The painter of the above self-portrait was born in Limoges, France, on 25 February 1841. He became an early Impressionist but later adopted a more traditional style. Who is he?
Two
This author, best known by a pen name but also using another — Joseph Kell, was born John Burgess Wilson on this day in 1917 in an inner-city suburb of Manchester, England. After wartime service, he left the British army in 1946 with the rank of sergeant-major. His most famous work, a dystopian satire published in 1962, was adapted into a controversial film in 1971. What is his best-known pen name?
Three
In 1986, after claiming victory in a fraudulent election which led to a military coup and revolution, President Ferdinand Marcos fled his country. Of what country was Marcos president, and which opposition leader replaced him as president?
Four
Born in 1943, this musician was a prominent figure in the music world during the swinging sixties. He was originally part of a band where he wrote hits like Here Comes the Sun and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. His sitar teacher was singer Norah Jones’ father. He later enjoyed a successful solo career. Who was he and who taught him to play the sitar?
Five
In 1570, Pope Pius V excommunicated the English monarch from the Roman Catholic Church. Who was this monarch?
Which famous photograph featuring US Marine Ira Hayes shows him and fellow servicemen raising the American flag during a pivotal World War II battle?
Answer: Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima
The photograph, taken by Joe Rosenthal during the Battle of Iwo Jima atop Mount Suribachi on 23 February 1945, became one of the most reproduced images in history and later inspired the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Among the six men in the iconic Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima photograph was Ira Hamilton Hayes, a US Marine and Gila River Indian Community member who fought in WWII’s Bougainville and Iwo Jima campaigns. Hayes later struggled with PTSD and alcoholism and died in 1955, being commemorated in art, film, and song, The Ballad of Ira Hayes. The lyrics are copied at the end of the post.
Two
Goodbye, Norma Jeane Though I never knew you at all You had the grace to hold yourself While those around you crawled They crawled out of the woodwork And they whispered into your brain They set you on the treadmill And they made you change your name
Goodbye England’s rose May you ever grow in our hearts You were the grace that placed itself Where lives were torn apart You called out to our country And you whispered to those in pain Now you belong to heaven And the stars spell out your name
This song has two versions, and the first verse of each is shown above. The first was written in 1973, and it was adapted 24 years later; both were written about different people. There are several questions…
What’s the song title in each case?
Who were the songwriters?
Who is the subject of each respective version?
Answers
Candle in the Wind and Candle in the Wind 1997
Elton John and Bernie Taupin
Marilyn Monroe and Diana, princess of Wales
Candle in the Wind is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, originally in honour of Marilyn Monroe. A rewritten version, Candle in the Wind 1997, was performed as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales at her funeral. Adapted from Elton John’s 1973 song, Candle in the Wind 1997 became the best-selling single in UK and US chart history and won a Grammy Award.
Three
This 20th-century singer-songwriter wrote about the 1959 plane crash referred to as ‘The Day the Music Died’. He also wrote a song about a 19th-century artist whose opening line references a painting often mistaken for the song’s title. There are four questions…
Who is the singer-songwriter?
What are the titles of the two songs?
Who were the three rock and roll musicians who died in the crash?
Finally, who was the artist?
Answers
Don McLean
American Pie and Vincent
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper
Vincent van Gogh
American Pie by Don McLean, released in 1971, was a number-one hit in the US and several other countries. Known for its length and cryptic lyrics, the song reflects on the musicians deaths, the cultural changes and loss of innocence experienced by McLean’s generation. In 2017, the original recording was selected for preservation in the US National Recording Registry. McLean also wrote Vincent as a tribute to Vincent van Gogh, which topped the UK Singles Chart in 1972 and was ranked No. 94 by Billboard for that year.
Four
Lori Lieberman co-wrote this song with lyrics about Don McLean after watching him in performance. Arguably the best known version is Roberta Flack’s 1973 cover which became a number-one hit in the US, Australia and Canada, and a top ten hit in the UK. What is the song?
Answer: Killing Me Softly with His Song.
Killing Me Softly with His Song, composed by Charles Fox with lyrics by Norman Gimbel, was inspired by a Don McLean performance. Roberta Flack’s 1973 version topped charts worldwide, winning Grammy Awards. The Fugees’ 1996 cover also achieved global success, winning a Grammy and topping the Billboard Hot 100.
Five
Je t’aime… moi non plus was written in 1967 by Serge Gainsbourg. The best known version of it was Gainsbourg’s 1969 duet with Jane Birkin which topped the UK charts. Who, often referred to as ‘B.B.’, had Gainsbourg originally written the song for?
Answer: Brigitte Bardot.
Je t’aime… moi non plus (meaning ‘I love you… me neither’) is a 1967 song written by Serge Gainsbourg for Brigitte Bardot. In 1969, Gainsbourg recorded a popular duet version with British actress Jane Birkin. While this version topped the charts in Birkin’s native United Kingdom, becoming the first foreign-language song to achieve this feat and reaching number two in Ireland, it faced censorship in several countries due to its explicit sexual content. In 1976, Gainsbourg directed Birkin in an erotic film of the same name.
The Ballad Of Ira Hayes By Peter La Farge
Ira Hayes, Ira Hayes
[CHORUS:] Call him drunken Ira Hayes He won’t answer anymore Not the whiskey drinkin’ Indian Nor the Marine that went to war
Gather round me people there’s a story I would tell About a brave young Indian you should remember well From the land of the Pima Indian A proud and noble band Who farmed the Phoenix valley in Arizona land
Down the ditches for a thousand years The water grew Ira’s peoples’ crops ‘Till the white man stole the water rights And the sparklin’ water stopped
Now Ira’s folks were hungry And their land grew crops of weeds When war came, Ira volunteered And forgot the white man’s greed
[CHORUS:] Call him drunken Ira Hayes He won’t answer anymore Not the whiskey drinkin’ Indian Nor the Marine that went to war
There they battled up Iwo Jima’s hill, Two hundred and fifty men But only twenty-seven lived to walk back down again
And when the fight was over And when Old Glory raised Among the men who held it high Was the Indian, Ira Hayes
[CHORUS:] Call him drunken Ira Hayes He won’t answer anymore Not the whiskey drinkin’ Indian Nor the Marine that went to war
Ira returned a hero Celebrated through the land He was wined and speeched and honored; Everybody shook his hand
But he was just a Pima Indian No water, no crops, no chance At home nobody cared what Ira’d done And when did the Indians dance
[CHORUS:] Call him drunken Ira Hayes He won’t answer anymore Not the whiskey drinkin’ Indian Nor the Marine that went to war
Then Ira started drinkin’ hard; Jail was often his home They’d let him raise the flag and lower it like you’d throw a dog a bone!
He died drunk one mornin’ Alone in the land he fought to save Two inches of water in a lonely ditch Was a grave for Ira Hayes
[CHORUS:] Call him drunken Ira Hayes He won’t answer anymore Not the whiskey drinkin’ Indian Nor the Marine that went to war
Yeah, call him drunken Ira Hayes But his land is just as dry And his ghost is lyin’ thirsty In the ditch where Ira died
Which famous photograph featuring US Marine Ira Hayes shows him and fellow servicemen raising the American flag during a pivotal World War II battle?
Two
Goodbye, Norma Jeane Though I never knew you at all You had the grace to hold yourself While those around you crawled They crawled out of the woodwork And they whispered into your brain They set you on the treadmill And they made you change your name
AZ Lyrics
Goodbye England’s rose May you ever grow in our hearts You were the grace that placed itself Where lives were torn apart You called out to our country And you whispered to those in pain Now you belong to heaven And the stars spell out your name
AZ Lyrics
This song has two versions, and the first verse of each is shown above. The first was written in 1973, and it was adapted 24 years later; both were written about different people. There are several questions…
What’s the song title in each case?
Who were the songwriters?
Who is the subject of each respective version?
Three
This 20th-century singer-songwriter wrote about the 1959 plane crash referred to as ‘The Day the Music Died’. He also wrote a song about a 19th-century artist whose opening line references a painting often mistaken for the song’s title. There are four questions…
Who is the singer-songwriter?
What are the titles of the two songs?
Who were the three rock and roll musicians who died in the crash?
Finally, who was the artist?
Four
Lori Lieberman co-wrote this song with lyrics about Don McLean after watching him in performance. Arguably the best known version is Roberta Flack’s 1973 cover which became a number-one hit in the US, Australia and Canada, and a top ten hit in the UK. What is the song?
Five
Je t’aime… moi non plus was written in 1967 by Serge Gainsbourg. The best known version of it was Gainsbourg’s 1969 duet with Jane Birkin which topped the UK charts. Who, often referred to as ‘B.B.’, had Gainsbourg originally written the song for?
Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.
Todays questions are all related to the date, February 22nd.
Dolly the Sheep. The taxidermy mount of Dolly on exhibit at the National Museum of Scotland, 2009. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
On this day in 1997, the world was introduced to Dolly the sheep. Cloned at a Scottish institute sharing a name with a nearby chapel featured in a Dan Brown novel and film, both the institute and chapel’s names originate from that of a village with multiple spellings. What is it?
Answer: Roslin (Institute) or Rosslyn (Chapel) or Roslyn.
Dolly the Sheep was cloned at the Roslin Institute, the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell. The nearby Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 by Sir William St. Clair, is a remarkable example of ornate Gothic architecture. The chapel, known as a ‘Bible in stone’, features intricate carvings and sculptures, including the Apprentice Pillar, which is the subject of much speculation. Despite its association with the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail, the chapel’s true significance lies in its historical and architectural value. It featured in Dan Brown’s novel and film The Da Vinci Code.
Two
George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born on 22 February 1732 in Westmoreland, Virginia. This Virginian county was named after the British County of Westmorland, but on what island was this latter county found?
Answer: Great Britain.
Westmorland, a former county in North West England, is situated on the island of Great Britain. It encompassed part of the Lake District and the southern Vale of Eden. In 1974 it was incorporated into Cumbria and now forms part of the larger Westmorland and Furness unitary authority area.
Three
Exactly 200 years after the birth of George Washington, a United States politician was born into a political dynasty on this day. Who was he?
Answer: Ted Kennedy (in full Edward Moore Kennedy).
Edward Moore Kennedy, a prominent American politician and member of the Democratic Party, served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1962 until his death in 2009. Known for his oratorical skills and liberal views, Kennedy championed numerous significant pieces of legislation, including the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Despite his political achievements, his career was marred by the Chappaquiddick incident in 1969.
Four
In 1942, three members of an anti-Nazi group were executed by beheading in Munich. Over the following months, others were also executed and many more imprisoned for alleged connections to the group. The group’s two-word name was that of a colour and a flower; what was this name?
Answer: White Rose.
The White Rose was a non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany, led by students and a professor. They conducted a leaflet and graffiti campaign against the Nazi regime, denouncing its crimes and calling for resistance. Their activities ended with further arrests and executions in 1943.
Five
On this date, NASCAR held the first Daytona 500. In what year was this, and which driver won the race?
Answers: 1959; Lee Petty.
The 1959 Daytona 500, the second race of the NASCAR Grand National Series season, was the inaugural race at the newly built Daytona International Speedway. The track, built by NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr., is a 2.5-mile superspeedway and is considered the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.
Todays questions are all related to the date, February 22nd.
Dolly the Sheep. The taxidermy mount of Dolly on exhibit at the National Museum of Scotland, 2009. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
On this day in 1997, the world was introduced to Dolly the sheep. Cloned at a Scottish institute sharing a name with a nearby chapel featured in a Dan Brown novel and film, both the institute and chapel’s names originate from that of a village with multiple spellings. What is it?
Two
George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born on 22 February 1732 in Westmoreland, Virginia. This Virginian county was named after the British County of Westmorland, but on what island was this latter county found?
Three
Exactly 200 years after the birth of George Washington, a United States politician was born into a political dynasty on this day. Who was he?
Four
In 1942, three members of an anti-Nazi group were executed by beheading in Munich. Over the following months, others were also executed and many more imprisoned for alleged connections to the group. The group’s two-word name was that of a colour and a flower; what was this name?
Five
On this date, NASCAR held the first Daytona 500. In what year was this, and which driver won the race?
Here are the answers to my Walter posted questions.
Diagram of the Solar System from Copernicus’ manuscript of De revolutionibus orbium coelestium. Image Wikimedia Commons
All of today’s questions relate to the date, February 19th.
One
In what century was Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus born?
Answer: 15th century.
Born in 1473, Nicolaus Copernicus, a Renaissance polymath, formulated a heliocentric model of the universe, placing the Sun at its centre. His work, published in De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) triggered the Copernican Revolution and significantly contributed to the Scientific Revolution.
Two
In 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima began when US Marines invaded the Japanese volcanic island of Iwo Jima. What does the name Iwo Jima mean in English?
Answer: Sulfur Island.
Iwo Jima, a volcanic island in the Ogasawara Archipelago, is administered by Tokyo. It was the site of a major WWII battle between Japan and the US, resulting in over 20,000 casualties on each side. Today, the island has no permanent inhabitants except for a Self-Defence Force base and is owned by a combination of individuals, the village, and the Japanese government.
Three
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was born in 1960 and was known as Prince Andrew. He would later also be known as the Duke of York. For the first 22 years of his life, he was second in the line of succession to the British throne, who, born in 1982, replaced him as second in the line of succession?
Answer: Prince William (The eldest son of Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and Diana, Princess of Wales).
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faced controversy due to his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. He denied allegations of sexual abuse but settled a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre in 2022. In 2025, Charles III removed Andrew’s royal styles and honours, restricted his titles, and relocated him to private accommodation.
Four
Born in 1924, this actor was a decorated World War II veteran, where he served in the U.S. Marines. He won an Oscar for Best Actor for Cat Ballou (1965) where he played both Kid Shelleen and Tim Strawn. He appeared in The Dirty Dozen (1967) and Gorky Park (1983). He died in 1987. Who is this actor?
Answer: Lee Marvin.
Marvin, an American actor known for his tough-guy roles, received an Academy Award for his performance in Cat Ballou. He was also a decorated World War II veteran and a descendant of the Lee family of Virginia.
Five
In 1913, Pedro Lascuráin assumed the role of President of Mexico. What connects the number 45 to his presidency? Was it
45 marriages (he was married 45 times during his presidency)
45 minutes (he was in office for only 45 minutes)
45 murders (he was connected to 45 murders during his presidency)
Answer: 45 minutes (he was in office for only 45 minutes)
During the Ten Tragic Days coup, Victoriano Huerta captured President Madero and convinced him to resign. Lascuráin, next in line, briefly assumed the presidency before appointing Huerta as his successor, making Lascuráin’s presidency the shortest in history of not only Mexico but the world.
Diagram of the Solar System from Copernicus’ manuscript of De revolutionibus orbium coelestium. Image Wikimedia Commons
All of today’s questions relate to the date, February 19th.
One
In what century was Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus born?
Two
In 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima began when US Marines invaded the Japanese volcanic island of Iwo Jima. What does the name Iwo Jima mean in English?
Three
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was born in 1960 and was known as Prince Andrew. He would later also be known as the Duke of York. For the first 22 years of his life, he was second in the line of succession to the British throne, who, born in 1982, replaced him as second in the line of succession?
Four
Born in 1924, this actor was a decorated World War II veteran, where he served in the U.S. Marines. He won an Oscar for Best Actor for Cat Ballou (1965) where he played both Kid Shelleen and Tim Strawn. He appeared in The Dirty Dozen (1967) and Gorky Park (1983). He died in 1987. Who is this actor?
Five
In 1913, Pedro Lascuráin assumed the role of President of Mexico. What connects the number 45 to his presidency? Was it
45 marriages (he was married 45 times during his presidency)
45 minutes (he was in office for only 45 minutes)
45 murders (he was connected to 45 murders during his presidency)
Today’s questions all relate to the date 16th February.
Kiefer Sutherland and Sally Field in Eye for an Eye (1996), directed by John Schlesinger. Image Encyclopædia Britannica
One
Born in 1926, this director won the Academy Award for Best Director for Midnight Cowboy starring Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. He also directed Eye for an Eye (1996) featuring Sally Field and Kiefer Sutherland. Who is he?
Answer: John Schlesinger.
John Schlesinger was an English director and actor, known for his work in the British New Wave and Hollywood. He gained recognition for his documentaries and feature films, including the Academy Award-winning Midnight Cowboy, and received numerous accolades throughout his career. He also served as associate director of the National Theatre. Fred Neil’s song Everybody’s Talkin’ became the theme for the film and won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by Harry Nilsson.
Two
In 1923, the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun was unsealed. Who was the archaeologist responsible for this discovery?
Answer: Howard Carter.
Tutankhamen, an Egyptian pharaoh, ruled in the 14th century BC and restored traditional religion. His tomb, discovered in 1922, contained treasures that made him renowned, despite his early death and limited achievements. The opening of the tomb was soon followed by stories that it was cursed. One of these relates that shortly after opening the tomb, Carter’s messenger found a cobra in Carter’s house, having killed Carter’s canary. This fuelled rumours of a curse, as the cobra was a symbol of the Egyptian monarchy.
In 1918, this country declared independence and two months later adopted this flag which is again the national flag today. Which country?
Answer: Lithuania.
The Act of Independence of Lithuania, signed on 16 February 1918, proclaimed Lithuania’s independence from Russia and established a democratic state with Vilnius as its capital. Although initially hindered by German occupation, Lithuania gained control over its territory after Germany’s defeat in World War I. The Act remains the legal basis for modern Lithuania’s existence. The national flag of Lithuania was adopted in April 1918 during this first period of independence (1918–1940). It was re-adopted in 1988, approximately one and a half years before Lithuania’s independence was re-established and almost three years before the Soviet Union’s collapse.
Four
Born in 1964, this English actor portrayed the ninth incarnation of The Doctor in BBC’s time-travelling series Doctor Who. As The Doctor, he was accompanied by Rose Tyler and inspired Charles Dickens. Who is this actor?
Answer: Christopher Eccleston.
Christopher Eccleston is an English actor known for his work in British social realist dramas and for playing the ninth Doctor in Doctor Who. He has received numerous award nominations and accolades for his performances in television, film and theatre.
Five
Born in 1973, this athlete made history in 2000 as the first Australian Aboriginal person to win an individual Olympic gold medal. Who is this athlete?
Answer: Cathy Freeman.
Cathy Freeman, an Australian sprinter, made history as the first Aboriginal person to win an individual Olympic gold medal in the 400-metres at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She achieved numerous victories, including Commonwealth Games gold medals and a world championship title, and was a symbol of Aboriginal reconciliation. Freeman retired from competition in 2003 and established the Cathy Freeman Foundation to support Indigenous children.
Born in 1926, this director won the Academy Award for Best Director for Midnight Cowboy starring Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. He also directed Eye for an Eye (1996) featuring Sally Field and Kiefer Sutherland. Who is he?
Two
In 1923, the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun was unsealed. Who was the archaeologist responsible for this discovery?
In 1918, this country declared independence and two months later adopted this flag which is again the national flag today. Which country?
Four
Born in 1964, this English actor portrayed the ninth incarnation of The Doctor in BBC’s time-travelling series Doctor Who. As The Doctor, he was accompanied by Rose Tyler and inspired Charles Dickens. Who is this actor?
Five
Born in 1973, this athlete made history in 2000 as the first Australian Aboriginal person to win an individual Olympic gold medal. Who is this athlete?
Here are the answers to the questions poster earlier.
These questions all relate to today, February 14th.
Saint Valentine healing epilepsy, illustrated by Dr. František Ehrmann, c. 1899. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
Saint Valentine was, according to legend, martyred in Rome on February 14th in c. 270 CE, during the persecution of Christians by Emperor ++Claudius II Gothicus++. In what century was Saint Valentine’s death?
Answer: 3rd century.
Saint Valentine, a legendary Christian martyr, is the patron saint of lovers, people with epilepsy and beekeepers. His life is shrouded in legend, with accounts of him being a Roman priest or bishop martyred in Rome. His body was buried in Rome on February 14, a date observed as the Feast of Saint Valentine since at least the eighth century. He is associated with courtly love, and numerous churches claim to possess his relics, which are housed in various locations, including Rome and Dublin. Valentine’s Day as a lovers’ festival dates back to the 14th century.
Two
In 1613, the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Frederick V of the Palatinate took place at Whitehall Palace, London. Who was the father of the bride?
Answer: James VI and I.
The bride’s father was James VI of Scotland and I of England. The wedding of Frederick V and Princess Elizabeth in 1613 was a grand affair, featuring fireworks, masques, a mock sea battle, and a procession. Celebrations continued with masques and a lavish farewell for Elizabeth’s journey to Heidelberg.
Identify two US states, A and B, both admitted to the Union on February 14th. State A joined in 1859, and state B in 1912. Together, they border seven states: four for A and five for B. Additionally, A has a maritime boundary, whilst B has an international border.
Answer: A. Oregon and B. Arizona.
Oregon was admitted as the 33rd US state on 14 February 1859 and Arizona became the 48th, and last contiguous state, in 1912. Oregon is bordered by four states: California, Nevada, Idaho, and Washington. Arizona is bordered by five states: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Four
Born in 1992, this actor played Charlie Bucket in Tim Burton’s musical fantasy film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Who is he?
Answer: Freddie Highmore.
Alfred Thomas Highmore, born in 1992 in Camden Town, London, is an English actor known for his roles in Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Good Doctor. He attended Highgate School and Emmanuel College, Cambridge, earning a double first in Spanish and Arabic.
Five
Which actor, born on this day in 1970, has appeared in both the Star Trek and Mission: Impossible series and also voiced a character in the Ice Age series?
Answer: Simon Pegg.
Simon John Beckingham, born in Gloucestershire, UK, on 14 February 1970, co-wrote the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy films: Shaun of the Dead (2004), Hot Fuzz (2007) and The World’s End (2013). He also reprised several roles, including Montgomery ‘Scotty’ Scott in Star Trek (2009), Benji Dunn in Mission: Impossible III(2006) and Buck in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009).
Quizology.Online 
