Quizology.Online

Tag: aviation

  • Gallimaufry XII — Answers

    Here’s the answers to the questions posted earlier.

    Despite a heart condition and arthritis that forced him to use a cane, Brigadier General Roosevelt led the assault on Utah Beach.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are a mixed bag and are not date-related. There is a bit of an alphabetical theme going on, though..

    One

    New York International Airport, which opened in 1948, was also commonly known by what other name?

    Answer: Idlewild.

    Now known as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), it is a major international airport serving the New York metropolitan area. Located in Queens, New York City, it is the busiest airport in the New York airport system and the busiest international commercial airport in North America. JFK features five passenger terminals and four runways, and serves as a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

    Two

    Supported by a walking stick, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr led the assault on which D-Day beach?

    Answer: Utah Beach.

    At 56, Roosevelt was the oldest general to land by sea with the first wave on D-Day, alongside his son, Captain Quentin Roosevelt II, who also landed with the first wave at Omaha Beach, making them the only father-son pair to participate in the invasion that day. Brigadier General Roosevelt, with Captain Leonard T. Schroeder Jr., led the 8th Infantry Regiment and 70th Tank Battalion at Utah Beach. Despite drifting off course, Roosevelt personally reconnoitred the area, coordinated with battalion commanders, and decided to attack from their landing point, famously declaring, ‘We’ll start the war from right here!’.

    Three

    What two word term is commonly used in the west to refer to the mythical humanoid creature which is said to inhabit parts of the Himalayas?

    Answer: Abominable Snowman.

    The Yeti, or Abominable Snowman, is a mythical humanoid creature believed to inhabit the Himalayas. Its existence is debated, with evidence such as sightings, videos, photos, and footprints, many of which are hoaxes or disputed. Despite numerous claims, the Yeti remains a subject of folklore and speculation. Folklorists trace the Yeti’s origin to Sherpa folklore and misidentified animals like bears or yaks, and it is often compared to North America’s Bigfoot due to similar physical descriptions.

    Four

    What flower with an eight-letter common name is the official flower of the Japanese city of Hiroshima, being the first to bloom there after the city was destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945?

    Answer: Oleander.

    As the very first flower to bloom on the scorched earth of Hiroshima, where it was said that nothing would grow for 75 years, the oleander flower was a source of strength and hope for the residents of the city as they worked hard on recovery efforts. Blooming in the summertime, the oleander flowers reach their peak around the August 6 Peace Memorial Day, their beautiful blossoms reminding our citizens of a great many and profound feelings.
    — The City of Hiroshima

    Five

    In Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox steals the spaceship Heart of Gold. What’s the name of the ship’s computer?

    Answer: Eddie.

    Eddie, the Heart of Gold’s shipboard computer, is annoyingly cheerful with a Genuine People Personality, irritating the crew, especially Zaphod. He has a backup motherly personality but remains disliked. Eddie controls all ship systems and records conversations. In And Another Thing…, Zaphod’s Left Brain replaces him, being more competent

    Theme

    The answers started with one of English’s five vowels, although not in the correct order.

  • Gallimaufry XII

    Despite a heart condition and arthritis that forced him to use a cane, Brigadier General Roosevelt led the assault on Utah Beach.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are a mixed bag and are not date-related. There is a bit of an alphabetical theme going on, though..

    One

    New York International Airport, which opened in 1948, was also commonly known by what other name?

    Two

    Supported by a walking stick, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr led the assault on which D-Day beach?

    Three

    What two word term is commonly used in the west to refer to the mythical humanoid creature which is said to inhabit parts of the Himalayas?

    Four

    What flower with an eight-letter common name is the official flower of the Japanese city of Hiroshima, being the first to bloom there after the city was destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945?

    Five

    In Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox steals the spaceship Heart of Gold. What’s the name of the ship’s computer?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Doctor Skaro — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    See question four. Flag of the Azores.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions follow a theme. The post’s title, which can reveal in part a relevant literary character, serves as a starting point.

    One

    Air Burkina’s primary base is located at the airport of which African capital city?

    Answer: Ouagadougou.

    Air Burkina SA, Burkina Faso’s national airline, operates from Ouagadougou Airport to domestic and regional destinations. It is currently government-owned, with a new investor being sought.

    Two

    Which Thomas Keneally book was adapted into a film that won the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director in 1994?

    Answer: Schindler’s Ark.

    Schindler’s Ark is a biographical novel by Thomas Keneally about Oskar Schindler, a Nazi who saved 1,200 Jews. It won the 1982 Booker Prize, gained fame through Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film Schindler’s List, and was featured on the 2022 ‘Big Jubilee Read’ list.

    Three

    What was the name of the balsa-wood raft used by Thor Heyerdahl to cross the Pacific in 1947?

    Answer: Kon-Tiki.

    The Kon-Tiki expedition, led by Thor Heyerdahl in 1947, was a raft journey from South America to Polynesia. Funded by private loans and U.S. Army equipment, Heyerdahl and five companions sailed 6,900 km on a balsa log raft, landing safely at Raroia after 101 days, inspiring a book and films.

    Four

    The flag shown above is from an archipelago of nine major islands, which is an autonomous region of a European country. It is named for the northern goshawk, although it is thought unlikely that the bird nested or hunted there, as there were no prey animals until sheep were introduced. What is the name of the archipelago?

    Answer: Azores.

    The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, consists of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Known for its mild climate, the region’s economy relies on agriculture, dairy farming, livestock, fishing, and tourism. Mount Pico is Portugal’s highest point. The Azores are seismically active at the Azores triple junction where the Eurasian, Nubian and North American tectonic plates meet.

    Five

    In an Alfred Hitchcock film starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly, Stewart’s character is confined to a wheelchair. What is the film?

    Answer: Rear Window.

    Rear Window, shot almost entirely from one room, is considered one of Hitchcock’s best films and one of the greatest ever made. Confined to his apartment, photojournalist Jeff (James Stewart) observes his neighbours, including Thorwald, who he suspects of murdering his wife. Jeff enlists the help of his nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter) and girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly) to investigate. It received four Academy Award nominations and was added to the United States National Film Registry.

    Doctor Skaro

    Doctor Skaro is, I confess, a bit misleading. Skaro is the home planet of the Daleks, the highly xenophobic, violent, merciless, and pitiless cyborg aliens from the long-running BBC television programme Doctor Who, but neither the title nor the theme has anything to do with their home planet or the Doctor. Doctor Skaro is cryptic. If you ‘doctor’ the word ‘Skaro’, that is, treat it as an anagram and rearrange the letters, you’ll find ‘in part a relevant literary character’: Oskar from question two, Oskar Schindler. Today’s answers begin with the letters O, S, K, A, R.

  • Doctor Skaro

    See question four. Flag of ?
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions follow a theme. The post’s title, which can reveal in part a relevant literary character, serves as a starting point.

    One

    Air Burkina’s primary base is located at the airport of which African capital city?

    Two

    Which Thomas Keneally book was adapted into a film that won the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director in 1994?

    Three

    What was the name of the balsa-wood raft used by Thor Heyerdahl to cross the Pacific in 1947?

    Four

    The flag shown above is from an archipelago of nine major islands, which is an autonomous region of a European country. It is named for the northern goshawk, although it is thought unlikely that the bird nested or hunted there, as there were no prey animals until sheep were introduced. What is the name of the archipelago?

    Five

    In an Alfred Hitchcock film starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly, Stewart’s character is confined to a wheelchair. What is the film?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • First II — Answer

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    Valentina Tereshkova, 1963.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Today’s first question is about a pioneering ‘first’, the rest follow a theme of ‘firsts’ rather than the letters of ’first’.

    One

    On this day in what year did Valentina V. Tereshkova become the first woman in space, and on what spacecraft did she travel?

    Answers: 1963; Vostok 6.

    On this day in 1963, Valentina V. Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, made history as the first woman to travel in space. She launched into orbit aboard Vostok 6 completing 48 orbits in just 71 hours. To date, she is the only woman to have flown in space solo and is the youngest, being 26 years of age at the time of Vostok 6.

    Two

    Who won the first of his three Wimbledon singles titles in 1934, and in what other sport was he a world champion?

    Answers: Fred Perry; Table tennis.

    Fred Perry was a British tennis and table tennis player, achieving significant success in both sports. In table tennis, he became the World Champion in 1929. Perry began his tennis career aged 21, seven years after taking up the sport. He won 10 Majors in tennis, including eight Grand Slam singles titles and two Pro Slam singles titles, as well as six Major doubles titles. Perry was the first player to achieve a ‘Career Grand Slam’ by winning all four singles titles, completing this feat at the 1935 French Championships at age 26. He remains the only British player to do so. Perry won three consecutive Wimbledon Championships from 1934 to 1936 and was the world amateur No. 1 during those years. Perry also played a crucial role in Great Britain’s Davis Cup victories from 1933 to 1936. Disillusioned with the Lawn Tennis Club of Great Britain’s class-conscious nature, he turned professional in 1936, moved to the United States, and became a naturalised U.S. citizen in 1939. After retiring, he founded the Fred Perry clothing label in 1952 and worked as a tennis broadcaster for BBC Radio. Despite his contributions, Perry was not fully recognised by tennis authorities until later in life, but in 1984, a statue was unveiled at Wimbledon.

    Three

    In what year did the Wright Brothers achieve the first controlled, sustained flight of an engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft, and which of the brothers was the pilot?

    Answer: 1903; Orville Wright.

    The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, were American aviation pioneers credited with inventing the first successful airplane. They achieved the first controlled, sustained flight of an engine-powered aircraft, the Wright Flyer, on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their innovation was a three-axis control system, crucial for fixed-wing flight. Unlike others, they focused on pilot control over engine power. Their mechanical skills, honed through bicycle work, were pivotal in their success.

    Four

    Absolute primogeniture is a form of primogeniture in which gender is irrelevant for inheritance. 

    1. What country became the first modern European monarchy to adopt this system in 1980?
    2. What two European monarchies still (June 2026) have male-preference primogeniture?

    Answers.

    1. Sweden.
    2. Spain and Monaco (have male-preference primogeniture).
      Sweden adopted absolute primogeniture in 1980, displacing Prince Carl Philip for Princess Victoria. Other monarchies followed: Netherlands (1983), Norway (1990), Belgium (1991), Denmark (2009), and Luxembourg (2011). In 2011, the realms within the Commonwealth, with Queen Elizabeth II as a common monarch, agreed to adopt absolute primogeniture; it became effective in 2015.

    Five

    In The Lord of the Rings who is/are the first to leave the Company of the Ring?

    Answer: Gandalf.

    The Company of the Ring consists of nine members: Legolas (Elf), Gimli (Dwarf), Aragorn and Boromir (Men), Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin (Hobbits), and Gandalf (Wizard). Led by Gandalf, they begin their journey at the start of winter, travelling south through Eriador. After failing to cross the Misty Mountains, they enter the mines of Moria, where Gandalf falls battling a Balrog, allowing the others to escape.

  • First II

    Valentina Tereshkova.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Today’s first question is about a pioneering ‘first’, the rest follow a theme of ‘firsts’ rather than the letters of ’first’.

    One

    On this day in what year did Valentina Tereshkova become the first woman in space, and on what spacecraft did she travel?

    Two

    Who won the first of his three Wimbledon singles titles in 1934, and in what other sport was he a world champion?

    Three

    In what year did the Wright Brothers achieve the first controlled, sustained flight of an engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft, and which of the brothers was the pilot?

    Four

    Absolute primogeniture is a form of primogeniture in which gender is irrelevant for inheritance. 

    1. What country became the first modern European monarchy to adopt this system in 1980?
    2. What two European monarchies still (June 2026) have male-preference primogeniture?

    Five

    In The Lord of the Rings who is/are the first to leave the Company of the Ring?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Walk Amongst the Stars — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    Flag of Montenegro.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of today’s questions relate to the date, 3rd June.

    One

    Which country’s national flag is shown? From which state union did it gain independence in 2006? 

    Answer: Montenegro; Serbia and Montenegro** (or the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro).

    Montenegro, located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, has a population of 633,158 across 25 municipalities. It borders Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea, with Podgorica as its capital and Cetinje as its cultural centre. Historically inhabited by Illyrians, it became a semi-independent principality under the rule of the Prince-Bishops beginning in 1696 and gained independence in 2006. Montenegro has an upper-middle-income, service-based economy and is a member of several international organisations, pursuing EU membership since 2012.

    Two

    In 1965, Ed White became the first American astronaut to walk in space. Who was the first man and the first woman to walk in space? (Individually, not together.)

    Answer: Alexei Leonov; Svetlana Savitskaya.

    Extravehicular activity (EVA) involves astronauts performing tasks outside spacecraft, including spacewalks and moonwalks. Conducted by nations like Russia, the U.S., and China, EVAs require space suits for life support. Notable milestones include Alexei Leonov’s first spacewalk in March 1965, Neil Armstrong’s moonwalk in July 1969, and Svetlana Savitskaya’s first female spacewalk in July 1984. EVAs can be tethered or untethered, with untethered walks using the Manned Manoeuvring Unit in 1984 and SAFER in 1994.

    Three

    The United Kingdom had three kings in 1936, one of whom had been born on this day in 1865. Who was he?

    Answer: George V.

    George V reigned as King of the United Kingdom from 1910 to 1936. The second son of Prince Albert Edward, later King Edward VII, he unexpectedly became heir to the throne after the death of his elder brother, Prince Albert Victor.
    Upon George V’s death in January 1936, he was succeeded by his eldest son, Edward VIII, who abdicated later that year to marry Wallis Simpson. Edward was then succeeded by his younger brother Albert, who became King George VI.

    Four

    In 1844, the last pair of Great auks were killed by fishermen on Eldey Island. In what nation is Eldey Island?

    Answer: Iceland.

    Great Auk.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    The great auk (Pinguinus impennis), also known as the garefowl or penguin, is an extinct species of flightless alcid that first appeared around 400,000 years ago and was driven to extinction by human exploitation in the mid-19th century. It was the only modern species in the genus Pinguinus. It was not closely related to the penguins of the Southern Hemisphere, which were named for their resemblance to this species.
    — Wikipedia 

    Five

    In 1973. the first crash of a supersonic passenger aircraft happened in France with the loss of fourteen lives. What aircraft crashed?

    Answer: Tupolev Tu-144.

    Nicknamed ‘Concordski’ by the press, the Tupolev Tu-144 is a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner designed by Tupolev that operated commercially from 1975 to 1983, including a passenger service between 1977–1978. It was the first commercial supersonic transport, first flew on 31 December 1968, ahead of Concorde. Produced by Tupolev, 16 units were made, conducting 102 commercial flights, with only 55 carrying passengers. It reached Mach 2 on 26 May 1970. Reliability issues, a 1973 crash, and high costs led to its withdrawal from passenger service in 1978. It served as a cargo aircraft until 1983 and was later used for space and research programs, making its final flight in 1999.

  • Walk Amongst the Stars

    Flag of ? See question one.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of today’s questions relate to the date, 3rd June.

    One

    Which country’s national flag is shown? From which state union did it gain independence in 2006? 

    Two

    In 1965, Ed White became the first American astronaut to walk in space. Who was the first man and the first woman to walk in space? (Individually, not together.)

    Three

    The United Kingdom had three kings in 1936, one of whom had been born on this day in 1865. Who was he?

    Four

    In 1844, the last pair of Great auks were killed by fishermen on Eldey Island. In what nation is Eldey Island?

    Five

    In 1973. the first crash of a supersonic passenger aircraft happened in France with the loss of fourteen lives. What aircraft crashed?

    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.