Quizology.Online

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

— Bertrand Russell

Tag: sport

  • More What ‘*’ — Answers

    Fall of the Titans. Oil on canvas by Jacob Jordaens, 1638.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s Answers

    One

    What ‘F’ was the Norse God of fertility?

    Answer: Freyr

    Freyr, a Vanir god linked to kingship and fertility, is depicted in the Rällinge statuette and associated with Sweden. He possesses Gullinbursti and Skíðblaðnir, marries Gerðr after surrendering his sword, and will be killed by Surtr at Ragnarök.

    Two

    What ‘G’ is a goddess in Greek myth who was the mother of the 12 Titans?

    Answer: Gaia

    The Titans, twelve children of Uranus and Gaia, preceded the Olympians. Cronus ruled until Zeus and the Olympians defeated them in the Titanomachy; most were imprisoned in Tartarus, though Oceanus and Helios remained free.

    Three

    What ‘H’, a neighbourhood in an American city, is where Alicia Keys was born?

    Answers: Hell’s Kitchen.

    Hell’s Kitchen, or Clinton, is a Manhattan West Side area bordered by 34th or 41st Street, 59th Street, Eighth Avenue and the Hudson River. Once Irish-American and working-class, gentrification since the 1980s raised rents. It hosts LGBTQ communities, the Actors Studio and diverse eateries.

    Four

    What ‘I’, a round of the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship, is named after a country, but the circuit itself is located elsewhere. Where is the circuit, and what is the name of the Grand Prix?

    Answers: Imola, Italy; San Marino Grand Prix.

    The Imola Circuit, an FIA Grade One track in Emilia-Romagna, hosted Formula One from 1980 to 2006 and returned in 2020 after reconstruction. Named after Enzo and Dino Ferrari, it saw fatal accidents, chicanes and cancellations, including floods in 2023. It also hosts other motor and cycling events.

    Five

    What ‘J’ wrote the song Woodstock, which appeared on the album Déjà Vu in March 1970 and was featured on Ladies of the Canyon the following month? Who released these two albums?

    Answer: Joni Mitchell wrote “Woodstock” and released Ladies of the Canyon. Déjà Vu was released by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

    Joni Mitchell wrote Woodstock after Graham Nash described the 1969 festival at Max Yasgur’s farm; her version appeared in 1970. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Matthews Southern Comfort achieved major success, symbolising 1960s counterculture.

  • More What ‘*’

    Fall of the Titans. Oil on canvas by Jacob Jordaens, 1638.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    What ‘F’ was the Norse God of fertility?

    Two

    What ‘G’ is a goddess in Greek myth who was the mother of the 12 Titans?

    Three

    What ‘H’, a neighbourhood in an American city, is where Alicia Keys was born?

    Four

    What ‘I’, a round of the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship, is named after a country, but the circuit itself is located elsewhere. Where is the circuit, and what is the name of the Grand Prix?

    Five

    What ‘J’ wrote the song Woodstock, which appeared on the album Déjà Vu in March 1970 and was featured on Ladies of the Canyon the following month? Who released these two albums?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • With One Accord — Answers

    Today’s Answers

    Signing the Oslo II Accords.
    U.S. Pres. Bill Clinton signing the Oslo II Accords flanked by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (left) and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat (right) at the White House. September 28, 1995.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Today’s theme centres on the date alone: five unrelated questions linked only by 28 September.

    One

    On this day, The Oslo II Accords, formally known as the Israeli–Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which outlined the extension of Palestinian self-rule to additional population centres beyond Gaza and Jericho were signed at the White House. Who are the three people seated at the table in the above photograph?

    Answers: Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin (left), US President Bill Clinton and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat (right).

    This image captures the signing of the Oslo II Accord in September 1995. The accords, which represented a major step in the peace process, were first signed in Taba, Sinai, Egypt, on September 24, 1995, between Israel and the PLO. The highly visible signing on September 28, 1995, in Washington D.C., saw Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat formally execute the agreement, witnessed by US President Bill Clinton, along with representatives from key international guarantors including Russia, Egypt, Jordan, Norway, and the European Union.

    Two

    In tennis, Althea Gibson was the first African American to win a Grand Slam championship in the 1950s. Who became the next non-white woman to do so, and in what decade did she do so?

    Answers: Evonne Goolagong; 1970s.

    Althea Gibson, who was born on this day, won the French Open (1956), Wimbledon (1957 and 1958), and US National (1957 and 1958) (now the U.S. Open). Evonne Goolagong Cawley, an Australian Aboriginal, won the French Open in 1971, the Australian Open (1974, ‘75, ‘76 and ‘77) and Wimbledon (1971 and 1980).

    Three

    The actress Brigitte Bardot, who was born on this day, starred in a 1956 film which…

    … is widely recognised as the vehicle that launched Bardot into the public spotlight and immediately created her “sex kitten” persona.

    — Wikipedia

    What film, and who was the film’s director?

    Answer: And God Created Woman; Roger Vadim.

    After retiring from acting in 1973, Brigitte Bardot dedicated herself to animal rights, establishing her own foundation and receiving accolades from the UN and PETA. However, she has also been a controversial figure due to her far-right political views and has faced multiple fines for inciting racial hatred and making public insults against Muslims in France and residents of Réunion.

    Four

    On what day in 1066 was the Norman ruler William crowned king of England, following his conquest of the country after landing on the south coast on this day in 1066; and what English king was defeated at Hastings?

    Answer: Christmas Day (or 25 December); Harold Godwinson (or Harold II).

    After securing his hold on England by 1075, William I spent much of his remaining years moving between England and Normandy. His final years were marked by family disputes, threats of invasion and the great Domesday survey of 1085–86. When he died in 1087, Normandy passed to his eldest son Robert, while England went to his second son, William Rufus.

    Five

    On this day California was ‘discovered’ by a European who became the first such to stand on the west coast of America. Who was he, and in what decade did he first stand on this coast?

    • Francisco de Orozco
    • Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo
    • Hernán Cortés

    Answer: Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. 1540s.

    Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo was a Portuguese maritime explorer who investigated the west coast of North America for the Spanish Empire. He is best known as the first European to explore present-day Alta California, navigating its coast between 1542 and 1543.

  • With One Accord

    Signing the Oslo II Accords at the White House. September 28, 1995.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    Today’s theme centres on the date alone: five unrelated questions linked only by 28 September.

    One

    On this day, The Oslo II Accords, formally known as the Israeli–Palestinian Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which outlined the extension of Palestinian self-rule to additional population centres beyond Gaza and Jericho were signed at the White House. Who are the three people seated at the table in the above photograph?

    Two

    In tennis, Althea Gibson was the first African American to win a Grand Slam championship in the 1950s. Who became the next non-white woman to do so, and in what decade did she do so?

    Three

    The actress Brigitte Bardot, who was born on this day, starred in a 1956 film which…

    … is widely recognised as the vehicle that launched Bardot into the public spotlight and immediately created her “sex kitten” persona.

    — Wikipedia

    What film, and who was the film’s director?

    Four

    On what day in 1066 was the Norman ruler William crowned king of England, following his conquest of the country after landing on the south coast on this day in 1066; and what English king was defeated at Hastings?

    Five

    On this day California was ‘discovered’ by a European who became the first such to stand on the west coast of America. Who was he, and in what decade did he first stand on this coast?

    • Francisco de Orozco
    • Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo
    • Hernán Cortés

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Spider Murphy Played The Tenor Saxophone — Answers

    Today’s Answers

    Konstantin Chernenko, 1984.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of today’s questions relate to 24 September.

    One

    Who, on this day, became the first player to win a Grand Slam title in tennis; and in what decade did this take place?

    Answers: Don Budge; 1930s.

    The year was 1938. The term ‘Grand Slam’ originally comes from the card game contract bridge, and was first used in tennis by New York Times columnist John Kieran in 1933 when describing Jack Crawford’s attempt to win all four major tournaments in a single calendar year.

    Two

    The Battle of Shiroyama saw the Imperial Japanese Army decisively defeat what revolution; and in what decade did this occur?

    Answers: Satsuma Rebellion; 1870s.

    The Battle of Shiroyama on 24 September 1877, marked the final stand of the Satsuma Rebellion, where Saigō Takamori and a few hundred remaining samurai fought against 30,000 Imperial Japanese Army troops, effectively ending the samurai era in Japan.

    Three

    A single released this day by Elvis Presley became the Billboard Song of the Year in 1957. What song?

    Answer: Jailhouse Rock.

    Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Elvis Presley recorded Jailhouse Rock for the film of the same name. RCA Victor released it in 1957; it topped US charts and gained recognition from the Grammy Hall of Fame and American Film Institute.

    Four

    Born on this day, this General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union succeeded Yuri Andropov and preceded Mikhail Gorbachev. Who was he?

    Answer: Konstantin Chernenko.

    Konstantin Chernenko, a Siberian-born Soviet politician, led the Soviet Union from February 1984 until his death on 10 March 1985. Elected General Secretary and Chairman, his rule relied on an unofficial triumvirate due to poor health and was succeeded by Mikhail Gorbachev.

    Five

    Operation On Wings of Eagles ended on this day after transporting 45,000 Yemenite Jews to Israel. What Biblical book inspired the operation’s name; and by what nickname was it commonly known?

    Answers: Book of Exodus; Operation Magic Carpet.

    Operation On Wings of Eagles, known as Operation Magic Carpet, brought approximately 49,000 Yemenite Jews to Israel between 1948 and 1950. Supported by the United Kingdom and United States, flights from Aden Colony included Alaska Airlines.

    Spider Murphy Played The Tenor Saxophone

    The post title, ‘ Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone’, is the opening line of the second verse of Jailhouse Rock.

  • Spider Murphy Played The Tenor Saxophone

    Konstantin Chernenko, 1984.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    All of today’s questions relate to 24 September.

    One

    Who, on this day, became the first player to win a Grand Slam title in tennis; and in what decade did this take place?

    Two

    The Battle of Shiroyama saw the Imperial Japanese Army decisively defeat what revolution; and in what decade did this occur?

    Three

    A single released this day by Elvis Presley became the Billboard Song of the Year in 1957. What song?

    Four

    Born on this day, this General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union succeeded Yuri Andropov and preceded Mikhail Gorbachev. Who was he?

    Five

    Operation On Wings of Eagles ended on this day after transporting 45,000 Yemenite Jews to Israel. What Biblical book inspired the operation’s name; and by what nickname was it commonly known?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Fact Finders — Answers

    Today’s Answers

    Sir Philip Sidney. See question five.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are all related to the date, 22nd September. Unusually there are seven questions and the post title should help you find the relevant facts.

    One

    The SI unit of capacitance is named after an English scientist born today in 1791. What is this unit?

    Answer: Farad.

    The Farad honours Michael Faraday, a self-taught English scientist whose early work in electromagnetism and electrochemistry laid the groundwork for modern electric motors and the concept of the electromagnetic field. He defined this field and showed that magnetism can affect light, while developing principles of electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism, and the laws of electrolysis. His invention of electromagnetic rotary devices helped make electricity practical for technological use.

    Two

    This professional boxer was the World Heavyweight Champion from 1959 to 1960, beating Floyd Patterson to win the title. He also appeared in the role of Private Torgil in the film All the Young Men (1960). Who was he?

    Answer: Ingemar Johansson.

    Ingemar Johansson, a Swedish world heavyweight champion, was disqualified in the 1952 Olympic semifinal against Ed Sanders for not fighting actively. The IOC awarded him the silver medal in 1982.

    Three

    The events asked about in question seven below took place in what US state?

    Answer: New York.

    See comments after answer seven below.

    Four

    Discovered over a period of ten years from the mid-1940s at the Qumran Caves in the West Bank, these became publicly available for the first time on 22 September 1991. What are they?

    Answer: Dead Sea Scrolls.

    Discovered near the Dead Sea, the Dead Sea Scrolls are mainly Hebrew manuscripts on leather and papyrus dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. Most scholars link them to a Qumrān sect, possibly the Essenes. They include biblical and sectarian texts, aiding reconstruction of Palestine’s history and insights into Christianity and rabbinic Judaism.

    Five

    In 1586, at the Battle of Zutphen in an action against the Spanish, the English statesman, soldier and poet Sir Philip Sidney was mortally injured, dying the following month. During what long war was this battle fought?

    Answer: Eighty Years War.

    Philip Sidney, an Elizabethan courtier and poet, authored Astrophel and Stella and The Defence of Poesie. From an influential family, he travelled Europe and served as ambassador to Rudolf II and Louis VI in 1577. On 22 September 1586 Sidney volunteered to block Spanish supplies to Zutphen, charging three times despite being outnumbered; a bullet shattered his thigh, yet he rode from the field. Taken to Arnhem, his wound became infected leading to his death four weeks later.

    Six

    In 1976, the US Food and Drug Administration banned … Dye No. 4 after it was discovered that it causes tumours in the bladders of dogs. What word is missing from the previous fact?

    Answer: Red.

    Red Dye No. 4, also known as Scarlet GN, is a red azo dye previously used as a food colourant. As a food additive, it is identified by the E number E125. It is generally supplied as a disodium salt.

    Seven

    What is the surname of the person who, on or about, this date in 1823 had a vision of an angel named Moroni?

    Answer: Smith.

    In 1823, near Manchester, in western New York, Joseph Smith reported a vision from Moroni concerning buried golden plates, which he excavated and translated into the Book of Mormon. Smith founded a religion claiming God restored the true church.

    Bonus Question

    The answers above should help with a word linked prominently to today’s quiz, although it is not the bonus answer but it might leave you in a muddle. The bonus answer you are looking for is the name of a television programme that debuted on 22nd September 1994. Which TV show?

    Answer: Friends.

    Your answers should have been Faraday, Ingemar Johansson, New York, Dead Sea Scrolls Eighty Years War, Red, Smith. Remember you were told the title — Fact Finders — would help you and the first words in each answer gives F I N D E R S. Another hint was ‘it might leave you in a muddle’: if you ‘muddle’ F I N D E R S you can end up with F R I E N D S.

  • Fact Finders

    Sir Philip Sidney. See question five.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Today’s questions are all related to the date, 22nd September. Unusually there are seven questions and the post title should help you find the relevant facts.

    One

    The SI unit of capacitance is named after an English scientist born today in 1791. What is this unit?

    Two

    This professional boxer was the World Heavyweight Champion from 1959 to 1960, beating Floyd Patterson to win the title. He also appeared in the role of Private Torgil in the film All the Young Men (1960). Who was he?

    Three

    The events asked about in question seven below took place in what US state?

    Four

    Discovered over a period of ten years from the mid-1940s at the Qumran Caves in the West Bank, these became publicly available for the first time on 22 September 1991. What are they?

    Five

    In 1586, at the Battle of Zutphen in an action against the Spanish, the English statesman, soldier and poet Sir Philip Sidney was mortally injured, dying the following month. During what long war was this battle fought?

    Six

    In 1976, the US Food and Drug Administration banned … Dye No. 4 after it was discovered that it causes tumours in the bladders of dogs. What word is missing from the previous fact?

    Seven

    What is the surname of the person who, on or about, this date in 1823 had a vision of an angel named Moroni?

    Bonus Question

    The answers above should help with a word linked prominently to today’s quiz, although it is not the bonus answer but it might leave you in a muddle. The bonus answer you are looking for is the name of a television programme that debuted on 22nd September 1994. Which TV show?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Far Flung Fortifications Fit III

    See question fifteen.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Over the next nine days, 46 questions will be posed, one for each letter of the alphabet plus 20 others (There will be six one day). The 20 others appear as duplicate letters, and these duplicates spell out the name of the Roman Fortification which in CE 150 to 160 was the furthest boundary from the city of Rome, and the country that it was situated in. It is a three-word answer with eight letters in the first part of the name and four in the second part; the country has eight letters in its name.
    BTW Fit, as used in the post title, is an archaic term meaning ‘a division of a song, ballad, or story’.

    Eleven

    In what sport are the men’s world team championships contested for the Swaythling Cup?

    Answer: Table tennis.

    Twelve

    Grand-Bassam and Bingerville are former capitals of which French African colony, now a country?

    Answer: Ivory Coast.

    Thirteen

    What Japanese sash is also the partial name of a character from Star Wars?

    Answer: Obi.

    Fourteen

    Which 1973 Tina Turner song features the name of a Tennessee town which was a childhood home for her?

    Answer: Nutbush.

    Fifteen

    In the Solar System, which of these planets is nearest to the Sun: Jupiter, Saturn or Uranus?

    Answer: Jupiter.

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers once all the questions have been asked.

  • Far Flung Fortifications Fit II

    Beyoncé, 2003.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    Over the next nine days, 46 questions will be posed, one for each letter of the alphabet plus 20 others (There will be six one day). The 20 others appear as duplicate letters, and these duplicates spell out the name of the Roman Fortification which in CE 150 to 160 was the furthest boundary from the city of Rome, and the country that it was situated in. It is a three-word answer with eight letters in the first part of the name and four in the second part; the country has eight letters in its name. 
BTW Fit, as used in the post title, is an archaic term meaning ‘a division of a song, ballad, or story’.

    Six

    Beyoncé Knowles portrayed which singer in the 2008 film Cadillac Records?

    Seven

    What US president was in office for 12 years and 39 days?

    Eight

    What character sings Memory at the climax of the musical Cats?

    Nine

    Of what country did Haakon VIII become king in 2006?

    Ten

    In 1873, a club published the rules of polo, which are still followed by most of the world to this day? What club?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers once all the questions have been asked.