1 Greek mythology a priestess of Hera who was loved by Zeus. Trying to protect her from the jealousy of Hera, Zeus turned [her] into a heifer. Hera sent a gadfly to torture the heifer, which then fled across the world and finally reached Egypt, where Zeus turned her back into human form. 2 Astronomy one of the Galilean moons of Jupiter, the fifth-closest satellite to the planet, being actively volcanic and coloured red and yellow with sulphur compounds (diameter 3,630 km. — Oxford English Dictionary
The above entry in the Oxford English Dictionary defines what word?
Two
Cato Fong is the manservant of which fictional inspector?
Three
Which Swedish actress played Ilsa Lund in the classic film Casablanca?
Four
Which 2013 Dan Brown novel begins with Robert Langdon waking in a Florence hospital?
Five
What was the title of Carrie Underwood’s debut single?
All of today’s questions are date-specific, relating in one way or another to April 26th.
One
Akira Kurosawa‘s 1954 film is set in a village plagued by bandits, and a 1960 American western is a remake of this story.
What was the title of Kurosawa’s 1954 film?
What was the 1960 American film?
What actors played the title characters in the American film?
Answers
Seven Samurai
The Magnificent Seven
Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Horst Buchholz, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, Brad Dexter and James Coburn.
Seven Samurai, a 1954 Japanese action film by Akira Kurosawa, is hailed as one of the greatest films ever. Set in the 16th century, it depicts a village hiring samurai to fend off bandits, overcoming cultural tensions. Despite being Japan’s longest and costliest film at the time, it achieved global success, elevating Japanese cinema and influencing cinematography. Starring Mifune Toshirō, it inspired The Magnificent Seven.
The country represented by the above flag was founded in 1964.
What is the full, official name of the new country founded?
This new country was formed by the union of a sovereign state with a semi-autonomous region, what were this state and region?
Answers
United Republic of Tanzania
Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is an East African nation with a 2024 population of 67.5 million. Formed in 1964 from the Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, it features Mount Kilimanjaro, three Great Lakes, and is a popular safari destination. Swahili is the national language, with Dodoma as its capital.
Three
In 1933, Hermann Göring established the Geheime Staatspolizei. What was it commonly known as?
Answer: Gestapo.
The Gestapo, Nazi Germany’s secret police, was established in 1933 by Hermann Göring and later controlled by Heinrich Himmler. It targeted political opponents, dissenters, and minorities, committing numerous atrocities. Despite its small size, it was effective due to citizen reporting and played a crucial role in the Holocaust. Post-WWII, it was declared a criminal organisation.
Four
American artist and ornithologist James Audubon was born in 1785. In what present day country was he born?
Answer: Haiti.
Born in Les Cayes, Saint-Domingue, West Indies, now Haiti, John James Audubon, a French-American artist and ornithologist, is known for his paintings and illustrations of North American bird species. However, he has been accused of fraud and misconduct, such as plagiarising data and trafficking Native American remains.
Five
On 26 April 1986, a nuclear disaster occurred in which Soviet Socialist Republic?
Answer: Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.
On 26 April 1986, reactor no. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Pripyat, exploded, causing one of the worst nuclear disasters in history. The explosion, due to a design flaw during a test, led to a power surge, steam explosions, and a reactor core fire, spreading radioactive contamination across Europe. Immediate evacuations affected 117,000 people. The disaster resulted in radiation-related fatalities and thousands of cancer cases, with varying death toll predictions. The city of Pripyat was abandoned and replaced by the purpose-built Slavutych. The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant sarcophagus, completed in December 1986, limited radioactive contamination and protected undamaged reactors’ crews. Between 2016 and 2018, the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement was built around the old sarcophagus to facilitate reactor debris removal. The clean-up is expected to be completed by 2065. It has been described as the most expensive disaster in history costing an estimated US$700 billion.
I’d Hate to Die on That Dung Heap
The post title is a quote from the Seven Samurai said by Kikuchiyo, as he and the six Samurai arrive at the village.
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?
Answer: Welland Canal; Canada.
Part of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Welland Canal in Ontario, Canada, connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, bypassing Niagara Falls. It facilitates 3,000 ships annually, transporting 40 million tonnes of cargo. First opened in 1829, the Welland Canal has undergone four reconstructions, with the current version featuring eight locks, allowing ships to pass in opposite directions.
Two
In 1926, Turandot premiered some sixteen months after the death of the opera’s composer. Who, pictured above, was the composer?
Answer: Giacomo Puccini.
Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924) was an Italian composer renowned for his operas, including La bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot. Puccini’s final opera, Turandot, was left unfinished at the composer’s death, and Franco Alfano completed the last two scenes using sketches from the composer. Turandot boasts several memorable arias, including the iconic Nessun dorma.
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?
Answer: Guillotine.
The guillotine, introduced in France in 1792, was a device for capital punishment by decapitation, consisting of two upright posts and a weighted angled blade. Legislation promoted by Joseph-Ignace Guillotin to ensure equality and minimise suffering, it was first used on 25 April 1792. Originally called the louisette, it became infamous during the French Revolution and Reign of Terror, executing thousands including Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. Use declined after the 1960s, with it last being used in 1977, and France abolishing both capital punishment and the guillotine in 1981.
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?
Answer: Owners initials.
France introduced vehicle registration plates in 1893, followed by Germany in 1896. The Netherlands issued national plates in 1898. In the U.S., New York required that the owner’s initials be clearly visible on the back of the vehicle from 1901, and licence plates displayed from 1903.
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?
Answer: Suez Canal; Sinai Peninsula.
The Suez Canal, a 193.30-kilometre-long waterway in Egypt, connects the Mediterranean Sea at Port Said with the Red Sea at Port Tewfik, Suez, separating Africa and Asia. Built in 1869 by Ferdinand de Lesseps’ Compagnie de Suez, it was nationalised in 1956. A new side channel opened in 2016, enhancing its role in global trade and military strategy.
There is Only One Cure for Grey Hair
Today’s title There is Only One Cure for Grey Hair, a reference to the answer to question three, is from a P.G. Wodehouse quote —
There is only one cure for grey hair. It was invented by a Frenchman. It is called the guillotine. — P.G. Wodehouse
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.
Quizology.Online 