Born in Florida, USA, on this day in 1941, with a film debut in The Happening (1967), one of the stars of Bonnie and Clyde (also 1967), is whom?
Two
In 1939, Queen Maud Land was claimed and named. Which country made this claim on this 1.0-million-square-mile area of Antarctica?
Three
In 1970, The Supremes performed their final concert with whom?
Four
In 2005, which organisation developed the probe that became the first spacecraft to land on a celestial body beyond Mars, and on which moon of Saturn did it touch down?
Five
In 2024, Queen Margrethe II abdicated after 52 years on the throne. Her eldest son, the Crown Prince, succeeded her as king. Who was the new king, and in which country did this happen?
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?
Middleditch
Middlesmyth
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?
This Land Is Your Land
Silver Dagger
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?
Safety fuse
Safety helmet
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?
Carpenters
Mechanics
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.
In 1982, Catherine, princess of Wales was born. What was her maiden surname?
Middleditch
Middlesmyth
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?
This Land Is Your Land
Silver Dagger
John Henry
Four
In 1816, Humphrey Davy tested what device at Hebburn Colliery in England?
Safety fuse
Safety helmet
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?
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?
Borgia, Republic of San Marino
Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco
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 …
1933; Alabama
1935; Mississippi
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 …
First Republic
Fourth Republic
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?
Have I Got News for You
Monty Python
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
The ocean liners RMS Queen Mary 2 and her namesake Queen Mary are both named after the same person. Who?
Mary I
Mary, Queen of Scots
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.’
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?
Borgia, Republic of San Marino
Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco
Medici family, Vatican City State
Two
What year and state complete the following sentence? In …, Elvis Presley was born in …
1933; Alabama
1935; Mississippi
1937; Tennessee
Three
On this day, Charles de Gaulle was inaugurated as president of France’s …
First Republic
Fourth Republic
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?
Have I Got News for You
Monty Python
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?
Here are the answers to the questions posed in my earlier post.
These questions all relate to today’s date, January 6th.
Adoration of the Magi by El Greco (1568), Museo Soumaya, Mexico City. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
In Western Christianity, the Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Magi. Which Gospel or Gospels tell this story?
Answer: Gospel of Matthew
The biblical account in Matthew 2 describes the visit of unnamed ‘wise men’ to the infant Jesus, not on the night of his birth but at an unspecified later time. While artistic conventions often depict this event alongside the nativity, the text specifies that the wise men visited Jesus in a house, not a stable, and the exact timing of their visit is not provided.
Two
In 1994, ‘The Whack Heard Around the World’ involved an attack on an US figure skater by an assailant hired by, or on behalf of, a rival skater. Who was the attacked skater, and who was the rival?
Answer: Nancy Kerrigan; Tonya Harding
On January 6, 1994, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan was attacked by Shane Stant, who was hired by Jeff Gillooly and Shawn Eckardt to prevent her from competing. The incident was later linked to her rival, Tonya Harding, Gillooly’s ex-wife, who was accused of involvement. Despite the attack, Kerrigan recovered and competed in the Lillehammer 1994 Olympic Winter Games, winning a silver medal. Harding, who also competed at the Olympics, faced legal consequences, pleaded guilty to hindering the prosecution, and was banned for life from USFSA events.
Three
In 1540, England’s King Henry VIII married his fourth wife, who was she and what was her fate?
Answer: Anne of Cleves; marriage was annulled
Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII’s fourth wife, ruled England for six months in 1540. Their marriage was annulled, but she remained in England, receiving a generous settlement. She lived to see the reigns of Henry’s children. Ten years after Henry’s death and during Mary I’s reign, Anne died and was interred as a queen in Westminster Abbey.
Four
Born in 1955, this British actor voiced Zazu, an uptight hornbill, in The Lion King (1994). Who was this actor?
Answer: Rowan Atkinson
Rowan Atkinson is an English actor, comedian and writer, best known for his roles in Blackadder, Mr. Bean, and Johnny English. He has received numerous awards for his work, including a BAFTA and an Olivier Award, and was appointed CBE in 2013.
Five
In 1900, the besieged fortress at Ladysmith, Natal, successfully repelled an attack and drove the attackers back. During what war did this occur, and in what modern country is this location?
Answer: Second Boer War; South Africa
The Siege of Ladysmith, a crucial engagement during the Second Boer War, lasted from 2 November 1899 to 28 February 1900. The Boer republics invaded Natal, leading to battles and a British retreat to Ladysmith. Despite several relief attempts, the Boers encircled the town until the British forces, led by General Buller, broke through and relieved it. The Battle of Wagon Hill, on 6 January 1900, saw Boer forces attack British positions on Platrand. Initially successful, the Boers were repelled by British counterattacks, resulting in heavy casualties. The siege of Ladysmith continued until 28 February 1900, when the British forces finally broke through the Boer lines and relieved the town.
These questions all relate to today’s date, January 6th.
Adoration of the Magi by El Greco (1568), Museo Soumaya, Mexico City. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
In Western Christianity, the Epiphany celebrates the coming of the Magi. Which Gospel or Gospels tell this story?
Two
In 1994, ‘The Whack Heard Around the World’ involved an attack on an US figure skater by an assailant hired by, or on behalf of, a rival skater. Who was the attacked skater, and who was the rival?
Three
In 1540, England’s King Henry VIII married his fourth wife, who was she and what was her fate?
Four
Born in 1955, this British actor voiced Zazu, an uptight hornbill, in The Lion King (1994). Who was this actor?
Five
In 1900, the besieged fortress at Ladysmith, Natal, successfully repelled an attack and drove the attackers back. During what war did this occur, and in what modern country is this location?
Born in 1969, Brian Hugh Warner is better known as whom?
Answer: Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson, born Brian Warner on 5 January 1969, is an American musician, actor and artist, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band he co-founded in 1989 with guitarist Scott Putesky. The band, named after Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson, is renowned for its controversial image and lyrics, blending industrial rock, glam rock, and alternative metal. It gained a cult following in South Florida for its theatrical and visually shocking performances, often challenging societal norms and promoting themes of drugs, sex, violence and Satanism. Despite achieving commercial success with several platinum and gold albums, Manson has faced criticism and legal battles, including allegations of abuse and human trafficking in the 2020s, which he has denied.
Two
In 1968, Alexander Dubček rose to power and implemented reforms that led to an invasion by fellow Warsaw Pact members, forcing his resignation. He came to power in which country and what two-word name – both six letters long – has been given to this period of liberalisation and reform?
Answer: Czechoslovakia; Prague Spring
Alexander Dubček, a Slovak statesman, led Czechoslovakia from 1968 to 1969, implementing reforms known as the Prague Spring. His liberalisation efforts, which included increased freedoms and a move towards federalism, were reversed following the Warsaw Pact invasion on August 20, 1968, forcing him to resign. Dubček later became a symbol of the Velvet Revolution and was awarded the Sakharov Prize in 1989. After the fall of communism, he returned to prominence, becoming chairman of the Federal Assembly and later the leader of Slovakia’s Social Democrats before his death in 1992.
Three
In Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, besides Vladimir and Estragon, what are the names of the other two characters, the travellers? Furthermore, what has happened to each of these travellers by the time they return in Act II?
Answer: Pozzo and Lucky; Pozzo is blind and Lucky is mute
Waiting for Godot is a tragicomedy play by Samuel Beckett, first published in 1952. The play revolves around two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who engage in various activities while waiting for the titular Godot, who never arrives. The play is known for its enigmatic nature and has been widely acclaimed and adapted for various mediums.
Four
The future King Juan Carlos of Spain was born on this date. In what decade did he become king, and who did he replace as head of state?
Answer: 1970s; Francisco Franco
Juan Carlos, born in 1938, became King of Spain in 1975 after the death of Francisco Franco. He played a pivotal role in Spain’s transition to democracy, appointing reformist leaders and supporting political parties. Despite his initial support for Franco, Juan Carlos’s reign was marked by liberal reforms, including divorce and abortion laws. However, his later years were overshadowed by corruption scandals and financial controversies, leading to his abdication in 2014 and subsequent self-exile in 2020.
Five
Italian author Umberto Eco, born in 1932, wrote a novel set in 1970s Milan. It centres on a fictional conspiracy involving the Knights Templar, created by the characters Casaubon, Belbo and Diotallevi. What was the novel?
Answer: Foucault’s Pendulum
Umberto Eco (1932-2016) was an Italian literary critic, novelist, and semiotician, best known for his novels The Name of the Rose and Foucault’s Pendulum. He also wrote extensively on various topics, including semiotics, medieval studies and political commentary, with notable works such as A Theory of Semiotics and Semiotics and the Philosophy of Language. Eco explored other areas of communication and published numerous works on criticism, history and language.
The Misfits
The post title originates from a 1961 film of the same name starring Marilyn Monroe. As mentioned in the answer to question one, Brian Warner adopted the first part of Monroe’s name as his pseudonym, which, to me, feels somewhat incongruous, something of a misfit.
Born in 1969, Brian Hugh Warner is better known as whom?
Two
In 1968, Alexander Dubček rose to power and implemented reforms that led to an invasion by fellow Warsaw Pact members, forcing his resignation. He came to power in which country and what two-word name – both six letters long – has been given to this period of liberalisation and reform?
Three
In Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, besides Vladimir and Estragon, what are the names of the other two characters, the travellers? Furthermore, what has happened to each of these travellers by the time they return in Act II?
Four
The future King Juan Carlos of Spain was born on this date. In what decade did he become king, and who did he replace as head of state?
Five
Italian author Umberto Eco, born in 1932, wrote a novel set in 1970s Milan. It centres on a fictional conspiracy involving the Knights Templar, created by the characters Casaubon, Belbo and Diotallevi. What was the novel?
Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.
Today’s questions are simply a random mix.
Two-colour gold, guilloché enamel, brilliant and rose-cut diamonds. It was given to King Edward VII by his favourite mistress, Mrs George Keppel, in 1908. Image Royal Collection Trust
One
‘My great-grandmother was your great-great grandfather’s mistress,’ she is said to have joked. ‘So how about it?’
— Tatler, 11 December 2024
This quote was reportedly made in the second half of the twentieth century by one Briton speaking to another. Who is the person speaking, and who is listening?
Answer: Camilla Shand (later Parker Bowles) and Charles, Prince of Wales (now Queen Camilla and King Charles III)
Alice Keppel, a mistress of King Edward VII, gifted him a Fabergé cigarette case symbolising her love. History has somewhat repeated itself: Alice Keppel’s great-granddaughter is none other than Queen Camilla, who was, of course, in a relationship with Prince Charles when he was married to Princess Diana. Queen Camilla, is married to King Charles III.
Two
Stay With Me___ was a 1979 single by Judie Tzuke. What two words complete the title?
Answer: Till Dawn (Stay With Me Till Dawn)
Her debut album Welcome to the Cruise included the single that peaked at number 8 in Australia and 16 in the UK. It also reached number 47 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
Three
The rings of ___, comprising 13 planetary rings, were discovered in 1977. Which body in the Solar System has been omitted from the previous sentence?
Answer: Uranus
Uranus has 13 planetary rings, discovered in 1977. Their complexity is between Saturn’s extensive rings and Jupiter and Neptune’s simpler systems. In 1789, William Herschel reported observing rings. However modern astronomers are divided on whether he could have seen them as they are very dark and faint.
Four
This wall, which began construction in AD 142, served as the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire while garrisoned. What wall is this and in which modern country is this wall located?
Answer: Antonine Wall
The Antonine Wall, a turf fortification built by the Romans in Scotland, spanned 63 kilometres and was the northernmost frontier barrier of the Roman Empire. Constructed under Emperor Antoninus Pius, it was abandoned after eight years and its remains are less evident than Hadrian’s Wall due to weathering. It is now under the care of Historic Environment Scotland and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Five
The Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event is the most recent mass extinction and the only one definitively connected to a major asteroid impact. Some ___ percent of all species on the planet, including all nonavian dinosaurs, went extinct.
— National Geographic, September 26, 2019
Complete the quote by selecting one of these percentages: 43, 61 or 76.
Answer: 76
The Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, 66 million years ago, wiped out 76% of species, including all non-avian dinosaurs, due to an asteroid impact near Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
Quizology.Online 