Matchmaker—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions I posed in my earlier post.

Today’s questions are all connected to December 23rd.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Toni Collette in Emma (1996).
Image © 1996 Miramax Films via Encyclopædia Britannica

One

In 1815, Jane Austen published her fourth novel, which was later adapted into a film in 1996. What was the title of the book?

Answer: Emma

Jane Austen’s 1815 novel, Emma, follows the matchmaking misadventures of Emma Woodhouse in the fictional town of Highbury.

Two

Who, born in 1933, became the 125th emperor of Japan in 1989, and how did his reign end in 2019?

Answer: Akihito; abdication

Akihito, the 125th emperor of Japan, reigned from 1989 to 2019. He abdicated in favour of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito.

Three

In 1888, what two artists were involved in ‘the incident at the Yellow House’, and what injury happened to one of them?

Answers: Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin; Van Gogh cut off part of his left ear

Vincent van Gogh cut off part of his ear in 1888 after a heated argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. The incident, possibly linked to van Gogh’s mental health struggles, led to his hospitalisation and Gauguin’s departure from Arles.

Four

In 2001, which South American nation announced the suspension of payments on its external debt marking the largest debt default in history?

Answer: Argentina

Argentina’s economy experienced a severe recession from 1998 to 2002, culminating in a US$93 billion debt default in 2001. This led to a rapid devaluation of the peso, soaring inflation, and a significant drop in GDP.

Five

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born in 1805. Which US state was his birthplace?

Answer: Vermont

Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, translated golden plates into the Book of Mormon. His teachings, including revelations and polygamy, were recorded and published.

Matchmaker

Today’s questions are all connected to December 23rd.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Toni Collette.
Image © 1996 Miramax Films via Encyclopædia Britannica. See answer post for image information.

One

In 1815, Jane Austen published her fourth novel, which was later adapted into a film in 1996. What was the title of the book?

Two

Who, born in 1933, became the 125th emperor of Japan in 1989, and how did his reign end in 2019?

Three

In 1888, what two artists were involved in ‘the incident at the Yellow House’, and what injury happened to one of them?

Four

In 2001, which South American nation announced the suspension of payments on its external debt marking the largest debt default in history?

Five

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born in 1805. Which US state was his birthplace?

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

Fly the Flag—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions posed in my earlier post.

These questions are all related to today’s date, December 22nd.

Flag of Croatia.
Image Wikipedia

One

In 1990, the country whose flag is shown above put into effect its constitution. What is that country?

Answer: Croatia

The Republic of Croatia’s Constitution was promulgated today in 1990. It grants civil rights, including freedom of speech, religion, information, and association, as well as guaranteeing equality of nationalities.

Two

What gate in Berlin was reopened in 1989, having been obstructed and inaccessible during the Cold War?

Answer: Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate, a Berlin landmark, symbolises both Germany’s division and reunification. Built in the late 18th century, it was closed off during the Berlin Wall era and reopened in 1989, marking a pivotal moment in German history.

Three

In 1965, Doctor Zhivago premiered. Who played Larissa Ameliava Antipova in the film and whose 1957 novel was the film an adaption?

Answers: Julie Christie; Boris Pasternak

Doctor Zhivago, a 1965 American film directed by David Lean, is a sweeping adaptation of Boris Pasternak’s novel. The film, set against the backdrop of World War I and the Russian Revolution, follows the love story between physician and poet Yury Zhivago and Larissa Ameliava Antipova, ‘Lara’. Despite mixed reviews, the film became a box-office success, known for its grand scale, cinematography, and Maurice Jarre’s score.
Boris Pasternak’s novel, Doctor Zhivago, although published in 1957, was banned in the Soviet Union until 1987.

Four

In 1894, Alfred Dreyfus, a French army officer, was sentenced to life imprisonment for treason and sent to Devil’s Island, a remote penal colony, to serve his sentence. Four years later, his case was the subject of a now-famous letter, *J’Accuse…!, *which was published in the French press. Where was Devil’s Island, and who wrote J’Accuse…!?

Answers: French Guiana; Émile Zola

The Devil’s Island penal colony, officially the penal colony of Cayenne, in French Guiana operated from 1852 to 1952. It was notorious for harsh treatment, high mortality rates, and the exile of political prisoners like Captain Dreyfus. Émile Zola’s open letter, J’Accuse…!, published in 1898, accused the French government of antisemitism and the unlawful jailing of Alfred Dreyfus. The letter, published in L’Aurore, sparked international outrage and led to Zola’s prosecution for libel. The letter heightened support for Dreyfus

Five

In 1941, two weeks after Pearl Harbor, the US president and British prime minister met in Washington DC to discuss World War II. Who were these two men?

Answers: Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill

The First Washington Conference, attended by Roosevelt and Churchill, prioritised defeating Germany and established the Combined Chiefs of Staff. Allies committed to the Declaration by United Nations, vowing no separate peace and full resource utilisation.

Fly the Flag

These questions are all related to today’s date, December 22nd.

Image Wikipedia

One

In 1990, the country whose flag is shown above put into effect its constitution. What is that country?

Two

What gate in Berlin was reopened in 1989, having been obstructed and inaccessible during the Cold War?

Three

In 1965, Doctor Zhivago premiered. Who played Larissa Ameliava Antipova in the film and whose 1957 novel was the film an adaption?

Four

In 1894, Alfred Dreyfus, a French army officer, was sentenced to life imprisonment for treason and sent to Devil’s Island, a remote penal colony, to serve his sentence. Four years later, his case was the subject of a now-famous letter, *J’Accuse…!, *which was published in the French press. Where was Devil’s Island, and who wrote J’Accuse…!?

Five

In 1941, two weeks after Pearl Harbor, the US president and British prime minister met in Washington DC to discuss World War II. Who were these two men?

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

Heigh Ho—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions in my earlier post.

Heigh Ho.
Image YouTube

Today’s first question relates to the date December 21st and the subsequent questions follow a theme established by the initial one.

One

In what year did Walt Disney’s classic animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiere?

Answer: 1937

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a 1937 American animated musical fantasy film, was the first cel-animated feature film. It was a critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 1938 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made.

Two

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was loosely based on a story from whose collection of fairy tales?

Answer: Brothers Grimm

It was loosely based on Snow White a German fairy tale published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812.

Three

Which one of the seven dwarfs connects a Barbra Streisand film and Bugs Bunny?

Answer: Doc

The connection to Doc was Streisand’s 1972 film What’s Up, Doc? with Bugs Bunny’s catchphrase.
What’s Up, Doc? is a 1972 screwball comedy film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal. It was a success, becoming the third highest-grossing film of 1972 and winning a WGA award for Best Comedy Screenplay.

Four

Continuing with the theme of dwarf names, the film Happy Feet featured Mumble, a tap-dancing penguin, and his friends ‘the Amigos’. What species of penguin is Mumble, and what species are ‘the Amigos’?

Answers: (Mumble is an) Emperor penguin; (the Amigos are) Adélie penguins

Happy Feet is a 2006 animated musical comedy film about a tap-dancing penguin named Mumble. The film was positively received and grossed $384 million worldwide.

Five

The 1993 film Grumpy Old Men who starred as the title characters John Gustafson Jr. and Max Goldman?

Answers: Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau

Grumpy Old Men is a 1993 American romantic comedy film directed by Donald Petrie. John and Max, neighbours in Wabasha, Minnesota, engage in a feud characterised by ice fishing, insults, and practical jokes. Their rivalry bothers their friends and families.

Heigh Ho

Heigh Ho.
Image YouTube

Today’s first question relates to the date December 21st and the subsequent questions follow a theme established by the initial one.

One

In what year did Walt Disney’s classic animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiere?

Two

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was loosely based on a story from whose collection of fairy tales?

Three

Which one of the seven dwarfs connects a Barbra Streisand film and Bugs Bunny?

Four

Continuing with the theme of dwarf names, the film Happy Feet featured Mumble, a tap-dancing penguin, and his friends ‘the Amigos’. What species of penguin is Mumble, and what species are ‘the Amigos’?

Five

The 1993 film Grumpy Old Men who starred as the title characters John Gustafson Jr. and Max Goldman?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

First—Answers

All of these questions are connected to today, December 20th, and all contain the word ‘first’.

See question 3. Abraham Lincoln, 1863.
Image Wikipedia

One

((First voice) I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, dear Father.

(Second voice) Joseph, Jesus and Mary. Help my friend Mr. Bailey.

(Third voice) Help my son George tonight.

(Fourth voice) He never thinks about himself, God; that’s why he’s in trouble.

(Fifth voice) George is a good guy. Give him a break, God.

(Sixth voice) I love him, dear Lord. Watch over him tonight.

(Seventh voice) Please, God. Something’s the matter with Daddy.

(Eighth voice) Please bring Daddy back.

The individuals quoted praying above form the first lines in a classic film which premiered today in 1946. What was the film?

Answer: It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s a Wonderful Life, a 1946 Christmas film directed by Frank Capra, stars James Stewart as George Bailey. Initially a box office disappointment, the film later became a Christmas classic and is now considered one of the greatest films of all time.

Two

The first tale in an 1812 collection of fairy tales was The Golden Bird. Who published this collection?

Answer: Brothers Grimm

German folklorists Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, known for Grimm’s Fairy Tales, significantly contributed to folklore study and popularised classic tales. Jacob also made notable contributions to historical linguistics and Germanic philology.

Three

On this date in 1860, following Abraham Lincoln’s election as US president, which state became the first to secede from the Union?

Answer: South Carolina

South Carolina seceded from the Union in 1860, joining the Confederacy and sparking the Civil War. After the war, Reconstruction brought military occupation and disenfranchisement, leading to the rise of Wade Hampton and the ‘Bourbon era’. The conflict between the Up Country and Low Country culminated in the election of Benjamin R. Tillman, who championed agrarian reform, white supremacy, and the disenfranchisement of African Americans.

Four

In what decade was Ethiopia first declared a socialist state under the leadership of Mengistu Haile Mariam?

Answer: 1970s

On 20 December 1974, Mengistu Haile Mariam, an Ethiopian army officer, overthrew the monarchy and established a communist regime. He ruled with an iron fist, implementing the ‘Red Terror Campaign’ and facing armed rebellions, droughts and famines. Facing mounting challenges and dwindling support, Mengistu fled to Zimbabwe in 1991.

Five

In 1996, the horror classic Scream was first released in the United States. Who was the director, and who played the role of Sidney Prescott?

Answers: Wes Craven; Neve Campbell

Scream is a 1996 American slasher film directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. The film, which satirises slasher genre clichés, was a critical and commercial success, grossing approximately $173 million worldwide. It revitalised Craven’s and Drew Barrymore’s careers and spawned a successful franchise.

First

All of these questions are connected to today, December 20th, and all contain the word ‘first’.

See question 3. Abraham Lincoln, 1863.
Image Wikipedia

One

((First voice) I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, dear Father.

(Second voice) Joseph, Jesus and Mary. Help my friend Mr. Bailey.

(Third voice) Help my son George tonight.

(Fourth voice) He never thinks about himself, God; that’s why he’s in trouble.

(Fifth voice) George is a good guy. Give him a break, God.

(Sixth voice) I love him, dear Lord. Watch over him tonight.

(Seventh voice) Please, God. Something’s the matter with Daddy.

(Eighth voice) Please bring Daddy back.

The individuals quoted praying above form the first lines in a classic film which premiered today in 1946. What was the film?

Two

The first tale in an 1812 collection of fairy tales was The Golden Bird. Who published this collection?

Three

On this date in 1860, following Abraham Lincoln’s election as US president, which state became the first to secede from the Union?

Four

In what decade was Ethiopia first declared a socialist state under the leadership of Mengistu Haile Mariam?

Five

In 1996, the horror classic Scream was first released in the United States. Who was the director, and who played the role of Sidney Prescott?

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

Little Sparrow—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier post.

See question 5. Artist pression of ESA’s Gaia satellite observing the Milky Way, with a background image of the sky compiled from data from more than 1.8 billion stars.
Image ESA via Wikipedia

One

… was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.

Published for the first time on this date in 1843, what begins with the quote above and whose surname is missing from the start?

Answer: A Christmas Carol; Marley

A Christmas Carol, a novella by Charles Dickens, recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation after visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. The novella, published in 1843, was inspired by Dickens’s experiences and the Victorian revival of Christmas traditions. It has never been out of print and has been widely adapted.

Two

Born on this day in 1906, what Soviet leader, along with US President Jimmy Carter, signed the unsuccessful SALT II treaty in Vienna in 1979?

Answer: Leonid Brezhnev

Leonid Brezhnev, a Soviet statesman, led the Soviet Union for 18 years. He prioritised foreign and military affairs, implementing the Brezhnev Doctrine to justify Soviet intervention in Czechoslovakia and expanding the Soviet military-industrial complex. While achieving parity with the US in nuclear weapons and space programmes, Brezhnev’s focus on defence led to economic decline, impacting agriculture, consumer goods and healthcare.

Three

A singer born in Paris, France, on 19 December 1915, came to be known as ‘little sparrow’. Who was she?

Answer: Edith Piaf

Edith Piaf, a French singer and actress, gained international fame for her interpretation of the chanson. Her life, marked by tragedy and hardship, deeply influenced her music, which often reflected themes of loss and love. Despite her struggles with health and addiction, Piaf’s powerful voice and dramatic style captivated audiences, leaving a lasting legacy.

Four

On this day in 1606, Christopher Newport, in command of the Discovery, the Godspeed, and the Susan Constant, sailed from London, England. The following April, they entered a bay—the largest estuary in the United States—and went on to set up the first permanent English settlement in North America. What was the name of the bay and the colony?

Answer: Chesapeake Bay; Jamestown

Newport, a member of the colony’s governing body, led a total five voyages between Virginia and England, bringing supplies and settlers to the Jamestown colony between 1606 and 1611.

Five

In 2013, the European Space Agency launched a spacecraft that could be described as a space telescope or astronomical observatory. Named after the personification of Earth in Greek mythology, what was its name?

Answer: Gaia

Gaia, the Greek personification of Earth, is the mother of Uranus, Pontus, the Titans, Cyclopes and Giants.

From 27 July 2014 to 15 January 2025, Gaia has made more than three trillion observations of two billion stars and other objects throughout our Milky Way galaxy and beyond, mapping their motions, luminosity, temperature and composition. Gaia’s extraordinarily precise three-dimensional map will provide the data needed to tackle an enormous range of important questions related to the origin, structure and evolutionary history of our galaxy.

— European Space Agency

Little Sparrow

See question 5. Artist pression of ESA’s … satellite observing the Milky Way, with a background image of the sky compiled from data from more than 1.8 billion stars.
Image ESA via Wikipedia

One

… was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.

Published for the first time on this date in 1843, what begins with the quote above and whose surname is missing from the start?

Two

Born on this day in 1906, what Soviet leader, along with US President Jimmy Carter, signed the unsuccessful SALT II treaty in Vienna in 1979?

Three

A singer born in Paris, France, on 19 December 1915, came to be known as ‘little sparrow’. Who was she?

Four

On this day in 1606, Christopher Newport, in command of the Discovery, the Godspeed, and the Susan Constant, sailed from London, England. The following April, they entered a bay—the largest estuary in the United States—and went on to set up the first permanent English settlement in North America. What was the name of the bay and the colony?

Five

In 2013, the European Space Agency launched a spacecraft that could be described as a space telescope or astronomical observatory. Named after the personification of Earth in Greek mythology, what was its name?

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