Today’s questions are a random mix, which are neither date-related nor themed.
One
Whose house is scheduled for demolition at the beginning of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy?
Two
Established in the year 324, this city was built on the site of an existing one and initially known as New Rome. Three questions:
What was the name of the existing city?
What name very quickly superseded New Rome?
What name is this city known as today?
Three
Starting in the 1970s, an actor who connected Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago dedicated much of his time to bridge. He published books, videos, video games, and a syndicated column all about the card game. Who is this?
Four
Rhea and Tethys are two major moons of a planet in the solar system. Here are three questions:
Which planet are they moons of?
Rhea and Tethys are what in Greek mythology?
Approximately how many moons does this planet have in total, to the nearest ten?
Five
The 2008 film and 2019 musical The Curious Case of Benjamin Button are both adaptations of a short story. Who wrote it?
Bear Garden (left) and Globe Theatre (right), Southwark, London. Engraving, 1597. Image Encyclopædia Britannica
Today’s selection of trivia is all related to the date, 29 June.
One
London’s Globe Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1613, which took hold during a performance of William Shakespeare’s Henry VIII. What caused the fire?
Answer: Cannon fire.
A theatrical cannon misfired during a performance, causing a fire in the wooden beams and thatching. Only one person was injured, with his burning breeches extinguished by ale. The building was rebuilt the next year with a tile roof, costing £1,400.
Two
Brazil won their first FIFA World Cup on this day. In what year was this victory, and who were their defeated opponents in the final?
Answer: 1958; Sweden.
The 1958 FIFA World Cup final in Sweden saw Brazil win their first title by defeating the hosts. The match, which was the first final between European and American teams, set records for goals, winning margin, and age of the youngest and oldest goal scorers. Pelé was only 17 years and 249 days old, while Nils Liedholm was 18 years and 15 days older than Pelé at 35 years and 263 days.
Three
In 1534, Canada’s Prince Edward Island was ‘discovered’ by Europeans. In 1908, a Canadian author wrote a children’s novel about an orphan sent to live at Avonlea, PEI. Who made the 1534 discovery; who was the author, and what was the title of the 1908 novel?
Answer: Jacques Cartier; Lucy Maud Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables.
Lucy Maud Montgomery, known as L. M. Montgomery, was a Canadian author famous for Anne of Green Gables (1908). She published 20 novels and over a thousand short stories and poems. Her work, set on Prince Edward Island, inspired adaptations and tourism.
Four
Born in 1978, Nicole Scherzinger played what role in the film Men in Black 3?
Answer: Lilly Poison.
Nicole Scherzinger is an American singer, actress, and television personality. She gained fame as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls and later pursued a successful solo career. Scherzinger has also served as a judge on various talent shows and has received numerous accolades for her work in music and theatre.
Five
On this day in 1861, in Florence, Italy, an English poet died at the age of 55. She was living in Florence with her English husband, also a poet. She is known for the line, ’How do I love thee? Let me count the ways’, which, in part, has been used in the title of several works of music and literature? Who is this poet?
Answer: Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, an English poet, is celebrated for Sonnets from the Portuguese and Aurora Leigh, an early feminist text. Despite a spinal injury at 15, she married Robert Browning in 1846, moved to Florence, and engaged in Italian politics. Her influential work advocated social reforms, impacting slavery and child labour laws.
Bear Garden (left) and Globe Theatre (right), Southwark, London. Engraving, 1597. Image Encyclopædia Britannica
Today’s selection of trivia is all related to the date, 29 June.
One
London’s Globe Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1613, which took hold during a performance of William Shakespeare’s Henry VIII. What caused the fire?
Two
Brazil won their first FIFA World Cup on this day. In what year was this victory, and who were their defeated opponents in the final?
Three
In 1534, Canada’s Prince Edward Island was ‘discovered’ by Europeans. In 1908, a Canadian author wrote a children’s novel about an orphan sent to live at Avonlea, PEI. Who made the 1534 discovery; who was the author, and what was the title of the 1908 novel?
Four
Born in 1978, Nicole Scherzinger played what role in the film Men in Black 3?
Five
On this day in 1861, in Florence, Italy, an English poet died at the age of 55. She was living in Florence with her English husband, also a poet. She is known for the line, ’How do I love thee? Let me count the ways’, which, in part, has been used in the title of several works of music and literature? Who is this poet?
James Bond Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond books, was born in 1908. What was the first James Bond novel; which U.S. president included a Bond novel in his ten favourites, and which was it?
Answer: Casino Royale; President John F. Kennedy and From Russia With Love.
Ian Fleming, born in 1908, was a British suspense-fiction novelist and former naval intelligence officer who created the iconic British secret agent James Bond, 007. His first Bond novel, Casino Royale (1953), launched a globally popular series known for espionage and action. From Russia With Love, the fifth Bond novel, was famously endorsed by John F. Kennedy in 1961 in a list of his ten favourite books.
Two
In 1999, after two decades of restoration, a Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece was unveiled to the public. Located within the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this work is known as what, and what type of artwork is it?
Answer: Last Supper; Mural.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (1495-1498) is a mural in Milan’s Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It depicts Jesus announcing his betrayal and instituting the Eucharist. The apostles’ dramatic reactions convey intense emotion. Commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, the original materials caused significant deterioration over time.
Three
In what venue was a peace treaty signed on 28 June 1919?
Answer: Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, built by King Louis XIV, is located 19 km (12 mi) west of Paris, France. The Hall of Mirrors, where the treaty was signed, is the largest room in the palace. Seventeen mirror arches (each containing 21 mirrors and thus totalling 357 mirrors in the hall) face 17 windows that overlook the palace gardens.
Four
Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to the merger of two companies by two men. Could you please identify these men and the decade that this happened?
Answer: Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz; 1920s.
Mercedes-Benz originated from Carl Benz’s 1886 internal combustion engine and Gottlieb Daimler’s petrol-engine stagecoach. Emil Jellinek marketed the 1901 Mercedes 35 hp, naming it after his daughter. The brand was officially established on 28 June 1926 after Daimler and Benz’s companies merged, forming Daimler-Benz.
Five
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom’s coronation took place on this day. In what decade did it take place, and in what ecclesiastical building did the ceremony take place?
Answer: 1830s; Westminster Abbey.
Queen Victoria’s coronation occurred on 28 June 1838 at Westminster Abbey, following a public procession from Buckingham Palace. Planned by Lord Melbourne, it cost £70,000 and attracted 400,000 visitors. Despite internal mishaps, the event was successful, with fairs and displays in Hyde and Green Parks, amid some Radical opposition.
Sean Connery and Ian Fleming. Image Encyclopædia Britannica
Today’s questions all relate to June 28th.
One
James Bond Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond books, was born in 1908. What was the first James Bond novel; which U.S. president included a Bond novel in his ten favourites, and which was it?
Two
In 1999, after two decades of restoration, a Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece was unveiled to the public. Located within the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this work is known as what? What type of artwork is it?
Three
In what venue was a peace treaty signed on 28 June 1919?
Four
Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to the merger of two companies by two men. Could you please identify these men and the decade that this happened?
Five
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom’s coronation took place on this day. In what decade did it take place, and in what ecclesiastical building did the ceremony take place?
All of these questions are connected to today, June 27th.
One
The flag above represents a country that gained independence in 1977. Which country is it, and from which did it gain independence?
Answer: Djibouti; France.
Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, borders Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Gaining independence in 1977, it is a multi-ethnic nation with French and Arabic as official languages. Strategically located, it serves as a key refuelling hub and hosts several foreign military bases.
Two
Jack Lemmon won two Academy Awards, the first was awarded in 1956 for Best Supporting Actor and the second in 1974 for Best Actor. What was the film title of each of these?
Answer: Mister Roberts (1955); Save the Tiger (1973).
Jack Lemmon, who died on 27 June 2001, was a Harvard graduate and World War II Navy veteran. He debuted on Broadway in 1953, signed by Columbia Pictures in 1954, and gained stardom with Mister Roberts (1955). Iconic roles in Some Like It Hot (1959) and The Apartment (1960), and comedies with Walter Matthau such as The Odd Couple (1968), defined his career.
Three
The Japanese Yen was first minted towards the end of a decade and adopted as Japan’s official currency two years later. In what two decades did this occur?
Answer: 1860s and 1870s.
The yen, Japan’s monetary unit, was first minted in 1869 and adopted in 1871. Initially divided into sen and rin, these were removed in 1954. Despite WWII devastation, Japan’s economic miracle made the yen a leading international currency. Its symbol is ¥, derived from yuan, the ancient term for Chinese round coins.
Four
Who, in 2007, after serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer for ten years, became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
Answer: Gordon Brown.
Gordon Brown, born in Glasgow on February 20, 1951, is a British Labour Party politician. He served as chancellor of the Exchequer (1997–2007) and prime minister (2007–10). Brown focused on NHS reform, public-sector changes, poverty reduction, and a broader approach to combating terrorism. He resigned in May 2010.
In 1917 during World War I, the nation represented by this flag declared war on the Central Powers. Which country’s flag is shown and what comprised the Central Powers?
Answer: Greece; German Empire, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria.
The Central Powers, or Central Empires, were a World War I coalition of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria, known as the Quadruple Alliance. Originating in 1879, Italy joined the Triple Alliance but later sided with the Allies (Great Britain, France and U.S.). The Central Powers were defeated by the Allies in 1918 and dissolved.
All of these questions are connected to today, June 27th.
One
The flag above represents a country that gained independence in 1977. Which country is it, and from which did it gain independence?
Answer: Djibouti; France.
Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, borders Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Gaining independence in 1977, it is a multi-ethnic nation with French and Arabic as official languages. Strategically located, it serves as a key refuelling hub and hosts several foreign military bases.
Two
Jack Lemmon won two Academy Awards, the first was awarded in 1956 for Best Supporting Actor and the second in 1974 for Best Actor. What was the film title of each of these?
Three
The Japanese Yen was first minted towards the end of a decade and adopted as Japan’s official currency two years later. In what two decades did this occur?
Four
Who, in 2007, after serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer for ten years, became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
Five
Flag of ? Image Wikimedia Commons
In 1917 during World War I, the nation represented by this flag declared war on the Central Powers. Which country’s flag is shown and what comprised the Central Powers?
Exterior view of Casa Vicens, Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí, 1883–85. Image Encyclopædia Britannica
Today the questions all relate to June 25th
One
The building above is Casa Vicens, Barcelona, Spain, which was designed and built starting in 1883. Who was the architect who designed it?
Answer: Antoni Gaudí.
Antoni Gaudí, born 25 June 1852, began his architectural studies in Barcelona in 1869/70, graduating in 1878. He worked as a draughtsperson for architects like Francisco de Paula del Villar and Joan Martorell, who secured the Sagrada Família project for him in 1883. Gaudí dedicated much of his career to the Sagrada Família, which remained unfinished at his death in 1926. Known for his innovative structural systems and artistic projects like Park Güell, Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló, Gaudí is a candidate for sainthood, with Pope Francis declaring him ‘Venerable’ in April 2025.
Two
In 2024, China’s Chang’e 6 lunar probe returned from the Moon carrying samples collected on the lunar surface. What was unique about these samples, and from what does the craft’s name ‘Chang’e’ originate?
Answer: Samples were first from the far side of the Moon; Named after a Goddess.
Chang’e, a goddess from Chinese legend who flew from Earth to the Moon, inspired the name of Chang’e 6, a lunar sample return mission. This mission launched on 3 May 2024, landed on the lunar far side on 1 June, and returned the first far-side samples to Earth on 25 June.
Three
The ballet, The Firebird, premiered in 1910. Who composed the ballet, and at what venue did it premiere?
Answer: Igor Stravinsky; Paris Opéra.
The Firebird, a ballet by Igor Stravinsky, premiered in Paris on June 25, 1910, marking his international success. Commissioned by Serge Diaghilev for the Ballets Russes, Stravinsky, then 27, drew from Russian legend and the ballet’s originality earned Stravinsky immediate international acclaim.
Four
In 1876, George Armstrong Custer made his last stand with his U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of Little Bighorn. In what U.S. state are the Battle of Little Bighorn National Monument and the Indian Memorial located?
Answer: Montana.
George Armstrong Custer, a U.S. Army officer, graduated last from West Point in 1861 but became a brevet brigadier general by 23. He played key roles in the Civil War and Indian Wars, dying at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876. His legacy was shaped by his wife, Libbie.
Five
St. George Island was discovered in 1786 by Russian sea captain Gavriil Pribylov. The group of islands now known as the Pribilof Islands is named after Pribylov. In what body of water is St. George Island located?
Answer: Bering Sea.
The Pribilof Islands, discovered by Gavril Pribylov in 1786, include St. Paul and St. George. Inhabited by Aleuts in 1788, they became U.S. territory with the Alaska Purchase in 1867. Known for 800,000 northern fur seals, commercial sealing was banned in 1973 and 1985. The islands host diverse wildlife and nearly three million migratory birds.
Originality Consists in Returning to the Origin
Today the post title has no hidden meanings and is simply a quote by Antoni Gaudí, the answer to question one. It is sometimes quoted with ‘of’ instead of ‘in’, ‘Originality Consists of Returning to the Origin’.
The building above is Casa Vicens, Barcelona, Spain, which was designed and built starting in 1883. Who was the architect who designed it?
Two
In 2024, China’s Chang’e 6 lunar probe returned from the Moon carrying samples collected on the lunar surface. What was unique about these samples, and from what does the craft’s name ‘Chang’e’ originate?
Three
The ballet, The Firebird, premiered in 1910. Who composed the ballet, and at what venue did it premiere?
Four
In 1876, George Armstrong Custer made his last stand with his U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment at the Battle of Little Bighorn. In what U.S. state are the Battle of Little Bighorn National Monument and the Indian Memorial located?
Five
St. George Island was discovered in 1786 by Russian sea captain Gavriil Pribylov. The group of islands now known as the Pribilof Islands is named after Pribylov. In what body of water is St. George Island located?
Pilkington Jackson’s statue of Robert I, aka Robert the Bruce, at Bannockburn. Image Wikimedia Commons
All of these questions are related to today’s date, 23 January but there is also a bit of a theme bubbling in the background.
One
A decisive battle on this day in 1314 saw Scotland regain independence and established Robert I as king. What was the battle, and of what Royal house was Robert I the first monarch ?
Answer: Bannockburn; Bruce.
The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 was a decisive victory for the Scots under Robert I against the English under Edward II. Despite being outnumbered, the Scots used strategic positioning and strong infantry to repel English cavalry charges. The battle resulted in heavy English losses and is considered a turning point in the Scottish Wars of Independence.
Two
A Canadian Parliamentary Act in 1887 created the country’s first national park which was originally called Rocky Mountains Park. What is the current name of Canada’s first national park?
Answer: Banff National Park.
Prime Minister John A. Macdonald set aside a small area around hot springs in 1885. This became Canada’s first national park with the passing of the Rocky Mountains Park Act in 1887. Originally named Rocky Mountains Park, it later became Banff National Park. The Canadian Pacific Railway promoted tourism with hotels like Banff Springs. Wealthy tourists from Europe, America, and England visited, engaging in mountaineering. By 1911, Banff was accessible by car, with motorcoach tours starting in 1916.
Three
In 1894, the International Olympic Committee was founded at the Sorbonne in Paris. This was at the initiative of a French noble; who, including his title, was this man?
Answer: Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
Charles Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin (1863–1937), was a French educator and historian, co-founder and second president of the IOC, and the father of the modern Olympic Games. He promoted sports in French schools and inspired the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy and Medal.
Four
In a game against the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox pitcher Ernie Shore retires 26 batters in a row after replacing …, who had been ejected for punching the umpire. — Wikipedia
This Wikipedia quote refers to a game of baseball played on 23 June 1917. The name of the player who had been replaced is missing. Who is this player?
Answer: Babe Ruth.
On June 23, 1917, Ernie Shore overshadowed Babe Ruth by retiring 26 consecutive batters after Ruth was ejected for punching an umpire. Shore, a North Carolina native, played for the Red Sox and Yankees, ending his career in 1920. The Red Sox won 4-0, and the game was ruled a combined no-hitter.
Five
The 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum took place on 23rd June. What is the referendum and its aftermath commonly known as, and what prime minister finalised it on 31 January 2020?
Answer: Brexit; Boris Johnson.
Prime Minister David Cameron called a Brexit referendum in 2016, which the ‘leave’ campaign won. Theresa May succeeded him but faced party divisions and opposition to her Brexit deal, particularly over the Northern Ireland backstop, leading to her resignation. Boris Johnson, her successor, promised Brexit by 31 October 2019, and finalised it on 31 January 2020. In June 2022, Johnson proposed removing checks on goods to Northern Ireland, risking the trade agreement and peace.
Quizology.Online 