Quizology.Online

“There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.”

— Bertrand Russell

Tag: entertainment

  • And the Winner is

    Today’s first question relates to today, November 18th and the subsequent questions follow a theme established by it.

    Ben-Hur film poster.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    On 18 November 1959, Ben-Hur had its world premiere. It is quite well known that the film went on to win an unprecedented eleven Academy Awards but how many was it actually nominated for?

    Each of the remaining questions have some connection to the Oscars.

    Two

    The first actor to receive two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor was whom?

    Three

    This Scottish actor portrayed various roles including a British MI6 agent seven times between 1962 and 1983. He also played an immortal named Ramirez in 1986, the archaeologist father of an archaeologist in 1989 and the captain of the Soviet Union’s latest nuclear-powered submarine in 1990. His performance as Jimmy in a 1987 film directed by Brian De Palma earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Who is the actor, what was the 1987 film and what was the full name of his character in that film?

    Four

    Walt Disney visited Broadway to watch an actress perform as Queen Guinevere in Camelot. Impressed, he offered her the lead role in her first film. Released in 1964, the film earned her an Oscar for Best Actress. Who was the actress and what was her title role?

    Five

    An actor who portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars also starred in two films directed by the same person in 1957 and 1962. In the first, he played Colonel Richardson, the British Commander, and won an Academy Award for his performance. In the second, he portrayed Prince Faisal. Who was the actor and what were the titles of the other two films?

  • Over the Air—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions posted earlier.

    The first question concerns today’s date, November 13th.  The subsequent questions follow a theme based on the first.

    Guglielmo Marconi, 1908. See question 2.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    On 13 November 1965, which critic reportedly became the first person to say the word ‘f**k’ on British television during a discussion on the BBC-1 show BBC-3?

    Answer: Kenneth Tynan

    The incident caused a storm of controversy, prompting the BBC to issue a public apology. Although later research indicates the word had been used at least twice before, this event is still widely cited as the first major public controversy over profanity on British TV.

    Two

    Which pioneering inventor is often credited as the ‘father of radio’ or the ‘father of long-distance radio communication’, and in what decade did he transmit the first transatlantic wireless signal?

    Answer: Guglielmo Marconi; 1900s

    Marconi successfully transmitted the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901 from Cornwall, England, to Newfoundland, Canada — a major leap in global communication.

    Three

    Which European country launched the world’s first regular television service in 1935?

    Answer: Germany

    Fernsehsender Paul Nipkow, operated by the Nazi regime, was broadcast from Berlin and featured newsreels and cultural programming shown in ‘television rooms’ for public viewing.

    ABBA after winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Waterloo.
    Image Wikipedia

    Four

    Could you identify this annual television broadcast?  First aired in the 1950s, it’s not a sporting event but a cultural one.  It now attracts over 160 million viewers annually. What is it?

    Answer: The Eurovision Song Contest

    First held in 1956, Eurovision now reaches an audience of over 160 million worldwide and has launched international careers — notably that of ABBA and Celine Dion.

    Five

    RCA introduced the first mass produced colour television set for sale to the American public. What did the initials RCA stand for, and in what decade did this occur?

    Answer: Radio Corporation of America; 1950s

    This occurred in 1954 when the RCA CT-100 colour TV cost $1,000 — equivalent to about $11,000 today — and few could afford it, delaying widespread adoption of colour broadcasting.

  • Over the Air

    The first question concerns today’s date, November 13th.  The subsequent questions follow a theme based on the first.

    Who is this pioneering inventor? See question 2.

    One

    On 13 November 1965, which critic reportedly became the first person to say the word ‘f**k’ on British television during a discussion on the BBC-1 show BBC-3?

    Two

    Which pioneering inventor is often credited as the ‘father of radio’ or the ‘father of long-distance radio communication’, and in what decade did he transmit the first transatlantic wireless signal?

    Three

    Which European country launched the world’s first regular television service in 1935?

    Four

    Could you identify this annual television broadcast?  First aired in the 1950s, it’s not a sporting event but a cultural one.  It now attracts over 160 million viewers annually. What is it?

    Five

    RCA introduced the first mass produced colour television set for sale to the American public. What did the initials RCA stand for, and in what decade did this occur?

    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.

    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?

    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?

    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    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.

  • November 9th Collection—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    All of today’s questions are related to November 9th.

    Dorothy Dandridge.
    Image Pinterest

    One

    Born in 1922, this American singer and actress made history as the first African-American woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Carmen Jones (1954). Who is she?

    Answer: Dorothy Dandridge

    Dorothy Dandridge, the first African-American nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, faced racial barriers in Hollywood despite her success in Carmen Jones. Her career declined in the 1960s, leading to financial difficulties and her death at age 42.

    Two

    The last of the ‘canonical five’, victims of Jack the Ripper was found on 9 November. In what decade did these five murders take place?

    Answer: 1880s (1888)

    Between 31 August and 9 November 1888, an unidentified serial killer known as Jack the Ripper terrorised Whitechapel, London. His brutal murders of five women, dubbed the ‘canonical five’, remain unsolved alongside several other women’s deaths over the next three years. This enduring public fascination and speculation continues to captivate people.

    Three

    Apollo 4, an unmanned test spacecraft, was launched from Cape Kennedy on this day in 1967. The spacecraft was on top of what rocket’s first flight?

    Answer: Saturn V

    Apollo 4, the first uncrewed test flight of the Saturn V rocket, launched from Kennedy Space Centre on 9 November 1967. The mission, a complete success, demonstrated the functionality of all rocket stages and key spacecraft revisions, paving the way for future lunar missions.

    Four

    What was the name given to the violent anti-Jewish pogrom that took place across Nazi Germany on the nights of 9–10 November 1938, during which Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues were destroyed in an event often seen as the start of the Holocaust?

    Answer: Kristallnacht (also known as the Night of Broken Glass)

    The name Kristallnacht refers to the shattered glass that covered the streets after Jewish-owned properties were vandalized. Around 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and sent to concentration camps, and the event marked a turning point from discrimination to open, state-sanctioned violence against Jews.

    Five

    Born today in 1923, Alice Coachman became the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. In what event did she achieve this?

    Answer: High jump

    Alice Coachman, born in 1923 in Albany, Georgia, overcame racial and gender barriers to become a celebrated athlete. She dominated the AAU outdoor high jump championship from 1939 to 1948 and won an Olympic gold medal in 1948, becoming the first black woman to achieve this feat. After her athletic career, she dedicated her life to education and the Job Corps.

  • Remember, remember, the fifth of November—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    King James VI of Scotland and James I of England.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    What event is commemorated in the United Kingdom on November 5th, when effigies of Guy Fawkes are traditionally burned on bonfires? Also, in what year did it occur?

    Answer: The Gunpowder Plot of 1605

    The failed plot was an attempt by Catholic conspirators to blow up the English Parliament and assassinate King James VI (of Scotland) & I (of England). ‘Remember, remember, the fifth of November’ became a famous rhyme, see below, recording the event.

    Two

    Which spacecraft, launched on 5 November 2013, was India’s first interplanetary mission?

    Answer: The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)

    Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Mangalyaan made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first country in the world to do so successfully on its maiden attempt — all on a remarkably low budget.

    Flag of Antigua and Barbuda.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    On 5 November 1981, a small Caribbean nation achieved independence from the United Kingdom. Its capital is St. John’s. Can you name the country?

    Answer: Antigua and Barbuda

    The twin-island nation remains a member of the Commonwealth, recognizing the British monarch as its head of state, but governs itself independently.

    Four

    November 5th is a central date in the storyline of what 2005 film which opens with the line, ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November’?

    Answer: V for Vendetta

    The film, based on a graphic novel, turned the Guy Fawkes mask into a global symbol of resistance — later adopted by protest movements such as Anonymous and Occupy Wall Street.

    Five

    On November 5th, Google introduced its first Android-based mobile operating system, signalling the start of a new era in smartphones. In what year did this occur?

    Answer: 2007

    The Android OS announcement reshaped the mobile landscape — today, Android powers over 70% of the world’s smartphones.

    Remember, remember, the 5th of November

    Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
    Gunpowder, treason and plot.
    I see no reason
    Why gunpowder treason
    Should ever be forgot.
    Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ’twas his intent
    To blow up the King and the Parliament
    Three score barrels of powder below
    Poor old England to overthrow
    By God’s providence he was catch’d
    With a dark lantern and burning match
    Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
    Holler boys, holler boys
    God save the King!

    The undercroft beneath the House of Lords.
    Image Wikipedia

  • Remember, remember, the fifth of November

    Today’s five questions all relate to the date, November 5th.

    Fireworks display.
    Image msn.com

    One

    What event is commemorated in the United Kingdom on November 5th, when effigies of Guy Fawkes are traditionally burned on bonfires? Also, in what year did it occur?

    Two

    Which spacecraft, launched on 5 November 2013, was India’s first interplanetary mission?

    See question 3.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    On 5 November 1981, a small Caribbean nation achieved independence from the United Kingdom. Its capital is St. John’s. Can you name the country?

    Four

    November 5th is a central date in the storyline of what 2005 film which opens with the line, ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November’?

    Five

    On November 5th, Google introduced its first Android-based mobile operating system, signalling the start of a new era in smartphones. In what year did this occur?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • University Blues

    Here are the answers to the questions about universities which were posed earlier.

    Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, Fez, Morocco.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    The world’s oldest continuously operating university is the University of al-Qarawiyyin. In what city and country is it located?

    Answer: Fez, Morocco.

    Founded by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman who used her inheritance to establish a centre for education and religion, Al-Qarawiyyin began as a madrasa. It later became a leading spiritual and educational hub in the Muslim world. UNESCO and the Guinness World Records both recognise it as the oldest continuously operating higher education institution globally.

    Two

    The second-oldest university in the United States is what, and who is it named after?

    Answer: College of William & Mary; (named after England’s) King William III and Queen Mary II

    Founded in 1693 in Williamsburg, Virginia, William & Mary was established by royal charter from King William III and Queen Mary II of England. It educated several key figures in early US history including Thomas Jefferson James Monroe and John Tyler all of whom became presidents. Notably it was also the first US college to implement an honour code and establish a Greek-letter fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, in 1776.

    Three

    What’s the third book (2009) in the series featuring a fictional professor of religious iconology and symbology? Who is this professor? The character first appeared in a book published in 2000.

    Answer: The Lost Symbol; Robert Langdon

    Dan Brown’s book series centres on Robert Langdon, a fictional Harvard professor of Religious Iconology and Symbology. This latter subject is a fictional field studying historic symbols distinct from the real discipline of semiotics.

    Four Weddings and a Funeral
    Image Film Affinity

    Four

    In the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral, Charles (Hugh Grant), Tom (James Fleet), and Scarlett (Charlotte Coleman) have known each other since university. What university?

    Answer: Cambridge University

    Charles, Tom and Scarlett are shown to have attended Cambridge University in Four Weddings and a Funeral and their friendship began there.

    Five

    What are the five ancient universities of Britain and Ireland which were founded in the 15th and 16th centuries and are NOT located in England?

    Answer: University of St Andrews (founded 1413), University of Glasgow (1451), University of Aberdeen (1495), University of Edinburgh (1583) and University of Dublin (Trinity College Dublin) (1592)

    Although located in Ireland, Trinity College is historically linked with the British ancient universities. The other two ancient universities of Britain are Oxford (1096) and Cambridge (1209).

  • University Blues

    Today’s questions are all about university.

    Coat of Arms, Unseen University,
    Motto: Nunc id Vides, Nunc ne Vides (“Now you see it, Now you don’t.”).
    Terry Pratchett’s Discworld.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    The world’s oldest continuously operating university is the University of al-Qarawiyyin. In what city and country is it located?

    Two

    The second-oldest university in the United States is what, and who is it named after?

    Three

    What’s the third book (2009) in the series featuring a fictional professor of religious iconology and symbology? Who is this professor? The character first appeared in a book published in 2000.

    Four

    In the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral, Charles (Hugh Grant), Tom (James Fleet), and Scarlett (Charlotte Coleman) have known each other since university. What university?

    Five

    What are five of the ancient universities of Britain and Ireland which were founded in the 15th and 16th centuries and are NOT located in England?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.