In 1982, Catherine, princess of Wales was born. What was her maiden surname?
Middleditch
Middlesmyth
Middleton
Three
Which traditional American folk song, recorded by Joan Baez on her 1960 debut album, became one of her signature performances and helped spark the 1960s folk revival?
This Land Is Your Land
Silver Dagger
John Henry
Four
In 1816, Humphrey Davy tested what device at Hebburn Colliery in England?
Safety fuse
Safety helmet
Safety lamp
Five
Born in 1913, Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. During his presidency Nixon became associated with what group of tradesmen?
On this day in 1997, what family commemorated 700 years of ruling the place represented by the flag shown above? Who are the family and where do they rule?
Borgia, Republic of San Marino
Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco
Medici family, Vatican City State
Answer: 2. Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco.
Monaco, a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is the second smallest sovereign state in the world. It is a semi-constitutional monarchy with Prince Albert II as head of state. Monaco is known for its wealth, casinos, and as a tax haven, attracting a high percentage of millionaires.
Two
What year and state complete the following sentence? In …, Elvis Presley was born in …
1933; Alabama
1935; Mississippi
1937; Tennessee
Answer: 2. 1935; Mississippi.
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was a highly influential American singer and actor. Born on 8 January 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, he rose to fame in the 1950s with his unique blend of country and rhythm and blues, becoming a cultural icon despite initial controversy. Presley’s successful music career spanned multiple genres, and he remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Three
On this day, Charles de Gaulle was inaugurated as president of France’s …
First Republic
Fourth Republic
Fifth Republic
Answer: 3. Fifth Republic.
Charles de Gaulle, a pivotal figure in French history, led the Free French forces during WWII, became the provisional president, and was instrumental in establishing the Fifth Republic. As President from 1959 to 1969, he navigated challenges like the Algerian War, strengthened France’s economy and international position, and aimed to increase France’s global influence.
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Four
Born on this day, Stephen Hawking, a British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, who suffered from motor neurone disease did NOT take part in which one of these?
Have I Got News for You
Monty Python
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series
Answer: 1. Have I Got News for You.
Stephen Hawking was an English theoretical physicist and cosmologist, known for his work on black holes and cosmology. He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease at age 21, but continued his work and achieved commercial success with his book A Brief History of Time. He featured at the Monty Python Live (Mostly) show in 2014. He was shown to sing an extended version of the Galaxy Song, after running down Brian Cox with his wheelchair, in a pre-recorded video. In 2018, Hawking was the voice of The Book Mark II on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series
The ocean liners RMS Queen Mary 2 and her namesake Queen Mary are both named after the same person. Who?
Mary I
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary of Teck
Answer: 3. Mary of Teck.
Queen Mary, now berthed permanently at Long Beach, California, United States, was launched in 1934 when she was named after, and by, Queen Mary, the consort of Britain’s King George V. On 8 January 2004, Queen Mary’s granddaughter, Elizabeth II, named Queen Mary 2 after her grandmother, the same Queen Mary who was born Mary of Teck. Cunard legend has it that the 1934 ship was to be named after Queen Victoria, and following protocol, they advised the king, ‘We have decided to name our new ship after England’s greatest queen.’ George V allegedly responded, ‘My wife [Queen Mary] will be delighted that you are naming the ship after her.’
Flag details with answers. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
On this day in 1997, what family commemorated 700 years of ruling the place represented by the flag shown above? Who are the family and where do they rule?
Borgia, Republic of San Marino
Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco
Medici family, Vatican City State
Two
What year and state complete the following sentence? In …, Elvis Presley was born in …
1933; Alabama
1935; Mississippi
1937; Tennessee
Three
On this day, Charles de Gaulle was inaugurated as president of France’s …
First Republic
Fourth Republic
Fifth Republic
__
Four
Born on this day, Stephen Hawking, a British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, who suffered from motor neurone disease did NOT take part in which one of these?
Have I Got News for You
Monty Python
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series
Five
The ocean liners RMS Queen Mary 2 and her namesake Queen Mary are both named after the same person. Who?
The first ‘official’ commercial transatlantic telephone service was established on this date. In what decade, and between what two cities, was the connection made?
Answer: 1920s; New York City, United States and London, United Kingdom
On January 6 and 7, 1927, the first transatlantic telephone conversations took place between the United States and London. The initial test call, a casual conversation about the weather and travel distances, was followed by a formal ‘official’ inauguration call between AT&T President W.S. Gifford and Sir Evelyn P. Murray, head of the British General Post Office. This historic achievement marked the beginning of a new era of global communication. The previous day, the across-the-ocean ‘test’ conversation was also recorded for the purposes of history — ‘How’s the weather over in London?’. These calls travelled over 3,000 miles, via wire from New York City to a radio transmitter at Rocky Point, Long Island, New York, and then via radio waves—to a radio receiving station at Rugby, England, and finally via wire from there to London. The return conversation went from London via wire to Cupar, Scotland, from there via radio waves to a receiving station at Houlton, Maine, and finally via wire back to New York City. — Sourced from Library of Congress
Two
The first observation of the Galilean moons was made with two being visible. Who made this first observation and in what century was it made?
Answer: Galileo Galilei; 17th century
The Galilean moons, discovered by Galileo in 1610, are the four largest moons of Jupiter: Ganymede, Callisto, Io and Europa. They are planetary-mass moons, larger than any dwarf planet, and Ganymede is the largest moon in the Solar System. Their discovery challenged the geocentric Ptolemaic world system and demonstrated the importance of the telescope.
Three
In 1985, which country’s space agency launched the Sakigake spacecraft, the first deep space probe launched by a nation other than the United States or the Soviet Union?
Answer: Japan
Sakigake, a practice mission for Japan’s Suisei, flew by Comet Halley, providing data on the comet and Earth’s magnetic tail.
Four
What first three-letter distress signal was established in 1904, only to be replaced two years later by SOS?
Answer: CQD
CQD, one of the first radio distress signals, was adopted by the Marconi International Marine Communication Company on 7 January 1904. SOS, agreed upon by the International Radio Telegraphic Convention in 1906, was merely a distinctive Morse code sequence of three dots, three dashes and three dots with no spaces between the letters. Although not an abbreviation, SOS is often associated with phrases like ‘save our souls’ or ‘save our ship’.
Five
In 1954, the Georgetown-IBM experiment at the head office of IBM in New York City was the first public demonstration of a computer doing which of these?
Performing arithmetic and complex mathematical calculations
Scanning text and graphics
Translating from one input language to another output language
Answer: 3. Translating from one input language to another output language
The Georgetown–IBM experiment, a 1954 demonstration of machine translation, showcased the automatic translation of over sixty Russian sentences into English. Developed by Georgetown University and IBM, the experiment utilised a limited vocabulary and grammar rules, focusing on specific domains like politics and science. While the demonstration received widespread attention and encouraged government investment, progress in machine translation was slower than anticipated.
The first ‘official’ commercial transatlantic telephone service was established on this date. In what decade, and between what two cities, was the connection made?
Two
The first observation of the Galilean moons was made with two being visible. Who made this first observation and in what century was it made?
Three
In 1985, which country’s space agency launched the Sakigake spacecraft, the first deep space probe launched by a nation other than the United States or the Soviet Union?
Four
What first three-letter distress signal was established in 1904, only to be replaced two years later by SOS?
Five
In 1954, the Georgetown-IBM experiment at the head office of IBM in New York City was the first public demonstration of a computer doing which of these?
Performing arithmetic and complex mathematical calculations
Scanning text and graphics
Translating from one input language to another output language
Here are the answers to the questions posed in my earlier post.
These questions all relate to today’s date, January 6th.
Adoration of the Magi by El Greco (1568), Museo Soumaya, Mexico City. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
In Western Christianity, the Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Magi. Which Gospel or Gospels tell this story?
Answer: Gospel of Matthew
The biblical account in Matthew 2 describes the visit of unnamed ‘wise men’ to the infant Jesus, not on the night of his birth but at an unspecified later time. While artistic conventions often depict this event alongside the nativity, the text specifies that the wise men visited Jesus in a house, not a stable, and the exact timing of their visit is not provided.
Two
In 1994, ‘The Whack Heard Around the World’ involved an attack on an US figure skater by an assailant hired by, or on behalf of, a rival skater. Who was the attacked skater, and who was the rival?
Answer: Nancy Kerrigan; Tonya Harding
On January 6, 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by Shane Stant, who was hired by Jeff Gillooly and Shawn Eckardt to prevent her from competing. The incident was later linked to her rival, Tonya Harding, Gillooly’s ex-wife, who was accused of involvement. Despite the attack, Kerrigan recovered and competed in the Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games, winning a silver medal. Harding, who also competed at the Olympics, faced legal consequences, pleaded guilty to hindering the prosecution, and was banned for life from USFSA events.
Three
In 1540, England’s King Henry VIII married his fourth wife, who was she and what was her fate?
Answer: Anne of Cleves; marriage was annulled
Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife, ruled England for six months in 1540. Their marriage was annulled, but she remained in England, receiving a generous settlement. She lived to see the reigns of Henry’s children. Ten years after Henry’s death and during Mary I’s reign, Anne died and was interred as a queen in Westminster Abbey.
Four
Born in 1955, this British actor voiced Zazu, an uptight hornbill, in The Lion King (1994). Who was this actor?
Answer: Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson is an English actor, comedian and writer, best known for his roles in Blackadder, Mr. Bean, and Johnny English. He has received numerous awards for his work, including a BAFTA and an Olivier Award, and was appointed CBE in 2013.
Five
In 1900, the besieged fortress at Ladysmith, Natal, successfully repelled an attack and drove the attackers back. During what war did this occur, and in what modern country is this location?
Answer: Second Boer War; South Africa
The Siege of Ladysmith, a crucial engagement during the Second Boer War, lasted from 2 November 1899 to 28 February 1900. The Boer republics invaded Natal, leading to battles and a British retreat to Ladysmith. Despite several relief attempts, the Boers encircled the town until the British forces, led by General Buller, broke through and relieved it. The Battle of Wagon Hill, on 6 January 1900, saw Boer forces attack British positions on Platrand. Initially successful, the Boers were repelled by British counterattacks, resulting in heavy casualties. The siege of Ladysmith continued until 28 February 1900, when the British forces finally broke through the Boer lines and relieved the town.
These questions all relate to today’s date, January 6th.
Adoration of the Magi by El Greco (1568), Museo Soumaya, Mexico City. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
In Western Christianity, the Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Magi. Which Gospel or Gospels tell this story?
Two
In 1994, ‘The Whack Heard Around the World’ involved an attack on an US figure skater by an assailant hired by, or on behalf of, a rival skater. Who was the attacked skater, and who was the rival?
Three
In 1540, England’s King Henry VIII married his fourth wife, who was she and what was her fate?
Four
Born in 1955, this British actor voiced Zazu, an uptight hornbill, in The Lion King (1994). Who was this actor?
Five
In 1900, the besieged fortress at Ladysmith, Natal, successfully repelled an attack and drove the attackers back. During what war did this occur, and in what modern country is this location?
Born in 1969, Brian Hugh Warner is better known as whom?
Answer: Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson, born Brian Warner on 5 January 1969, is an American musician, actor and artist, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band he co-founded in 1989 with guitarist Scott Putesky. The band, named after Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson, is renowned for its controversial image and lyrics, blending industrial rock, glam rock, and alternative metal. It gained a cult following in South Florida for its theatrical and visually shocking performances, often challenging societal norms and promoting themes of drugs, sex, violence and Satanism. Despite achieving commercial success with several platinum and gold albums, Manson has faced criticism and legal battles, including allegations of abuse and human trafficking in the 2020s, which he has denied.
Two
In 1968, Alexander Dubček rose to power and implemented reforms that led to an invasion by fellow Warsaw Pact members, forcing his resignation. He came to power in which country and what two-word name – both six letters long – has been given to this period of liberalisation and reform?
Answer: Czechoslovakia; Prague Spring
Alexander Dubček, a Slovak statesman, led Czechoslovakia from 1968 to 1969, implementing reforms known as the Prague Spring. His liberalisation efforts, which included increased freedoms and a move towards federalism, were reversed following the Warsaw Pact invasion on August 20, 1968, forcing him to resign. Dubček later became a symbol of the Velvet Revolution and was awarded the Sakharov Prize in 1989. After the fall of communism, he returned to prominence, becoming chairman of the Federal Assembly and later the leader of Slovakia’s Social Democrats before his death in 1992.
Three
In Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, besides Vladimir and Estragon, what are the names of the other two characters, the travellers? Furthermore, what has happened to each of these travellers by the time they return in Act II?
Answer: Pozzo and Lucky; Pozzo is blind and Lucky is mute
Waiting for Godot is a tragicomedy play by Samuel Beckett, first published in 1952. The play revolves around two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who engage in various activities while waiting for the titular Godot, who never arrives. The play is known for its enigmatic nature and has been widely acclaimed and adapted for various mediums.
Four
The future King Juan Carlos of Spain was born on this date. In what decade did he become king, and who did he replace as head of state?
Answer: 1970s; Francisco Franco
Juan Carlos, born in 1938, became King of Spain in 1975 after the death of Francisco Franco. He played a pivotal role in Spain’s transition to democracy, appointing reformist leaders and supporting political parties. Despite his initial support for Franco, Juan Carlos’s reign was marked by liberal reforms, including divorce and abortion laws. However, his later years were overshadowed by corruption scandals and financial controversies, leading to his abdication in 2014 and subsequent self-exile in 2020.
Five
Italian author Umberto Eco, born in 1932, wrote a novel set in 1970s Milan. It centres on a fictional conspiracy involving the Knights Templar, created by the characters Casaubon, Belbo and Diotallevi. What was the novel?
Answer: Foucault’s Pendulum
Umberto Eco (1932-2016) was an Italian literary critic, novelist, and semiotician, best known for his novels The Name of the Rose and Foucault’s Pendulum. He also wrote extensively on various topics, including semiotics, medieval studies and political commentary, with notable works such as A Theory of Semiotics and Semiotics and the Philosophy of Language. Eco explored other areas of communication and published numerous works on criticism, history and language.
The Misfits
The post title originates from a 1961 film of the same name starring Marilyn Monroe. As mentioned in the answer to question one, Brian Warner adopted the first part of Monroe’s name as his pseudonym, which, to me, feels somewhat incongruous, something of a misfit.
Born in 1969, Brian Hugh Warner is better known as whom?
Two
In 1968, Alexander Dubček rose to power and implemented reforms that led to an invasion by fellow Warsaw Pact members, forcing his resignation. He came to power in which country and what two-word name – both six letters long – has been given to this period of liberalisation and reform?
Three
In Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, besides Vladimir and Estragon, what are the names of the other two characters, the travellers? Furthermore, what has happened to each of these travellers by the time they return in Act II?
Four
The future King Juan Carlos of Spain was born on this date. In what decade did he become king, and who did he replace as head of state?
Five
Italian author Umberto Eco, born in 1932, wrote a novel set in 1970s Milan. It centres on a fictional conspiracy involving the Knights Templar, created by the characters Casaubon, Belbo and Diotallevi. What was the novel?
On 4 January 2010, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, officially opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. So, today’s questions are all about structures which have been amongst the world’s tallest.
One
What building did Burj Khalifa replace as the tallest?
Answer: Taipei 101 (aka Taipei Financial Center)
Inaugurated in January 2010, the Burj Khalifa, standing at 163 floors and a height of 2,717 feet (828 metres), surpassed Taipei 101 — 1,667 feet (508 metres), — in Taipei, Taiwan. The Burj Khalifa also broke several other records including the world’s tallest freestanding structure, the highest occupied floor and the highest outdoor observation deck.
Two
Which medieval cathedral, whose governing body holds one of the original 1215 Magna Carta manuscripts, surpassed the Great Pyramid of Giza to become the world’s tallest man-made structure?
Answer: Lincoln Cathedral
Completed around 2560 BCE, the Great Pyramid of Giza originally stood at approximately 481 feet (146 metres), making it the tallest man-made structure ever built at the time. Remarkably, it retained this distinction for nearly 3,800 years, until the completion of medieval cathedrals including Lincoln Cathedral in England in the 14th century.
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Three
Which monument did the Eiffel Tower surpass to become the tallest man-made structure in the world?
Answer: The Washington Monument
Completed in 1889, the Eiffel Tower stands 1,083 feet (330 metres) tall, exceeding the Washington Monument’s height of 555 feet (169 metres). The Eiffel Tower held the record as the world’s tallest man-made structure for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building surpassed it in 1930.
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Four
True or false: the Lighthouse of Alexandria, aka the Pharos of Alexandria, was once the tallest building in the world.
Answer: False
The Pharos of Alexandria, the tallest lighthouse of the ancient world, was never taller than the Great Pyramid of Giza, which remained the tallest man-made structure.
Five
What nearby structure did the Empire State Building replace as the world’s tallest building?
Answer: The Chrysler Building
When it opened in 1931, the Empire State Building reached 1,250 feet (381 metres), surpassing the Chrysler Building, which had briefly held the title at 1,046 feet (319 metres). The Empire State Building retained the world’s tallest-building title for nearly 40 years, until the completion of the original World Trade Center in 1970.
