Quizology.Online

“There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.”

— Bertrand Russell

Tag: music

  • A Spoonful of Sugar | Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown below.

    One

    On 9 August 1942, Dmitri Shostakovich’s 7th symphony premiered in a besieged city. Can you name that city?

    Answer: Leningrad

    Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 was premiered in Leningrad on 9 August 1942 during the Nazi siege. Despite the musicians’ starvation and the orchestra’s limited rehearsal time, the performance was a success, bolstered by a Soviet military offensive and broadcast to German lines.

    Two

    Construction of the campanile of the Cathedral of Pisa, also known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, began on this day. In which century did this construction commence, and approximately how long did it take to complete?

    Answer: 12th Century and 199 years (two centuries) to complete

    The Leaning Tower of Pisa, a freestanding bell tower in Pisa, Italy, is known for its nearly four-degree lean due to an unstable foundation. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, receiving over 5 million visitors annually.

    Three

    Answer: Jesse Owens and long jump

    Jesse Owens, an exceptionally gifted athlete, won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, defying Adolf Hitler’s hopes of showcasing Aryan supremacy. Owens’ achievements, which also include setting three world records in one hour in 1935, remain unparalleled.

    Four

    Born in Maryborough, Queensland, on 9 August 1899, this writer is best known for her Mary Poppins books. Who is she?

    Answer: P.L. Travers

    P.L. Travers, an Australian-English writer, authored the Mary Poppins books, a series of eight children’s books illustrated by Mary Shepard. The books follow the magical nanny Mary Poppins and her adventures with the Banks children. Walt Disney adapted the books into two musical films: Mary Poppins (1964) and its sequel, Mary Poppins Returns (2018). A stage musical, created by Disney Theatrical and Sir Cameron Mackintosh, ran on Broadway from 2006 to 2013.

    Five

    On this day in 1945, Bockscar sealed a place in history. Who or what was Bockscar?

    Answer: Boeing B-29 Superfortress

    Bockscar, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, dropped the second nuclear weapon on Nagasaki during WWII. It was one of 15 Silverplate B-29s used by the 509th Composite Group.

  • A Spoonful of Sugar

    A few questions related to events connected to today, August 9th.

    One

    On 9 August 1942, Dmitri Shostakovich’s 7th symphony premiered in a besieged city. Can you name that city?

    Two

    Construction of the campanile of the Cathedral of Pisa, also known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, began on this day. In which century did this construction commence, and approximately how long did it take to complete?

    Three

    On 9 August 1936, at the Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, Jesse Owens of the USA won his fourth gold medal of the games in the 4 x 100m sprint relay. He also won gold medals in the 100m dash and 200m sprint. In what other event did he win gold at these games?

    Four

    Born in Maryborough, Queensland, on 9 August 1899, this writer is best known for her Mary Poppins books. Who is she?

    Five

    On this day in 1945, Bockscar sealed a place in history. Who or what was Bockscar?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • We Have All the Time in the World | Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown below.

    One

    Burkina Faso, an African country, changed to that name on August 4, 1984. What was its name prior to that?

    Answer: Republic of Upper Volta

    This landlocked West African country, which had been a French colony, gained full independence in 1960 and changed its name to Burkina Faso on this day in 1984.

    Two

    On this day in 1944, following a tip from an informer the Gestapo search a warehouse and find and arrest Jewish diarist Anne Frank, her family, and four others. In what city was the warehouse located?

    Answer: Amsterdam

    Diarist Anne Frank (Annelies Marie Frank), a German-born Jewish girl, documented her life in hiding during the German occupation of the Netherlands in a diary. After being arrested by the Gestapo and transported to concentration camps, Anne and her sister Margot died in Bergen-Belsen, likely from typhus. Her diary, published posthumously by her father Otto, became a global bestseller and a powerful testament to the Holocaust. The warehouse, offices and secret annex are now a museum, Anne Frank House.

    Three

    An actor born today in 1955, played Dan Truman, a NASA executive, in Armageddon (1998) and Davy Crockett in The Alamo (2004). Who is he?

    Answer: Billy Bob Thornton

    Billy Bob Thornton is an American actor, filmmaker, singer, and songwriter. He gained international attention for his work in Sling Blade and has since appeared in numerous films and television series, winning several awards including an Academy Award and Golden Globes. Thornton is also a musician, having released four solo albums and performing with the Boxmasters.

    Four

    The last Empress of India was born 4 August 1900 in England. What was here name, and her primary title between December 1936 and February 1952?

    Answer: Elizabeth and Her Majesty the Queen

    Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon, born on 4 August 1900, reigned as Queen of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 to 6 February 1952, as the wife of King George VI.  She held the title of Empress of India from 1936 until the dissolution of the British Raj on 15 August 1947. Following her husband’s passing, she was officially known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother to distinguish her from her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II.

    Five

    A man described by Encyclopædia Britannica as…

    a prolifically gifted natural musician and the leading trumpeter in jazz history

    …was born 4 august 1901. Almost seven decades later he sang We Have All the Time in the World in a Bond film. Who was he?

    Answer: Louis Armstrong

    Louis Armstrong, a highly influential American jazz trumpeter and vocalist, was born in New Orleans and rose to prominence in the 1920s. He shifted jazz’s focus from collective improvisation to solo performance and became an international icon by the 1950s. We Have All the Time in the World” was featured on the soundtrack of the James Bondfilm _On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

  • We Have All the Time in the World

    These are all linked by today’s date, August 4th.

    One

    Burkina Faso, an African country, changed to that name on August 4, 1984. What was its name prior to that?

    Two

    On this day in 1944, following a tip from an informer the Gestapo search a warehouse and find and arrest Jewish diarist Anne Frank, her family, and four others. In what city was the warehouse located?

    Three

    An actor born today in 1955, played Dan Truman, a NASA executive, in Armageddon (1998) and Davy Crockett in The Alamo (2004). Who is he?

    Four

    The last Empress of India was born 4 August 1900 in England. What was her name, and her primary title between December 1936 and February 1952?

    Five

    A man described by Encyclopædia Britannica as…

    a prolifically gifted natural musician and the leading trumpeter in jazz history

    …was born 4 August 1901. Almost seven decades later he sang We Have All the Time in the World in a Bond film. Who was he?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • Divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived. | Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown below.

    One

    18the Duke of Norfolk wearing parliamentary robes as Earl Marshal in 2022.
    Image Wikipedia

    Which English Duke, the hereditary Earl Marshal, was responsible for arranging Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral and the accession and coronation of King Charles III?

    Answer: (Duke of) Norfolk

    Edward William Fitzalan-Howard’s family connection to the Royal Family is long, with the 3rd Duke of Norfolk being the uncle of both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, the second and fifth wives respectively of Henry VII.

    Two

    Jennyanydots, Cats.
    Image alchetron.com

    Jennyanydots features in what musical?

    Answer: Cats

    Jennyanydots, originally a character from T.S Eliot’s poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, later became a character in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats. While she appears lazy during the day, she becomes active at night, ruling mice and cockroaches. In the musical, she leads a tap dancing routine.

    Three

    Mr Incredible and Elastigirl.
    Image Screenrant

    Bob and Helen Parr are a superhero couple known as…

    Answer: Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl

    Parr was the surname of Catherine, the sixth wife of Henry VIII.
    The Incredibles is a 2004 Pixar film about a superhero couple, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, who hide their powers to live a quiet suburban life. However, Mr. Incredible’s desire to help people draws the entire family into a confrontation with a vengeful fan. The film received widespread acclaim for its animation, screenplay, and voice acting.

    Four

    Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, 1977 Open Championship, Turnberry.
    Image tomwatson.com

    The 1977 Open Championship, famously remembered for the ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, was held at which Open Championship venue?

    Answer: Turnberry

    The 1977 Open Championship, held at Turnberry, Scotland, was won by Tom Watson by one stroke over Jack Nicklaus. The two golfers, who played together in the final two rounds, separated themselves from the field, leading to the championship being remembered as the ‘Duel in the Sun’.

    Five

    Solitaire (Jane Seymour), Live and Let Die, 1973.
    Image Screenrant

    Joyce Penelope Wilhelmina Frankenberg’s stage name is the same as one of Henry VIII’s wives. In 1973, she played a Bond girl in Live and Let Die. What is her stage name, and what character did she portray in this film?

    Answer: Jane Seymour and Solitaire

    Jane Seymour was also the name of the third wife of Henry VIII,
    Jane Seymour, born Joyce Frankenberg, is a British actress known for roles in film and television, including The Onedin Line and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. She has received numerous awards and nominations, including Golden Globes and Emmys, for her performances. Seymour is also a philanthropist, author and designer.

  • Divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived.

    Portrait of a Lady, perhaps Katherine Howard (1520-1542) c. 1540 Hans Holbein the Younger (1497/8-1543) Image Royal collection Trust

    On 28 July 1540 King Henry VIII of England privately married his fifth wife, Catherine Howard. A few of today’s questions are tenuously linked to this and two are not.

    One

    Which English Duke, the hereditary Earl Marshal, was responsible for arranging Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral and the accession and coronation of King Charles III?

    Two

    Jennyanydots features in what musical?

    Three

    Bob and Helen Parr are a superhero couple known as…

    Four

    The 1977 Open Championship, famously remembered for the ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, was held at which Open Championship venue?

    Five

    Joyce Penelope Wilhelmina Frankenberg’s stage name is the same as one of Henry VIII’s wives. In 1973, she played a Bond girl in Live and Let Die. What is her stage name, and what character did she portray in this film?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • I Hope Someday You’ll Join Us | Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown highlighted below.

    Born in London Bob Hope’s family emigrated to the United States two months before his fifth birthday. Hope was an American comedian, actor and entertainer with a nearly 80-year career spanning vaudeville, radio, television and USO Tours. He starred in over 50 films, including the Road to … series with Bing Crosby, and hosted the Academy Awards a record 19 times. Hope retired in 1999 and died in 2003 at the age of 100.

    One

    Entertainers Bob Hope and Ann Jillian perform for military personnel at the USO Christmas Tour during Operation Desert Shield.
    Image Wikipedia

    In the 1995 Bob Hope Classic pro-am golf tournament, three United States presidents participated in a team with Bob Hope and professional golfer Scott Hoch. Who were the three presidents who were involved in this event?

    Answer: Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford

    This event marked the first time a sitting president – Clinton – had played during a PGA Tour event and perhaps the first time three presidents had ever played together.
    The Bob Hope Classic, with its long history and association with golf in the Coachella Valley, has featured celebrities like Frank Sinatra and US presidents Eisenhower, Ford, Bush and Clinton. The tournament’s legacy, including Hope’s name, ensures continued charitable donations.

    Two

    Mars taken by Hope. Image Wikipedia

    Which nation launched the Hope probe, an unmanned space exploration probe, on a mission to Mars in 2020?

    Answer: United Arab Emirates

    The Emirates Mars Mission, led by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, successfully sent the Hope probe to Mars in 2021. The mission, involving 200 Emirati scientists and engineers, studies Mars’ weather cycles and atmospheric loss, contributing to the UAE’s knowledge-based economy. The UAE became the first Arab country and fifth country to reach Mars.

    Three

    Len Deighton.
    Image spyscape.com

    Hope (1995), a novel in the Faith, Hope and Charity trilogy, is written by whom?

    Answer: Len Deighton

    Bernard Samson, a middle-aged SIS officer, is the central character in Len Deighton’s three trilogies. The plot revolves around his wife Fiona’s defection to East Germany, leaving Bernard to question her loyalty and his own. The first trilogy comprises the books Berlin Game, Mexico Set and London Match. The second trilogy comprises Spy Hook, Spy Line and Spy Sinker. The third and final trilogy comprises Faith, Hope and Charity.

    Four

    1960 Hopestar SM.
    Image Wikipedia

    In which country was the company that began manufacturing the pictured vehicle in 1952 based?

    Answer: Japan

    In 1952 the Hope Jidosha Company in Tokyo (Japan) built a 3-wheeler that had a 7cwt carrying capacity. The vehicle was powered by a 350cc twin-piston 2 stroke engine that provided power to the rear wheels. The Hope Star came with a number of body variations and the company also produced 4-wheeler trucks up until 1962.

    Five

    John Lennon, 1974.
    Image Wikipedia

    You may say I’m a dreamer
    But I’m not the only one
    I hope someday you’ll join us
    And the world will live as one

    The word ‘hope’ appears in this final verse of a 1971 song. Can you identify the song and the singer-songwriter?

    Answer: Imagine – John Lennon

    Imagine, a song by John Lennon, encourages listeners to imagine a world of peace without materialism, borders or religion. The song, co-produced by Lennon, Yoko Ono and Phil Spector, has been widely praised and covered by over 200 artists. It remains controversial due to its lyrics, particularly the lyric ‘no religion too’.

    Imagine

    (from Imagine: John Lennon soundtrack)

    Imagine there’s no heaven
    It’s easy if you try
    No hell below us
    Above us only sky
    Imagine all the people
    Living for today… Aha-ah…

    Imagine there’s no countries
    It isn’t hard to do
    Nothing to kill or die for
    And no religion, too
    Imagine all the people
    Living life in peace… You…

    You may say I’m a dreamer
    But I’m not the only one
    I hope someday you’ll join us
    And the world will be as one

    Imagine no possessions
    I wonder if you can
    No need for greed or hunger
    A brotherhood of man
    Imagine all the people
    Sharing all the world… You…

    You may say I’m a dreamer
    But I’m not the only one
    I hope someday you’ll join us
    And the world will live as one

    – AZ Lyrics

  • I Hope Someday You’ll Join Us

    British-born comic, actor, and entertainer Bob Hope passed away on July 27, 2003, at the age of 100. All today’s questions relate to the word or name ‘Hope’

    Bob Hope putting in Oval Office watched by US President Richard Nixon.
    Image Die Welt

    One

    In the 1995 Bob Hope Classic pro-am golf tournament, three United States presidents participated in a team with Bob Hope and professional golfer Scott Hoch. Who were the three presidents who were involved in this event?

    Two

    Which nation launched the Hope probe, an unmanned space exploration probe, on a mission to Mars in 2020?

    Three

    Hope (1995), a novel in the Faith, Hope and Charity trilogy, is written by whom?

    Four

    1960 Hopestar SM.
    Image Wikipedia

    In which country was the company that began manufacturing the pictured vehicle in 1952 based?

    Five

    You may say I’m a dreamer
    But I’m not the only one
    I hope someday you’ll join us
    And the world will live as one

    The word ‘hope’ appears in this final verse of a 1971 song. Can you identify the song and the singer-songwriter?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • Crossing the pond | Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown highlighted below.

    Live Aid, John F Kennedy Stadium, Philadelphia.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    The Live Aid concerts were held on Saturday, 13 July 1985 in the UK and the USA. In which two stadiums were these concerts held?

    Answer: Wembley Stadium, London and John F. Kennedy Stadium, Philadelphia

    Live Aid, a benefit concert for the Ethiopian famine, was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium and John F. Kennedy Stadium on 13 July 1985. The event, organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, was broadcast to an estimated 1.9 billion people in 150 nations.

    British dirigible R.34 at Mineola, Long Island, N.Y. 6 July 1919.
    Image Wikipedia

    Two

    R.34 became the first aircraft to make a return transatlantic flight. What seven letter word best describes R.34?

    Answer:

    R.34, the first aircraft of any type to carry passengers across the Atlantic. Flying from RAF East Fortune in Scotland R.34 completed the first east-west aerial crossing in 108 hours, arriving in Mineola, Long Island on 6 July 1919. On arrival, and to assist the ground crew, Major E. M. Pritchard jumped by parachute and so became the first person to reach American soil by air from Europe. The return journey to RNAS Pulham took 75 hours.

    Football used in the 1930 World Cup Final on display at the National Football Museum, Preston. Due to a dispute between the teams, two balls were used in the final, one in each half. This ball, chosen by the Uruguayan team, was used in the second half.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    Today, in 1930, the inaugural FIFA World Cup began in Uruguay. Thirteen teams participated in the competition. Can you name as many of the four European teams that took part?

    Answer: Belgium, France, Romania and Yugoslavia

    The 1930 FIFA World Cup, the inaugural tournament, was held in Uruguay to celebrate the country’s centenary and its Olympic football victory. Thirteen teams participated, with Uruguay defeating Argentina in the final to become the first World Cup champions.

    Ronald reagan and George HW Bush. Image Wikipedia

    Four

    On this day, Vice President George HW Bush became the Acting President for the day while the President was undergoing surgery. Who was the President?

    Answer:

    President Reagan temporarily transferred power to Vice President Bush for about eight hours while undergoing surgery. Reagan sent a letter to the President pro tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, transferring Presidential power to Bush. Reagan reclaimed his authority after the surgery, signing another letter in the presence of his chief of staff, counsel and surgeon.

    Five

    The Dartmouth workshop, widely considered as the first conference on artificial intelligence, was held during the summer of…

    • 1956
    • 1961
    • 1965

    Answer:

    The Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence in 1956, organised by John McCarthy, is considered the founding of AI as a field. The workshop, which brought together experts in computing and cognitive science, hypothesised that machines could simulate human intelligence and learning. The term “AI” was coined during this conference.

  • Crossing the pond

    Today a mixture of questions, some of which entail crossing the Atlantic.

    Pink Floyd at Live Aid, London.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    The Live Aid concerts were held on Saturday, 13 July 1985 in the UK and the USA. In which two stadiums were these concerts held?

    Two

    R.34 became the first aircraft to make a return transatlantic flight. What seven letter word best describes R.34?

    Three

    Today, in 1930, the inaugural FIFA World Cup began in Uruguay. Thirteen teams participated in the competition. Can you name as many of the four European teams that took part?

    Four

    On this day, Vice President George HW Bush became the Acting President for the day while the President was undergoing surgery. Who was the President?

    Five

    The Dartmouth workshop, widely considered as the first conference on artificial intelligence, was held during the summer of…

    • 1956
    • 1961
    • 1965

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.