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?
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.
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?
Here are the answers to the questions in my earlier post.
Today’s questions all relate to the date, February 18th.
Pluto. Photograph taken by NASA’s New Horizon spacecraft. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered what in our solar system?
Answer: Pluto.
In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh, an American astronomer, discovered Pluto despite lacking formal training. He attended the University of Kansas on a scholarship and completed his M.A. in astronomy in 1939. Tombaugh worked at the Lowell Observatory, cataloguing over 30,000 celestial objects before leaving in 1946. His research included star clusters, extragalactic nebulae, and planetary observations. In 1950, he predicted Mars’ cratered surface due to its proximity to the asteroid belt, a prediction confirmed by Mariner 4 in the 1960s. Tombaugh also taught at Arizona State College and the University of California, contributing significantly to astronomy.
Two
Born in Tokyo in 1933, she is a Japanese artist and musician. In 1968, she released, with her future husband, Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, a collaborative experimental album. They later lived in an apartment building at 1 West 72nd Street, New York City. Who is she, what is the building at 1 West 72nd Street, NYC named, and who was her collaborative husband-to-be?
Answer: Yoko Ono; The Dakota; John Lennon.
Yoko Ono, a Japanese artist, musician, activist, and filmmaker, rose to fame in the 1960s and married John Lennon in 1969. She achieved success in music, including a Grammy-winning album with Lennon, and continues to honour his legacy through philanthropy. The Dakota, a historic luxury apartment building in New York City, was built between 1880 and 1884 in the German Renaissance style by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh. It was one of the first major developments on the Upper West Side and remains the city’s oldest luxury apartment building. Recognised as a National Historic Landmark, The Dakota is celebrated for its unique architecture and has housed numerous artists and celebrities.
Three
In 1965, The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom. This African nation is situated on which ocean and is bordered by which country?
Answer: Atlantic Ocean; Senegal.
The Gambia, Africa’s smallest mainland country, lies along the Atlantic coast surrounded by Senegal and follows the Gambia River through flat, navigable terrain. Its unusual shape stems from 19th‑century territorial agreements between Britain and France. A brief Senegambia confederation existed from 1982 to 1989. The nation, with a 2026 population of around 2.55 million, is a multiparty republic led by President Adama Barrow, with Banjul as its capital. English is the official language, and the main ethnic groups include Malinke, Wolof, Fulani, Diola and Soninke. The economy relies heavily on peanut production and export. Known for its sandy Atlantic beaches and the historic village of Jufureh, The Gambia combines dense rural settlement with cultural and historical links to neighbouring Senegal.
Four
Born on this day, Enzo Ferrari, automobile manufacturer, designer, and racing-car driver. In what decade, and in what city, was he born?
Answer: Modena; 1890s.
Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988) was an Italian car designer, manufacturer, and racing driver who founded Scuderia Ferrari and later Ferrari SpA. He began as a test driver after World War I, joining Alfa Romeo in 1920 and creating Scuderia Ferrari in 1929 to prepare Alfa race cars. By 1939 he had split from Alfa and formed Auto Avio Costruzioni, which evolved into Ferrari. The first car under his name, the 125 S, appeared in 1947 and won Ferrari’s first Grand Prix. Famous for speed and engineering excellence, his teams dominated the 1950s and 1960s, though tragedy struck with multiple driver fatalities and the death of his son Dino. Ferrari sold a stake to Fiat in 1969, remained president until 1977, and became a motorsport legend.
Five
In 2010, WikiLeaks publishes thousands of classified documents which had been disclosed by a U.S. soldier. What is his or her name?
Answer: Bradley Manning or Chelsea Manning.
In 2010, WikiLeaks, which had been founded in 2006, released nearly half a million documents on the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a 2007 video showing a U.S. helicopter attack killing twelve, including two Reuters employees. The Obama administration condemned the leaks as a national security threat. In November 2010, WikiLeaks published 250,000 classified U.S. diplomatic cables, revealing efforts to isolate Iran. Following the leaks, U.S. lawmakers pursued prosecution of Assange and collaborators. Bradley Manning, a U.S. Army analyst, was arrested in May 2010 for releasing the helicopter video and later accused of leaking cables. Manning pleaded guilty to 10 charges, was found guilty of espionage and theft in July 2013, and received a 35-year sentence. The day after sentencing Manning’s attorney issued a press release saying that his client was a female, and asked that she be referred to by her new name of Chelsea and feminine pronouns. WikiLeaks faced setbacks, including being taken offline and losing payment services.
Today’s questions all relate to the date, February 18th.
Photograph taken by NASA’s New Horizon spacecraft. Image Wikimedia Commons
One
In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered what in our solar system?
Two
Born in Tokyo in 1933, she is a Japanese artist and musician. In 1968, she released, with her future husband, Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, a collaborative experimental album. They later lived in an apartment building at 1 West 72nd Street, New York City. Who is she, what is the building at 1 West 72nd Street, NYC named, and who was her collaborative husband-to-be?
Three
In 1965, The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom. This African nation is situated on which ocean and is bordered by which country?
Four
Born on this day, Enzo Ferrari, automobile manufacturer, designer, and racing-car driver. In what decade, and in what city, was he born?
Five
In 2010, WikiLeaks publishes thousands of classified documents which had been disclosed by a U.S. soldier. What is his or her name?
Today’s questions all relate to the date 16th February.
Kiefer Sutherland and Sally Field in Eye for an Eye (1996), directed by John Schlesinger. Image Encyclopædia Britannica
One
Born in 1926, this director won the Academy Award for Best Director for Midnight Cowboy starring Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. He also directed Eye for an Eye (1996) featuring Sally Field and Kiefer Sutherland. Who is he?
Answer: John Schlesinger.
John Schlesinger was an English director and actor, known for his work in the British New Wave and Hollywood. He gained recognition for his documentaries and feature films, including the Academy Award-winning Midnight Cowboy, and received numerous accolades throughout his career. He also served as associate director of the National Theatre. Fred Neil’s song Everybody’s Talkin’ became the theme for the film and won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance by Harry Nilsson.
Two
In 1923, the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun was unsealed. Who was the archaeologist responsible for this discovery?
Answer: Howard Carter.
Tutankhamen, an Egyptian pharaoh, ruled in the 14th century BC and restored traditional religion. His tomb, discovered in 1922, contained treasures that made him renowned, despite his early death and limited achievements. The opening of the tomb was soon followed by stories that it was cursed. One of these relates that shortly after opening the tomb, Carter’s messenger found a cobra in Carter’s house, having killed Carter’s canary. This fuelled rumours of a curse, as the cobra was a symbol of the Egyptian monarchy.
In 1918, this country declared independence and two months later adopted this flag which is again the national flag today. Which country?
Answer: Lithuania.
The Act of Independence of Lithuania, signed on 16 February 1918, proclaimed Lithuania’s independence from Russia and established a democratic state with Vilnius as its capital. Although initially hindered by German occupation, Lithuania gained control over its territory after Germany’s defeat in World War I. The Act remains the legal basis for modern Lithuania’s existence. The national flag of Lithuania was adopted in April 1918 during this first period of independence (1918–1940). It was re-adopted in 1988, approximately one and a half years before Lithuania’s independence was re-established and almost three years before the Soviet Union’s collapse.
Four
Born in 1964, this English actor portrayed the ninth incarnation of The Doctor in BBC’s time-travelling series Doctor Who. As The Doctor, he was accompanied by Rose Tyler and inspired Charles Dickens. Who is this actor?
Answer: Christopher Eccleston.
Christopher Eccleston is an English actor known for his work in British social realist dramas and for playing the ninth Doctor in Doctor Who. He has received numerous award nominations and accolades for his performances in television, film and theatre.
Five
Born in 1973, this athlete made history in 2000 as the first Australian Aboriginal person to win an individual Olympic gold medal. Who is this athlete?
Answer: Cathy Freeman.
Cathy Freeman, an Australian sprinter, made history as the first Aboriginal person to win an individual Olympic gold medal in the 400-metres at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She achieved numerous victories, including Commonwealth Games gold medals and a world championship title, and was a symbol of Aboriginal reconciliation. Freeman retired from competition in 2003 and established the Cathy Freeman Foundation to support Indigenous children.
Born in 1926, this director won the Academy Award for Best Director for Midnight Cowboy starring Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. He also directed Eye for an Eye (1996) featuring Sally Field and Kiefer Sutherland. Who is he?
Two
In 1923, the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun was unsealed. Who was the archaeologist responsible for this discovery?
In 1918, this country declared independence and two months later adopted this flag which is again the national flag today. Which country?
Four
Born in 1964, this English actor portrayed the ninth incarnation of The Doctor in BBC’s time-travelling series Doctor Who. As The Doctor, he was accompanied by Rose Tyler and inspired Charles Dickens. Who is this actor?
Five
Born in 1973, this athlete made history in 2000 as the first Australian Aboriginal person to win an individual Olympic gold medal. Who is this athlete?
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.
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?
Born in 1909, this Hollywood star made her film debut in Down Argentine Way alongside Don Ameche and Betty Grable. Who was she and where was she born?
Answer: Carmen Miranda; Portugal
Carmen Miranda, a Portuguese-born Brazilian singer, dancer and actress, gained fame in Brazil as a samba dancer. She became a Hollywood star in the 1940s, known for her exotic image and fruit-hat outfits, and popularised Brazilian music and Latin culture in the United States. Despite her success, she struggled with the stereotypical ‘Brazilian Bombshell’ image and later focused on nightclub appearances and television.
Two
On this day in 1893, Giuseppe Verdi’s final opera premiered at La Scala in Milan. What was its title?
Answer: Falstaff.
Giuseppe Verdi’s comic opera Falstaff is based on Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and incorporates scenes from Henry IV, Part 1 and Part 2. While not as popular as his earlier works, it’s now a staple of the operatic repertoire, championed by conductors like Toscanini, Karajan, Solti and Bernstein. Following its first performance, Verdi made numerous changes to the music resulting in a somewhat fluid score.
Three
On this day in what year was the Davis Cup established and which teams competed in the inaugural tournament?
Answer: 1900; USA and Great Britain (or British Isles*).
Davis Cup began in 1900 as a competition between USA and Great Britain. It’s now the world’s largest annual international team competition in sport, with 157 nations entering in 2025. — Davis Cup
*Some sources, for example Encyclopædia Britannica, list the first competition to have been between the USA and the British Isles; others, such as the official competition website, show Great Britain.
Four
Born in 1940, this novelist is the first writer to win the Booker Prize twice – in 1983 and 1999. His first win was for Life & Times of Michael K and his second for Disgrace. He’s also the second writer from his nationality, after Nadine Gordimer, to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. Who is he, and what is his nationality?
Answer: J.M. Coetzee; South African.
J.M. Coetzee, a South African-Australian author, is a Nobel Prize winner and recipient of numerous literary awards. He was born in Cape Town but now resides in Adelaide, South Australia.
Five
Who, born in New York City in 1942, was the most successful female songwriter on the UK singles charts from 1962 to 2005?
Answer: Carole King
Carole King is an American singer-songwriter and musician. She wrote or co-wrote numerous hit songs and achieved success as a solo performer, releasing 25 albums and selling over 75 million records worldwide. Today’s post title refers to her song Hard Rock Café from her 1977 album Simple Things.
