Category: Pursuit of the Trivial

The Truth Will Out II—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

Today’s questions aren’t about dates; they simply ask whether something is true or false.

Orville Wright beginning the first successful controlled flight in history, at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, December 17, 1903.
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

One

Is it true or false that the first controlled and sustained flight of an engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft was made by Wilbur Wright?

Answer: False.

The first flight was made by Orville Wright at 10:35 am on 17 December 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, United States. The flight was captured in the above photograph. The duration of the flight was 120 feet (37 m) in 12 seconds at a speed of 6.8 mph (10.9 km/h). By noon that day, they had made four flights, and on the last, Wilbur flew 852 feet.

Two

Is it true or false that a gnu is another name for a water buffalo?

Answer: False.

A gnu is another name for a wildebeest. Wildebeest are antelopes native to Eastern and Southern Africa. There are two species: the black wildebeest and the blue wildebeest, which differ in colour and horn orientation. Wildebeest are abundant in East Africa, often migrating in herds with zebras for protection against predators.

Three

Is it true or false that Marc Antony, Roman general and politician, lived in the first century CE?

Answer: False.

Born in 83 BCE, Marc Antony died at the age of 53 in August 30 BCE. Mark Antony, a Roman general and triumvir, was defeated by Octavian in the final civil war that ended the Roman Republic. He allied with Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, and their relationship, along with his perceived favour towards Greek culture, contributed to his downfall. Despite his abilities as a leader and general ultimately lost the battle of Actium, leading to his and Cleopatra’s suicides.

Four

Is it true or false that Eswatini is a landlocked country in Southern Africa?

Answer: True.

Eswatini, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, shares borders with South Africa and Mozambique. Formerly known as Swaziland, it’s a developing nation with a lower-middle income economy. Agriculture and manufacturing are its primary industries. Eswatini is an absolute monarchy ruled by King Mswati III since 1986 and faces significant health challenges, including a high HIV/AIDS prevalence.

Five

Is it true or false that nephology, a term from the late 19th century, relates to the study of the ground in relation to gold prospecting?

Answer: False.

Nephology, a rare term from the late 19th century derived from the Greek word ‘nephos’ meaning ‘cloud’ and the suffix ‘-logy’, refers to the study or contemplation of clouds. A nephoscope, an instrument from the 19th century, was used to measure cloud altitude, direction, and velocity through transit-time measurement, distinguishing it from a nephometer, which measures cloudiness.

The Truth Will Out II

Today’s questions aren’t about dates; they simply ask whether something is true or false.

The beginning the first successful controlled flight in history, at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, December 17, 1903.
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

One

Is it true or false that the first controlled and sustained flight of an engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft was made by Wilbur Wright?

Two

Is it true or false that a gnu is another name for a water buffalo?

Three

Is it true or false that Marc Antony, Roman general and politician, lived in the first century CE?

Four

Is it true or false that Eswatini is a landlocked country in Southern Africa?

Five

Is it true or false that nephology, a term from the late 19th century, relates to the study of the ground in relation to gold prospecting?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

All you Need is Love—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions poster earlier.

These questions all relate to today, February 14th.

Saint Valentine healing epilepsy, illustrated by Dr. František Ehrmann, c. 1899.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

Saint Valentine was, according to legend, martyred in Rome on February 14th in c. 270 CE, during the persecution of Christians by Emperor ++Claudius II Gothicus++. In what century was Saint Valentine’s death?

Answer: 3rd century.

Saint Valentine, a legendary Christian martyr, is the patron saint of lovers, people with epilepsy and beekeepers. His life is shrouded in legend, with accounts of him being a Roman priest or bishop martyred in Rome. His body was buried in Rome on February 14, a date observed as the Feast of Saint Valentine since at least the eighth century. He is associated with courtly love, and numerous churches claim to possess his relics, which are housed in various locations, including Rome and Dublin. Valentine’s Day as a lovers’ festival dates back to the 14th century.

Two

In 1613, the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Frederick V of the Palatinate took place at Whitehall Palace, London. Who was the father of the bride?

Answer: James VI and I.

The bride’s father was James VI of Scotland and I of England. The wedding of Frederick V and Princess Elizabeth in 1613 was a grand affair, featuring fireworks, masques, a mock sea battle, and a procession. Celebrations continued with masques and a lavish farewell for Elizabeth’s journey to Heidelberg.

Western United States.
Image ©Ontheworldmap.com

Three

Identify two US states, A and B, both admitted to the Union on February 14th. State A joined in 1859, and state B in 1912. Together, they border seven states: four for A and five for B. Additionally, A has a maritime boundary, whilst B has an international border.

Answer: A. Oregon and B. Arizona.

Oregon was admitted as the 33rd US state on 14 February 1859 and Arizona became the 48th, and last contiguous state, in 1912. Oregon is bordered by four states: California, Nevada, Idaho, and Washington. Arizona is bordered by five states: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Four

Born in 1992, this actor played Charlie Bucket in Tim Burton’s musical fantasy film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Who is he?

Answer: Freddie Highmore.

Alfred Thomas Highmore, born in 1992 in Camden Town, London, is an English actor known for his roles in Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Good Doctor. He attended Highgate School and Emmanuel College, Cambridge, earning a double first in Spanish and Arabic.

Five

Which actor, born on this day in 1970, has appeared in both the Star Trek and Mission: Impossible series and also voiced a character in the Ice Age series?

Answer: Simon Pegg.

Simon John Beckingham, born in Gloucestershire, UK, on 14 February 1970, co-wrote the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy films: Shaun of the Dead (2004), Hot Fuzz (2007) and The World’s End (2013). He also reprised several roles, including Montgomery ‘Scotty’ Scott in Star Trek (2009), Benji Dunn in Mission: Impossible III (2006) and Buck in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009).

All you Need is Love

These questions all relate to today, February 14th.

Saint Valentine healing epilepsy, illustrated by Dr. František Ehrmann, c. 1899.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

Saint Valentine was, according to legend, martyred in Rome on February 14th in c. 270 CE, during the persecution of Christians by Emperor ++Claudius II Gothicus++. In what century was Saint Valentine’s death?

Two

In 1613, the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Frederick V of the Palatinate took place at Whitehall Palace, London. Who was the father of the bride?

Three

Identify two US states, A and B, both admitted to the Union on February 14th. State A joined in 1859, and state B in 1912. Together, they border seven states: four for A and five for B. Additionally, A has a maritime boundary, whilst B has an international border.

Four

Born in 1992, this actor played Charlie Bucket in Tim Burton’s musical fantasy film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Who is he?

Five

Which actor, born on this day in 1970, has appeared in both the Star Trek and Mission: Impossible series and also voiced a character in the Ice Age series?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Gallimaufry VI—Answers

Here are wandered to my earlier questions.

Today, a sixth dose of gallimaufry, that is ‘a confused jumble or medley of things’.

Question five. Watergate Complex, Washington D.C.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

What American golfer founded the US Masters golf tournament?

Answer: Bobby Jones.

Jones retired from golf in 1930 and, with Clifford Roberts, bought a nursery in Augusta to create a golf club. The club opened in 1933 with a members’ tournament, which was expanded the following year, and the Masters tournament began.

Two

What two countries have shores on Lake Titicaca?

Answer: Bolivia and Peru.

Lake Titicaca, located in the Andes on the Bolivia–Peru border, has a single outlet, the Río Desaguadero. It faces challenges from receding water levels due to climate change and pollution from growing urban centres, threatening its biodiversity.

Boris Karloff as the monster in the film Frankenstein, directed by James Whale and released in 1931.
Universal Studios
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

Three

Born in London, United Kingdom, in 1887, William Henry Pratt rose to fame as a renowned actor. His career spanned from 1911 to 1968, beginning with a significant role in the film serial The Hope Diamond Mystery in 1920. In 1932, he took on the title role in The Mask of Fu Manchu. Beyond his acting career, Pratt was also known for his charitable work. From 1940 onwards, he donned the Father Christmas costume every Christmas to deliver presents to physically disabled children at a Baltimore hospital. What is his stage name?

Answer: Boris Karloff

Boris Karloff, an English actor, was a horror icon known for his roles in Frankenstein, The Mummy and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! He also appeared in numerous films, stage plays, radio and television programmes.

Four

What two names fill the blanks and complete this list: Javier Pérez de Cuéllar ____ Kofi Annan ____ António Guterres?

Answer: Boutros Boutros-Ghali; Ban Ki-moon

It is a list of those who have held the office of Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1982 until present (February 2026). The UN Secretary-General oversees the UN Secretariat, one of the six principal UN organs. The role, qualifications, selection process, and tenure are established by custom.

Five

All the President’s Men is a non-fiction book detailing the Watergate break-ins, the ensuing political scandal, and the eventual downfall of President Richard M. Nixon. It was penned by the two Washington Post journalists who uncovered the story. Who are these journalists?

Answer: Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward.

The Watergate scandal involved a 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters by operatives linked to President Nixon’s re-election campaign. Nixon’s attempts to cover up his administration’s involvement led to his resignation in 1974. The scandal, considered the greatest presidential scandal, resulted in numerous convictions and had lasting electoral consequences for the Republican Party.

Gallimaufry VI

Today, a sixth dose of gallimaufry, that is ‘a confused jumble or medley of things’.

Question five. Watergate Complex, Washington D.C.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

What American golfer founded the US Masters golf tournament?

Two

What two countries have shores on Lake Titicaca?

Three

Born in London, United Kingdom, in 1887, William Henry Pratt rose to fame as a renowned actor. His career spanned from 1911 to 1968, beginning with a significant role in the film serial The Hope Diamond Mystery in 1920. In 1932, he took on the title role in The Mask of Fu Manchu. Beyond his acting career, Pratt was also known for his charitable work. From 1940 onwards, he donned the Father Christmas costume every Christmas to deliver presents to physically disabled children at a Baltimore hospital. What is his stage name?

Four

What two names fill the blanks and complete this list: Javier Pérez de Cuéllar ____ Kofi Annan ____ António Guterres?

Five

All the President’s Men is a non-fiction book detailing the Watergate break-ins, the ensuing political scandal, and the eventual downfall of President Richard M. Nixon. It was penned by the two Washington Post journalists who uncovered the story. Who are these journalists?

Goood luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Nine Days Wonder—Answers

Here are the answers to my questions in the earlier post.

Question one. Lady Jane Grey.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for just nine days in 1553, was executed on 12 February 1554. Who was her predecessor, and who succeeded her as monarch?

Answer: Edward VI; Mary I.

Lady Jane Grey, a cousin of Edward VI, king of England from 1547 to 1553, was persuaded by John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, to become his heir before Edward’s death, despite Edward having two half-sisters. Jane’s Protestantism made her the preferred candidate of those like Northumberland who supported the Reformation. She reigned as queen for nine days in 1553, but the English people largely supported Edward VI’s half-sister Mary Tudor, the rightful heir by Henry VIII’s will. Jane was persuaded to relinquish the crown she never wanted, and at the beginning of Mary’s reign, she was arraigned for high treason and later executed

Question two. Flag of North Macedonia.
Image Wikimedia Commons

Two

In 2019, the country represented by this flag changed its name. What did the country’s name change from and to?

Answer: Republic of Macedonia (or the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia); Republic of North Macedonia.

North Macedonia is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe. It declared independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991. Due to a long-standing name dispute with Greece, it was admitted to the United Nations in 1993 under the provisional reference ‘the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’ (FYROM). Following the Prespa Agreement signed with Greece in June 2018 and implemented in February 2019, the country officially changed its name from the Republic of Macedonia to the Republic of North Macedonia.

Three

Emperor Puyi abdicated in 1912 becoming the last emperor of which country?

Answer: China.

Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing dynasty, was forced to abdicate in 1912. He later became the puppet emperor of Manchukuo under Japanese control. After World War II, he was imprisoned and later pardoned, living out his days in Beijing.

Question four. Flag of Chile.
Image Wikimedia Commons

Four

On this date in 1818, the country whose flag this is declared independence.  Which country achieved independence and from whom?

Answer: Chile; Spain.

The Chilean Declaration of Independence, drafted in January 1818 and approved by Bernardo O’Higgins on 12 February 1818, declared Chile’s independence from the Spanish Empire. The original document was damaged, and a new copy signed by O’Higgins and his ministers was destroyed during the 1973 Chilean coup d’état.

Five

Future US president Abraham Lincoln was born on this day. In what US state, and in what decade, was he born?

Answer: Kentucky; 1800s.

Abraham Lincoln, from humble beginnings, became the 16th President of the United States, led the nation through the Civil War, and played a pivotal role in abolishing slavery. He navigated political challenges, issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and delivered the Gettysburg Address. Tragically, Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, shortly after the Confederate surrender

Nine Days Wonder

Question one. Lady Jane Grey.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for just nine days in 1553, was executed on 12 February 1554. Who was her predecessor, and who succeeded her as monarch?

Question two. Image Wikimedia Commons

Two

In 2019, the country represented by this flag changed its name. What did the country’s name change from and to?

Three

Emperor Puyi abdicated in 1912 becoming the last emperor of which country?

Question four. Image Wikimedia Commons

Four

On this date in 1818, the country whose flag this is declared independence.  Which country achieved independence and from whom?

Five

Future US president Abraham Lincoln was born on this day. In what US state, and in what decade, was he born?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Really Useful Robots—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

Today the questions all relate to February 11th.

An example of a robot but not one connected to question one.
Marvin the Paranoid Android from
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,
Gunnersbury park museum, London
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

In what decade was the first science fiction television programme broadcast?

Answer: 1930s.

The first known science fiction television programme was produced by the BBC’s pre-war television service in Great Britain. On 11 February 1938, a 35-minute adapted extract of the play R.U.R., written by the Czech playwright Karel Čapek, was broadcast live from the BBC’s Alexandra Palace studios. Concerning a future world in which robots rise up against their human masters, it was the only piece of science fiction to be produced before the television service was suspended for the duration of the war. Today’s post title is a hint towards this play, using the same initials, but the play’s ‘R.U.R.’ stands for Rossumovi Univerzální Roboti—Rossum’s Universal Robots—and not Really Useful Robots.

Two

On this day in 1929, a treaty was signed recognising papal sovereignty over Vatican City. What was the treaty’s name and who was the Italian signatory?

Answer: Lateran Treaty; Benito Mussolini.

The Lateran Treaty of 1929 established Vatican City as an independent state and settled the Roman question between Italy and the Holy See. The treaty was named after the Lateran Palace where it was signed on 11 February 1929. It was revised in 1984, ending Catholicism as Italy’s sole state religion.

Three

Today marks the traditional date for Jimmu’s founding of which country’s empire in 660 BCE?

Answer: Japan.

Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan, is said to have ascended the throne in 660 BCE. His story, recounted in the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki, involves a divine lineage from the sun goddess Amaterasu and a military expedition from Kyushu to Yamato. While his existence is debated by scholars, Jimmu’s legacy endures as a symbol of Japan’s imperial lineage and is celebrated annually on February 11th as National Foundation Day.

Four

In 1858, 14-year-old Mademoiselle Soubirous had visions of the Virgin Mary. Where did this occur, and what was Mademoiselle Soubirous’s first name?

Answer: Lourdes, France; Bernadette.

In February 1858, 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous reported seeing visions of a ‘small young lady’ at the grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, later believed to be the Virgin Mary. The apparitions, which continued daily for two weeks despite scepticism from local authorities and clergy, including Father Peyramale, instructed Bernadette to perform acts of penance. On 25 March, Bernadette claimed the Virgin revealed herself as the ‘Immaculate Conception’, prompting further investigation and increasing pilgrimages. The growing number of witnesses to Bernadette’s visions led to widespread attention and speculation.

Five

On this date, and in what year did the World Health Organisation officially name the coronavirus outbreak COVID-19? And up to February 2026, to the nearest million, how many people have died from COVID-19?

Answer: 2020; 7 million.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an estimated 7.1 million confirmed deaths worldwide. Estimates indicate that the total number of deaths could range from 19.1 to 36 million.

Really Useful Robots

Today the questions all relate to February 11th.

An example of a robot but not one connected to question one.
Marvin the Paranoid Android from
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,
Gunnersbury park museum, London
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

In what decade was the first science fiction television programme broadcast?

Two

On this day in 1929, a treaty was signed recognising papal sovereignty over Vatican City. What was the treaty’s name and who was the Italian signatory?

Three

Today marks the traditional date for Jimmu’s founding of which country’s empire in 660 BCE?

Four

In 1858, 14-year-old Mademoiselle Soubirous had visions of the Virgin Mary. Where did this occur, and what was Mademoiselle Soubirous’s first name?

Five

On this date, and in what year did the World Health Organisation officially name the coronavirus outbreak COVID-19? And up to February 2026, to the nearest million, how many people have died from COVID-19?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.