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.
National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, Washington D.C. Image Wikipedia
One
What decade saw the first time that residents of Washington, D.C. could vote in a U.S. presidential election
Answer: 1960s (1964)
Twenty-Third Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1961, granted D.C. three electoral votes—the same number as the least-populous state. Before this, its residents had no say in electing the president or vice-president.
Two
Today Henry VIII of England became the first Supreme Head of the Church of England. In which century was this?
Answer: 16th century (1534)
The Act of Supremacy officially severed England’s ties with the Roman Catholic Church and papal authority, paving the way for the English Reformation. Henry’s motivations were both political and personal; he desired an annulment from Catherine of Aragon.
A dog named Laika went into space on this day in 1957. Which of these craft carried her: Soyuz 1, Sputnik 2 or Salyut 3?
Answer: Sputnik 2
Laika, a stray from Moscow’s streets, became a global icon of the Space Race. Sadly, she died within hours due to overheating, although the Soviets initially claimed she survived for several days.
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Four
On this date, the Caribbean island nation of Dominica was first sighted by Europeans. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, it gained independence from a European country. What does the island’s name mean and from which country did it achieve independence?
Answer: United Kingdom; and Sunday
On 3 November 1493, Christopher Columbus sighted Dominica and named it Dies Dominica, meaning ‘the Lord’s Day’. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, on 3 November 1978, Dominica achieved independence after being a British colony and briefly a French one.
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Five
On this day in 1911, a racing driver and engineer, born in 1878, co-founded the American motor car manufacturer Chevrolet, who was he and in what country was he born?
Answer: Louis Chevrolet; Switzerland
Louis Chevrolet’s name lives on in one of America’s most famous car brands, but he sold his stake early and never profited from its later success. Ironically, he died while working for a rival carmaker.
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