All of these questions are connected to today, June 27th.
One
The flag above represents a country that gained independence in 1977. Which country is it, and from which did it gain independence?
Answer: Djibouti; France.
Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, borders Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Gaining independence in 1977, it is a multi-ethnic nation with French and Arabic as official languages. Strategically located, it serves as a key refuelling hub and hosts several foreign military bases.
Two
Jack Lemmon won two Academy Awards, the first was awarded in 1956 for Best Supporting Actor and the second in 1974 for Best Actor. What was the film title of each of these?
Three
The Japanese Yen was first minted towards the end of a decade and adopted as Japan’s official currency two years later. In what two decades did this occur?
Four
Who, in 2007, after serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer for ten years, became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
Five
Flag of ? Image Wikimedia Commons
In 1917 during World War I, the nation represented by this flag declared war on the Central Powers. Which country’s flag is shown and what comprised the Central Powers?
The first question relates to three events related to today’s date, 26 June, in different years. The remaining questions do not relate to today’s date but do follow a similar format.
One
Listed alphabetically, these three events all occurred on this day in the 1970s. Arrange them chronologically starting with the earliest.
CN Tower opened
Elvis Presley last public concert
Muhammad Ali announced his retirement from boxing
Answer
CN Tower opened
Elvis Presley last public concert
Muhammad Ali announced his retirement from boxing
CN Tower opened in 1976 becoming the world’s tallest building until the the Burj Khalifa opened in Dubai, UAE in 2007. Market Square Arena in Indianapolis became Elvis Presley’s last public concert when he performed there in 1977. In 1979, after nearly two decades of professional boxing, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali announced his retirement.
While the remaining questions are not related to today’s date they share a similar format.
Two
These three films each won the Best Picture Academy Award in the 1990s. Listed alphabetically, arrange them chronologically by the year they won the Oscar.
Braveheart
Titanic
Unforgiven
Answer
Unforgiven
Braveheart
Titanic
Unforgiven is a 1992 American Western film directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars as an ageing outlaw. Braveheart is a 1995 American epic historical war drama film directed by and starring Mel Gibson as William Wallace. The film was inspired by Blind Harry’s 15th century epic poem. Titanic is a 1997 American epic historical romance film about the sinking of the RMS Titanic. The film, written and directed by James Cameron, stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as lovers from different social classes.
Three
These tennis professionals all won the Ladies Singles Championships at Wimbledon in the 1990s. Listed here alphabetically, place them in chronological order of their championship wins.
Jana Novotná
Lindsay Davenport
Martina Hingis
Answer
Martina Hingis
Jana Novotná
Lindsay Davenport
Martina Hingis won the title in 1997, beating Jana Novotná in the final. Novotná won the following year with a final victory over Nathalie Tauziat, and Lindsay Davenport’s win came in 1999 when she defeated Steffi Graf to claim the title.
Four
Yet again listed alphabetically, these three artists topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the 2010s. Arrange the three answers by the correct chronological year from that decade.
Adele — Someone Like You
Katy Perry — Teenage Dream
Taylor Swift — We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Answer
Katy Perry — Teenage Dream
Adele — Someone Like You
Taylor Swift — We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream first topped the charts on 18 September 2010. Adele’s Someone Like You followed a year later on 17 September 2011 and Taylor Swift’s We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together topped the charts on 1 September 2012.
Five
The Hugo Award for Best Novel is awarded for the best science fiction or fantasy novel from the previous year. Listed alphabetically are three winners from the early 21st century. Rearrange and list them in their chronological order.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Hominids by Robert J. Sawyer
Answer
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Hominids by Robert J. Sawyer
These three novels and their authors won the 2001, 2002 and 2003 awards respectively.
The first question relates to three events related to today’s date, 26 June, in different years. The remaining questions do not relate to today’s date but do follow a similar format.
One
Listed alphabetically, these three events all occurred on this day in the 1970s. Arrange them chronologically starting with the earliest.
CN Tower opened
Elvis Presley last public concert
Muhammad Ali announced his retirement from boxing
While the remaining questions are not related to today’s date they share a similar format.
Two
These three films each won the Best Picture Academy Award in the 1990s. Listed alphabetically, arrange them chronologically by the year they won the Oscar.
Braveheart
Titanic
Unforgiven
Three
These tennis professionals all won the Ladies Singles Championships at Wimbledon in the 1990s. Listed here alphabetically, place them in chronological order of their championship wins.
Jana Novotná
Lindsay Davenport
Martina Hingis
Four
Yet again listed alphabetically, these three artists topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the 2010s. Arrange the three answers by the correct chronological year from that decade.
Adele — Someone Like You
Katy Perry — Teenage Dream
Taylor Swift — We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Five
The Hugo Award for Best Novel is awarded for the best science fiction or fantasy novel from the previous year. Listed alphabetically are three winners from the early 21st century. Rearrange and list them in their chronological order.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Exterior view of Casa Vicens, Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí, 1883–85. Image Encyclopædia Britannica
Today the questions all relate to June 25th
One
The building above is Casa Vicens, Barcelona, Spain, which was designed and built starting in 1883. Who was the architect who designed it?
Answer: Antoni Gaudí.
Antoni Gaudí, born 25 June 1852, began his architectural studies in Barcelona in 1869/70, graduating in 1878. He worked as a draughtsperson for architects like Francisco de Paula del Villar and Joan Martorell, who secured the Sagrada Família project for him in 1883. Gaudí dedicated much of his career to the Sagrada Família, which remained unfinished at his death in 1926. Known for his innovative structural systems and artistic projects like Park Güell, Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló, Gaudí is a candidate for sainthood, with Pope Francis declaring him ‘Venerable’ in April 2025.
Two
In 2024, China’s Chang’e 6 lunar probe returned from the Moon carrying samples collected on the lunar surface. What was unique about these samples, and from what does the craft’s name ‘Chang’e’ originate?
Answer: Samples were first from the far side of the Moon; Named after a Goddess.
Chang’e, a goddess from Chinese legend who flew from Earth to the Moon, inspired the name of Chang’e 6, a lunar sample return mission. This mission launched on 3 May 2024, landed on the lunar far side on 1 June, and returned the first far-side samples to Earth on 25 June.
Three
The ballet, The Firebird, premiered in 1910. Who composed the ballet, and at what venue did it premiere?
Answer: Igor Stravinsky; Paris Opéra.
The Firebird, a ballet by Igor Stravinsky, premiered in Paris on June 25, 1910, marking his international success. Commissioned by Serge Diaghilev for the Ballets Russes, Stravinsky, then 27, drew from Russian legend and the ballet’s originality earned Stravinsky immediate international acclaim.
Four
In 1876, George Armstrong Custer made his last stand with his U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of Little Bighorn. In what U.S. state are the Battle of Little Bighorn National Monument and the Indian Memorial located?
Answer: Montana.
George Armstrong Custer, a U.S. Army officer, graduated last from West Point in 1861 but became a brevet brigadier general by 23. He played key roles in the Civil War and Indian Wars, dying at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. His legacy was shaped by his wife, Libbie.
Five
St. George Island was discovered in 1786 by Russian sea captain Gavriil Pribylov. The group of islands now known as the Pribilof Islands is named after Pribylov. In what body of water is St. George Island located?
Answer: Bering Sea.
The Pribilof Islands, discovered by Gavril Pribylov in 1786, include St. Paul and St. George. Inhabited by Aleuts in 1788, they became U.S. territory with the Alaska Purchase in 1867. Known for 800,000 northern fur seals, commercial sealing was banned in 1973 and 1985. The islands host diverse wildlife and nearly three million migratory birds.
Originality Consists in Returning to the Origin
Today the post title has no hidden meanings and is simply a quote by Antoni Gaudí, the answer to question one. It is sometimes quoted with ‘of’ instead of ‘in’, ‘Originality Consists of Returning to the Origin’.
The building above is Casa Vicens, Barcelona, Spain, which was designed and built starting in 1883. Who was the architect who designed it?
Two
In 2024, China’s Chang’e 6 lunar probe returned from the Moon carrying samples collected on the lunar surface. What was unique about these samples, and from what does the craft’s name ‘Chang’e’ originate?
Three
The ballet, The Firebird, premiered in 1910. Who composed the ballet, and at what venue did it premiere?
Four
In 1876, George Armstrong Custer made his last stand with his U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of Little Bighorn. In what U.S. state are the Battle of Little Bighorn National Monument and the Indian Memorial located?
Five
St. George Island was discovered in 1786 by Russian sea captain Gavriil Pribylov. The group of islands now known as the Pribilof Islands is named after Pribylov. In what body of water is St. George Island located?
Pilkington Jackson’s statue of Robert I, aka Robert the Bruce, at Bannockburn. Image Wikimedia Commons
All of these questions are related to today’s date, 23 January but there is also a bit of a theme bubbling in the background.
One
A decisive battle on this day in 1314 saw Scotland regain independence and established Robert I as king. What was the battle, and of what Royal house was Robert I the first monarch ?
Answer: Bannockburn; Bruce.
The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 was a decisive victory for the Scots under Robert I against the English under Edward II. Despite being outnumbered, the Scots used strategic positioning and strong infantry to repel English cavalry charges. The battle resulted in heavy English losses and is considered a turning point in the Scottish Wars of Independence.
Two
A Canadian Parliamentary Act in 1887 created the country’s first national park which was originally called Rocky Mountains Park. What is the current name of Canada’s first national park?
Answer: Banff National Park.
Prime Minister John A. Macdonald set aside a small area around hot springs in 1885. This became Canada’s first national park with the passing of the Rocky Mountains Park Act in 1887. Originally named Rocky Mountains Park, it later became Banff National Park. The Canadian Pacific Railway promoted tourism with hotels like Banff Springs. Wealthy tourists from Europe, America, and England visited, engaging in mountaineering. By 1911, Banff was accessible by car, with motorcoach tours starting in 1916.
Three
In 1894, the International Olympic Committee was founded at the Sorbonne in Paris. This was at the initiative of a French noble; who, including his title, was this man?
Answer: Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
Charles Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin (1863–1937), was a French educator and historian, co-founder and second president of the IOC, and the father of the modern Olympic Games. He promoted sports in French schools and inspired the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy and Medal.
Four
In a game against the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox pitcher Ernie Shore retires 26 batters in a row after replacing …, who had been ejected for punching the umpire. — Wikipedia
This Wikipedia quote refers to a game of baseball played on 23 June 1917. The name of the player who had been replaced is missing. Who is this player?
Answer: Babe Ruth.
On June 23, 1917, Ernie Shore overshadowed Babe Ruth by retiring 26 consecutive batters after Ruth was ejected for punching an umpire. Shore, a North Carolina native, played for the Red Sox and Yankees, ending his career in 1920. The Red Sox won 4-0, and the game was ruled a combined no-hitter.
Five
The 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum took place on 23rd June. What is the referendum and its aftermath commonly known as, and what prime minister finalised it on 31 January 2020?
Answer: Brexit; Boris Johnson.
Prime Minister David Cameron called a Brexit referendum in 2016, which the ‘leave’ campaign won. Theresa May succeeded him but faced party divisions and opposition to her Brexit deal, particularly over the Northern Ireland backstop, leading to her resignation. Boris Johnson, her successor, promised Brexit by 31 October 2019, and finalised it on 31 January 2020. In June 2022, Johnson proposed removing checks on goods to Northern Ireland, risking the trade agreement and peace.
All of these questions are related to today’s date, 23 January but there is also a bit of a theme bubbling in the background.
One
A decisive battle on this day in 1314 saw Scotland regain independence and established Robert I as king. What was the battle, and of what Royal house was Robert I the first monarch ?
Two
A Canadian Parliamentary Act in 1887 created the country’s first national park which was originally called Rocky Mountains Park. What is the current name of Canada’s first national park?
Three
In 1894, the International Olympic Committee was founded at the Sorbonne in Paris. This was at the initiative of a French noble; who, including his title, was this man?
Four
In a game against the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox pitcher Ernie Shore retires 26 batters in a row after replacing …, who had been ejected for punching the umpire. — Wikipedia
This Wikipedia quote refers to a game of baseball played on 23 June 1917. The name of the player who had been replaced is missing. Who is this player?
Five
The 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum took place on 23rd June. What is the referendum and its aftermath commonly known as, and what prime minister finalised it on 31 January 2020?
All of these questions are connected to today’s date, 22 June.
One
The largest moon of the dwarf planet Pluto was discovered in 1978. Named after a mythological ferryman, what is it called?
Answer: Charon.
Charon, Pluto’s largest moon, was discovered on June 22, 1978, by James W. Christy and Robert S. Harrington. With a diameter of 1,212 km and a mass over one-tenth of Pluto’s, it is considered part of a double system. Named after the Greek mythological ferryman, Charon.
Two
The Walt Disney animated musical film Lady and the Tramp was released on 22 June 1955. On their romantic date, Tramp takes Lady to eat at Tony’s Restaurant, where they eat a spaghetti dinner. What song do Tony and Joe serenade them with while they are eating?
Answer: Bella Notte.
Lady and the Tramp, a Disney classic released in 1955, tells the story of a refined Cocker Spaniel and a stray mutt. It was the first Disney film not distributed by RKO and the first animated feature filmed in CinemaScope.
Three
In 1633, Galileo was compelled by the Inquisition to renounce his support for the heliocentric model, which places the Sun as the centre of the solar system. What astronomer had developed and published this model in 1543?
Answer: Nicolaus Copernicus.
Nicolaus Copernicus, a Polish astronomer, proposed the heliocentric system, suggesting the Sun as the fixed point for planetary motions. He argued that Earth orbits the Sun and rotates daily on its axis, with axis changes causing the precession of the equinoxes. This revolutionary idea redefined astronomical understanding.
Four
Born in Sucha, Austria (now Poland) on 22 June 1906, this film director work included The Lost Weekend (1945), A Foreign Affair (1948) and Sunset Boulevard (1950). Who is he?
Answer: Billy Wilder.
Billy Wilder (1906–2002) was an Austrian-born American director, scenarist, and producer. Known for humorously controversial films, he tackled taboo topics like alcoholism, The Lost Weekend; prisoner of war camps,Stalag 17; and prostitution, Irma La Douce. His works, including Sunset Boulevard and The Apartment, studied modern life’s emptiness.
Five
In 1611, this English explorer, who had tried to discover a short route from Europe to Asia by sailing west through the Arctic, was abandoned and set adrift in Arctic Canada by mutineers, including his son. Who was he?
Answer: Henry Hudson.
Henry Hudson, who was born circa 1565 and died sometime after being set adrift on 22 June 1611, was an English navigator and explorer seeking a Northwest Passage from Europe to Asia. He sailed for the English in 1607, 1608, and 1610–11; and the Dutch in 1609. North America’s Hudson River, Hudson Strait, and Hudson Bay are all named after him.
They Have Stars in Their Eyes
The post title is a line from Bella Notte, which is sung by Tony and Joe as Lady and Tramp eat at the restaurant. The lyrics are copied below.
Bella Notte
(Tony) Oh this is the night It’s a beautiful night And we call it bella notte
Look at the skies They have stars in their eyes On this lovely bella notte
Side by side with your loved one You’ll find enchantment here The night will weave its magic spell When the one you love is near
(Both) For this is the night And the heavens are right On this lovely bella notte…
Chorus This is the night It’s a beautiful night And we call it bella notte
Look at the skies They have stars in their eyes On this lovely bella notte
Side by side with your loved one You’ll find enchantment here The night will weave its magic spell When the one you love is near
For this is the night And the heavens are right On this lovely bella notte…
All of these questions are connected to today’s date, 22 June.
One
The largest moon of the dwarf planet Pluto was discovered in 1978. Named after a mythological ferryman, what is it called?
Two
The Walt Disney animated musical film Lady and the Tramp was released on 22 June 1955. On their romantic date, Tramp takes Lady to eat at Tony’s Restaurant, where they eat a spaghetti dinner. What song do Tony and Joe serenade them with while they are eating?
Three
In 1633, Galileo was compelled by the Inquisition to renounce his support for the heliocentric model, which places the Sun as the centre of the solar system. What astronomer had developed and published this model in 1543?
Four
Born in Sucha, Austria (now Poland) on 22 June 1906, this film director work included The Lost Weekend (1945), A Foreign Affair (1948) and Sunset Boulevard (1950). Who is he?
Five
In 1611, this English explorer, who had tried to discover a short route from Europe to Asia by sailing west through the Arctic, was abandoned and set adrift in Arctic Canada by mutineers, including his son. Who was he?
Going back to the ‘first’ theme, but today’s questions also all relate to 21 June.
One
She was the first woman elected to head a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country. — Wikipedia
Who, born in 1953, is the politician referred to in the above quote?
Answer: Benazir Bhutto.
Benazir Bhutto, the daughter of former Pakistani leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, became the first female leader of a Muslim nation. She served two terms as Prime Minister of Pakistan, facing challenges including corruption charges and political instability. Bhutto was assassinated in 2007 while campaigning for parliamentary elections.
Two
The world’s first Ferris wheel made its debut in 1893 at a World Fair. What was the official title of this World Fair, and what event was the fair commemorating?
Answer: Answer: World’s Columbian Exposition; 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World.
The World’s Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893, celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the New World. The fair showcased Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse’s alternating current system, featured the world’s first Ferris wheel, and attracted over 27 million visitors. Designed in Beaux-Arts style, the exposition left a lasting impact on American architecture and culture.
Three
What was the name of the craft which, in 2004, completed the first crewed private spaceflight?
Answer: SpaceShipOne.
Piloted by Mike Melvill, SpaceShipOne, an experimental air-launched rocket-powered aircraft, achieved sub-orbital spaceflight in 2004, completing the first crewed private spaceflight and winning the Ansari X Prize. Developed by Mojave Aerospace Ventures, the project, named ‘Tier One’, aimed to take passengers into space with a successor ship.
Four
Which team won the very first game in Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) history when the league debuted in 1997?
Answer: New York Liberty.
The WNBA’s inaugural game was played at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, on 21 June 1997. The New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, marking the beginning of the league’s first season.
Five
The country represented by the flag above first became self-governing in 2009; its parliament is the Inatsisartut; and it appears first on list of a specific geographic superlative. What country is this?
Answer: Greenland.
Greenland, officially the world’s largest island that is not a continent, is home to 56,000 people. It has its own extensive local government but is also part of the Realm of Denmark. Most of its inhabitants live in the 20% of the country that is not covered by ice and snow.
