Quizology.Online

A Serious Pursuit of the Trivial

  • A Masterly Performance—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    These questions are all related to today’s date, January 21st.

    Pontifical Swiss Guard.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    In what century were this corps of soldiers entrusted with the duties of watchmen for the holder of a particular office, and what office was that?

    Answer: 16th century

    The Pontifical Swiss Guard, established in 1506, protects the Pope and the Vatican. Their duties include accompanying the Pope on journeys, guarding Vatican access points, and protecting the College of Cardinals during the Vacant See.

    Two

    The professional golfer Jack Nicklaus was born on this day in 1940. During his professional career, how many Masters Tournaments did he win?

    Answer: Six

    American professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, born in 1940, dominated world golf from the 1960s to the 1980s. He won 18 major championships, including a record six Masters Tournaments between 1963 and 1986, and was named PGA Player of the Year five times. Nicklaus also designed golf courses and authored several books.

    Three

    A French fashion designer born in 1905 became known for annually introducing new lines, for example the Muguet/Lily of the Valley line and H-Line in 1954; and the A-Line and Y-Line in 1955. Who was this designer?

    Answer: Christian Dior

    Christian Dior, a French fashion designer, revolutionised post-war fashion with his New Look style, characterised by feminine, sculpted clothing with rounded shoulders, a cinched waist, and a full skirt. Backed by Marcel Boussac, he founded his fashion house in 1946 and introduced the New Look in 1947. Dior’s influence extended beyond clothing, as he also launched perfumes, shoes, makeup, and accessories, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the fashion industry.

    Four

    A Spanish singer born in 1941 went on to be one third of the operatic singing trio The Three Tenors. Identify the three singers who comprised The Three Tenors?

    Answer: Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras

    Plácido Domingo, a Spanish-born singer, conductor, and opera administrator, is renowned for his powerful tenor voice and versatility. He performed over 150 operatic roles, ventured into popular music, and founded the Operalia competition to support young singers. Allegations of sexual misconduct in 2019 led to the cancellation of performances, although Domingo denied any wrongdoing.

    Concorde G-BOAA at the National Museum of Flight, Scotland.
    Image National Museum of Flight

    Five

    On 21 January 1976, two Concorde aircraft, one from British Airways and the other from Air France, made their first commercial flights. What were the two routes flown by these Concorde aircraft on that day?

    Answer: (British Airways) London to Bahrain and (Air France) Paris to Rio

    The Concorde, a supersonic passenger jet built by British and French manufacturers, made its first transatlantic flight (non-commercial) in 1973 and inaugurated scheduled commercial supersonic service in 1976. Despite its technological prowess and ability to halve transatlantic flight times, the Concorde was never financially viable due to high operating costs and noise pollution. The programme ended in 2003 after a fatal crash in 2000 and financial losses. British Airways Concorde B-GOAA, which flew the first London-Bahrain flight mentioned in this question, is on display at the National Museum of Scotland’s National Museum of Flight.

    Hopefully, there will be some more trivia for your amusement here tomorrow.

  • A Masterly Performance

    These questions are all related to today’s date, January 21st.

    Pontifical Swiss Guard.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    In what century were this corps of soldiers entrusted with the duties of watchmen for the holder of a particular office, and what office was that?

    Two

    The professional golfer Jack Nicklaus was born on this day in 1940. During his professional career, how many Masters Tournaments did he win?

    Three

    A French fashion designer born in 1905 became known for annually introducing new lines, for example the Muguet/Lily of the Valley line and H-Line in 1954; and the A-Line and Y-Line in 1955. Who was this designer?

    Four

    A Spanish singer born in 1941 went on to be one third of the operatic singing trio The Three Tenors. Identify the three singers who comprised The Three Tenors?

    Concorde G-BOAA at the National Museum of Flight, Scotland.
    Image National Museum of Flight

    Five

    On 21 January 1976, two Concorde aircraft, one from British Airways and the other from Air France, made their first commercial flights. What were the two routes flown by these Concorde aircraft on that day?

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

  • Doubly Tuned—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    Five random questions today.

    Billy the Kid.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    Billy the Kid was shot and killed at Fort Sumner by whom?

    Answer: Sheriff Pat Garrett

    Henry McCarty, aka William H. Bonney and Billy the Kid, an American outlaw and gunfighter, was linked to nine murders, solely responsible for four, and possibly involved in five others. Sheriff Pat Garrett, responding to rumours, questioned Pete Maxwell, a friend of Bonney’s, and encountered Bonney unexpectedly, leading to a confrontation where Garrett fatally shot Bonney.

    Two

    Whose first novel was When the Lion Feeds?

    Answer: Wilbur Smith

    Wilbur Addison Smith (1933–2021) was a British-South African novelist known for his historical fiction set in Southern Africa. He wrote 49 books, selling over 140 million copies, and focused on themes like hunting, mining, romance and conflict.

    Three

    Tennis: The Woodies won six Wimbledon men’s doubles titles. What were their surnames?

    Answer: Woodbridge and Woodforde

    The Woodies, Australian tennis doubles pairing Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, were one of the most successful in history, winning 61 ATP titles and 11 major titles. They represented Australia in the Olympics and Davis Cup, winning gold and silver medals and contributing to a Davis Cup victory. The Woodies were inducted into the Australian and International Tennis Halls of Fame in 2010.

    Four

    DOUBLY TUNED is an anagram of an English word, an adverb meaning certainly. What is the word?

    Answer: Undoubtedly

    undoubtedly /ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli /

    ▸ adverb without doubt; certainly: they are undoubtedly guilty.

    — Oxford English Dictionary

    Five

    Simon and Garfunkel’s first U.S. number one single hit was what?

    Answer: The Sound of Silence

    The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, written by Paul Simon, was initially released in 1964 as an acoustic version. A remixed version with electric instruments, released in 1965, became a number-one hit and led to the duo’s reunion and the release of their second album. The song appeared under both the opening and closing credits of the 1967 film The Graduate and was included on its soundtrack album.

  • Doubly Tuned

    Five random questions today.

    Billy the Kid.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    Billy the Kid was shot and killed at Fort Sumner by whom?

    Two

    Whose first novel was When the Lion Feeds?

    Three

    Tennis: The Woodies won six Wimbledon men’s doubles titles. What were their surnames?

    Four

    DOUBLY TUNED is an anagram of an English word, an adverb meaning certainly. What is the word?

    Five

    Simon and Garfunkel’s first U.S. number one single hit was what?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answer later.

  • 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.