The first question concerns today, October 25th, and the subsequent questions follow a theme.
The Battle of Agincourt, 15th-century miniature, Enguerrand de Monstrelet. Image Wikipedia
One
The Battle of Agincourt took place on 25 October 1415. In what department of France is the battlefield?
Two
On what island in New York Harbor does the Statue of Liberty stand, and by what name was the island known prior to it being renamed by an act of the United States Congress in 1956?
Three
The deepest known point on Earth’s seabed is almost 7 miles (approximately 11 kilometres) deep. What is its name and in which ocean is it located?
Four
On 20 July 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon at the Sea of Tranquillity (Mare Tranquillitatis). A few months later, on 19 November 1969, Apollo 12 landed at a seemingly less tranquil location. Where did Apollo 12 land?
Five
McMurdo Station (US) and Scott Base (NZ) are Antarctic research stations located on the Hut Point Peninsula. Two questions: firstly, on what island is this peninsula located; and secondly, the island is home to the planet’s southernmost active volcano, what is that volcano?
Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.
Edison incandescent light bulb enclosed in cage. Image Wikipedia
One
On October 21, Thomas Edison applied for a patent for his design for an incandescent light bulb. In which decade did he make this application?
Answer: 1870s
Thomas Edison, an American inventor and businessman, developed influential devices like the phonograph and electric light bulb. He pioneered organised scientific invention and established the first industrial research laboratory.
Two
In 1984, Niki Lauda clinched Formula One’s World Drivers’ Championship for the final time. How many times had he won the title in total?
Answer: Three
Austrian racing driver Niki Lauda competed in Formula One from 1971 to 1979 and 1982 to 1985, winning three World Drivers’ Championships—1975, 1977 and 1984—with Ferrari and McLaren. He survived a horrific crash in 1976 and made a remarkable comeback to win his second and third titles. Beyond racing, Lauda founded three airlines and held advisory and team principal roles in Formula One.
Three
In 1940, the first edition of Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls was published. In what war was the story set?
Answer: Spanish Civil War
Ernest Hemingway’s 1940 novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, follows Robert Jordan, an American volunteer in the Spanish Civil War, tasked with destroying a bridge. The book assumes knowledge of the war between the Republican government and the Nationalist faction, supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
Four
The Guggenheim Museum opened in New York on this date in 1959. Which architect designed its iconic spiral building?
Answer: Frank Lloyd Wright
Wright’s radical design broke from traditional gallery layouts, using a continuous ramp to display art in a flowing, organic space. The museum is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its innovation.
Five
The Battle of Trafalgar, fought on 21 October 1805, took place in the …. It was named after a prominent geographic feature: …. Firstly, what body of water and secondly, what geographic feature fill the two gaps in the previous sentence?
Answer: Atlantic Ocean; Cape Trafalgar
The Battle of Trafalgar was a decisive victory for the British Royal Navy against the combined French and Spanish fleets during the Napoleonic Wars. Admiral Lord Nelson’s tactics ensured Britain’s naval supremacy but cost him his life. Trafalgar Square in London was named to commemorate this victory.
On 21 October Thomas Edison applied for a patent for his design for an incandescent light bulb. In which decade did he make this application?
Two
In 1984, Niki Lauda clinched Formula One’s World Drivers’ Championship for the final time. How many times had he won the title in total?
Three
In 1940, the first edition of Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls was published. In what war was the story set?
Four
The Guggenheim Museum opened in New York on this date in 1959. Which architect designed its iconic spiral building?
Five
The Battle of Trafalgar, fought on 21 October 1805, took place in the …. It was named after a prominent geographic feature: the …. Firstly, what body of water and secondly, what geographic feature fill the two gaps in the previous sentence?
On 20 October 1973, which Australian landmark officially opened to the public? Sydney Opera House The Sydney Opera House, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth II, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose citation is
Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is a great architectural work of the 20th century that brings together multiple strands of creativity and innovation in both architectural form and structural design. A great urban sculpture set in a remarkable waterscape, at the tip of a peninsula projecting into Sydney Harbour, the building has had an enduring influence on architecture. The Sydney Opera House comprises three groups of interlocking vaulted ‘shells’ which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant. These shell-structures are set upon a vast platform and are surrounded by terrace areas that function as pedestrian concourses. In 1957, when the project of the Sydney Opera House was awarded by an international jury to Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it marked a radically new approach to construction. — UNESCO World Heritage Convention
Two
The Battle of Valdivia, part of the Chilean War of Independence, took place in which decade? 1820s This battle saw Chilean forces secure the southern stronghold from Spanish royalists, aiding in the country’s independence.
The Traveling Wilburys—top: 1. Jeff Lynne, 2. Tom Petty; bottom: 3. Roy Orbison, 4. Bob Dylan, 5. George Harrison
Three
Which iconic rock musician gave his final live performance with his band, the Traveling Wilburys, on this day in 1990? Roy Orbison Roy Orbison, part of the supergroup with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, passed away later that year.
On 20 October 2011, which long-time Libyan leader was captured and killed during the civil conflict? Muammar Gaddafi Muammar Gaddafi had ruled Libya for 42 years before being overthrown during the Arab Spring uprisings. His death, which ended one of Africa’s longest dictatorships, lead to years of instability in Libya.
Five
Which U.S. President signed the Louisiana Purchase Treaty on 20 October 1803? Thomas Jefferson The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, adding roughly 828,000 square miles of territory.
Is it true or false that in 1988 the Archbishop of Turin announced that carbon-14 dating of the Shroud of Turin placed its date in the first century CE?
Answer: False
He admitted the shroud’s origins date back to the Middle Ages. The Shroud of Turin, traditionally believed to be Jesus’ burial cloth, was radiocarbon dated in 1988 to the period 1260–1390 CE This contradicts its traditional association with Jesus’ crucifixion. While some question the reliability of the 1988 test, no expert has deemed it substantially unreliable.
Two
The 1972 Andes flight carrying the Old Christians Rugby Club became international news when it was revealed that the survivors had resorted to cannibalism to survive. Is it true or false that the flight originated from Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Answer: False
They were flying from Montevideo, Uruguay to Santiago, Chile. Old Christians Club, a Uruguayan sports club from Montevideo, is known for its rugby union team. The club also has football and field hockey branches. Forty rugby club members and five crew members were on board a plane that crashed in the Argentinean Andes. They endured an avalanche and weeks of starvation, resorting to eating the frozen bodies of the deceased. Sixteen survivors were rescued after two trekked across the mountains to seek help.
Three
Is it true of false that in 54 CE the Roman emperor Claudius died from poisoning and was succeeded by his son Caligula, rather than his son with Messalina?
Answer: False
He was succeeded by his adoptive son Nero rather than Britannicus, his son with Messalina. Ancient historians believe Claudius was poisoned, likely by his wife Agrippina, to secure Nero’s succession. However, some argue he died from illness or old age, citing his poor health and the lack of evidence against his taster Halotus.
Four
Is this statement true or false: In 2010, 33 miners were rescued from South America’s Patagonian Desert after spending a 69 days underground.
Answer: False
It was the Atacama Desert in Chile. The 2010 Copiapó mining accident trapped 33 miners 700 metres underground for a record 69 days after a cave-in at the San José mine in the Atacama Desert, Chile. The rescue operation, involving multiple countries and organisations, successfully brought the miners to the surface. The mine’s owner, San Esteban Mining Company, had a history of safety violations and negligence.
Margaret Thatcher, who was born today in 1925 was the British Prime Minister from 1979 until 1990. Is it true or false that she was Member of Parliament for the constituency of Finchley for more than 32 years?
Answer: True
She became the MP for Finchley on 8 October 1959 and held the position until her retirement in the spring of 1992. Thatcher was Europe’s first female prime minister and the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century, also the only one to secure three consecutive terms.
Is it true or false that in 1988 the Archbishop of Turin announced that carbon-14 dating of the Shroud of Turin placed its date in the first century CE?
Two
The 1972 Andes flight carrying the Old Christians Rugby Club became international news when it was revealed that the survivors had resorted to cannibalism to survive. Is it true or false that the flight originated from Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Three
Is it true of false that in 54 CE the Roman emperor Claudius died from poisoning and was succeeded by his son Caligula, rather than his son with Messalina?
Four
Is this statement true or false: In 2010, 33 miners were rescued from South America’s Patagonian Desert after spending a 69 days underground.
Five
Margaret Thatcher, who was born today in 1925 was the British Prime Minister from 1979 until 1990. Is it true or false that she was Member of Parliament for the constituency of Finchley for more than 32 years?
Could you please identify the missing names in the following quote from Encyclopædia Britannica? It mentions a president’s name and a building’s name but both have been removed.
1901 President … officially changed the name of the president’s residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. from … to the White House — Encyclopædia Britannica
Answer: Theodore Roosevelt and Executive Mansion
Originally called the “President’s Palace” on early maps, the building was officially named the Executive Mansion in 1810 to avoid connotations of royalty. Although the name White House was commonly used from about the same time (because the mansion’s white-gray sandstone contrasted strikingly with the red brick of nearby buildings), it did not become the official name of the building until 1901, when it was adopted by Pres. Theodore Roosevelt (1901–09). The White House is the oldest federally built building in the country’s capital. — Encyclopædia Britannica
Two
In 1748, the British Royal Navy secured a tactical victory over the Spanish near Havana in the Caribbean during the War of …. Which of the following completes the above statement: Barnard’s Nose; Jenkins’ Ear or Nelson’s Eye?
Answer: Jenkins’ Ear
The War of Jenkins’ Ear (1739-1748)—the name derives from Robert Jenkins, a British sea captain whose ear was allegedly severed by Spanish coast guards in 1731—between Great Britain and Spain, centred in New Granada and the Caribbean, was a precursor to the War of the Austrian Succession. The war ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, leaving Britain’s territorial ambitions largely unmet.
Three
In 2001, the centennial Nobel Prize was awarded to the United Nations and the organisations secretary-general. Who was this secretary-general?
Answer: Kofi Annan
In 2001, the Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to the UN and Kofi Annan for their work towards a more peaceful world. Annan was also honoured with a chieftaincy title by the Asantehene for his contributions to humanity and peace.
Four
An island once named Fernando Pó is part of a country which achieved its independence from Spain in 1968. What country is this, and on what continent is it located?
Answer: Equatorial Guinea and Africa
Bioko, historically Fernando Pó after a Portuguese explorer, is an island in Equatorial Guinea. Located 32 kilometres south of Cameroon’s coast and 160 kilometres northwest of mainland Equatorial Guinea, its capital city Malabo sits on the island’s north coast. With an area of 2,017 km² it is the fourth largest island in Africa and is part of the Cameroon line of volcanoes, with its highest peak being Pico Basile at 3,012 m. In the Bube language, Bioko is called Ëtulá a Ëri.
In 1916, a British nurse was executed by a German firing squad for aiding Allied soldiers in their escape. Who was the nurse, and what was the name of the country?
Answer: Edith Cavell
Edith Cavell, a British nurse, was executed on 12 October 1915 by the Germans during WWI for helping Allied soldiers escape. Her selfless actions and words, ‘Patriotism is not enough’, inspired many and are commemorated on her memorial.
Today’s questions revolve around October 12th and touch on various names.
An aerial view of the White House complex, including Pennsylvania Avenue in the foreground, the Executive Residence and North Portico (center), the East Wing (left), and the West Wing and the Oval Office at its southeast corner, April 2007. Image Wikipedia
One
Could you please identify the missing names in the following quote from Encyclopædia Britannica? It mentions a president’s name and a building’s name but both have been removed.
1901 President … officially changed the name of the president’s residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. from … to the White House — Encyclopædia Britannica
Two
In 1748, the British Royal Navy secured a tactical victory over the Spanish near Havana in the Caribbean during the War of …. Which of the following completes the above statement: Barnard’s Nose, Jenkins’ Ear, or Nelson’s Eye?
Three
In 2001, the centennial Nobel Prize was awarded to the United Nations and the organisations secretary-general. Who was this secretary-general?
Four
An island once named Fernando Pó is part of a country which achieved its independence from Spain in 1968. What country is this, and on what continent is it located?
Five
In 1916, a British nurse was executed by a German firing squad for aiding Allied soldiers in their escape. Who was the nurse, and what was the name of the country?
Bart Mancuso (Scott Glenn), commander USS Dallas, The Hunt for Red October. Image Jack Ryan Fandom
One
American novelist Tom Clancy died today in 2013. The film adaptation (1990) of his novel The Hunt for Red October (1984) featured who in the role of Jack Ryan and what was the name of the American Los Angeles-class attack submarine skippered by Commander Bart Mancuso?
Answer: Alec Baldwin and USS Dallas
The Hunt for Red October chronicles the efforts of CIA analyst Jack Ryan to prove that Soviet submarine Captain Marko Ramius is not attempting to attack the US but is instead defecting to the United States with the Soviet Union’s cutting-edge ballistic missile submarine, the Red October. The story, adapted from Tom Clancy’s novel of the same name, portrays a dangerous geopolitical game of cat and mouse as both the Soviet and American navies attempt to locate the advanced, stealthy submarine, fearing a nuclear confrontation if Ramius’ intentions are misunderstood.
Two
On this date, who became the first queen to rule England in her own right?
Answer: Mary I
Mary I, England’s first queen ruling in her own right, earned the nickname Bloody Mary for her persecution of Protestants to restore Roman Catholicism. Daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, became Queen of England and Ireland in 1553. Her attempts to restore Catholicism, including the Marian persecutions, were largely unsuccessful and her reign ended with her death in 1558.
Three
Yosemite National Park was established in 1890 by the US Congress. Two questions: in what US state is Yosemite National Park located, and what other US National Park in that state straddles the Nevada border?
Answer: California and Death Valley National Park
Yosemite National Park is located in California. Nevada boasts two national parks: Great Basin National Park and Death Valley National Park. Death Valley extends across both California and Nevada.
The ‘Thrilla in Manila‘ was a 1975 prizefight between which two prizefighters?
Answer: Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier
Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier in the 14th round of their third boxing match, the ‘Thrilla in Manila’, on 1 October 1975. The fight, considered one of the greatest in boxing history, was watched by an estimated 1 billion viewers.
Paddy O’Neil (Richard Harris), Patriot Games. Image Jack Ryan Fandom
Five
Which Irish actor, born in 1930, played Paddy O’Neil in Patriot Games (1992) and Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator (2000)?
Answer: Richard Harris
Irish actor and singer Richard Harris, known for his roles in films like This Sporting Life, The Field, and Gladiator, received numerous accolades including a Cannes Film Festival Award and a Grammy Award. He also gained acclaim for his role as Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films. He also topped the music charts with MacArthur Park reaching number one in Australia, Canda and Jamaica; and top-ten entries in the UK, US and Ireland.
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