Quizology.Online

Tag: First World War

  • Russian Caesars — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    See question two. Zonkey, the hybrid offspring of a donkey and a zebra.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are not date-related, nor are the questions related, but there is a theme concerning the answers.

    One

    What word completes the title of a 1965 war film starring Kirk Douglas and Richard Harris, which was based on a true story and shot in Norway: The Heroes of …?

    Answer: Telemark.

    The Heroes of Telemark is a 1965 British war film based on a true story. It depicts a sabotage mission against a Norwegian heavy water plant during World War II. At the time, Norway was occupied by German forces and there was a fear that the plant could aid their efforts to build an atomic bomb.

    Two

    What is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘the hybrid offspring of a donkey and a zebra’? (NB. The same word is used in Mexico for donkeys painted as zebras for tourist souvenir photos.)

    Answer: Zonkey.

    Imagine a creature that embodies the rugged resilience of a donkey and the striking elegance of a zebra. This is no mythical beast, but a living, breathing marvel known as the zonkey. A fascinating hybrid, the zonkey captures the imagination with its unique blend of features, often sporting the sturdy body of a donkey adorned with the distinctive stripes of a zebra, typically concentrated on its legs, neck, and sometimes its torso. These captivating animals are a testament to the intricate dance of genetics and the surprising outcomes that can arise when different species meet.

    — Animals Network

    Three

    Dating from the first half of the 20th century from what language did the words ‘rooibos’ and ‘apartheid’ originate?

    Answer: Afrikaans.

    Rooibos is an evergreen South African shrub, and its leaves are used to make a tea. It originated in the early 20th century from Afrikaans, and means literally ‘red bush’.
    Apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination, was adopted as a slogan in the 1948 election by the Afrikaner National Party in South Africa. The system was maintained until February 1991 despite domestic unrest and international isolation. Originating in the 1940s, from Afrikaans, literally ‘separateness’.

    Four

    Who won Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her part in The Constant Gardener?

    Answer: Rachel Weisz.

    The Constant Gardener is a 2005 drama thriller film directed by Fernando Meirelles, based on John le Carré’s novel. It follows a British diplomat in Kenya investigating his wife’s murder. A critical and box office success, it achieved four Oscar nominations, with Weisz winning Best Supporting Actress.

    Five

    What body of water was home to the British Fleet during both the First and Second World Wars, as well as being the site of the 1919 scuttling of the interred German High Sea Fleet and the 1939 sinking of HMS Royal Oak?

    Answer: Scapa Flow.

    Scapa Flow, a sheltered body of water in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, has historical significance as a Viking anchorage and UK naval base. HMS Royal Oak is a war grave for over 800 seamen who perished when the ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat. Today, it is known for its diving sites and as a location for oil and LNG transfers.

    Russian Caesars

    The post title Russian Caesars refers to Tzar (also Tsar or Czar) in plural, TZARS which gives the start letter for each of the above answers.

  • Russian Caesars

    See question two. ?, the hybrid offspring of a donkey and a zebra.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are not date-related, nor are the questions related, but there is a theme concerning the answers.

    One

    What word completes the title of a 1965 war film starring Kirk Douglas and Richard Harris, which was based on a true story and shot in Norway: The Heroes of …?

    Two

    What is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as ‘the hybrid offspring of a donkey and a zebra’? (NB. The same word is used in Mexico for donkeys painted as zebras for tourist souvenir photos.)

    Three

    Dating from the first half of the 20th century from what language did the words ‘rooibos’ and ‘apartheid’ originate?

    Four

    Who won Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her part in The Constant Gardener?

    Five

    What body of water was home to the British Fleet during both the First and Second World Wars, as well as being the site of the 1919 scuttling of the interred German High Sea Fleet and the 1939 sinking of HMS Royal Oak?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Shaken, Not Stirred — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    Sean Connery and Ian Fleming on the set of Dr. No (1962).
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Today’s questions all relate to June 28th.

    One

    James Bond Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond books, was born in 1908. What was the first James Bond novel; which U.S. president included a Bond novel in his ten favourites, and which was it? 

    Answer: Casino Royale; President John F. Kennedy and From Russia With Love.

    Ian Fleming, born in 1908, was a British suspense-fiction novelist and former naval intelligence officer who created the iconic British secret agent James Bond, 007. His first Bond novel, Casino Royale (1953), launched a globally popular series known for espionage and action. From Russia With Love, the fifth Bond novel, was famously endorsed by John F. Kennedy in 1961 in a list of his ten favourite books. 

    Two

    In 1999, after two decades of restoration, a Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece was unveiled to the public. Located within the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this work is known as what, and what type of artwork is it?

    Answer: Last Supper; Mural.

    Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (1495-1498) is a mural in Milan’s Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It depicts Jesus announcing his betrayal and instituting the Eucharist. The apostles’ dramatic reactions convey intense emotion. Commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, the original materials caused significant deterioration over time.

    Three

    In what venue was a peace treaty signed on 28 June 1919? 

    Answer: Palace of Versailles

    The Palace of Versailles, built by King Louis XIV, is located 19 km (12 mi) west of Paris, France. The Hall of Mirrors, where the treaty was signed, is the largest room in the palace. Seventeen mirror arches (each containing 21 mirrors and thus totalling 357 mirrors in the hall) face 17 windows that overlook the palace gardens.

    Four

    Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to the merger of two companies by two men. Could you please identify these men and the decade that this happened?

    Answer: Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz; 1920s.

    Mercedes-Benz originated from Carl Benz’s 1886 internal combustion engine and Gottlieb Daimler’s petrol-engine stagecoach. Emil Jellinek marketed the 1901 Mercedes 35 hp, naming it after his daughter. The brand was officially established on 28 June 1926 after Daimler and Benz’s companies merged, forming Daimler-Benz.

    Five

    Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom’s coronation took place on this day. In what decade did it take place, and in what ecclesiastical building did the ceremony take place?

    Answer: 1830s; Westminster Abbey.

    Queen Victoria’s coronation occurred on 28 June 1838 at Westminster Abbey, following a public procession from Buckingham Palace. Planned by Lord Melbourne, it cost £70,000 and attracted 400,000 visitors. Despite internal mishaps, the event was successful, with fairs and displays in Hyde and Green Parks, amid some Radical opposition.

  • Shaken, Not Stirred

    Sean Connery and Ian Fleming.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Today’s questions all relate to June 28th.

    One

    James Bond Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond books, was born in 1908. What was the first James Bond novel; which U.S. president included a Bond novel in his ten favourites, and which was it? 

    Two

    In 1999, after two decades of restoration, a Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece was unveiled to the public. Located within the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this work is known as what? What type of artwork is it?

    Three

    In what venue was a peace treaty signed on 28 June 1919? 

    Four

    Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to the merger of two companies by two men. Could you please identify these men and the decade that this happened?

    Five

    Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom’s coronation took place on this day. In what decade did it take place, and in what ecclesiastical building did the ceremony take place?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Independently Minded — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    Flag of Djibouti.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of these questions are connected to today, June 27th.

    One

    The flag above represents a country that gained independence in 1977. Which country is it, and from which did it gain independence?

    Answer: Djibouti; France.

    Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, borders Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Gaining independence in 1977, it is a multi-ethnic nation with French and Arabic as official languages. Strategically located, it serves as a key refuelling hub and hosts several foreign military bases.

    Two

    Jack Lemmon won two Academy Awards, the first was awarded in 1956 for Best Supporting Actor and the second in 1974 for Best Actor. What was the film title of each of these?

    Answer: Mister Roberts (1955); Save the Tiger (1973).

    Jack Lemmon, who died on 27 June 2001, was a Harvard graduate and World War II Navy veteran. He debuted on Broadway in 1953, signed by Columbia Pictures in 1954, and gained stardom with Mister Roberts (1955). Iconic roles in Some Like It Hot (1959) and The Apartment (1960), and comedies with Walter Matthau such as The Odd Couple (1968), defined his career.

    Three

    The Japanese Yen was first minted towards the end of a decade and adopted as Japan’s official currency two years later. In what two decades did this occur?

    Answer: 1860s and 1870s.

    The yen, Japan’s monetary unit, was first minted in 1869 and adopted in 1871. Initially divided into sen and rin, these were removed in 1954. Despite WWII devastation, Japan’s economic miracle made the yen a leading international currency. Its symbol is ¥, derived from yuan, the ancient term for Chinese round coins.

    Four

    Who, in 2007, after serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer for ten years, became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?

    Answer: Gordon Brown.

    Gordon Brown, born in Glasgow on February 20, 1951, is a British Labour Party politician. He served as chancellor of the Exchequer (1997–2007) and prime minister (2007–10). Brown focused on NHS reform, public-sector changes, poverty reduction, and a broader approach to combating terrorism. He resigned in May 2010.

    Five

    Flag of Greece.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    In 1917 during World War I, the nation represented by this flag declared war on the Central Powers. Which country’s flag is shown and what comprised the Central Powers?

    Answer: Greece; German Empire, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria.

    The Central Powers, or Central Empires, were a World War I coalition of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria, known as the Quadruple Alliance. Originating in 1879, Italy joined the Triple Alliance but later sided with the Allies (Great Britain, France and U.S.). The Central Powers were defeated by the Allies in 1918 and dissolved.

  • Independently Minded

    Flag of ?
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of these questions are connected to today, June 27th.

    One

    The flag above represents a country that gained independence in 1977. Which country is it, and from which did it gain independence?

    Answer: Djibouti; France.

    Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, borders Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Gaining independence in 1977, it is a multi-ethnic nation with French and Arabic as official languages. Strategically located, it serves as a key refuelling hub and hosts several foreign military bases.

    Two

    Jack Lemmon won two Academy Awards, the first was awarded in 1956 for Best Supporting Actor and the second in 1974 for Best Actor. What was the film title of each of these?

    Three

    The Japanese Yen was first minted towards the end of a decade and adopted as Japan’s official currency two years later. In what two decades did this occur?

    Four

    Who, in 2007, after serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer for ten years, became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?

    Five

    Flag of ?
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    In 1917 during World War I, the nation represented by this flag declared war on the Central Powers. Which country’s flag is shown and what comprised the Central Powers?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • The Shot Heard Around the World — Answers

    Here are the answers relating to my earlier post.

    Five random questions today.

    Assassination of Franz Ferdinand, 1863-1914 Archduke of Austria, and his wife Sophie, in Sarajevo, Bosnia, 28 June 1914, ©Bianchetti/Leemage.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Where and when did these shootings occur? 

    Answer: Sarajevo, Bosnia; 28 June 1914.

    Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb student, assassinated the heir presumptive of the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, triggering the July Crisis and World War I. Born in 1894, Princip joined Young Bosnia, seeking South Slavic unification. Rejected by the Serbian army, he plotted the assassination with the Black Hand’s help. Arrested and sentenced to 20 years, he died in 1918 from tuberculosis. His legacy is divisive, seen as heroic by some Serbs and a terrorist by others. 

    Two

    At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, which female German athlete won gold in the long jump?

    Answer: Heike Drechsler

    Heike Gabriela Drechsler, born on 16 December 1964, is a renowned German former track and field athlete. Representing East Germany and later Germany, she is one of the greatest long jumpers, holding the third-best legal jump of 7.48 metres in 1988. Her wind-assisted 7.63 metres in 1992 remains the longest jump by a woman. Drechsler won two Olympic golds in long jump (1992, 2000), Olympic medals in 100 and 200 metres (1988), and held the 200 metres world record (21.71 seconds, 1986).

    Three

    Whose single Try Again was Grammy nominated in 2000?

    Answer: Aaliyah

    Try Again by Aaliyah, from Romeo Must Die (2000), blends R&B, electro, and dance-pop. Written by Static Major and Timbaland, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 solely on airplay. Critically acclaimed for its futuristic production, it earned a Grammy nomination. The music video, directed by Wayne Isham, won multiple awards.

    Four

    What words describes each of these: a creature which is active in the daytime; one which is active at night; and a creature which is active at dawn or dusk?

    Answer: Diurnal; Nocturnal; Crepuscular.

    Animals exhibit different activity patterns based on the time of day. Diurnal animals are active during daylight hours, while nocturnal animals, such as bats, are active at night, taking of advantage conditions like reduced predation, cooler temperatures, and higher humidity. Crepuscular animals, including some caprimulgiform birds like nightjars, are most active during twilight periods at dawn and dusk, though they may also be active at night if there is enough moonlight.

    Five

    What is the largest public park in New York City, and in which borough is it located?

    Answer:Pelham Bay Park; The Bronx.

    Pelham Bay Park, located in the Bronx, is New York City’s largest park at 2,772 acres. It features peninsulas, a lagoon, Eastchester Bay, Orchard Beach, golf courses and nature trails. Historical sites include the Bartow-Pell Mansion and Bronx Victory Column. Established in 1888, it was inspired by John Mullaly.

    The Shot Heard Around the World

    The phrase ‘shot heard around the world’ is associated with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914 in that it was one of the precursors to World War I.

  • The Shot Heard Around the World

    Five random questions today.

    Assassination of Franz Ferdinand, 1863-1914 Archduke of Austria, and his wife Sophie. ©Bianchetti/Leemage.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. Where and when did these shootings occur? 

    Two

    At the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, which female German athlete won gold in the long jump?

    Three

    Whose single Try Again was Grammy nominated in 2000?

    Four

    What words describes each of these: a creature which is active in the daytime; one which is active at night; and a creature which is active at dawn or dusk?

    Five

    What is the largest public park in New York City, and in which borough is it located?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • The Royal Guardsmen — Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier post.
    All of today’s questions relate to the date, April 21st.

    Queen Elizabeth II, 1959.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was born on 21 April 1926. To the nearest year how long did she reign?

    Answer: 71 years.

    Elizabeth II, born on 21 April 1926, was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 1952 until her death in 2022 — 70 years and 214 days — the longest reign of any British monarch. She was queen regnant of 32 states and monarch of 15 at her death. Educated privately, she served in World War II and married Philip Mountbatten in 1947. Her reign saw significant political changes and historic visits. Despite challenges, her popularity remained high. She died at 96, succeeded by Charles III.

    Two

    On this day In 1918, the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, Germany’s top World War I flying ace, was shot down and killed near Amiens, France. What act had a novelty song Snoopy vs. The Red Baron in the 1966 charts?

    Answer: The Royal Guardsmen.

    Snoopy vs. the Red Baron is a 1966 novelty song by The Royal Guardsmen, peaking at No.2 on the Hot 100 and No.1 in Australia and Canada. It sold nearly three million copies. The band released other Snoopy-themed songs, including The Return of the Red Baron and Snoopy’s Christmas.

    Three

    What was the musical Annie based on, and what type of work was it?

    Answer: Little Orphan Annie; Newspaper comic strip.

    Annie is a musical with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan, based on the 1924 comic strip Little Orphan Annie. It premiered in 1977, ran for nearly six years, won seven Tony Awards, and features popular songs like ‘Tomorrow‘ and ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life‘.

    Four

    Whose visit to a Caribbean Island nation in 1966 led to the annual celebration of April 21st as Grounation Day?

    Answer: Haile Selassie.

    In 1966, the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I, believed by many Rastas to be the Second Coming of Christ, arrived in Jamaica for a visit. This event is now celebrated annually in the Rastafari movement as Grounation Day, specifically on April 21.

    Five

    According to legend Rome was founded in what century?

    Answer: 8th Century BCE

    Ancient Rome, spanning from 753 BCE to 476 CE, evolved from a small Italic settlement into a dominant Mediterranean power. It encompassed the Roman Kingdom, Republic, and Empire, controlling vast territories including North Africa, Egypt, and much of Europe. At its peak in CE 117, it covered 5 million square kilometres with 50-90 million people. Rome’s influence on language, law, architecture, and governance persists, inspiring modern republics and achieving remarkable technological feats like aqueducts and roads. In Ancient Rome, its founding by Romulus was celebrated annually on April 21st.

    The Royal Guardsmen

    The post title had nothing to do with question one, but everything to do with question two.

  • The Royal Guardsmen

    All of today’s questions relate to the date, April 21st.

    Queen Elizabeth II, 1959.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was born on 21 April 1926. To the nearest year how long did she reign?

    Two

    On this day In 1918, the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, Germany’s top World War I flying ace, was shot down and killed near Amiens, France. What act had a novelty song Snoopy vs. The Red Baron in the 1966 charts?

    Three

    What was the musical Annie based on, and what type of work was it?

    Four

    Whose visit to a Caribbean Island nation in 1966 led to the annual celebration of April 21st as Grounation Day?

    Five

    According to legend Rome was founded in what century?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.