literature – Page 2 – Quizology Online

Space Debris—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

Today’s questions all relate to February 8th.

One

The US space station launched in 1973 and operational until 1974 ceased operations on this date. What was its name and how many weeks was it occupied?

Answer: Skylab; 24 weeks.

Skylab, the first U.S. space station, was launched in 1973 and constructed from a repurposed Saturn V stage. It hosted three crews for missions lasting 28, 59, and 84 days, conducting research on human adaptation to space, solar studies, and Earth observations. Skylab’s use came to an end after 171 days and it disintegrated in 1979 due to faster-than-expected orbital decay resulting in debris coming down in the Indian Ocean and Western Australia.

Two

Who was executed on this date in 1587, as a suspect in the Babington Plot to murder England’s Queen Elizabeth I?

Answer: Mary, Queen of Scots.

Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed at Fotheringhay Castle, England. Her execution was notoriously botched, requiring multiple blows to sever her head. Despite appearing uninvolved, Elizabeth I faced significant backlash for the event and refused Mary’s request for a Catholic burial. A controversial figure throughout her life, she remains the subject of historical debate and public fascination.

Three

What film, which premiered in 1915, was hailed for its technical and dramatic innovations but condemned for its overt racism and positive portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan?

Answer: The Birth of a Nation.

The Birth of a Nation (1915), a silent film starring Lillian Gish, was a groundbreaking Hollywood blockbuster. While praised for its technical and dramatic innovations, it was also criticised for its racist portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan.

Four

In what decade did Sandford Fleming propose at the Royal Canadian Institute the adoption of Universal Standard Time?

Answer: 1870s.

In 1879, Fleming proposed a single 24-hour clock for the world, with 24 time zones based on the Greenwich meridian. His system, initially linked to the Greenwich meridian, was later revised to use the anti-meridian. Although the International Meridian Conference adopted the Greenwich Meridian, it rejected Fleming’s time zones.

Five

In the biographical film Iris, both Kate Winslet and Judith Dench portrayed the title character. Who was the real Iris?

Answer: Iris Murdoch.

Iris Murdoch (1919-1999) was a British novelist and philosopher known for her psychological novels with philosophical and comic elements. Her works, characterised by convoluted plots and realistic observations of 20th-century life, explore the influence of the unconscious mind and societal forces on human behaviour. Murdoch’s novels, plays, verse and philosophical works continue to be celebrated for their intelligence, wit, and high seriousness.

Space Debris

Today’s questions all relate to February 8th.

One

The US space station launched in 1973 and operational until 1974 ceased operations on this date. What was its name and how many weeks was it occupied?

Two

Who was executed on this date in 1587, as a suspect in the Babington Plot to murder England’s Queen Elizabeth I?

Three

What film, which premiered in 1915, was hailed for its technical and dramatic innovations but condemned for its overt racism and positive portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan?

Four

In what decade did Sandford Fleming propose at the Royal Canadian Institute the adoption of Universal Standard Time?

Five

In the biographical film Iris, both Kate Winslet and Judith Dench portrayed the title character. Who was the real Iris?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

What the Dickens—Answers

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

Each of these questions relates to today’s date, February 7th.

One

British novelist Charles Dickens was born on this day in 1812. But what does the word ‘Dickens’ refer to in the phrase ‘What the dickens’?

Answer: Devil.

dickens /ˈdɪkɪnz /  noun [in singular] informal, dated used for emphasis, or to express annoyance or surprise when asking questions: what the dickens is going on? they work like the dickens. – ORIGIN late 16th century: a euphemism for ‘devil’, probably a use of the surname Dickens. — Oxford English Dictionary

Two

After the death of King Hussein in 1999, his son Abdullah II became king in what country, and what countries border it?

Answer: Jordan; (bordering countries are) Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, West Bank.

Syria is to the north; Iraq to the east; Saudi Arabia to the southeast and south; Israel to the west; and the West Bank to the west. There is also a maritime border with Egypt on the Gulf of Aqaba to the south.

Three

On this day, Michael Romanov became Tsar of Russia as Michael I and founded the Romanov dynasty. In what century was it founded? In what year did it end, and who was the last Tsar?

Answer: 17th century. 1917 and Nicholas II

Michael Romanov, elected Tsar of Russia in 1613 at age 16, initially relied on his mother’s relatives to restore order. His father, Philaret, returned from Polish captivity in 1619, becoming co-ruler and patriarch, and significantly influencing the government until his death in 1633. Michael’s reign (1613-1645) saw increased European contact, financial reforms, and the strengthening of serfdom. The dynasty ended with the Russian Revolution of 1917 when Nicholas II abdicated and, with his family, was later executed.

Four

The Beatles arrived in the United States for the first time on this day in 1964 in what the press named the ‘British Invasion’. What single gave the Beatles their first Billboard Hot 100 number one?

Answer: I Want to Hold Your Hand.

It became the Beatles’ first US number-one single when it topped the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1964, kicking off full-blown Beatlemania in America. They held the number one spot for a then-record fourteen straight weeks, from February 1st through May 2nd, and on April 4th, the Beatles held the top five positions in the Hot 100 simultaneously.

Five

Walt Disney’s Pinocchio premiered in 1940. Who wrote the novel it was based on?

Answer: Carlo Collodi.

Pinocchio, a 1940 Disney animated film, follows the adventures of a wooden puppet who becomes a real boy. The film is renowned for its animation, storytelling, and music. The film won two Academy Awards: Best Original Score and Best Original Song for When You Wish Upon a Star. This made it the first Disney film to win either category.

What the Dickens

Each of these questions relates to today’s date, February 7th.

One

British novelist Charles Dickens was born on this day in 1812. But what does the word ‘Dickens’ refer to in the phrase ‘What the dickens’?

Two

After the death of King Hussein in 1999, his son Abdullah II became king in what country, and what countries border it?

Three

On this day, Michael Romanov became Tsar of Russia as Michael I and founded the Romanov dynasty. In what century was it founded? In what year did it end, and who was the last Tsar?

Four

Five

Walt Disney’s Pinocchio premiered in 1940. Who wrote the novel it was based on?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Fingal’s Cave—Answers

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

Today’s first question, relates to a birth on February 3rd, has a musical theme and the subsequent questions follow on from it.

One

A German composer who was born this day in 1809 wrote an 1830 overture which has been credited with popularising Fingal’s Cave as a tourist destination. Who was the composer, and in what country is the cave located?

Answer: Felix Mendelssohn; Scotland.

Fingal’s Cave, popularised by Mendelssohn’s overture, inspired many 19th-century artists and writers, including Verne, Wordsworth, Keats, and Turner, and more recently Pink Floyd. Its unique basalt columns and echoing chambers captivated visitors like Sir Walter Scott and Queen Victoria. The cave continues to inspire modern artists, featuring in films and exhibitions.

Two

In a Beatles’ song, the lyrics in verses I and III respectively mention a barber showing photographs and a fireman with an hourglass. Where are these characters located?

Answer: Penny Lane.

Penny Lane, a Beatles song written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, was inspired by a Liverpool street familiar to both. The song, evoking nostalgic childhood memories, was released in 1967 and topped the US Billboard Hot 100.

Three

An unexpected pairing led to this 1987 song, which has been described as ‘a spectacular blend of rock and opera, celebrating both the city of __ and the Olympic spirit with its grandiose composition’. What is both the name of the city and the song; and what are the names of the rock legend and world-famous soprano who formed the pairing?

Answer: Barcelona; Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé

Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé’s iconic song Barcelona was performed at the 1992 Olympics opening ceremony a year after Mercury’s death. The song, a collaboration between the rock legend and the operatic soprano, was recorded in 1987 and became a hit single. Mercury’s love for opera and his admiration for Caballé led to this memorable musical pairing.

Four

What place is in the title of a 1938 novel by Graham Greene and a 1974 song by Queen?

Answer: Brighton.

Both are set in Brighton, England. Brighton Rock is the title of both Greene’s novel and Queen’s song. Queen’s song, written by Brian May in 1973, features a famous guitar solo and was on the 1974 album Sheer Heart Attack. It gained renewed popularity after being featured in the 2017 film Baby Driver. Graham Greene’s 1938 novel is a murder thriller set in Brighton. It explores moral issues, class privilege, and evil.

Five

Sinfonia Antartica, which premiered in 1953 incorporated music from the 1948 film Scott of the Antarctic. Who composed Sinfonia Antartica?

Answer: Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Vaughan Williams composed his Seventh Symphony, Sinfonia Antartica, inspired by the musical score he had written for the film Scott of the Antarctic depicting Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated 1912 Terra Nova Expedition to the South Pole. The film, shot in Technicolour, follows Scott’s fundraising efforts, the expedition’s journey, and the tragic deaths of Scott and his team on their return journey from the pole.

Fingal’s Cave

Today’s first question, relates to a birth on February 3rd, has a musical theme and the subsequent questions follow on from it.

One

Two

In a Beatles’ song, the lyrics in verses I and III respectively mention a barber showing photographs and a fireman with an hourglass. Where are these characters located?

Three

Four

What place is in the title of a 1938 novel by Graham Greene and a 1974 song by Queen?

Five

Sinfonia Antartica, which premiered in 1953 incorporated music from the 1948 film Scott of the Antarctic. Who composed Sinfonia Antartica?

Good luck! The answers will be posted later.

The Truth Will Out—Answers

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

Simply choose today, are the statements below either true or false?

Stena Line’s *Jutlandica* in Gothenburg.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

True or false: ferries operating between Gothenburg, Sweden, and Frederikshavn in Denmark cross the Kattegat.

Answer: True

The Swedish company Stena Line operates between Gothenburg/Frederikshavn in Denmark. The Kattegat is a 140-mile (225 km) long strait which is linked to the North Sea by the Skagerrak and to the Baltic Sea by the Øresund.

Two

True or false: Humphrey Bogart’s character name in The African Queen (1951) was Charlie Allnut.

Answer: True

The African Queen was a John Huston film based on C.S. Forester’s 1935 novel of the same name. Bogart starred as Charlie Allnut alongside Katharine Hepburn as Rose Sayer.

Three

True or false: Harald Hardrada was the king of England who died at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066.

Answer: False

Hardrada was an epithet of Harald Sigurdsson, king of Norway, who did die in England that year, but on 25 September 1066 when he was defeated by the forces of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Godwinson, aka Harold II, king of England, died at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066 to be succeeded by William I (William the Conqueror).

Four

True or false: the film The Exorcist was based on the novel of the same name written by Stephen King.

Answer: False

The Exorcist (1973) is a horror film about a young girl’s demonic possession and the priests’ exorcism attempt. It was based on a screenplay by William Peter Blatty, which itself was based on his 1971 novel of the same name.

Five

True or false: pangolins are only native to Africa.

Answer: False

Pangolins are armoured placental mammals found in tropical Asia and Africa. They are nocturnal, feed mainly on termites, and defend themselves by rolling into a ball. Pangolins are the only mammals covered in scales and are threatened by poaching not only for meat but for their scales, which are used in traditional medicine. They are also believed to be a potential intermediate host for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

The Truth Will Out

Simply choose today, are the statements below either true or false?

One

True or false: ferries operating between Gothenburg, Sweden, and Frederikshavn in Denmark cross the Kattegat.

Two

True or false: Humphrey Bogart’s character name in The African Queen (1951) was Charlie Allnut.

Three

True or false: Harald Hardrada was the king of England who died at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066.

Four

True or false: the film The Exorcist was based on the novel of the same name written by Stephen King.

Five

True or false: pangolins are only native to Africa.

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Strangelove—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

Five questions about events related to today’s date, January 29th.

Colleen McCullough.
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

One

Australian novelist Colleen McCullough was best known for what romance set in a fictional Drogheda—named after Drogheda, Ireland—a sheep station in the Australian Outback?

Answer: The Thorn Birds

The Thorn Birds, a 1977 novel by Colleen McCullough, is a family saga set on an Australian sheep station. It is the best-selling book in Australian history and inspired an eponymous television series, which became one of the most-watched mini-series of all time. Colleen McCullough died today in 2015, aged 77.

Two

Who, born today in 1966, scored their somewhat controversial 1,000th career goal while playing for Vasco da Gama against Sport Recife in 2007?

Answer: Romário

Romário’s 1,000th career goal, scored from a penalty kick for Vasco da Gama, sparked debate due to his inclusion of goals from friendlies and unofficial games. While celebrated in Brazil, the milestone’s validity was questioned internationally. After his football career ended, he became a politician, advocating for people with disabilities.

Three

Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954, but in which U.S. state was she born?

Answer: Mississippi

Born in Kosciusko, Mississippi
Oprah Winfrey, an American media mogul, is best known for her influential talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is the richest Black woman and was once the world’s only Black billionaire.

Four

Released in cinemas today in 1964, Dr. Strangelove… but what was the full title?

Answer: Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

Dr. Strangelove is a 1964 political satire black comedy film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film, loosely based on the novel Red Alert, parodies Cold War fears of nuclear war and stars Peter Sellers in three roles. It is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films ever made.

Five

Who, born on this day in 1939, an Australian journalist and author, has used the pseudonyms Rose Blight and Dr. G?

Answer: Germaine Greer

Germaine Greer, an Australian writer and public intellectual, is a prominent and controversial figure in feminism. She was the columnist Rose Blight in Private Eye and Dr. G in Oz.

Strangelove

Five questions about events related to today’s date, January 29th.

One

Australian novelist Colleen McCullough was best known for what romance set in a fictional Drogheda—named after Drogheda, Ireland—a sheep station in the Australian Outback?

Two

Who, born today in 1966, scored their somewhat controversial 1,000th career goal while playing for Vasco da Gama against Sport Recife in 2007?

Three

Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954, but in which U.S. state was she born?

Four

Released in cinemas today in 1964, Dr. Strangelove… but what was the full title?

Five

Who, born on this day in 1939, an Australian journalist and author, has used the pseudonyms Rose Blight and Dr. G?

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