Tag: art

  • Seconds Out: Round Two — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    Uranus.
    Image science.nasa.gov

    As with yesterday’s questions these are not date-related but follow a theme mentioned in the title.

    One

    Who, in 1965, became the second cricket player to hit six sixes in an over, and whose record did he equal?

    Answers: Ravi Shastri; Gary Sobers.

    On 31 August 1968, Sobers became the first man to hit six sixes off a single six-ball over in first-class cricket, off the bowling of Malcolm Nash in Nottinghamshire’s first innings against Glamorgan at St Helen’s in Swansea. Nash, a seam bowler, decided to try his arm at spin bowling, and this achievement was caught on film. On 10 January 1985, Shastri equalled Sobers’ record by hitting six sixes in an over, off the bowling of Baroda’s Tilak Raj.


    Two

    Which planet in our solar system is an ice giant and the second farthest from the Sun?

    Answer: Uranus.

    Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun, is one of the two ice giants in our solar system, the other being Neptune. Its interior is thought to consist largely of high-pressure water, ammonia and methane. Uranus has the coldest planetary atmosphere in the Solar System, with minimum temperatures of about −224 °C (−371 °F), and an axial tilt of about 97.8°, causing retrograde rotation. It has a dark ring system, 29 known moons and unusually low internal heat. Discovered by William Herschel in 1781, it was visited by Voyager 2 in 1986, and a dedicated Uranus mission remains a major priority for future planetary exploration.


    Three

    The active volcano Popocatépetl is which country’s second-highest peak? 

    Answer: Mexico.

    Popocatépetl is an active stratovolcano on the borders of the Mexican states of Puebla, Morelos and the State of Mexico, reaching 5,393 m (17,694 ft) and linked to Iztaccíhuatl by the Paso de Cortés. It is Mexico’s second-highest mountain after Citlaltépetl (Pico de Orizaba) at 5,636 m (18,491 ft). Its summit glaciers largely disappeared by 2001 owing to a combination of volcanic activity and climatic warming, and its eruptions primarily produce magnesium-rich andesite and dacite.


    Four

    No Need to Argue (1994) was what band’s second album?

    Answer: The Cranberries.

    No Need to Argue, released on 3 October 1994 via Island Records, is the Cranberries’ best-selling album with over 17 million copies sold by 2014. It includes “Zombie” and is darker than their debut.


    Five

    Jacqueline Roque was the muse and second wife, from 1961, of which artist? 

    Answer: Pablo Picasso.

    Jacqueline Picasso, also known as Jacqueline Roque, Pablo Picasso’s muse and second wife. Their marriage spanned 12 years until his death, during which he produced more than 400 portraits of her—a greater number than for any other partner.


  • Seconds Out: Round Two

    See question 2.
    Image science.nasa.gov

    As with yesterday’s questions these are not date-related but follow a theme mentioned in the title.

    One

    Who, in 1965, became the second cricket player to hit six sixes in an over, and whose record did he equal?


    Two

    Which planet in our solar system is an ice giant and the second farthest from the Sun?


    Three

    The active volcano Popocatépetl is which country’s second-highest peak? 


    Four

    No Need to Argue (1994) was what band’s second album?


    Five

    Jacqueline Roque was the muse and second wife, from 1961, of which artist? 


    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


  • Shaken, Not Stirred — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    Sean Connery and Ian Fleming on the set of Dr. No (1962).
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Today’s questions all relate to June 28th.


    One

    James Bond Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond books, was born in 1908. What was the first James Bond novel; which U.S. president included a Bond novel in his ten favourites, and which was it? 

    Answer: Casino Royale; President John F. Kennedy and From Russia With Love.

    Ian Fleming, born in 1908, was a British suspense-fiction novelist and former naval intelligence officer who created the iconic British secret agent James Bond, 007. His first Bond novel, Casino Royale (1953), launched a globally popular series known for espionage and action. From Russia With Love, the fifth Bond novel, was famously endorsed by John F. Kennedy in 1961 in a list of his ten favourite books. 


    Two

    In 1999, after two decades of restoration, a Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece was unveiled to the public. Located within the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this work is known as what, and what type of artwork is it?

    Answer: Last Supper; Mural.

    Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (1495-1498) is a mural in Milan’s Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It depicts Jesus announcing his betrayal and instituting the Eucharist. The apostles’ dramatic reactions convey intense emotion. Commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, the original materials caused significant deterioration over time.


    Three

    In what venue was a peace treaty signed on 28 June 1919? 

    Answer: Palace of Versailles

    The Palace of Versailles, built by King Louis XIV, is located 19 km (12 mi) west of Paris, France. The Hall of Mirrors, where the treaty was signed, is the largest room in the palace. Seventeen mirror arches (each containing 21 mirrors and thus totalling 357 mirrors in the hall) face 17 windows that overlook the palace gardens.


    Four

    Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to the merger of two companies by two men. Could you please identify these men and the decade that this happened?

    Answer: Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz; 1920s.

    Mercedes-Benz originated from Carl Benz’s 1886 internal combustion engine and Gottlieb Daimler’s petrol-engine stagecoach. Emil Jellinek marketed the 1901 Mercedes 35 hp, naming it after his daughter. The brand was officially established on 28 June 1926 after Daimler and Benz’s companies merged, forming Daimler-Benz.


    Five

    Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom’s coronation took place on this day. In what decade did it take place, and in what ecclesiastical building did the ceremony take place?

    Answer: 1830s; Westminster Abbey.

    Queen Victoria’s coronation occurred on 28 June 1838 at Westminster Abbey, following a public procession from Buckingham Palace. Planned by Lord Melbourne, it cost £70,000 and attracted 400,000 visitors. Despite internal mishaps, the event was successful, with fairs and displays in Hyde and Green Parks, amid some Radical opposition.


  • Shaken, Not Stirred

    Sean Connery and Ian Fleming.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Today’s questions all relate to June 28th.


    One

    James Bond Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond books, was born in 1908. What was the first James Bond novel; which U.S. president included a Bond novel in his ten favourites, and which was it? 


    Two

    In 1999, after two decades of restoration, a Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece was unveiled to the public. Located within the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this work is known as what? What type of artwork is it?


    Three

    In what venue was a peace treaty signed on 28 June 1919? 


    Four

    Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to the merger of two companies by two men. Could you please identify these men and the decade that this happened?


    Five

    Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom’s coronation took place on this day. In what decade did it take place, and in what ecclesiastical building did the ceremony take place?


    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


  • Art for Art’s Sake — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    Waterfall © MC Escher 1961.
    Image MyArtBroker.com

    These questions are all about people from the creative arts who were born on today’s date, 17 June.


    One

    Which Dutch artist, born 1898, created the lithograph Waterfall shown above? 

    Answer: M.C. Escher.

    Waterfall is a stunning visual representation of the concept of perpetual motion, depicting a never-ending cascade of water that flows uphill and back into itself. The piece combines elements of mathematics, physics, and art to create a seamless illusion of movement and transformation, inviting the viewer to contemplate the nature of change and the eternal cycle of life.
    — MyArtBroker.com


    Two

    Born in 1882, this composer was commissioned to write three ballets for the Ballets Russes’ Paris seasons: The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913). Who is the composer?

    Answer: Igor Stravinsky.

    Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) was a Russian composer with French and American citizenship, pivotal in modernist music. His career spanned three periods: Russian, neoclassical, and serial. Known for ballets like The Rite of Spring, he influenced composers like Copland and Glass. Stravinsky died in New York City, leaving six memoirs.


    Three

    Barry Manilow, who was born in 1943, won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1977 for a Bruce Johnston-written song. What song did Manilow ironically sing to win this award?

    Answer: I Write the Songs.

    Barry Manilow won a Grammy in 1977 for I Write the Songs — which, ironically, he did not write — written by Bruce Johnston. Manilow has produced, arranged, and performed for musicals, films, and commercials, including for McDonald’s and Pepsi. Nominated for 15 Grammy Awards, winning once, he has produced Grammy-nominated albums for Bette Midler and others. As a solo artist, he has sold over 85 million records globally.


    Four

    This English filmmaker, born 1936, received the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for both The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) and I, Daniel Blake (2016). He is also known for Cathy Come Home (1966) and Kes (1969). Who is this filmmaker?

    Answer: Ken Loach.

    Ken Loach is a British director known for his social realism films. Initially studying law at Oxford, he transitioned to acting and directing, notably for the BBC. His 1966 docudrama Cathy Come Home highlighted homelessness. Loach’s acclaimed films include KesHidden Agenda (1990), The Wind That Shakes the Barley and I, Daniel Blake, the latter two winning the Palme d’Or. He also directed documentaries like The Spirit of ’45 (2013) and received the Praemium Imperiale in 2003.


    Five

    Born in California in 1987, this American rapper and songwriter received the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, and has, at the time of writing, won 27 Grammys. Who is this musician?

    Answer: Kendrick Lamar.

    Kendrick Lamar, born in 1987, is a renowned American rapper known for his introspective lyrics and social commentary. He signed with TDE in 2005, achieving fame with albums like Good KidM.A.A.D City and To Pimp a Butterfly. Lamar has won 27 Grammys, headlined the Super Bowl, and co-founded PGLang.


  • Art for Art’s Sake

    Waterfall, 1961.
    Image MyArtBroker.com

    These questions are all about people from the creative arts who were born on today’s date, 17 June.


    One

    Which Dutch artist, born 1898, created the lithograph Waterfall shown above? 


    Two

    Born in 1882, this composer was commissioned to write three ballets for the Ballets Russes’ Paris seasons: The Firebird (1910), Petrushka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913). Who is the composer?


    Three

    Barry Manilow, who was born in 1943, won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1977 for a Bruce Johnston-written song. What song did Manilow ironically sing to win this award?


    Four

    This English filmmaker, born 1936, received the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for both The Wind That Shakes the Barley (2006) and I, Daniel Blake (2016). He is also known for Cathy Come Home (1966) and Kes (1969). Who is this filmmaker?


    Five

    Born in California in 1987, this American rapper and songwriter received the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, and has, at the time of writing, won 27 Grammys. Who is this musician?


    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


  • Time Stays Long Enough for Anyone Who Will Use It — Answers

    Here are today’s answers.

    Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci (c. 1515–1518), attributed to Francesco Melzi. Royal Collection, United Kingdom.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Here are five questions all connected to today, May 2nd.


    One

    Leonardo da Vinci, artist, architect and engineer, died on this day. In what century, and in what country, did he die?

    Answer: 16th century; France.

    He died on 2 May 1519 aged 67, Clos-Lucé, France. Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian Renaissance artist and inventor, epitomised the humanist ideal with his diverse talents in painting, sculpture, architecture, and engineering. His insatiable curiosity and mastery of observation fuelled his artistic and scientific pursuits, making him a true Renaissance man. Invited by King Francis I, Leonardo spent the last three years of his life in France, where he continued to work on unfinished paintings and scientific studies, and created his last series of artworks, Visions of the End of the World, showcasing his mastery of expression and imagination. Leonardo died at Cloux and was buried in the palace church of Saint-Florentin, though his grave is now lost.


    Two

    The King James Version of the Bible was published. In what decade was this, or as second prize, what century?

    Answer: 1610s; 17th century.

    The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, published in 1611 under King James I, was a revision of the Protestant Bible in English, addressing perceived corruption in existing translations. Approved in 1604, 47 scholars, divided into six companies, worked on the translation at Westminster, Oxford, and Cambridge. The KJV sought to be scholarly, nonpartisan, and faithful to the original languages, aiming to popularise the Scriptures. It became the standard English Bible from the mid-17th to early 20th century, influencing English literary style. Authorised for the Church of England, it remains favoured by many Christian fundamentalists.


    Three

    Anne Boleyn was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Who was her predecessor as Queen and who succeeded her?

    Answer: Catherine of Aragon; Jane Seymour.

    Anne Boleyn (c. 1501 or 1507 – 19 May 1536) was Henry VIII’s second wife and mother of Elizabeth I. Her marriage and execution were pivotal in the English Reformation. Educated in Europe, Anne resisted Henry’s advances until he sought an annulment from Catherine of Aragon to marry her. This led to the Church of England’s break from Rome. Anne married Henry secretly in 1532, officially in 1533, and was crowned queen. Despite giving birth to Elizabeth, she failed to produce a male heir. Accused of adultery and treason, she was executed in 1536. Posthumously, she became a Reformation martyr, inspiring cultural works. Henry married Jane Seymour eleven days after Anne’s execution.


    Four

    On this day, a De Havilland Comet became the first jetliner to carry fare-paying passengers. The flight took place in what year and departed from where, with its destination being where?

    Answer: 1952; London to Johannesburg.

    The de Havilland DH.106 Comet, the first commercial jet airliner, debuted in 1952. After fatal accidents due to metal fatigue, it was redesigned. The Comet 4 series, launched in 1958, served until 1981. Adapted for military roles, the Nimrod variant operated until 2011, highlighting its lasting impact.


    Five

    Born in 2015, who on their eleventh birthday is third in line of succession to the British throne? Secondly, who is the highest ranked non-titled person to currently appear on the line of succession?

    Answer: Princess Charlotte of Wales; Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

    The line of Succession

    SOVEREIGN

    1. The Prince of Wales
    2. Prince George of Wales
    3. Princess Charlotte of Wales
    4. Prince Louis of Wales
    5. The Duke of Sussex
    6. Prince Archie of Sussex
    7. Princess Lilibet of Sussex
    8. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
    9. Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
    10. Miss Sienna Mapelli Mozzi
    11. Miss Athena Mapelli Mozzi
    12. Princess Eugenie, Mrs. Jack Brooksbank
    13. Master August Brooksbank
    14. Master Ernest Brooksbank
    15. The Duke of Edinburgh
    16. Earl of Wessex
    17. The Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor
    18. The Princess Royal
    19. Mr. Peter Phillips
    20. Miss Savannah Phillips
    21. Miss Isla Phillips
    22. Mrs. Michael Tindall
    23. Miss Mia Tindall
    24. Miss Lena Tindall
    25. Master Lucas Tindall
      Succession | The Royal Family

    Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it

    The post title is a quote from Leonardo da Vinci.


  • Time Stays Long Enough for Anyone Who Will Use It

    Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci (c. 1515–1518), attributed to Francesco Melzi. Royal Collection, United Kingdom.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Here are five questions all connected to today, May 2nd.


    One

    Leonardo da Vinci, artist, architect and engineer, died on this day. In what century, and in what country, did he die?


    Two

    The King James Version of the Bible was published. In what decade was this, or as second prize, what century?


    Three

    Anne Boleyn was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Who was her predecessor as Queen and who succeeded her?


    Four

    On this day, a De Havilland Comet became the first jetliner to carry fare-paying passengers. The flight took place in what year and departed from where, with its destination being where?


    Five

    Born in 2015, who on their eleventh birthday is third in line of succession to the British throne? Secondly, who is the highest ranked non-titled person to currently appear on the line of succession?


    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


  • Where – Who – Where – Who (& When) – Where—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    All of today’s questions are connected to the date, March 20th. There are three places and two people to find in these multiple-choice questions.

    The Gypsy Theatre, Moscow, c.1931. Image New York Public Library via Wikimedia Commons

    One

    The first Romani language operetta, Children of the Forests, premiered on 20 March 1888. Where was it staged?

    1. Bucharest, Romania
    2. Kyiv, Ukraine
    3. 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?

    1. Salvador Dali
    2. Pablo Picasso
    3. 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?

    1. Alexandria, Virginia
    2. Baltimore, Maryland
    3. 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?

    1. Kelly Quinault in 1973
    2. Libby Riddles in 1985
    3. 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?

    1. Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich
    2. Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin
    3. 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.


  • Where – Who – Where – Who (& When) – Where

    All of today’s questions are connected to the date, March 20th. There are three places, two people and a year to find in these multiple-choice questions.

    The Gypsy Theatre, c.1931. Image New York Public Library via Wikimedia Commons

    One

    The first Romani language operetta, Children of the Forests, premiered on 20 March 1888. Where was it staged?

    1. Bucharest, Romania
    2. Kyiv, Ukraine
    3. Moscow, Russia

    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?

    1. Salvador Dali
    2. Pablo Picasso
    3. Jackson Pollock

    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?

    1. Alexandria, Virginia
    2. Baltimore, Maryland
    3. Cincinnati, Ohio

    Four

    Who became the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and when did she achieve this?

    1. Kelly Quinault in 1973
    2. Libby Riddles in 1985
    3. Molly Semyonova in 1997

    Five

    Albert Einstein submitted his paper The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity in 1916. Where was he working at that time?

    1. Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich
    2. Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin
    3. Charles University, Prague

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.