The first question relates to today’s date, April 11th, and the answer begins with the letter ‘S’. The remaining questions are not date-related but follow the ‘S’ theme.
One
Kurt Vonnegut, who passed away at the age of 84 on this day in 2007, published a novel in 1969 which follows the life and psychological traumas of Billy Pilgrim. What is the title of this novel?
Two
What ‘S’ is an acoustic sensing method first used by Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century but more associated with the Cold War?
Three
What ’S’ can this description apply to?
A republic with two heads of state
Official language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Four
What ‘S’ was the traditional garment worn by Roman women and the equivalent of the toga worn by men?
Five
What ‘S’ connects the Moby-Dick to coffee (at least to 88.889%)?
See question three. Aerial view of the New York City metropolitan area. Image Wikimedia Commons
The first question concerns an island and is linked to today’s date, April 5th. The other questions aren’t date-related but continue the island theme including a wee bonus at the end.
One
On 5 April 1946, Soviet military forces ended their year-long occupation of what island in the Baltic Sea?
Answer: Bornholm, Denmark.
On 9 May 1945, Soviet forces captured Bornholm after German commander Gerhard von Kamptz refused to surrender, preferring the Western Allies. Soviet air raids destroyed over 800 houses and killed 10 civilians. The Soviet Union occupied Bornholm for 11 months post-World War II, despite its location east of the agreed East-West dividing line. Initially seen as a bargaining chip for Soviet influence in Denmark, the occupation aimed to secure Western goodwill and focus resources on the war with Japan and Eastern Europe’s reconstruction. The Soviets withdrew on 5 April 1946, reinforcing Denmark’s alignment with the west.
Not date related anymore but continuing the island theme.
Two
Of what island nation is Antananarivo the capital city?
Answer: Madagascar.
Madagascar, the fourth largest island, is situated off the southeastern coast of Africa. Although close to Africa, its population, language, and culture are more akin to Indonesia, while its unique wildlife and vegetation differ significantly from the continent. As an island nation in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is celebrated for its unique biodiversity due to its long isolation. It gained independence from France in 1960 but has since faced political instability, transitioning through four republics. Despite economic growth, Madagascar remains a least-developed country with notable income disparities and a low quality of life for many.
New York City’s Five Boroughs: 1. Manhattan; 2. Brooklyn; 3. Queens; 4. The Bronx and 5. Staten Island. JFK and La Guardia Airports are shown (brown) in lower and upper Queens. Image Wikimedia Commons
Three
Brooklyn and Queens, two of New York’s five boroughs, are mainly located on what island?
Answer: Long Island.
Brooklyn and Queens are both at the western end of Long Island. The Bronx is the only borough mostly on the mainland. The remaining boroughs are Manhattan, chiefly on Manhattan Island, and Staten Island.
Four
What two distinct islands are home to the Althing and the Tynwald, the oldest legislatures in the world?
Answers: Iceland; Isle of Man.
Guinness World Records describe the Althing and the Tynwald thus…
The oldest recorded legislative body is the Icelandic Althing, founded in AD930. This body, which originally comprised 39 local chieftains at Thingvellir, was abolished in 1800 but restored by Denmark to a consultative status in 1843 and a legislative status in 1874. It is often cited as the oldest existing parliament. However, the legislative assembly with the oldest continuous history is the Isle of Man Tynwald, which may have its origins in the late ninth century and hence possibly pre-date the Althing. — Guinness World Records
Easter Island, a special territory of Chile in the eastern Pacific Ocean, is renowned for its nearly 1,000 moai statues created by the early Rapa Nui people. Originally called Rapa Nui, the island has a mixed population predominantly of Polynesian descent. In 1995, UNESCO named Easter Island a World Heritage Site, with much of the island protected within Rapa Nui National Park.
Islands in the Stream
Today’s post title managed to top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 as well as several other national charts in 1983-84. What performer(s) achieved this success, and who wrote the song?
Answer: Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton; (songwriters were) Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb.
Islands in the Stream, a Bee Gees song recorded by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Country and Adult Contemporary charts. It was certified triple Platinum by the RIAA.
See question three. Aerial view of the New York City metropolitan area. Image Wikimedia Commons
The first question concerns an island and is linked to today’s date, April 5th. The other questions aren’t date-related but continue the island theme including a wee bonus at the end.
One
On 5 April 1946, Soviet military forces ended their year-long occupation of what island in the Baltic Sea?
Not date related anymore but continuing the island theme.
Two
Of what island nation is Antananarivo the capital city?
Three
Brooklyn and Queens, two of New York’s five boroughs, are mainly located on what island?
Four
What two distinct islands are home to the Althing and the Tynwald, the oldest legislatures in the world?
Image Encyclopædia Britannica
Five
On what island are these sculptures located?
Islands in the Stream
Today’s post title managed to top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 as well as several other national charts in 1983-84. What performer(s) achieved this success, and who wrote the song?
Michelangelo’s Pietà a Carrara marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary at —— dating from 1498-99 is pictured…
What is the location of Jesus and Mary in the sculpture ?
In what building and city is the sculpture located?
Answers
Mount Golgotha (aka Calvary)
Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
Michelangelo’s Pietà, a Carrara marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary, is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance sculpture. Commissioned by a French cardinal, it is the only work Michelangelo ever signed and is housed in Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Answer: Zorbing aka globe-riding, sphereing or orbing.
Zorbing, a recreational activity, involves rolling downhill inside a transparent plastic orb. It can be done on slopes, level surfaces, or even water, and there are harnessed and non-harnessed orbs available. The first zorbing site was established in Rotorua, New Zealand, by ZORB Ltd.
(either) Fountain of the Eater of Little Children (or) Child-eater fountain
Berne
The Kindlifresserbrunnen, a 16th-century fountain in Bern, Switzerland, was created by Hans Gieng in 1545-1546. Its name, meaning ‘Fountain of the Eater of Little Children’, was first used in 1666.
Is the country in the Northern or Southern hemisphere?
Answers
Cape Verde or Cabo Verde
North Atlantic Ocean
Northern Hemisphere
Cape Verde, an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Its economy, lacking natural resources, is service-oriented, with a focus on tourism and foreign investment. The population, primarily of West African descent, is around 491,233.
Zori are Japanese sandals made from various materials, including rice straw and synthetic materials. They are easily slipped on and off, making them ideal for traditional Japanese clothing and casual wear.
Today’s questions revolve around March 21st and follow the 5W1H format: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. This results in six questions instead of the usual five.
Who
In a 1980 television series finale, who shot J.R.?
Answer: Kristin Shepard.
’Who shot J.R.?’ is a catchphrase from the 1980 season finale of Dallas, referring to the fictional murder attempt on J.R. Ewing. The mystery, resolved eight months later, became a pop culture phenomenon and increased the popularity of cliffhanger endings. Kristin Shepard, played by Mary Crosby, was J.R.’s sister-in-law and mistress.
What
What did Jack Dorsey use to end the first public tweet in 2006: ‘just setting up my ——’?
Answer: twttr.
Twitter (originally Twttr), launched in 2006, quickly grew to over 100 million users by 2012. Initially limited to 140 characters per post, the limit was increased to 280 in 2017 and removed for subscribed accounts in 2023.
Represented by this flag, where, in 1990, gained independence after a combined period of 106 years German and then South African rule?
Answer: Namibia.
Namibia, a sparsely populated country in Southern Africa, gained independence from South Africa in 1990. Despite significant GDP growth, poverty and inequality remain high, with a Gini coefficient of 59 in 2015. The economy is based on agriculture, tourism, and mining, with a small manufacturing sector.
When
When was Gary Oldman’s year of birth?
Answer: 1958.
Gary Oldman, an English actor and filmmaker, is known for his versatility and intense acting style. He has received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, and his films have grossed over $11 billion worldwide. Oldman began his career in theatre and rose to prominence in British film, later achieving greater recognition in American films and franchise roles.
Why
Why, in 1980, did U.S. President Jimmy Carter announce that the United States was boycotting that year’s Summer Olympics in Moscow?
Answer: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The 1980 Moscow Olympics, boycotted by the U.S. and 60 other countries due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, saw 5,000 athletes from 81 countries compete amidst ongoing protests and security concerns.
How
How many visitors, according to the U.S. National Park Service, visit Alcatraz annually (to the nearest 100,000)?
Answer: 1.2 million.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, established in 1972, includes Alcatraz Island, attracting 1.2 million visitors annually. The island offers a unique opportunity to explore its layered history and contemplate crime and punishment.
Today’s questions revolve around March 21st and follow the 5W1H format: Who, What, Where, When, Why and How. This results in six questions instead of the usual five.
Who
In a 1980 television series finale, who shot J.R.?
What
What did Jack Dorsey use to end the first public tweet in 2006: ‘just setting up my ——’?
Image Wikimedia Commons
Where
Represented by this flag, where, in 1990, gained independence after a combined period of 106 years German and then South African rule?
When
When was Gary Oldman’s year of birth?
Why
Why, in 1980, did U.S. President Jimmy Carter announce that the United States was boycotting that year’s Summer Olympics in Moscow?
How
How many visitors, according to the U.S. National Park Service, visit Alcatraz annually (to the nearest 100,000)?
The first Romani language operetta, Children of the Forests, premiered on 20 March 1888. Where was it staged?
Bucharest, Romania
Kyiv, Ukraine
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?
Salvador Dali
Pablo Picasso
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?
Alexandria, Virginia
Baltimore, Maryland
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?
Kelly Quinault in 1973
Libby Riddles in 1985
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?
Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich
Prussian Academy of Sciences, Berlin
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.
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 first Romani language operetta, Children of the Forests, premiered on 20 March 1888. Where was it staged?
Bucharest, Romania
Kyiv, Ukraine
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?
Salvador Dali
Pablo Picasso
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?
Alexandria, Virginia
Baltimore, Maryland
Cincinnati, Ohio
Four
Who became the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and when did she achieve this?
Kelly Quinault in 1973
Libby Riddles in 1985
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?
On this day a proposal was submitted to The European Organization for Nuclear Research for an information management system which would subsequently develop in the World Wide Web.
Who submitted the proposal?
What is The European Organization for Nuclear Research more commonly known as?
Answers.
Tim Berners-Lee
CERN Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989 at CERN to facilitate information sharing among scientists. CERN released the web software into the public domain in 1993, enabling its widespread adoption. The acronym CERN relates to the original provisional council which was set up in 1952 — Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire (European Council for Nuclear Research).
Two
Urban II, elected Pope on this day, initiated the Crusades. In which century did he become Pope?
Answer: 11th Century.
Urban II, pope from 1088 to 1099, furthered ecclesiastical reforms, launched the Crusade movement, and strengthened the papacy’s political power.
Three
James Taylor was born on this day in 1948. The singer-songwriter’s breakthrough came in 1970 with the single Fire and Rain, which reached number three in the charts. The following year, he had his first number one hit with You’ve Got a Friend. Who wrote these two songs?
Answers: James Taylor; Carole King.
Fire and Rain by James Taylor, released in 1970, is about his friend’s suicide and his struggles with addiction and fame. You’ve Got a Friend is a 1971 song by Carole King, recorded for her album Tapestry. James Taylor’s version, featuring Joni Mitchell, reached number one in the United States on the Billboard Hot 100.
Four
André Le Nôtre, was born on this day, designed a 2,000-acre (800 ha) formal garden that now forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Which one?
Answer: Palace and Park of Versailles.
The Palace and Park of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as the residence and seat of power for the French monarchy from Louis XIV to Louis XVI. The site, a masterpiece of French art and architecture, includes the Palace, Trianon châteaux, and gardens, all designed by renowned artists and architects. Despite the loss of its original function during the Revolution, the site’s integrity and authenticity have been preserved through conservation efforts and the reconstruction of interior spaces and furnishings.
Five
An English author who died on this day in 2015 created characters named Cheery Littlebottom, a dwarf and Detritus a troll who are both sergeants in a city’s police force. Who is the author?
Answer: Terry Pratchett.
The Ankh-Morpork City Watch, founded in 1561 UC, evolved from a small, ineffective force to a modern, multi-ethnic police department. Under the leadership of Sam Vimes and Carrot Ironfoundersson, the Watch was revitalised, merging the Day Watch, Night Watch and Palace Guard. The Watch now serves as a powerful deterrent to crime, with a focus on public service and a strong presence in the city. Cheery, the first female dwarf in the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, revolutionises dwarfish culture by openly identifying as female. Detritus, a troll, joined the Ankh-Morpork City Watch under Lord Vetinari’s hiring procedures. Despite being initially considered stupid, he became a natural sergeant, aided by a cooling helmet that improved his intelligence. He is known for his destructive crossbow, the Piecemaker, and his overprotective nature, earning him the respect of Commander Vimes.
Down the Rabbit Hole
In Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice falls into a rabbit hole and finds herself in Wonderland. Today the phrase ‘down the rabbit hole’ is commonly used to describe endlessly clicking through online links or items. As Collins Dictionary puts it, ‘The internet is a great research tool – but be warned you might end up down a rabbit hole.’
Quizology.Online 