Category: Pursuit of the Trivial

Here are the answers to today’s questions.

The first four questions are connected to today’s date, 20 June. The fifth is not date-related but is connected to the post title.

One

In 1789, French Deputies of the Third Estate found themselves locked out of their meeting hall. Nearby, they regrouped indoors and swore an oath promising not to separate until a written constitution was established. This oath, named after their location, became known as the what, and who was the French king at the time?

Answer: Tennis Court Oath; Louis XVI.

‘We swear never to separate and to meet wherever circumstances require until the kingdom’s Constitution is established and grounded on solid foundations.’

This event was a founding act of French democracy and a major contributing factor in the separation of authority and national sovereignty. It gave birth to the National Constituent Assembly, which in August 1789 voted for the abolition of feudalism and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
— Palace of Versailles

Two

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1967, this actor made their stage debut in London. They played five different roles in Sir David Hare’s The Blue Room and then transferred the play to New York, where they made their Broadway debut. Also credited as a producer of 2015’s The Family Fang, who is this actor?

Answer: Nicole Kidman.

Nicole Kidman, an American-born Australian actress, is known for her versatility and glamorous looks. She began her career in Australia, gaining recognition in films like Dead Calm and Days of Thunder, and later transitioned to Broadway and Hollywood.

Three

On this date, American racing driver Barney Oldfield achieved the feat of becoming the first driver to cover a mile in a minute. This incredible speed translates to 60 miles per hour or 96.56 kilometres per hour. In what year did Oldfield accomplish this?

Answer: 1903.

Born in Ohio in 1878, Barney Oldfield moved to Toledo in 1889 where he worked various jobs including as a bicycle racer. He met Henry Ford and bought two cars and gained fame by defeating Alexander Winton in the ‘999’ race. Later he became Winton’s professional driver setting speed records and earning the nickname ‘speed king’.

Four

On this day, Victoria became queen of the United Kingdom. Her succession followed the death of her predecessor. Who was her predecessor and what was their relationship to Victoria?

Answer: William IV; Uncle.

William IV, the ‘Sailor King‘, reigned as King of the United Kingdom and Hanover from 1830 to 1837. His reign saw significant reforms, including the Poor Law, child labour restrictions, and the abolition of slavery. Queen Victoria reigned over the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901, a period known as the Victorian era. She married Prince Albert, had nine children, and became known as the ‘grandmother of Europe’.

Five

The theme song for the The Savage Seven, a 1968 biker film, was performed by what rock group?

Answer: Cream.

Cream guitarist Eric Clapton wrote Anyone for Tennis for the 1968 film The Savage Seven with lyricist Martin Sharp. It was recorded during Wheels of Fire sessions and was released as a single and on The Savage Seven soundtrack. It reached number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 40 on the UK Singles Chart in 1968. The track is on several Cream compilation albums.

Anyone for Tennis

Today’s post title was supposed to give a hint to the location of question one’s oath-taking; but I suppose I introduced some obfuscation by including question five.

The first four questions are connected to today’s date, 20 June. The fifth is not date-related but is connected to the post title.

One

In 1789, French Deputies of the Third Estate found themselves locked out of their meeting hall. Nearby, they regrouped indoors and swore an oath promising not to separate until a written constitution was established. This oath, named after their location, became known as the what, and who was the French king at the time?

Two

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1967, this actor made their stage debut in London. They played five different roles in Sir David Hare’s The Blue Room and then transferred the play to New York, where they made their Broadway debut. Also credited as a producer of 2015’s The Family Fang, who is this actor?

Three

On this date, American racing driver Barney Oldfield achieved the feat of becoming the first driver to cover a mile in a minute. This incredible speed translates to 60 miles per hour or 96.56 kilometres per hour. In what year did Oldfield accomplish this?

Four

On this day, Victoria became queen of the United Kingdom. Her succession followed the death of her predecessor. Who was her predecessor and what was their relationship to Victoria?

Five

The theme song for the The Savage Seven, a 1968 biker film, was performed by what rock group?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.