Quizology Online

The Wrong Sort of Bees—Answers

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

Today’s questions all relate to December 24th.

See question 5. Taken aboard Apollo 8 by Bill Anders, this iconic picture shows Earth peeking out from beyond the lunar surface as the first crewed spacecraft circumnavigated the Moon, with astronauts Anders, Frank Borman, and Jim Lovell aboard.
Image NASA

One

The Wrong Sort of Bees, published in London’s Evening News on 24 December 1925, introduced a fictional anthropomorphic character to children’s literature and entertainment. Who was this character, and who was the author?

Answer: Winnie-the-Pooh; AA Milne

Winnie-the-Pooh, a fictional teddy bear created by AA Milne and EH Shepard, first appeared in a 1925 children’s story. The character, inspired by Milne’s son’s toy and a bear at London Zoo, became the subject of several books and was later adapted into a successful Disney franchise.

Two

Kiritimati (pronounced Kir-is-Maas) part of the Republic of Kiribati was named by a British naval officer and explorer who visited in 1777. In what ocean is Kiritimati, and who named it?

Answer: Pacific Ocean; Captain James Cook

The name given to it by Captain Cook as he visited on Christmas Eve was Christmas Island. In Gilbertese, ‘Christmas’ is ‘Kiritimati’, the combination ‘ti’ is pronounced as ‘s’.

Three

In which year did the first Christmas truce of World War I occur?

Answer: 1914

The Christmas truce was a series of unofficial ceasefires along the Western Front during World War I.

Four

What armed forces invaded Afghanistan on this day in 1979?

Answer: Soviet Union

Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan in December 1979, supporting the communist government against anti-communist Muslim guerrillas until February 1989.

Five

In 1968, in a television broadcast from space the crew of Apollo 8 read the first ten verses of the Genesis creation narrative from the King James Bible. What specific feat did the Apollo 8 mission achieve?

Answer: The answer is any, or all, of the points listed below

Apollo 8 was the first crewed spacecraft to leave Earth’s gravitational sphere of influence.
It was also the first human spaceflight to reach the Moon.
The crew orbited the Moon ten times without landing.
The three astronauts, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders, were the first humans to see and photograph the far side of the Moon.
They also witnessed and photographed an Earthrise (see image).

On Christmas Eve 1968, the Apollo 8 crew, the first humans to orbit the Moon, read from the Book of Genesis during a live television broadcast from lunar orbit. The reading, which was heard by an estimated one billion people worldwide, was a suggestion from Christine Laitin, the wife of one of those working on the project. Mrs Laitin had been a member of the French Resistance during World War II.

The Wrong Sort of Bees

Today’s questions all relate to December 24th.

One

Two

Kiritimati (pronounced Kir-is-Maas) part of the Republic of Kiribati was named by a British naval officer and explorer who visited in 1777. In what ocean is Kiritimati, and who named it?

Three

In which year did the first Christmas truce of World War I occur?

Four

What armed forces invaded Afghanistan on this day in 1979?

Five

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Matchmaker—Answers

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

Today’s questions are all connected to December 23rd.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Toni Collette in *Emma* (1996).
Image © 1996 Miramax Films via Encyclopædia Britannica

One

In 1815, Jane Austen published her fourth novel, which was later adapted into a film in 1996. What was the title of the book?

Answer: Emma

Jane Austen’s 1815 novel, Emma, follows the matchmaking misadventures of Emma Woodhouse in the fictional town of Highbury.

Two

Who, born in 1933, became the 125th emperor of Japan in 1989, and how did his reign end in 2019?

Answer: Akihito; abdication

Akihito, the 125th emperor of Japan, reigned from 1989 to 2019. He abdicated in favour of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito.

Three

In 1888, what two artists were involved in ‘the incident at the Yellow House’, and what injury happened to one of them?

Answers: Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin; Van Gogh cut off part of his left ear

Vincent van Gogh cut off part of his ear in 1888 after a heated argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. The incident, possibly linked to van Gogh’s mental health struggles, led to his hospitalisation and Gauguin’s departure from Arles.

Four

In 2001, which South American nation announced the suspension of payments on its external debt marking the largest debt default in history?

Answer: Argentina

Argentina’s economy experienced a severe recession from 1998 to 2002, culminating in a US$93 billion debt default in 2001. This led to a rapid devaluation of the peso, soaring inflation, and a significant drop in GDP.

Five

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born in 1805. Which US state was his birthplace?

Answer: Vermont

Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, translated golden plates into the Book of Mormon. His teachings, including revelations and polygamy, were recorded and published.

Matchmaker

Today’s questions are all connected to December 23rd.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Toni Collette.
Image © 1996 Miramax Films via Encyclopædia Britannica. See answer post for image information.

One

In 1815, Jane Austen published her fourth novel, which was later adapted into a film in 1996. What was the title of the book?

Two

Who, born in 1933, became the 125th emperor of Japan in 1989, and how did his reign end in 2019?

Three

In 1888, what two artists were involved in ‘the incident at the Yellow House’, and what injury happened to one of them?

Four

In 2001, which South American nation announced the suspension of payments on its external debt marking the largest debt default in history?

Five

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born in 1805. Which US state was his birthplace?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later today.

Fly the Flag—Answers

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

These questions are all related to today’s date, December 22nd.

One

In 1990, the country whose flag is shown above put into effect its constitution. What is that country?

Answer: Croatia

The Republic of Croatia’s Constitution was promulgated today in 1990. It grants civil rights, including freedom of speech, religion, information, and association, as well as guaranteeing equality of nationalities.

Two

What gate in Berlin was reopened in 1989, having been obstructed and inaccessible during the Cold War?

Answer: Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate, a Berlin landmark, symbolises both Germany’s division and reunification. Built in the late 18th century, it was closed off during the Berlin Wall era and reopened in 1989, marking a pivotal moment in German history.

Three

In 1965, Doctor Zhivago premiered. Who played Larissa Ameliava Antipova in the film and whose 1957 novel was the film an adaption?

Answers: Julie Christie; Boris Pasternak

Doctor Zhivago, a 1965 American film directed by David Lean, is a sweeping adaptation of Boris Pasternak’s novel. The film, set against the backdrop of World War I and the Russian Revolution, follows the love story between physician and poet Yury Zhivago and Larissa Ameliava Antipova, ‘Lara’. Despite mixed reviews, the film became a box-office success, known for its grand scale, cinematography, and Maurice Jarre’s score.
Boris Pasternak’s novel, Doctor Zhivago, although published in 1957, was banned in the Soviet Union until 1987.

Four

In 1894, Alfred Dreyfus, a French army officer, was sentenced to life imprisonment for treason and sent to Devil’s Island, a remote penal colony, to serve his sentence. Four years later, his case was the subject of a now-famous letter, *J’Accuse…!, *which was published in the French press. Where was Devil’s Island, and who wrote J’Accuse…!?

Answers: French Guiana; Émile Zola

The Devil’s Island penal colony, officially the penal colony of Cayenne, in French Guiana operated from 1852 to 1952. It was notorious for harsh treatment, high mortality rates, and the exile of political prisoners like Captain Dreyfus. Émile Zola’s open letter, J’Accuse…!, published in 1898, accused the French government of antisemitism and the unlawful jailing of Alfred Dreyfus. The letter, published in L’Aurore, sparked international outrage and led to Zola’s prosecution for libel. The letter heightened support for Dreyfus

Five

In 1941, two weeks after Pearl Harbor, the US president and British prime minister met in Washington DC to discuss World War II. Who were these two men?

Answers: Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill

The First Washington Conference, attended by Roosevelt and Churchill, prioritised defeating Germany and established the Combined Chiefs of Staff. Allies committed to the Declaration by United Nations, vowing no separate peace and full resource utilisation.

Fly the Flag

These questions are all related to today’s date, December 22nd.

One

In 1990, the country whose flag is shown above put into effect its constitution. What is that country?

Two

What gate in Berlin was reopened in 1989, having been obstructed and inaccessible during the Cold War?

Three

In 1965, Doctor Zhivago premiered. Who played Larissa Ameliava Antipova in the film and whose 1957 novel was the film an adaption?

Four

Five

In 1941, two weeks after Pearl Harbor, the US president and British prime minister met in Washington DC to discuss World War II. Who were these two men?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later today.

Heigh Ho—Answers

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

Today’s first question relates to the date December 21st and the subsequent questions follow a theme established by the initial one.

One

In what year did Walt Disney’s classic animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiere?

Answer: 1937

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a 1937 American animated musical fantasy film, was the first cel-animated feature film. It was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1938 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made.

Two

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was loosely based on a story from whose collection of fairy tales?

Answer: Brothers Grimm

It was loosely based on Snow White a German fairy tale published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812.

Three

Which one of the seven dwarfs connects a Barbra Streisand film and Bugs Bunny?

Answer: Doc

The connection to Doc was Streisand’s 1972 film What’s Up, Doc? with Bugs Bunny’s catchphrase.
What’s Up, Doc? is a 1972 screwball comedy film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal. It was a success, becoming the third highest-grossing film of 1972 and winning a WGA award for Best Comedy Screenplay.

Four

Continuing with the theme of dwarf names, the film Happy Feet featured Mumble, a tap-dancing penguin, and his friends ‘the Amigos’. What species of penguin is Mumble, and what species are ‘the Amigos’?

Answers: (Mumble is an) Emperor penguin; (the Amigos are) Adélie penguins

Happy Feet is a 2006 animated musical comedy film about a tap-dancing penguin named Mumble. The film was positively received and grossed $384 million worldwide.

Five

The 1993 film Grumpy Old Men who starred as the title characters John Gustafson Jr. and Max Goldman?

Answers: Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau

Grumpy Old Men is a 1993 American romantic comedy film directed by Donald Petrie. John and Max, neighbours in Wabasha, Minnesota, engage in a feud characterised by ice fishing, insults, and practical jokes. Their rivalry bothers their friends and families.

Heigh Ho

Today’s first question relates to the date December 21st and the subsequent questions follow a theme established by the initial one.

One

In what year did Walt Disney’s classic animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiere?

Two

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was loosely based on a story from whose collection of fairy tales?

Three

Which one of the seven dwarfs connects a Barbra Streisand film and Bugs Bunny?

Four

Five

The 1993 film Grumpy Old Men who starred as the title characters John Gustafson Jr. and Max Goldman?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

First—Answers

All of these questions are connected to today, December 20th, and all contain the word ‘first’.

See question 3. Abraham Lincoln, 1863.
Image Wikipedia

One

((First voice) I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, dear Father.

(Second voice) Joseph, Jesus and Mary. Help my friend Mr. Bailey.

(Third voice) Help my son George tonight.

(Fourth voice) He never thinks about himself, God; that’s why he’s in trouble.

(Fifth voice) George is a good guy. Give him a break, God.

(Sixth voice) I love him, dear Lord. Watch over him tonight.

(Seventh voice) Please, God. Something’s the matter with Daddy.

(Eighth voice) Please bring Daddy back.

The individuals quoted praying above form the first lines in a classic film which premiered today in 1946. What was the film?

Answer: It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s a Wonderful Life, a 1946 Christmas film directed by Frank Capra, stars James Stewart as George Bailey. Initially a box office disappointment, the film later became a Christmas classic and is now considered one of the greatest films of all time.

Two

The first tale in an 1812 collection of fairy tales was The Golden Bird. Who published this collection?

Answer: Brothers Grimm

German folklorists Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, known for Grimm’s Fairy Tales, significantly contributed to folklore study and popularised classic tales. Jacob also made notable contributions to historical linguistics and Germanic philology.

Three

On this date in 1860, following Abraham Lincoln’s election as US president, which state became the first to secede from the Union?

Answer: South Carolina

South Carolina seceded from the Union in 1860, joining the Confederacy and sparking the Civil War. After the war, Reconstruction brought military occupation and disenfranchisement, leading to the rise of Wade Hampton and the ‘Bourbon era’. The conflict between the Up Country and Low Country culminated in the election of Benjamin R. Tillman, who championed agrarian reform, white supremacy, and the disenfranchisement of African Americans.

Four

In what decade was Ethiopia first declared a socialist state under the leadership of Mengistu Haile Mariam?

Answer: 1970s

On 20 December 1974, Mengistu Haile Mariam, an Ethiopian army officer, overthrew the monarchy and established a communist regime. He ruled with an iron fist, implementing the ‘Red Terror Campaign’ and facing armed rebellions, droughts and famines. Facing mounting challenges and dwindling support, Mengistu fled to Zimbabwe in 1991.

Five

In 1996, the horror classic Scream was first released in the United States. Who was the director, and who played the role of Sidney Prescott?

Answers: Wes Craven; Neve Campbell

Scream is a 1996 American slasher film directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. The film, which satirises slasher genre clichés, was a critical and commercial success, grossing approximately $173 million worldwide. It revitalised Craven’s and Drew Barrymore’s careers and spawned a successful franchise.

First

All of these questions are connected to today, December 20th, and all contain the word ‘first’.

One

((First voice) I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, dear Father.

(Second voice) Joseph, Jesus and Mary. Help my friend Mr. Bailey.

(Third voice) Help my son George tonight.

(Fourth voice) He never thinks about himself, God; that’s why he’s in trouble.

(Fifth voice) George is a good guy. Give him a break, God.

(Sixth voice) I love him, dear Lord. Watch over him tonight.

(Seventh voice) Please, God. Something’s the matter with Daddy.

(Eighth voice) Please bring Daddy back.

The individuals quoted praying above form the first lines in a classic film which premiered today in 1946. What was the film?

Two

The first tale in an 1812 collection of fairy tales was The Golden Bird. Who published this collection?

Three

On this date in 1860, following Abraham Lincoln’s election as US president, which state became the first to secede from the Union?

Four

In what decade was Ethiopia first declared a socialist state under the leadership of Mengistu Haile Mariam?

Five

In 1996, the horror classic Scream was first released in the United States. Who was the director, and who played the role of Sidney Prescott?

Good Luck! I’ll post the answers later today.