americas – Page 4 – Quizology Online

Let There Be Light

Five questions which are all related to today, October 21st.

One

On 21 October Thomas Edison applied for a patent for his design for an incandescent light bulb. In which decade did he make this application?

Two

In 1984, Niki Lauda clinched Formula One’s World Drivers’ Championship for the final time. How many times had he won the title in total?

Three

In 1940, the first edition of Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls was published. In what war was the story set?

Four

The Guggenheim Museum opened in New York on this date in 1959. Which architect designed its iconic spiral building?

Five

The Battle of Trafalgar, fought on 21 October 1805, took place in the …. It was named after a prominent geographic feature: the …. Firstly, what body of water and secondly, what geographic feature fill the two gaps in the previous sentence?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later?

On This Day: October 20th—Answers

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

One

On 20 October 1973, which Australian landmark officially opened to the public?
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth II, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose citation is

Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is a great architectural work of the 20th century that brings together multiple strands of creativity and innovation in both architectural form and structural design. A great urban sculpture set in a remarkable waterscape, at the tip of a peninsula projecting into Sydney Harbour, the building has had an enduring influence on architecture. The Sydney Opera House comprises three groups of interlocking vaulted ‘shells’ which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant. These shell-structures are set upon a vast platform and are surrounded by terrace areas that function as pedestrian concourses. In 1957, when the project of the Sydney Opera House was awarded by an international jury to Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it marked a radically new approach to construction.
— UNESCO World Heritage Convention

Two

The Battle of Valdivia, part of the Chilean War of Independence, took place in which decade?
1820s
This battle saw Chilean forces secure the southern stronghold from Spanish royalists, aiding in the country’s independence.

The Traveling Wilburys—top: 1. Jeff Lynne, 2. Tom Petty;
bottom: 3. Roy Orbison, 4. Bob Dylan, 5. George Harrison

Three

Which iconic rock musician gave his final live performance with his band, the Traveling Wilburys, on this day in 1990?
Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison, part of the supergroup with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, passed away later that year.

Four

On 20 October 2011, which long-time Libyan leader was captured and killed during the civil conflict?
Muammar Gaddafi
Muammar Gaddafi had ruled Libya for 42 years before being overthrown during the Arab Spring uprisings. His death, which ended one of Africa’s longest dictatorships, lead to years of instability in Libya.

Five

Which U.S. President signed the Louisiana Purchase Treaty on 20 October 1803?
Thomas Jefferson
The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, adding roughly 828,000 square miles of territory.

On This Day: October 20th

Some trivia about today, October 20th.

Flag of the United States (1795–1818).
Image Wikipedia

One

On 20 October 1973, which Australian landmark officially opened to the public?
Sydney Opera House

Two

The Battle of Valdivia, part of the Chilean War of Independence, took place in which decade?
1820s

Three

Which iconic rock musician gave his final live performance with his band, the Traveling Wilburys, on this day in 1990?

Four

On 20 October 2011, which long-time Libyan leader was captured and killed during the civil conflict?

Five

Which U.S. President signed the Louisiana Purchase Treaty on 20 October 1803?
Thomas Jefferson

Good luck! I’ll Post the answers later.

Shrouded in Mystery—Answers

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

One

Is it true or false that in 1988 the Archbishop of Turin announced that carbon-14 dating of the Shroud of Turin placed its date in the first century CE?

Answer: False

He admitted the shroud’s origins date back to the Middle Ages. The Shroud of Turin, traditionally believed to be Jesus’ burial cloth, was radiocarbon dated in 1988 to the period 1260–1390 CE This contradicts its traditional association with Jesus’ crucifixion. While some question the reliability of the 1988 test, no expert has deemed it substantially unreliable.

Two

The 1972 Andes flight carrying the Old Christians Rugby Club became international news when it was revealed that the survivors had resorted to cannibalism to survive. Is it true or false that the flight originated from Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Answer: False

They were flying from Montevideo, Uruguay to Santiago, Chile. Old Christians Club, a Uruguayan sports club from Montevideo, is known for its rugby union team. The club also has football and field hockey branches. Forty rugby club members and five crew members were on board a plane that crashed in the Argentinean Andes. They endured an avalanche and weeks of starvation, resorting to eating the frozen bodies of the deceased. Sixteen survivors were rescued after two trekked across the mountains to seek help.

Three

Is it true of false that in 54 CE the Roman emperor Claudius died from poisoning and was succeeded by his son Caligula, rather than his son with Messalina?

Answer: False

He was succeeded by his adoptive son Nero rather than Britannicus, his son with Messalina. Ancient historians believe Claudius was poisoned, likely by his wife Agrippina, to secure Nero’s succession. However, some argue he died from illness or old age, citing his poor health and the lack of evidence against his taster Halotus.

Four

Is this statement true or false: In 2010, 33 miners were rescued from South America’s Patagonian Desert after spending a 69 days underground.

Answer: False

It was the Atacama Desert in Chile. The 2010 Copiapó mining accident trapped 33 miners 700 metres underground for a record 69 days after a cave-in at the San José mine in the Atacama Desert, Chile. The rescue operation, involving multiple countries and organisations, successfully brought the miners to the surface. The mine’s owner, San Esteban Mining Company, had a history of safety violations and negligence.

Five

Margaret Thatcher, who was born today in 1925 was the British Prime Minister from 1979 until 1990. Is it true or false that she was Member of Parliament for the constituency of Finchley for more than 32 years?

Answer: True

She became the MP for Finchley on 8 October 1959 and held the position until her retirement in the spring of 1992. Thatcher was Europe’s first female prime minister and the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century, also the only one to secure three consecutive terms.

Shrouded in Mystery

Here are five questions which are all related to today, October 13th

One

Is it true or false that in 1988 the Archbishop of Turin announced that carbon-14 dating of the Shroud of Turin placed its date in the first century CE?

Two

Three

Is it true of false that in 54 CE the Roman emperor Claudius died from poisoning and was succeeded by his son Caligula, rather than his son with Messalina?

Four

Is this statement true or false: In 2010, 33 miners were rescued from South America’s Patagonian Desert after spending a 69 days underground.

Five

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

All in a Day—Answers

One

On 18 September 1905, the actress Greta Garbo was born. In which capital city was she born?

Answer: Stockholm

Greta Garbo, was born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson, in Stockholm, Sweden. The Swedish-American actress was a prominent figure in Hollywood’s silent and early golden eras. Known for her melancholic screen persona and subtle performances, she achieved international stardom with films like Flesh and the Devil and A Woman of Affairs. Despite her success, Garbo retired from acting in 1941, shunning publicity and leading a private life until her death in 1990.

Two

A Dictionary of the English Language, published 1755, was considered the most famous work of which English writer, poet, playwright and lexicographer who was born 18 September 1709?

Answer: Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson, an English writer, made significant contributions to literature as a poet, playwright, essayist, and lexicographer. His most famous work, A Dictionary of the English Language, was published in 1755 and remained influential for 150 years. Johnson’s friendship with James Boswell resulted in the renowned biography, Life of Samuel Johnson.

Three

Dylan Kwabena Mills, born today in 1984, is known professionally as whom?

Answer: Dizzee Rascal

Dizzee Rascal, a British rapper, is credited with pioneering British hip hop and grime music. His work, incorporating elements of UK garage, bassline, and R&B, brought UK rap into the mainstream and achieved international recognition.

Four

John G. Diefenbaker, who was born on this day in 1895, was the prime minister of which country from 1957 to 1963?

Answer: Canada

John G. Diefenbaker, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, served as Canada’s prime minister from 1957 to 1963, ending 22 years of Liberal rule. His government faced challenges, including a crisis over nuclear weapons, leading to his defeat in the 1963 election.

Five

American police officer J.D. Tippit was born on 18 September 1924. When he was 39 years of age he was shot and killed while on duty by a suspect he was questioning regarding an earlier shooting. Who was he shot by?

Answer: Lee Harvey Oswald

After the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas at 1230 on 22 November 1963, bullet casings were found on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository, where a rifle owned by Lee Harvey Oswald was discovered. Two employees were missing: one outside watching the motorcade and Oswald, who had been working there for a month. Oswald was seen on the sixth floor before the shooting and encountered by the building superintendent and a policeman afterward. Law enforcement circulated his description. Oswald returned to his boardinghouse, and then left again. At 1:15 pm he was confronted by Dallas policeman J.D. Tippit, whom he shot and killed. Witnesses saw Oswald enter the Texas Theatre, where he was apprehended by police at 1:50 PM.

All in a Day

These questions all relate to people born on September 18th.

One

On 18 September 1905, the actress Greta Garbo was born. In which capital city was she born?

Two

A Dictionary of the English Language, published 1755, was considered the most famous work of which English writer, poet, playwright and lexicographer who was born 18 September 1709?

Three

Dylan Kwabena Mills, born today in 1984, is known professionally as whom?

Four

John G. Diefenbaker, who was born on this day in 1895, was the prime minister of which country from 1957 to 1963?

Five

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Mr ? Goes to Washington—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier post.

Lyndon B. Johnson, 1915.
Image Wikipedia

One

Born on 27 August 1908 in Texas, this boy went on to become the president of the United States. Who is he?

Answer: Lyndon B Johnson

Lyndon B Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, served from 1963 to 1969. He assumed the presidency after John F. Kennedy’s assassination and was later elected in a landslide. Johnson’s presidency is remembered for his Great Society programmes, which aimed to expand civil rights, improve healthcare, and combat poverty, but his legacy is also marred by the Vietnam War.

Two

On this date, Ernst Heinkel’s He178 turbojet-powered aircraft achieved the historic first jet flight. In which decade did this event occur?

Answer: 1930s (1939)

The jet engine, though conceptually ancient, only became practical in the 20th century. Early attempts, like the Caproni Campini N.1 and Tsu-11, were unsuccessful. The breakthrough came with the gas turbine, leading to the development of the turbojet, with Frank Whittle and Hans von Ohain (He178) playing pivotal roles in its creation.

Three

The Anglo-Zanzibar War, the shortest war in history, took place on 27 August 1896. How long did the war last?
1. Between 30 minutes and 60 minutes
2. Between 510 minutes and 540 minutes
3. Between 960 and 990 minutes

Answer: Between 30 minutes and 60 minutes

The war lasted no longer than 40 minutes, making it the shortest war in recorded history.
— Encyclopædia Britannica

The conflict lasted between 38 and 45 minutes, marking it as the shortest recorded war in history.
— Wikipedia

Four

The world premiere of a film adaptation of a book by PL Travers took place on 27 August 1964 in Los Angeles. Which film?

Answer: Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins, a 1964 American musical film, features Julie Andrews as a magical nanny who transforms a troubled London household.

Five

On 27 August 1938, at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA, Captain George E.T. Eyston set a new land speed record. What speed did he achieve?
1. 199.96 mph
2. 273.13 mph
3. 345.49 mph

Answer: 345.49 mph

Captain George Eyston, a British engineer and racing driver, broke the land speed record three times between 1937 and 1939.

Mr ? Goes to Washington

All are connected to today’s date, August 27th. Two of the questions are multiple choice the other three are not.

One

Born on 27 August 1908 in Texas, this boy, pictured above in 1915, went on to become the president of the United States. Who is he?

Two

On this date, Ernst Heinkel’s He178 turbojet-powered aircraft achieved the historic first jet flight. In which decade did this event occur?

Three

Four

The world premiere of a film adaptation of a book by PL Travers took place on 27 August 1964 in Los Angeles. Which film?

Five

On 27 August 1938, at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA, Captain George E.T. Eyston set a new land speed record. What speed did he achieve?
1. 199.96 mph
2. 273.48 mph
3. 345.49 mph

Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

Mr Standfast—Answers

The answers to my earlier post are shown below.

Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, meets HM King Charles III
at Buckingham Palace. LONDON- UK- 5th May 2023.
Photo by Ian Jones via Wikipedia

One

Who, born 25 August 1875, connects these: the 15th Governor General of Canada; Richard Hannay; and the 1st Baron Tweedsmuir?

Answer: John Buchan

John Buchan, a Scottish novelist and politician, served as Governor General of Canada from 1935 until his death in 1940. He promoted Canadian unity and strengthened the country’s sovereignty. Buchan, who was the 1st Baron Tweedsmuir, created the character Richard Hannay.

Two

The title of this post, Mr Standfast, is the name of a novel featuring Richard Hannay, as mentioned in question 1. Can you name another novel by the same author that features Hannay as a major character?

Answer: (Any of) – The Thirty-Nine Steps, Greenmantle, The Three Hostages, The Island of Sheep

Hannay appears in several novels as a major character, including:

He also appears as a minor character in:

The Runagates Club (1928) short story, ‘The Green Wildebeest’
The Courts of the Morning (1929)
Sick Heart River (1940)

— Wikipedia

Note, Richard Hannay also appears in some works by other authors.

Three

The 15th Governor General of Canada is mentioned above, but who is the current and 30th Governor General of Canada? Notably, this is the first Indigenous person to hold the office.

Answer: Mary Simon

Mary Simon, the first Indigenous Governor General of Canada, was born in Quebec and previously worked as a broadcaster and diplomat. Her appointment was criticised due to her limited French fluency.

Four

The international boundary between Canada and the United States is the world’s longest. Two answers to this question: (1) how many Canadian provinces and territories are on the border, and (2) how many US states are on the border.

Answer: (1) 8 Canadian provinces or territories and (2) 13 US states

Canadian Province or Territory

Ontario 2,727 km (1,682 mi)
British Columbia 2,168 km (1,347 mi)
Yukon 1,244 km (786 mi)
Quebec 813 km (505 mi)
Saskatchewan 632 km (393 mi)
New Brunswick 513 km (318 mi)
Manitoba 497 km (309 mi)
Alberta 298 km (185 mi)

US State

Alaska 2,475 km (1,538 mi)
Michigan 1,160 km (721 mi)
Maine 983 km (611 mi)
Minnesota 880 km (547 mi)
Montana 877 km (545 mi)
New York 716 km (445 mi)
Washington 687 km (427 mi)
North Dakota 499 km (310 mi)
Ohio 499 km (310 mi)
Vermont 145 km (90 mi)
New Hampshire 93 km (58 mi)
Idaho 72 km (45 mi)
Pennsylvania 68 km (42 mi)

— Wikipedia

Alaska, US–Yukon, Canada border.
Image Fine Art America

Five

The northern end of the Yukon, Canada/Alaska, US border at 69°39′N 141°00′W is on the shore of what sea?

Answer: Beaufort Sea

The Canadian territory of Yukon shares its entire western border with the U.S. state of Alaska, beginning at the Beaufort Sea at 69°39′N 141°00′Wand proceeding southwards along the 141st meridian west. At 60°18′N, the border proceeds away from the 141st meridian west in a southeastward direction, following the Saint Elias Mountains. South of the 60th parallel north, the border continues into British Columbia
— Wikipedia