Quizology.Online

Tag: africa

  • My Way — Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    The Declaration of Arbroath.
    The ‘Tyninghame’ copy
    National Library of Scotland
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    The first question concerns a national declaration and is linked to today’s date, April 6th. The other questions aren’t date-related but continue the declaration theme with some slightly more modern examples.

    One

    On this day in 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was signed. It declared and asserted the independence of which nation? 

    Answer: Scotland.

    The Declaration of Arbroath, written in 1320 by Scottish barons and addressed to Pope John XXII, asserted Scotland’s independence and right to self-defence against English subjugation. Believed to have been written by Bernard of Kilwinning, it was sealed by fifty-one magnates and nobles and remained largely unknown until the late 17th century when it was printed and translated into English. The Declaration strengthened Robert the Bruce’s position, and although he secured independence through the Treaty of Northampton in 1328, his successor faced the same struggle.

    Two

    In 1918, Estonia declared independence after the collapse of one empire and before a second invasion. Which empires were they?

    Answer: Russian Empire and German Empire.

    Following the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, Estonia declared independence on 24 February 1918, forming the Estonian Provisional Government. German occupation followed, but they relinquished power to the Estonian government on 19 November 1918 after their surrender at the end of the First World War.

    Three

    A 1965 Declaration of Independence, which was the first unilateral break from the United Kingdom by one of its colonies since the United States in 1776, was made by what colony? Secondly, what is that former colony now known as?

    Answer: Rhodesia; Zimbabwe.

    Rhodesia’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in 1965, a move by the white minority government to break away from British rule, was deemed illegal by the UK, Commonwealth, and UN. This led to international isolation and economic sanctions, with Rhodesia receiving support from South Africa and Portugal. The conflict escalated into the Rhodesian Bush War, ultimately leading to the country’s reconstitution as Zimbabwe in 1980.

    Four

    In 1822 and in 1877, Greece and Romania both declared their independence from the same empire. What was that empire? 

    Answer: Ottoman Empire.

    Greek merchants, inspired by the Modern Greek Enlightenment, promoted Greek nationalism, leading to the Greek War of Independence with the Ottomans. With assistance from France, Russian Empire and the United Kingdom, the Greeks gained control of Central Greece, resulting in the recognition of the Greek state in 1830. Meanwhile, Romania achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78) by signing a treaty with Russia and joining the Russian Army in the fight against the Ottomans.

    Five

    In 1918, Czechoslovakia declared independence form what empire? 

    Answer: Austro-Hungarian Empire.

    The Czechoslovak Declaration of Independence published on 18 October 1918, declared the independence of the Czechoslovak Nation from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This empire had encompassed the Czech and Slovak lands for nearly four centuries and its downfall followed World War I.

  • My Way

    The Declaration of Arbroath.
    The ‘Tyninghame’ copy
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    The first question concerns a national declaration and is linked to today’s date, April 6th. The other questions aren’t date-related but continue the declaration theme with some slightly more modern examples.

    One

    On this day in 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was signed. It declared and asserted the independence of which nation? 

    Two

    In 1918, Estonia declared independence after the collapse of one empire and before a second invasion. Which empires were they?

    Three

    A 1965 Declaration of Independence, which was the first unilateral break from the United Kingdom by one of its colonies since the United States in 1776, was made by what colony? Secondly, what is that former colony now known as?

    Four

    In 1822 and in 1877, Greece and Romania both declared their independence from the same empire. What was that empire? 

    Five

    In 1918, Czechoslovakia declared independence form what empire? 

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Islands in the Stream — Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    See question three. Aerial view of the New York City metropolitan area.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    The first question concerns an island and is linked to today’s date, April 5th. The other questions aren’t date-related but continue the island theme including a wee bonus at the end.

    One

    On 5 April 1946, Soviet military forces ended their year-long occupation of what island in the Baltic Sea?

    Answer: Bornholm, Denmark.

    On 9 May 1945, Soviet forces captured Bornholm after German commander Gerhard von Kamptz refused to surrender, preferring the Western Allies. Soviet air raids destroyed over 800 houses and killed 10 civilians. The Soviet Union occupied Bornholm for 11 months post-World War II, despite its location east of the agreed East-West dividing line. Initially seen as a bargaining chip for Soviet influence in Denmark, the occupation aimed to secure Western goodwill and focus resources on the war with Japan and Eastern Europe’s reconstruction. The Soviets withdrew on 5 April 1946, reinforcing Denmark’s alignment with the west.

    Not date related anymore but continuing the island theme.

    Two

    Of what island nation is Antananarivo the capital city?

    Answer: Madagascar.

    Madagascar, the fourth largest island, is situated off the southeastern coast of Africa. Although close to Africa, its population, language, and culture are more akin to Indonesia, while its unique wildlife and vegetation differ significantly from the continent. As an island nation in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is celebrated for its unique biodiversity due to its long isolation. It gained independence from France in 1960 but has since faced political instability, transitioning through four republics. Despite economic growth, Madagascar remains a least-developed country with notable income disparities and a low quality of life for many.

    New York City’s Five Boroughs: 1. Manhattan; 2. Brooklyn; 3. Queens; 4. The Bronx and 5. Staten Island. JFK and La Guardia Airports are shown (brown) in lower and upper Queens.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Three

    Brooklyn and Queens, two of New York’s five boroughs, are mainly located on what island? 

    Answer: Long Island.

    Brooklyn and Queens are both at the western end of Long Island. The Bronx is the only borough mostly on the mainland. The remaining boroughs are Manhattan, chiefly on Manhattan Island, and Staten Island.

    Four

    What two distinct islands are home to the Althing and the Tynwald, the oldest legislatures in the world?

    Answers: Iceland; Isle of Man.

    Guinness World Records describe the Althing and the Tynwald thus…

    The oldest recorded legislative body is the Icelandic Althing, founded in AD930. This body, which originally comprised 39 local chieftains at Thingvellir, was abolished in 1800 but restored by Denmark to a consultative status in 1843 and a legislative status in 1874. It is often cited as the oldest existing parliament. However, the legislative assembly with the oldest continuous history is the Isle of Man Tynwald, which may have its origins in the late ninth century and hence possibly pre-date the Althing.
    — Guinness World Records

    Sculptures cut from volcanic rock, Easter Island.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Five

    On what island are these sculptures located?

    Answer: Easter Island.

    Easter Island, a special territory of Chile in the eastern Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its nearly 1,000 moai statues created by the early Rapa Nui people. Originally called Rapa Nui, the island has a mixed population predominantly of Polynesian descent. In 1995, UNESCO named Easter Island a World Heritage Site, with much of the island protected within Rapa Nui National Park.

    Islands in the Stream

    Today’s post title managed to top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 as well as several other national charts in 1983-84. What performer(s) achieved this success, and who wrote the song?

    Answer: Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton; (songwriters were) Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb.

    Islands in the Stream, a Bee Gees song recorded by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Country and Adult Contemporary charts. It was certified triple Platinum by the RIAA.

  • Islands in the Stream

    See question three. Aerial view of the New York City metropolitan area.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    The first question concerns an island and is linked to today’s date, April 5th. The other questions aren’t date-related but continue the island theme including a wee bonus at the end.

    One

    On 5 April 1946, Soviet military forces ended their year-long occupation of what island in the Baltic Sea?

    Not date related anymore but continuing the island theme.

    Two

    Of what island nation is Antananarivo the capital city?

    Three

    Brooklyn and Queens, two of New York’s five boroughs, are mainly located on what island? 

    Four

    What two distinct islands are home to the Althing and the Tynwald, the oldest legislatures in the world?

    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Five

    On what island are these sculptures located?

    Islands in the Stream

    Today’s post title managed to top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 as well as several other national charts in 1983-84. What performer(s) achieved this success, and who wrote the song?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • From Alfa to Echo — Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    Five questions with the answers beginning with the letters from A to E, with each letter being used only once, but they are not in alphabetical order.

    See question two. Death in the Afternoon.
    Image A Couple Cooks

    One

    Who wrote, produced, and directed Moulin Rouge (2001) and Australia (2008)? 

    Answers: Baz Luhrman.

    Baz Luhrmann is an Australian film director, producer, writer, and actor known for his Red Curtain Trilogy and other films like Australia, The Great Gatsby, and Elvis. He is also involved in opera, theatre, music, and the recording industries, with Grammy-nominated soundtracks and his own record label.

    Two

    An absinthe-Champagne cocktail was invented by an author and shares its name with his 1932 non-fiction book about a sport in a southern European nation. Who is the author, and what is the book and cocktail’s shared name? 

    Answers: Ernest Hemingway; Death in the Afternoon.

    Death in the Afternoon, a 1932 non-fiction book by Ernest Hemingway, explores Spanish bullfighting, fear, and courage. Its namesake, a cocktail invented by Hemingway, is made with absinthe and Champagne. The drink, known for its decadence and high strength, can be made with absinthe alternatives like Absente or Pernod.

    Three

    Which chemical element derives its name from the Latin for ‘coal’?

    Answer: Carbon.

    Carbon, symbol C and atomic number 6, a non-metal which has two main forms, diamond and graphite, and which also occurs in impure form in charcoal, soot and coal. It is the 15th most abundant element in Earth’s crust and the fourth most abundant in the universe.

    Four

    Which small dog breed, which is not a terrier, is sometimes known as the monkey terrier?

    Answer: Affenpinscher.

    The Affenpinscher, a German toy dog breed, originated as a ratter and is now a popular companion worldwide. The breed, whose name is sometimes translated from German as ‘Monkey Terrier’, is believed to be ancestral to the Griffon Bruxellois and Miniature Schnauzer.

    Five

    The Malawian city of Blantyre was named after the Scottish birthplace of which missionary and explorer (1813-73)?

    Answer: David Livingstone

    Blantyre, Malawi’s second-largest city and commercial centre, was founded in 1876 by the Church of Scotland. It grew rapidly due to its role in colonial trade and became a major manufacturing centre. The city’s development was influenced by various factors, including commerce, industry, and administration, and it was merged with Limbe in 1956.

  • From Alfa to Echo

    Five questions with the answers beginning with the letters from A to E, with each letter being used only once, but they are not in alphabetical order.

    See question two.
    Image A Couple Cooks

    One

    Who wrote, produced, and directed Moulin Rouge (2001) and Australia (2008)? 

    Two

    An absinthe-Champagne cocktail was invented by an author and shares its name with his 1932 non-fiction book about a sport in a southern European nation. Who is the author, and what is the book and cocktail’s shared name? 

    Three

    Which chemical element derives its name from the Latin for ‘coal’?

    Four

    Which small dog breed, which is not a terrier, is sometimes known as the monkey terrier?

    Five

    The Malawian city of Blantyre was named after the Scottish birthplace of which missionary and explorer (1813-73)?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words — Answers

    Again some pictures and questions but with no theme this time.

    One

    Michelangelo’s Pietà.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Michelangelo’s Pietà a Carrara marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary at —— dating from 1498-99 is pictured…

    1. What is the location of Jesus and Mary in the sculpture ?
    2. In what building and city is the sculpture located?

    Answers

    1. Mount Golgotha (aka Calvary)
    2. Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

    Michelangelo’s Pietà, a Carrara marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary, is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance sculpture. Commissioned by a French cardinal, it is the only work Michelangelo ever signed and is housed in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

    Two

    Zorbing, Rotorua, New Zealand.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    What is this recreation or sport?

    Answer: Zorbing aka globe-riding, sphereing or orbing.

    Zorbing, a recreational activity, involves rolling downhill inside a transparent plastic orb. It can be done on slopes, level surfaces, or even water, and there are harnessed and non-harnessed orbs available. The first zorbing site was established in Rotorua, New Zealand, by ZORB Ltd.

    Three

    Kindlifresserbrunnen.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Pictured is the Kindlifresserbrunnen…

    1. In what city is this fountain found?
    2. What, in English, is its name?

    Answers

    1. (either) Fountain of the Eater of Little Children (or) Child-eater fountain
    2. Berne

    The Kindlifresserbrunnen, a 16th-century fountain in Bern, Switzerland, was created by Hans Gieng in 1545-1546. Its name, meaning ‘Fountain of the Eater of Little Children’, was first used in 1666.

    Four

    Flag of Cape Verde.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    This is the flag of an island country…

    1. What country is it?
    2. In what ocean is the country found?
    3. Is the country in the Northern or Southern hemisphere?

    Answers

    1. Cape Verde or Cabo Verde
    2. North Atlantic Ocean
    3. Northern Hemisphere

    Cape Verde, an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Its economy, lacking natural resources, is service-oriented, with a focus on tourism and foreign investment. The population, primarily of West African descent, is around 491,233.

    Five

    Zori.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    What are these Japanese sandals called?

    Answer: Zori.

    Zori are Japanese sandals made from various materials, including rice straw and synthetic materials. They are easily slipped on and off, making them ideal for traditional Japanese clothing and casual wear.

  • A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

    Again some pictures and questions but with no theme this time.

    One

    Michelangelo’s Pietà.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Michelangelo’s Pietà a Carrara marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary at —— dating from 1498-99 is pictured…

    1. What is the location of Jesus and Mary in the sculpture ?
    2. In what building and city is the sculpture located?

    Two

    Image Wikimedia Commons

    What is this recreation or sport?

    Three

    Kindlifresserbrunnen.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Pictured is the Kindlifresserbrunnen…

    1. In what city is this fountain found?
    2. What, in English, is its name?

    Four

    Image Wikimedia Commons

    This is the flag of an island country…

    1. What country is it?
    2. In what ocean is the country found?
    3. Is the country in the Northern or Southern hemisphere?

    Five

    Image Wikimedia Commons

    What are these Japanese sandals called?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    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.

    Flag of Namibia.
    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?

    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.

  • Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

    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)? 

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.