Quizology.Online

A Serious Pursuit of the Trivial

  • Around the World—Answers

    Five geographic questions.

    Confluence of Blue Nile and White Nile at Khartoum, Sudan.
    Image Pinterest

    One

    On mainland South America what countries do NOT border Brazil?

    Answer: Chile and Ecuador

    Brazil borders ten South American countries, namely Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela, and French Guiana, which is an overseas region of France.

    Two

    Europe: what seven-letter word gives a name to both an Irish province and a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany?

    Answer: Munster

    Munster is the largest province in Ireland, situated in the southwest, with a population of 1,373,346 in 2022. It serves as a provincial subdivision of the state without an official local government function. Münster is a major city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, renowned for its bicycle culture and historical importance, notably the Anabaptist rebellion and the Treaties of Westphalia.

    Three

    In Asia, what is the capital of Mongolia?

    Answer: Ulaanbaatar

    Mongolia, a landlocked country in East Asia, is the world’s most sparsely populated sovereign state. It has a rich history, having been ruled by various nomadic empires and later becoming a satellite state of the Soviet Union. Today, Mongolia is a democratic country with a nomadic culture and a majority Buddhist population.

    Four

    This quote from Wikipedia refers to what Australian city?

    The city has been almost entirely rebuilt four times, following devastation caused by a cyclone in 1897, another one in 1937, Japanese air raids during World War II, and Cyclone Tracy in 1974

    — Wikipedia

    Answer: Darwin

    Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is the smallest, wettest, and most northerly capital city. With a population of 139,902, it serves as a key link to Southeast Asia and has a tropical climate with a wet and dry season.

    Five

    Of the two major tributaries of Africa’s River Nile, which is the longer?

    Answer: White Nile

    The Nile has two major tributaries: the 3,700-kilometre White Nile and the 1,450-kilometre Blue Nile. Traditionally, the longer White Nile is considered the headwaters, but the Blue Nile, which supplies 80% of the water and silt downstream, is actually the main source. The White Nile begins at Lake Victoria and flows through Uganda and South Sudan. The Blue Nile originates at Lake Tana in Ethiopia and flows southeast into Sudan. The two rivers converge in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital.

  • Around the World

    Five geographic questions.

    Confluence of Nile at Khartoum, Sudan.
    Image Pinterest

    One

    On mainland South America what countries do NOT border Brazil?

    Two

    Europe: what seven-letter word gives a name to both an Irish province and a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany?

    Three

    In Asia, what is the capital of Mongolia?

    Four

    This quote from Wikipedia refers to what Australian city?

    The city has been almost entirely rebuilt four times, following devastation caused by a cyclone in 1897, another one in 1937, Japanese air raids during World War II, and Cyclone Tracy in 1974

    — Wikipedia

    Five

    Of the two major tributaries of Africa’s River Nile, which is the longer?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Crop Duster—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions posted earlier.

    Cary Grant, North by Northwest.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    What actor is pictured above, and what film is the picture taken from?

    Answers: Cary Grant; North by Northwest

    See after question two for some additional trivia.

    Two

    Where was the above actor born on this day in 1904, and what was his birth name?

    Answers: Bristol, England, United Kingdom; Archibald Leach (or Archibald Alexander Leach)

    Cary Grant, born Archibald Alexander Leach in Bristol, England, was a British-born American film actor celebrated for his debonair style and talent in romantic comedies. He gained fame in the 1930s and 1940s, starring in a variety of classic films, including screwball comedies, action-adventures, and suspense thrillers. Grant frequently collaborated with Alfred Hitchcock and received two Academy Award nominations along with an honorary Oscar, though he never won a competitive Oscar for acting. He retired from acting in 1966 and passed away in 1986.

    The ‘Where were they born’ theme continues with the following questions.

    Three

    Where was Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland born?

    Answer: Britain (or Roman Britain)

    St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited with bringing Christianity to the country in the 5th century. Born in Roman Britain, he was enslaved in Ireland at 16 but later escaped and returned to spread Christianity. Known for his missionary work and writings, St. Patrick’s legacy is celebrated annually on St. Patrick’s Day, 17 March.

    Four

    Where was Angus Young, the only continuous member of the hard rock band AC/DC, born?

    Answer: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

    Angus Young, born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1955, is best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC. He emigrated to Australia with his family in 1963 and grew up in Sydney, where he developed his musical talents and later became a self-taught guitarist. Young’s early life in Scotland, his family’s musical background, and his move to Australia all played a significant role in shaping his career as a musician.

    Five

    Where was Christopher Columbus born, between August and October 1451?

    Answer: Genoa (Republic of Genoa)

    Christopher Columbus, a Genoese explorer from the Republic of Genoa, completed four Spanish-sponsored voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. His expeditions, beginning in 1492, opened the way for European exploration and colonisation of the Americas, though his legacy is now viewed more critically due to the impact on indigenous populations.

  • Crop Duster

    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    What actor is pictured above, and what film is the picture taken from?

    Two

    Where was the above actor born on this day in 1904, and what was his birth name?

    The ‘Where were they born’ theme continues with the following questions.

    Three

    Where was Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland born?

    Four

    Where was Angus Young, the only continuous member of the hard rock band AC/DC, born?

    Five

    Where was Christopher Columbus born, between August and October 1451?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • From One to five—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s batch are simply random questions.

    One

    The International Car Registration Code for the United Kingdom is what?

    Answer: GB

    With a history dating to 1909, International vehicle registration codes, also known as VRI codes, indicate the country of registration. These codes, maintained by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, are used in international traffic and are often based on ISO codes. The Geneva Convention on Road Traffic mandates that vehicles from signatory countries display their country’s distinguishing sign on the rear.

    Two

    Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days, which was first published in French, was originally published in what decade?

    Answer: 1870s

    Jules Verne’s 1872 adventure novel, Around the World in Eighty Days, follows Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout’s attempt to circumnavigate the globe in eighty days.

    Three

    What canal joins the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea?

    Answer: Corinth Canal

    The Corinth Canal, completed in 1893, connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in Greece. Despite its historical significance, the canal’s narrowness and navigational challenges limit its economic importance, making it primarily a tourist attraction.

    Four

    Who was the first human in outer space, and from which present-day country was his historic space flight launched?

    Answer: Yuri Gagarin; Kazakhstan

    Vostok 1, the first human orbital spaceflight, launched on 12 April 1961 with Yuri Gagarin aboard. Launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the 108-minute flight completed a single orbit around Earth.

    Five

    What is the correct title of the song often called Starry Starry Night, and who wrote it?

    Answer: Vincent; Don McLean

    Vincent is a song by Don McLean, written as a tribute to Vincent van Gogh. The song, released in 1971, topped the UK Singles Chart and peaked at No. 12 in the United States.

  • From One to five

    The Starry Night.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s batch are simply random questions.

    One

    The International Car Registration Code for the United Kingdom is what?

    Two

    Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days, which was first published in French, was originally published in what decade?

    Three

    What canal joins the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea?

    Four

    Who was the first human in outer space, and from which present-day country was his historic space flight launched?

    Five

    What is the correct title of the song often called Starry Starry Night, and who wrote it?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Game, Set and Match—Answers

    The Championships, Wimbledon.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Which tennis player fills in the gap in this list of Wimbledon Men’s Champions from the early nineties: Edberg — … — Agassi — Sampras — Sampras

    Answer: Michael Stich

    In the list shown Edberg vein in 1990 and Stich in 1991. Michael Stich, a former German professional tennis player, achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 2 in singles and No. 9 in doubles. He won 18 singles titles, including Wimbledon and the ATP Tour World Championships, and ten doubles titles, including Wimbledon and the Olympic gold medal.

    Two

    What is the capital of Lithuania?

    Answer: Vilnius

    Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is known for its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a multicultural centre during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and is now a financial centre and important fintech hub.

    Three

    Who created the fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey?

    Answer: Dorothy L. Sayers

    Lord Peter Wimsey, a gentleman detective created by Dorothy L. Sayers, solves mysteries for amusement, often assisted by his valet, a police detective, and later, his wife.

    Four

    What word does the ‘U’ in U-boat actually refer to?

    Answer: Unterseeboot

    U-boats, German naval submarines, were used in unrestricted submarine warfare during both World Wars to disrupt UK merchant traffic. While initially successful, improved Allied tactics, particularly during the Battle of the Atlantic, led to significant U-boat losses, culminating in ‘Black May’ 1943.

    Five

    The title of Pink Floyd’s debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn derived from what children’s novel?

    Answer: The Wind in the Willows

    The Piper at the Gates of Dawn is Pink Floyd’s debut album, released in 1967. It was recorded at EMI Studios and produced by Norman Smith, blending improvisational pieces with Syd Barrett’s pop songs and psychedelia. The Wind in the Willows was a childhood favourite of Barrett.

  • Game, Set and Match

    The Championships, Wimbledon.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Which tennis player fills in the gap in this list of Wimbledon Men’s Champions from the early nineties: Edberg — … — Agassi — Sampras — Sampras

    Two

    What is the capital of Lithuania?

    Three

    Who created the fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey?

    Four

    What word does the ‘U’ in U-boat actually refer to?

    Five

    The title of Pink Floyd’s debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn derived from what children’s novel?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Brace for Impact—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    Today’s questions all relate to January 15th.

    Happy Days.
    Image IMDb

    One

    In what decade did the television comedy Happy Days premiere in the United States?

    Answer: 1970s

    Happy Days, a popular American sitcom that aired from 1974 to 1984, depicted an idealised view of 1950s and 60s America. The show’s most memorable character, Fonzie, became a pop culture icon, leading to several spin-off shows and launching the careers of its stars.

    Two

    The first national public museum in the world, opened in 1759, boasts a collection of over eight million artefacts. What museum?

    Answer: British Museum

    The British Museum was founded in 1753 and opened its doors in 1759. It was the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge, open to visitors from across the world.

    Enlightenment ideals and values – critical scrutiny of all assumptions, open debate, scientific research, progress and tolerance – have marked the Museum since its foundation.

    The Museum is driven by an insatiable curiosity for the world, a deep belief in objects as reliable witnesses and documents of human history, sound research, as well as the desire to expand and share knowledge.
    — British Museum

    Three

    The 2016 film Sully, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger III, depicts his remarkable landing of a crippled aircraft in a river. Which river did the aircraft land in, and who directed the film?

    Answer: Hudson River; Clint Eastwood

    On 15 January 2009, US Airways flight 1549, an Airbus A320, made an emergency landing in the Hudson River after both engines were damaged by a flock of geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. Captain Chesley Sullenberger successfully ditched the plane, resulting in no fatalities but five serious injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded Sullenberger’s decision to land in the river was appropriate.

    Four

    Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on this date in 1929 and dying at the age of 39 in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, this American religious leader became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Who was this?

    Answer: Martin Luther King Jr.

    Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent American civil rights activist and Baptist minister who led the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He advocated for civil rights for people of colour through nonviolent resistance, achieving significant legislative gains like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal. Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday in January and a memorial dedicated to him stands in the National Mall, Washington, DC.

    Five

    In 2001, Wikipedia saw its debut. The free Internet-based encyclopaedia was initially launched as a feature of Nupedia prior to being relaunched as an independent entity a few days later. Who were the two founders?

    Answer: Jimmy Wales; Larry Sanger

    Wikipedia, launched in 2001 as a complement to the expert-written Nupedia, quickly grew into the largest encyclopedia ever assembled. While initially experiencing rapid growth, the English Wikipedia’s growth rate in terms of new articles and editors peaked around 2007 and has since stabilised after a period of decline. Despite concerns about a decline in active editors and page views, Wikipedia remains a widely used and influential resource.

    Brace for Impact

    The title refers to Captain Sullenberger’s announcement to his passengers in the final approach of flight 1549 to the Hudson River, ‘This is the captain. Brace for impact.’

  • Brace for Impact

    Today’s questions all relate to January 15th.

    Happy Days.
    Image IMDb

    One

    In what decade did the television comedy Happy Days premiere in the United States?

    Two

    The first national public museum in the world, opened in 1759, boasts a collection of over eight million artefacts. What museum?

    Three

    The 2016 film Sully, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger III, depicts his remarkable landing of a crippled aircraft in a river. Which river did the aircraft land in, and who directed the film?

    Four

    Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on this date in 1929 and dying at the age of 39 in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, this American religious leader became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Who was this?

    Five

    In 2001, Wikipedia saw its debut. The free Internet-based encyclopaedia was initially launched as a feature of Nupedia prior to being relaunched as an independent entity a few days later. Who were the two founders?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.