A Serious Pursuit of the Trivial

  • Hay-Pauncefote Treaties

    The (first) Hay-Pauncefote Treaty, signed on February 5, 1900, between the United States and the United Kingdom, pertained to which of these waterways?

    A. Northwest Passage

    B. St Lawrence River

    C. Panama Canal

    The answer will follow later today

  • Malcolm Campbell—Answer

    C. 174.883 mph

    On February 4, 1927, Malcolm Campbell achieved the land speed record at Pendine Sands in Wales. In an average of two runs, the Napier-Campbell Blue Bird covered the flying kilometre at 174.883 miles per hour (281.447 kilometres per hour) and the flying mile at 174.224 miles per hour (280.386 kilometres per hour).

    In total, Campbell set nine land speed records between 1924 and 1935, with three at Pendine Sands and five at Daytona Beach. His initial two records were achieved while driving a racing car built by Sunbeam. Additionally, he set the world water speed record four times, with his fastest recorded speed reaching an astonishing 141.740 mph (228.108 km/h) in the Blue Bird K4. This remarkable feat was accomplished on August 19, 1939, at Coniston Water.

  • Malcolm Campbell

    On February 4, 1927, Malcolm Campbell set a world land speed record at Pendine Sands in Wales. What speed did he achieve?

    A. 83.606 mph

    B. 104.937 mph

    C. 174.883 mph

    The answer will be posted later today

  • One of the Big Four—Answer

    Woodrow Wilson
    Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States and played a significant role in the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, which led to the Treaty of Versailles. Wilson was an advocate for the League of Nations, although the United States never joined it. He passed away on 3 February 1924.

  • One of the Big Four

    A former US president who passed away on 3 February 1924, was one of the prominent figures known as the Big Four, the chief Allied leaders who convened at the Paris Peace Conference in January 1919. Can you identify this president?

    The answer will be posted later today.

  • Alexander Selkirk

    Scottish mariner Alexander Selkirk’s extraordinary ordeal as a castaway reached a turning point on 2 February 1709 when he was rescued after four solitary years by English captain Woodes Rogers and his crew aboard the Duke. Selkirk had been stranded on an uninhabited island in the Juan Fernández archipelago, an experience that would later inspire Daniel Defoe’s classic novel Robinson Crusoe. The statue commemorating Selkirk at his original home serves as a reminder of his resilience and the enduring fascination with tales of survival and adventure.

  • Imbolc

    Today, February 1, is Imbolc an ancient festival with roots in Celtic tradition. It signifies the arrival of spring and is associated with the goddess Brigid, symbolising fertility, healing and poetry. This day traditionally involved rituals to prepare for the agricultural season, including the lighting of fires to reflect the increasing strength of the sun.

    In modern times, Imbolc is celebrated by many who follow Earth-based spiritual traditions. It is a time to honour the first signs of spring and the gradual return of warmth and light. Celebrations often include the creation of Brigid’s crosses and a cleaning of the home, symbolising purification and renewal.

    Today, Imbolc is recognised as a time to set intentions for the coming year and to appreciate the cycles of nature. Whether through solitary reflection or communal gatherings, it provides an opportunity to connect with the earth and the changing seasons.