True or false: The above 2003 headline from The Herald in Glasgow, Scotland, referenced opera singer Kiri Te Kanawa’s arrival in the city with several shotguns.
Two
True or false: On 18 June 1983, US astronaut Sally Ride became the first woman to travel in space.
Three
True or false: According to the United States Geological Survey, about 90% of the world’s earthquakes, including most of its largest, occur within the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Four
Those kids were fast as lightning In fact, it was a little bit frightening
True or false: The above lyric from a 1974 song was a number one hit in multiple nations.
Five
True or false: Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1878.
Happy New Year. Yet another random mix of questions for today
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The Palace of Westminster seen from east. Victoria Tower and the House of Lords are on the left. The Clock Tower of Big Ben and the House of Commons are on the right. The spire left of centre is the 300ft ventilation chimney above the central lobby. The twin white towers of Westminster Abbey are just visible in the background. Image Wikipedia
One
How are the hours nine, ten, eleven and twelve shown on the clock faces of the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster, which is also known as Big Ben?
Answer: IF; F; FI and FII
The famous dial features [Augustus] Pugin’s favoured gothic numerals rather than traditional roman numerals – an ‘F’-shaped character replaces X for 10. These numerals are also found on clocks around Parliament.
What is the complete title of this 1987 Hanna-Barbera made-for-television film: The Jetsons Meet…
Answer: The Jetsons Meetthe Flintstones
The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones is a 1987 animated crossover film where the two families meet after a time travel experiment.
Three
Rabbit underground, rabbit safe and sound
This quote is from a story which features anthropomorphised animals living in their natural habitats, complete with their own language, culture and mythology. Originally a 1972 novel, there have been both film (1978) and television adaptations (1999 and 2018), with the most recent being a co-production by the BBC and Netflix. Could you tell me the title and author of this novel?
Answer: Watership Down and Richard Adams
Richard Adams, an English novelist born in 1920, is best known for Watership Down. He served in the British Army during World War II and later joined the Civil Service before becoming a full-time author in 1974. Adams was a strong advocate for animal welfare and served as president of the RSPCA.
Four
Through how many countries does the Andes mountain range extend and what are they?
Answer: Seven; Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela
The Andes extend from south to north through seven South American countries: Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela.
Five
We are drinking beer at noon on Tuesday
The above quote is from a song which also mentions a boulevard. Could you please identify the song, the singer-songwriter who wrote it, and the specific boulevard mentioned in the lyrics?
Answer: All I Wanna Do; Sheryl Crow; Santa Monica Boulevard
All I Wanna Do by Sheryl Crow, from her debut album, was a breakthrough hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning two Grammy Awards. The song achieved international success, topping charts in Australia and Canada and reaching the top 10 in several European countries.
Happy New Year. Yet another random mix of questions for today
.
The Palace of Westminster seen from east. Victoria Tower and the House of Lords are on the left. The Clock Tower of Big Ben and the House of Commons are on the right. The spire left of centre is the 300ft ventilation chimney above the central lobby. The twin white towers of Westminster Abbey are just visible in the background. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
How are the hours nine, ten, eleven and twelve shown on the clock faces of the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster, which is also known as Big Ben?
Two
What is the complete title of this 1987 Hanna-Barbera made-for-television film: The Jetsons Meet…
Three
Rabbit underground, rabbit safe and sound
This quote is from a story which features anthropomorphised animals living in their natural habitats, complete with their own language, culture and mythology. Originally a 1972 novel, there have been both film (1978) and television adaptations (1999 and 2018), with the most recent being a co-production by the BBC and Netflix. Could you tell me the title and author of this novel?
Four
Through how many countries does the Andes mountain range extend and what are they?
Five
We are drinking beer at noon on Tuesday
The above quote is from a song which also mentions a boulevard. Could you please identify the song, the singer-songwriter who wrote it, and the specific boulevard mentioned in the lyrics?
The Beatles held the festive top spot with four singles topping the UK singles chart on Christmas Day in 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1967. Which songs secured these number one positions?
Answers: I Wanna Hold Your Hand
The Beatles hold the record for the most British Christmas number ones according to Guinness World Records,
The Beatles (UK) have had four singles in the festive top spot: “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” which went to No.1 on 12 December 1963, “I Feel Fine” (10 December 1964), “Day Tripper/We Can Work it Out” (16 December 1965) and “Hello Goodbye” (6 December 1967).
In 2004, researchers discovered that the rock summit of Mont Blanc was located west of the ice-covered summit. What is the distance between these two summits?
4 m (13 feet)
26 m (85 feet)
40 m (130 feet)
Answer: 40 m (130 feet)
Researchers discovered that the rock summit of Mont Blanc is 40 metres west of its ice summit. The rock summit, which reaches 4,792 metres, is actually 40 metres west of the ice summit at 4,807 metres. This finding informed an ice core drilling programme beginning in autumn 2004.
Three
What words are missing from this book title — The … at the … of the … — the second book in a ‘trilogy’?
Answer: Restaurant; End; Universe
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, the second book in Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a trilogy in five parts, follows Arthur Dent and his companions on their cosmic adventures. The book, like its predecessor, was an adaptation of Adams’ BBC radio series.
Four
What Australian city, a state capital, stands on the Swan River?
Answer: Perth
The Swan River in southwestern Western Australia flows 224 miles from the Avon River to the Indian Ocean. It is known for its black swans and was the site of Western Australia’s first free settlement in 1829.
Five
Who played Eloise Chandler, a florist, in the 2009 film Love Happens?
Answer: Jennifer Aniston
Love Happens is a 2009 romantic drama film starring Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston. The film, about a grieving widower finding love again.
The Beatles held the festive top spot with four singles topping the UK singles chart on Christmas Day in 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1967. Which songs secured these number one positions?
Two
In 2004, researchers discovered that the rock summit of Mont Blanc was located west of the ice-covered summit. What is the distance between these two summits?
4 m (13 feet)
26 m (85 feet)
40 m (130 feet)
Three
What words are missing from this book title — The … at the … of the … — the second book in a ‘trilogy’?
Four
What Australian city, a state capital, stands on the Swan River?
Five
Who played Eloise Chandler, a florist, in the 2009 film Love Happens?
Jean-Luc Picard, commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise, is known for this catchphrase ‘tea, … …, hot’. What two words are missing?
Answer: Earl Grey
Earl Grey tea is a black tea blend flavoured with bergamot oil, though many use artificial flavouring. Traditionally made from Chinese keemun, it can also be blended with lapsang souchong or made with green or oolong tea.
Two
The Italian hero Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi, Italian general, revolutionary and republican, was born in what city?
Answer: Nice (France)
Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general, revolutionary, and republican who played a key role in the Unification of Italy. He embraced republican nationalism but allied with the monarchist Cavour for unification. Garibaldi led successful military campaigns, including the Expedition of the Thousand, and became an international figurehead for national independence and republican ideals.
Three
New York’s Central Park is bordered by what four roadways?
Answer: Central Park North, Fifth Avenue, Central Park South and Central Park West
Central Park, a 843-acre urban park in Manhattan, is the most visited urban park in the United States. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, it opened in 1858 and was completed in 1876. The park features attractions like the Ramble and Lake, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Central Park Zoo. It also offers recreational activities such as carriage rides and concerts.
Four
Jennifer Grey plays ‘Baby’ in 1987’s Dirty Dancing but what is the character’s actual name?
Answer: Frances Houseman
Dirty Dancing is a 1987 American romantic drama dance film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. The film, based on screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein’s childhood, was a commercial success, earning over $214 million worldwide and spawning a successful franchise.
Five
In music, what ten-letter noun means ‘a passage marked to be performed very loudly’. What word?
Answer: Fortissimo
Fortissimo, abbreviated ff, is an Italian musical term meaning ‘very loud’. Italian has been the standard language for musical dynamics since the Baroque era. Pipe organs are among the few acoustic instruments capable of sustaining true fortissimo levels for long periods, sometimes producing sound pressures that can be physically felt. Some modern composers and film scores push beyond traditional notation, using ffff or textual instructions to indicate overwhelming or explosive sound effects.
Jean-Luc Picard, commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise, is known for this catchphrase ‘tea, … …, hot’. What two words are missing?
Two
The Italian hero Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi, Italian general, revolutionary and republican, was born in what city?
Three
New York’s Central Park is bordered by what four roadways?
Four
Jennifer Grey plays ‘Baby’ in 1987’s Dirty Dancing but what is the character’s actual name?
Five
In music, what ten-letter noun means ‘a passage marked to be performed very loudly’. What word?
Four knights—Reginald FitzUrse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy and Richard le Breton—were responsible for an assassination in England on this date in 1170. Who was the victim of this assassination?
Answer: Thomas Becket
St. Thomas Becket, chancellor of England and archbishop of Canterbury, clashed with King Henry II, leading to his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr in the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.
Two
In 1890, the Wounded Knee massacre resulted in 300 Lakota deaths on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Which US state is Wounded Knee located in, and which US regiment was responsible for this massacre?
Answer: South Dakota; 7th Cavalry Regiment
The Wounded Knee massacre is widely regarded as marking the end of the Indian Wars, a series of conflicts between the United States and Native American tribes that spanned much of the 19th century.
Three
In 1911, after gaining independence, the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu was enthroned as Khagan. This took place in which country?
Answer: Mongolia
The 8th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu became both the spiritual and temporal leader of the newly independent state, establishing a theocratic government that lasted until Mongolia fell under strong influence from the Soviet Union.
Four
1860 – The launch of HMS Warrior, with her combination of …, … and …, renders all previous warships obsolete
The above quote from Wikipedia is missing the three factors which rendered previous warships obsolete. What were these factors?
Answer: Screw propeller, iron hull and iron armour
HMS Warrior demonstrated that ironclad, steam-powered warships were superior to traditional wooden sailing vessels, prompting navies worldwide to rapidly abandon older ship designs.
Five
According to his own account, which Native American woman saved the life of English explorer John Smith in 1607 by pleading with her father, the Powhatan leader Wahunsenacawh?
Answer: Pocahontas
Pocahontas was the daughter of Wahunsenacawh, the paramount chief of the Powhatan Confederacy, and her dramatic rescue of John Smith is known primarily from Smith’s own later writings—leading historians to debate how literally the event should be interpreted.
Four knights—Reginald FitzUrse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy and Richard le Breton—were responsible for an assassination in England on this date in 1170. Who was the victim of this assassination?
Two
In 1890, the Wounded Knee massacre resulted in 300 Lakota deaths on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Which US state is Wounded Knee located in, and which US regiment was responsible for this massacre?
Three
In 1911, after gaining independence, the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu was enthroned as Khagan. This took place in which country?
Four
1860 – The launch of HMS Warrior, with her combination of …, … and …, renders all previous warships obsolete.
The above quote from Wikipedia is missing the three factors which rendered previous warships obsolete. What were these factors?
Five
According to his own account, which Native American woman saved the life of English explorer John Smith in 1607 by pleading with her father, the Powhatan leader Wahunsenacawh?
Here are the answers to the questions I posed earlier.
A bit of a mix today with questions based on literature, film and television.
The three kinds of Hobbits: Harfoots, Stoors and Fallohides. Image — Art by Lidia Postma. Tolkien Gateway
One
Fallohides and Stoors are two of the three Hobbit breeds created in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional history of Middle-earth. Which is the third?
Answer: Harfoots
J.R.R. Tolkien crafted a fictional history encompassing three hobbit breeds distinguished by their physical characteristics and temperaments: Harfoots, Fallohides and Stoors. Over centuries, by the time of Bilbo and Frodo, these groups had intermingled unevenly, with some families and regions favouring descent from one of the three.
Two
What TV presenter—top guy who did a tour on the farm apparently—when a child in 1972, was one of the recipients of the first prototype Paddington Bear stuffed toy, which was made by his parents?
Answer: Jeremy Clarkson
Clarkson, known for Top Gear, The Grand Tour in and Clarkson’s Farm, received the gift from his parents. Shirley and Eddie Clarkson’s small family business created the first Paddington Bear stuffed toy in 1972. This was after Michael Bond, the author and creator of Paddington, granted the Clarksons worldwide licensing rights.
Three
There were five stones in the beginning. Over the centuries, they were dispersed by wars, sold off by thieves like you.
The above quote is from a 1984 adventure film. What film, and who co-starred as Willie Scott in this film?
Answer: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a 1984 action-adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg. It is a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark, following Indiana Jones as he battles a Thuggee cult in British India. The film was a financial success but received mixed reviews due to its violence and darker themes.
Four
Zem, is an affable, yet stupid, swamp-dwelling m…
An eight-letter word, finishes the above quote from Wikipedia about a creature from the swampy planet Sqornshellous Zeta in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?
Answer: Mattress
Zem, a swamp-dwelling mattress on Sqornshellous Zeta, befriends Marvin the Paranoid Android and witnesses Marvin’s abduction by Krikkit war robots. He appears in the novel Life, the Universe and Everything.
Five
In HBO’s Game of Thrones, what role does Gwendoline Christie play?
Answer: Brienne of Tarth
Brienne of Tarth, a skilled warrior, is sworn into Catelyn Stark’s service after being falsely accused of murder. She escorts Jaime Lannister, fights a bear, and searches for Sansa and Arya Stark. Brienne fulfils her oath to Catelyn, becomes head of Bran the Broken’s Kingsguard, and reunites with Jaime before his death.
Quizology.Online 
