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?
Two
On this day in 1893, Giuseppe Verdi’s final opera premiered at La Scala in Milan. What was its title?
Three
On this day in what year was the Davis Cup established and which teams competed in the inaugural tournament?
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?
Five
Who, born in New York City in 1942, was the most successful female songwriter on the UK singles charts from 1962 to 2005?
Australian novelist Colleen McCullough was best known for what romance set in a fictional Drogheda—named after Drogheda, Ireland—a sheep station in the Australian Outback?
Answer: The Thorn Birds
The Thorn Birds, a 1977 novel by Colleen McCullough, is a family saga set on an Australian sheep station. It is the best-selling book in Australian history and inspired an eponymous television series, which became one of the most-watched mini-series of all time. Colleen McCullough died today in 2015, aged 77.
Two
Who, born today in 1966, scored their somewhat controversial 1,000th career goal while playing for Vasco da Gama against Sport Recife in 2007?
Answer: Romário
Romário’s 1,000th career goal, scored from a penalty kick for Vasco da Gama, sparked debate due to his inclusion of goals from friendlies and unofficial games. While celebrated in Brazil, the milestone’s validity was questioned internationally. After his football career ended, he became a politician, advocating for people with disabilities.
Three
Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954, but in which U.S. state was she born?
Answer: Mississippi
Born in Kosciusko, Mississippi Oprah Winfrey, an American media mogul, is best known for her influential talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show. She is the richest Black woman and was once the world’s only Black billionaire.
Four
Released in cinemas today in 1964, Dr. Strangelove… but what was the full title?
Answer: Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Dr. Strangelove is a 1964 political satire black comedy film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film, loosely based on the novel Red Alert, parodies Cold War fears of nuclear war and stars Peter Sellers in three roles. It is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential films ever made.
Five
Who, born on this day in 1939, an Australian journalist and author, has used the pseudonyms Rose Blight and Dr. G?
Answer: Germaine Greer
Germaine Greer, an Australian writer and public intellectual, is a prominent and controversial figure in feminism. She was the columnist Rose Blight in Private Eye and Dr. G in Oz.
Five questions about events related to today’s date, January 29th.
One
Australian novelist Colleen McCullough was best known for what romance set in a fictional Drogheda—named after Drogheda, Ireland—a sheep station in the Australian Outback?
Two
Who, born today in 1966, scored their somewhat controversial 1,000th career goal while playing for Vasco da Gama against Sport Recife in 2007?
Three
Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954, but in which U.S. state was she born?
Four
Released in cinemas today in 1964, Dr. Strangelove… but what was the full title?
Five
Who, born on this day in 1939, an Australian journalist and author, has used the pseudonyms Rose Blight and Dr. G?
In sport, where were the Games of the XXX Olympiad held?
Answer: London, United Kingdom
The 2012 Summer Olympics, held in London, featured 10,518 athletes from 206 countries. The United States topped the medal table, while Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian. The Games were praised for their organisation and the opening ceremony, directed by Danny Boyle.
Two
For what film did James Cagney win the Best Actor Oscar in 1942?
Answer: Yankee Doodle Dandy
Yankee Doodle Dandy is a 1942 biographical musical drama film about George M. Cohan, starring James Cagney. The film was a major hit, winning three Academy Awards, and was later selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
Three
In what country did the artist Pablo Picasso die?
Answer: France
Pablo Picasso, a Spanish artist, was a leading figure in 20th-century art. He co-founded the Cubist movement, invented constructed sculpture and collage, and explored various styles throughout his 76-year career. Picasso’s most famous works include Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Guernica.
Four
What sporting organisation does the abbreviation WPBSA stand for?
Answer: World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), headquartered in Bristol, England, governs professional snooker and English billiards. It devises rules, promotes global development, enforces conduct regulations, combats corruption, and supports various related organisations.
Five
An 1831 novel’s major characters include the following: Claude Frollo — the Archdeacon; Pierre Gringoire — a struggling poet; Phoebus de Chateaupers — the Captain of the King’s Archers. What novel, and who was its author?
Answer: The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (French title: Notre-Dame de Paris); Victor Hugo
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, a French Gothic novel by Victor Hugo, was published in 1831. The novel, set in 15th-century Paris, focusses on the story of Quasimodo, Esmeralda, and Claude Frollo. Hugo championed historical preservation, particularly of Gothic architecture, through this work.
Omnium Gatherum
The post title —
Definition of omnium gatherum in English:
omnium gatherum NOUN
A collection of miscellaneous people or things:
‘an omnium gatherum of anecdotes’
Origin
Early 16th century: mock Latin, from Latin omnium ‘of all’ and gather + the Latin suffix –um.
In sport, where were the Games of the XXX Olympiad held?
Two
For what film did James Cagney win the Best Actor Oscar in 1942?
Three
In what country did the artist Pablo Picasso die?
Four
What sporting organisation does the abbreviation WPBSA stand for?
Five
An 1831 novel’s major characters include the following: Claude Frollo — the Archdeacon; Pierre Gringoire — a struggling poet; Phoebus de Chateaupers — the Captain of the King’s Archers. What novel, and who was its author?
In what century were this corps of soldiers entrusted with the duties of watchmen for the holder of a particular office, and what office was that?
Answer: 16th century
The Pontifical Swiss Guard, established in 1506, protects the Pope and the Vatican. Their duties include accompanying the Pope on journeys, guarding Vatican access points, and protecting the College of Cardinals during the Vacant See.
Two
The professional golfer Jack Nicklaus was born on this day in 1940. During his professional career, how many Masters Tournaments did he win?
Answer: Six
American professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, born in 1940, dominated world golf from the 1960s to the 1980s. He won 18 major championships, including a record six Masters Tournaments between 1963 and 1986, and was named PGA Player of the Year five times. Nicklaus also designed golf courses and authored several books.
Three
A French fashion designer born in 1905 became known for annually introducing new lines, for example the Muguet/Lily of the Valley line and H-Line in 1954; and the A-Line and Y-Line in 1955. Who was this designer?
Answer: Christian Dior
Christian Dior, a French fashion designer, revolutionised post-war fashion with his New Look style, characterised by feminine, sculpted clothing with rounded shoulders, a cinched waist, and a full skirt. Backed by Marcel Boussac, he founded his fashion house in 1946 and introduced the New Look in 1947. Dior’s influence extended beyond clothing, as he also launched perfumes, shoes, makeup, and accessories, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the fashion industry.
Four
A Spanish singer born in 1941 went on to be one third of the operatic singing trio The Three Tenors. Identify the three singers who comprised The Three Tenors?
Answer: Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras
Plácido Domingo, a Spanish-born singer, conductor, and opera administrator, is renowned for his powerful tenor voice and versatility. He performed over 150 operatic roles, ventured into popular music, and founded the Operalia competition to support young singers. Allegations of sexual misconduct in 2019 led to the cancellation of performances, although Domingo denied any wrongdoing.
On 21 January 1976, two Concorde aircraft, one from British Airways and the other from Air France, made their first commercial flights. What were the two routes flown by these Concorde aircraft on that day?
Answer: (British Airways) London to Bahrain and (Air France) Paris to Rio
The Concorde, a supersonic passenger jet built by British and French manufacturers, made its first transatlantic flight (non-commercial) in 1973 and inaugurated scheduled commercial supersonic service in 1976. Despite its technological prowess and ability to halve transatlantic flight times, the Concorde was never financially viable due to high operating costs and noise pollution. The programme ended in 2003 after a fatal crash in 2000 and financial losses. British Airways Concorde B-GOAA, which flew the first London-Bahrain flight mentioned in this question, is on display at the National Museum of Scotland’s National Museum of Flight.
Hopefully, there will be some more trivia for your amusement here tomorrow.
In what century were this corps of soldiers entrusted with the duties of watchmen for the holder of a particular office, and what office was that?
Two
The professional golfer Jack Nicklaus was born on this day in 1940. During his professional career, how many Masters Tournaments did he win?
Three
A French fashion designer born in 1905 became known for annually introducing new lines, for example the Muguet/Lily of the Valley line and H-Line in 1954; and the A-Line and Y-Line in 1955. Who was this designer?
Four
A Spanish singer born in 1941 went on to be one third of the operatic singing trio The Three Tenors. Identify the three singers who comprised The Three Tenors?
On 21 January 1976, two Concorde aircraft, one from British Airways and the other from Air France, made their first commercial flights. What were the two routes flown by these Concorde aircraft on that day?
Billy the Kid was shot and killed at Fort Sumner by whom?
Answer: Sheriff Pat Garrett
Henry McCarty, aka William H. Bonney and Billy the Kid, an American outlaw and gunfighter, was linked to nine murders, solely responsible for four, and possibly involved in five others. Sheriff Pat Garrett, responding to rumours, questioned Pete Maxwell, a friend of Bonney’s, and encountered Bonney unexpectedly, leading to a confrontation where Garrett fatally shot Bonney.
Two
Whose first novel was When the Lion Feeds?
Answer: Wilbur Smith
Wilbur Addison Smith (1933–2021) was a British-South African novelist known for his historical fiction set in Southern Africa. He wrote 49 books, selling over 140 million copies, and focused on themes like hunting, mining, romance and conflict.
Three
Tennis: The Woodies won six Wimbledon men’s doubles titles. What were their surnames?
Answer: Woodbridge and Woodforde
The Woodies, Australian tennis doubles pairing Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde, were one of the most successful in history, winning 61 ATP titles and 11 major titles. They represented Australia in the Olympics and Davis Cup, winning gold and silver medals and contributing to a Davis Cup victory. The Woodies were inducted into the Australian and International Tennis Halls of Fame in 2010.
Four
DOUBLY TUNED is an anagram of an English word, an adverb meaning certainly. What is the word?
Answer: Undoubtedly
undoubtedly /ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli /
▸ adverb without doubt; certainly: they are undoubtedly guilty.
Simon and Garfunkel’s first U.S. number one single hit was what?
Answer: The Sound of Silence
The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, written by Paul Simon, was initially released in 1964 as an acoustic version. A remixed version with electric instruments, released in 1965, became a number-one hit and led to the duo’s reunion and the release of their second album. The song appeared under both the opening and closing credits of the 1967 film The Graduate and was included on its soundtrack album.
Which tennis player fills in the gap in this list of Wimbledon Men’s Champions from the early nineties: Edberg — … — Agassi — Sampras — Sampras
Answer: Michael Stich
In the list shown Edberg vein in 1990 and Stich in 1991. Michael Stich, a former German professional tennis player, achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 2 in singles and No. 9 in doubles. He won 18 singles titles, including Wimbledon and the ATP Tour World Championships, and ten doubles titles, including Wimbledon and the Olympic gold medal.
Two
What is the capital of Lithuania?
Answer: Vilnius
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is known for its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a multicultural centre during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and is now a financial centre and important fintech hub.
Three
Who created the fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey?
Answer: Dorothy L. Sayers
Lord Peter Wimsey, a gentleman detective created by Dorothy L. Sayers, solves mysteries for amusement, often assisted by his valet, a police detective, and later, his wife.
Four
What word does the ‘U’ in U-boat actually refer to?
Answer: Unterseeboot
U-boats, German naval submarines, were used in unrestricted submarine warfare during both World Wars to disrupt UK merchant traffic. While initially successful, improved Allied tactics, particularly during the Battle of the Atlantic, led to significant U-boat losses, culminating in ‘Black May’ 1943.
Five
The title of Pink Floyd’s debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn derived from what children’s novel?
Answer: The Wind in the Willows
The Piper at the Gates of Dawn is Pink Floyd’s debut album, released in 1967. It was recorded at EMI Studios and produced by Norman Smith, blending improvisational pieces with Syd Barrett’s pop songs and psychedelia. The Wind in the Willows was a childhood favourite of Barrett.
