In 1721, a collection of six instrumental works—the composer’s own title was Six Concerts Avec plusieurs Instruments (Six Concertos With several Instruments)—were presented by Johann Sebastian Bach to Christian Ludwig, a marquess and younger brother of King Frederick I of Prussia. Using the above picture as a clue, by what name is this collection commonly known today?
Answer: Brandenburg Concertos
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, now his most popular work, were likely never performed during his lifetime. Bach sent the original manuscript to the Margrave (Marquess) of Brandenburg in 1721, possibly as a job application, but the Margrave never acknowledged the gift. The concertos were forgotten for over a century until they were rediscovered and published in the 19th century.
The male monarch pictured above succeeded the female one on her death in 1603.
Who is the queen?
Who was the king?
What was the familial relationship between them?
Answers
Queen Elizabeth I
King James VI and I
Cousins.
Queen Elizabeth I’s death in 1603 ended her reign of England and Ireland, leading to her cousin King James VI of Scotland’s succession as King of England and Ireland. Now both James VI and I, his reign saw the beginning of the Plantation of Ulster and English colonisation of the Americas.
Three
From Jules Verne’s novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Image Wikimedia CommonsFrom the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne Image Wikimedia Commons
The two illustrations above are from novels by an author, ‘the father of science fiction’, who died in 1905, aged 77. Since 1979, he has been the second most translated author.
Who was the author?
From what novel is the first illustration?
From what novel is the second illustration?
Answers
Jules Verne
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
From the Earth to the Moon
Jules Verne was a French novelist, poet, and playwright, best known for his adventure novels like Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Around the World in Eighty Days His work, often set in the 19th century, incorporated contemporary scientific knowledge and technological advances. Verne is considered an important author in Europe and has been the second most-translated author in the world since 1979.
Four
Harry Houdini, performing The Chinese Water Torture Cell. Image Wikimedia Commons
Erik Weisz, who was born in 1874, is pictured above during one of his acts, although he’s better known by his stage name.
In what European city was he born?
Who is he better known as?
Answers
Budapest
Harry Houdini.
Harry Houdini, a Hungarian-American escapologist, gained fame for his daring escape acts, including freeing himself from handcuffs, chains, and straitjackets. He also pursued a crusade against fraudulent spiritualists and was a pioneer aviator.
The prisoner of war camp above was made famous by a 1963 film which features the inmates attempts to leave it on the night of 24 March 1944.
By what name is this POW camp commonly known?
What was the 1963 film?
In what modern country is the site of the camp today?
Answers
Stalag Luft III
The Great Escape
Poland
Stalag Luft III (in full Stammlager Luft III; literally meaning Main Camp, Air, III) was a World War II POW camp for Allied airmen, known for escape plots including the Great Escape. Of the 76 men who escaped that night, 73 were recaptured, and fifty of those were executed. The camp, which was liberated in 1945 and is now a museum, was the subject of two feature films about the escape attempts that were made: The Wooden Horse (1950) and The Great Escape (1963).
Five pictures and some questions all of which are related to today’s date, March 24th.
One
Image Wikimedia Commons
In 1721, a collection of six instrumental works—the composer’s own title was Six Concerts Avec plusieurs Instruments (Six Concertos With several Instruments)—were presented by Johann Sebastian Bach to Christian Ludwig, a marquess and younger brother of King Frederick I of Prussia. Using the above picture as a clue, by what name is this collection commonly known today?
Two
Image Wikimedia CommonsImage Wikimedia Commons
The male monarch pictured above succeeded the female one on her death in 1603.
Who is the queen?
Who was the king?
What was the familial relationship between them?
Three
First illustration. Image Wikimedia Commons Second illustration. Image Wikimedia Commons
The two illustrations above are from novels by an author, ‘the father of science fiction’, who died in 1905, aged 77. Since 1979, he has been the second most translated author.
Who was the author?
From what novel is the first illustration?
From what novel is the second illustration?
Four
Eric Weisz. Image Wikimedia Commons
Erik Weisz, who was born in 1874, is pictured above during one of his acts, although he’s better known by his stage name.
In what European city was he born?
Who is he better known as?
Five
Image Wikimedia Commons
The prisoner of war camp above was made famous by a 1963 film which features the inmates attempts to leave it on the night of 24 March 1944.
By what name is this POW camp commonly known?
What was the 1963 film?
In what modern country is the site of the camp today?
The Suez Canal was blocked for six days in 2021, when a container ship ran aground, see picture above. What was the name of the container ship?
Answer: Ever Given.
The Ever Given, a 400-metre-long vessel, blocked the Suez Canal on 23 March, disrupting global trade. After six days, the ship was freed, and shipping resumed. The Egyptian government impounded the vessel, seeking compensation, and a settlement was reached in July.
Two
What animals were retired from the U.S. Army in 1957 when it was decided that they were obsolete?
Answer: Pigeons.
During World War I, 10,000 messenger pigeon spots were filled, delivering messages where telegraph lines were vulnerable. Despite their service from the Spanish-American War to the Korean War, advances in communication technology made pigeons obsolete, leading to the end of pigeon service in 1956.
Three
In 1998, James Cameron’s Titanic won eleven Academy Awards. Which of these did it not win:
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Picture
Answer: 1. Best Actress.
James Cameron and Jon Landau Received the Oscar for the Best Picture, and Cameron was also the recipient for Best Director. Although nominated Kate Winslet did not win the Best Actress award which went to Helen Hunt for her role in As Good as it Gets.
Four
In 1956, the world’s first Islamic republic came into being. Currently the term is used in the names of three states: name those three countries?
Answer: Pakistan, Mauritania and Iran.
The term is currently used in the official name of three states – Pakistan, Mauritania, and Iran. Pakistan first adopted the title under the constitution of 1956. Mauritania adopted it on 28 November 1958. Iran adopted it after the 1979 Iranian Revolution that overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty. Despite having similar names, the countries differ greatly in their governments and laws. — Wikipedia (22/03/2026)
Five
In 1806, Lewis and Clark began their return journey to St. Louis, Missouri. Their return journey began from a position near to the mouth of what river?
Answer: Columbia River.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, led by Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark, explored the newly acquired western US territory after the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition, which began in 1804 and ended in 1806, traversed the continent, reaching the Pacific Ocean near the mouth of the Columbia River, where they built Fort Clatsop. The fort became their winter encampment prior to heading back to St. Louis. The original fort was replaced with a replica, and the area is now the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.
These questions are all related to today’s date, March 23rd.
Suez Canal 2021. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
The Suez Canal was blocked for six days in 2021, when a container ship ran aground, see picture above. What was the name of the container ship?
Two
What animals were retired from the U.S. Army in 1957 when it was decided that they were obsolete?
Three
In 1998, James Cameron’s Titanic won eleven Academy Awards. Which of these did it not win:
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Picture
Four
In 1956, the world’s first Islamic republic came into being. Currently the term is used in the names of three states: name those three countries?
Five
In 1806, Lewis and Clark began their return journey to St. Louis, Missouri. Their return journey began from a position near to the mouth of what river?
These questions are all about today’s date, March 22nd.
One
Born in 1948, this composer wrote the music for a musical based on a 1939 T.S. Eliot poetry collection. Three questions…
Who is the composer?
What is the title of the musical?
What is the name of the poetry collection?
Answers
Andrew Lloyd Webber;
Cats
Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats
Cats, a sung-through musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on T.S. Eliot’s poetry, tells the story of the Jellicle cats and their annual ‘Jellicle choice’. Premiering in 1981, it became a commercial success, running for decades in both the West End and Broadway, and sparking the mega-musical phenomenon.
Two
Canadian actor William Shatner, who was born on 22 March 1931, first appeared in the role of James T. Kirk in series 1 episode 1 of the original television series Star Trek in September 1966. What was the episode title?
Answer: The Man Trap.
William Shatner, born in 1931, is a Canadian actor renowned for his iconic role as Captain Kirk in the Star Trek franchise. He also starred in T.J. Hooker, Rescue 911, and Boston Legal, earning two Emmy Awards for the latter. Beyond acting, Shatner has released several albums and made history in 2021 as the oldest person to fly in space.
Three
Hugo Grotius, a Dutch jurist, scholar and diplomat, is often called the ‘father of modern international law’. Today, he is best known for escaping imprisonment in Loevestein Castle, Netherlands, on this date in 1621. His wife devised the escape plan; what was it?
Answer: Hidden in a wooden chest.
On this day in 1621, Hugo Grotius was smuggled out of prison in a chest. Religious tensions were high in Holland and Grotius, who favoured tolerance, made many enemies. Arrested and sentenced to life in prison in 1618, his guards grew careless, neglecting to inspect the large book chest he often received. His wife then devised a plan to smuggle him out using the same chest. The plan was successful and the couple later reunited in Paris. Grotius is also remembered for his extensive legal writings which earned him the title ‘father of international law’.
Four
Born in 1976 in New Orleans, Louisiana, this actress won an Academy Award in 2006 for her role in Walk the Line. Who is she?
Answer: Reese Witherspoon.
Reese Witherspoon, born on March 22, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is an acclaimed American actress and producer renowned for her roles in romantic comedies and films like Legally Blonde and Walk the Line — for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter. Witherspoon founded Hello Sunshine, a production company dedicated to female-led literary adaptations, and is actively involved in advocacy for children and women.
Five
Born in 1641 in Antwerp, Spanish Netherlands (now Belgium), this Flemish Baroque artist became a leading court painter in England. He is also known for having a beard named after him. Who is he?
Answer: Anthony van Dyck.
Sir Anthony van Dyck, a Flemish Baroque artist, revolutionised court portraiture in England, notably painting Charles I. He was a prolific painter of portraits, religious and mythological subjects, and a fine draftsman and etcher. The Van Dyke beard is named after him.
Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer
Today’s post title is the names of two feline characters from T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and the musical Cats.
These questions are all about today’s date, March 22nd.
One
Born in 1948, this composer wrote the music for a musical based on a 1939 T.S. Eliot poetry collection. Three questions…
Who is the composer?
What is the title of the musical?
What is the name of the poetry collection?
Two
Canadian actor William Shatner, who was born on 22 March 1931, first appeared in the role of James T. Kirk in series 1 episode 1 of the original television series Star Trek in September 1966. What was the episode title?
Three
Hugo Grotius, a Dutch jurist, scholar and diplomat, is often called the ‘father of modern international law’. Today, he is best known for escaping imprisonment in Loevestein Castle, Netherlands, on this date in 1621. His wife devised the escape plan; what was it?
Four
Born in 1976 in New Orleans, Louisiana, this actress won an Academy Award in 2006 for her role in Walk the Line. Who is she?
Five
Born in 1641 in Antwerp, Spanish Netherlands (now Belgium), this Flemish Baroque artist became a leading court painter in England. He is also known for having a beard named after him. Who is he?
Today’s questions revolve around March 21st and follow the 5W1H format: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. This results in six questions instead of the usual five.
Who
In a 1980 television series finale, who shot J.R.?
Answer: Kristin Shepard.
’Who shot J.R.?’ is a catchphrase from the 1980 season finale of Dallas, referring to the fictional murder attempt on J.R. Ewing. The mystery, resolved eight months later, became a pop culture phenomenon and increased the popularity of cliffhanger endings. Kristin Shepard, played by Mary Crosby, was J.R.’s sister-in-law and mistress.
What
What did Jack Dorsey use to end the first public tweet in 2006: ‘just setting up my ——’?
Answer: twttr.
Twitter (originally Twttr), launched in 2006, quickly grew to over 100 million users by 2012. Initially limited to 140 characters per post, the limit was increased to 280 in 2017 and removed for subscribed accounts in 2023.
Represented by this flag, where, in 1990, gained independence after a combined period of 106 years German and then South African rule?
Answer: Namibia.
Namibia, a sparsely populated country in Southern Africa, gained independence from South Africa in 1990. Despite significant GDP growth, poverty and inequality remain high, with a Gini coefficient of 59 in 2015. The economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and mining, with a small manufacturing sector.
When
When was Gary Oldman’s year of birth?
Answer: 1958.
Gary Oldman, an English actor and filmmaker, is known for his versatility and intense acting style. He has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, and his films have grossed over $11 billion worldwide. Oldman began his career in theatre and rose to prominence in British film, later achieving greater recognition in American films and franchise roles.
Why
Why, in 1980, did U.S. President Jimmy Carter announce that the United States was boycotting that year’s Summer Olympics in Moscow?
Answer: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The 1980 Moscow Olympics, boycotted by the U.S. and 60 other countries due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, saw 5,000 athletes from 81 countries compete amidst ongoing protests and security concerns.
How
How many visitors, according to the U.S. National Park Service, visit Alcatraz annually (to the nearest 100,000)?
Answer: 1.2 million.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, established in 1972, includes Alcatraz Island, attracting 1.2 million visitors annually. The island offers a unique opportunity to explore its layered history and contemplate crime and punishment.
Today’s questions revolve around March 21st and follow the 5W1H format: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. This results in six questions instead of the usual five.
Who
In a 1980 television series finale, who shot J.R.?
What
What did Jack Dorsey use to end the first public tweet in 2006: ‘just setting up my ——’?
Image Wikimedia Commons
Where
Represented by this flag, where, in 1990, gained independence after a combined period of 106 years German and then South African rule?
When
When was Gary Oldman’s year of birth?
Why
Why, in 1980, did U.S. President Jimmy Carter announce that the United States was boycotting that year’s Summer Olympics in Moscow?
How
How many visitors, according to the U.S. National Park Service, visit Alcatraz annually (to the nearest 100,000)?
The first Romani language operetta, Children of the Forests, premiered on 20 March 1888. Where was it staged?
Bucharest, Romania
Kyiv, Ukraine
Moscow, Russia
Answer: 3. Moscow, Russia.
The premiere of the very first Romani language operetta Children of the Forests was staged in the Maly Theatre, Moscow, Russia on 20 March 1888. It was performed solely by the Romani troupe. The production ran for 18 years and was a great success. The first Romani theatre troupe, founded by Nikolai Shishkin, performed in Moscow and Saint Petersburg in the late 19th century. The troupe’s success led to the establishment of the Romen Theatre in Moscow in 1931.
Two
In 1923, the Arts Club of Chicago hosted the United States’ first showing of Original Drawings by… This event signalled the club’s early embrace of modern art in America. There is an artist’s name missing from the show’s title: who is the artist?
Salvador Dali
Pablo Picasso
Jackson Pollock
Answer: 2. Pablo Picasso
The Arts Club of Chicago, founded in 1916, is a private club and public exhibition space dedicated to showcasing international contemporary art. The club, known for its pro-Modernist stance, has presented groundbreaking exhibitions by artists like Pablo Picasso and Jean Dubuffet. It curates its own exhibits, emphasising cutting-edge and avant-garde art.
Three
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin was first published on this date in 1852. Between 1832 and 1850 she lived in a city where her personal observations and research informed the basis of her story. Where was this city?
Alexandria, Virginia
Baltimore, Maryland
Cincinnati, Ohio
Answers: 3. Cincinatti, Ohio.
On this day in 1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe published Uncle Tom’s Cabin as a novel. The book, which had previously been serialised, played a crucial role in shifting public opinion towards abolitionism and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.
Four
Who became the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and when did she achieve this?
Kelly Quinault in 1973
Libby Riddles in 1985
Molly Semyonova in 1997
Answers: 2. Libby Riddles in 1985
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance sled dog race in Alaska, covering the distance from Anchorage to Nome in eight to fifteen days. The race, which began in 1973, is a symbolic link to Alaska’s history and a popular sporting event, attracting competitors from around the world. The race is known for its challenging conditions, including blizzards, gale-force winds, and sub-zero temperatures, which with wind chill can reach −100 °F (−73 °C).
Five
Albert Einstein submitted his paper The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity in 1916. Where was he working at that time?
Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich
Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin
Charles University, Prague
Answer: Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin.
Albert Einstein was working at the Prussian Academy of Sciences in Berlin when he published The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity in 1916. He had accepted a position at the Prussian Academy in 1914, specifically to work on his new theory of gravity. The paper was submitted on March 20, 1916, and published later that year in the journal Annalen der Physik. This period marked a significant time in Einstein’s career, as he was developing groundbreaking theories that would change our understanding of gravity and the universe.
Quizology.Online 