar Khayyam (Translated by Edward Fitzgerald) — Full text at Project Gutenberg
All of today’s questions are about writers who were born on December 16th.
Contrary to my previous statement, this is Mark Twain, a writer, but not one born on December 16th. See question one. Image Wikipedia
One
Everytime I read … I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone
To which writer, born this day in 1775, was Mark Twain referring when he said the above?
Two
What television writer, born in 1943, was a creator of both Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue?
Three
Ubik, a 1969 science fiction novel by an American writer born in 1928, was selected by Time magazine in 2009 as one of the 100 greatest novels since 1923. Who was the writer?
Four
Born on this day in 1899, this English playwright, actor and composer had a part as a convict in The Italian Job (1969). Who was this?
Five
In Arthur C. Clarke’s 1953 short story The Nine Billion Names of God, what unexpected device do Tibetan monks acquire to complete a sacred task that has taken generations?
Today’s five questions are on a government-related theme.
Parliament House, Canberra, Australia. Image Wikipedia
One
The parliament of what country is pictured above and in what city is it sited?
Answer: Australia; Canberra
Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, is the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia and houses the executive branch. It replaced Old Parliament House and was officially opened on 9 May 1988.
Two
How many individuals were president of the United States during the 20th century? (The answer is a number.)
Answer: 18
This list displays each president and their respective years in office.
William McKinley 1897–1901
Theodore Roosevelt 1901–1909
William Howard Taft 1909–1913
Woodrow Wilson 1913–1921
Warren G. Harding 1921–1923
Calvin Coolidge 1923–1929
Herbert Hoover 1929–1933
Franklin D. Roosevelt 1933–1945
Harry S. Truman 1945–1953
Dwight D. Eisenhower 1953–1961
John F. Kennedy 1961–1963
Lyndon B. Johnson 1963–1969
Richard Nixon 1969–1974
Gerald Ford 1974–1977
Jimmy Carter 1977–1981
Ronald Reagan 1981–1989
George H. W. Bush 1989–1993
Bill Clinton 1993–2001
Three
What building is located at 55, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France?
Answer: Élysée Palace
The Élysée Palace, completed in 1722, is the official residence of the French president. Located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, its name derives from the Elysian Fields in Greek mythology.
Four
How many individuals were prime minister of the United Kingdom during the 20th Century? (The answer is a number.)
Answer: 20
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury 1895–1902
Arthur Balfour 1902–1905
Henry Campbell-Bannerman 1905–1908
H. H. Asquith 1908–1916
David Lloyd George 1916–1922
Andrew Bonar Law 1922–1923
Stanley Baldwin 1923–1924; 1924–1929; 1935–1937
Ramsay MacDonald 1924; 1929–1935
Neville Chamberlain 1937–1940
Winston Churchill 1940–1945; 1951–1955
Clement Attlee 1945–1951
Anthony Eden 1955–1957
Harold Macmillan 1957–1963
Alec Douglas-Home 1963–1964
Harold Wilson 1964–1970; 1974–1976
Edward Heath 1970–1974
James Callaghan 1976–1979
Margaret Thatcher 1979–1990
John Major 1990–1997
Tony Blair 1997–2007
Five
The National People’s Congress, the highest organ of state power in the People’s Republic of China, convenes annually for how many weeks?
Answer: Two weeks
The National People’s Congress (NPC) is the highest organ of state power in China, responsible for amending the Constitution, legislating, and overseeing government operations. It is a unicameral legislature with 2,977 members, elected for a five-year term, and operates under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party. The NPC meets annually for two weeks, with most power delegated to its Standing Committee.
The Great Globe in Guyot Hall, home to the Geosciences Department of Princeton University. Image Wikipedia
Today you need to solve geographic anagrams. These ANAGRAMS are all written in capitals. For example
Example
WATCHING DONS at Georgetown University One answer: a capital city
Solution
You would be looking for a capital city and your answer would be an anagram of WATCHING DONS: Washington DC
One
Don’t be in DENIAL about the change to old NICKEL ON TUMMY — a lofty environment in the new world. Two answers: both the same place with a changed name
Answer: Denali / Mount McKinley
The Koyukon people have long called the mountain ‘Denali’. In 1896, a gold prospector named it ‘Mount McKinley’ in honour of presidential candidate William McKinley, who later became the 25th president. This name was officially recognised by the U.S. federal government from 1917 until 2015. In August 2015, the Obama administration restored the name Denali, aligning with Alaska’s official naming from 1975. However, in January 2025, the Trump administration reverted the official federal name back to Mount McKinley.
Two
JAVA ROSE is the capital of HONING BAZAAR NOSEDIVE Two answers: the city and the European country it is capital of.
Answer: Sarajevo; Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo, the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a prominent cultural centre in the Balkans. With a rich history dating back to the 15th century, it hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics and is recognised for its religious and cultural diversity. Despite enduring the longest siege of a capital city during the Bosnian War, Sarajevo is now the fastest-growing city in the country.
Three
BET NUMEROUS eruptions have been seen from this southernmost volcano One answer: a volcano.
Answer: Mount Erebus
Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth, is located on Ross Island in Antarctica. Named by Captain James Clark Ross in 1841, it has a long-lived lava lake and was the site of the 1979 Air New Zealand Flight 901 crash.
Four
BEACHFRONT BLUNDERING DAFFODILS are the capitals of the four nations that make up this one constitutional monarchy: NOT MINK GUIDED Five answers: the first anagram hides the four capital cities, while the second reveals a constitutional monarchy.
Answer: London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast; United Kingdom
London—capital of England and UK. While Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, Cardiff—capital of Wales and Belfast—capital of Northern Ireland.
Five
ADIOS KARATE NINJA, according to the United Nations’ World Urbanization Prospects 2025 this city is the world’s most populous. Two answers: one anagram hides the name of the city and the country it is in.
Answer: Jakarta, Indonesia
Population 41,913,860. Jakarta, the capital and largest city of Indonesia, is a major economic, cultural, and political centre. Despite its small area, its metropolitan area is the largest in the world, attracting migrants from across Indonesia. However, Jakarta faces challenges like rapid urban growth, ecological breakdown, and flooding, prompting plans to move the capital to Nusantara.
Quizology.Online 