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?
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.
Here are the answers to the questions poster earlier.
These questions all relate to today, February 14th.
Saint Valentine healing epilepsy, illustrated by Dr. František Ehrmann, c. 1899. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
Saint Valentine was, according to legend, martyred in Rome on February 14th in c. 270 CE, during the persecution of Christians by Emperor ++Claudius II Gothicus++. In what century was Saint Valentine’s death?
Answer: 3rd century.
Saint Valentine, a legendary Christian martyr, is the patron saint of lovers, people with epilepsy and beekeepers. His life is shrouded in legend, with accounts of him being a Roman priest or bishop martyred in Rome. His body was buried in Rome on February 14, a date observed as the Feast of Saint Valentine since at least the eighth century. He is associated with courtly love, and numerous churches claim to possess his relics, which are housed in various locations, including Rome and Dublin. Valentine’s Day as a lovers’ festival dates back to the 14th century.
Two
In 1613, the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Frederick V of the Palatinate took place at Whitehall Palace, London. Who was the father of the bride?
Answer: James VI and I.
The bride’s father was James VI of Scotland and I of England. The wedding of Frederick V and Princess Elizabeth in 1613 was a grand affair, featuring fireworks, masques, a mock sea battle, and a procession. Celebrations continued with masques and a lavish farewell for Elizabeth’s journey to Heidelberg.
Identify two US states, A and B, both admitted to the Union on February 14th. State A joined in 1859, and state B in 1912. Together, they border seven states: four for A and five for B. Additionally, A has a maritime boundary, whilst B has an international border.
Answer: A. Oregon and B. Arizona.
Oregon was admitted as the 33rd US state on 14 February 1859 and Arizona became the 48th, and last contiguous state, in 1912. Oregon is bordered by four states: California, Nevada, Idaho, and Washington. Arizona is bordered by five states: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Four
Born in 1992, this actor played Charlie Bucket in Tim Burton’s musical fantasy film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Who is he?
Answer: Freddie Highmore.
Alfred Thomas Highmore, born in 1992 in Camden Town, London, is an English actor known for his roles in Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Good Doctor. He attended Highgate School and Emmanuel College, Cambridge, earning a double first in Spanish and Arabic.
Five
Which actor, born on this day in 1970, has appeared in both the Star Trek and Mission: Impossible series and also voiced a character in the Ice Age series?
Answer: Simon Pegg.
Simon John Beckingham, born in Gloucestershire, UK, on 14 February 1970, co-wrote the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy films: Shaun of the Dead (2004), Hot Fuzz (2007) and The World’s End (2013). He also reprised several roles, including Montgomery ‘Scotty’ Scott in Star Trek (2009), Benji Dunn in Mission: Impossible III(2006) and Buck in Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009).
Some astrologers believed that a 1997 planetary alignment with the Sun and Moon, which had not occurred since 1475, indicated the beginning of a new age. What age?
In 1229, Pope Gregory IX first mentioned the town of Aboa in his bull; Aboa is the Latin name of Turku. This date is increasingly considered the founding of Turku. In what modern country is Turku?
Answer: Finland
Turku, Finland’s oldest city, is the regional capital of Southwest Finland. With a population of approximately 207,000, it is the country’s third-most populous urban area. Turku, a bilingual municipality, is a significant business and cultural centre, known for its rich history, vibrant food scene, and as a major port city.
Three
In 1957, American inventor Walter Frederick Morrison sold the rights to his disc to the Wham-O toy company. What did they later rename it?
Answer: Frisbee
A frisbee, also known as a flying disc, is a gliding toy used for recreational and competitive throwing and catching. It is typically made of plastic and has a pronounced lip, allowing it to fly with reduced drag and increased lift.
Four
In 1998, which corporation announced the creation of Mozilla, a free software community?
Answer: Netscape Communications Corporation
Netscape announced its Communicator browser software would be free and open-source in 1998, leading to the creation of the Mozilla project. Initially a technology provider, Mozilla later focused on developing independent applications like Firefox and Thunderbird, and expanded into mobile platforms and other projects.
Five
In 1977, the television miniseries Roots debuted in the United States. The series was an adaptation of whose best-selling novel, and what was that novel’s full title?
Answer: Alex Haley
Roots is a 1977 American television miniseries based on Alex Haley’s novel, Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The series, which aired on ABC, received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including nine Primetime Emmy Awards. It was followed by a sequel, Roots: The Next Generations, and a remake commissioned by the History Channel in 2016.
Some astrologers believed that a 1997 planetary alignment with the Sun and Moon, which had not occurred since 1475, indicated the beginning of a new age. What age?
Two
In 1229, Pope Gregory IX first mentioned the town of Aboa in his bull; Aboa is the Latin name of Turku. This date is increasingly considered the founding of Turku. In what modern country is Turku?
Three
In 1957, American inventor Walter Frederick Morrison sold the rights to his disc to the Wham-O toy company. What did they later rename it?
Four
In 1998, which corporation announced the creation of Mozilla, a free software community?
Five
In 1977, the television miniseries Roots debuted in the United States. The series was an adaptation of whose best-selling novel, and what was that novel’s full title?
What actor is pictured above, and what film is the picture taken from?
Answers: Cary Grant; North by Northwest
See after question two for some additional trivia.
Two
Where was the above actor born on this day in 1904, and what was his birth name?
Answers: Bristol, England, United Kingdom; Archibald Leach (or Archibald Alexander Leach)
Cary Grant, born Archibald Alexander Leach in Bristol, England, was a British-born American film actor celebrated for his debonair style and talent in romantic comedies. He gained fame in the 1930s and 1940s, starring in a variety of classic films, including screwball comedies, action-adventures, and suspense thrillers. Grant frequently collaborated with Alfred Hitchcock and received two Academy Award nominations along with an honorary Oscar, though he never won a competitive Oscar for acting. He retired from acting in 1966 and passed away in 1986.
The ‘Where were they born’ theme continues with the following questions.
Three
Where was Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland born?
Answer: Britain (or Roman Britain)
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited with bringing Christianity to the country in the 5th century. Born in Roman Britain, he was enslaved in Ireland at 16 but later escaped and returned to spread Christianity. Known for his missionary work and writings, St. Patrick’s legacy is celebrated annually on St. Patrick’s Day, 17 March.
Four
Where was Angus Young, the only continuous member of the hard rock band AC/DC, born?
Answer: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Angus Young, born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1955, is best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC. He emigrated to Australia with his family in 1963 and grew up in Sydney, where he developed his musical talents and later became a self-taught guitarist. Young’s early life in Scotland, his family’s musical background, and his move to Australia all played a significant role in shaping his career as a musician.
Five
Where was Christopher Columbus born, between August and October 1451?
Answer: Genoa (Republic of Genoa)
Christopher Columbus, a Genoese explorer from the Republic of Genoa, completed four Spanish-sponsored voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. His expeditions, beginning in 1492, opened the way for European exploration and colonisation of the Americas, though his legacy is now viewed more critically due to the impact on indigenous populations.
In what decade did the television comedy Happy Days premiere in the United States?
Answer: 1970s
Happy Days, a popular American sitcom that aired from 1974 to 1984, depicted an idealised view of 1950s and 60s America. The show’s most memorable character, Fonzie, became a pop culture icon, leading to several spin-off shows and launching the careers of its stars.
Two
The first national public museum in the world, opened in 1759, boasts a collection of over eight million artefacts. What museum?
Answer: British Museum
The British Museum was founded in 1753 and opened its doors in 1759. It was the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge, open to visitors from across the world.
Enlightenment ideals and values – critical scrutiny of all assumptions, open debate, scientific research, progress and tolerance – have marked the Museum since its foundation.
The Museum is driven by an insatiable curiosity for the world, a deep belief in objects as reliable witnesses and documents of human history, sound research, as well as the desire to expand and share knowledge. — British Museum
Three
The 2016 film Sully, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger III, depicts his remarkable landing of a crippled aircraft in a river. Which river did the aircraft land in, and who directed the film?
Answer: Hudson River; Clint Eastwood
On 15 January 2009, US Airways flight 1549, an Airbus A320, made an emergency landing in the Hudson River after both engines were damaged by a flock of geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. Captain Chesley Sullenberger successfully ditched the plane, resulting in no fatalities but five serious injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded Sullenberger’s decision to land in the river was appropriate.
Four
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on this date in 1929 and dying at the age of 39 in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, this American religious leader became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Who was this?
Answer: Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent American civil rights activist and Baptist minister who led the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He advocated for civil rights for people of colour through nonviolent resistance, achieving significant legislative gains like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal. Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday in January and a memorial dedicated to him stands in the National Mall, Washington, DC.
Five
In 2001, Wikipedia saw its debut. The free Internet-based encyclopaedia was initially launched as a feature of Nupedia prior to being relaunched as an independent entity a few days later. Who were the two founders?
Answer: Jimmy Wales; Larry Sanger
Wikipedia, launched in 2001 as a complement to the expert-written Nupedia, quickly grew into the largest encyclopedia ever assembled. While initially experiencing rapid growth, the English Wikipedia’s growth rate in terms of new articles and editors peaked around 2007 and has since stabilised after a period of decline. Despite concerns about a decline in active editors and page views, Wikipedia remains a widely used and influential resource.
Brace for Impact
The title refers to Captain Sullenberger’s announcement to his passengers in the final approach of flight 1549 to the Hudson River, ‘This is the captain. Brace for impact.’
In what decade did the television comedy Happy Days premiere in the United States?
Two
The first national public museum in the world, opened in 1759, boasts a collection of over eight million artefacts. What museum?
Three
The 2016 film Sully, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger III, depicts his remarkable landing of a crippled aircraft in a river. Which river did the aircraft land in, and who directed the film?
Four
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on this date in 1929 and dying at the age of 39 in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, this American religious leader became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Who was this?
Five
In 2001, Wikipedia saw its debut. The free Internet-based encyclopaedia was initially launched as a feature of Nupedia prior to being relaunched as an independent entity a few days later. Who were the two founders?
Something a bit different today. You can earn a total of 55 points by answering all the questions completely. The first question is worth one point and has only one correct answer. The second question is worth two points for two correct answers and so on… until the tenth question which is worth ten points for ten correct answers.
Continuing from yesterday with questions six to ten.
Six
For SIX points, name the members of the comedy troupe, Monty Python.
Answer: Graham Chapman—John Cleese—Terry Gilliam—Eric Idle—Terry Jones—Michael Palin
Seven
For SEVEN points, list the Harry Potter novels. No need to put Harry Potter and…
Answer: Philosopher’s Stone—Chamber of Secrets—Prisoner of Azkaban—Goblet of Fire,—Order of the Phoenix—Half-Blood Prince—Deathly Hallows
Eight
For EIGHT points, starting from 0 degrees and moving clockwise, list the compass points formed by dividing a compass rose into eight segments. (in clockwise order)
For NINE points. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, a group of nine, known as the Company of the Ring or the Fellowship of the Ring, embarked on a mission to destroy the ring. Who were they?
Quizology.Online 