On 7 March 1876, Alexander Graham Bell secured a patent for his invention, the telephone. Once the first transcontinental telephone line was laid across the United States, a ceremonial first transcontinental call was made. Which decade did this happen in?
Two
Rob Roy MacGregor, a Scottish outlaw, was the subject of the 1817 novel Rob Roy. Who was the author of this work?
Three
Born in 1875 in Cibourne, France, this composer’s work would be used by skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean in their gold medal winning performance at the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics. Who was this composer and what was the piece of music?
Four
On this date in 2024, which Northern European country joined NATO as its 32nd member?
Born in 1872, this Dutch artist became famous for a style featuring black grid lines and blocks of primary colours such as red, blue and yellow. The style became known as Neoplasticism or De Stijl. Who was the artist?
An otherworld castle from Arthurian Romance is located at the same spot as the Oxford English Dictionary identifies as Europe’s highest active volcano?
Answer: Mount Etna
Mount Etna, is an active stratovolcano in eastern Sicily, Italy, standing at 3,323 meters (10,902 feet). It is the highest and most active volcano in Europe. Its fertile volcanic soils support agriculture, and its historical activity has earned it the designation of a Decade Volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In various stories, Mongibel is associated with the legendary figure Morgan le Fay, depicted as her magical stronghold linked to Avalon.
Two
Svetlana Savitskaya on 25 July 1984; Kathryn D. Sullivan, 11 October 1984; and Wang Yaping, 8 November 2021 all achieved a first. What common milestone do these dates mark??
Answer: They were the first females of their nationalities and for their space programs to perform extravehicular activity (EVA) or spacewalk
Specifically, they were the first females of their nationalities and space programs to perform EVAs. EVAs. The first woman to perform an extravehicular activity (EVA) was Soviet Svetlana Savitskaya on 25 July 1984, while aboard the Salyut 7 space station. Her EVA lasted 3 hours and 35 minutes. The first American woman to perform an EVA was Kathryn D. Sullivan on 11 October 1984, during the STS-41-G mission. The first female Asian and Chinese woman to perform an EVA was Wang Yaping on 8 November 2021, outside the Chinese Tiangong space station.
Three
The University of St Andrews, Scotland, was founded in what century?
Answer: 15th century.
The University of St Andrews, founded in 1413, is the oldest university in Scotland and the third-oldest in the English-speaking world — after Oxford and Cambridge. Located in St Andrews, Scotland, it is part of the ancient universities of Scotland and played a role in the Scottish Enlightenment. The university consists of three colleges and 18 academic schools across four faculties, with a diverse student body representing over 145 nationalities. It is known for its selective undergraduate admissions and traditional student customs. Notable alumni include Alex Salmond, Chris Hoy, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, with five Nobel laureates among its graduates and staff.
Four
The cave system with the world’s longest known length, Mammoth Cave is in which US state and, according to the U.S. National Park Service, what length is it at present (March 2026) to the nearest 25 miles/40 km?
Answer: Kentucky; 425 miles or 680 km.
Mammoth Cave is currently mapped and explored at 426 miles (686 km), but that is just what has been discovered to date. — U.S. National Park Service.
Mammoth Cave, currently mapped at 426 miles (686 km), is the longest known cave system in the world. Early explorers, including Stephen Bishop and the Hanson and Hunt families, significantly contributed to its discovery. The 1972 connection between the Flint Ridge and Mammoth Cave systems, achieved by a team of six explorers, solidified its status as the longest cave system.
Five
NOUN the scientific study of old age, the process of ageing, and the particular problems of old people. — Oxford English Dictionary.
What word, an –ology, is defined above?
Answer: Gerontology.
Gerontology, a multidisciplinary field, aims to understand the ageing process to minimise age-related disabilities. While geriatrics focuses on treating diseases in older adults, gerontology encompasses a broader study of ageing.
Post title — Mongibel
The name Mongibel, associated with Morgan le Fay and King Arthur, originates from Arthurian Romance and is linked to Etna (Mongibello). Welsh conceptions of a Celtic underworld were adapted and transplanted to Sicily by Bretons.
An otherworld castle from Arthurian Romance is located at the same spot as the Oxford English Dictionary identifies as Europe’s highest active volcano?
Two
Svetlana Savitskaya on 25 July 1984; Kathryn D. Sullivan, 11 October 1984; and Wang Yaping, 8 November 2021 all achieved a first. What common milestone do these dates mark?
Three
The University of St Andrews, Scotland, was founded in what century?
Four
The cave system with the world’s longest known length, Mammoth Cave is in which US state and, according to the U.S. National Park Service, what length is it at present (March 2026) to the nearest 25 miles/40 km?
Five
NOUN the scientific study of old age, the process of ageing, and the particular problems of old people. — Oxford English Dictionary.
On 1 March, the President of the United States signed the Act of Dedication, which established Yellowstone National Park. Which president signed it and in which decade did this occur?
Answers: President Ulysses S. Grant; 1870s.
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is the first national park in the US and the world. It spans three states and is renowned for its geothermal features, diverse wildlife, and the Yellowstone Caldera.
Two
The Massacre of Vassy (French: massacre de Wassy) was the murder of … worshippers and citizens in an armed action by troops of the Duke of Guise, in Wassy, France on 1 March 1562.— Wikipedia
A word has been omitted from the text ‘murder of the … worshippers’ in the above edited version of the opening sequence of the Wikipedia article The Massacre of Vassy. This omission is a noun describing the worshippers as being of the Reformed (Calvinist) tradition of Protestantism. What is this missing word?
Answer: Huguenot.
The Massacre of Vassy in 1562, where about 60 Huguenot worshippers were murdered, marked the start of the French Wars of Religion. The conflict ended with the Peace of Amboise in 1563.
Three
On 1 March 1936, after five years of construction, the Hoover Dam was officially handed over to the US government. The reservoir it created was named Lake Mead. Here are three statements about Lake Mead: two are true and one is false. Which one is false?
Lake Mead is named after Fort Mead
Lake Mead provides water to Mexico
Lake Mead stretches for 115 miles (185 km) upstream from the Hoover Dam
Answer: No. 1 is false.
The dam created Lake Mead which was named after Elwood Mead, Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation from 1924 to 1936. It supplies water to the states of Arizona, California and Nevada as well as some parts of Mexico. It stretches for 115 miles (185 km) upstream from the dam.
Four
In 1956, the International Air Transport Association finalised the Radiotelephony spelling alphabet for the International Civil Aviation Organization which implemented it on this date. It was later adopted by the International Telecommunications Union and is still in place today. Spelling of the words in this alphabet is important to assist with correct pronunciation over the air. What words represent these six letters: A — F — J — Q — W — Z?
Alfa is spelled with an f as it is in most European languages. This is because the spelling Alpha may not be pronounced properly by some who do not realise that ph should be pronounced as f. Similarly, Juliett is used rather than Juliet for French speakers, because they might otherwise treat a single final t as silent.
Five
On this day, a U.S. president established the Peace Corps by executive order. Which decade saw this event and who was the president involved?
Answers: 1960s; John F. Kennedy.
The Peace Corps, established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, is a U.S. government agency that trains and deploys volunteers to assist developing countries in fields like education, agriculture, and health. Typically American citizens with a college degree, volunteers serve for at least two years, living and working alongside local communities. Since its inception, the Peace Corps has grown significantly, expanding its reach to 141 countries by 2018.
On 1 March, the President of the United States signed the Act of Dedication, which established Yellowstone National Park. Which president signed it and in which decade did this occur?
Two
The Massacre of Vassy (French: massacre de Wassy) was the murder of … worshippers and citizens in an armed action by troops of the Duke of Guise, in Wassy, France on 1 March 1562.— Wikipedia
A word has been omitted from the text ‘murder of the … worshippers’ in the above edited version of the opening sequence of the Wikipedia article The Massacre of Vassy. This omission is a noun describing the worshippers as being of the Reformed (Calvinist) tradition of Protestantism. What is this missing word?
Three
On 1 March 1936, after five years of construction, the Hoover Dam was officially handed over to the US government. The reservoir it created was named Lake Mead. Here are three statements about Lake Mead: two are true and one is false. Which one is false?
Lake Mead is named after Fort Mead
Lake Mead provides water to Mexico
Lake Mead stretches for 115 miles (185 km) upstream from the Hoover Dam
Four
In 1956, the International Air Transport Association finalised the Radiotelephony spelling alphabet for the International Civil Aviation Organization which implemented it on this date. It was later adopted by the International Telecommunications Union and is still in place today. Spelling of the words in this alphabet is important to assist with correct pronunciation over the air. What words represent these six letters: A — F — J — Q — W — Z?
Five
On this day, a U.S. president established the Peace Corps by executive order. Which decade saw this event and who was the president involved?
These questions all relate to today’s date, February 26th.
Napoleon’s Return from Elba 1815 by Charles de Steuben. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
On this day in 1815, Napoleon escaping from captivity ushered in the Hundred Days. From where had he escaped?
Answer: Elba.
The Hundred Days in French history refers to the period between Napoleon’s return to Paris on 20 March 1815 and Louis XVIII’s return on 8 July 1815. This period marked Napoleon’s return from exile, his subsequent defeat at Waterloo, and his permanent exile, which led to the restoration of the French monarchy. After escaping from Elba, Napoleon regained power but faced opposition from the Fourth Coalition, resulting in his final defeat at Waterloo and second abdication.
Two
Who, born in Arkansas in 1932, often sang railroad songs such as Orange Blossom Special; Hey, Porter and Rock Island Line?
Answer: Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash, the ‘Man in Black’, was an American singer-songwriter known for his deep voice, rebellious spirit, and songs about sorrow, redemption and prison life. He sold over 90 million records and was inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.
Three
On this day in 1914, less than two years since Titanic sank, her sister ship was launched in Belfast. What was the name of the sister ship?
Answer: Britannic
HMHS (His Majesties Hospital Ship) Britannic, the largest hospital ship of its time, was the third and final vessel of the White Star Line’s Olympic class. Launched just before World War I, it operated between the UK and the Dardanelles until it sank in 1916 after hitting a mine, resulting in 30 fatalities. The wreck, the largest intact passenger ship on the seabed, was located by Jacques Cousteau in 1975.
Four
Born in Besançon, eastern France, in 1802, this novelist, poet and dramatist was one of France’s foremost Romantic writers. His characters include Oliver Cromwell, Archdeacon Claude Frollo and Bishop Muriel. Who is he?
Answer: Victor Hugo.
The characters mentioned in the question are in order from his works Oliver Cromwell, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Misérables. Victor Hugo (1802–1885) was a French Romantic author, poet, and playwright. He was a prominent political figure, advocating for republicanism and social causes. Hugo’s legacy includes his influence on music and his role as a national hero
Five
The first non-stop circumnavigation of the globe began on this day in what decade?
Answer: 1940s
In 1949, the Lucky Lady II, a Boeing B-50 Superfortress, became the first aircraft to circumnavigate the globe nonstop. The 94-hour and one minute journey, assisted by in-flight refuelling, showcased the potential of aerial refuelling for long-range missions. The crew received the Distinguished Flying Cross and prestigious aviation awards for their achievement.
These questions all relate to today’s date, February 26th.
Napoleon’s Return from … 1815 by Charles de Steuben. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
On this day in 1815, Napoleon escaping from captivity ushered in the Hundred Days. From where had he escaped?
Two
Who, born in Arkansas in 1932, often sang railroad songs such as Orange Blossom Special; Hey, Porter and Rock Island Line?
Three
On this day in 1914, less than two years since Titanic sank, her sister ship was launched in Belfast. What was the name of the sister ship?
Four
Born in Besançon, eastern France, in 1802, this novelist, poet and dramatist was one of France’s foremost Romantic writers. His characters include Oliver Cromwell, Archdeacon Claude Frollo and Bishop Muriel. Who is he?
Five
The first non-stop circumnavigation of the globe began on this day in what decade?
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?
Tom kha, a Thai soup originating around 1890, evolved from tom kha pet (duck and galangal) to tom kha kai (chicken) and tom kha kung (shrimp). It is distinguished from tom yam by its coconut milk base.
Two
In which country is Punta Gallinas, the northernmost part of mainland South America?
Answer: Colombia
Punta Gallinas, also known as Cape Gallinas or Cape Hens, is a northern Colombian headland in the Caribbean Sea. Situated in Uribia Municipality within La Guajira Department, it marks the northernmost point on South America’s mainland and is one of the continent’s extreme points.
Three
Caspian, Indian, and monocled are species of which snake?
Answer: Cobra
The Caspian cobra, a highly venomous snake endemic to Central Asia, and the monocled cobra, found in South and Southeast Asia, are both known for their potent venom and are responsible for numerous snakebite incidents. The Indian cobra, native to the Indian subcontinent, is one of the ‘big four’ species responsible for the most snakebite cases in Sri Lanka and India.
Four
In what game was a character renamed in 2023 as Boden ‘Boddy’ Black Jr?
Answer: Cluedo/Clue.
In the 2023 update of Cluedo/Clue, Boden “Boddy” Black Jr. finally aligns the British Dr. Black with the American Mr. Boddy.
Five
Where in Ireland is the cultural region of Connemara?
Answer: County Galway.
Connemara, a region in western County Galway, Ireland, is renowned for its traditional Irish culture. It’s Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht, a district where Irish is the predominant language, and boasts mountains, peninsulas, coves, islands and small lakes. Clifden serves as its largest settlement.
Quizology.Online 