Quizology.Online

“There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.”

— Bertrand Russell

Category: Pursuit of the Trivial

  • The World of Imagination is Boundless

    The world of reality has its limits;
    the world of imagination is boundless.
    — Jean-Jacques Rousseau

    Today the first question is related to today’s date, October 19th, setting a theme for the remainder. There are two answers required for each question.

    Jonathan Swift.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Jonathan Swift, author and clergyman, died on this date in 1745.  The Wikipedia quote below describes a fictional race from his most famous work but what descriptive word is missing, and what’s the title of the work which has also been removed?

    Houyhnhnms are a fictional race of intelligent … described in the last part of … by Jonathan Swift.
    — Wikipedia

    Two

    The Unseen University is located in what fictional city, and as a result of a transformation, the university’s librarian became what?

    Three

    Mos Eisley is a city in which science fiction franchise, and on which planet is it situated?

    Four

    In a trilogy published in the early 1950s, a series of short stories explores the decline of a galactic empire, drawing parallels to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The story centres on Hari Seldon, a mathematician and psychologist, who develops psychohistory, a new science. What is the title of the trilogy and its author?

    Five

    Arthur Dent, a human, embarks on a journey with Ford Prefect, an alien, after Earth’s destruction. He discovers Earth was a supercomputer designed to uncover the ‘Ultimate Question of Life the Universe and Everything’ and his mind holds the answer. What is the six-word title of this work, and in what medium was it first published?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Grand Slam—Answers

    Martina Navratilova, 2011.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    In 1956, Martina Navratilova, who went on to dominate women’s tennis, was born? In what city was she born and how many Grand Slam singles titles did she win?

    Answer: 18 (Grand Slam singles titles)

    Martina Navratilova, a Czech-American former tennis player, dominated women’s tennis in the 1980s. She holds numerous records, including nine Wimbledon singles titles and a career Grand Slam in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Navratilova became a US citizen in 1981 and later reacquired Czech citizenship in 2008.

    Two

    In 1939, the man who would later be accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy — and who himself would be fatally shot two days afterward — was born in New ….
    What was his name and his place of birth?

    Answer: Lee Harvey Oswald and New Orleans

    Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine, assassinated President John F. Kennedy on 22 November 1963 and was himself killed by Jack Ruby two days later. The Warren Commission concluded Oswald, who had a troubled past and at one time defected to the Soviet Union, acted alone, a finding supported by multiple investigations, though many Americans remain sceptical.

    Three

    The BBC, a national broadcasting service, was founded in London on this day. Which decade saw this happen?

    Answer: 1920s

    The British Broadcasting Corporation—established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company—is headquartered in London and is the oldest and largest broadcaster in the UK. Funded primarily by a television licence fee, it provides radio, TV, and online services, including the BBC World Service.

    Four

    On this day in 1867, following the US’s approval of the purchase of Alaska from Russia, the American flag was unfurled over the capital for the first time. Where was that capital and how far apart are Alaska and Russia at their closest point, measured in miles?

    Answer: Sitka and 2.4 miles or 3.8 km

    The Alaska Purchase, negotiated by William H. Seward in 1867, was finalised on October 18th with a flag-raising ceremony at Fort Sitka, now celebrated as Alaska Day.

    Anything between 2 and 3 miles or 3 and 4 km is acceptable.

    The Diomede Islands, Little Diomede (Alaska, U.S.) and Big Diomede (Chukotka, Russia), are located in the Bering Strait, between Alaska and Siberia.

    • The distance between the islands is about 2.4 miles (3.8 kilometres).
    • The International Date Line runs between them, making Big Diomede almost one day ahead of Little Diomede; consequently, they are sometimes called ‘Tomorrow Island’ (Big Diomede) and ‘Yesterday Island’ (Little Diomede).

    Five

    The Whale, first published in London on this day in 1851, was written by whom?

    Answer: Herman Melville

    The British edition of The Whale was published on October 18th with only 500 copies printed, a small print run due to slow sales of previous books. The American editions—titled Moby Dick or The Whale was released on November 14th.

  • Grand Slam

    Here are some questions all related to today’s date, October 18th.

    Martina Navratilova, 1980.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    In 1956, Martina Navratilova, who went on to dominate women’s tennis, was born. In what city was she born, and how many Grand Slam singles titles did she win?

    Two

    In 1939, the man who would later be accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy — and who himself would be fatally shot two days afterward — was born in New ….
    What was his name and his place of birth?

    Three

    The BBC, a national broadcasting service, was founded in London on this day. Which decade saw this happen?

    Four

    On this day in 1867, following the US’s approval of the purchase of Alaska from Russia, the American flag was unfurled over the capital for the first time. Where was that capital and how far apart are Alaska and Russia at their closest point, measured in miles?

    Five

    The Whale, first published in London on this day in 1851, was written by whom?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • The Silver Screen—Answers

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

    Bullitt.
    Image carbuzz.com

    One

    The iconic car chase in Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen, was filmed in which city?  Secondly, McQueen was driving a Ford Mustang but what make and model was the other car in the chase?

    Answer: San FRAncisco and Dodge Charger

    The iconic car chase scene in Bullitt, filmed in San Francisco, featured Steve McQueen driving a Ford Mustang through the city’s hilly streets. The 10-minute scene, filmed over three weeks, showcased modified Mustangs and Chargers, with McQueen performing close-up scenes and stunt drivers handling the high-speed stunts. Bullitt was released on this date in 1968.

    The Misfits starring Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift.
    Image The Movie Database

    Two

    Born today in 1920, Montgomery Clift portrayed Perce Howland in the 1961 film The Misfits. Who were his co-stars who played Gaylord Langland and Roslyn Taber.

    Answer: Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe

    Clark Gable played Gaylord Langland and Marilyn Monroe as Roslyn Taber. Montgomery Clift, an American actor, was known for his emotional depth and vulnerability in roles.

    Rita Hayworth. 1945.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    1918 American actress Rita Hayworth whose portrayal of seductresses helped earn her the nickname “The Love Goddess,” was born.

    — Encyclopædia Britannica

    Born as Margarita Carmen Cansino in New York City this day in 1918, what actress’s name is missing from the above quote?

    Answer: Rita Hayworth

    Rita Hayworth, an American actress and dancer, was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood, starring in 61 films over 37 years. Known for her role in Gilda, she was a top pin-up girl during World War II and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

    Question 4. George Wendt as Norm Peterson.
    Image Cheers Fandom

    Four

    Three-in-one?

    • Who is the actor in the photograph?
    • He was a regular in which television series from 1982 to 1993?
    • What is his character’s name in that series?

    Answer: George Wendt; Cheers and Norm Peterson

    Hilary Norman ‘Norm’ Peterson, a semi-unemployed accountant, is a regular at the bar. His character, originally named George, was rewritten after George Wendt’s audition.

    George Wendt was born on this date in 1948 and passed away in May 2025.

    James Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Five

    On this day in 1939, a classic film premiered. James Stewart stars as the title character, who launches a filibuster in the US Senate to combat corruption. What is the film?

    Answer: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

    The American classic Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, starring James Stewart, had its world premiere; although it angered the political establishment, the drama won wide acclaim from the public and film industry.

  • The Silver Screen

    Bullitt.
    Image carbuzz.com

    One

    The iconic car chase in Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen, was filmed in which city?  Secondly, McQueen was driving a Ford Mustang but what make and model was the other car in the chase?

    Two

    Born today in 1920, Montgomery Clift portrayed Perce Howland in the 1961 film The Misfits. Who were his co-stars who played Gaylord Langland and Roslyn Taber.

    Three

    1918 American actress …, whose portrayal of seductresses helped earn her the nickname “The Love Goddess,” was born.

    — Encyclopædia Britannica

    Born as Margarita Carmen Cansino in New York City this day in 1918, what actress’s name is missing from the above quote?

    Four

    Question 4.

    Three-in-one?

    • Who is the actor in the photograph?
    • He was a regular in which television series from 1982 to 1993?
    • What is his character’s name in that series?

    Five

    On this day in 1939, a classic film premiered. James Stewart stars as the title character, who launches a filibuster in the US Senate to combat corruption. What is the film?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Unsinkable—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    One

    In the film Titanic what were Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s fictional characters full names?

    Answer: Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater

    Titanic film poster.
    Image Original Vintage

    Two

    Name the independent countries in Africa that have names beginning with ‘M’?

    Answer: Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco and Mozambique

    Three

    What type of animal was Flipper, the star of the sixties American television series?

    Answer: Bottlenose dolphin

    Bottlenose dolphins.
    Image American Oceans

    Four

    There’s only been one instance of a father and daughter performing a number one song in America. Can you name the song and the performers?

    Answer: Somethin’ Stupid Frank and Nancy Sinatra

    This 1967 hit, which was billed as being by ‘Nancy Sinatra and Frank Sinatra’, was the first and only instance of a father-daughter number-one song in America. Nancy Sinatra has said, ‘Some people call (it) the Incest Song, which I think is, well, very sweet!’

    Five

    Name any US presidents and British prime ministers with the same surname?

    Answer: Woodrow Wilson and Harold Wilson

    Woodrow Wilson, was the 28th President of the United States and was in office from 1913 to 1921.
    Harold Wilson, was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and was in office from 1964 to 1970 and 1974 to 1976.

  • Unsinkable

    Today’s questions are random with no connection between them.

    RMS Titanic.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    In the film Titanic what were Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s fictional characters full names?

    Two

    Name the independent countries in Africa that have names beginning with ‘M’?

    Three

    What type of animal was Flipper, the star of the sixties American television series?

    Four

    There’s only been one instance of a father and daughter performing a number one song in America. Can you name the song and the performers?

    Five

    Name any US presidents and British prime ministers with the same surname?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • The Great Dictator—Answers

    (See question 3.) This iconic shot of Harold Lloyd hanging from a clock in Safety Last! was achieved with some improvisation.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    The Great Dictator, which premiered in New York on 15 October 1940, satirised Adolf Hitler, Nazism and anti-Semitism. Who directed this film?

    Answer: Charlie Chaplin

    The Great Dictator is a 1940 American political satire black comedy film written, directed, produced by, and starring Charlie Chaplin. Having been the only major Hollywood filmmaker to continue to make silent films well into the period of sound films, Chaplin made this his first true sound film. — Wikipedia

    Two

    From which London railway station does the Hogwarts Express depart and what is the name of the Scottish viaduct it crosses on its way to and from Hogwarts?

    Answer: Kings Cross Station; Glenfinnan Viaduct

    Steam train on the Glenfinnan Viaduct features in four films in the series.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    Two for the price of one! Who played the actor dangling from a clock on a skyscraper in the 1923 film Safety Last! and what’s the fictional name of the skyscraper in Die Hard?

    Answer: Harold Lloyd (Safety Last!) and

    Answer: Nakatomi Tower (or Plaza) (Die Hard)

    2121 Avenue of the Stars, formerly Fox Plaza, is a 34-storey skyscraper in Century City, Los Angeles. It stands at 493 feet (150 metres) tall was used for external filming of Die Hard’s Nakatomi Tower.
    Image Wikipedia

    Four

    Which actor was the first to receive two consecutive Academy Awards for best actor?

    Answer: Spencer Tracy

    Tracy was nominated for nine best actor Oscars, a category record held jointly with Laurence Olivier. His two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor were for Captains Courageous (1938) and Boys Town (1939).

    Five

    Sean Connery won only one Academy Award during his career, and it came some time after he had finally retired from the role of James Bond. For which role, and in which film, did he win this Best Supporting Actor Oscar?

    Answer: Jimmy Malone in The Untouchables

    Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables (1987) was nominated for four Academy Awards. Connery won the best supporting actor Oscar and Golden Globe Award for his role as the incorruptible beat cop, Jimmy Malone.

  • The Great Dictator

    Today’s first question centres around a film premiere on October 15, followed by questions related to films.

    Adenoid Hynkel in The Great Dictator.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    The Great Dictator, which premiered in New York on 15 October 1940, satirised Adolf Hitler, Nazism and anti-Semitism. Who directed this film?

    Two

    From which London railway station does the Hogwarts Express depart and what is the name of the Scottish viaduct it crosses on its way to and from Hogwarts?

    Three

    Two for the price of one! Who played the actor dangling from a clock on a skyscraper in the 1923 film Safety Last! and what’s the fictional name of the skyscraper in Die Hard?

    Four

    Which actor was the first to receive two consecutive Academy Awards for best actor?

    Five

    Sean Connery won only one Academy Award during his career, and it came some time after he had finally retired from the role of James Bond. For which role, and in which film, did he win this Best Supporting Actor Oscar?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Presidential Genesis—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    The US state of Virginia is in pole position with eight US presidents being born there. What state would be in second place?

    Answer: Ohio

    Ohio ranks second to Virginia in the number of US presidents born there. These seven presidents hail from Ohio: Ulysses S Grant, Rutherford B Hayes, James A Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft and Warren G Harding.

    Two

    Which mammal family, common or scientific name, is the wolverine the largest member of?

    Answer: Weasels or Mustelidae

    The wolverine, the largest member of the Mustelidae family – commonly known as the weasel family – includes other animals like weasels otters martens and badgers. Renowned for their stocky build thick fur and impressive strength relative to their size, wolverines are truly remarkable creatures.

    Petrus Kartner—Father Abraham.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    In 1977 Petrus Kartner was commissioned to compose a promotional song for The Smurfs which became a hit single and album. What nationality was Kartner and under what stage name did he perform?

    Answer: Dutch and Father Abraham

    Dutch musician and record producer Petrus Antonius Laurentius Kartner (1935-2022), known as Vader Abraham, wrote around 1600 songs. He is best known for his Smurf-themed music, including The Smurf Song, which sold 400,000 copies after a repress and a full album that sold 500,000 copies.

    Four

    In volleyball, a defensive specialist who can’t serve or rotate to the front line and wears a different coloured jersey is known as a …. What six-letter word describes this player?

    Answer: Libero

    The word originates from Italian and means ‘free’. The libero, is a defensive specialist in volleyball, wearing a different coloured jersey and unable to serve or attack above the net. Libero replacements don’t count against the substitution limit, but can only be made with the original libero.
    Established in 1998, this position is recognised by most volleyball governing bodies and is credited with lengthening rallies.

    Neptune’s Staircase, Caledonian Canal, Scotland, UK.
    Image Wikipedia

    Five

    What eventually links Loch Ness to Neptune’s Staircase?

    Answer: Caledonian Canal

    Built by Thomas Telford between 1803 and 1822 the Caledonian Canal is one of Scotland’s most remarkable engineering achievements — a scenic 60-mile (97 km) waterway that cuts through the Great Glen, connecting the east coast at the Beauly Firth near Inverness with the west coast’s Loch Linnhe at Corpach near Fort William. Some 60 miles (97 km) in length with 22 miles (35 km) of man-made canal while the rest is natural lochs which include Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. Neptune’s Staircase is a flight of eight locks near to the Loch Linnhe end of the canal.