Tag: history

  • Doubly Tuned

    Five random questions today.

    Billy the Kid.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    Billy the Kid was shot and killed at Fort Sumner by whom?


    Two

    Whose first novel was When the Lion Feeds?


    Three

    Tennis: The Woodies won six Wimbledon men’s doubles titles. What were their surnames?


    Four

    DOUBLY TUNED is an anagram of an English word, an adverb meaning certainly. What is the word?


    Five

    Simon and Garfunkel’s first U.S. number one single hit was what?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answer later.


  • Game, Set and Match—Answers

    The Championships, Wimbledon.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Which tennis player fills in the gap in this list of Wimbledon Men’s Champions from the early nineties: Edberg — … — Agassi — Sampras — Sampras

    Answer: Michael Stich

    In the list shown Edberg vein in 1990 and Stich in 1991. Michael Stich, a former German professional tennis player, achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 2 in singles and No. 9 in doubles. He won 18 singles titles, including Wimbledon and the ATP Tour World Championships, and ten doubles titles, including Wimbledon and the Olympic gold medal.


    Two

    What is the capital of Lithuania?

    Answer: Vilnius

    Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is known for its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a multicultural centre during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and is now a financial centre and important fintech hub.


    Three

    Who created the fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey?

    Answer: Dorothy L. Sayers

    Lord Peter Wimsey, a gentleman detective created by Dorothy L. Sayers, solves mysteries for amusement, often assisted by his valet, a police detective, and later, his wife.


    Four

    What word does the ‘U’ in U-boat actually refer to?

    Answer: Unterseeboot

    U-boats, German naval submarines, were used in unrestricted submarine warfare during both World Wars to disrupt UK merchant traffic. While initially successful, improved Allied tactics, particularly during the Battle of the Atlantic, led to significant U-boat losses, culminating in ‘Black May’ 1943.


    Five

    The title of Pink Floyd’s debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn derived from what children’s novel?

    Answer: The Wind in the Willows

    The Piper at the Gates of Dawn is Pink Floyd’s debut album, released in 1967. It was recorded at EMI Studios and produced by Norman Smith, blending improvisational pieces with Syd Barrett’s pop songs and psychedelia. The Wind in the Willows was a childhood favourite of Barrett.


  • Game, Set and Match

    The Championships, Wimbledon.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Which tennis player fills in the gap in this list of Wimbledon Men’s Champions from the early nineties: Edberg — … — Agassi — Sampras — Sampras


    Two

    What is the capital of Lithuania?


    Three

    Who created the fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey?


    Four

    What word does the ‘U’ in U-boat actually refer to?


    Five

    The title of Pink Floyd’s debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn derived from what children’s novel?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


  • GRANS A MA—Answers

    Here are the answers to my questions from earlier.

    No multiple-choice today as the five trivia questions below start with the answer in the form of an ANAGRAM (in capitals), for example…


    Example 1
    WREN AS what is expected in response to a question.?
    Answer: Answer

    Example 2
    GRANS A MA might give you a clue from the title of this post?
    Answer: Anagrams

    Topkapi Palace.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    AKA EPIC LAPTOP provides an Istanbul residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, last occupied by Mahmut II (1808–39) and now a museum. What is it known as?

    Answer: Topkapi Palace

    ‘AKA EPIC LAPTOP’ is an anagram of Topkapi Palace. Topkapı Palace, a large museum and library in Istanbul, served as the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire from the 1460s to 1856. The palace complex, which expanded over centuries, includes the Imperial Harem, treasury and various buildings used by state officials. Today, the palace is a museum showcasing Ottoman artefacts and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Historic Areas of Istanbul.


    Two

    A CHI TIN is a dry red Italian wine produced in Tuscany. What wine?

    Answer: Chianti

    ‘A CHI TIN’ is an anagram of Chianti. Chianti is an Italian red wine from the Chianti region of Tuscany, primarily made from Sangiovese grapes. The Chianti region was first defined in 1716 and later divided into seven sub-areas in 1932, with Chianti Classico being the most prominent. Chianti must be made with at least 80% Sangiovese grapes, with Riserva and Superiore designations indicating higher quality and stricter production requirements.


    Three

    The German heavy cruiser ADMIRAL GRAF SPEE, 1937.
    Image IWM via Wikimedia Commons

    ARMADA FLEES GRIP of the pursuing ships. What three-word, fifteen letters in total, is the name of the ship being pursued in the South Atlantic Ocean in 1939?

    Answer: Admiral Graf Spee

    ‘ARMADA FLEES GRIP’ is an anagram of Admiral Graf Spee which was a German Panzerschiff, or ‘pocket battleship’, that served during World War II. It was deployed to the South Atlantic before the war, sinking nine vessels before being damaged and then scuttled after the Battle of the River Plate.

    __

    Four

    RED GOLFING is the villain in this Bond movie. What villain?

    Answer: Goldfinger

    ‘RED GOLFING’ is an anagram of Goldfinger. Auric Goldfinger is the title character and main antagonist in both Ian Fleming’s novel and the 1964 film adaptation. The character, portrayed in the film by red-haired Gert Fröbe, was voted the most sinister James Bond villain, and his line ‘No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die’ was voted the best moment in the franchise.


    Five

    ARRANGED LOAN allows a governor to became a president of the United States. Who is he?

    Answer: Ronald Reagan

    ‘ARRANGED LOAN’ is an anagram of Ronald Reagan. A governor of California, Ronald Reagan served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. A prominent figure in the American conservative movement, his presidency, known as the Reagan era, was marked by economic policies like “Reaganomics,” increased military spending, and a shift in Cold War policy. Reagan’s impact on American conservatism and his role in ending the Cold War are widely recognised.


  • GRANS A MA

    No multiple-choice today as the five trivia questions below start with the answer in the form of an ANAGRAM (in capitals), for example…


    Example 1
    WREN AS what is expected in response to a question.?
    Answer: Answer

    Example 2
    GRANS A MA might give you a clue from the title of this post?
    Answer: Anagrams

    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    AKA EPIC LAPTOP provides an Istanbul residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, last occupied by Mahmut II (1808–39) and now a museum. What is it known as?


    Two

    A CHI TIN is a dry red Italian wine produced in Tuscany. What wine?


    Three

    Image Imperial War Museum via Wikimedia Commons

    ARMADA FLEES GRIP of the pursuing ships. What three-word, fifteen letters in total, is the name of the ship being pursued in the South Atlantic Ocean in 1939?

    __

    Four

    RED GOLFING is the villain in this Bond movie. What villain?


    Five

    ARRANGED LOAN allows a governor to became a president of the United States. Who is he?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later today.


  • We Three Kings—Answers

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

    These questions all relate to today’s date, January 6th.

    Adoration of the Magi by El Greco (1568),
    Museo Soumaya, Mexico City.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    In Western Christianity, the Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Magi. Which Gospel or Gospels tell this story?

    Answer: Gospel of Matthew

    The biblical account in Matthew 2 describes the visit of unnamed ‘wise men’ to the infant Jesus, not on the night of his birth but at an unspecified later time. While artistic conventions often depict this event alongside the nativity, the text specifies that the wise men visited Jesus in a house, not a stable, and the exact timing of their visit is not provided.


    Two

    In 1994, ‘The Whack Heard Around the World’ involved an attack on an US figure skater by an assailant hired by, or on behalf of, a rival skater. Who was the attacked skater, and who was the rival?

    Answer: Nancy Kerrigan; Tonya Harding

    On January 6, 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by Shane Stant, who was hired by Jeff Gillooly and Shawn Eckardt to prevent her from competing. The incident was later linked to her rival, Tonya Harding, Gillooly’s ex-wife, who was accused of involvement. Despite the attack, Kerrigan recovered and competed in the Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games, winning a silver medal. Harding, who also competed at the Olympics, faced legal consequences, pleaded guilty to hindering the prosecution, and was banned for life from USFSA events.


    Three

    In 1540, England’s King Henry VIII married his fourth wife, who was she and what was her fate?

    Answer: Anne of Cleves; marriage was annulled

    Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife, ruled England for six months in 1540. Their marriage was annulled, but she remained in England, receiving a generous settlement. She lived to see the reigns of Henry’s children. Ten years after Henry’s death and during Mary I’s reign, Anne died and was interred as a queen in Westminster Abbey.


    Four

    Born in 1955, this British actor voiced Zazu, an uptight hornbill, in The Lion King (1994). Who was this actor?

    Answer: Rowan Atkinson

    Rowan Atkinson is an English actor, comedian and writer, best known for his roles in Blackadder, Mr. Bean, and Johnny English. He has received numerous awards for his work, including a BAFTA and an Olivier Award, and was appointed CBE in 2013.


    Five

    In 1900, the besieged fortress at Ladysmith, Natal, successfully repelled an attack and drove the attackers back. During what war did this occur, and in what modern country is this location?

    Answer: Second Boer War; South Africa

    The Siege of Ladysmith, a crucial engagement during the Second Boer War, lasted from 2 November 1899 to 28 February 1900. The Boer republics invaded Natal, leading to battles and a British retreat to Ladysmith. Despite several relief attempts, the Boers encircled the town until the British forces, led by General Buller, broke through and relieved it. The Battle of Wagon Hill, on 6 January 1900, saw Boer forces attack British positions on Platrand. Initially successful, the Boers were repelled by British counterattacks, resulting in heavy casualties. The siege of Ladysmith continued until 28 February 1900, when the British forces finally broke through the Boer lines and relieved the town.


  • We Three Kings

    These questions all relate to today’s date, January 6th.

    Adoration of the Magi by El Greco (1568),
    Museo Soumaya, Mexico City.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    In Western Christianity, the Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Magi. Which Gospel or Gospels tell this story?


    Two

    In 1994, ‘The Whack Heard Around the World’ involved an attack on an US figure skater by an assailant hired by, or on behalf of, a rival skater. Who was the attacked skater, and who was the rival?


    Three

    In 1540, England’s King Henry VIII married his fourth wife, who was she and what was her fate?


    Four

    Born in 1955, this British actor voiced Zazu, an uptight hornbill, in The Lion King (1994). Who was this actor?


    Five

    In 1900, the besieged fortress at Ladysmith, Natal, successfully repelled an attack and drove the attackers back. During what war did this occur, and in what modern country is this location?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later today.


  • Tea for One—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    Today’s questions are a random mix.

    Jean-Luc Picard ‘Tea, Earl Grey, hot’.
    Image Pinterest (cropped)

    One

    Jean-Luc Picard, commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise, is known for this catchphrase ‘tea, … …, hot’. What two words are missing?

    Answer: Earl Grey

    Earl Grey tea is a black tea blend flavoured with bergamot oil, though many use artificial flavouring. Traditionally made from Chinese keemun, it can also be blended with lapsang souchong or made with green or oolong tea.


    Two

    The Italian hero Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi, Italian general, revolutionary and republican, was born in what city?

    Answer: Nice (France)

    Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general, revolutionary, and republican who played a key role in the Unification of Italy. He embraced republican nationalism but allied with the monarchist Cavour for unification. Garibaldi led successful military campaigns, including the Expedition of the Thousand, and became an international figurehead for national independence and republican ideals.


    Three

    New York’s Central Park is bordered by what four roadways?

    Answer: Central Park North, Fifth Avenue, Central Park South and Central Park West

    Central Park, a 843-acre urban park in Manhattan, is the most visited urban park in the United States. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, it opened in 1858 and was completed in 1876. The park features attractions like the Ramble and Lake, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Central Park Zoo. It also offers recreational activities such as carriage rides and concerts.


    Four

    Jennifer Grey plays ‘Baby’ in 1987’s Dirty Dancing but what is the character’s actual name?

    Answer: Frances Houseman

    Dirty Dancing is a 1987 American romantic drama dance film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. The film, based on screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein’s childhood, was a commercial success, earning over $214 million worldwide and spawning a successful franchise.


    Five

    In music, what ten-letter noun means ‘a passage marked to be performed very loudly’. What word?

    Answer: Fortissimo

    Fortissimo, abbreviated ff, is an Italian musical term meaning ‘very loud’. Italian has been the standard language for musical dynamics since the Baroque era. Pipe organs are among the few acoustic instruments capable of sustaining true fortissimo levels for long periods, sometimes producing sound pressures that can be physically felt. Some modern composers and film scores push beyond traditional notation, using ffff or textual instructions to indicate overwhelming or explosive sound effects.

  • Tea for One

    Today’s questions are a random mix.

    Jean-Luc Picard ‘Tea, … …, hot’.
    Image Pinterest (cropped)

    One

    Jean-Luc Picard, commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise, is known for this catchphrase ‘tea, … …, hot’. What two words are missing?


    Two

    The Italian hero Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi, Italian general, revolutionary and republican, was born in what city?


    Three

    New York’s Central Park is bordered by what four roadways?


    Four

    Jennifer Grey plays ‘Baby’ in 1987’s Dirty Dancing but what is the character’s actual name?


    Five

    In music, what ten-letter noun means ‘a passage marked to be performed very loudly’. What word?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Canterbury Tales—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posed earlier today.

    I have five questions about today, December 29th.

    The Murder of Thomas Becket.
    Image The British Library via Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    Four knights—Reginald FitzUrse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy and Richard le Breton—were responsible for an assassination in England on this date in 1170. Who was the victim of this assassination?

    Answer: Thomas Becket

    St. Thomas Becket, chancellor of England and archbishop of Canterbury, clashed with King Henry II, leading to his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr in the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.


    Two

    In 1890, the Wounded Knee massacre resulted in 300 Lakota deaths on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Which US state is Wounded Knee located in, and which US regiment was responsible for this massacre?

    Answer: South Dakota; 7th Cavalry Regiment

    The Wounded Knee massacre is widely regarded as marking the end of the Indian Wars, a series of conflicts between the United States and Native American tribes that spanned much of the 19th century.


    Three

    In 1911, after gaining independence, the 8th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu was enthroned as Khagan. This took place in which country?

    Answer: Mongolia

    The 8th Jebtsundamba Khutughtu became both the spiritual and temporal leader of the newly independent state, establishing a theocratic government that lasted until Mongolia fell under strong influence from the Soviet Union.


    Four

    1860 – The launch of HMS Warrior, with her combination of …, … and …, renders all previous warships obsolete

    The above quote from Wikipedia is missing the three factors which rendered previous warships obsolete. What were these factors?

    Answer: Screw propeller, iron hull and iron armour

    HMS Warrior demonstrated that ironclad, steam-powered warships were superior to traditional wooden sailing vessels, prompting navies worldwide to rapidly abandon older ship designs.


    Five

    According to his own account, which Native American woman saved the life of English explorer John Smith in 1607 by pleading with her father, the Powhatan leader Wahunsenacawh?

    Answer: Pocahontas

    Pocahontas was the daughter of Wahunsenacawh, the paramount chief of the Powhatan Confederacy, and her dramatic rescue of John Smith is known primarily from Smith’s own later writings—leading historians to debate how literally the event should be interpreted.