Tag: politics

  • First Things First—Answers

    Here are the answers to today’s questions.

    These questions all relate to today, February 24th.

    Photograph of President Johnson,
    by Mathew Brady, circa 1870.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Born in North Carolina in 1808, Andrew Johnson became the seventeenth president of the United States. Already notable as the first president to take office after an assassination and the first to be impeached, he achieved another unique milestone in 1875 — one no other president has matched. What was it?

    Answer: He was elected to the US Senate.

    Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, assumed office after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. His lenient Reconstruction policies led to his impeachment by the Radical Republicans in Congress, though he was acquitted. A self-taught man who rose from poverty, Johnson was a skilled orator and a staunch advocate for states’ rights and the Constitution. Following his presidency, he was elected in 1875 to the Senate, representing Tennessee, although he served only a short time before his death later that year. To date, he is the only president to have entered the Senate after his presidential term.


    Two

    On this day, two earthquakes struck with a maximum Mercalli intensities of VIII (Severe) and IX (Violent). The 1981 Gulf of Corinth earthquake affected the central region of a country while the 2004 Al Hoceima earthquake impacted the northern areas of another. Which two countries were affected?

    Answers: Greece and Morocco.

    In early 1981, the eastern part of the Gulf of Corinth in Greece experienced three earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 6 Ms over 11 days and maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe), causing widespread damage in the Corinth–Athens area. Nearly 8,000 houses were destroyed, and 20–22 people lost their lives.
    On 24 February 2004, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s Al Hoceïma Province at 03:27 CET, with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). The epicentre was located about 13 km south-southwest of Al Hoceima. The earthquake resulted in 631 deaths, 926 injuries, and the destruction of over 2,500 homes, primarily in villages within the Rif Mountains.


    Three

    In men’s singles tennis, what Australian defeated Pete Sampras to win the 2001 U.S. Open, his first Grand Slam title, and ten months later overcame David Nalbandian on the All-England Club’s grass courts to win the 2002 Wimbledon tournament?

    Answer: Lleyton Hewitt.

    Lleyton Hewitt, born in 1981 in Adelaide, Australia, is a retired professional tennis player known for his court speed and determination. He won the U.S. Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002, becoming the youngest man to finish a year at number one in the ATP rankings. Despite injuries, he returned to compete in doubles events after retiring in 2016.


    Four

    Born in 1955, this future billionaire acquired a controlling interest in Pixar in 1986. He played a key role in transforming it into a major animation studio, ultimately leading to the creation of the first fully computer-animated feature film Toy Story in 1995. Later, he sold the company to Disney in 2006. Who is this future billionaire?

    Answer: Steve Jobs.

    Steve Jobs, a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer era, co-founded Apple Inc. in 1976 and oversaw the launch of revolutionary products like the iPod and iPhone. Despite battling pancreatic cancer, he remained a visionary leader until his death in 2011.


    Five

    In which modern country was Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain, and Archduke of Austria, born in 1500?

    Answer: Belgium

    Born in Prinsenhof, Ghent, Flanders (now Belgium), Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain, and Archduke of Austria, inherited a vast empire spanning Europe and the Americas at a young age. Throughout his reign, he faced significant challenges, including defending against Protestantism, Ottoman and French pressure, and papal hostility. Despite his efforts, he eventually conceded the Peace of Augsburg and abdicated in favour of his son and brother.


  • First Things First

    These questions all relate to today, February 24th.

    Photograph of President Johnson,
    by Mathew Brady, circa 1870.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Born in North Carolina in 1808, Andrew Johnson became the seventeenth president of the United States. Already notable as the first president to take office after an assassination and the first to be impeached, he achieved another unique milestone in 1875 — one no other president has matched. What was it?


    Two

    On this day, two earthquakes struck with a maximum Mercalli intensities of VIII (Severe) and IX (Violent). The 1981 Gulf of Corinth earthquake affected the central region of a country while the 2004 Al Hoceima earthquake impacted the northern areas of another. Which two countries were affected?


    Three

    In men’s singles tennis, what Australian defeated Pete Sampras to win the 2001 U.S. Open, his first Grand Slam title, and ten months later overcame David Nalbandian on the All-England Club’s grass courts to win the 2002 Wimbledon tournament?


    Four

    Born in 1955, this future billionaire acquired a controlling interest in Pixar in 1986. He played a key role in transforming it into a major animation studio, ultimately leading to the creation of the first fully computer-animated feature film Toy Story in 1995. Later, he sold the company to Disney in 2006. Who is this future billionaire?


    Five

    In which modern country was Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain, and Archduke of Austria, born in 1500?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


  • Hello Dolly!—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    Todays questions are all related to the date, February 22nd.

    Dolly the Sheep.
    The taxidermy mount of Dolly on exhibit at the National Museum of Scotland, 2009.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    On this day in 1997, the world was introduced to Dolly the sheep. Cloned at a Scottish institute sharing a name with a nearby chapel featured in a Dan Brown novel and film, both the institute and chapel’s names originate from that of a village with multiple spellings. What is it?

    Answer: Roslin (Institute) or Rosslyn (Chapel) or Roslyn.

    Dolly the Sheep was cloned at the Roslin Institute, the first mammal to be cloned from an adult cell. The nearby Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 by Sir William St. Clair, is a remarkable example of ornate Gothic architecture. The chapel, known as a ‘Bible in stone’, features intricate carvings and sculptures, including the Apprentice Pillar, which is the subject of much speculation. Despite its association with the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail, the chapel’s true significance lies in its historical and architectural value. It featured in Dan Brown’s novel and film The Da Vinci Code.


    Two

    George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born on 22 February 1732 in Westmoreland, Virginia. This Virginian county was named after the British County of Westmorland, but on what island was this latter county found?

    Answer: Great Britain.

    Westmorland, a former county in North West England, is situated on the island of Great Britain. It encompassed part of the Lake District and the southern Vale of Eden. In 1974 it was incorporated into Cumbria and now forms part of the larger Westmorland and Furness unitary authority area.


    Three

    Exactly 200 years after the birth of George Washington, a United States politician was born into a political dynasty on this day. Who was he?

    Answer: Ted Kennedy (in full Edward Moore Kennedy).

    Edward Moore Kennedy, a prominent American politician and member of the Democratic Party, served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts from 1962 until his death in 2009. Known for his oratorical skills and liberal views, Kennedy championed numerous significant pieces of legislation, including the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Despite his political achievements, his career was marred by the Chappaquiddick incident in 1969.


    Four

    In 1942, three members of an anti-Nazi group were executed by beheading in Munich. Over the following months, others were also executed and many more imprisoned for alleged connections to the group. The group’s two-word name was that of a colour and a flower; what was this name?

    Answer: White Rose.

    The White Rose was a non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany, led by students and a professor. They conducted a leaflet and graffiti campaign against the Nazi regime, denouncing its crimes and calling for resistance. Their activities ended with further arrests and executions in 1943.


    Five

    On this date, NASCAR held the first Daytona 500. In what year was this, and which driver won the race?

    Answers: 1959; Lee Petty.

    The 1959 Daytona 500, the second race of the NASCAR Grand National Series season, was the inaugural race at the newly built Daytona International Speedway. The track, built by NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr., is a 2.5-mile superspeedway and is considered the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.


  • Hello Dolly!

    Todays questions are all related to the date, February 22nd.

    Dolly the Sheep.
    The taxidermy mount of Dolly on exhibit at the National Museum of Scotland, 2009.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    On this day in 1997, the world was introduced to Dolly the sheep. Cloned at a Scottish institute sharing a name with a nearby chapel featured in a Dan Brown novel and film, both the institute and chapel’s names originate from that of a village with multiple spellings. What is it?


    Two

    George Washington, the first president of the United States, was born on 22 February 1732 in Westmoreland, Virginia. This Virginian county was named after the British County of Westmorland, but on what island was this latter county found?


    Three

    Exactly 200 years after the birth of George Washington, a United States politician was born into a political dynasty on this day. Who was he?


    Four

    In 1942, three members of an anti-Nazi group were executed by beheading in Munich. Over the following months, others were also executed and many more imprisoned for alleged connections to the group. The group’s two-word name was that of a colour and a flower; what was this name?


    Five

    On this date, NASCAR held the first Daytona 500. In what year was this, and which driver won the race?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


  • Four Births and a Funeral—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    Five questions which consist of four births on this date, February 21st, and one death.

    Robert Mugabe, 1995.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Born in 1924, Robert Mugabe served as the first prime minister of which African country from 1980 to 1987 and then as president from 1987 to 2017?

    Answer: Zimbabwe

    Robert Mugabe, a prominent Black nationalist leader, served as Zimbabwe’s prime minister (1980–87) and president (1987–2017). He resigned in 2017 after 37 years in power, facing pressure to prevent his wife from succeeding him.


    Two

    Born on this day, Barbara Jordan became the first African American woman to serve in the US House of Representatives from the South. In what year did she join the House?

    Answer: 1972.

    Barbara Jordan was a lawyer, educator and politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas. She was the first African American congresswoman from the South and gained national prominence during the Watergate scandal. After retiring from Congress, she taught at the University of Texas and remained influential in political affairs.


    Three

    Which poem by W. H. Auden, written in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II, famously opens with the line ‘I sit in one of the dives / On Fifty-second Street’?

    Answer: September 1, 1939

    Although it became one of his most quoted works—especially after major global crises—Auden later grew dissatisfied with the poem and even excluded it from some of his collected editions.


    Four

    Born in Linares, Spain in 1893, the Marquis of Salobreña was a celebrated musician and composer. What was his name and on which instrument was he renowned for his performances?

    Answers: Andrés Segovia; Guitar.

    Andrés Segovia, a Spanish classical guitarist, was a pivotal figure in the 20th century, known for re-establishing the guitar as a concert instrument. He significantly influenced the modern-romantic repertoire through commissions and transcriptions, and his expressive performances and distinctive style are highly remembered. Segovia’s career began in Granada in 1909, with notable performances in Madrid in 1912, Paris in 1924, and New York in 1928. His work inspired many composers to create specially composed pieces for the guitar.


    and finally…

    Five

    In 2018, a prominent American Christian evangelist, born in North Carolina 99 years earlier, passed away in the same state.  He organised annual crusades drawing huge crowds eager to hear his preaching. His website boasts live audiences of at least 210 million people across over 185 countries and territories.  He was also known for rebuking a US president for profanity.  Who was this evangelist and which US president did he rebuke?

    Answer: Billy Graham; Richard Nixon.

    Graham rebuked Nixon for his behaviour regarding Watergate and for his profanity as heard on the Watergate tapes. Billy Graham, a prominent American evangelist, gained international influence through his crusades and media presence. He advocated for racial integration, supported the Civil Rights Movement, and founded the Lausanne Movement.


  • Four Births and a Funeral

    Five questions which consist of four births on this date, February 21st, and one death.

    Robert Mugabe, 1995.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Born in 1924, Robert Mugabe served as the first prime minister of which African country from 1980 to 1987 and then as president from 1987 to 2017?


    Two

    Born on this day, Barbara Jordan became the first African American woman to serve in the US House of Representatives from the South. In what year did she join the House?


    Three

    Which poem by W. H. Auden, written in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II, famously opens with the line ‘I sit in one of the dives / On Fifty-second Street’?


    Four

    Born in Linares, Spain in 1893, the Marquis of Salobreña was a celebrated musician and composer. What was his name and on which instrument was he renowned for his performances?


    and finally…

    Five

    In 2018, a prominent American Christian evangelist, born in North Carolina 99 years earlier, passed away in the same state.  He organised annual crusades drawing huge crowds eager to hear his preaching. His website boasts live audiences of at least 210 million people across over 185 countries and territories.  He was also known for rebuking a US president for profanity.  Who was this evangelist and which US president did he rebuke?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


  • On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres—Answers

    Here are the answers to my Walter posted questions.

    Diagram of the Solar System from Copernicus’ manuscript of De revolutionibus orbium coelestium.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of today’s questions relate to the date, February 19th.

    One

    In what century was Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus born?

    Answer: 15th century.

    Born in 1473, Nicolaus Copernicus, a Renaissance polymath, formulated a heliocentric model of the universe, placing the Sun at its centre. His work, published in De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) triggered the Copernican Revolution and significantly contributed to the Scientific Revolution.


    Two

    In 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima began when US Marines invaded the Japanese volcanic island of Iwo Jima.  What does the name Iwo Jima mean in English?

    Answer: Sulfur Island.

    Iwo Jima, a volcanic island in the Ogasawara Archipelago, is administered by Tokyo. It was the site of a major WWII battle between Japan and the US, resulting in over 20,000 casualties on each side. Today, the island has no permanent inhabitants except for a Self-Defence Force base and is owned by a combination of individuals, the village, and the Japanese government.


    Three

    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was born in 1960 and was known as Prince Andrew. He would later also be known as the Duke of York. For the first 22 years of his life, he was second in the line of succession to the British throne, who, born in 1982, replaced him as second in the line of succession?

    Answer: Prince William (The eldest son of Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and Diana, Princess of Wales).

    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faced controversy due to his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. He denied allegations of sexual abuse but settled a civil lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre in 2022. In 2025, Charles III removed Andrew’s royal styles and honours, restricted his titles, and relocated him to private accommodation.


    Four

    Born in 1924, this actor was a decorated World War II veteran, where he served in the U.S. Marines. He won an Oscar for Best Actor for Cat Ballou (1965) where he played both Kid Shelleen and Tim Strawn. He appeared in The Dirty Dozen (1967) and Gorky Park (1983). He died in 1987. Who is this actor?

    Answer: Lee Marvin.

    Marvin, an American actor known for his tough-guy roles, received an Academy Award for his performance in Cat Ballou. He was also a decorated World War II veteran and a descendant of the Lee family of Virginia.


    Five

    In 1913, Pedro Lascuráin assumed the role of President of Mexico. What connects the number 45 to his presidency? Was it

    • 45 marriages (he was married 45 times during his presidency)
    • 45 minutes (he was in office for only 45 minutes)
    • 45 murders (he was connected to 45 murders during his presidency)

    Answer: 45 minutes (he was in office for only 45 minutes)

    During the Ten Tragic Days coup, Victoriano Huerta captured President Madero and convinced him to resign. Lascuráin, next in line, briefly assumed the presidency before appointing Huerta as his successor, making Lascuráin’s presidency the shortest in history of not only Mexico but the world.


  • On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres

    Diagram of the Solar System from Copernicus’ manuscript of De revolutionibus orbium coelestium.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of today’s questions relate to the date, February 19th.

    One

    In what century was Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus born?


    Two

    In 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima began when US Marines invaded the Japanese volcanic island of Iwo Jima.  What does the name Iwo Jima mean in English?


    Three

    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was born in 1960 and was known as Prince Andrew. He would later also be known as the Duke of York. For the first 22 years of his life, he was second in the line of succession to the British throne, who, born in 1982, replaced him as second in the line of succession?


    Four

    Born in 1924, this actor was a decorated World War II veteran, where he served in the U.S. Marines. He won an Oscar for Best Actor for Cat Ballou (1965) where he played both Kid Shelleen and Tim Strawn. He appeared in The Dirty Dozen (1967) and Gorky Park (1983). He died in 1987. Who is this actor?


    Five

    In 1913, Pedro Lascuráin assumed the role of President of Mexico. What connects the number 45 to his presidency? Was it

    • 45 marriages (he was married 45 times during his presidency)
    • 45 minutes (he was in office for only 45 minutes)
    • 45 murders (he was connected to 45 murders during his presidency)

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.


  • 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.