See Question Three. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, 1974. Image Wikimedia Commons
The first question concerns today, May 4th. The rest follow a theme related to the first.
One
On 4 May, Napoleon landed on an island to begin his first exile. What island and in what year?
The first question related to ‘exile’ so we will continue with that theme for the remainder.
Two
Which band released the double album Exile on Main St on this day in 1972?
Three
After eight years in a labour camp and a year of internal exile, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was finally permitted to receive cancer treatment in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 1954. Which 1966 Solzhenitsyn novel specifically depicts this period?
Four
Dante Alighieri, known as Dante, poet, writer and philosopher who was the author of Divine Comedy was, in the early 14th century, exiled from his native city for life. What was that city?
Five
Five music questions spread over the past fifty years?
King Crimson’s song Exiles was featured on their 1973 album …’ Tongues in Aspic. What word completes the album title?
Irish singer Enya’s song Exile was from her 1988 album Water…. What four letters complete the album’s one-word title?
Exile, a track from the 1997 album also titled Exile, was performed by a man considered a pioneer of electronic music. Who was this singer?
Exile featured on Slayer’s 2001 album … Hates Us All. What word is missing from the start of the album name?
Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci (c. 1515–1518), attributed to Francesco Melzi. Royal Collection, United Kingdom. Image Wikimedia Commons
Here are five questions all connected to today, May 2nd.
One
Leonardo da Vinci, artist, architect and engineer, died on this day. In what century, and in what country, did he die?
Answer: 16th century; France.
He died on 2 May 1519 aged 67, Clos-Lucé, France. Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian Renaissance artist and inventor, epitomised the humanist ideal with his diverse talents in painting, sculpture, architecture, and engineering. His insatiable curiosity and mastery of observation fuelled his artistic and scientific pursuits, making him a true Renaissance man. Invited by King Francis I, Leonardo spent the last three years of his life in France, where he continued to work on unfinished paintings and scientific studies, and created his last series of artworks, Visions of the End of the World, showcasing his mastery of expression and imagination. Leonardo died at Cloux and was buried in the palace church of Saint-Florentin, though his grave is now lost.
Two
The King James Version of the Bible was published. In what decade was this, or as second prize, what century?
Answer: 1610s; 17th century.
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, published in 1611 under King James I, was a revision of the Protestant Bible in English, addressing perceived corruption in existing translations. Approved in 1604, 47 scholars, divided into six companies, worked on the translation at Westminster, Oxford, and Cambridge. The KJV sought to be scholarly, nonpartisan, and faithful to the original languages, aiming to popularise the Scriptures. It became the standard English Bible from the mid-17th to early 20th century, influencing English literary style. Authorised for the Church of England, it remains favoured by many Christian fundamentalists.
Three
Anne Boleyn was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Who was her predecessor as Queen and who succeeded her?
Answer: Catherine of Aragon; Jane Seymour.
Anne Boleyn (c. 1501 or 1507 – 19 May 1536) was Henry VIII’s second wife and mother of Elizabeth I. Her marriage and execution were pivotal in the English Reformation. Educated in Europe, Anne resisted Henry’s advances until he sought an annulment from Catherine of Aragon to marry her. This led to the Church of England’s break from Rome. Anne married Henry secretly in 1532, officially in 1533, and was crowned queen. Despite giving birth to Elizabeth, she failed to produce a male heir. Accused of adultery and treason, she was executed in 1536. Posthumously, she became a Reformation martyr, inspiring cultural works. Henry married Jane Seymour eleven days after Anne’s execution.
Four
On this day, a De Havilland Comet became the first jetliner to carry fare-paying passengers. The flight took place in what year and departed from where, with its destination being where?
Answer: 1952; London to Johannesburg.
The de Havilland DH.106 Comet, the first commercial jet airliner, debuted in 1952. After fatal accidents due to metal fatigue, it was redesigned. The Comet 4 series, launched in 1958, served until 1981. Adapted for military roles, the Nimrod variant operated until 2011, highlighting its lasting impact.
Five
Born in 2015, who on their eleventh birthday is third in line of succession to the British throne? Secondly, who is the highest ranked non-titled person to currently appear on the line of succession?
Answer: Princess Charlotte of Wales; Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci (c. 1515–1518), attributed to Francesco Melzi. Royal Collection, United Kingdom. Image Wikimedia Commons
Here are five questions all connected to today, May 2nd.
One
Leonardo da Vinci, artist, architect and engineer, died on this day. In what century, and in what country, did he die?
Two
The King James Version of the Bible was published. In what decade was this, or as second prize, what century?
Three
Anne Boleyn was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Who was her predecessor as Queen and who succeeded her?
Four
On this day, a De Havilland Comet became the first jetliner to carry fare-paying passengers. The flight took place in what year and departed from where, with its destination being where?
Five
Born in 2015, who on their eleventh birthday is third in line of succession to the British throne? Secondly, who is the highest ranked non-titled person to currently appear on the line of succession?
Who currently (April 2026) is the principal occupant of the Quirinal Palace (pictured), and what is that person’s office?
Answer: Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Italian Republic.
The Quirinal Palace, the main official residence of the President of the Italian Republic, is located on the Quirinal Hill in Rome. It has served as a residence for popes, kings and presidents. Mattarella was elected on 31 January 2015, and re-elected on 29 January 2022.
What
What song gave Tom Jones his first UK number one single and his debut US hit, where it peaked at number ten.
Answer: It’s Not Unusual.
Released in 1965, It’s Not Unusual became a chart-topper in the UK, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. It also marked his first US hit, peaking at number ten; it further climbed to number three on Billboard’s easy listening chart. Initially rejected by the BBC in the UK due to Jones’ image, the song gained popularity on pirate radio. In the US, Jones performed it three times on The Ed Sullivan Show.
When
When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.
The above sentence opens what English classic children’s story and who wrote it?
Answers: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The Secret Garden, a classic English children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, was first published in 1911. It has been adapted for stage and film.
Where
Where are lemurs endemic?
Answer: Madagascar.
Lemurs are a diverse group of primates endemic to Madagascar, with around 100 extant species. They are social, nocturnal, and primarily arboreal, exhibiting a range of sizes and diets. Despite their importance for research and conservation efforts, many lemur species are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
Why
Why was Darwin, in Australia’s Northern Territory, extensively rebuilt twice during the twentieth century? (NB Two answers as it was rebuilt on two separate occasions.)
Answers: (First rebuild) World War II Japanese air raids; (Second rebuild) Cyclone Tracy.
On 19 February 1942, 188 Japanese warplanes attacked Darwin, killing at least 243 people and causing significant damage. This was the first of many air raids on Darwin and was the most serious attack on Australia during wartime. Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin on 25 December 1974, killing 71 people and destroying over 70% of the city. The Darwin Reconstruction Commission oversaw the city’s rebuilding with modern materials and techniques.
How
How old, according to television’s Smallville, was Lex Luther when he became bald?
Answer: Nine.
I’ve been bald since I was nine. I’m used to people judging me before they get to know me. — Lex Luther, Pilot episode Smallville
Lex Luthor, introduced in the pilot as the son of billionaire Lionel Luthor, is sent to Smallville by his father to manage the local fertiliser plant. As a child, he’s caught in the first meteor shower, which leaves him completely bald but also grants him perfect health.
Six questions on random topics, each beginning with one of these words: Who, What, When (When is the first word of a quote), Where, Why and How.
Court of the Quirinal Palace. Image Wikimedia Commons
Who
Who currently (April 2026) is the principal occupant of the Quirinal Palace (pictured), and what is that person’s office?
What
What song gave Tom Jones his first UK number one single and his debut US hit, where it peaked at number ten.
When
When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.
The above sentence opens what English classic children’s story and who wrote it?
Where
Where are lemurs endemic?
Why
Why was Darwin, in Australia’s Northern Territory, extensively rebuilt twice during the twentieth century? (NB Two answers as it was rebuilt on two separate occasions.)
How
How old, according to television’s Smallville, was Lex Luther when he became bald?
All of these questions are related to today’s date, April 25th.
One
In 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway was officially opened. What canal, part of the Seaway, extends from Port Weller to Port Colborne, and in what country is this canal located?
Answer: Welland Canal; Canada.
Part of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Welland Canal in Ontario, Canada, connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, bypassing Niagara Falls. It facilitates 3,000 ships annually, transporting 40 million tonnes of cargo. First opened in 1829, the Welland Canal has undergone four reconstructions, with the current version featuring eight locks, allowing ships to pass in opposite directions.
Two
In 1926, Turandot premiered some sixteen months after the death of the opera’s composer. Who, pictured above, was the composer?
Answer: Giacomo Puccini.
Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924) was an Italian composer renowned for his operas, including La bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot. Puccini’s final opera, Turandot, was left unfinished at the composer’s death, and Franco Alfano completed the last two scenes using sketches from the composer. Turandot boasts several memorable arias, including the iconic Nessun dorma.
Three
In 1792, the louisette was first used in France. Originally named after its inventor, Antoine Louis, a surgeon and physiologist, it became more commonly known by the name used today. What is it now known as?
Answer: Guillotine.
The guillotine, introduced in France in 1792, was a device for capital punishment by decapitation, consisting of two upright posts and a weighted angled blade. Legislation promoted by Joseph-Ignace Guillotin to ensure equality and minimise suffering, it was first used on 25 April 1792. Originally called the louisette, it became infamous during the French Revolution and Reign of Terror, executing thousands including Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. Use declined after the 1960s, with it last being used in 1977, and France abolishing both capital punishment and the guillotine in 1981.
Four
As a precursor to licence or registration plates, what did New York State require that motor vehicle owners must display on the back of their vehicle from 1901?
Answer: Owners initials.
France introduced vehicle registration plates in 1893, followed by Germany in 1896. The Netherlands issued national plates in 1898. In the U.S., New York required that the owner’s initials be clearly visible on the back of the vehicle from 1901, and licence plates displayed from 1903.
Five
British and French engineers broke ground in 1859 at the site of a canal which has a terminus at Port Tewfik. What canal is it, and what rugged, arid peninsula is situated to the east of this canal?
Answer: Suez Canal; Sinai Peninsula.
The Suez Canal, a 193.30-kilometre-long waterway in Egypt, connects the Mediterranean Sea at Port Said with the Red Sea at Port Tewfik, Suez, separating Africa and Asia. Built in 1869 by Ferdinand de Lesseps’ Compagnie de Suez, it was nationalised in 1956. A new side channel opened in 2016, enhancing its role in global trade and military strategy.
There is Only One Cure for Grey Hair
Today’s title There is Only One Cure for Grey Hair, a reference to the answer to question three, is from a P.G. Wodehouse quote —
There is only one cure for grey hair. It was invented by a Frenchman. It is called the guillotine. — P.G. Wodehouse
All of these questions are related to today’s date, April 25th.
One
In 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway was officially opened. What canal, part of the Seaway, extends from Port Weller to Port Colborne, and in what country is this canal located?
Two
In 1926, Turandot premiered some sixteen months after the death of the opera’s composer. Who, pictured above, was the composer?
Three
In 1792, the louisette was first used in France. Originally named after its inventor, Antoine Louis, a surgeon and physiologist, it became more commonly known by the name used today. What is it now known as?
Four
As a precursor to licence or registration plates, what did New York State require that motor vehicle owners must display on the back of their vehicle from 1901?
Five
British and French engineers broke ground in 1859 at the site of a canal which has a terminus at Port Tewfik. What canal is it, and what rugged, arid peninsula is situated to the east of this canal?
Elvis at Prestwick Airport, 3 March 1960. See question four. Image Daily Record.
No date-related theme today, just five very random questions for you to ponder.
One
Johann Ludwig Burckhardt is best known for rediscovering two of the world’s best-known examples of rock-cut architecture in Jordan in 1812 and Egypt the following year. What are these examples of rock-cut architecture?
Answers: Petra and Abu Simbel.
Johann Ludwig Burckhardt (1784 – 1817) was a Swiss traveller, geographer and Orientalist. During his travels in Arabia, he adopted the alias Sheikh Ibrahim Ibn Abdallah and wrote his letters in French, signing them Louis. He is best known for rediscovering two of the world’s most famous examples of rock-cut architecture: the ruins of Petra, an ancient Nabataean city in Jordan, and the temples of Abu Simbel in Egypt. Petra remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when Burckhardt rediscovered it. The Great Temple at Abu Simbel remained unknown to Europeans until March 1813, when Burckhardt found the small temple and top frieze of the main temple.
Two
‘I can resist everything except temptation’ is a line from what play and who wrote it?
Answer: Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Play About a Good Woman by Oscar Wilde.
Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Play About a Good Woman is a four-act comedy by Oscar Wilde, debuting on 20 February 1892 at London’s St James’s Theatre. Lady Windermere suspects her husband of infidelity and plans to leave him for Lord Darlington. Mrs. Erlynne, the other woman, intervenes, revealing herself as Lady Windermere’s mother. She sacrifices her reputation to save the marriage, allowing Lady Windermere to return to her husband unnoticed.
Three
What religious organisation was founded by Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Alba?
Answer: Opus Dei.
Opus Dei, founded in 1928 by Josemaría Escrivá, is a Catholic Church personal prelature promoting holiness through daily life. Approved by the Holy See in 1950 and affirmed in 1982, it faces controversy over abuse allegations. Members, mostly laypeople, engage in secular careers and spiritual training globally.
Four
Elvis Presley and the beginnings of Open Golf are both linked to what town?
Answer: Prestwick.
Prestwick, a town in South Ayrshire on Scotland’s west coast, is approximately 30 miles (50 kilometres) southwest of Glasgow. The Prestwick Old Course hosted the inaugural Open Golf Championship in 1860 and was the venue for the first twelve Open Championships from 1860 to 1872, although the event did not take place in 1871. During World War II, the US Army Air Corps set up and maintained a base at the airport. Elvis Presley made his only visit to the UK on 3 March 1960 when his US Army transport aircraft stopped at the airport for refuelling en route from Germany.
Five
Who in 1762 succeeded Peter III, Emperor of Russia, and what relationship was the successor to Peter?
Answers: Catherine II (the Great); his wife.
Peter III, Emperor of Russia for six months in 1762, was overthrown by his wife, Catherine the Great. Despite implementing notable reforms, he is criticised for his alliance with Prussia. On 28 June 1762, Catherine was proclaimed heir to the Russian throne. Peter attempted to flee to Kronstadt but was repelled by the fleet’s cannons. The people of St. Petersburg armed themselves against him. After losing support from the Senate, army, and fleet, Peter was arrested and abdicated on 9 July. He was transported to Ropsha, where he died under mysterious circumstances. Officially, he died from haemorrhoidal colic and a stroke, but assassination is suspected. Some accounts suggest suffocation attempts followed by strangulation. He was buried on 3 August 1762 in the Alexander Nevsky Monastery, Saint Petersburg.
No date-related theme today, just five very random questions for you to ponder.
One
Johann Ludwig Burckhardt is best known for rediscovering two of the world’s best-known examples of rock-cut architecture in Jordan in 1812 and Egypt the following year. What are these examples of rock-cut architecture?
Two
‘I can resist everything except temptation’ is a line from what play and who wrote it?
Three
What religious organisation was founded by Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Alba?
Four
Elvis Presley and the beginnings of Open Golf are both linked to what town?
Five
Who in 1762 succeeded Peter III, Emperor of Russia, and what relationship was the successor to Peter?
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.
Quizology.Online 