Quizology.Online

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

— Bertrand Russell

Tag: poetry

  • A Billion Here, A Billion There — Answers

    Bill Gates House, “Xanadu 2.0”. See question two.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s Answers

    The first question today is related to the date, 29 September. The remainder are not date-related but follow-on from number one.

    One

    On this day newspapers proclaimed the world’s first billionaire. Who was this billionaire and in what year were these stories published?

    Answers: John D. Rockefeller; 1916.

    In 1916, John D. Rockefeller was reported as the world’s first billionaire. Yet the claim remained uncertain. A sudden rise in the value of his oil holdings the day before seemed to push his wealth beyond $1 billion. Newspapers tracked his fortune like a baseball box score, though no exact count existed. Reporters had to estimate his assets and their value, making the billion-dollar figure an informed guess.

    Two

    Tech billionaire Bill Gates had a lakeside mansion built in Medina, Washington. A Wikipedia article about the house refers to it as follows:

    Some news articles call the house Xanadu 2.0, a reference to the motion picture …, which was itself a reference to the opening lines of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem …

    — Wikipedia

    What 1941 movie and poem published in 1816 are missing from this quote?

    Answers: Citizen Kane; Kubla Khan.

    In Xanadu did Kubla Khan

    A stately pleasure-dome decree:

    — Kubla Khan. Poetry Foundation

    Newsreel Narrator: [at beginning of newsreel on Charles Foster Kane’s death] In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree.

    — Citizen Kane. IMDb

    Three

    Which is the nearest planet to the Sun whose average orbital distance is more than one billion miles? This planet has only been explored by one spacecraft (in 1986): what spacecraft?

    Answer: Uranus; Voyager 2.

    Uranus is the third largest planet in our solar system. It’s about four times wider than Earth, and has an equatorial diameter of about 31,763 miles (51,118 kilometres). Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun, orbiting at an average distance of 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometres). It’s about 19 times farther from the Sun than Earth. The exploration of Uranus has been limited to telescopes and a single flyby by NASA’s Voyager 2 in 1986. During this mission, the spacecraft discovered 10 new moons and two new rings, studied the planet’s atmosphere, and imaged its five largest moons.

    Four

    What now deceased billionaire bought the island of Skorpios in the Ionian Sea in 1963; and who did this billionaire marry on the island in 1968?

    Answers: Aristotle Onassis; Jacqueline Kennedy.

    Skorpios, a private Ionian island bought by Aristotle Onassis in 1963, hosts three residences and hosted his 1968 wedding to Jacqueline Kennedy, former First Lady of the United States. After Onassis’s death, ownership passed to Christina and then Athina Onassis.

    Five

    In January 2025, an American tech company saw the largest one-day loss in market capitalisation for a U.S. company in history. What company and how much was that loss?

    Answers: Nvidia; $600 billion.

    By 7 January 2025, Nvidia’s $3.66 trillion market cap exceeded double the combined value of AMD, ARM, Broadcom and Intel. That month, DeepSeek’s V3 model caused Nvidia’s record $600 billion one-day loss; its AI assistant overtook ChatGPT on Apple’s App Store.

  • A Billion Here, A Billion There

    Bill Gates House, “Xanadu 2.0”. See question two.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    The first question today is related to the date, 29 September. The remainder are not date-related but follow-on from number one.

    One

    On this day newspapers proclaimed the world’s first billionaire. Who was this billionaire and in what year were these stories published?

    Two

    Tech billionaire Bill Gates had a lakeside mansion built in Medina, Washington. A Wikipedia article about the house refers to it as follows:

    Some news articles call the house Xanadu 2.0, a reference to the motion picture …, which was itself a reference to the opening lines of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem …

    — Wikipedia

    What 1941 movie and poem published in 1816 are missing from this quote?

    Three

    Which is the nearest planet to the Sun whose average orbital distance is more than one billion miles? This planet has only been explored by one spacecraft (in 1986): what spacecraft?

    Four

    What now deceased billionaire bought the island of Skorpios in the Ionian Sea in 1963; and who did this billionaire marry on the island in 1968?

    Five

    In January 2025, an American tech company saw the largest one-day loss in market capitalisation for a U.S. company in history. What company and how much was that loss?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • The Naming Of Cats Is A Difficult Matter — Answer

    Today’s Answers

    Charlie Parker, 1947.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question relates to the date 26 September, but the remainder are not date-related. They do, though, follow on a theme from the first.

    One

    On this day in 1939 Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats was published. Who was this ‘Old Possum’?

    Answer: T.S. Eliot.

    In 1939, T.S. Eliot released a collection of light verse titled Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, with ‘Old Possum’ being Ezra Pound’s affectionate nickname for him. The first edition featured an illustration of the author on the cover. In 1954, composer Alan Rawsthorne arranged six poems for speaker and orchestra in a piece called Practical Cats. Following Eliot’s death, the book became the foundation for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats, which premiered in the West End in 1981 and opened on Broadway the following year.

    Two

    What American singer, born in 1980, has been referred to as the ‘Voice of a Generation’?

    Answer: Christina Aguilera

    Christina María Aguilera, born 18 December 1980, in New York City, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Known for a four-octave range and reinventions, Rolling Stone ranked her among the greatest singers; her work draws acclaim and controversy.

    Three

    What high-ranking politician from the first couple of decades of the 21st century was given the nickname ‘Mutti’?

    Answer: Angela Merkel.

    Angela Merkel served as Germany’s chancellor from 2005 to 2021, making her the first woman and second longest-serving leader in that role. She was a key figure in European politics, advocating for austerity during the euro-zone debt crisis and maintaining open borders during a major refugee crisis. Her steady leadership navigated Germany through significant global challenges.

    Four

    Eric Clapton joined a band in 1963 which had a name which may have come from Jack Kerouac’s novel On the Road. This name was also the nickname of a legendary jazz saxophonist. What was the band’s name; and who was the sax player?

    Answer: The Yardbirds; Charlie ‘Yardbird’ Parker.

    Formed in London in 1963, the Yardbirds featured Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty and Anthony Topham. Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page played lead guitar before the 1968 split. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
    Charles Parker Jr., nicknamed Bird or Yardbird, was an influential American alto saxophonist, bandleader and composer central to bebop. He introduced revolutionary rhythms and harmonies and became an icon for hipsters and the Beat Generation as an uncompromising artist.

    Five

    In September 2026, there are seven reigning monarchs in Europe who are all descended from the same person. Who was that person, and what nickname was bestowed on them relating to earlier descendant rulers?

    Answers: Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom; Grandmother of Europe.

    Seven reigning monarchs descended from Queen Victoria: King Charles III of the United Kingdom; King Frederik X of Denmark; King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands; King Philippe of Belgium; King Felipe VI of Spain; King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden; and King Haakon VIII of Norway.

    The Naming Of Cats Is A Difficult Matter

    The post title is from Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and thought relevant as the questions are about names, not cats’ names but nicknames.

  • The Naming Of Cats Is A Difficult Matter

    Charlie Parker, 1947.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question relates to the date 26 September, but the remainder are not date-related. They do, though, follow on a theme from the first.

    One

    On this day in 1939 Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats was published. Who was this ‘Old Possum’?

    Two

    What American singer, born in 1980, has been referred to as the ‘Voice of a Generation’?

    Three

    What high-ranking politician from the first couple of decades of the 21st century was given the nickname ‘Mutti’?

    Four

    Eric Clapton joined a band in 1963 which had a name which may have come from Jack Kerouac’s novel On the Road. This name was also the nickname of a legendary jazz saxophonist. What was the band’s name; and who was the sax player?

    Five

    In September 2026, there are seven reigning monarchs in Europe who are all descended from the same person. Who was that person, and what nickname was bestowed on them relating to earlier descendant rulers?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Fact Finders — Answers

    Today’s Answers

    Sir Philip Sidney. See question five.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are all related to the date, 22nd September. Unusually there are seven questions and the post title should help you find the relevant facts.

    One

    The SI unit of capacitance is named after an English scientist born today in 1791. What is this unit?

    Answer: Farad.

    The Farad honours Michael Faraday, a self-taught English scientist whose early work in electromagnetism and electrochemistry laid the groundwork for modern electric motors and the concept of the electromagnetic field. He defined this field and showed that magnetism can affect light, while developing principles of electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism, and the laws of electrolysis. His invention of electromagnetic rotary devices helped make electricity practical for technological use.

    Two

    This professional boxer was the World Heavyweight Champion from 1959 to 1960, beating Floyd Patterson to win the title. He also appeared in the role of Private Torgil in the film All the Young Men (1960). Who was he?

    Answer: Ingemar Johansson.

    Ingemar Johansson, a Swedish world heavyweight champion, was disqualified in the 1952 Olympic semifinal against Ed Sanders for not fighting actively. The IOC awarded him the silver medal in 1982.

    Three

    The events asked about in question seven below took place in what US state?

    Answer: New York.

    See comments after answer seven below.

    Four

    Discovered over a period of ten years from the mid-1940s at the Qumran Caves in the West Bank, these became publicly available for the first time on 22 September 1991. What are they?

    Answer: Dead Sea Scrolls.

    Discovered near the Dead Sea, the Dead Sea Scrolls are mainly Hebrew manuscripts on leather and papyrus dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. Most scholars link them to a Qumrān sect, possibly the Essenes. They include biblical and sectarian texts, aiding reconstruction of Palestine’s history and insights into Christianity and rabbinic Judaism.

    Five

    In 1586, at the Battle of Zutphen in an action against the Spanish, the English statesman, soldier and poet Sir Philip Sidney was mortally injured, dying the following month. During what long war was this battle fought?

    Answer: Eighty Years War.

    Philip Sidney, an Elizabethan courtier and poet, authored Astrophel and Stella and The Defence of Poesie. From an influential family, he travelled Europe and served as ambassador to Rudolf II and Louis VI in 1577. On 22 September 1586 Sidney volunteered to block Spanish supplies to Zutphen, charging three times despite being outnumbered; a bullet shattered his thigh, yet he rode from the field. Taken to Arnhem, his wound became infected leading to his death four weeks later.

    Six

    In 1976, the US Food and Drug Administration banned … Dye No. 4 after it was discovered that it causes tumours in the bladders of dogs. What word is missing from the previous fact?

    Answer: Red.

    Red Dye No. 4, also known as Scarlet GN, is a red azo dye previously used as a food colourant. As a food additive, it is identified by the E number E125. It is generally supplied as a disodium salt.

    Seven

    What is the surname of the person who, on or about, this date in 1823 had a vision of an angel named Moroni?

    Answer: Smith.

    In 1823, near Manchester, in western New York, Joseph Smith reported a vision from Moroni concerning buried golden plates, which he excavated and translated into the Book of Mormon. Smith founded a religion claiming God restored the true church.

    Bonus Question

    The answers above should help with a word linked prominently to today’s quiz, although it is not the bonus answer but it might leave you in a muddle. The bonus answer you are looking for is the name of a television programme that debuted on 22nd September 1994. Which TV show?

    Answer: Friends.

    Your answers should have been Faraday, Ingemar Johansson, New York, Dead Sea Scrolls Eighty Years War, Red, Smith. Remember you were told the title — Fact Finders — would help you and the first words in each answer gives F I N D E R S. Another hint was ‘it might leave you in a muddle’: if you ‘muddle’ F I N D E R S you can end up with F R I E N D S.

  • Fact Finders

    Sir Philip Sidney. See question five.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are all related to the date, 22nd September. Unusually there are seven questions and the post title should help you find the relevant facts.

    One

    The SI unit of capacitance is named after an English scientist born today in 1791. What is this unit?

    Two

    This professional boxer was the World Heavyweight Champion from 1959 to 1960, beating Floyd Patterson to win the title. He also appeared in the role of Private Torgil in the film All the Young Men (1960). Who was he?

    Three

    The events asked about in question seven below took place in what US state?

    Four

    Discovered over a period of ten years from the mid-1940s at the Qumran Caves in the West Bank, these became publicly available for the first time on 22 September 1991. What are they?

    Five

    In 1586, at the Battle of Zutphen in an action against the Spanish, the English statesman, soldier and poet Sir Philip Sidney was mortally injured, dying the following month. During what long war was this battle fought?

    Six

    In 1976, the US Food and Drug Administration banned … Dye No. 4 after it was discovered that it causes tumours in the bladders of dogs. What word is missing from the previous fact?

    Seven

    What is the surname of the person who, on or about, this date in 1823 had a vision of an angel named Moroni?

    Bonus Question

    The answers above should help with a word linked prominently to today’s quiz, although it is not the bonus answer but it might leave you in a muddle. The bonus answer you are looking for is the name of a television programme that debuted on 22nd September 1994. Which TV show?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Far Flung Fortifications Fit VIII

    See question thirty-seven.
    Posthumous Portrait of Shelley Writing Prometheus Unbound, oil on canvas.
    Keats-Shelley Memorial House, Rome, Italy.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Over the next nine days, 46 questions will be posed, one for each letter of the alphabet plus 20 others (There will be six one day). The 20 others appear as duplicate letters, and these duplicates spell out the name of the Roman Fortification which in CE 150 to 160 was the furthest boundary from the city of Rome, and the country that it was situated in. It is a three-word answer with eight letters in the first part of the name and four in the second part; the country has eight letters in its name. 
BTW Fit, as used in the post title, is an archaic term meaning ‘a division of a song, ballad, or story’.

    Thirty-six

    Nicolas Cage ate a live cockroach for a scene in which 1980s film?

    Thirty-seven

    The title of which Percy Bysshe Shelley sonnet was the Greek name for Rameses II of Egypt?

    Thirty-eight

    Which Samuel Beckett play’s characters include Vladimir, Estragon, Pozzo and Lucky?

    Thirty-nine

    Which Persian king was assassinated in 465BC by Artabanus, the commander of the royal guard?

    Forty

    What is a tropical cyclone that originates in the Northwestern Pacific Basin known as?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers after all the questions have ben asked..

  • Far Flung Fortifications Fit VII

    Workers at the Troy Dam & Lock, New York, c.1915.

    Over the next nine days, 46 questions will be posed, one for each letter of the alphabet plus 20 others (There will be six one day). The 20 others appear as duplicate letters, and these duplicates spell out the name of the Roman Fortification which in CE 150 to 160 was the furthest boundary from the city of Rome, and the country that it was situated in. It is a three-word answer with eight letters in the first part of the name and four in the second part; the country has eight letters in its name. 
BTW Fit, as used in the post title, is an archaic term meaning ‘a division of a song, ballad, or story’.

    Thirty-one

    If reading a 32-point compass rose from north in a clockwise direction what point follows S?

    Thirty-two

    What word is defined as a ‘facility on a watch for measuring speed’?

    Thirty-three

    What is the Chinese province whose capital city is Chengdu?

    Thirty-four

    The Troy Dam and Lock, on the Hudson River at Troy, New York, are operated by (the) …

    Thirty-five

    During what war is the 1854 poem The Charge of the Light Brigade set?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers at a later date.

  • One Thing Leads to Another — Answer

    Today’s Answers

    Question One.
    Klondikers carrying supplies ascending the Chilkoot Pass, 1898.
    Source

    Today’s first question relates to 17 August and the subsequent ones follow on from the first.

    One

    Set during the Klondike Gold Rush, complete the title of British-Canadian poet Robert Service’s The Shooting of …?

    Answer: Dan McGrew.

    Gold found in 1896 launched the Klondike Gold Rush. Robert William Service, an English-born Canadian writer, became well known for his Klondike poems, including The Shooting of Dan McGrew and The Cremation of Sam McGee. Commercial success from collections such as Songs of a Sourdough allowed for travel and a leisurely life.

    Two

    Which nesosilicate mineral derives its name from the Persian word for ‘gold-hued’?

    Answer: Zircon.

    Zircon is a tetragonal nesosilicate (ZrSiO₄) yielding zirconium and containing hafnium at 1–4%. It precipitates from silicate melts and occurs in varied colours. The name comes from Persian zargun (“gold-hued”), becoming jargoon for light zircons; English zircon derives from German Zirkon.

    Three

    Which Persian king, ruler of the Achaemenid Empire, was assassinated in 465BC by Artabanus, the commander of the royal guard?

    Answer: Xerxes I or Xerxes the Great.

    Founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC, the Achaemenid Empire became the largest of its time, spanning from the Balkans to the Indus Valley. Alexander the Great conquered it in 330 BC; later, the Parthian Empire emerged. Its bureaucracy, tolerance and infrastructure influenced later empires.

    Four

    Alexander the Great extended the Macedonian kingdom as far east as what modern country?

    Answer: India.

    The Beas River, in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in northwestern India, marked Alexander the Great’s eastern limit in 326 BC after his troops mutinied at Mukerian. Alexander yielded after three days and raised twelve altars; their fate is unknown.

    Five

    What novel by Herman Wouk, which is about a mutiny, was turned into a 1954 film starring Humphrey Bogart?

    Answer: The Caine Mutiny.

    Herman Wouk’s 1951 novel The Caine Mutiny draws on Pacific Theater service to explore officers’ moral choices. A legalistic mutiny during Typhoon Cobra leads to a court-martial climax.

    One Thing Leads to Another

    The post title points to a trail through the questions. One is set during the Klondike Gold Rush; Two derives from Persian for ‘gold-hued’; Three is about a Persian king of the Achaemenid Empire; Four is about the conqueror of the Achaemenid Empire facing a mutiny; and Five is about a fictional mutiny.

  • One Thing Leads to Another

    Question One.
    Klondikers carrying supplies ascending the Chilkoot Pass, 1898.
    Source

    Today’s first question relates to 17 August and the subsequent ones follow on from the first.

    One

    Set during the Klondike Gold Rush, complete the title of British-Canadian poet Robert Service’s The Shooting of …?

    Two

    Which nesosilicate mineral derives its name from the Persian word for ‘gold-hued’?

    Three

    Which Persian king, ruler of the Achaemenid Empire, was assassinated in 465BC by Artabanus, the commander of the royal guard?

    Four

    Alexander the Great extended the Macedonian kingdom as far east as what modern country?

    Five

    What novel by Herman Wouk, which is about a mutiny, was turned into a 1954 film starring Humphrey Bogart?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.