Something a bit different today. You can earn a total of 55 points by answering all the questions completely. The first question is worth one point and has only one correct answer. The second question is worth two points for two correct answers and so on… until the tenth question which is worth ten points for ten correct answers.
Posted in two parts with the second part following tomorrow.
One
For ONE point, in what country was the composer Franz Liszt born
Two
For TWO points. According to the Bible story, Noah released two birds from the ark to determine whether the flood had abated; what birds?
Three
For THREE points. In Alexandre Dumas’ novel, The Three Musketeers, the title characters meet and befriend d’Artagnan; what are their names?
Four
For FOUR points, list the patron saints of Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland.
Five
For FIVE points, list the five boroughs of New York City.
Good luck! I’ll post the answers later and part II follows tomorrow.
AKA EPIC LAPTOP provides an Istanbul residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, last occupied by Mahmut II (1808–39) and now a museum. What is it known as?
Answer: Topkapi Palace
‘AKA EPIC LAPTOP’ is an anagram of Topkapi Palace. Topkapı Palace, a large museum and library in Istanbul, served as the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire from the 1460s to 1856. The palace complex, which expanded over centuries, includes the Imperial Harem, treasury and various buildings used by state officials. Today, the palace is a museum showcasing Ottoman artefacts and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Areas of Istanbul.
Two
A CHI TIN is a dry red Italian wine produced in Tuscany. What wine?
Answer: Chianti
‘A CHI TIN’ is an anagram of Chianti. Chianti is an Italian red wine from the Chianti region of Tuscany, primarily made from Sangiovese grapes. The Chianti region was first defined in 1716 and later divided into seven sub-areas in 1932, with Chianti Classico being the most prominent. Chianti must be made with at least 80% Sangiovese grapes, with Riserva and Superiore designations indicating higher quality and stricter production requirements.
Three
The German heavy cruiser ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE, 1937. Image IWM via Wikimedia Commons
ARMADA FLEES GRIP of the pursuing ships. What three-word, fifteen letters in total, is the name of the ship being pursued in the South Atlantic Ocean in 1939?
Answer: Admiral Graf Spee
‘ARMADA FLEES GRIP’ is an anagram of Admiral Graf Spee which was a German Panzerschiff, or ‘pocket battleship’, that served during World War II. It was deployed to the South Atlantic before the war, sinking nine vessels before being damaged and then scuttled after the Battle of the River Plate.
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Four
RED GOLFING is the villain in this Bond movie. What villain?
Answer: Goldfinger
‘RED GOLFING’ is an anagram of Goldfinger. Auric Goldfinger is the title character and main antagonist in both Ian Fleming’s novel and the 1964 film adaptation. The character, portrayed in the film by red-haired Gert Fröbe, was voted the most sinister James Bond villain, and his line ‘No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die’ was voted the best moment in the franchise.
Five
ARRANGED LOAN allows a governor to became a president of the United States. Who is he?
Answer: Ronald Reagan
‘ARRANGED LOAN’ is an anagram of Ronald Reagan. A governor of California, Ronald Reagan served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. A prominent figure in the American conservative movement, his presidency, known as the Reagan era, was marked by economic policies like “Reaganomics,” increased military spending, and a shift in Cold War policy. Reagan’s impact on American conservatism and his role in ending the Cold War are widely recognised.
No multiple-choice today as the five trivia questions below start with the answer in the form of an ANAGRAM (in capitals), for example…
Example 1 WREN AS what is expected in response to a question.? Answer: Answer
Example 2 GRANS A MA might give you a clue from the title of this post? Answer: Anagrams
Image Wikimedia Commons
One
AKA EPIC LAPTOP provides an Istanbul residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, last occupied by Mahmut II (1808–39) and now a museum. What is it known as?
Two
A CHI TIN is a dry red Italian wine produced in Tuscany. What wine?
Three
Image Imperial War Museum via Wikimedia Commons
ARMADA FLEES GRIP of the pursuing ships. What three-word, fifteen letters in total, is the name of the ship being pursued in the South Atlantic Ocean in 1939?
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Four
RED GOLFING is the villain in this Bond movie. What villain?
Five
ARRANGED LOAN allows a governor to became a president of the United States. Who is he?
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
Answer: 2. Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco.
Monaco, a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is the second smallest sovereign state in the world. It is a semi-constitutional monarchy with Prince Albert II as head of state. Monaco is known for its wealth, casinos, and as a tax haven, attracting a high percentage of millionaires.
Two
What year and state complete the following sentence? In …, Elvis Presley was born in …
1933; Alabama
1935; Mississippi
1937; Tennessee
Answer: 2. 1935; Mississippi.
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was a highly influential American singer and actor. Born on 8 January 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, he rose to fame in the 1950s with his unique blend of country and rhythm and blues, becoming a cultural icon despite initial controversy. Presley’s successful music career spanned multiple genres, and he remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Three
On this day, Charles de Gaulle was inaugurated as president of France’s …
First Republic
Fourth Republic
Fifth Republic
Answer: 3. Fifth Republic.
Charles de Gaulle, a pivotal figure in French history, led the Free French forces during WWII, became the provisional president, and was instrumental in establishing the Fifth Republic. As President from 1959 to 1969, he navigated challenges like the Algerian War, strengthened France’s economy and international position, and aimed to increase France’s global influence.
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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
Answer: 1. Have I Got News for You.
Stephen Hawking was an English theoretical physicist and cosmologist, known for his work on black holes and cosmology. He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease at age 21, but continued his work and achieved commercial success with his book A Brief History of Time. He featured at the Monty Python Live (Mostly) show in 2014. He was shown to sing an extended version of the Galaxy Song, after running down Brian Cox with his wheelchair, in a pre-recorded video. In 2018, Hawking was the voice of The Book Mark II on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series
The ocean liners RMS Queen Mary 2 and her namesake Queen Mary are both named after the same person. Who?
Mary I
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mary of Teck
Answer: 3. Mary of Teck.
Queen Mary, now berthed permanently at Long Beach, California, United States, was launched in 1934 when she was named after, and by, Queen Mary, the consort of Britain’s King George V. On 8 January 2004, Queen Mary’s granddaughter, Elizabeth II, named Queen Mary 2 after her grandmother, the same Queen Mary who was born Mary of Teck. Cunard legend has it that the 1934 ship was to be named after Queen Victoria, and following protocol, they advised the king, ‘We have decided to name our new ship after England’s greatest queen.’ George V allegedly responded, ‘My wife [Queen Mary] will be delighted that you are naming the ship after her.’
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
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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.
Quizology Online 