Quizology.Online

Tag: flags

  • I’d Hate to Die on That Dung Heap — Answers

    Here’s today’s answers.

    All of today’s questions are date-specific, relating in one way or another to April 26th.

    One

    Akira Kurosawa‘s 1954 film is set in a village plagued by bandits, and a 1960 American western is a remake of this story.

    1. What was the title of Kurosawa’s 1954 film?
    2. What was the 1960 American film?
    3. What actors played the title characters in the American film?

    Answers

    1. Seven Samurai
    2. The Magnificent Seven
    3. Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Horst Buchholz, Charles Bronson, Robert Vaughn, Brad Dexter and James Coburn.

    Seven Samurai, a 1954 Japanese action film by Akira Kurosawa, is hailed as one of the greatest films ever. Set in the 16th century, it depicts a village hiring samurai to fend off bandits, overcoming cultural tensions. Despite being Japan’s longest and costliest film at the time, it achieved global success, elevating Japanese cinema and influencing cinematography. Starring Mifune Toshirō, it inspired The Magnificent Seven.

    Flag of Tanzania.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Two

    The country represented by the above flag was founded in 1964.

    1. What is the full, official name of the new country founded?
    2. This new country was formed by the union of a sovereign state with a semi-autonomous region, what were this state and region?

    Answers

    1. United Republic of Tanzania
    2. Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

    Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is an East African nation with a 2024 population of 67.5 million. Formed in 1964 from the Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, it features Mount Kilimanjaro, three Great Lakes, and is a popular safari destination. Swahili is the national language, with Dodoma as its capital.

    Three

    In 1933, Hermann Göring established the Geheime Staatspolizei. What was it commonly known as?

    Answer: Gestapo.

    The Gestapo, Nazi Germany’s secret police, was established in 1933 by Hermann Göring and later controlled by Heinrich Himmler. It targeted political opponents, dissenters, and minorities, committing numerous atrocities. Despite its small size, it was effective due to citizen reporting and played a crucial role in the Holocaust. Post-WWII, it was declared a criminal organisation.

    Four

    American artist and ornithologist James Audubon was born in 1785. In what present day country was he born?

    Answer: Haiti.

    Born in Les Cayes, Saint-Domingue, West Indies, now Haiti, John James Audubon, a French-American artist and ornithologist, is known for his paintings and illustrations of North American bird species. However, he has been accused of fraud and misconduct, such as plagiarising data and trafficking Native American remains.

    Five

    On 26 April 1986, a nuclear disaster occurred in which Soviet Socialist Republic?

    Answer: Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

    On 26 April 1986, reactor no. 4 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Pripyat, exploded, causing one of the worst nuclear disasters in history. The explosion, due to a design flaw during a test, led to a power surge, steam explosions, and a reactor core fire, spreading radioactive contamination across Europe. Immediate evacuations affected 117,000 people. The disaster resulted in radiation-related fatalities and thousands of cancer cases, with varying death toll predictions. The city of Pripyat was abandoned and replaced by the purpose-built Slavutych. The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant sarcophagus, completed in December 1986, limited radioactive contamination and protected undamaged reactors’ crews. Between 2016 and 2018, the Chernobyl New Safe Confinement was built around the old sarcophagus to facilitate reactor debris removal. The clean-up is expected to be completed by 2065. It has been described as the most expensive disaster in history costing an estimated US$700 billion.

    I’d Hate to Die on That Dung Heap

    The post title is a quote from the Seven Samurai said by Kikuchiyo, as he and the six Samurai arrive at the village.

  • I’d Hate to Die on That Dung Heap

    All of today’s questions are date-specific, relating in one way or another to April 26th.

    One

    Akira Kurosawa‘s 1954 film is set in a village plagued by bandits, and a 1960 American western is a remake of this story.

    1. What was the title of Kurosawa’s 1954 film?
    2. What was the 1960 American film?
    3. What actors played the title characters in the American film?
    Question two.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Two

    The country represented by the above flag was founded in 1964.

    1. What is the full, official name of the new country founded?
    2. This new country was formed by the union of a sovereign state with a semi-autonomous region, what were this state and region?

    Three

    In 1933, Hermann Göring established the Geheime Staatspolizei. What was it commonly known as?

    Four

    American artist and ornithologist James Audubon was born in 1785. In what present day country was he born?

    Five

    On 26 April 1986, a nuclear disaster occurred in which Soviet Socialist Republic?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • His Accidency — Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    These questions all concern today’s date, April 4th.

    Flag of NATO.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Established in 1949, the organisation represented by this flag originally had twelve members including the United Kingdom, France, the United States and Canada. Name the organisation and four of the remaining eight founding members?

    Answer: (any four from) Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal.

    In 1949, the original twelve members of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    Two

    The following quote is from the Encyclopædia Britannica article on the film Ben-Hur, which in 1960 became the first film to win eleven Oscars. A number has been removed from the quote. What, to the nearest thousand, is that number?

    The famed chariot race is considered among cinema’s most-impressive action sequences, not least because it featured up to —— extras.

    Answer: 15,000.

    On this day in 1960, Ben-Hur won eleven Oscars at the 32nd Academy Awards. The referenced quote in its entirety is…

    The famed chariot race is considered among cinema’s most-impressive action sequences, not least because it featured up to 15,000 extras.
    — Encyclopædia Britannica

    Three

    In 1925, the Schutzstaffel was founded by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party in Germany. What is it better known as? 

    Answer: SS.

    The Schutzstaffel, ‘protection squad’, originally a small bodyguard unit of the Nazi Party, evolved into a formidable organisation under Heinrich Himmler. By 1939, it had grown to around 250,000 men, controlling police forces and expanding its role to become a state within a state. As a powerful paramilitary group in Nazi Germany, The SS was responsible for security, mass surveillance, and state terrorism, playing a central role in the Holocaust and committing numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity. It was declared a criminal organisation at the Nuremberg trials.

    Four

    Born in Perth, Australia, in 1979, this actor was posthumously awarded the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 81st Academy Awards?

    Answer: Heath Ledger.

    At the 81st Academy Awards Heath Ledger won the Oscar for the Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his part as The Joker in The Dark Knight (2008). In January 2008, Ledger died from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.

    Five

    When William Henry Harrison died who succeeded him as the President of the United States? 

    Answer: John Tyler.

    Harrison died a month after his inauguration. At 67 he was the oldest man to be elected president (at that time); the last to be born under British rule and the first to die in office. He was succeeded by his vice president John Tyler who became known as ‘His Accidency’ — which gave me a title for this post.

  • His Accidency

    These questions all concern today’s date, April 4th.

    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Established in 1949, the organisation represented by this flag originally had twelve members including the United Kingdom, France, the United States and Canada. Name the organisation and four of the remaining eight founding members?

    Two

    The following quote is from the Encyclopædia Britannica article on the film Ben-Hur, which in 1960 became the first film to win eleven Oscars. A number has been removed from the quote. What, to the nearest thousand, is that number?

    The famed chariot race is considered among cinema’s most-impressive action sequences, not least because it featured up to — extras.

    Three

    In 1925, the Schutzstaffel was founded by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party in Germany. What is it better known as? 

    Four

    Born in Perth, Australia, in 1979, this actor was posthumously awarded the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 81st Academy Awards?

    Five

    When William Henry Harrison died who succeeded him as the President of the United States? 

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words — Answers

    Again some pictures and questions but with no theme this time.

    One

    Michelangelo’s Pietà.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Michelangelo’s Pietà a Carrara marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary at —— dating from 1498-99 is pictured…

    1. What is the location of Jesus and Mary in the sculpture ?
    2. In what building and city is the sculpture located?

    Answers

    1. Mount Golgotha (aka Calvary)
    2. Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.

    Michelangelo’s Pietà, a Carrara marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary, is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance sculpture. Commissioned by a French cardinal, it is the only work Michelangelo ever signed and is housed in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

    Two

    Zorbing, Rotorua, New Zealand.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    What is this recreation or sport?

    Answer: Zorbing aka globe-riding, sphereing or orbing.

    Zorbing, a recreational activity, involves rolling downhill inside a transparent plastic orb. It can be done on slopes, level surfaces, or even water, and there are harnessed and non-harnessed orbs available. The first zorbing site was established in Rotorua, New Zealand, by ZORB Ltd.

    Three

    Kindlifresserbrunnen.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Pictured is the Kindlifresserbrunnen…

    1. In what city is this fountain found?
    2. What, in English, is its name?

    Answers

    1. (either) Fountain of the Eater of Little Children (or) Child-eater fountain
    2. Berne

    The Kindlifresserbrunnen, a 16th-century fountain in Bern, Switzerland, was created by Hans Gieng in 1545-1546. Its name, meaning ‘Fountain of the Eater of Little Children’, was first used in 1666.

    Four

    Flag of Cape Verde.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    This is the flag of an island country…

    1. What country is it?
    2. In what ocean is the country found?
    3. Is the country in the Northern or Southern hemisphere?

    Answers

    1. Cape Verde or Cabo Verde
    2. North Atlantic Ocean
    3. Northern Hemisphere

    Cape Verde, an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Its economy, lacking natural resources, is service-oriented, with a focus on tourism and foreign investment. The population, primarily of West African descent, is around 491,233.

    Five

    Zori.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    What are these Japanese sandals called?

    Answer: Zori.

    Zori are Japanese sandals made from various materials, including rice straw and synthetic materials. They are easily slipped on and off, making them ideal for traditional Japanese clothing and casual wear.

  • A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

    Again some pictures and questions but with no theme this time.

    One

    Michelangelo’s Pietà.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Michelangelo’s Pietà a Carrara marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary at —— dating from 1498-99 is pictured…

    1. What is the location of Jesus and Mary in the sculpture ?
    2. In what building and city is the sculpture located?

    Two

    Image Wikimedia Commons

    What is this recreation or sport?

    Three

    Kindlifresserbrunnen.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Pictured is the Kindlifresserbrunnen…

    1. In what city is this fountain found?
    2. What, in English, is its name?

    Four

    Image Wikimedia Commons

    This is the flag of an island country…

    1. What country is it?
    2. In what ocean is the country found?
    3. Is the country in the Northern or Southern hemisphere?

    Five

    Image Wikimedia Commons

    What are these Japanese sandals called?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Through Early Morning Fog I See—Answers

    These questions all relate to today’s date, February 28th.

    Flag of Egypt.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    On this date sometime during the 20th century, the country which is currently represented by the flag above gained independence. Which decade did this independence occur in, and from what empire was independence gained?

    Answers: 1920s; British Empire

    Egypt, a de facto independent state under Ottoman rule, became a British protectorate in 1914. Despite the 1919 revolution and subsequent negotiations, British control persisted, leading to dissatisfaction, partial independence in 1922 and the ‘reserved points’ clause in the 1923 Egyptian constitution.

    Two

    In 1983 the final episode of M*A*S*H aired. Who was the only actor to appear in every single episode and what character did they play?

    Answer: Alan Alda; Captain Benjamin Franklin ‘Hawkeye’ Pierce.

    An American television comedy drama series, aired on CBS for 11 seasons (1972–83), a total of 256 episodes. The show, set during the Korean War, followed the medical staff at a mobile army surgical hospital and received critical acclaim, winning 14 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. Despite cast changes, the series maintained its continuity through strong performances and writing, with a unique use of multiple plot lines and an antiwar message.

    Three

    Olaf Palme, a globally recognised politician, was assassinated in 1986. At the time of his death he was prime minister of which country?

    Answer: Sweden.

    Olof Palme, a Swedish Social Democratic leader, served as Prime Minister twice and was known for his pacifist stance and criticism of U.S. war policy. He was assassinated in 1986, and the case remained unsolved until 2020 when Stig Engström, who died in 2000, was identified as the likely perpetrator although this is widely disputed with many believing the true identity of his assassin is still unknown.

    Four

    In 2013 Pope Benedict XVI resigned. How many years to the nearest hundred had elapsed since a previous pope had resigned?

    Answer: 600 years

    Pope Gregory XII had resigned in 1415, 598 years before Benedict. Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger, led the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013. A renowned theologian, he was appointed Pope after John Paul II’s death. During his papacy, he faced challenges such as declining church attendance and the sexual abuse scandal, for which he received criticism. He also advocated for traditional Catholic values and opposed condom use. Benedict resigned in 2013, citing health issues.

    Five

    Before filming Goldfinger, in which Bond would have to play golf, Sean Connery received golf lessons from which former golf professional and television golf commentator who was born on this day?

    Answer: Peter Alliss

    Born this day in 1931, Peter Alliss, an English golfer and broadcaster, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012. He won 20 professional tournaments, including three British PGA Championships, and played on eight Ryder Cup teams. Alliss worked for the BBC, ESPN and ABC Sports, and designed over 70 golf courses, including The Belfry, contributing significantly to golf course architecture. He received numerous honours, such as honorary degrees and the Golf Foundation’s ‘Spirit of Golf award’. Before the filming of Goldfinger, Alliss gave Sean Connery golf lessons, which sparked Connery’s lifelong love for the sport.

    Post Title

    ‘Through early morning fog I see’ is the first line from the theme to M*A*S*H, Suicide is Painless, the lyrics are at AZ Lyrics.

  • Through Early Morning Fog I See

    These questions all relate to today’s date, February 28th.

    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    On this date sometime during the 20th century, the country which is currently represented by the flag above gained independence. Which decade did this independence occur in, and from what empire was independence gained?

    Two

    In 1983 the final episode of M*A*S*H aired. Who was the only actor to appear in every single episode and what character did they play?

    Three

    Olaf Palme, a globally recognised politician, was assassinated in 1986. At the time of his death he was prime minister of which country?

    Four

    In 2013 Pope Benedict XVI resigned. How many years to the nearest hundred had elapsed since a previous pope had resigned?

    Five

    Before filming Goldfinger, in which Bond would have to play golf, Sean Connery received golf lessons from which former golf professional and television golf commentator who was born on this day?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Everybody’s Talkin’—Answers

    Here are today’s answers.

    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.

    Flag of Lithuania.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Three

    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.

  • Everybody’s Talkin’

    Today’s questions all relate to the date 16th February.

    Kiefer Sutherland and Sally Field in Eye for an Eye (1996).
    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?

    Two

    In 1923, the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun was unsealed. Who was the archaeologist responsible for this discovery?

    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Three

    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?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.