See question 5. Artist pression of ESA’s Gaia satellite observing the Milky Way, with a background image of the sky compiled from data from more than 1.8 billion stars. Image ESA via Wikipedia
One
… was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.
Published for the first time on this date in 1843, what begins with the quote above and whose surname is missing from the start?
Answer: A Christmas Carol; Marley
A Christmas Carol, a novella by Charles Dickens, recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation after visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. The novella, published in 1843, was inspired by Dickens’s experiences and the Victorian revival of Christmas traditions. It has never been out of print and has been widely adapted.
Two
Born on this day in 1906, what Soviet leader, along with US President Jimmy Carter, signed the unsuccessful SALT II treaty in Vienna in 1979?
Answer: Leonid Brezhnev
Leonid Brezhnev, a Soviet statesman, led the Soviet Union for 18 years. He prioritised foreign and military affairs, implementing the Brezhnev Doctrine to justify Soviet intervention in Czechoslovakia and expanding the Soviet military-industrial complex. While achieving parity with the US in nuclear weapons and space programmes, Brezhnev’s focus on defence led to economic decline, impacting agriculture, consumer goods and healthcare.
Three
A singer born in Paris, France, on 19 December 1915, came to be known as ‘little sparrow’. Who was she?
Answer: Edith Piaf
Edith Piaf, a French singer and actress, gained international fame for her interpretation of the chanson. Her life, marked by tragedy and hardship, deeply influenced her music, which often reflected themes of loss and love. Despite her struggles with health and addiction, Piaf’s powerful voice and dramatic style captivated audiences, leaving a lasting legacy.
Four
On this day in 1606, Christopher Newport, in command of the Discovery, the Godspeed, and the Susan Constant, sailed from London, England. The following April, they entered a bay—the largest estuary in the United States—and went on to set up the first permanent English settlement in North America. What was the name of the bay and the colony?
Answer: Chesapeake Bay; Jamestown
Newport, a member of the colony’s governing body, led a total five voyages between Virginia and England, bringing supplies and settlers to the Jamestown colony between 1606 and 1611.
Five
In 2013, the European Space Agency launched a spacecraft that could be described as a space telescope or astronomical observatory. Named after the personification of Earth in Greek mythology, what was its name?
Answer: Gaia
Gaia, the Greek personification of Earth, is the mother of Uranus, Pontus, the Titans, Cyclopes and Giants.
From 27 July 2014 to 15 January 2025, Gaia has made more than three trillion observations of two billion stars and other objects throughout our Milky Way galaxy and beyond, mapping their motions, luminosity, temperature and composition. Gaia’s extraordinarily precise three-dimensional map will provide the data needed to tackle an enormous range of important questions related to the origin, structure and evolutionary history of our galaxy.
In 1962, David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, which went on to became one of the most celebrated epics in the history of cinema, had its world premiere. Who starred as _ _ Lawrence, and what two initials are missing before his surname?
Answer: Peter O’Toole (as) T.E. (Lawrence)
Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British historical epic biographical adventure drama film directed by David Lean. It portrays Thomas Edward Lawrence’s experiences in the Ottoman provinces during World War I and his involvement in the Arab National Council. The film, which won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It follows Lawrence’s journey from a military cartographer to a leader of the Arab Revolt against the Turks, and is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes, shot on location in Jordan, Spain and Morocco.
Two
Which government officially surrendered on this day in 1932 after a month-long battle against thousands of large flightless birds, and what were the birds?
Answer: Australian; Emus
The Emu War was a brief and unsuccessful 1932 military operation in Australia aimed at controlling the emu population, which was damaging crops in Western Australia. Three members of the Royal Australian Artillery were tasked with culling approximately 20,000 emus using machine guns, but the weapons and tactics were ineffective. Despite petitions from local farmers, the campaign, which lasted from November to December, resulted in fewer than 1,000 emus being killed and became a subject of national and international ridicule.
Portrait of Ada, Countess of Lovelace (Ada Lovelace), c1840. Image Wikipedia
Three
Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the first computer programmer, was born in Marylebone, London. In which decade was she born, and who was her famous father?
Answer: 1810s; Lord Byron
Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the poet Lord Byron, was an English mathematician and writer renowned for her work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. She recognised its potential beyond mere calculation and developed a vision of computers’ capabilities, leading to her being considered the first computer programmer. Her contributions are celebrated on Ada Lovelace Day.
Four
In 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Which former First Lady of the United States chaired the United Nations Commission on Human Rights that was responsible for the drafting of the document?
Answer: Eleanor Roosevelt
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, is a foundational document of international human rights law. Drafted by a team including John Humphrey, Eleanor Roosevelt and René Cassin, it comprises 30 articles outlining civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Although not legally binding, the UDHR has achieved significant moral authority and has influenced numerous international treaties and national constitutions.
Five
The first part of the first edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, the English-language general encyclopaedia, was published and advertised for sale on this day. In what century and in what city did this occur?
Answer: 18th century; Edinburgh,Scotland, United Kingdom
The Encyclopædia Britannica, a general-knowledge English-language encyclopaedia, was first published in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1768 by a group of Scottish gentlemen. Initially released in three volumes, it introduced a “new plan” by combining treatises on arts and sciences with short articles on technical terms, catering to both serious students and those seeking quick reference material. William Smellie, an Edinburgh printer, is credited with devising this plan and writing or compiling many of the articles. The encyclopaedia transitioned from print to digital in 2012 due to strong competition from digital encyclopaedias like Microsoft Encarta and Wikipedia, yet it maintained its reputation for authoritative and scholarly content and is now available exclusively online.
Utility ought to be the principal intention of every publication.
The title of today’s post is the first sentence of the preface to the first edition of Encyclopædia Britannica.
“UTILITY ought to be the principal intention of every publication. Wherever this intention does not plainly appear, neither the books nor their authors have the smallest claim to the approbation of mankind” . So begins the preface to Britannica’s 1st edition, which began publication 250 years ago this month (on December 10, 1768). Encyclopædia Britannica via Instagram
John Lennon was murdered in 1980. What song did Paul McCartney write as a tribute to John Lennon after his death. The song was released on his album, Tug of War (1982).
Answer: Here Today
Composed as a heartfelt tribute to John Lennon, this song expresses the emotions Paul felt he couldn’t fully convey to him during their time together. It’s structured as an imagined conversation exploring their affection, regret and complex friendship. McCartney performs it frequently at concerts as a dedicated moment for Lennon. McCartney featured on George Harrison’s tribute song All Those Years Ago (1981) alongside Ringo Starr on drums. McCartney, Linda and Denny Laine provided backing vocals. The post title In My Life is a Beatles song from their 1965 album Rubber Soul.
Two
The first woman to appear on a public stage in England did so on this date, in what decade did this occur?
Answer: 1660s (1660)
Margaret Hughes, also known as Peg Hughes, is widely regarded as the first professional actress to appear on the English stage. She made theatre history on 8 December 1660 when she played Desdemona in Othello, a landmark moment that signalled a major shift in Restoration-era drama, as women began performing publicly for the first time. Anne Marshall, another pioneer, is also sometimes credited with being the actress to appear on this date.
Three
Mary, Queen of Scots, was born on this day, and six days later she became queen of Scotland. In what decade did this occur?
Answer: 1540s (1542)
Mary, Queen of Scots, ascended to the throne at six days old. After marrying Francis, Dauphin of France, she became queen consort of France until his death. Returning to Scotland, her reign was marked by religious and political turmoil, culminating in her forced abdication and imprisonment. Seeking refuge in England, she was perceived as a threat to Elizabeth I and executed after being found guilty of plotting against her.
Four
In 1991, after the Soviet Union’s breakup, which three former Soviet republics formed the Commonwealth of Independent States?
Answer: Russia, Ukraine and Belarus
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was formed in 1991 by Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, replacing the USSR. There were eventually twelve former Soviet republics as members, including the Central Asian republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; and the Transcaucasian republics of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia; and Moldova. Notably, the former Soviet republics in the Baltic area—Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania—declined to join the CIS.
Five
…an emotionally shattering look at the effects of the Vietnam War on the young American men sent to fight in it, the movie later won an Oscar for best picture
Which 1978 Oscar-winning film directed by Michael Cimino is described in the above Encyclopædia Britannica quote?
Answer: The Deer Hunter
The Deer Hunter is a 1978 American war drama film about three Slavic-American steelworkers whose lives are changed by the Vietnam War. The film, directed by Michael Cimino, received critical acclaim and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
John Lennon was murdered in 1980. What song did Paul McCartney write as a tribute to John Lennon after his death. The song was released on his album, Tug of War (1982).
Two
The first woman to appear on a public stage in England did so on this date, in what decade did this occur?
Three
Mary, Queen of Scots, was born on this day, and six days later she became queen of Scotland. In what decade did this occur?
Four
In 1991, after the Soviet Union’s breakup, which three former Soviet republics formed the Commonwealth of Independent States?
Five
…an emotionally shattering look at the effects of the Vietnam War on the young American men sent to fight in it, the movie later won an Oscar for best picture
Here are the answers to the questions which were posted earlier.
All of these questions are related to today, December 6th.
One
In 1998, Hugo Chávez was victorious in presidential elections in what country?
Answer: Venezuela
Hugo Chávez was a Venezuelan politician and revolutionary who served as president from 1999 until his death in 2013. He founded the Fifth Republic Movement and later the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, implementing social reforms and nationalising industries as part of the Bolivarian Revolution. While his policies initially improved poverty and social welfare, they also led to economic instability and shortages.
1897 Bersey Electrical Cab, British Motor Museum, Gaydon. Image Wikipedia
Two
In 1897, which capital city became the first in the world to host licensed self-propelled motorised taxicabs?
Answer: London, United Kingdom
The first of these motorised cabs were electric-powered vehicles, nicknamed ‘Hummingbirds’ due to the quiet sound of their electric motors. A fleet of these cabs, designed by Walter C. Bersey, was introduced on 19 August 1897, and officially licensed by 6 December of the same year. However, London had a system for licensed horse-drawn carriages (known as “hackney carriages”) much earlier, with the first official licences issued in 1662. The 1897 date specifically marks the introduction and licensing of motorised, rather than horse-drawn, cabs.
Three
In 1969, the ill-fated Altamont festival, a free one-day rock festival, at the Altamont Speedway, Livermore, California, United States, was put on by an act as a thank-you gesture to their fans? The haphazardly organised festival was put on by what act?
Answer: The Rolling Stones
The Altamont Speedway Free Festival in California was a counterculture rock concert intended as a thank-you to fans by The Rolling Stones. However, the event turned deadly when a security guard, a member of the Hell’s Angels, fatally stabbed Meredith Hunter. Marred by violence and three accidental deaths, the festival is often remembered as a dark ending to the 1960s counterculture.
In 1912, a bust of a queen of Egypt was discovered during excavations at Tell el-Amarna, Egypt. Who was this queen from the 14th century BCE?
Answer: Nefertiti
Nefertiti, queen of Egypt and wife of King Akhenaton, played a prominent role in the cult of the sun god Aton. She bore six daughters, two of whom became queens, and is depicted in early images accompanying her husband and later usurping kingly privileges in religious rituals. The sculpture later went on display in a Berlin museum, and it became a source of controversy as an alleged plundered artefact.
Five
On this day in 1933, a US Federal judge declared a book featuring Stephen Dedalus, Leopold and Molly Bloom not obscene. Can you name the book and its author?
Answer: Ulysses by James Joyce
Ulysses, a modernist novel by James Joyce, parallels Homer’s Odyssey and chronicles the experiences of three Dubliners—Stephen Dedalus, Leopold Bloom and Molly Bloom—on 16 June 1904, representing Telemachus, Odysseus and Penelope. Published in Paris in 1922, the novel is considered a classic of modernist literature, known for its experimental style, rich characterisation, and exploration of themes like antisemitism, human sexuality and Irish nationalism.
All of these questions are related to today, December 6th.
One
In 1998, Hugo Chávez was victorious in presidential elections in what country?
1897 Bersey Electrical Cab.
Two
In 1897, which capital city became the first in the world to host licensed self-propelled motorised taxicabs?
Three
In 1969, the ill-fated Altamont festival, a free one-day rock festival, at the Altamont Speedway, Livermore, California, United States, was put on by an act as a thank-you gesture to their fans? The haphazardly organised festival was put on by what act?
Four
In 1912, a bust of a queen of Egypt was discovered during excavations at Tell el-Amarna, Egypt. Who was this queen from the 14th century BCE?
Five
On this day in 1933, a US Federal judge declared a book featuring Stephen Dedalus, Leopold and Molly Bloom not obscene. Can you name the book and its author?
Here are the answers to the questions from my earlier post.
These questions all relate to today’s date, December 5th.
Walt Disney’s business envelope featured a self-portrait, c. 1921. Image Wikipedia
One
Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, this visionary American producer created a global entertainment empire that truly began with a mouse. What was that mouse originally going to be called? A. Maxwell Mouse B. Meredith Mouse C. Mortimer Mouse
Answer: C. Mortimer Mouse
The mouse was originally called Mortimer Mouse but Lillian Disney, Walt’s wife, suggested Mickey. Disney received a record 59 Oscar nominations and won 22 competitive Academy Awards – still the most for any individual in history.
The post title Steamboat Willie is a nod to Mickey. It is the title of what was Mickey’s third film, which was the first to be distributed and so considered to be his public debut.
Two
Which pope issued the 1484 papal bull Summis desiderantes affectibus, condemning witchcraft and empowering inquisitors in Germany? A. Pope Alexander VI B. Pope Julius II C. Pope Innocent VIII
Answer: C. Pope Innocent VIII
The bull later helped legitimise Malleus Maleficarum (1487), one of the most notorious witch-hunting manuals of the era.
Three
Which modern television series featured the Great Smog of London as the central focus of a Season 1 episode, portraying the political and social impact of the 1952 crisis? A. Downton Abbey B. The Crown C. Call the Midwife
Answer: B. The Crown
The Great Smog has also inspired satirical and fictional treatments—including a Goon Show episode in 1954 and the Doctor Who audio drama The Creeping Death, both of which use the choking fog as a dramatic backdrop.
Four
Born in Vienna, which director known for visually striking films such as Metropolis and M became one of the major figures in early cinema? A. F.W. Murnau B. Sergei Eisenstein C. Fritz Lang
Answer: C. Fritz Lang
Lang fled Nazi Germany the same day he was offered a high-ranking propaganda role, later becoming influential in shaping American film noir.
Five
On December 5, 2006, which military commander declared himself acting president of Fiji after leading a coup? A. Sitiveni Rabuka B. Frank Bainimarama C. Epeli Nailatikau
Answer: B. Frank Bainimarama
Bainimarama later served as Fiji’s elected prime minister from 2014 to 2022, overseeing the country’s return to democratic elections.
These questions all relate to today’s date, December 5th.
Walt Disney’s business envelope featured a self-portrait, c. 1921. Image Wikipedia
One
Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago, this visionary American producer created a global entertainment empire that truly began with a mouse. What was that mouse originally going to be called? A. Maxwell Mouse B. Meredith Mouse C. Mortimer Mouse
Two
Which pope issued the 1484 papal bull Summis desiderantes affectibus, condemning witchcraft and empowering inquisitors in Germany? A. Pope Alexander VI B. Pope Julius II C. Pope Innocent VIII
Three
Which modern television series featured the Great Smog of London as the central focus of a Season 1 episode, portraying the political and social impact of the 1952 crisis? A. Downton Abbey B. The Crown C. Call the Midwife
Four
Born in Vienna, which director known for visually striking films such as Metropolis and M became one of the major figures in early cinema? A. F.W. Murnau B. Sergei Eisenstein C. Fritz Lang
Five
On December 5, 2006, which military commander declared himself acting president of Fiji after leading a coup? A. Sitiveni Rabuka B. Frank Bainimarama C. Epeli Nailatikau
When the Mary Celeste was found drifting and abandoned on 4 December 1872, which everyday object—left untouched—helped show the ship had not been ransacked by pirates? A. The ship’s telegraph terminal B. A basketball C. A sewing machine
Answer: A. The ship’s sewing machine
Its presence in perfect condition suggested the crew left suddenly rather than under attack, since pirates would never have ignored valuable portable items.
Two
After HMS Resolute was abandoned in Arctic ice in 1854, how did the United States symbolically return the vessel to Britain after it was recovered? A. By selling it back to Britain at auction B. By sailing it back and gifting it to Queen Victoria C. By towing it to Canada and scuttling it ceremonially
Answer: B. By sailing it back and gifting it to Queen Victoria
Timbers from the ship were later made into the Resolute desk, used by many U.S. Presidents—an enduring symbol of Anglo-American friendship.
Three
What key items were missing when the abandoned Carroll A. Deering was found aground on Diamond Shoals in 1921? A. The ship’s logbook and navigation equipment B. All cargo and provisions C. The entire foremast
Answer: A. The ship’s logbook and navigation equipment
The loss of these items intensified the mystery, especially because the vessel was otherwise intact in the dangerous waters of the ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’.
Four
Which country was the ghost yacht Kaz II navigating around when it departed from Airlie Beach before its three-man crew mysteriously disappeared in 2007? A. Australia B. Belize C. Canada
Answer: A. Australia
The yacht which was travelling from Queensland to Perth, Western Australia via the north of Australia was found with food set out and the engine running, sparking comparisons to the Mary Celeste because no sign of struggle or storm damage was present.
Five
SS Baychimo became a ‘wandering ghost’ of the Arctic, remaining adrift and being seen numerous times after being abandoned in 1931. For how many years did sightings continue? A. 18 years B. 28 years C. 38 years
Answer: C. 38 years
Sighted intermittently for almost four decades, the Baychimo was finally lost to history—its last confirmed appearance occurring in 1969 when frozen in ice.
Quizology Online 