Quizology.Online

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

— Bertrand Russell

Tag: politics

  • Vice Versa — Answers

    Here are today’s answers.

    Alexander Hamilton.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question is about the date 11 July. The other questions aren’t date-related but share a theme beginning with the first question.

    One

    At dawn on 11 July 1804, the U.S. vice president took part in a duel which resulted in Alexander Hamilton being fatally wounded. 

    • Who was the vice president involved in this duel
    • What was Hamilton’s senior role in the U.S. government of George Washington between September 1789 and January 1795?

    Answers

    • Aaron Burr
    • 1st United States Secretary of the Treasury
      The Burr–Hamilton duel occurred on July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey, between U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr and former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. Burr fatally shot Hamilton, weakening the Federalist Party and ending Burr’s career. The duel followed a long-standing political rivalry and was near Hamilton’s son’s duel site. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical Hamilton, based on Ron Chernow’s biography, debuted in 2015 and received critical acclaim, winning numerous awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 11 Tony Awards. The musical’s popularity even influenced the decision to keep Alexander Hamilton on the ten-dollar bill.

    Two

    The US vice-president referred to in question one was in that role during which president’s first term?

    Answer: Thomas Jefferson

    Aaron Burr Jr. (1756-1836) was the third US vice president (1801-1805) and a Democratic-Republican. He is remembered for the above duel and his conspiracy to form an independent country. 

    Three

    Who was Richard Nixon’s first Vice President?

    Answer: Spiro Agnew.

    Spiro Agnew, the 39th U.S. vice president, served from 1969 to 1973 under Nixon. A Republican, he was Maryland’s governor and Baltimore County executive. Agnew resigned amid a tax evasion investigation, unrelated to Watergate. He later wrote a memoir and novel, blaming Zionists for his downfall, and died in 1996.

    Four

    Which TV crime drama’s theme tune was a Billboard Hot 100 number one for Jan Hammer in 1985?

    Answer: Miami Vice, aka Miami Vice Theme.

    Miami Vice Theme by Jan Hammer, the theme song for the TV series, topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985 and won Grammy Awards in 1986. The music video features Hammer as a fugitive, performing the theme while being chased by the show’s main characters.

    Five

    What former U.K. Deputy Prime Minister became Facebook’s vice-president of global affairs and communications in 2018?

    Answer: Nick Clegg. 

    Sir Nicholas Clegg, born in 1967, was UK Deputy Prime Minister (2010-2015) and Liberal Democrat leader (2007-2015). Educated at Cambridge, he served as an MEP and MP. Clegg’s coalition with Conservatives led to controversy over tuition fees. Post-politics, he joined Facebook, becoming vice-president for global affairs and communications, a post he left in 2025. In 2026, Clegg joined the board of British AI startup NScale.

    Vice Versa

    The title originates from Latin and translates to ‘in-turned position’. It doesn’t have any direct relevance to today’s question aside from the word “vice” which appears in each question and answer groupings.

  • Vice Versa

    Alexander Hamilton.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question is about the date 11 July. The other questions aren’t date-related but share a theme beginning with the first question.

    One

    At dawn on 11 July 1804, the U.S. vice president took part in a duel which resulted in Alexander Hamilton being fatally wounded. 

    • Who was the vice president involved in this duel
    • What was Hamilton’s senior role in the U.S. government of George Washington between September 1789 and January 1795?

    Two

    The US vice-president referred to in question one was in that role during which president’s first term?

    Three

    Who was Richard Nixon’s first Vice President?

    Four

    Which TV crime drama’s theme tune was a Billboard Hot 100 number one for Jan Hammer in 1985?

    Five

    What former U.K. Deputy Prime Minister became Facebook’s vice-president of global affairs and communications in 2018?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Independently Minded — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    Flag of Djibouti.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of these questions are connected to today, June 27th.

    One

    The flag above represents a country that gained independence in 1977. Which country is it, and from which did it gain independence?

    Answer: Djibouti; France.

    Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, borders Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Gaining independence in 1977, it is a multi-ethnic nation with French and Arabic as official languages. Strategically located, it serves as a key refuelling hub and hosts several foreign military bases.

    Two

    Jack Lemmon won two Academy Awards, the first was awarded in 1956 for Best Supporting Actor and the second in 1974 for Best Actor. What was the film title of each of these?

    Answer: Mister Roberts (1955); Save the Tiger (1973).

    Jack Lemmon, who died on 27 June 2001, was a Harvard graduate and World War II Navy veteran. He debuted on Broadway in 1953, signed by Columbia Pictures in 1954, and gained stardom with Mister Roberts (1955). Iconic roles in Some Like It Hot (1959) and The Apartment (1960), and comedies with Walter Matthau such as The Odd Couple (1968), defined his career.

    Three

    The Japanese Yen was first minted towards the end of a decade and adopted as Japan’s official currency two years later. In what two decades did this occur?

    Answer: 1860s and 1870s.

    The yen, Japan’s monetary unit, was first minted in 1869 and adopted in 1871. Initially divided into sen and rin, these were removed in 1954. Despite WWII devastation, Japan’s economic miracle made the yen a leading international currency. Its symbol is ¥, derived from yuan, the ancient term for Chinese round coins.

    Four

    Who, in 2007, after serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer for ten years, became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?

    Answer: Gordon Brown.

    Gordon Brown, born in Glasgow on February 20, 1951, is a British Labour Party politician. He served as chancellor of the Exchequer (1997–2007) and prime minister (2007–10). Brown focused on NHS reform, public-sector changes, poverty reduction, and a broader approach to combating terrorism. He resigned in May 2010.

    Five

    Flag of Greece.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    In 1917 during World War I, the nation represented by this flag declared war on the Central Powers. Which country’s flag is shown and what comprised the Central Powers?

    Answer: Greece; German Empire, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria.

    The Central Powers, or Central Empires, were a World War I coalition of Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria, known as the Quadruple Alliance. Originating in 1879, Italy joined the Triple Alliance but later sided with the Allies (Great Britain, France and U.S.). The Central Powers were defeated by the Allies in 1918 and dissolved.

  • Independently Minded

    Flag of ?
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of these questions are connected to today, June 27th.

    One

    The flag above represents a country that gained independence in 1977. Which country is it, and from which did it gain independence?

    Answer: Djibouti; France.

    Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa, borders Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden. Gaining independence in 1977, it is a multi-ethnic nation with French and Arabic as official languages. Strategically located, it serves as a key refuelling hub and hosts several foreign military bases.

    Two

    Jack Lemmon won two Academy Awards, the first was awarded in 1956 for Best Supporting Actor and the second in 1974 for Best Actor. What was the film title of each of these?

    Three

    The Japanese Yen was first minted towards the end of a decade and adopted as Japan’s official currency two years later. In what two decades did this occur?

    Four

    Who, in 2007, after serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer for ten years, became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?

    Five

    Flag of ?
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    In 1917 during World War I, the nation represented by this flag declared war on the Central Powers. Which country’s flag is shown and what comprised the Central Powers?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Bamboozling Business — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    Pilkington Jackson’s statue of Robert I, aka Robert the Bruce, at Bannockburn.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of these questions are related to today’s date, 23 January but there is also a bit of a theme bubbling in the background.

    One

    A decisive battle on this day in 1314 saw Scotland regain independence and established Robert I as king. What was the battle, and of what Royal house was Robert I the first monarch ?

    Answer: Bannockburn; Bruce.

    The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 was a decisive victory for the Scots under Robert I against the English under Edward II. Despite being outnumbered, the Scots used strategic positioning and strong infantry to repel English cavalry charges. The battle resulted in heavy English losses and is considered a turning point in the Scottish Wars of Independence.

    Two

    A Canadian Parliamentary Act in 1887 created the country’s first national park which was originally called Rocky Mountains Park. What is the current name of Canada’s first national park?

    Answer: Banff National Park.

    Prime Minister John A. Macdonald set aside a small area around hot springs in 1885. This became Canada’s first national park with the passing of the Rocky Mountains Park Act in 1887. Originally named Rocky Mountains Park, it later became Banff National Park. The Canadian Pacific Railway promoted tourism with hotels like Banff Springs. Wealthy tourists from Europe, America, and England visited, engaging in mountaineering. By 1911, Banff was accessible by car, with motorcoach tours starting in 1916.

    Three

    In 1894, the International Olympic Committee was founded at the Sorbonne in Paris. This was at the initiative of a French noble; who, including his title, was this man?

    Answer: Baron Pierre de Coubertin.

    Charles Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin (1863–1937), was a French educator and historian, co-founder and second president of the IOC, and the father of the modern Olympic Games. He promoted sports in French schools and inspired the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy and Medal.

    Four

    In a game against the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox pitcher Ernie Shore retires 26 batters in a row after replacing …, who had been ejected for punching the umpire.
    — Wikipedia

    This Wikipedia quote refers to a game of baseball played on 23 June 1917. The name of the player who had been replaced is missing. Who is this player? 

    Answer: Babe Ruth.

    On June 23, 1917, Ernie Shore overshadowed Babe Ruth by retiring 26 consecutive batters after Ruth was ejected for punching an umpire. Shore, a North Carolina native, played for the Red Sox and Yankees, ending his career in 1920. The Red Sox won 4-0, and the game was ruled a combined no-hitter.

    Five

    The 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum took place on 23rd June. What is the referendum and its aftermath commonly known as, and what prime minister finalised it on 31 January 2020? 

    Answer: Brexit; Boris Johnson.

    Prime Minister David Cameron called a Brexit referendum in 2016, which the ‘leave’ campaign won. Theresa May succeeded him but faced party divisions and opposition to her Brexit deal, particularly over the Northern Ireland backstop, leading to her resignation. Boris Johnson, her successor, promised Brexit by 31 October 2019, and finalised it on 31 January 2020. In June 2022, Johnson proposed removing checks on goods to Northern Ireland, risking the trade agreement and peace.

  • Bamboozling Business

    Pilkington Jackson’s statue of Robert I.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of these questions are related to today’s date, 23 January but there is also a bit of a theme bubbling in the background.

    One

    A decisive battle on this day in 1314 saw Scotland regain independence and established Robert I as king. What was the battle, and of what Royal house was Robert I the first monarch ?

    Two

    A Canadian Parliamentary Act in 1887 created the country’s first national park which was originally called Rocky Mountains Park. What is the current name of Canada’s first national park?

    Three

    In 1894, the International Olympic Committee was founded at the Sorbonne in Paris. This was at the initiative of a French noble; who, including his title, was this man?

    Four

    In a game against the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox pitcher Ernie Shore retires 26 batters in a row after replacing …, who had been ejected for punching the umpire.
    — Wikipedia

    This Wikipedia quote refers to a game of baseball played on 23 June 1917. The name of the player who had been replaced is missing. Who is this player? 

    Five

    The 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum took place on 23rd June. What is the referendum and its aftermath commonly known as, and what prime minister finalised it on 31 January 2020? 

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • First III — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    See question five. Flag of Greenland.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Going back to the ‘first’ theme, but today’s questions also all relate to 21 June.

    One

    She was the first woman elected to head a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country.
    — Wikipedia

    Who, born in 1953, is the politician referred to in the above quote?

    Answer: Benazir Bhutto.

    Benazir Bhutto, the daughter of former Pakistani leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, became the first female leader of a Muslim nation. She served two terms as Prime Minister of Pakistan, facing challenges including corruption charges and political instability. Bhutto was assassinated in 2007 while campaigning for parliamentary elections.

    Two

    The world’s first Ferris wheel made its debut in 1893 at a World Fair. What was the official title of this World Fair, and what event was the fair commemorating?

    Answer: Answer: World’s Columbian Exposition; 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World.

    The World’s Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893, celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the New World. The fair showcased Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse’s alternating current system, featured the world’s first Ferris wheel, and attracted over 27 million visitors. Designed in Beaux-Arts style, the exposition left a lasting impact on American architecture and culture.

    Three

    What was the name of the craft which, in 2004, completed the first crewed private spaceflight?

    Answer: SpaceShipOne.

    Piloted by Mike Melvill, SpaceShipOne, an experimental air-launched rocket-powered aircraft, achieved sub-orbital spaceflight in 2004, completing the first crewed private spaceflight and winning the Ansari X Prize. Developed by Mojave Aerospace Ventures, the project, named ‘Tier One’, aimed to take passengers into space with a successor ship.

    Four

    Which team won the very first game in Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) history when the league debuted in 1997?

    Answer: New York Liberty.

    The WNBA’s inaugural game was played at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, on 21 June 1997. The New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, marking the beginning of the league’s first season.

    Five

    The country represented by the flag above first became self-governing in 2009; its parliament is the Inatsisartut; and it appears first on list of a specific geographic superlative. What country is this?

    Answer: Greenland.

    Greenland, officially the world’s largest island that is not a continent, is home to 56,000 people. It has its own extensive local government but is also part of the Realm of Denmark. Most of its inhabitants live in the 20% of the country that is not covered by ice and snow. 

  • First III

    See question five. Flag of ….
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Going back to the ‘first’ theme, but today’s questions also all relate to 21 June.

    One

    She was the first woman elected to head a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country.
    — Wikipedia

    Who, born in 1953, is the politician referred to in the above quote?

    Two

    The world’s first Ferris wheel made its debut in 1893 at a World Fair. What was the official title of this World Fair, and what event was the fair commemorating?

    Three

    What was the name of the craft which, in 2004, completed the first crewed private spaceflight?

    Four

    Which team won the very first game in Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) history when the league debuted in 1997?

    Five

    The country represented by the flag above first became self-governing in 2009; its parliament is the Inatsisartut; and it appears first on list of a specific geographic superlative. What country is this?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.  

  • Join the Club — Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    See question two. Napoleon III at the decisive moment of the Battle of Solferino, 1859.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question centres around the date 6th June, and the subsequent questions build on a theme established by the first.

    One

    The YMCA was founded on this day. Which decade and major city was it established in?

    Answers: 1840s; London, UK.

    The YMCA, founded in London in 1844 by George Williams, is a nonsectarian Christian movement promoting Christian character through activities. It spread globally, reaching North America in 1851. Programs include sports, education, and public affairs. In 2010, the U.S. branch rebranded as ‘the Y’, while some branches retained YMCA.

    Two

    The aftermath of the Battle of Solferino on 24 June 1859, during the Second War of Italian Independence, resulted in the 1863 formation of what organisation?

    Answer: International Committee of the Red Cross (aka Red Cross).

    Until the mid-19th century, army nursing systems were unorganised. In June 1859, Swiss businessman Jean-Henri Dunant witnessed the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino, where 40,000 soldiers were casualties, and was shocked by the lack of medical care. He organised relief efforts and wrote A Memory of Solferino in 1862, advocating for national and international relief organisations. In 1863, Geneva lawyer Gustave Moynier initiated discussions on Dunant’s ideas, leading to an investigatory commission and plans for an international conference which resulted in the formation of the International Red Cross.

    Three

    By what name were the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon commonly known by; in what century were they founded and where were their headquarters?

    Answers: Knights Templar; 12th century; Temple Mount, Jerusalem, Kingdom of Jerusalem.

    The Knights Templar, founded in 1119 to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land, evolved into a wealthy and powerful religious military order. Endorsed by the Church, they grew rapidly, becoming skilled Crusaders and prominent in finance. With innovative banking techniques, they managed a vast economic network of nearly 1,000 commanderies across Europe and the Holy Land. Their influence bred envy, and as they lost support due to their failure to hold the Holy Land, King Philip IV of France arrested and tortured them in 1307. This led Pope Clement V to disband the order in 1312. Some assets merged into the Portuguese Order of Christ and Spanish Order of Montesa. Accused of heresy, they were brutally suppressed by Philip IV.

    Four

    What organisation founded in 1945 has major offices in New York City, Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna and The Hague; and, to the nearest ten, how many of the world’s states are members of it?

    Answers: United Nations; 190.

    The United Nations (UN), established on 26 June 1945, aims to maintain peace, develop friendly relations, and promote cooperation. Headquartered in New York City, it includes six principal organisations, 193 member states, and two observer states. The UN operates 11 peacekeeping missions and has received both praise and criticism for its efforts.

    Five

    The British branch of an international organisation founded in 1961 began running charity fundraising shows in 1976 to support the organisation’s wider mission. These shows gained popularity and became known as The Secret Policeman’s Balls. What is the name of the international organisation founded in 1961?

    Answer: Amnesty International.

    Amnesty International, founded in London in 1961 by Peter Benenson, is a global NGO advocating for human rights, especially freedom of speech and against torture. It campaigns for political prisoners’ release and collaborates internationally. Awarded the 1977 Nobel Peace Prize, it operates in over 150 countries, led by an international executive committee. With over ten million members, it focuses on justice, torture issues, and awareness campaigns.

  • Join the Club

    See question two. Napoleon III at the decisive moment of the Battle of Solferino, 1859.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s first question centres around the date 6th June, and the subsequent questions build on a theme established by the first.

    One

    The YMCA was founded on this day. Which decade and major city was it established in?

    Two

    The aftermath of the Battle of Solferino on 24 June 1859, during the Second War of Italian Independence, resulted in the 1863 formation of what organisation?

    Three

    By what name were the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon commonly known by; in what century were they founded and where were their headquarters?

    Four

    What organisation founded in 1945 has major offices in New York City, Geneva, Nairobi, Vienna and The Hague; and, to the nearest ten, how many of the world’s states are members of it?

    Five

    The British branch of an international organisation founded in 1961 began running charity fundraising shows in 1976 to support the organisation’s wider mission. These shows gained popularity and became known as The Secret Policeman’s Balls. What is the name of the international organisation founded in 1961?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.