Tag: politics

  • 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.


  • Famous Family—Answers

    These questions all relate to today, January 8th.

    Flag of Monaco.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    On this day in 1997, what family commemorated 700 years of ruling the place represented by the flag shown above? Who are the family and where do they rule?

    1. Borgia, Republic of San Marino
    2. Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco
    3. Medici family, Vatican City State

    Answer: 2. Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco.

    Monaco, a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is the second smallest sovereign state in the world. It is a semi-constitutional monarchy with Prince Albert II as head of state. Monaco is known for its wealth, casinos, and as a tax haven, attracting a high percentage of millionaires.


    Two

    What year and state complete the following sentence? In …, Elvis Presley was born in …

    1. 1933; Alabama
    2. 1935; Mississippi
    3. 1937; Tennessee

    Answer: 2. 1935; Mississippi.

    Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was a highly influential American singer and actor. Born on 8 January 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, he rose to fame in the 1950s with his unique blend of country and rhythm and blues, becoming a cultural icon despite initial controversy. Presley’s successful music career spanned multiple genres, and he remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time.


    Three

    On this day, Charles de Gaulle was inaugurated as president of France’s …

    1. First Republic
    2. Fourth Republic
    3. Fifth Republic

    Answer: 3. Fifth Republic.

    Charles de Gaulle, a pivotal figure in French history, led the Free French forces during WWII, became the provisional president, and was instrumental in establishing the Fifth Republic. As President from 1959 to 1969, he navigated challenges like the Algerian War, strengthened France’s economy and international position, and aimed to increase France’s global influence.

    __

    Four

    Born on this day, Stephen Hawking, a British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, who suffered from motor neurone disease did NOT take part in which one of these?

    1. Have I Got News for You
    2. Monty Python
    3. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series

    Answer: 1. Have I Got News for You.

    Stephen Hawking was an English theoretical physicist and cosmologist, known for his work on black holes and cosmology. He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease at age 21, but continued his work and achieved commercial success with his book A Brief History of Time. He featured at the Monty Python Live (Mostly) show in 2014. He was shown to sing an extended version of the Galaxy Song, after running down Brian Cox with his wheelchair, in a pre-recorded video. In 2018, Hawking was the voice of The Book Mark II on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series


    Five

    The ocean liners RMS Queen Mary 2 and her namesake Queen Mary are both named after the same person. Who?

    1. Mary I
    2. Mary, Queen of Scots
    3. Mary of Teck

    Answer: 3. Mary of Teck.

    Queen Mary, now berthed permanently at Long Beach, California, United States, was launched in 1934 when she was named after, and by, Queen Mary, the consort of Britain’s King George V. On 8 January 2004, Queen Mary’s granddaughter, Elizabeth II, named Queen Mary 2 after her grandmother, the same Queen Mary who was born Mary of Teck. Cunard legend has it that the 1934 ship was to be named after Queen Victoria, and following protocol, they advised the king, ‘We have decided to name our new ship after England’s greatest queen.’ George V allegedly responded, ‘My wife [Queen Mary] will be delighted that you are naming the ship after her.’


  • Famous Family

    These questions all relate to today, January 8th.

    Flag details with answers.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    On this day in 1997, what family commemorated 700 years of ruling the place represented by the flag shown above? Who are the family and where do they rule?

    1. Borgia, Republic of San Marino
    2. Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco
    3. Medici family, Vatican City State

    Two

    What year and state complete the following sentence? In …, Elvis Presley was born in …

    1. 1933; Alabama
    2. 1935; Mississippi
    3. 1937; Tennessee

    Three

    On this day, Charles de Gaulle was inaugurated as president of France’s …

    1. First Republic
    2. Fourth Republic
    3. Fifth Republic

    __

    Four

    Born on this day, Stephen Hawking, a British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, who suffered from motor neurone disease did NOT take part in which one of these?

    1. Have I Got News for You
    2. Monty Python
    3. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series

    Five

    The ocean liners RMS Queen Mary 2 and her namesake Queen Mary are both named after the same person. Who?

    1. Mary I
    2. Mary, Queen of Scots
    3. Mary of Teck

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.