Tag: entertainment

  • The Moving Finger Writes—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    All of today’s questions are about writers who were born on December 16th.

    Contrary to my previous statement, this is Mark Twain, a writer, but not one born on December 16th.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Everytime I read Pride and Prejudice I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone

    To which writer, born this day in 1775, was Mark Twain referring when he said the above?

    Answer: Jane Austen

    Jane Austen was an English novelist known for her six novels that critique the English landed gentry and explore women’s dependence on marriage. Although her novels were moderately successful during her lifetime, they gained widespread acclaim and popularity after her death. Austen’s work has inspired numerous adaptations and critical essays.


    Two

    What television writer, born in 1943, was a creator of both Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue?

    Answer: Steven Bochco

    Steven Bochco, an American television writer and producer, developed numerous crime dramas including Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue.


    Three

    Ubik, a 1969 science fiction novel by an American writer born in 1928, was selected by Time magazine in 2009 as one of the 100 greatest novels since 1923. Who was the writer?

    Answer: Philip K. Dick

    Philip K. Dick was an American science fiction writer known for exploring philosophical and social questions in his work. He wrote 45 novels and 121 short stories, gaining acclaim with The Man in the High Castle and later works like Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and Ubik. His posthumous influence extended to Hollywood, inspiring numerous films and TV adaptations.


    Four

    Born on this day in 1899, this English playwright, actor and composer had a part as a convict in The Italian Job (1969). Who was this?

    Answer: Noël Coward

    Noël Coward was a prolific English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer known for his wit and flamboyance. He achieved enduring success with over 50 plays, numerous songs and a diverse body of work spanning six decades.


    Five

    In Arthur C. Clarke’s 1953 short story The Nine Billion Names of God, what unexpected device do Tibetan monks acquire to complete a sacred task that has taken generations?

    Answer: Computer

    When the story was published, computers were still room-sized, rare machines known mainly to scientists and governments. Clarke’s tale is often cited as one of the earliest and most striking examples of science fiction exploring the uneasy intersection between advanced technology and ancient religious belief—ending with a famously chilling final line as the task is completed.


    The Moving Finger Writes

    The post title comes from

    The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
    Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
    Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
    Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.
    RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM by Omar Khayyam
    (Translated by Edward Fitzgerald)
    — Full text at Project Gutenberg
  • 100 Not Out—Answers

    Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968).

    One

    Born on this day in 1925, an actor portrayed Caractacus Potts in a 1968 film adaptation of an Ian Fleming story. Who is he and what was the film?

    Answer: Dick Van Dyke; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

    Happy Birthday! The post title refers to Dick Van Dyke being 100 today.

    Dick Van Dyke, born in 1925, is an American actor and comedian renowned for his charm and physical comedy. He began his show business career after a failed advertising venture, performing in nightclubs and on television before making his Broadway debut in 1959. Van Dyke starred in the hit musical Bye Bye Birdie, winning a Tony Award, which led to his iconic role in The Dick Van Dyke Show, earning him three Emmys. He also starred in films like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and returned to television with various shows and TV movies. His career highlights include roles in Dick Tracy, Diagnosis Murder, and Night at the Museum. Van Dyke received a Television Academy Hall of Fame induction in 1995 and a Kennedy Centre Honour in 2021.


    Two

    The first European to sight the South Island of New Zealand did so on this day. Who was he, and in what century did this sighting occur?

    Answer: Abel Tasman; 17th century (1642)

    Abel Janszoon Tasman, a Dutch explorer, was the first European to reach New Zealand and Tasmania. His 1642 expedition, commissioned by the Dutch East India Company, aimed to discover new trade routes and establish trade relations with native inhabitants. Despite a violent encounter with the Māori people, Tasman’s voyage paved the way for future colonisation.


    Three

    In 1956, the film Anastasia was released in America. This drama marked the Hollywood comeback of an actress following a scandal involving an extramarital affair. Her performance earned her the Best Actress Oscar. Who was she?

    Answer: Ingrid Bergman

    After years working exclusively in Europe following her highly publicised affair with Roberto Rossellini, this film marked a Hollywood comeback for Ingrid Bergman. Her performance earned her, among others, the Academy Award for Best Actress, the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture.


    Four

    The final moonwalk or EVA of the Apollo programme occurred on this day in 1972. Which Apollo mission was this and who were the two astronauts on the Moon?

    Answer: Apollo 17; Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt

    Apollo 17, the final Apollo mission, launched on 7 December 1972 and concluded on 19 December 1972. Commander Eugene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt were the last humans to walk on the Moon, landing in the Taurus-Littrow Valley. They conducted experiments, collected samples, and travelled 19 miles in their lunar rover before returning to Earth. Cernan, the last person to date to stand on the Moon, said before returning to the lunar module, ‘We shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind. Godspeed the crew of Apollo 17’.


    Taylor Swift at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.
    Image iHeartRadioCA via Wikipedia

    Five

    What singer-songwriter was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania on this day in 1989?

    Answer: Taylor Swift

    Taylor Swift, a renowned American singer-songwriter known for her autobiographical songwriting and artistic reinventions, made history in 2024 by becoming the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year four times and breaking the record for the highest-grossing concert tour. She is the highest-grossing live music artist and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having won numerous awards, including 14 Grammys, and is the first individual from the arts to be named Time Person of the Year.

  • 100 Not Out

    See question one.

    One

    Born on this day in 1925, an actor portrayed Caractacus Potts in a 1968 film adaptation of an Ian Fleming story. Who is he and what was the film?


    Two

    The first European to sight the South Island of New Zealand did so on this day. Who was he, and in what century did this sighting occur?


    Three

    In 1956, the film Anastasia was released in America. This drama marked the Hollywood comeback of an actress following a scandal involving an extramarital affair. Her performance earned her the Best Actress Oscar. Who was she?


    Four

    The final moonwalk or EVA of the Apollo programme occurred on this day in 1972. Which Apollo mission was this and who were the two astronauts on the Moon?


    Five

    What singer-songwriter was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania on this day in 1989?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Utility ought to be the principal intention of every publication—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    All of these questions are related to today’s date, December 10th.

    Lawrence of Arabia (1962).
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    In 1962, David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, which went on to became one of the most celebrated epics in the history of cinema, had its world premiere. Who starred as _ _ Lawrence, and what two initials are missing before his surname?

    Answer: Peter O’Toole (as) T.E. (Lawrence)

    Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British historical epic biographical adventure drama film directed by David Lean. It portrays Thomas Edward Lawrence’s experiences in the Ottoman provinces during World War I and his involvement in the Arab National Council. The film, which won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It follows Lawrence’s journey from a military cartographer to a leader of the Arab Revolt against the Turks, and is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes, shot on location in Jordan, Spain and Morocco.


    Two

    Which government officially surrendered on this day in 1932 after a month-long battle against thousands of large flightless birds, and what were the birds?

    Answer: Australian; Emus

    The Emu War was a brief and unsuccessful 1932 military operation in Australia aimed at controlling the emu population, which was damaging crops in Western Australia. Three members of the Royal Australian Artillery were tasked with culling approximately 20,000 emus using machine guns, but the weapons and tactics were ineffective. Despite petitions from local farmers, the campaign, which lasted from November to December, resulted in fewer than 1,000 emus being killed and became a subject of national and international ridicule.


    Portrait of Ada, Countess of Lovelace (Ada Lovelace), c1840.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the first computer programmer, was born in Marylebone, London. In which decade was she born, and who was her famous father?

    Answer: 1810s; Lord Byron

    Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the poet Lord Byron, was an English mathematician and writer renowned for her work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. She recognised its potential beyond mere calculation and developed a vision of computers’ capabilities, leading to her being considered the first computer programmer. Her contributions are celebrated on Ada Lovelace Day.


    Four

    In 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Which former First Lady of the United States chaired the United Nations Commission on Human Rights that was responsible for the drafting of the document?

    Answer: Eleanor Roosevelt

    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, is a foundational document of international human rights law. Drafted by a team including John Humphrey, Eleanor Roosevelt and René Cassin, it comprises 30 articles outlining civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Although not legally binding, the UDHR has achieved significant moral authority and has influenced numerous international treaties and national constitutions.


    Five

    The first part of the first edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, the English-language general encyclopaedia, was published and advertised for sale on this day. In what century and in what city did this occur?

    Answer: 18th century; Edinburgh,Scotland, United Kingdom

    The Encyclopædia Britannica, a general-knowledge English-language encyclopaedia, was first published in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1768 by a group of Scottish gentlemen. Initially released in three volumes, it introduced a “new plan” by combining treatises on arts and sciences with short articles on technical terms, catering to both serious students and those seeking quick reference material. William Smellie, an Edinburgh printer, is credited with devising this plan and writing or compiling many of the articles. The encyclopaedia transitioned from print to digital in 2012 due to strong competition from digital encyclopaedias like Microsoft Encarta and Wikipedia, yet it maintained its reputation for authoritative and scholarly content and is now available exclusively online.


    Utility ought to be the principal intention of every publication.

    The title of today’s post is the first sentence of the preface to the first edition of Encyclopædia Britannica.

    “UTILITY ought to be the principal intention of every publication. Wherever this intention does not plainly appear, neither the books nor their authors have the smallest claim to the approbation of mankind”
    .
    So begins the preface to Britannica’s 1st edition, which began publication 250 years ago this month (on December 10, 1768). Encyclopædia Britannica via Instagram
  • 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.

    John Lennon, 1974.
    Image Wikipedia

    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.

    John Lennon, 1974.
    Image Wikipedia

    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.

  • Steamboat Willie—Answers

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

    These questions all relate to today’s date, December 5th.

    Walt Disney’s business envelope featured a self-portrait, c. 1921.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, this visionary American producer created a global entertainment empire that truly began with a mouse. What was that mouse originally going to be called?
    A. Maxwell Mouse
    B. Meredith Mouse
    C. Mortimer Mouse

    Answer: C. Mortimer Mouse

    The mouse was originally called Mortimer Mouse but Lillian Disney, Walt’s wife, suggested Mickey. Disney received a record 59 Oscar nominations and won 22 competitive Academy Awards – still the most for any individual in history.

    The post title Steamboat Willie is a nod to Mickey. It is the title of what was Mickey’s third film, which was the first to be distributed and so considered to be his public debut.


    Two

    Which pope issued the 1484 papal bull Summis desiderantes affectibus, condemning witchcraft and empowering inquisitors in Germany?
    A. Pope Alexander VI
    B. Pope Julius II
    C. Pope Innocent VIII

    Answer: C. Pope Innocent VIII

    The bull later helped legitimise Malleus Maleficarum (1487), one of the most notorious witch-hunting manuals of the era.


    Three

    Which modern television series featured the Great Smog of London as the central focus of a Season 1 episode, portraying the political and social impact of the 1952 crisis?
    A. Downton Abbey
    B. The Crown
    C. Call the Midwife

    Answer: B. The Crown

    The Great Smog has also inspired satirical and fictional treatments—including a Goon Show episode in 1954 and the Doctor Who audio drama The Creeping Death, both of which use the choking fog as a dramatic backdrop.


    Four

    Born in Vienna, which director known for visually striking films such as Metropolis and M became one of the major figures in early cinema?
    A. F.W. Murnau
    B. Sergei Eisenstein
    C. Fritz Lang

    Answer: C. Fritz Lang

    Lang fled Nazi Germany the same day he was offered a high-ranking propaganda role, later becoming influential in shaping American film noir.


    Five

    On December 5, 2006, which military commander declared himself acting president of Fiji after leading a coup?
    A. Sitiveni Rabuka
    B. Frank Bainimarama
    C. Epeli Nailatikau

    Answer: B. Frank Bainimarama

    Bainimarama later served as Fiji’s elected prime minister from 2014 to 2022, overseeing the country’s return to democratic elections.

  • Steamboat Willie

    These questions all relate to today’s date, December 5th.

    Walt Disney’s business envelope featured a self-portrait, c. 1921.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, this visionary American producer created a global entertainment empire that truly began with a mouse. What was that mouse originally going to be called?
    A. Maxwell Mouse
    B. Meredith Mouse
    C. Mortimer Mouse


    Two

    Which pope issued the 1484 papal bull Summis desiderantes affectibus, condemning witchcraft and empowering inquisitors in Germany?
    A. Pope Alexander VI
    B. Pope Julius II
    C. Pope Innocent VIII


    Three

    Which modern television series featured the Great Smog of London as the central focus of a Season 1 episode, portraying the political and social impact of the 1952 crisis?
    A. Downton Abbey
    B. The Crown
    C. Call the Midwife


    Four

    Born in Vienna, which director known for visually striking films such as Metropolis and M became one of the major figures in early cinema?
    A. F.W. Murnau
    B. Sergei Eisenstein
    C. Fritz Lang


    Five

    On December 5, 2006, which military commander declared himself acting president of Fiji after leading a coup?
    A. Sitiveni Rabuka
    B. Frank Bainimarama
    C. Epeli Nailatikau

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Pleading the Belly—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier post.

    These questions all relate to today’s date, November 28th.

    Anne Bonny and Mary Read, pirates. Life-size bronze statues. Image CN Statue https://www.cnstatue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Anne-Bonny-and-Mary-Read-statue.jpg

    One

    Mary Read and Anne Bonny were put on trial in Jamaica in 1720. For what were they tried, convicted, and sentenced to death?

    Answer: Piracy

    In 1720, Read and her crew commandeered a sloop, leading the Bahamas governor to declare them enemies of the Crown. Captured, they faced trial in Jamaica, where they were found guilty and sentenced to death. All the male crew members were executed by hanging, but Read and Bonny claimed pregnancy—pleading the belly, which granted them a stay of execution. Read eventually died in prison, likely from a fever, and Bonny was eventually freed.


    Two

    Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first in a series of movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, had its world premiere in what country?

    Answer: New Zealand

    The film premiered in Wellington, New Zealand—the capital of Middle-earth—on 28 November 2012. An Unexpected Journey, set in Middle-earth sixty years before The Lord of the Rings, follows Bilbo Baggins on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. The film, released in 2012, received mixed reviews but grossed $1.017 billion and was nominated for three Academy Awards.


    Flag of Albania.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    The Vlorë proclamation, issued on this day in 1912, declared independence for ____. Which country is missing from this statement?

    Answer: Albania

    Independent Albania was declared a parliamentary state in Vlorë on 28 November 1912 during the First Balkan War. Despite seeking international recognition based on ethnic rights, the London Conference of 1913 partitioned much of the claimed Albanian lands, leaving only a central region as an independent territory under Great Power protection. This led to the establishment of the Principality of Albania as a constitutional monarchy in August 1913.


    Four

    In 1582, Anne Hathaway, who was pregnant at the time, married whom in the Diocese of Worcester, England?

    Answer: William Shakespeare

    Aged 18, William Shakespeare married 26-year-old Anne Hathaway and had three children: Susanna—six months after their marriage—and twins Hamnet and Judith. After the twins’ birth, he disappeared from historical records until 1592, leading to speculation about his ‘lost years’, including deer poaching, horse minding, and school teaching.


    Five

    In World War II, the first conference of the ‘Big Three’—Winston Churchill (United Kingdom), Franklin Delano Roosevelt (United States), and Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union)—began on this day in 1943. Which of these was the location: Tehran, Iran; or Yalta, Crimea, Soviet Union?

    Answer: Tehran, Iran

    The Tehran Conference, held from 28 November to 1 December 1943, was the first meeting of the ‘Big Three’ Allied leaders during World War II. The main outcome was a commitment to open a second front against Nazi Germany by 1 June 1944. The conference also addressed relations with Turkey and Iran, operations in Yugoslavia and against Japan, and the envisioned post-war settlement.

  • Pleading the Belly

    These questions all relate to today’s date, November 28th.

    One

    Mary Read and Anne Bonny were put on trial in Jamaica in 1720. For what were they tried, convicted, and sentenced to death?


    Two

    Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first in a series of movies based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, had its world premiere in what country?


    Flag of ____
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    The Vlorë proclamation, issued on this day in 1912, declared independence for ____. Which country is missing from this statement?


    Four

    In 1582, Anne Hathaway, who was pregnant at the time, married whom in the Diocese of Worcester, England?


    Five

    In World War II, the first conference of the ‘Big Three’—Winston Churchill (United Kingdom), Franklin Delano Roosevelt (United States), and Joseph Stalin (Soviet Union)—began on this day in 1943. Which of these was the location: Tehran, Iran; or Yalta, Crimea, Soviet Union?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.