Another five questions which are related to today, September 3rd.
Set of Mr Smith Goes to Washington. See question 5. Image Wikipedia
One
On 3 September 1609, an English navigator and explorer sailed into what is now known as New York Harbour. He made four expeditions to find a route from Europe to Asia, and a bay, river and strait are named after him. What are his first and second names?
Two
On 3 September 1935, who became the first person to drive an automobile at over 300 miles per hour?
Three
On 3 September 1939, after the invasion of Poland, Britain, France, and which two of these countries – Australia, Canada, or New Zealand – declared war on Germany?
Four
On this day in 1976, Viking 2, a NASA spacecraft, completed its journey, landed at its destination, and began sending information back to Earth. What planet had it landed on?
Five
The director of 1939’s Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and 1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life died on 3 September 1991. Who was he?
Japanese surrender on USS Missouri, 2 September 1945. Image Wikipedia
One
On 2 September 1945, the Japanese formally surrendered, ending World War II. The following quote is from the US National Archives:
That morning, on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, the Japanese envoys, Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijiro Umezu, signed their names on the Instrument of Surrender.
Please provide the names of the ship and the body of water that are missing from the quote above?
Answer: USS Missouri and Tokyo Bay
Japan surrendered unconditionally to the Allies on 15 August 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Soviet Union’s declaration of war and invasion of Manchukuo. The formal surrender ceremony took place on 2 September aboard the USS Missouri. The Treaty of San Francisco, effective 28 April 1952, formally ended the state of war.
Two
Tom Bombadil and his wife Goldberry were characters created by what 81-year-old author, who died on 2 September 1973?
Answer: JRR Tolkien
Tom Bombadil and his wife Goldberry are supporting characters in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. They feature in the novel The Fellowship of the Rings but are omitted from various adaptations, including Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, due to their non-essential role.
On 2 September 1901, future US president Theodore Roosevelt said…
Speak softly and carry a big stick
…he claimed he was paraphrasing a proverb which originated from what continent?
Answer: Africa (specifically West Africa)
The phrase was supposed to come from West Africa but there is little evidence of that. Theodore Roosevelt’s ‘big stick’ diplomacy, characterised by a powerful military and a willingness to negotiate peacefully, emphasised intelligent forethought and decisive action. This approach, rooted in Realpolitik, involved possessing a strong navy, acting justly and striking decisively when necessary.
“This painting shows the great fire of London as seen from a boat in vicinity of Tower Wharf. The painting depicts Old London Bridge, various houses, a drawbridge and wooden parapet, the churches of St Dunstan-in-the-West and St Bride’s, All Hallow’s the Great, Old St Paul’s, St Magnus the Martyr, St Lawrence Pountney, St Mary-le-Bow, St Dunstan-in-the East and Tower of London. The painting is in the [style] of the Dutch School and is not dated or signed. Image Wikipedia
Four
What city was largely destroyed by a great fire which began on 2 September 1666?
Answer: London, England
The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed much of the medieval city, including St. Paul’s Cathedral. The fire, which started in a bakery, spread rapidly due to strong winds and indecisive firefighting efforts. The city was rebuilt on the same medieval street plan.
The Battle of Actium, 2 September 31 BC, oil on canvas by Lorenzo A. Castro, 1672. Image Encyclopædia Britannica
Five
On 2 September 31 BCE, Octavian, the future Roman emperor Augustus, won the Battle of Actium. Which historical figure, who appeared in two Shakespearean tragedies, was defeated in this battle?
Answer: Mark Antony
The Battle of Actium, fought on 2 September 31 BC, was a decisive naval battle between Octavian’s fleet and the combined forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Octavian’s victory led to the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire, with Octavian becoming Augustus.
Five questions which all are connected to today, September 2nd.
One
On 2 September 1945, the Japanese formally surrendered, ending World War II. The following quote is from the US National Archives:
That morning, on the deck of the (ship) in (body of water), the Japanese envoys, Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijiro Umezu, signed their names on the Instrument of Surrender.
Please provide the names of the ship and the body of water that are missing from the quote above?
Two
Tom Bombadil and his wife Goldberry were characters created by what 81-year-old author, who died on 2 September 1973?
Three
On 2 September 1901, future US president Theodore Roosevelt said…
Speak softly and carry a big stick
…he claimed he was paraphrasing a proverb which originated from what continent?
Four
What city was largely destroyed by a great fire which began on 2 September 1666?
Five
On 2 September 31 BCE, Octavian, the future Roman emperor Augustus, won the Battle of Actium. Which historical figure, who appeared in two Shakespearean tragedies, was defeated in this battle?
Bookplate of Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan, shown with one of his great-ape family, is holding the planet Mars and is surrounded by other characters from Burroughs’ stories and symbols relating to his personal interests and career. Image Wikipedia
One
On 1 September 1875, an American novelist was born. Starting in 1914, following a 1912 magazine story, he wrote a series of novels about an ape-man who was also known as John Clayton. Who was this novelist?
Answer: Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875–1950) was an American writer known for creating Tarzan and John Carter. Tarzan, aka John Clayton and Viscount Greystoke, first appeared in Tarzan of the Apes as a 1912 magazine serialisation and 1914 novel. This was followed by 23 further novels and Tarzan became a cultural icon, spawning comic strip, films and merchandise.
On this date in 1969, Muammar al-Qaddafi, or al-Gaddafi, along with a group of fellow young army officers, deposed the king and declared Libya a republic. Who was the deposed king?
Answer: King Idris I
Muammar Gaddafi ruled Libya from 1969 to 2011, initially as a revolutionary leader and later as the Brotherly Leader of the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. He implemented his Third International Theory, nationalised the oil industry, and promoted Islamic socialism. Gaddafi’s rule was marked by authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and support for terrorism, leading to his overthrow and assassination during the 2011 Libyan Civil War.
On 1 September 1954, Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window opened in American film theatres. Starring James Stewart, it also featured a future princess. Who was this future princess?
Answer: Grace Kelly (Princess Grace of Monaco)
Grace Kelly, an American actress, achieved stardom in Hollywood films before marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956. As Princess of Monaco, she focused on charity work, particularly for children and the arts. Kelly passed away at the age of 52 due to injuries from a car crash.
On this date in 1972, the first native-born American to become world champion achieved that title. Who was the American and who did he defeat to win the world title?
Answer: Bobby Fischer (USA) defeated Boris Spassky (USSR)
The 1972 World Chess Championship, held in Reykjavík, Iceland, marked the end of 24 years of Soviet dominance. The first game was played on 11 July 1972. The 21st and last game, begun on August 31, was adjourned after 40 moves, with Spassky resigning the next day without resuming play or attending the venue. Fischer won the match 12½–8½, becoming the eleventh undisputed world champion. This victory made Fischer the first US-born world champion.
On 1 September 1985, a search found the wreck of the Titanic lying at a depth of 13.000 feet (4,000 metres). Who was the oceanographer who led this search?
Answer: Robert Ballard
Robert Ballard, an American oceanographer, is renowned for discovering the Titanic in 1985 using the submersible Argo. He pioneered deep-sea archaeology and explored the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Galapagos Rift, uncovering thermal vents and chemosynthesis. Ballard also founded the JASON project, the Institute for Exploration, and the Ocean Exploration Trust, continuing his search for shipwrecks and sharing his discoveries through writing.
Lord of the…
The post title refers to both Lord of the Jungle and Lord of the Apes which have been used for Tarzan.
Tarzan and the Golden Lion. Illustration by James Allen St. John. Image Wikipedia
On 1 September 1875, an American novelist was born. Starting in 1914, following a 1912 magazine story, he wrote a series of novels about an ape-man who was also known as John Clayton. Who was this novelist?
Two
On this date in 1969, Muammar al-Qaddafi, or al-Gaddafi, along with a group of fellow young army officers, deposed the king and declared Libya a republic. Who was the deposed king?
Three
On 1 September 1954, Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window opened in American film theatres. Starring James Stewart, it also featured a future princess. Who was this future princess?
Four
On this date in 1972, the first native-born American to become world champion achieved that title. Who was the American and who did he defeat to win the world title?
Five
On 1 September 1985, a search found the wreck of the Titanic lying at a depth of 13.000 feet (4,000 metres). Who was the oceanographer who led this search?
He portrayed George P. Putnam in the 2009 film Amelia. Who is he?
Answer: Richard Gere
Richard Gere is an American actor who gained prominence in the 1980s and is known for his roles in films like American Gigolo, Pretty Woman and Chicago.
Two
He also starred in 1995’s First Knight, alongside Sean Connery as King Arthur and Julia Ormond as Guinevere. In this film, he portrayed which character?
Answer: Lancelot
Lancelot du Lac, a prominent figure in Arthurian legend, is depicted as a skilled knight and Queen Guinevere’s lover. His story, originating from Chrétien de Troyes’ 12th-century poem, explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of the Holy Grail. Lancelot’s complex character and tragic love affair with Guinevere have captivated audiences for centuries.
Three
He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in a 2002 film. What film?
Answer: Chicago
Chicago is a 2002 musical crime film based on the 1975 stage musical, exploring themes of celebrity and corruption in 1920s Chicago. The film, starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere,. Gere won the Golden Globe for his role as Billy Flynn, a successful criminal defence lawyer.
Four
In this 1990 film, his co-star plays Vivian Ward. Can you name his character and the film?
Answer: Edward Lewis Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy film starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. The film, originally a dark cautionary tale, was re-conceived as a romantic comedy and became a massive box office success, grossing $463.4 million worldwide.
Five
What seven-letter name, beginning with ’T’, is our actor’s middle name?
Answer: Tiffany
Richard Tiffany Gere. His middle name comes from his mother’s maiden name, Doris Ann Tiffany.
Our questions are all about an award-winning actor who is celebrating his 76th birthday today, August 31st.
One
He portrayed George P. Putnam in the 2009 film Amelia. Who is he?
Two
He also starred in 1995’s First Knight, alongside Sean Connery as King Arthur and Julia Ormond as Guinevere. In this film, he portrayed which character?
Three
He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in a 2002 film. What film?
Four
In this 1990 film, his co-star plays Vivian Ward. Can you name his character and the film?
Five
What seven-letter name, beginning with ’T’, is our actor’s middle name?
An author, best known for the 1818 novel Frankenstein, was born on 30 August 1797. Who is this author?
Answer: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Mary Shelley, daughter of philosopher William Godwin and women’s rights advocate Mary Wollstonecraft, was an English novelist best known for her Gothic novel Frankenstein. She was married to Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and faced personal tragedy, including the death of her husband and several children. Shelley’s literary output, including novels and travel writing, often challenged the individualistic Romantic ethos and advocated for cooperation and sympathy, particularly as practised by women.
Title page of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, first edition, 1818. Image Wikipedia
Two
What was the full title of Frankenstein as displayed on the title page of its first edition in 1818?
Answer: Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.
Mary Shelley’s 1818 Gothic novel, Frankenstein, tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sapient creature, and compares him to the Greek Tiata Prometheus who gave fire to humanity. Shelley was inspired to write the novel during a competition with her husband and others, including Lord Byron.
The Titan Prometheus. The Release of Prometheus by Carl Bloch, 1864. Image Wikipedia
Three
The title page mentioned in question 3 also features the following epigraph:
Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay To mould Me man? Did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me?
Please identify the epic poem (1667) from which this quote is taken and the author of that poem?
Answer: Paradise Lost by John Milton
Paradise Lost, an epic poem by John Milton, explores the biblical story of Adam and Eve’s fall from grace. The poem delves into themes of free will, the consequences of disobedience, and the complexities of human nature, while also sparking controversy for its portrayal of Satan.
To what poet was the author of Frankenstein married?
Answer: Percy Bysshe Shelley
Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822) was an English Romantic poet known for his radical views and masterful poetry. Despite limited recognition during his lifetime, his work, including “Ozymandias” and “Ode to the West Wind,” gained acclaim posthumously, influencing generations of poets. Shelley’s life was marked by personal struggles and political controversy, leading him to self-exile in Italy, where he produced some of his most celebrated works. He died in a boating accident at the age of 29.
Theatrical poster for Frankenstein, 1931. Image Wikipedia
Five
In the 1931 film adaptation of Frankenstein, what actor was cast as ‘The Monster’ and was depicted as ‘?’ in the opening credits?
Answer: Boris Karloff
Frankenstein is a 1931 American science fiction horror film directed by James Whale, based on Mary Shelley’s novel. The film, starring Colin Clive (Henry Frankenstein) and Boris Karloff (The Monster / ‘?’), was a commercial success and significantly impacted popular culture. In 1991, the United States Library of Congress selected Frankenstein for preservation in the National film Registry, recognising its ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant’ value.
The Emperor’s New Clothes. Illustration by Hans Tegner, 1900 Image Wikipedia
One
Who wrote the 1837 fairy tale, The Emperor’s New Clothes?
Answer: Hans Christian Anderson
An emperor, obsessed with clothes, hires two con-men who claim to weave clothes that are invisible to the incompetent or stupid. The emperor, his officials, and the townspeople all pretend to see the clothes, fearing they are incompetent, until a child reveals the truth. Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author, is renowned for his fairy tales, which are widely translated. He also wrote plays, novels, poems, travel books and autobiographies.
Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf Painting by Carl Larsson in 1881. Image Wikipedia
Two
The Brothers Grimm’s Children’s and Household Tales, a collection from 1823, includes these three tales; The … Brothers, The … Dancing Princesses and The … Hunstmen. The same number is missing from all three titles, what is the number?
Answer: Twelve
Grimms’ Fairy Tales, originally Children’s and Household Tales, a seminal work of Western children’s literature, is a collection of fairy tales by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, the Brothers Grimm. The first volume of the first edition contained 86 tales.
Peter and Wendy was originally written as a play in 1904, and then reworked into a novel in 1911. Who was the author of both versions?
Answer: JM Barrie
British novelist and playwright J.M. Barrie, best known for creating Peter Pan, was inspired by the Llewelyn Davies boys. He was knighted and awarded the Order of Merit, and bequeathed the rights to Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
The Hare and the Tortoise from Aesop’s Fables, 1912. Image Wikipedia
Four
The Fir and the Bramble and The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse are from what collection of famous stories which date back more than 2,500 years?
Answer: Aesop’s Fables
Aesop’s Fables, a collection of fables attributed to the ancient Greek slave and storyteller Aesop, have been passed down through oral tradition and various sources. Initially intended for adults, the fables evolved to become educational tools for children, emphasising ethical lessons and gaining global recognition through translations and adaptations. Among some of the better known are The Tortoise and the Hare and Hercules and the Wagoner.
Sinbad the Sailor and Aladdin are well-known, although not original, stories from what early collection of tales?
Answer:
One Thousand and One Nights, also known as The Arabian Nights, is a collection of Middle Eastern folktales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age. The stories, framed by the tale of Shahryar and Scheherazade, were collected over centuries and include tales from various cultures and eras. Some stories, like Sinbad the Sailor and Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, were added later by translators.
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