Quizology.Online

Category: Pursuit of the Trivial

  • Why a Duck?—Answers

    Freddie Mercury, 1977.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Freddie Mercury, born on 5 September 1946 in Stone Town, the Sultanate of Zanzibar, is best known as the frontman of Queen. Which two Queen albums from the mid-seventies are named after Marx Brothers films?

    Answer: A Night at the Opera (1975) and A Day at the Races (1976)

    Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara in the Sultanate of Zanzibar, was a British rock singer and songwriter known for his flamboyant showmanship and powerful vocals. He joined the band Smile in 1970, renamed it Queen, and became its lead singer. Queen achieved international fame with albums like A Night at the Opera, and Mercury’s solo career included collaborations with Montserrat Caballé.

    Gerald R. Ford, presidential portrait.
    Image Wikipedia

    Two

    On 5 September 1975, Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, attempted to assassinate the US president. This was one of two assassination attempts in that month, Who was the president who was targeted?

    Answer: Gerald R Ford

    Twice in September 1975, Ford was the target of assassination attempts. In the first instance, Secret Service agents intervened before shots were fired; in the second, the would-be assassin fired one shot at Ford but missed by several feet.
    — Encyclopædia Britannica

    Jim Henson with Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear in 1979.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    The first episode of The Muppet Show aired on 5 September 1976. In which country was it broadcast?

    Answer: United Kingdom

    The Muppet Show, created by Jim Henson, premiered in the UK on 5 September 1976 and ended on 23 May 1981. Five seasons, totalling 120 episodes, were broadcast on ATV and other ITV franchises in the UK and in syndication in the United States from 1976 to 1981. It featured iconic characters like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, with its success leading to films, merchandise, and other series. The Muppets were acquired by Disney in 2004.

    Sam Houston, 1861.
    Image Wikipedia

    Four

    Sam Houston was elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas on 5 September. In which decade of the 19th century did this event occur?
    Thirties

    Answer: Thirties

    Houston was elected in 1836.
    Samuel Houston was an American general and statesman who played a prominent role in the Texas Revolution. He served as the first and third president of the Republic of Texas, a U.S. Senator, and the governor of both Tennessee and Texas. Houston opposed secession and was forced out of office as Texas governor in 1861.

    Flag of Tuvala.
    Image Wikipedia

    Five

    On 5 September 2000, the Pacific island nation whose flag is shown above became the 189th member of the United Nations. Please name that country?

    Answer: Tuvala

    Tuvalu, a Polynesian island country in the Pacific Ocean, comprises three reef islands and six atolls. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978 and is a constitutional monarchy. The economy relies on imports, fishing, and remittances, while facing challenges from climate change and sea level rise.

    Why Why a Duck?

    The title of the post, Why a Duck?, doesn’t directly relate to the content, except for the mention of the Marx Brothers in the first question. However, I’ve always enjoyed the routine it originates from. This routine comes from The Cocoanuts. A bit of an explanation follows.

    “Why a Duck?” is a comedy routine featured in the Marx Brothers movie The Cocoanuts (1929). In a scene in which Groucho and Chico are discussing a map, Groucho mentions the presence of a viaduct between the mainland and a peninsula. Chico, who is playing the role of an immigrant with poor English skills, replies “Why a duck?” This leads into a long schtick with Chico responding “Why a no chicken?”, “I catch ona why a horse”, and so forth
    — Wikipedia

    The routine can be read here at The Marx Brothers.

  • Why a Duck?

    See question 5.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Freddie Mercury, born on 5 September 1946 in Stone Town, the Sultanate of Zanzibar, is best known as the frontman of Queen. Which two Queen albums from the mid-seventies are named after Marx Brothers films?

    Two

    On 5 September 1975, Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, attempted to assassinate the US president. This was one of two assassination attempts in that month, Who was the president who was targeted?

    Three

    The first episode of The Muppet Show aired on 5 September 1976. In which country was it broadcast?

    Four

    Sam Houston was elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas on 5 September. In which decade of the 19th century did this event occur?

    Five

    On 5 September 2000, the Pacific island nation whose flag is shown above became the 189th member of the United Nations. Please name that country?

    Good luck! The answers will be posted later today.

  • Quotology—Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown below.

    George Mallory (3rd from left), Tibet, 1924.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    People ask me, ‘What is the use of climbing Mount Everest?’ and my answer is ‘because it’s there.’

    — George Mallory

    In what decade of the twentieth century did mountaineers George Mallory and Sandy Irvine go missing near the summit of Mount Everest?

    Answer: Twenties

    English mountaineer George Mallory participated in the first three British Mount Everest expeditions. In 1924, he and fellow Englishman Sandy Irvine were last seen near Everest’s summit, sparking debate about whether they reached the summit.

    Murray Walker, 2009.
    Image Wikipedia

    Two

    What British motor racing commentator (1923-2021) said…

    The lead car is unique, except for the one behind it which is identical.

    Answer: Murray Walker

    Murray Walker (1923-2021) did his first broadcast commentary in 1948 and became a full-time commentator in the mid-seventies. He was known for making comical blunders which became known as ‘Murrayisms’ Wikipedia has supplied the following examples:

    We’ve had cars going off left, right and centre
    Do my eyes deceive me, or is Senna’s Lotus sounding rough?
    With half of the race gone, there is half of the race still to go
    There is nothing wrong with the car, apart from that it is on fire, and
    The gap between them is now nine-tenths of a second; that’s less than a second!
    — Wikipedia

    Alfred Hitchcock.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    I think it was Shaw who advised young playwrights to gear the length of each act to the endurance of the human…
    — Alfred Hitchcock

    What human organ completes the above Alfred Hitchcock quote?

    Answer: Bladder

    Hitchcock believed that a ‘movie should be quick, terse and all of a piece’.

    Yogi Berra, 1957.
    Image Wikipedia

    Four

    What American sportsman said…

    If you come to a fork in the road, take it.

    Answer: Yogi Berra

    Yogi Berra, an American professional baseball catcher, manager and coach, played 19 seasons in Major League Baseball, winning 10 World Series championships with the New York Yankees. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. Berra was known for his malapropisms and paradoxical statements, some examples below courtesy of Wikipedia
    It’s déjà vu all over again.
    You can observe a lot by watching
    On why he no longer went to Ruggeri’s, a St. Louis restaurant: ‘Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded’
    When complimented by a woman in the grandstands on how he seemed to be enduring the heat well on a hot summer’s day: ‘Thanks, ma’am. You don’t look so hot yourself’
    Always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise they won’t go to yours
    The future ain’t what it used to be
    A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore
    If you can’t imitate him, don’t copy him
    I really didn’t say everything I said
    — Wikipedia

    Chuck Yeager next to experimental aircraft Bell X-1 Glamorous Glennis.
    Image Wikipedia

    Five

    If you can walk away from a landing, it’s a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it’s an outstanding landing.

    The above quote was from a pilot who, on 14 October 1947, while piloting Glamorous Glennis broke the sound barrier. Who was the pilot?

    Answer: Chuck Yeagar

    Yeagar became the first person to break the sound barrier on that flight. Piloting Glamorous Glennis, a Bell X-1 named after his wife, he reached Mach 1.05 st 45,000 feet (13,700. metres) over the Mojave Desert, California.

  • Quotology

    Questions about quotes today

    One

    People ask me, ‘What is the use of climbing Mount Everest?’ and my answer is ‘because it’s there.’
    — George Mallory

    In what decade of the twentieth century did mountaineers George Mallory and Sandy Irvine go missing near the summit of Mount Everest?

    Two

    What British motor racing commentator (1923-2021) said…

    The lead car is unique, except for the one behind it which is identical.

    Three

    I think it was Shaw who advised young playwrights to gear the length of each act to the endurance of the human…
    — Alfred Hitchcock

    What human organ completes the above Alfred Hitchcock quote?

    Four

    What American sportsman said…

    If you come to a fork in the road, take it.

    Five

    If you can walk away from a landing, it’s a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it’s an outstanding landing.

    The above quote was from a pilot who, on 14 October 1947, while piloting Glamorous Glennis broke the sound barrier. Who was the pilot?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • All in a Day: 1609 to 1939—Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown below.

    Henry Hudson’s voyages to North America.
    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?

    Answer: Henry Hudson

    In 1606, Henry Hudson sailed up the river that now bears his name. In Canada, the Hudson Strait links the North Atlantic Ocean (Labrador Sea) to Hudson Bay.

    Sir Malcolm Campbell.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Two

    On 3 September 1935, who became the first person to drive an automobile at over 300 miles per hour?

    Answer: Sir Malcolm Campbell

    On September 3, 1935, at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, his automobile was timed at 301.1292 miles (484.62 km) per hour, the first officially clocked land-vehicle performance exceeding 300 miles (483 km) per hour.
    — Encyclopædia Britannica

    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?

    Answer: Australia and New Zealand

    On 3 September 1939, Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King announced the recommendation for a declaration of war in a radio broadcast. On 10 September 1939, a declaration of war by Canada against Germany was made by order-in-council signed by King George VI, King of Canada.

    NASA’s Viking 2 on the surface of Mars.
    Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

    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?

    Answer: Mars

    The Viking 2 mission, part of the American Viking programme, included an orbiter and a lander. The lander operated for 1,316 days, while the orbiter functioned for 706 orbits until July 25, 1978.

    James Stewart, Jean Arthur and Frank Capra on the set of Mr Smith Goes to Washington.
    Image Wikipedia

    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?

    Answer: Frank Capra

    Italian-American film director Frank Capra, known for his influence in the 1930s and 1940s, won three Academy Awards for Best Director. Despite a career decline after World War II, his films, including It’s a Wonderful Life, were later critically acclaimed.

  • All in a Day: 1609 to 1939

    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?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • Big Stick Diplomacy, Among Other Things—Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown below.

    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.


    William Allen Rogers‘s 1904 cartoon recreates an episode in Gulliver’s Travels    ,
    Image Wikipedia

    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?

    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.

  • Big Stick Diplomacy, Among Other Things

    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?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • Lord of the…—Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown below.

    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.

    Muammar Gaddafi, 1970.
    Image Wikipedia

    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?

    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.

    Grace Kelly.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    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?

    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.

    Bobby Fischer, 1972.
    Image Wikipedia

    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?

    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.

    Bow of the Titanic, 2024.
    Image Wikipedia

    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?

    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

  • Lord of the…

    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?

    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?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.