All of today’s questions are related to November 9th.
See question one.
One
Born in 1922, this American singer and actress made history as the first African-American woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Carmen Jones (1954). Who is she?
Two
The last of the ‘canonical five’, victims of Jack the Ripper was found on 9 November. In what decade did these five murders take place?
Three
Apollo 4, an unmanned test spacecraft, was launched from Cape Kennedy on this day in 1967. The spacecraft was on top of what rocket’s first flight?
Four
What was the name given to the violent anti-Jewish pogrom that took place across Nazi Germany on the nights of 9–10 November 1938, during which Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues were destroyed in an event often seen as the start of the Holocaust?
Five
Born today in 1923, Alice Coachman became the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. In what event did she achieve this?
Here are the answers to the earlier posted questions.
The first question relates to today, November 8th. The remainder are not date specific but follow a loose theme.
John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon taken prior to their first debate at WBBM-TV in Chicago in 1960. Image Wikipedia
One
On this day in 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States, as a result of defeating whom in the presidential election?
Answer: Richard Nixon
John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, served from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. His presidency of 1,037 days was marked by Cold War tensions, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, and domestic challenges, such as civil rights legislation. Kennedy’s legacy includes the Peace Corps, the Space Race, and a focus on economic growth.
Two
John F. Kennedy’s term ended tragically when he was assassinated in Dallas. This makes him one of four US presidents killed while in office. Who is the only British prime minister to have been assassinated?
Answer: Spencer Perceval
Spencer Perceval served as prime minister from 4 October 1809 until his assassination on 11 May 1812. He remains the only British prime minister to have been assassinated. The shooting occurred in the lobby of the House of Commons and was carried out by John Bellingham. Bellingham was convicted of murder and executed.
Three
President Kennedy’s 1,037 days in office are certainly not the shortest. Which US president served the shortest term? Secondly, how long (or short) was the shortest term: 31 days, 51 days or 71 days?
Answer: William Henry Harrison; true (31 days)
William Henry Harrison served as President of the United States for just 31 days from 4 March 1841, to 4 April 1841. This makes him the shortest-serving president in US history. Tragically, he died of pneumonia just a month after catching a chill at his inauguration which quickly developed into pneumonia.
Four
Liz Truss’s 49 days in 2022 is by far the shortest term of any UK prime minister. Which prime minister from the first third of the 19th century served this shortest term? Secondly, how long was this second shortest premiership: 99 days, 119 days or 139 days?
Answer: George Canning; 119 days
George Canning, a British Tory statesman, held various senior cabinet positions, including two terms as foreign secretary. He became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in April 1827 but died just 119 days later. Canning’s foreign policies, particularly his support for the independence of American colonies and the Monroe Doctrine, were highly regarded. His death in office meant that his tenure was the shortest of any prime minister until eclipsed by Truss in 2022.
Pope John Paul I during the Angelus Address from his study’s window to pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square, 1978. Image Wikipedia
Five
Albino Luciani served in which office for 33 days in the second half of the 20th century?
Answer: Pope
Pope John Paul I, born Albino Luciani, served as head of the Catholic Church for 33 days in 1978, making his reign one of the shortest in papal history. He was the first pope in history to adopt a double name which he did in honour of his two predecessors, John XXIII and Paul VI.
On this day in 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States, as a result of defeating whom in the presidential election?
Two
John F. Kennedy’s term ended tragically when he was assassinated in Dallas. This makes him one of four US presidents killed while in office. Who is the only British prime minister to have been assassinated?
Three
President Kennedy’s 1,037 days in office are certainly not the shortest. Which US president served the shortest term? Secondly, how long (or short) was the shortest term: 31 days, 51 days or 71 days?
Four
Liz Truss’s 49 days in 2022 is by far the shortest term of any UK prime minister. Which prime minister from the first third of the 19th century served this shortest term? Secondly, how long was this second shortest premiership: 99 days, 119 days or 139 days?
Five
Albino Luciani served in which office for 33 days in the second half of the 20th century?
Four of today’s questions concern November 7th and Canada or Canadians. Question two is included because the house mentioned was owned by a Canadian at the time (she is the answer to question one).
Roberta Joan Anderson, who was born at Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada on 7 November 1943, wrote Ladies of the Canyon (released 1970), her third studio album while living at 8217 Lookout Mountain Avenue, Laurel Canyon. Who is Roberta Joan Anderson better known as?
Answer: Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell’s third studio album, Ladies of the Canyon, was released in 1970 and includes Big Yellow Taxi, Woodstock and The Circle Game.
Two
A follow-on from the previous question regarding 8217 Lookout Mountain Avenue, Laurel Canyon where singer-songwriter Graham Nash lived with lady referred to in question one. The house is the subject of Our House written by Nash and released in 1970. What group, described by Wikipedia as a ‘folk rock supergroup’, released the song on and album and as a single in 1970.
Answer: Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
Joni Mitchell bought the house in the Laurel Canyon district of Los Angeles in 1968 and met Graham Nash shortly after. Their house became a popular hangout for musicians. Our House featured on Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s Déjà Vu album in 1970 and was released as a single the same year.
Three
The ‘Last Spike’ ceremony at Craigellachie on 7 November, marked the completion of Canada’s transcontinental railway. In what decade did the ‘Last Spike’ ceremony take place, and in what Canadian province or territory is Craigellachie?
Answer: 1880s (1885) and British Columbia
At 9:22 a.m. on November 7, 1885, the ceremonial final spike was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) at Craigellachie, British Columbia. The honor fell to CPR financier Donald Smith, Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal. This historic moment marked the completion of Canada’s first transcontinental railway, bringing to a close years of struggle marked by natural disasters, financial crises, and even rebellion.
Born in Quebec, this songwriter, singer, poet and novelist passed away at 82 on 7 November 2016. A fifteenth studio album Thanks for the Dance was released three years later. Who is this singer?
Answer: Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen, a celebrated Canadian songwriter, singer, poet and novelist, explored faith, mortality and love in his work. He received numerous accolades, including induction into several halls of fame and the Prince of Asturias Award for literature.
Sergeant Edward Holland’s Victoria Cross, for valour at the Battle of Leliefontein, 7 November 1900. Image Wikipedia
Five
On this date in 1900, at The Battle of Leliefontein, the Royal Canadian Dragoons won three Victoria Cross. During what war did this battle take place?
Answer: Second Boer War
Lieutenant-Colonel François-Louis Lessard led a rearguard action to cover the withdrawal of a larger force. The Royal Canadian Dragoons, supported by artillery and a machine gun, repelled multiple Boer assaults, including a mounted charge. Despite heavy casualties, the Dragoons successfully protected the field guns, earning three of their members—Sergeant Edward Holland, Lieutenant Richard Turner, and Lieutenant Hampden Cockburn—the Victoria Cross for their bravery.
Four of today’s questions concern November 7th and Canada or Canadians. Question two is included because the house mentioned was owned by a Canadian at the time (she is the answer to question one).
Roberta Joan Anderson, who was born at Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada on 7 November 1943, wrote Ladies of the Canyon (released 1970), her third studio album while living at 8217 Lookout Mountain Avenue, Laurel Canyon. Who is Roberta Joan Anderson better known as?
Two
A follow-on from the previous question regarding 8217 Lookout Mountain Avenue, Laurel Canyon where singer-songwriter Graham Nash lived with the lady referred to in question one. The house is the subject of Our House written by Nash and released in 1970. What group, described by Wikipedia as a ‘folk rock supergroup’, released the song on an album and as a single in 1970.
Three
The ‘Last Spike’ ceremony at Craigellachie on 7 November, marked the completion of Canada’s transcontinental railway. In what decade did the ‘Last Spike’ ceremony take place, and in what Canadian province or territory is Craigellachie?
Four
Born in Quebec, this songwriter, singer, poet and novelist passed away at 82 on 7 November 2016. A fifteenth studio album Thanks for the Dance was released three years later. Who is this singer?
Sergeant Edward Holland’s Victoria Cross, for valour at the Battle of Leliefontein, 7 November 1900. Image Wikipedia
Five
On this date in 1900, at The Battle of Leliefontein, the Royal Canadian Dragoons won three Victoria Cross. During what war did this battle take place?
Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.
Following the violent blow delivered by [Soviet Union’s] Valentin Prokopov, Hungarian Ervin Zador bleeds profusely from above his eyebrow. Image Bettmann / Getty Images via Yahoo! Sports
One
The violent Blood in the Water Olympic water polo match between Hungary and the Soviet Union erupted in the aftermath of the Soviet Union suppressing a Hungarian uprising. During which Olympics—year and host city—did this match take place?
Answer: 1956 Melbourne Olympics
The match became a powerful symbol of Cold War tensions. Hungary went on to win the gold medal, and player Ervin Zádor’s bloodied face was widely photographed, capturing global attention.
Two
On November 6, 2012, a US president was re-elected for a second term. Who were his defeated opponents in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections?
Answer: John McCain (2008) and Mitt Romney (2012)
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was the first African American to hold the office. He served two terms, from 2009 to 2017, during which he implemented significant domestic and foreign policies, including healthcare reform, economic stimulus and the end of the Iraq War. Obama left office with high approval ratings and remains politically active.
Three
A composer died on November 6, 1893. One of his symphonies, Symphony No. 6 in B minor, which premiered just nine days earlier, became known as his Pathétique. Who was the composer?
Answer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
The Pathétique is often interpreted as an emotional farewell, blending passion and tragedy in what became Tchaikovsky’s final completed work.
Four
Switzerland officially abolished the death penalty on 6 November. Which decade was this?
Answer: 1990s (1992)
Though executions had already ceased decades earlier, the 1992 constitutional amendment made abolition permanent, aligning Switzerland with wider European human rights standards.
On 6 November 1966, NASA’s Lunar Orbiter 2 was launched with a primary mission objective of photographing specifically what on the Moon’s surface?
Answer: Potential landing sites on the Moon
The Lunar Orbiter 2 spacecraft was designed primarily to photograph smooth areas of the lunar surface for selection and verification of safe landing sites for the Surveyor and Apollo missions.
Lunar Orbiter 2 transmitted over 800 high-resolution images, including the first detailed close-ups of the Moon’s surface. These images were crucial in selecting the Apollo 11 landing site.
Here are five questions related to today, November 6th.
Following the violent blow delivered by [Soviet Union’s] Valentin Prokopov, Hungarian Ervin Zador bleeds profusely from above his eyebrow. Image Bettmann / Getty Images via Yahoo! Sports
One
The violent Blood in the Water Olympic water polo match between Hungary and the Soviet Union erupted in the aftermath of the Soviet Union suppressing a Hungarian uprising. During which Olympics—year and host city—did this match take place?
Two
On November 6, 2012, a US president was re-elected for a second term. Who were his defeated opponents in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections?
Three
A composer died on November 6, 1893. One of his symphonies, Symphony No. 6 in B minor, which premiered just nine days earlier, became known as his Pathétique. Who was the composer?
Four
Switzerland officially abolished the death penalty on 6 November. Which decade was this?
Five
On 6 November 1966, NASA’s Lunar Orbiter 2 was launched with a primary mission objective of photographing specifically what on the Moon’s surface?
Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.
King James VI of Scotland and James I of England. Image Wikipedia
One
What event is commemorated in the United Kingdom on November 5th, when effigies of Guy Fawkes are traditionally burned on bonfires? Also, in what year did it occur?
Answer: The Gunpowder Plot of 1605
The failed plot was an attempt by Catholic conspirators to blow up the English Parliament and assassinate King James VI (of Scotland) & I (of England). ‘Remember, remember, the fifth of November’ became a famous rhyme, see below, recording the event.
Two
Which spacecraft, launched on 5 November 2013, was India’s first interplanetary mission?
Answer: The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Mangalyaan made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first country in the world to do so successfully on its maiden attempt — all on a remarkably low budget.
On 5 November 1981, a small Caribbean nation achieved independence from the United Kingdom. Its capital is St. John’s. Can you name the country?
Answer: Antigua and Barbuda
The twin-island nation remains a member of the Commonwealth, recognizing the British monarch as its head of state, but governs itself independently.
Four
November 5th is a central date in the storyline of what 2005 film which opens with the line, ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November’?
Answer: V for Vendetta
The film, based on a graphic novel, turned the Guy Fawkes mask into a global symbol of resistance — later adopted by protest movements such as Anonymous and Occupy Wall Street.
Five
On November 5th, Google introduced its first Android-based mobile operating system, signalling the start of a new era in smartphones. In what year did this occur?
Answer: 2007
The Android OS announcement reshaped the mobile landscape — today, Android powers over 70% of the world’s smartphones.
Remember, remember, the 5th of November
Remember, remember, the 5th of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason Why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ’twas his intent To blow up the King and the Parliament Three score barrels of powder below Poor old England to overthrow By God’s providence he was catch’d With a dark lantern and burning match Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring Holler boys, holler boys God save the King!
The undercroft beneath the House of Lords. Image Wikipedia
What event is commemorated in the United Kingdom on November 5th, when effigies of Guy Fawkes are traditionally burned on bonfires? Also, in what year did it occur?
Two
Which spacecraft, launched on 5 November 2013, was India’s first interplanetary mission?
See question 3. Image Wikipedia
Three
On 5 November 1981, a small Caribbean nation achieved independence from the United Kingdom. Its capital is St. John’s. Can you name the country?
Four
November 5th is a central date in the storyline of what 2005 film which opens with the line, ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November’?
Five
On November 5th, Google introduced its first Android-based mobile operating system, signalling the start of a new era in smartphones. In what year did this occur?
Which Scottish physician successfully demonstrated the anaesthetic properties of chloroform in 1847?
Answer: Sir James Young Simpson
Sir James Young Simpson first successfully demonstrated chloroform as a general anaesthetic on November 4, 1847. This revolutionised surgery and childbirth.
Two
In which century did the Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II against Spanish rule in the Viceroyalty of Peru begin?
Answer: 18th century (1780)
The rebellion was one of the largest indigenous uprisings in Spanish American history and inspired later movements for independence.
Jane Goodall with Prof and Pax. Photograph by Michael Nichols / National Geographic via Wikipedia
Three
Which primatologist first observed chimpanzees making and using tools in Tanzania in 1960?
Answer: Jane Goodall
This pioneering observation at the Kasakela Chimpanzee Community challenged the belief that tool use was unique to humans.
Four
In 1956, which country did Soviet troops invade to suppress a revolution that began on 23 October?
Answer: Hungary
The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a significant Cold War event, resulting in thousands of casualties and a mass exodus of refugees.
Five
UNESCO’s constitution entered into force on 4 November 1946, officially establishing the organisation. What does the acronym UNESCO stand for?
Answer: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
UNESCO promotes international collaboration in education, science and culture. Its activities focus on supporting national efforts to eliminate illiteracy and extend free education.
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