Tag: geography

First Things First—Answers

Here are the answers to today’s questions.

These questions all relate to today, February 24th.

Photograph of President Johnson,
by Mathew Brady, circa 1870.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

Born in North Carolina in 1808, Andrew Johnson became the seventeenth president of the United States. Already notable as the first president to take office after an assassination and the first to be impeached, he achieved another unique milestone in 1875 — one no other president has matched. What was it?

Answer: He was elected to the US Senate.

Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, assumed office after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. His lenient Reconstruction policies led to his impeachment by the Radical Republicans in Congress, though he was acquitted. A self-taught man who rose from poverty, Johnson was a skilled orator and a staunch advocate for states’ rights and the Constitution. Following his presidency, he was elected in 1875 to the Senate, representing Tennessee, although he served only a short time before his death later that year. To date, he is the only president to have entered the Senate after his presidential term.

Two

On this day, two earthquakes struck with a maximum Mercalli intensities of VIII (Severe) and IX (Violent). The 1981 Gulf of Corinth earthquake affected the central region of a country while the 2004 Al Hoceima earthquake impacted the northern areas of another. Which two countries were affected?

Answers: Greece and Morocco.

In early 1981, the eastern part of the Gulf of Corinth in Greece experienced three earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 6 Ms over 11 days and maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe), causing widespread damage in the Corinth–Athens area. Nearly 8,000 houses were destroyed, and 20–22 people lost their lives.
On 24 February 2004, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s Al Hoceïma Province at 03:27 CET, with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). The epicentre was located about 13 km south-southwest of Al Hoceima. The earthquake resulted in 631 deaths, 926 injuries, and the destruction of over 2,500 homes, primarily in villages within the Rif Mountains.

Three

In men’s singles tennis, what Australian defeated Pete Sampras to win the 2001 U.S. Open, his first Grand Slam title, and ten months later overcame David Nalbandian on the All-England Club’s grass courts to win the 2002 Wimbledon tournament?

Answer: Lleyton Hewitt.

Lleyton Hewitt, born in 1981 in Adelaide, Australia, is a retired professional tennis player known for his court speed and determination. He won the U.S. Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002, becoming the youngest man to finish a year at number one in the ATP rankings. Despite injuries, he returned to compete in doubles events after retiring in 2016.

Four

Born in 1955, this future billionaire acquired a controlling interest in Pixar in 1986. He played a key role in transforming it into a major animation studio, ultimately leading to the creation of the first fully computer-animated feature film Toy Story in 1995. Later, he sold the company to Disney in 2006. Who is this future billionaire?

Answer: Steve Jobs.

Steve Jobs, a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer era, co-founded Apple Inc. in 1976 and oversaw the launch of revolutionary products like the iPod and iPhone. Despite battling pancreatic cancer, he remained a visionary leader until his death in 2011.

Five

In which modern country was Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain, and Archduke of Austria, born in 1500?

Answer: Belgium

Born in Prinsenhof, Ghent, Flanders (now Belgium), Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain, and Archduke of Austria, inherited a vast empire spanning Europe and the Americas at a young age. Throughout his reign, he faced significant challenges, including defending against Protestantism, Ottoman and French pressure, and papal hostility. Despite his efforts, he eventually conceded the Peace of Augsburg and abdicated in favour of his son and brother.

First Things First

These questions all relate to today, February 24th.

Photograph of President Johnson,
by Mathew Brady, circa 1870.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

Born in North Carolina in 1808, Andrew Johnson became the seventeenth president of the United States. Already notable as the first president to take office after an assassination and the first to be impeached, he achieved another unique milestone in 1875 — one no other president has matched. What was it?

Two

On this day, two earthquakes struck with a maximum Mercalli intensities of VIII (Severe) and IX (Violent). The 1981 Gulf of Corinth earthquake affected the central region of a country while the 2004 Al Hoceima earthquake impacted the northern areas of another. Which two countries were affected?

Three

In men’s singles tennis, what Australian defeated Pete Sampras to win the 2001 U.S. Open, his first Grand Slam title, and ten months later overcame David Nalbandian on the All-England Club’s grass courts to win the 2002 Wimbledon tournament?

Four

Born in 1955, this future billionaire acquired a controlling interest in Pixar in 1986. He played a key role in transforming it into a major animation studio, ultimately leading to the creation of the first fully computer-animated feature film Toy Story in 1995. Later, he sold the company to Disney in 2006. Who is this future billionaire?

Five

In which modern country was Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain, and Archduke of Austria, born in 1500?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Hello Dolly!—Answers

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.

Hello Dolly!

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?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Gallimaufry VII—Answers

Today we have a mixed bag of trivia with no theme.

Tom kha kai soup.
Image Pinterest

One

Tom kha kai is a Thai soup made with which milk?

Answer: Coconut

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.

Gallimaufry VII

Today we have a mixed bag of trivia with no theme.

Tom kha kai soup.
Image Pinterest

One

Tom kha kai is a Thai soup made with which milk?

Two

In which country is Punta Gallinas, the northernmost part of mainland South America?

Three

Caspian, Indian, and monocled are species of which snake?

Four

In what game was a character renamed in 2023 as Boden ‘Boddy’ Black Jr?

Five

Where in Ireland is the cultural region of Connemara?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

The Milky Way—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions in my earlier post.

Today’s questions all relate to the date, February 18th.

Pluto.
Photograph taken by NASA’s New Horizon spacecraft.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered what in our solar system?

Answer: Pluto.

In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh, an American astronomer, discovered Pluto despite lacking formal training. He attended the University of Kansas on a scholarship and completed his M.A. in astronomy in 1939. Tombaugh worked at the Lowell Observatory, cataloguing over 30,000 celestial objects before leaving in 1946. His research included star clusters, extragalactic nebulae, and planetary observations. In 1950, he predicted Mars’ cratered surface due to its proximity to the asteroid belt, a prediction confirmed by Mariner 4 in the 1960s. Tombaugh also taught at Arizona State College and the University of California, contributing significantly to astronomy.

Two

Born in Tokyo in 1933, she is a Japanese artist and musician. In 1968, she released, with her future husband, Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, a collaborative experimental album. They later lived in an apartment building at 1 West 72nd Street, New York City. Who is she, what is the building at 1 West 72nd Street, NYC named, and who was her collaborative husband-to-be?

Answer: Yoko Ono; The Dakota; John Lennon.

Yoko Ono, a Japanese artist, musician, activist, and filmmaker, rose to fame in the 1960s and married John Lennon in 1969. She achieved success in music, including a Grammy-winning album with Lennon, and continues to honour his legacy through philanthropy. The Dakota, a historic luxury apartment building in New York City, was built between 1880 and 1884 in the German Renaissance style by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh. It was one of the first major developments on the Upper West Side and remains the city’s oldest luxury apartment building. Recognised as a National Historic Landmark, The Dakota is celebrated for its unique architecture and has housed numerous artists and celebrities.

Three

In 1965, The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom. This African nation is situated on which ocean and is bordered by which country?

Answer: Atlantic Ocean; Senegal.

The Gambia, Africa’s smallest mainland country, lies along the Atlantic coast surrounded by Senegal and follows the Gambia River through flat, navigable terrain. Its unusual shape stems from 19th‑century territorial agreements between Britain and France. A brief Senegambia confederation existed from 1982 to 1989. The nation, with a 2026 population of around 2.55 million, is a multiparty republic led by President Adama Barrow, with Banjul as its capital. English is the official language, and the main ethnic groups include Malinke, Wolof, Fulani, Diola and Soninke. The economy relies heavily on peanut production and export. Known for its sandy Atlantic beaches and the historic village of Jufureh, The Gambia combines dense rural settlement with cultural and historical links to neighbouring Senegal.

Four

Born on this day, Enzo Ferrari, automobile manufacturer, designer, and racing-car driver. In what decade, and in what city, was he born?

Answer: Modena; 1890s.

Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988) was an Italian car designer, manufacturer, and racing driver who founded Scuderia Ferrari and later Ferrari SpA. He began as a test driver after World War I, joining Alfa Romeo in 1920 and creating Scuderia Ferrari in 1929 to prepare Alfa race cars. By 1939 he had split from Alfa and formed Auto Avio Costruzioni, which evolved into Ferrari. The first car under his name, the 125 S, appeared in 1947 and won Ferrari’s first Grand Prix. Famous for speed and engineering excellence, his teams dominated the 1950s and 1960s, though tragedy struck with multiple driver fatalities and the death of his son Dino. Ferrari sold a stake to Fiat in 1969, remained president until 1977, and became a motorsport legend.

Five

In 2010, WikiLeaks publishes thousands of classified documents which had been disclosed by a U.S. soldier. What is his or her name?

Answer: Bradley Manning or Chelsea Manning.

In 2010, WikiLeaks, which had been founded in 2006, released nearly half a million documents on the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a 2007 video showing a U.S. helicopter attack killing twelve, including two Reuters employees. The Obama administration condemned the leaks as a national security threat. In November 2010, WikiLeaks published 250,000 classified U.S. diplomatic cables, revealing efforts to isolate Iran. Following the leaks, U.S. lawmakers pursued prosecution of Assange and collaborators. Bradley Manning, a U.S. Army analyst, was arrested in May 2010 for releasing the helicopter video and later accused of leaking cables. Manning pleaded guilty to 10 charges, was found guilty of espionage and theft in July 2013, and received a 35-year sentence. The day after sentencing Manning’s attorney issued a press release saying that his client was a female, and asked that she be referred to by her new name of Chelsea and feminine pronouns. WikiLeaks faced setbacks, including being taken offline and losing payment services.

The Milky Way

Today’s questions all relate to the date, February 18th.

Photograph taken by NASA’s New Horizon spacecraft.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered what in our solar system?

Two

Born in Tokyo in 1933, she is a Japanese artist and musician. In 1968, she released, with her future husband, Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, a collaborative experimental album. They later lived in an apartment building at 1 West 72nd Street, New York City. Who is she, what is the building at 1 West 72nd Street, NYC named, and who was her collaborative husband-to-be?

Three

In 1965, The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom. This African nation is situated on which ocean and is bordered by which country?

Four

Born on this day, Enzo Ferrari, automobile manufacturer, designer, and racing-car driver. In what decade, and in what city, was he born?

Five

In 2010, WikiLeaks publishes thousands of classified documents which had been disclosed by a U.S. soldier. What is his or her name?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

The Truth Will Out II—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

Today’s questions aren’t about dates; they simply ask whether something is true or false.

Orville Wright beginning the first successful controlled flight in history, at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, December 17, 1903.
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

One

Is it true or false that the first controlled and sustained flight of an engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft was made by Wilbur Wright?

Answer: False.

The first flight was made by Orville Wright at 10:35 am on 17 December 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, United States. The flight was captured in the above photograph. The duration of the flight was 120 feet (37 m) in 12 seconds at a speed of 6.8 mph (10.9 km/h). By noon that day, they had made four flights, and on the last, Wilbur flew 852 feet.

Two

Is it true or false that a gnu is another name for a water buffalo?

Answer: False.

A gnu is another name for a wildebeest. Wildebeest are antelopes native to Eastern and Southern Africa. There are two species: the black wildebeest and the blue wildebeest, which differ in colour and horn orientation. Wildebeest are abundant in East Africa, often migrating in herds with zebras for protection against predators.

Three

Is it true or false that Marc Antony, Roman general and politician, lived in the first century CE?

Answer: False.

Born in 83 BCE, Marc Antony died at the age of 53 in August 30 BCE. Mark Antony, a Roman general and triumvir, was defeated by Octavian in the final civil war that ended the Roman Republic. He allied with Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, and their relationship, along with his perceived favour towards Greek culture, contributed to his downfall. Despite his abilities as a leader and general ultimately lost the battle of Actium, leading to his and Cleopatra’s suicides.

Four

Is it true or false that Eswatini is a landlocked country in Southern Africa?

Answer: True.

Eswatini, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, shares borders with South Africa and Mozambique. Formerly known as Swaziland, it’s a developing nation with a lower-middle income economy. Agriculture and manufacturing are its primary industries. Eswatini is an absolute monarchy ruled by King Mswati III since 1986 and faces significant health challenges, including a high HIV/AIDS prevalence.

Five

Is it true or false that nephology, a term from the late 19th century, relates to the study of the ground in relation to gold prospecting?

Answer: False.

Nephology, a rare term from the late 19th century derived from the Greek word ‘nephos’ meaning ‘cloud’ and the suffix ‘-logy’, refers to the study or contemplation of clouds. A nephoscope, an instrument from the 19th century, was used to measure cloud altitude, direction, and velocity through transit-time measurement, distinguishing it from a nephometer, which measures cloudiness.

The Truth Will Out II

Today’s questions aren’t about dates; they simply ask whether something is true or false.

The beginning the first successful controlled flight in history, at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, December 17, 1903.
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

One

Is it true or false that the first controlled and sustained flight of an engine-powered, heavier-than-air aircraft was made by Wilbur Wright?

Two

Is it true or false that a gnu is another name for a water buffalo?

Three

Is it true or false that Marc Antony, Roman general and politician, lived in the first century CE?

Four

Is it true or false that Eswatini is a landlocked country in Southern Africa?

Five

Is it true or false that nephology, a term from the late 19th century, relates to the study of the ground in relation to gold prospecting?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.