Flag details with answers. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
On this day in 1997, what family commemorated 700 years of ruling the place represented by the flag shown above? Who are the family and where do they rule?
Borgia, Republic of San Marino
Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco
Medici family, Vatican City State
Two
What year and state complete the following sentence? In …, Elvis Presley was born in …
1933; Alabama
1935; Mississippi
1937; Tennessee
Three
On this day, Charles de Gaulle was inaugurated as president of France’s …
First Republic
Fourth Republic
Fifth Republic
__
Four
Born on this day, Stephen Hawking, a British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, who suffered from motor neurone disease did NOT take part in which one of these?
Have I Got News for You
Monty Python
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series
Five
The ocean liners RMS Queen Mary 2 and her namesake Queen Mary are both named after the same person. Who?
Here are the answers to the questions posed in my earlier post.
These questions all relate to today’s date, January 6th.
Adoration of the Magi by El Greco (1568), Museo Soumaya, Mexico City. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
In Western Christianity, the Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Magi. Which Gospel or Gospels tell this story?
Answer: Gospel of Matthew
The biblical account in Matthew 2 describes the visit of unnamed ‘wise men’ to the infant Jesus, not on the night of his birth but at an unspecified later time. While artistic conventions often depict this event alongside the nativity, the text specifies that the wise men visited Jesus in a house, not a stable, and the exact timing of their visit is not provided.
Two
In 1994, ‘The Whack Heard Around the World’ involved an attack on an US figure skater by an assailant hired by, or on behalf of, a rival skater. Who was the attacked skater, and who was the rival?
Answer: Nancy Kerrigan; Tonya Harding
On January 6, 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by Shane Stant, who was hired by Jeff Gillooly and Shawn Eckardt to prevent her from competing. The incident was later linked to her rival, Tonya Harding, Gillooly’s ex-wife, who was accused of involvement. Despite the attack, Kerrigan recovered and competed in the Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games, winning a silver medal. Harding, who also competed at the Olympics, faced legal consequences, pleaded guilty to hindering the prosecution, and was banned for life from USFSA events.
Three
In 1540, England’s King Henry VIII married his fourth wife, who was she and what was her fate?
Answer: Anne of Cleves; marriage was annulled
Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife, ruled England for six months in 1540. Their marriage was annulled, but she remained in England, receiving a generous settlement. She lived to see the reigns of Henry’s children. Ten years after Henry’s death and during Mary I’s reign, Anne died and was interred as a queen in Westminster Abbey.
Four
Born in 1955, this British actor voiced Zazu, an uptight hornbill, in The Lion King (1994). Who was this actor?
Answer: Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson is an English actor, comedian and writer, best known for his roles in Blackadder, Mr. Bean, and Johnny English. He has received numerous awards for his work, including a BAFTA and an Olivier Award, and was appointed CBE in 2013.
Five
In 1900, the besieged fortress at Ladysmith, Natal, successfully repelled an attack and drove the attackers back. During what war did this occur, and in what modern country is this location?
Answer: Second Boer War; South Africa
The Siege of Ladysmith, a crucial engagement during the Second Boer War, lasted from 2 November 1899 to 28 February 1900. The Boer republics invaded Natal, leading to battles and a British retreat to Ladysmith. Despite several relief attempts, the Boers encircled the town until the British forces, led by General Buller, broke through and relieved it. The Battle of Wagon Hill, on 6 January 1900, saw Boer forces attack British positions on Platrand. Initially successful, the Boers were repelled by British counterattacks, resulting in heavy casualties. The siege of Ladysmith continued until 28 February 1900, when the British forces finally broke through the Boer lines and relieved the town.
These questions all relate to today’s date, January 6th.
Adoration of the Magi by El Greco (1568), Museo Soumaya, Mexico City. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
In Western Christianity, the Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Magi. Which Gospel or Gospels tell this story?
Two
In 1994, ‘The Whack Heard Around the World’ involved an attack on an US figure skater by an assailant hired by, or on behalf of, a rival skater. Who was the attacked skater, and who was the rival?
Three
In 1540, England’s King Henry VIII married his fourth wife, who was she and what was her fate?
Four
Born in 1955, this British actor voiced Zazu, an uptight hornbill, in The Lion King (1994). Who was this actor?
Five
In 1900, the besieged fortress at Ladysmith, Natal, successfully repelled an attack and drove the attackers back. During what war did this occur, and in what modern country is this location?
Born in 1969, Brian Hugh Warner is better known as whom?
Answer: Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson, born Brian Warner on 5 January 1969, is an American musician, actor and artist, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band he co-founded in 1989 with guitarist Scott Putesky. The band, named after Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson, is renowned for its controversial image and lyrics, blending industrial rock, glam rock, and alternative metal. It gained a cult following in South Florida for its theatrical and visually shocking performances, often challenging societal norms and promoting themes of drugs, sex, violence and Satanism. Despite achieving commercial success with several platinum and gold albums, Manson has faced criticism and legal battles, including allegations of abuse and human trafficking in the 2020s, which he has denied.
Two
In 1968, Alexander Dubček rose to power and implemented reforms that led to an invasion by fellow Warsaw Pact members, forcing his resignation. He came to power in which country and what two-word name – both six letters long – has been given to this period of liberalisation and reform?
Answer: Czechoslovakia; Prague Spring
Alexander Dubček, a Slovak statesman, led Czechoslovakia from 1968 to 1969, implementing reforms known as the Prague Spring. His liberalisation efforts, which included increased freedoms and a move towards federalism, were reversed following the Warsaw Pact invasion on August 20, 1968, forcing him to resign. Dubček later became a symbol of the Velvet Revolution and was awarded the Sakharov Prize in 1989. After the fall of communism, he returned to prominence, becoming chairman of the Federal Assembly and later the leader of Slovakia’s Social Democrats before his death in 1992.
Three
In Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, besides Vladimir and Estragon, what are the names of the other two characters, the travellers? Furthermore, what has happened to each of these travellers by the time they return in Act II?
Answer: Pozzo and Lucky; Pozzo is blind and Lucky is mute
Waiting for Godot is a tragicomedy play by Samuel Beckett, first published in 1952. The play revolves around two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who engage in various activities while waiting for the titular Godot, who never arrives. The play is known for its enigmatic nature and has been widely acclaimed and adapted for various mediums.
Four
The future King Juan Carlos of Spain was born on this date. In what decade did he become king, and who did he replace as head of state?
Answer: 1970s; Francisco Franco
Juan Carlos, born in 1938, became King of Spain in 1975 after the death of Francisco Franco. He played a pivotal role in Spain’s transition to democracy, appointing reformist leaders and supporting political parties. Despite his initial support for Franco, Juan Carlos’s reign was marked by liberal reforms, including divorce and abortion laws. However, his later years were overshadowed by corruption scandals and financial controversies, leading to his abdication in 2014 and subsequent self-exile in 2020.
Five
Italian author Umberto Eco, born in 1932, wrote a novel set in 1970s Milan. It centres on a fictional conspiracy involving the Knights Templar, created by the characters Casaubon, Belbo and Diotallevi. What was the novel?
Answer: Foucault’s Pendulum
Umberto Eco (1932-2016) was an Italian literary critic, novelist, and semiotician, best known for his novels The Name of the Rose and Foucault’s Pendulum. He also wrote extensively on various topics, including semiotics, medieval studies and political commentary, with notable works such as A Theory of Semiotics and Semiotics and the Philosophy of Language. Eco explored other areas of communication and published numerous works on criticism, history and language.
The Misfits
The post title originates from a 1961 film of the same name starring Marilyn Monroe. As mentioned in the answer to question one, Brian Warner adopted the first part of Monroe’s name as his pseudonym, which, to me, feels somewhat incongruous, something of a misfit.
Born in 1969, Brian Hugh Warner is better known as whom?
Two
In 1968, Alexander Dubček rose to power and implemented reforms that led to an invasion by fellow Warsaw Pact members, forcing his resignation. He came to power in which country and what two-word name – both six letters long – has been given to this period of liberalisation and reform?
Three
In Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, besides Vladimir and Estragon, what are the names of the other two characters, the travellers? Furthermore, what has happened to each of these travellers by the time they return in Act II?
Four
The future King Juan Carlos of Spain was born on this date. In what decade did he become king, and who did he replace as head of state?
Five
Italian author Umberto Eco, born in 1932, wrote a novel set in 1970s Milan. It centres on a fictional conspiracy involving the Knights Templar, created by the characters Casaubon, Belbo and Diotallevi. What was the novel?
Happy New Year. Yet another random mix of questions for today
.
The Palace of Westminster seen from east. Victoria Tower and the House of Lords are on the left. The Clock Tower of Big Ben and the House of Commons are on the right. The spire left of centre is the 300ft ventilation chimney above the central lobby. The twin white towers of Westminster Abbey are just visible in the background. Image Wikipedia
One
How are the hours nine, ten, eleven and twelve shown on the clock faces of the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster, which is also known as Big Ben?
Answer: IF; F; FI and FII
The famous dial features [Augustus] Pugin’s favoured gothic numerals rather than traditional roman numerals – an ‘F’-shaped character replaces X for 10. These numerals are also found on clocks around Parliament.
What is the complete title of this 1987 Hanna-Barbera made-for-television film: The Jetsons Meet…
Answer: The Jetsons Meetthe Flintstones
The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones is a 1987 animated crossover film where the two families meet after a time travel experiment.
Three
Rabbit underground, rabbit safe and sound
This quote is from a story which features anthropomorphised animals living in their natural habitats, complete with their own language, culture and mythology. Originally a 1972 novel, there have been both film (1978) and television adaptations (1999 and 2018), with the most recent being a co-production by the BBC and Netflix. Could you tell me the title and author of this novel?
Answer: Watership Down and Richard Adams
Richard Adams, an English novelist born in 1920, is best known for Watership Down. He served in the British Army during World War II and later joined the Civil Service before becoming a full-time author in 1974. Adams was a strong advocate for animal welfare and served as president of the RSPCA.
Four
Through how many countries does the Andes mountain range extend and what are they?
Answer: Seven; Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela
The Andes extend from south to north through seven South American countries: Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela.
Five
We are drinking beer at noon on Tuesday
The above quote is from a song which also mentions a boulevard. Could you please identify the song, the singer-songwriter who wrote it, and the specific boulevard mentioned in the lyrics?
Answer: All I Wanna Do; Sheryl Crow; Santa Monica Boulevard
All I Wanna Do by Sheryl Crow, from her debut album, was a breakthrough hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning two Grammy Awards. The song achieved international success, topping charts in Australia and Canada and reaching the top 10 in several European countries.
Happy New Year. Yet another random mix of questions for today
.
The Palace of Westminster seen from east. Victoria Tower and the House of Lords are on the left. The Clock Tower of Big Ben and the House of Commons are on the right. The spire left of centre is the 300ft ventilation chimney above the central lobby. The twin white towers of Westminster Abbey are just visible in the background. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
How are the hours nine, ten, eleven and twelve shown on the clock faces of the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster, which is also known as Big Ben?
Two
What is the complete title of this 1987 Hanna-Barbera made-for-television film: The Jetsons Meet…
Three
Rabbit underground, rabbit safe and sound
This quote is from a story which features anthropomorphised animals living in their natural habitats, complete with their own language, culture and mythology. Originally a 1972 novel, there have been both film (1978) and television adaptations (1999 and 2018), with the most recent being a co-production by the BBC and Netflix. Could you tell me the title and author of this novel?
Four
Through how many countries does the Andes mountain range extend and what are they?
Five
We are drinking beer at noon on Tuesday
The above quote is from a song which also mentions a boulevard. Could you please identify the song, the singer-songwriter who wrote it, and the specific boulevard mentioned in the lyrics?
The Beatles held the festive top spot with four singles topping the UK singles chart on Christmas Day in 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1967. Which songs secured these number one positions?
Answers: I Wanna Hold Your Hand
The Beatles hold the record for the most British Christmas number ones according to Guinness World Records,
The Beatles (UK) have had four singles in the festive top spot: “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” which went to No.1 on 12 December 1963, “I Feel Fine” (10 December 1964), “Day Tripper/We Can Work it Out” (16 December 1965) and “Hello Goodbye” (6 December 1967).
In 2004, researchers discovered that the rock summit of Mont Blanc was located west of the ice-covered summit. What is the distance between these two summits?
4 m (13 feet)
26 m (85 feet)
40 m (130 feet)
Answer: 40 m (130 feet)
Researchers discovered that the rock summit of Mont Blanc is 40 metres west of its ice summit. The rock summit, which reaches 4,792 metres, is actually 40 metres west of the ice summit at 4,807 metres. This finding informed an ice core drilling programme beginning in autumn 2004.
Three
What words are missing from this book title — The … at the … of the … — the second book in a ‘trilogy’?
Answer: Restaurant; End; Universe
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, the second book in Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a trilogy in five parts, follows Arthur Dent and his companions on their cosmic adventures. The book, like its predecessor, was an adaptation of Adams’ BBC radio series.
Four
What Australian city, a state capital, stands on the Swan River?
Answer: Perth
The Swan River in southwestern Western Australia flows 224 miles from the Avon River to the Indian Ocean. It is known for its black swans and was the site of Western Australia’s first free settlement in 1829.
Five
Who played Eloise Chandler, a florist, in the 2009 film Love Happens?
Answer: Jennifer Aniston
Love Happens is a 2009 romantic drama film starring Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston. The film, about a grieving widower finding love again.
The Beatles held the festive top spot with four singles topping the UK singles chart on Christmas Day in 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1967. Which songs secured these number one positions?
Two
In 2004, researchers discovered that the rock summit of Mont Blanc was located west of the ice-covered summit. What is the distance between these two summits?
4 m (13 feet)
26 m (85 feet)
40 m (130 feet)
Three
What words are missing from this book title — The … at the … of the … — the second book in a ‘trilogy’?
Four
What Australian city, a state capital, stands on the Swan River?
Five
Who played Eloise Chandler, a florist, in the 2009 film Love Happens?
Jean-Luc Picard, commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise, is known for this catchphrase ‘tea, … …, hot’. What two words are missing?
Answer: Earl Grey
Earl Grey tea is a black tea blend flavoured with bergamot oil, though many use artificial flavouring. Traditionally made from Chinese keemun, it can also be blended with lapsang souchong or made with green or oolong tea.
Two
The Italian hero Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi, Italian general, revolutionary and republican, was born in what city?
Answer: Nice (France)
Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general, revolutionary, and republican who played a key role in the Unification of Italy. He embraced republican nationalism but allied with the monarchist Cavour for unification. Garibaldi led successful military campaigns, including the Expedition of the Thousand, and became an international figurehead for national independence and republican ideals.
Three
New York’s Central Park is bordered by what four roadways?
Answer: Central Park North, Fifth Avenue, Central Park South and Central Park West
Central Park, a 843-acre urban park in Manhattan, is the most visited urban park in the United States. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, it opened in 1858 and was completed in 1876. The park features attractions like the Ramble and Lake, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Central Park Zoo. It also offers recreational activities such as carriage rides and concerts.
Four
Jennifer Grey plays ‘Baby’ in 1987’s Dirty Dancing but what is the character’s actual name?
Answer: Frances Houseman
Dirty Dancing is a 1987 American romantic drama dance film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. The film, based on screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein’s childhood, was a commercial success, earning over $214 million worldwide and spawning a successful franchise.
Five
In music, what ten-letter noun means ‘a passage marked to be performed very loudly’. What word?
Answer: Fortissimo
Fortissimo, abbreviated ff, is an Italian musical term meaning ‘very loud’. Italian has been the standard language for musical dynamics since the Baroque era. Pipe organs are among the few acoustic instruments capable of sustaining true fortissimo levels for long periods, sometimes producing sound pressures that can be physically felt. Some modern composers and film scores push beyond traditional notation, using ffff or textual instructions to indicate overwhelming or explosive sound effects.
