Gallimaufry VI—Answers

Here are wandered to my earlier questions.

Today, a sixth dose of gallimaufry, that is ‘a confused jumble or medley of things’.

Question five. Watergate Complex, Washington D.C.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

What American golfer founded the US Masters golf tournament?

Answer: Bobby Jones.

Jones retired from golf in 1930 and, with Clifford Roberts, bought a nursery in Augusta to create a golf club. The club opened in 1933 with a members’ tournament, which was expanded the following year, and the Masters tournament began.


Two

What two countries have shores on Lake Titicaca?

Answer: Bolivia and Peru.

Lake Titicaca, located in the Andes on the Bolivia–Peru border, has a single outlet, the Río Desaguadero. It faces challenges from receding water levels due to climate change and pollution from growing urban centres, threatening its biodiversity.


Boris Karloff as the monster in the film Frankenstein, directed by James Whale and released in 1931.
Universal Studios
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

Three

Born in London, United Kingdom, in 1887, William Henry Pratt rose to fame as a renowned actor. His career spanned from 1911 to 1968, beginning with a significant role in the film serial The Hope Diamond Mystery in 1920. In 1932, he took on the title role in The Mask of Fu Manchu. Beyond his acting career, Pratt was also known for his charitable work. From 1940 onwards, he donned the Father Christmas costume every Christmas to deliver presents to physically disabled children at a Baltimore hospital. What is his stage name?

Answer: Boris Karloff

Boris Karloff, an English actor, was a horror icon known for his roles in Frankenstein, The Mummy and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! He also appeared in numerous films, stage plays, radio and television programmes.


Four

What two names fill the blanks and complete this list: Javier Pérez de Cuéllar ____ Kofi Annan ____ António Guterres?

Answer: Boutros Boutros-Ghali; Ban Ki-moon

It is a list of those who have held the office of Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1982 until present (February 2026). The UN Secretary-General oversees the UN Secretariat, one of the six principal UN organs. The role, qualifications, selection process, and tenure are established by custom.


Five

All the President’s Men is a non-fiction book detailing the Watergate break-ins, the ensuing political scandal, and the eventual downfall of President Richard M. Nixon. It was penned by the two Washington Post journalists who uncovered the story. Who are these journalists?

Answer: Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward.

The Watergate scandal involved a 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters by operatives linked to President Nixon’s re-election campaign. Nixon’s attempts to cover up his administration’s involvement led to his resignation in 1974. The scandal, considered the greatest presidential scandal, resulted in numerous convictions and had lasting electoral consequences for the Republican Party.


Gallimaufry VI

Today, a sixth dose of gallimaufry, that is ‘a confused jumble or medley of things’.

Question five. Watergate Complex, Washington D.C.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

What American golfer founded the US Masters golf tournament?


Two

What two countries have shores on Lake Titicaca?


Three

Born in London, United Kingdom, in 1887, William Henry Pratt rose to fame as a renowned actor. His career spanned from 1911 to 1968, beginning with a significant role in the film serial The Hope Diamond Mystery in 1920. In 1932, he took on the title role in The Mask of Fu Manchu. Beyond his acting career, Pratt was also known for his charitable work. From 1940 onwards, he donned the Father Christmas costume every Christmas to deliver presents to physically disabled children at a Baltimore hospital. What is his stage name?


Four

What two names fill the blanks and complete this list: Javier Pérez de Cuéllar ____ Kofi Annan ____ António Guterres?


Five

All the President’s Men is a non-fiction book detailing the Watergate break-ins, the ensuing political scandal, and the eventual downfall of President Richard M. Nixon. It was penned by the two Washington Post journalists who uncovered the story. Who are these journalists?

Goood luck! I’ll post the answers later.


Really Useful Robots—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

Today the questions all relate to February 11th.

An example of a robot but not one connected to question one.
Marvin the Paranoid Android from
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,
Gunnersbury park museum, London
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

In what decade was the first science fiction television programme broadcast?

Answer: 1930s.

The first known science fiction television programme was produced by the BBC’s pre-war television service in Great Britain. On 11 February 1938, a 35-minute adapted extract of the play R.U.R., written by the Czech playwright Karel Čapek, was broadcast live from the BBC’s Alexandra Palace studios. Concerning a future world in which robots rise up against their human masters, it was the only piece of science fiction to be produced before the television service was suspended for the duration of the war. Today’s post title is a hint towards this play, using the same initials, but the play’s ‘R.U.R.’ stands for Rossumovi Univerzální Roboti—Rossum’s Universal Robots—and not Really Useful Robots.


Two

On this day in 1929, a treaty was signed recognising papal sovereignty over Vatican City. What was the treaty’s name and who was the Italian signatory?

Answer: Lateran Treaty; Benito Mussolini.

The Lateran Treaty of 1929 established Vatican City as an independent state and settled the Roman question between Italy and the Holy See. The treaty was named after the Lateran Palace where it was signed on 11 February 1929. It was revised in 1984, ending Catholicism as Italy’s sole state religion.


Three

Today marks the traditional date for Jimmu’s founding of which country’s empire in 660 BCE?

Answer: Japan.

Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan, is said to have ascended the throne in 660 BCE. His story, recounted in the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki, involves a divine lineage from the sun goddess Amaterasu and a military expedition from Kyushu to Yamato. While his existence is debated by scholars, Jimmu’s legacy endures as a symbol of Japan’s imperial lineage and is celebrated annually on February 11th as National Foundation Day.


Four

In 1858, 14-year-old Mademoiselle Soubirous had visions of the Virgin Mary. Where did this occur, and what was Mademoiselle Soubirous’s first name?

Answer: Lourdes, France; Bernadette.

In February 1858, 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous reported seeing visions of a ‘small young lady’ at the grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, later believed to be the Virgin Mary. The apparitions, which continued daily for two weeks despite scepticism from local authorities and clergy, including Father Peyramale, instructed Bernadette to perform acts of penance. On 25 March, Bernadette claimed the Virgin revealed herself as the ‘Immaculate Conception’, prompting further investigation and increasing pilgrimages. The growing number of witnesses to Bernadette’s visions led to widespread attention and speculation.


Five

On this date, and in what year did the World Health Organisation officially name the coronavirus outbreak COVID-19? And up to February 2026, to the nearest million, how many people have died from COVID-19?

Answer: 2020; 7 million.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an estimated 7.1 million confirmed deaths worldwide. Estimates indicate that the total number of deaths could range from 19.1 to 36 million.


Really Useful Robots

Today the questions all relate to February 11th.

An example of a robot but not one connected to question one.
Marvin the Paranoid Android from
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,
Gunnersbury park museum, London
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

In what decade was the first science fiction television programme broadcast?


Two

On this day in 1929, a treaty was signed recognising papal sovereignty over Vatican City. What was the treaty’s name and who was the Italian signatory?


Three

Today marks the traditional date for Jimmu’s founding of which country’s empire in 660 BCE?


Four

In 1858, 14-year-old Mademoiselle Soubirous had visions of the Virgin Mary. Where did this occur, and what was Mademoiselle Soubirous’s first name?


Five

On this date, and in what year did the World Health Organisation officially name the coronavirus outbreak COVID-19? And up to February 2026, to the nearest million, how many people have died from COVID-19?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


Who’s Who—Answers

Here are the answers

All of these questions relate to people who are connected to today, February 6th.

Main Street, Tampico, Illinois.
Image The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal

One

An American actor and politician born in Tampico, Illinois, in 1911. After Eureka College, he became a radio sports broadcaster in Iowa. He was actively involved with labour unions before getting into politics. He died in 2004. Who is he?

Answer: Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, served from 1981 to 1989. His presidency was marked by significant economic policies, including tax cuts and increased defence spending, known as ‘Reaganomics’. While proponents highlight his accomplishments in economic growth and ending the Cold War, opponents criticise his policies for increasing the national debt and cutting social services.


Two

In 1694, Dandara, the warrior queen and leader of the runaway slaves Quilombo dos Palmares in Brazil, was captured and chose suicide over a return to slavery. What English seven-letter word, derived from Spanish cimarrón meaning ‘wild’, did European slavers use to describe these escaped slaves?

Answer: Maroons

In Brazil the Africans set up settlements known as Quilombos. The most famous of such settlements was Quilombo dos Palmares, in the northeastern part of Brazil. It functioned successfully as an independent republic of the maroons in the 17th century, following an African pattern of social organization. At its apex, it was the home and refuge of some 20,000 African men, women, and children who had managed to escape the dreadful experience of plantation life. — Encyclopædia Britannica


Three

In the mid-20th century, this person became ruler on the death of their father, who himself had not expected to hold the post. They remained in this role for an astonishing 25,782 days?

Answer: Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

Her father, George VI, came to the throne on the abdication of his brother Edward VIII. Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms, reigned for 70 years and 214 days, the longest of any British monarch. Born in 1926, she became queen in 1952 and witnessed significant political changes, including the UK’s accession and withdrawal from the European Communities. Despite occasional republican sentiment and media criticism, her popularity remained high throughout her reign.


Four

Born in Munich, Germany, in 1912, this woman met in 1929 the man who became Chancellor of Germany a few years later. She married him in 1945. She died in Berlin, Germany, aged 33. Who was she?

Answer: Eva Braun

Eva Braun, was Adolf Hitler’s longtime companion and briefly his wife. She lived with him from 1930 until their deaths in 1945, when they died by suicide in the Führerbunker as the war ended.


Five

This monarch ruled England, Scotland and Ireland from 1702 to 1707 and then Great Britain and Ireland until their death in 1714, which marked the end of a dynasty. Who was this monarch?

Answer: Queen Anne.

The Union of the Crowns in 1707 united the Kingdoms of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain. Anne, the last Stuart monarch, ruled Great Britain and Ireland from 1702 to 1714. She favoured moderate Tory politicians and experienced estrangement from her sister Mary and friend Sarah Churchill. Despite 17 pregnancies, Anne died childless, marking the end of the House of Stuart and leading to the succession of George I of the House of Hanover.


Who’s Who

All of these questions relate to people who are connected to today, February 6th.

Main Street, Tampico, Illinois.
Image The Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal

One

An American actor and politician born in Tampico, Illinois, in 1911. After Eureka College, he became a radio sports broadcaster in Iowa. He was actively involved with labour unions before getting into politics. He died in 2004. Who is he?


Two

In 1694, Dandara, the warrior queen and leader of the runaway slaves Quilombo dos Palmares in Brazil, was captured and chose suicide over a return to slavery. What English seven-letter word, derived from Spanish cimarrón meaning ‘wild’, did European slavers use to describe these escaped slaves?


Three

In the mid-20th century, this person became ruler on the death of their father, who himself had not expected to hold the post. They remained in this role for an astonishing 25,782 days?


Four

Born in Munich, Germany, in 1912, this woman met in 1929 the man who became Chancellor of Germany a few years later. She married him in 1945. She died in Berlin, Germany, aged 33. Who was she?


Five

This monarch ruled England, Scotland and Ireland from 1702 to 1707 and then Great Britain and Ireland until their death in 1714, which marked the end of a dynasty. Who was this monarch?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


Flying the Flag—Answers

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

The first two questions reference today’s date, February 1st. The rest continue the flag theme.

One

Flag if Myanmar.
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

In 2021, the military of this country staged a coup d’état, ousting the country’s de facto leader. What country and who was the de facto leader?

Answer: Myanmar; Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, is a Southeast Asian country with a population of about 55 million. Aung San Suu Kyi, a prominent politician, State Counsellor, and Nobel laureate, faced criticism for her leadership and was arrested following the 2021 military coup.


Two

Flag of United Nations.
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

In 1946, who was elected as this organisation’s first head and what was their title?

Answer: Trygve Lie; Secretary-General of the United Nations

Trygve Lie, the first UN Secretary-General, served from 1946 to 1952. He resigned due to Soviet opposition stemming from his support for UN intervention in the Korean War. Lie also faced challenges from McCarthyism in the United States.


Today’s remaining questions continue the flag theme but are not related to the date.


Three

Flag of Nepal.
Image Wikimedia Commons

What country is flying high with this flag?

Answer: Nepal

Nepal stands alone as the only modern nation without a rectangular national flag. The flag, which was adopted in 1962, consists of two united pennant shapes, crimson with blue borders, and decorated with stylised sun and moon symbols. It uses traditional designs with symbolic elements representing bravery, peace and Nepal’s national flower.


Four

‘P’ aka Blue Peter.
Image Wikimedia Commons

What does it signify if a ship in harbour displays this international maritime signal flag as a single flag?

Answer: All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea.

In English, the flag is known as the Blue Peter. It represents the letter ‘P’ if being used with other flags to spell out a message, and when flown on its own, in a harbour, it is an indication that the ship is preparing to depart, and all crew and passengers should report onboard.


Five

Flag of Vatican City State.
Image Wikimedia Commons

This national flag was raised for the first time at the UN headquarters in 2015. Where does it represent?

Answer: Vatican City State (or Holy See)

The flag of Vatican City, adopted in 1929, features a vertical yellow and white bicolour with the emblem of the Holy See. It symbolises the Catholic faith and can be displayed at Catholic churches.


Flying the Flag

The first two questions reference today’s date, February 1st. The rest continue the flag theme.

One

Image Encyclopædia Britannica

In 2021, the military of this country staged a coup d’état, ousting the country’s de facto leader. What country and who was the de facto leader?


Two

Image Encyclopædia Britannica

In 1946, who was elected as this organisation’s first head and what was their title?


Today’s remaining questions continue the flag theme but are not related to the date.


Three

Image Wikimedia Commons

What country is flying high with this flag?


Four

Image Wikimedia Commons

What does it signify if a ship in harbour displays this international maritime signal flag as a single flag?


Five

Image Wikimedia Commons

This national flag was raised for the first time at the UN headquarters in 2015. Where does it represent?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


Communicator—Answers

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

These questions all relate to today’s date, January 9th.

First generation iPhone.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

What year was the first iPhone released?

  1. 2007
  2. 2008
  3. 2009

Answer: 1. 2007

iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs on January 9, 2007, and went on sale later that year. It transformed the phone into a handheld computer, fusing communication, entertainment and internet access. Since its release, it has evolved with improved cameras, faster processors, and new features like face recognition.


Two

In 1982, Catherine, princess of Wales was born. What was her maiden surname?

  1. Middleditch
  2. Middlesmyth
  3. Middleton

Answer: 3. Middleton

Catherine, Princess of Wales, born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton, is the consort of Prince William, heir apparent to the British throne. She became Princess of Wales in 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Catherine is known for her warmth and relatability, and is actively involved in various charities, particularly those focused on children and mental health.


Three

Which traditional American folk song, recorded by Joan Baez on her 1960 debut album, became one of her signature performances and helped spark the 1960s folk revival?

  1. This Land Is Your Land
  2. Silver Dagger
  3. John Henry

Answer: 2. Silver Dagger

Joan Baez was born this day in 1941. Her first album, Joan Baez (1960), was recorded in just a few days and featured only her voice and acoustic guitar. Despite its simplicity, it became a landmark folk record and influenced countless artists—including a young Bob Dylan—by bringing traditional ballads like Silver Dagger to a wide, modern audience.


Four

In 1816, Humphrey Davy tested what device at Hebburn Colliery in England?

  1. Safety fuse
  2. Safety helmet
  3. Safety lamp

Answer: 3. Safety lamp

The Davy lamp, invented in 1815 by Sir Humphry Davy, is a safety lamp used in flammable atmospheres, particularly coal mines. It consists of a wick lamp enclosed in a mesh screen, acting as a flame arrestor to prevent explosions. Despite its initial promise, the Davy lamp’s unreliability and the false sense of security it provided contributed to an increase in mine accidents, highlighting the need for improved ventilation and safer practises.


Five

Born in 1913, Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. During his presidency Nixon became associated with what group of tradesmen?

  1. Carpenters
  2. Mechanics
  3. Plumbers

Answer: 3. Plumbers

The Watergate Plumbers, a covert group formed during Richard Nixon’s presidency, aimed to suppress leaks of classified information, especially the Pentagon Papers. Their most notorious involvement was the Watergate break-in, which ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation.


Communicator

These questions all relate to today’s date, January 9th.

First generation iPhone.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

What year was the first iPhone released?

  1. 2007
  2. 2008
  3. 2009

Two

In 1982, Catherine, princess of Wales was born. What was her maiden surname?

  1. Middleditch
  2. Middlesmyth
  3. Middleton

Three

Which traditional American folk song, recorded by Joan Baez on her 1960 debut album, became one of her signature performances and helped spark the 1960s folk revival?

  1. This Land Is Your Land
  2. Silver Dagger
  3. John Henry

Four

In 1816, Humphrey Davy tested what device at Hebburn Colliery in England?

  1. Safety fuse
  2. Safety helmet
  3. Safety lamp

Five

Born in 1913, Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. During his presidency Nixon became associated with what group of tradesmen?

  1. Carpenters
  2. Mechanics
  3. Plumbers

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.