asia – Quizology Online

Matchmaker—Answers

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

Today’s questions are all connected to December 23rd.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Toni Collette in *Emma* (1996).
Image © 1996 Miramax Films via Encyclopædia Britannica

One

In 1815, Jane Austen published her fourth novel, which was later adapted into a film in 1996. What was the title of the book?

Answer: Emma

Jane Austen’s 1815 novel, Emma, follows the matchmaking misadventures of Emma Woodhouse in the fictional town of Highbury.

Two

Who, born in 1933, became the 125th emperor of Japan in 1989, and how did his reign end in 2019?

Answer: Akihito; abdication

Akihito, the 125th emperor of Japan, reigned from 1989 to 2019. He abdicated in favour of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito.

Three

In 1888, what two artists were involved in ‘the incident at the Yellow House’, and what injury happened to one of them?

Answers: Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin; Van Gogh cut off part of his left ear

Vincent van Gogh cut off part of his ear in 1888 after a heated argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. The incident, possibly linked to van Gogh’s mental health struggles, led to his hospitalisation and Gauguin’s departure from Arles.

Four

In 2001, which South American nation announced the suspension of payments on its external debt marking the largest debt default in history?

Answer: Argentina

Argentina’s economy experienced a severe recession from 1998 to 2002, culminating in a US$93 billion debt default in 2001. This led to a rapid devaluation of the peso, soaring inflation, and a significant drop in GDP.

Five

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born in 1805. Which US state was his birthplace?

Answer: Vermont

Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, translated golden plates into the Book of Mormon. His teachings, including revelations and polygamy, were recorded and published.

In My Life—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

Although spread over several centuries these questions are all related to today’s date, December 8th.

One

John Lennon was murdered in 1980. What song did Paul McCartney write as a tribute to John Lennon after his death. The song was released on his album, Tug of War (1982).

Answer: Here Today

Composed as a heartfelt tribute to John Lennon, this song expresses the emotions Paul felt he couldn’t fully convey to him during their time together. It’s structured as an imagined conversation exploring their affection, regret and complex friendship. McCartney performs it frequently at concerts as a dedicated moment for Lennon. McCartney featured on George Harrison’s tribute song All Those Years Ago (1981) alongside Ringo Starr on drums. McCartney, Linda and Denny Laine provided backing vocals.
The post title In My Life is a Beatles song from their 1965 album Rubber Soul.

Two

The first woman to appear on a public stage in England did so on this date, in what decade did this occur?

Answer: 1660s (1660)

Margaret Hughes, also known as Peg Hughes, is widely regarded as the first professional actress to appear on the English stage. She made theatre history on 8 December 1660 when she played Desdemona in Othello, a landmark moment that signalled a major shift in Restoration-era drama, as women began performing publicly for the first time. Anne Marshall, another pioneer, is also sometimes credited with being the actress to appear on this date.

Three

Mary, Queen of Scots, was born on this day, and six days later she became queen of Scotland. In what decade did this occur?

Answer: 1540s (1542)

Mary, Queen of Scots, ascended to the throne at six days old. After marrying Francis, Dauphin of France, she became queen consort of France until his death. Returning to Scotland, her reign was marked by religious and political turmoil, culminating in her forced abdication and imprisonment. Seeking refuge in England, she was perceived as a threat to Elizabeth I and executed after being found guilty of plotting against her.

Four

In 1991, after the Soviet Union’s breakup, which three former Soviet republics formed the Commonwealth of Independent States?

Answer: Russia, Ukraine and Belarus

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was formed in 1991 by Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, replacing the USSR. There were eventually twelve former Soviet republics as members, including the Central Asian republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; and the Transcaucasian republics of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia; and Moldova. Notably, the former Soviet republics in the Baltic area—Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania—declined to join the CIS.

Five

…an emotionally shattering look at the effects of the Vietnam War on the young American men sent to fight in it, the movie later won an Oscar for best picture

—Encyclopædia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/on-this-day/December-8

Which 1978 Oscar-winning film directed by Michael Cimino is described in the above Encyclopædia Britannica quote?

Answer: The Deer Hunter

The Deer Hunter is a 1978 American war drama film about three Slavic-American steelworkers whose lives are changed by the Vietnam War. The film, directed by Michael Cimino, received critical acclaim and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

In My Life

Although spread over several centuries these questions are all related to today’s date, December 8th.

One

John Lennon was murdered in 1980. What song did Paul McCartney write as a tribute to John Lennon after his death. The song was released on his album, Tug of War (1982).

Two

The first woman to appear on a public stage in England did so on this date, in what decade did this occur?

Three

Mary, Queen of Scots, was born on this day, and six days later she became queen of Scotland. In what decade did this occur?

Four

In 1991, after the Soviet Union’s breakup, which three former Soviet republics formed the Commonwealth of Independent States?

Five

…an emotionally shattering look at the effects of the Vietnam War on the young American men sent to fight in it, the movie later won an Oscar for best picture

—Encyclopædia Britannica

Which 1978 Oscar-winning film directed by Michael Cimino is described in the above Encyclopædia Britannica quote?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Who, What, When, Where or Why—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions posted earlier.

Today’s questions are simply either Who, What, When, Where or Why.

Apollo 13 launches from Kennedy Space Center, April 11, 1970.
Image Wikipedia

One

Who was the only astronaut on the Apollo program to be the only person to fly to the Moon twice without landing?

Answer: Jim Lovell

James Lovell was an American astronaut, naval aviator, and engineer. He flew on four space missions, including Apollo 8 and Apollo 13, and was the first person to fly into space four times. Lovell received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to space exploration.

Two

What uninvited stony visitor injured Elizabeth Hodges while she napped on her couch in Alabama in 1954?

Answer: Meteorite

Ann Elizabeth Fowler Hodges, the first documented person struck by a meteorite and survive, was injured when a meteorite fragment crashed through her roof and hit her while she napped on 30 November 1954.

Three

When was the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan, was it (i) 11th Century; (ii) 12th Century; (iii) 13th Century

Answer: (iii) 13th Century

The Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan in 1206, eventually covering some 9 million square miles (23 million square km) from the Pacific Ocean to the Danube River and the Persian Gulf by the late 13th century.

Four

Where on the planet is the farthest point from the Earth’s centre. Is it the summit of (i) Chimborazo, Ecuador; (ii) Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland or (iii) Mount Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica?

Answer: (i) Chimborazo, Ecuador

Chimborazo, a stratovolcano in Ecuador, is the highest mountain in the country and the 39th-highest peak in the Andes. Despite not being the tallest mountain on Earth, its summit is the farthest point from the Earth’s centre due to its equatorial location on the planet’s equatorial bulge.

Five

Why was 1936 a year of three kings in the United Kingdom, and who were they?

Answer: Abdication crisis; George V, Edward VIII and George VI

On the death of George V his eldest son became Edward VIII but he abdicated only 326 days later and his younger brother Albert became king as George VI.
Edward VIII, later the Duke of Windsor, proposed marriage to Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée, led to a constitutional crisis and his abdication in favour of his brother, George VI. After his abdication, Edward, who was made Duke of Windsor by the new king, married Simpson and they lived in France until his death in 1972.

Who, What, When, Where or Why

Today’s questions are simply either Who, What, When, Where or Why.

An Apollo launch from Kennedy Space Center.
Image Wikipedia

One

Who was the only astronaut on the Apollo program to be the only person to fly to the Moon twice without landing?

Two

What uninvited stony visitor injured Elizabeth Hodges while she napped on her couch in Alabama in 1954?

Three

When was the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan, was it (i) 11th Century; (ii) 12th Century; (iii) 13th Century

Four

Where on the planet is the farthest point from the Earth’s centre. Is it the summit of (i) Chimborazo, Ecuador; (ii) Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland or (iii) Mount Erebus, Ross Island, Antarctica?

Five

Why was 1936 a year of three kings in the United Kingdom, and who were they?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Today’s the Day—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions posted earlier.

All of these questions are related to today, November 12th.

Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando, 1955.
Academy Awards. Image Wikipedia

One

Born on 12 November 1929, this actress won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1954 film The Country Girl. Who is she?

Answer: Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly, an American actress, achieved stardom in Hollywood films before marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956. As Princess of Monaco, she focused on charity work, particularly for children and the arts. Kelly passed away at the age of 52 due to injuries from a car crash.

Two

Today in 1990, Emperor Akihito was enthroned in Japan. Tradition dictates that he is the 125th direct descendant of Japan’s legendary first emperor. Who was this legendary first emperor?

Answer: Jimmu

Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan, is said to have ascended the throne in 660 BC. While his existence is debated, his legendary journey from Hyūga to Yamato is celebrated on National Foundation Day.

Three

On this date in 1990, a computer scientist published a formal proposal for the World Wide Web. Who was this scientist and what organisation did they work for at the time?

Answer: Tim Berners-Lee; CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research)

The World Wide Web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN to address document storage and sharing challenges. He developed a decentralised system with hyperlinks, released it in 1991, and CERN made it royalty-free in 1993. The Web’s popularity surged with the release of graphical browsers like Mosaic and Netscape Navigator, leading to the dot-com bubble and the browser wars.

Four

Born in 1961, this gymnast became the first to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics. Who is this person and in which year’s Summer Olympics did this remarkable feat occur?

Answer: Nadia Comăneci; 1976 (Montreal)

Nadia Comăneci, a retired Romanian gymnast, is the first gymnast to achieve a perfect score of 10.0 at the Olympics. At the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, she secured six more perfect 10s, leading to three gold medals. In Moscow, during the 1980 Summer Olympics, she won two more golds and achieved two more perfect 10s. Throughout her career, Comăneci amassed nine Olympic medals—including five gold—and four World Artistic Gymnastics Championship medals. Widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, she has lived in the United States since 1989.

Ellis Island, New York.
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

Five

The pictured facility, which ceased to operate today in 1954, is located on what island?

Answer: Ellis Island

The US government established its first federal immigration station on Ellis Island in 1892, replacing the mismanaged Castle Clinton. Initially a wooden station, it processed over 1.5 million immigrants before a fire in 1897 destroyed it. A new fireproof station designed by Edward Lippincott Tilton and William A. Boring opened in 1900 but quickly faced overcrowding necessitating further expansions and improvements. Construction also began on a third island for a contagious diseases ward. However, after the Immigration Act of 1924, the island’s role shifted, leading to its downgrade to a detention centre and eventual closure in 1954 due to declining immigration and high upkeep costs.

Today’s the Day

All of these questions are related to today, November 12th.

One

Born on 12 November 1929, this actress won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1954 film The Country Girl. Who is she?

Two

Today in 1990, Emperor Akihito was enthroned in Japan. Tradition dictates that he is the 125th direct descendant of Japan’s legendary first emperor. Who was this legendary first emperor?

Three

On this date in 1990, a computer scientist published a formal proposal for the World Wide Web. Who was this scientist and what organisation did they work for at the time?

Four

Born in 1961, this gymnast became the first to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics. Who is this person and in which year’s Summer Olympics did this remarkable feat occur?

Five

The pictured facility, which ceased to operate today in 1954, is located on what island?

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

Dr. Livingstone, I presume?—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier post.

The first question concerns today, November 10th, while the others follow a theme related to it.

HenryMorton Stanley (L) meeting David Livingstone (R) at Ujiji.
Image Wikipedia

One

‘Dr. Livingstone, I presume?’

On this day in 1871, Henry Stanley uttered the famous words quoted above on meeting explorer and missionary Dr. David Livingstone at Ujiji. In what modern country is the town of Ujiji situated?

Answer: Tanzania

David Livingstone was a Scottish missionary, doctor, abolitionist, and explorer who lived in the 1800s. He is known for his expeditions in Africa and his efforts to bring Christianity, commerce, and “civilization” to the continent.

Livingstone was born into a poor but religious family in Scotland. At the age of 10, he began working in a cotton mill to help his family. Despite the long hours, he was determined to get an education and studied Latin, Greek, theology, and medicine.

Livingstone became a missionary and set sail for South Africa in 1840. He believed that Christianity, commerce, and civilization would open up Africa. He wanted to find a route to the Atlantic coast to promote legitimate trade and undermine the slave trade.

Livingstone traveled extensively throughout Africa, and was the first European to see Victoria Falls, naming them after Queen Victoria. He also crossed the African continent and explored the Zambezi River regions. Livingstone searched for the source of the Nile River. During this expedition, he reached Lake Mweru and Lake Bangweulu. In 1871, he arrived at Nyangwe on the Lualaba River, further west than any other European had gone.

Livingstone was found by Henry M. Stanley, a reporter from the New York Herald, in 1871. Stanley greeted him with the famous words, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Livingstone refused to leave Africa with Stanley and continued his mission.

Encyclopædia Britannica, see David-Livingstone

Two

Which Portuguese explorer was the first European to reach India by sea, sailing around the Cape of Good Hope in 1498?

Answer: Vasco da Gama

Da Gama’s voyage established the first direct maritime trade route between Europe and Asia, transforming global commerce.

Three

Who led the first successful expedition to the South Pole in 1911, beating Robert Falcon Scott’s British team?

Answer: Roald Amundsen

The Norwegian explorer used sled dogs and meticulous planning to reach the Pole on 14 December 1911 — a month before Scott’s ill-fated arrival.

Four

Which Venetian merchant and explorer travelled along the Silk Road to the court of Kublai Khan in the 13th century, later inspiring generations of explorers with his tales of Asia?

Answer: Marco Polo

Polo’s book The Travels of Marco Polo introduced Europeans to the wealth and wonders of the East, though some contemporaries doubted his accounts.

Five

What treacherous Arctic sea route, long sought by European explorers, connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago?

Answer: The Northwest Passage

Many expeditions tried and failed to find it — including Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 voyage — until Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen finally navigated it completely in 1906.

Meeting of the Waters—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions posed earlier.

Meeting of the waters is the confluence
between the dark Rio Negro (blackwater) and the pale sandy-coloured Amazon River (whitewater), referred to as the Solimões River in Brazil upriver of this confluence.
Image Wikipedia

One

The confluence of what two rivers is shown in the above picture?

Answer: Rio Negro and Amazon aka (Rio Solimões)

The Meeting of Waters in Brazil is where the dark Rio Negro meets the pale, sediment-rich Rio Solimões (Amazon River) but flows side by side for kilometres without mixing due to differences in speed, temperature, and sediment content. The Rio Negro is slower, warmer, and almost sediment-free, while the Solimões is faster, cooler, and carries Andean sediments. This striking visual contrast continues for many kilometres before blending fully.

Two

Who composed the original Star Wars film score?

Answer: John Williams.

Williams’ iconic score, recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, revitalized interest in grand orchestral film music and remains one of the most recognizable movie themes in history.

Xi Jinping, President of China.
Image Wikipedia

Three

Is it true that China’s President Xi Jinping spent part of his childhood living in a cave?

Answer: True

As of 2010, approximately 3 million people in China’s Shanxi province resided in yaodong, which are caves dug into soft yet insulating dirt. These caves are naturally cool in summer and warm in winter, making them an affordable housing option. China’s president, Xi Jinping, spent part of his childhood in a similar cave in a nearby province. In 1968, at the age of 15, Xi applied to leave Beijing for the countryside, influenced by Mao Zedong’s Down to the Countryside Movement. On 13 January 1969, he moved to Liangjiahe Village in Yan’an, Shaanxi. The rural conditions were challenging which fostered his connection with the rural poor. Initially unable to adapt, he attempted to return to Beijing but was arrested and sent to a work camp. Persuaded by his aunt and uncle, he returned to the village, where he served as the party secretary and lived in a cave house.

Yaodong(earth shelter) covered in snow.
Image Wikipedia

Four

What is the most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere?

Answer: Nitrogen

Nitrogen makes up about 78% of Earth’s atmosphere. Despite being so common, most living organisms can’t use atmospheric nitrogen directly — it must first be made into usable forms by bacteria and plants.

Five

The novel Brave New World was written by whom?

Answer: Aldous Huxley

Published in 1932, Brave New World predicted technologies and societal trends — such as genetic engineering and consumerism — that became eerily relevant decades later.

Meating of the Waters

Today’s questions are a random selection.

Meeting of the waters, see question one.
Image Wikipedia

One

The confluence of what two rivers is shown in the above picture?

Two

Who composed the original Star Wars film score?

Three

Is it true that China’s President Xi Jinping spent part of his childhood living in a cave?

Four

What is the most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere?

Five

The novel Brave New World was written by whom?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.