Quizology.Online

“There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.”

— Bertrand Russell

Tag: americas

  • November 9th Collection—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    All of today’s questions are related to November 9th.

    Dorothy Dandridge.
    Image Pinterest

    One

    Born in 1922, this American singer and actress made history as the first African-American woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Carmen Jones (1954). Who is she?

    Answer: Dorothy Dandridge

    Dorothy Dandridge, the first African-American nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, faced racial barriers in Hollywood despite her success in Carmen Jones. Her career declined in the 1960s, leading to financial difficulties and her death at age 42.

    Two

    The last of the ‘canonical five’, victims of Jack the Ripper was found on 9 November. In what decade did these five murders take place?

    Answer: 1880s (1888)

    Between 31 August and 9 November 1888, an unidentified serial killer known as Jack the Ripper terrorised Whitechapel, London. His brutal murders of five women, dubbed the ‘canonical five’, remain unsolved alongside several other women’s deaths over the next three years. This enduring public fascination and speculation continues to captivate people.

    Three

    Apollo 4, an unmanned test spacecraft, was launched from Cape Kennedy on this day in 1967. The spacecraft was on top of what rocket’s first flight?

    Answer: Saturn V

    Apollo 4, the first uncrewed test flight of the Saturn V rocket, launched from Kennedy Space Centre on 9 November 1967. The mission, a complete success, demonstrated the functionality of all rocket stages and key spacecraft revisions, paving the way for future lunar missions.

    Four

    What was the name given to the violent anti-Jewish pogrom that took place across Nazi Germany on the nights of 9–10 November 1938, during which Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues were destroyed in an event often seen as the start of the Holocaust?

    Answer: Kristallnacht (also known as the Night of Broken Glass)

    The name Kristallnacht refers to the shattered glass that covered the streets after Jewish-owned properties were vandalized. Around 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and sent to concentration camps, and the event marked a turning point from discrimination to open, state-sanctioned violence against Jews.

    Five

    Born today in 1923, Alice Coachman became the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. In what event did she achieve this?

    Answer: High jump

    Alice Coachman, born in 1923 in Albany, Georgia, overcame racial and gender barriers to become a celebrated athlete. She dominated the AAU outdoor high jump championship from 1939 to 1948 and won an Olympic gold medal in 1948, becoming the first black woman to achieve this feat. After her athletic career, she dedicated her life to education and the Job Corps.

  • Time Will Tell—Answers

    Here are the answers to the earlier posted questions.

    The first question relates to today, November 8th. The remainder are not date specific but follow a loose theme.

    John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon taken prior to their first debate at WBBM-TV in Chicago in 1960.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    On this day in 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States, as a result of defeating whom in the presidential election?

    Answer: Richard Nixon

    John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, served from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. His presidency of 1,037 days was marked by Cold War tensions, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, and domestic challenges, such as civil rights legislation. Kennedy’s legacy includes the Peace Corps, the Space Race, and a focus on economic growth.

    Two

    John F. Kennedy’s term ended tragically when he was assassinated in Dallas. This makes him one of four US presidents killed while in office. Who is the only British prime minister to have been assassinated?

    Answer: Spencer Perceval

    Spencer Perceval served as prime minister from 4 October 1809 until his assassination on 11 May 1812. He remains the only British prime minister to have been assassinated. The shooting occurred in the lobby of the House of Commons and was carried out by John Bellingham. Bellingham was convicted of murder and executed.

    Three

    President Kennedy’s 1,037 days in office are certainly not the shortest. Which US president served the shortest term? Secondly, how long (or short) was the shortest term: 31 days, 51 days or 71 days?

    Answer: William Henry Harrison; true (31 days)

    William Henry Harrison served as President of the United States for just 31 days from 4 March 1841, to 4 April 1841. This makes him the shortest-serving president in US history. Tragically, he died of pneumonia just a month after catching a chill at his inauguration which quickly developed into pneumonia.

    Four

    Liz Truss’s 49 days in 2022 is by far the shortest term of any UK prime minister. Which prime minister from the first third of the 19th century served this shortest term? Secondly, how long was this second shortest premiership: 99 days, 119 days or 139 days?

    Answer: George Canning; 119 days

    George Canning, a British Tory statesman, held various senior cabinet positions, including two terms as foreign secretary. He became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in April 1827 but died just 119 days later. Canning’s foreign policies, particularly his support for the independence of American colonies and the Monroe Doctrine, were highly regarded. His death in office meant that his tenure was the shortest of any prime minister until eclipsed by Truss in 2022.

    Pope John Paul I during the Angelus Address from his study’s window to pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square, 1978.
    Image Wikipedia

    Five

    Albino Luciani served in which office for 33 days in the second half of the 20th century?

    Answer: Pope

    Pope John Paul I, born Albino Luciani, served as head of the Catholic Church for 33 days in 1978, making his reign one of the shortest in papal history. He was the first pope in history to adopt a double name which he did in honour of his two predecessors, John XXIII and Paul VI.

  • Time Will Tell

    The first question relates to today, November 8th. The remainder are not date specific but follow a loose theme.

    Image Wikipedia

    One

    On this day in 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States, as a result of defeating whom in the presidential election?

    Two

    John F. Kennedy’s term ended tragically when he was assassinated in Dallas. This makes him one of four US presidents killed while in office. Who is the only British prime minister to have been assassinated?

    Three

    President Kennedy’s 1,037 days in office are certainly not the shortest. Which US president served the shortest term? Secondly, how long (or short) was the shortest term: 31 days, 51 days or 71 days?

    Four

    Liz Truss’s 49 days in 2022 is by far the shortest term of any UK prime minister. Which prime minister from the first third of the 19th century served this shortest term? Secondly, how long was this second shortest premiership: 99 days, 119 days or 139 days?

    Five

    Albino Luciani served in which office for 33 days in the second half of the 20th century?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Our House—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier post.

    Four of today’s questions concern November 7th and Canada or Canadians.  Question two is included because the house mentioned was owned by a Canadian at the time (she is the answer to question one).

    Déjà Vu, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.
    Image

    One

    Roberta Joan Anderson, who was born at Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada on 7 November 1943, wrote Ladies of the Canyon (released 1970), her third studio album while living at 8217 Lookout Mountain Avenue, Laurel Canyon. Who is Roberta Joan Anderson better known as?

    Answer: Joni Mitchell

    Joni Mitchell’s third studio album, Ladies of the Canyon, was released in 1970 and includes Big Yellow Taxi, Woodstock and The Circle Game.

    Two

    A follow-on from the previous question regarding 8217 Lookout Mountain Avenue, Laurel Canyon where singer-songwriter Graham Nash lived with lady referred to in question one. The house is the subject of Our House written by Nash and released in 1970. What group, described by Wikipedia as a ‘folk rock supergroup’, released the song on and album and as a single in 1970.

    Answer: Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

    Joni Mitchell bought the house in the Laurel Canyon district of Los Angeles in 1968 and met Graham Nash shortly after. Their house became a popular hangout for musicians. Our House featured on Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s Déjà Vu album in 1970 and was released as a single the same year.

    Three

    The ‘Last Spike’ ceremony at Craigellachie on 7 November, marked the completion of Canada’s transcontinental railway. In what decade did the ‘Last Spike’ ceremony take place, and in what Canadian province or territory is Craigellachie?

    Answer: 1880s (1885) and British Columbia

    At 9:22 a.m. on November 7, 1885, the ceremonial final spike was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) at Craigellachie, British Columbia. The honor fell to CPR financier Donald Smith, Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal. This historic moment marked the completion of Canada’s first transcontinental railway, bringing to a close years of struggle marked by natural disasters, financial crises, and even rebellion.

    Leonard Cohen.
    Image Wikipedia

    Four

    Born in Quebec, this songwriter, singer, poet and novelist passed away at 82 on 7 November 2016.  A fifteenth studio album Thanks for the Dance was released three years later. Who is this singer?

    Answer: Leonard Cohen

    Leonard Cohen, a celebrated Canadian songwriter, singer, poet and novelist, explored faith, mortality and love in his work. He received numerous accolades, including induction into several halls of fame and the Prince of Asturias Award for literature.

    Sergeant Edward Holland’s Victoria Cross, for valour at the Battle of Leliefontein, 7 November 1900.
    Image Wikipedia

    Five

    On this date in 1900, at The Battle of Leliefontein, the Royal Canadian Dragoons won three Victoria Cross. During what war did this battle take place?

    Answer: Second Boer War

    Lieutenant-Colonel François-Louis Lessard led a rearguard action to cover the withdrawal of a larger force. The Royal Canadian Dragoons, supported by artillery and a machine gun, repelled multiple Boer assaults, including a mounted charge. Despite heavy casualties, the Dragoons successfully protected the field guns, earning three of their members—Sergeant Edward Holland, Lieutenant Richard Turner, and Lieutenant Hampden Cockburn—the Victoria Cross for their bravery.

  • Our House

    Four of today’s questions concern November 7th and Canada or Canadians.  Question two is included because the house mentioned was owned by a Canadian at the time (she is the answer to question one).

    Flag of Canada.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Roberta Joan Anderson, who was born at Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada on 7 November 1943, wrote Ladies of the Canyon (released 1970), her third studio album while living at 8217 Lookout Mountain Avenue, Laurel Canyon. Who is Roberta Joan Anderson better known as?

    Two

    A follow-on from the previous question regarding 8217 Lookout Mountain Avenue, Laurel Canyon where singer-songwriter Graham Nash lived with the lady referred to in question one. The house is the subject of Our House written by Nash and released in 1970. What group, described by Wikipedia as a ‘folk rock supergroup’, released the song on an album and as a single in 1970.

    Three

    The ‘Last Spike’ ceremony at Craigellachie on 7 November, marked the completion of Canada’s transcontinental railway. In what decade did the ‘Last Spike’ ceremony take place, and in what Canadian province or territory is Craigellachie?

    Four

    Born in Quebec, this songwriter, singer, poet and novelist passed away at 82 on 7 November 2016.  A fifteenth studio album Thanks for the Dance was released three years later. Who is this singer?

    Sergeant Edward Holland’s Victoria Cross, for valour at the Battle of Leliefontein, 7 November 1900.
    Image Wikipedia

    Five

    On this date in 1900, at The Battle of Leliefontein, the Royal Canadian Dragoons won three Victoria Cross. During what war did this battle take place?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later today

  • Blood in the Water—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    Following the violent blow delivered by [Soviet Union’s] Valentin Prokopov, Hungarian Ervin Zador bleeds profusely from above his eyebrow.
    Image Bettmann / Getty Images via Yahoo! Sports

    One

    The violent Blood in the Water Olympic water polo match between Hungary and the Soviet Union erupted in the aftermath of the Soviet Union suppressing a Hungarian uprising. During which Olympics—year and host city—did this match take place?

    Answer: 1956 Melbourne Olympics

    The match became a powerful symbol of Cold War tensions. Hungary went on to win the gold medal, and player Ervin Zádor’s bloodied face was widely photographed, capturing global attention.

    Two

    On November 6, 2012, a US president was re-elected for a second term. Who were his defeated opponents in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections?

    Answer: John McCain (2008) and Mitt Romney (2012)

    Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was the first African American to hold the office. He served two terms, from 2009 to 2017, during which he implemented significant domestic and foreign policies, including healthcare reform, economic stimulus and the end of the Iraq War. Obama left office with high approval ratings and remains politically active.

    Three

    A composer died on November 6, 1893. One of his symphonies, Symphony No. 6 in B minor, which premiered just nine days earlier, became known as his Pathétique. Who was the composer?

    Answer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

    The Pathétique is often interpreted as an emotional farewell, blending passion and tragedy in what became Tchaikovsky’s final completed work.

    Four

    Switzerland officially abolished the death penalty on 6 November. Which decade was this?

    Answer: 1990s (1992)

    Though executions had already ceased decades earlier, the 1992 constitutional amendment made abolition permanent, aligning Switzerland with wider European human rights standards.

    Luner Orbiter 2.
    Image NASA via Wikipedia

    Five

    On 6 November 1966, NASA’s Lunar Orbiter 2 was launched with a primary mission objective of photographing specifically what on the Moon’s surface?

    Answer: Potential landing sites on the Moon

    The Lunar Orbiter 2 spacecraft was designed primarily to photograph smooth areas of the lunar surface for selection and verification of safe landing sites for the Surveyor and Apollo missions.

    — NASA

    Lunar Orbiter 2 transmitted over 800 high-resolution images, including the first detailed close-ups of the Moon’s surface. These images were crucial in selecting the Apollo 11 landing site.

  • Blood in the Water

    Here are five questions related to today, November 6th.

    Following the violent blow delivered by [Soviet Union’s] Valentin Prokopov, Hungarian Ervin Zador bleeds profusely from above his eyebrow.
    Image Bettmann / Getty Images via Yahoo! Sports

    One

    The violent Blood in the Water Olympic water polo match between Hungary and the Soviet Union erupted in the aftermath of the Soviet Union suppressing a Hungarian uprising. During which Olympics—year and host city—did this match take place?

    Two

    On November 6, 2012, a US president was re-elected for a second term. Who were his defeated opponents in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections?

    Three

    A composer died on November 6, 1893. One of his symphonies, Symphony No. 6 in B minor, which premiered just nine days earlier, became known as his Pathétique. Who was the composer?

    Four

    Switzerland officially abolished the death penalty on 6 November. Which decade was this?

    Five

    On 6 November 1966, NASA’s Lunar Orbiter 2 was launched with a primary mission objective of photographing specifically what on the Moon’s surface?

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

  • Feeling Sleepy—Answers

    Feeling Sleepy—Answers

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

    Antique bottles of Chloroform.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Which Scottish physician successfully demonstrated the anaesthetic properties of chloroform in 1847?

    Answer: Sir James Young Simpson

    Sir James Young Simpson first successfully demonstrated chloroform as a general anaesthetic on November 4, 1847. This revolutionised surgery and childbirth.

    Two

    In which century did the Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II against Spanish rule in the Viceroyalty of Peru begin?

    Answer: 18th century (1780)

    The rebellion was one of the largest indigenous uprisings in Spanish American history and inspired later movements for independence.

    Jane Goodall with Prof and Pax. Photograph by Michael Nichols / National Geographic via Wikipedia

    Three

    Which primatologist first observed chimpanzees making and using tools in Tanzania in 1960?

    Answer: Jane Goodall

    This pioneering observation at the Kasakela Chimpanzee Community challenged the belief that tool use was unique to humans.

    Four

    In 1956, which country did Soviet troops invade to suppress a revolution that began on 23 October?

    Answer: Hungary

    The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a significant Cold War event, resulting in thousands of casualties and a mass exodus of refugees.

    Five

    UNESCO’s constitution entered into force on 4 November 1946, officially establishing the organisation. What does the acronym UNESCO stand for?

    Answer: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

    UNESCO promotes international collaboration in education, science and culture. Its activities focus on supporting national efforts to eliminate illiteracy and extend free education.

  • Capital Gain—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier post.

    National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument,
    Washington D.C.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    What decade saw the first time that residents of Washington, D.C. could vote in a U.S. presidential election

    Answer: 1960s (1964)

    Twenty-Third Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1961, granted D.C. three electoral votes—the same number as the least-populous state. Before this, its residents had no say in electing the president or vice-president.

    Two

    Today Henry VIII of England became the first Supreme Head of the Church of England. In which century was this?

    Answer: 16th century (1534)

    The Act of Supremacy officially severed England’s ties with the Roman Catholic Church and papal authority, paving the way for the English Reformation. Henry’s motivations were both political and personal; he desired an annulment from Catherine of Aragon.

    Laika in a mock cockpit.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    A dog named Laika went into space on this day in 1957. Which of these craft carried her: Soyuz 1, Sputnik 2 or Salyut 3?

    Answer: Sputnik 2

    Laika, a stray from Moscow’s streets, became a global icon of the Space Race. Sadly, she died within hours due to overheating, although the Soviets initially claimed she survived for several days.

    ⸻

    Four

    On this date, the Caribbean island nation of Dominica was first sighted by Europeans. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, it gained independence from a European country. What does the island’s name mean and from which country did it achieve independence?

    Answer: United Kingdom; and Sunday

    On 3 November 1493, Christopher Columbus sighted Dominica and named it Dies Dominica, meaning ‘the Lord’s Day’. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, on 3 November 1978, Dominica achieved independence after being a British colony and briefly a French one.

    ⸻

    Five

    On this day in 1911, a racing driver and engineer, born in 1878, co-founded the American motor car manufacturer Chevrolet, who was he and in what country was he born?

    Answer: Louis Chevrolet; Switzerland

    Louis Chevrolet’s name lives on in one of America’s most famous car brands, but he sold his stake early and never profited from its later success. Ironically, he died while working for a rival carmaker.

  • Capital Gain

    Here are five questions which are all related to today’s date, November 3rd.

    National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument,
    Washington D.C.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    What decade saw the first time that residents of Washington, D.C. could vote in a U.S. presidential election

    Two

    Today Henry VIII of England became the first Supreme Head of the Church of England. In which century was this?

    Laika in a mock cockpit.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    A dog named Laika went into space on this day in 1957. Which of these craft carried her: Soyuz 1, Sputnik 2 or Salyut 3?

    ⸻

    Four

    On this date, the Caribbean island nation of Dominica was first sighted by Europeans. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, it gained independence from a European country. What does the island’s name mean and from which country did it achieve independence?

    ⸻

    Five

    On this day in 1911, a racing driver and engineer, born in 1878, co-founded the American motor car manufacturer Chevrolet, who was he and in what country was he born?