Bear Garden (left) and Globe Theatre (right), Southwark, London. Engraving, 1597. Image Encyclopædia Britannica
Today’s selection of trivia is all related to the date, 29 June.
One
London’s Globe Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1613, which took hold during a performance of William Shakespeare’s Henry VIII. What caused the fire?
Two
Brazil won their first FIFA World Cup on this day. In what year was this victory, and who were their defeated opponents in the final?
Three
In 1534, Canada’s Prince Edward Island was ‘discovered’ by Europeans. In 1908, a Canadian author wrote a children’s novel about an orphan sent to live at Avonlea, PEI. Who made the 1534 discovery; who was the author, and what was the title of the 1908 novel?
Four
Born in 1978, Nicole Scherzinger played what role in the film Men in Black 3?
Five
On this day in 1861, in Florence, Italy, an English poet died at the age of 55. She was living in Florence with her English husband, also a poet. She is known for the line, ’How do I love thee? Let me count the ways’, which, in part, has been used in the title of several works of music and literature? Who is this poet?
The first question relates to three events related to today’s date, 26 June, in different years. The remaining questions do not relate to today’s date but do follow a similar format.
One
Listed alphabetically, these three events all occurred on this day in the 1970s. Arrange them chronologically starting with the earliest.
CN Tower opened
Elvis Presley last public concert
Muhammad Ali announced his retirement from boxing
Answer
CN Tower opened
Elvis Presley last public concert
Muhammad Ali announced his retirement from boxing
CN Tower opened in 1976 becoming the world’s tallest building until the the Burj Khalifa opened in Dubai, UAE in 2007. Market Square Arena in Indianapolis became Elvis Presley’s last public concert when he performed there in 1977. In 1979, after nearly two decades of professional boxing, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali announced his retirement.
While the remaining questions are not related to today’s date they share a similar format.
Two
These three films each won the Best Picture Academy Award in the 1990s. Listed alphabetically, arrange them chronologically by the year they won the Oscar.
Braveheart
Titanic
Unforgiven
Answer
Unforgiven
Braveheart
Titanic
Unforgiven is a 1992 American Western film directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars as an ageing outlaw. Braveheart is a 1995 American epic historical war drama film directed by and starring Mel Gibson as William Wallace. The film was inspired by Blind Harry’s 15th century epic poem. Titanic is a 1997 American epic historical romance film about the sinking of the RMS Titanic. The film, written and directed by James Cameron, stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as lovers from different social classes.
Three
These tennis professionals all won the Ladies Singles Championships at Wimbledon in the 1990s. Listed here alphabetically, place them in chronological order of their championship wins.
Jana Novotná
Lindsay Davenport
Martina Hingis
Answer
Martina Hingis
Jana Novotná
Lindsay Davenport
Martina Hingis won the title in 1997, beating Jana Novotná in the final. Novotná won the following year with a final victory over Nathalie Tauziat, and Lindsay Davenport’s win came in 1999 when she defeated Steffi Graf to claim the title.
Four
Yet again listed alphabetically, these three artists topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the 2010s. Arrange the three answers by the correct chronological year from that decade.
Adele — Someone Like You
Katy Perry — Teenage Dream
Taylor Swift — We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Answer
Katy Perry — Teenage Dream
Adele — Someone Like You
Taylor Swift — We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream first topped the charts on 18 September 2010. Adele’s Someone Like You followed a year later on 17 September 2011 and Taylor Swift’s We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together topped the charts on 1 September 2012.
Five
The Hugo Award for Best Novel is awarded for the best science fiction or fantasy novel from the previous year. Listed alphabetically are three winners from the early 21st century. Rearrange and list them in their chronological order.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Hominids by Robert J. Sawyer
Answer
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Hominids by Robert J. Sawyer
These three novels and their authors won the 2001, 2002 and 2003 awards respectively.
The first question relates to three events related to today’s date, 26 June, in different years. The remaining questions do not relate to today’s date but do follow a similar format.
One
Listed alphabetically, these three events all occurred on this day in the 1970s. Arrange them chronologically starting with the earliest.
CN Tower opened
Elvis Presley last public concert
Muhammad Ali announced his retirement from boxing
While the remaining questions are not related to today’s date they share a similar format.
Two
These three films each won the Best Picture Academy Award in the 1990s. Listed alphabetically, arrange them chronologically by the year they won the Oscar.
Braveheart
Titanic
Unforgiven
Three
These tennis professionals all won the Ladies Singles Championships at Wimbledon in the 1990s. Listed here alphabetically, place them in chronological order of their championship wins.
Jana Novotná
Lindsay Davenport
Martina Hingis
Four
Yet again listed alphabetically, these three artists topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the 2010s. Arrange the three answers by the correct chronological year from that decade.
Adele — Someone Like You
Katy Perry — Teenage Dream
Taylor Swift — We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Five
The Hugo Award for Best Novel is awarded for the best science fiction or fantasy novel from the previous year. Listed alphabetically are three winners from the early 21st century. Rearrange and list them in their chronological order.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Pilkington Jackson’s statue of Robert I, aka Robert the Bruce, at Bannockburn. Image Wikimedia Commons
All of these questions are related to today’s date, 23 January but there is also a bit of a theme bubbling in the background.
One
A decisive battle on this day in 1314 saw Scotland regain independence and established Robert I as king. What was the battle, and of what Royal house was Robert I the first monarch ?
Answer: Bannockburn; Bruce.
The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 was a decisive victory for the Scots under Robert I against the English under Edward II. Despite being outnumbered, the Scots used strategic positioning and strong infantry to repel English cavalry charges. The battle resulted in heavy English losses and is considered a turning point in the Scottish Wars of Independence.
Two
A Canadian Parliamentary Act in 1887 created the country’s first national park which was originally called Rocky Mountains Park. What is the current name of Canada’s first national park?
Answer: Banff National Park.
Prime Minister John A. Macdonald set aside a small area around hot springs in 1885. This became Canada’s first national park with the passing of the Rocky Mountains Park Act in 1887. Originally named Rocky Mountains Park, it later became Banff National Park. The Canadian Pacific Railway promoted tourism with hotels like Banff Springs. Wealthy tourists from Europe, America, and England visited, engaging in mountaineering. By 1911, Banff was accessible by car, with motorcoach tours starting in 1916.
Three
In 1894, the International Olympic Committee was founded at the Sorbonne in Paris. This was at the initiative of a French noble; who, including his title, was this man?
Answer: Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
Charles Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin (1863–1937), was a French educator and historian, co-founder and second president of the IOC, and the father of the modern Olympic Games. He promoted sports in French schools and inspired the Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy and Medal.
Four
In a game against the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox pitcher Ernie Shore retires 26 batters in a row after replacing …, who had been ejected for punching the umpire. — Wikipedia
This Wikipedia quote refers to a game of baseball played on 23 June 1917. The name of the player who had been replaced is missing. Who is this player?
Answer: Babe Ruth.
On June 23, 1917, Ernie Shore overshadowed Babe Ruth by retiring 26 consecutive batters after Ruth was ejected for punching an umpire. Shore, a North Carolina native, played for the Red Sox and Yankees, ending his career in 1920. The Red Sox won 4-0, and the game was ruled a combined no-hitter.
Five
The 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum took place on 23rd June. What is the referendum and its aftermath commonly known as, and what prime minister finalised it on 31 January 2020?
Answer: Brexit; Boris Johnson.
Prime Minister David Cameron called a Brexit referendum in 2016, which the ‘leave’ campaign won. Theresa May succeeded him but faced party divisions and opposition to her Brexit deal, particularly over the Northern Ireland backstop, leading to her resignation. Boris Johnson, her successor, promised Brexit by 31 October 2019, and finalised it on 31 January 2020. In June 2022, Johnson proposed removing checks on goods to Northern Ireland, risking the trade agreement and peace.
All of these questions are related to today’s date, 23 January but there is also a bit of a theme bubbling in the background.
One
A decisive battle on this day in 1314 saw Scotland regain independence and established Robert I as king. What was the battle, and of what Royal house was Robert I the first monarch ?
Two
A Canadian Parliamentary Act in 1887 created the country’s first national park which was originally called Rocky Mountains Park. What is the current name of Canada’s first national park?
Three
In 1894, the International Olympic Committee was founded at the Sorbonne in Paris. This was at the initiative of a French noble; who, including his title, was this man?
Four
In a game against the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox pitcher Ernie Shore retires 26 batters in a row after replacing …, who had been ejected for punching the umpire. — Wikipedia
This Wikipedia quote refers to a game of baseball played on 23 June 1917. The name of the player who had been replaced is missing. Who is this player?
Five
The 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum took place on 23rd June. What is the referendum and its aftermath commonly known as, and what prime minister finalised it on 31 January 2020?
Going back to the ‘first’ theme, but today’s questions also all relate to 21 June.
One
She was the first woman elected to head a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country. — Wikipedia
Who, born in 1953, is the politician referred to in the above quote?
Answer: Benazir Bhutto.
Benazir Bhutto, the daughter of former Pakistani leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, became the first female leader of a Muslim nation. She served two terms as Prime Minister of Pakistan, facing challenges including corruption charges and political instability. Bhutto was assassinated in 2007 while campaigning for parliamentary elections.
Two
The world’s first Ferris wheel made its debut in 1893 at a World Fair. What was the official title of this World Fair, and what event was the fair commemorating?
Answer: Answer: World’s Columbian Exposition; 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World.
The World’s Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in 1893, celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the New World. The fair showcased Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse’s alternating current system, featured the world’s first Ferris wheel, and attracted over 27 million visitors. Designed in Beaux-Arts style, the exposition left a lasting impact on American architecture and culture.
Three
What was the name of the craft which, in 2004, completed the first crewed private spaceflight?
Answer: SpaceShipOne.
Piloted by Mike Melvill, SpaceShipOne, an experimental air-launched rocket-powered aircraft, achieved sub-orbital spaceflight in 2004, completing the first crewed private spaceflight and winning the Ansari X Prize. Developed by Mojave Aerospace Ventures, the project, named ‘Tier One’, aimed to take passengers into space with a successor ship.
Four
Which team won the very first game in Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) history when the league debuted in 1997?
Answer: New York Liberty.
The WNBA’s inaugural game was played at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California, on 21 June 1997. The New York Liberty defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, marking the beginning of the league’s first season.
Five
The country represented by the flag above first became self-governing in 2009; its parliament is the Inatsisartut; and it appears first on list of a specific geographic superlative. What country is this?
Answer: Greenland.
Greenland, officially the world’s largest island that is not a continent, is home to 56,000 people. It has its own extensive local government but is also part of the Realm of Denmark. Most of its inhabitants live in the 20% of the country that is not covered by ice and snow.
See question five. Flag of …. Image Wikimedia Commons
Going back to the ‘first’ theme, but today’s questions also all relate to 21 June.
One
She was the first woman elected to head a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country. — Wikipedia
Who, born in 1953, is the politician referred to in the above quote?
Two
The world’s first Ferris wheel made its debut in 1893 at a World Fair. What was the official title of this World Fair, and what event was the fair commemorating?
Three
What was the name of the craft which, in 2004, completed the first crewed private spaceflight?
Four
Which team won the very first game in Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) history when the league debuted in 1997?
Five
The country represented by the flag above first became self-governing in 2009; its parliament is the Inatsisartut; and it appears first on list of a specific geographic superlative. What country is this?
Queen Victoria, Coronation portrait by George Hayter. Image Wikimedia Commons
The first four questions are connected to today’s date, 20 June. The fifth is not date-related but is connected to the post title.
One
In 1789, French Deputies of the Third Estate found themselves locked out of their meeting hall. Nearby, they regrouped indoors and swore an oath promising not to separate until a written constitution was established. This oath, named after their location, became known as the what, and who was the French king at the time?
Answer: Tennis Court Oath; Louis XVI.
‘We swear never to separate and to meet wherever circumstances require until the kingdom’s Constitution is established and grounded on solid foundations.’
This event was a founding act of French democracy and a major contributing factor in the separation of authority and national sovereignty. It gave birth to the National Constituent Assembly, which in August 1789 voted for the abolition of feudalism and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. — Palace of Versailles
Two
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1967, this actor made their stage debut in London. They played five different roles in Sir David Hare’s The Blue Room and then transferred the play to New York, where they made their Broadway debut. Also credited as a producer of 2015’s The Family Fang, who is this actor?
Answer: Nicole Kidman.
Nicole Kidman, an American-born Australian actress, is known for her versatility and glamorous looks. She began her career in Australia, gaining recognition in films like Dead Calm and Days of Thunder, and later transitioned to Broadway and Hollywood.
Three
On this date, American racing driver Barney Oldfield achieved the feat of becoming the first driver to cover a mile in a minute. This incredible speed translates to 60 miles per hour or 96.56 kilometres per hour. In what year did Oldfield accomplish this?
Answer: 1903.
Born in Ohio in 1878, Barney Oldfield moved to Toledo in 1889 where he worked various jobs including as a bicycle racer. He met Henry Ford and bought two cars and gained fame by defeating Alexander Winton in the ‘999’ race. Later he became Winton’s professional driver setting speed records and earning the nickname ‘speed king’.
Four
On this day, Victoria became queen of the United Kingdom. Her succession followed the death of her predecessor. Who was her predecessor and what was their relationship to Victoria?
Answer: William IV; Uncle.
William IV, the ‘Sailor King‘, reigned as King of the United Kingdom and Hanover from 1830 to 1837. His reign saw significant reforms, including the Poor Law, child labour restrictions, and the abolition of slavery. Queen Victoria reigned over the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901, a period known as the Victorian era. She married Prince Albert, had nine children, and became known as the ‘grandmother of Europe’.
Five
The theme song for the The Savage Seven, a 1968 biker film, was performed by what rock group?
Answer: Cream.
Cream guitarist Eric Clapton wrote Anyone for Tennis for the 1968 film The Savage Seven with lyricist Martin Sharp. It was recorded during Wheels of Fire sessions and was released as a single and on The Savage Seven soundtrack. It reached number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 40 on the UK Singles Chart in 1968. The track is on several Cream compilation albums.
Anyone for Tennis
Today’s post title was supposed to give a hint to the location of question one’s oath-taking; but I suppose I introduced some obfuscation by including question five.
Queen Victoria, Coronation portrait by George Hayter. Image Wikimedia Commons
The first four questions are connected to today’s date, 20 June. The fifth is not date-related but is connected to the post title.
One
In 1789, French Deputies of the Third Estate found themselves locked out of their meeting hall. Nearby, they regrouped indoors and swore an oath promising not to separate until a written constitution was established. This oath, named after their location, became known as the what, and who was the French king at the time?
Two
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1967, this actor made their stage debut in London. They played five different roles in Sir David Hare’s The Blue Room and then transferred the play to New York, where they made their Broadway debut. Also credited as a producer of 2015’s The Family Fang, who is this actor?
Three
On this date, American racing driver Barney Oldfield achieved the feat of becoming the first driver to cover a mile in a minute. This incredible speed translates to 60 miles per hour or 96.56 kilometres per hour. In what year did Oldfield accomplish this?
Four
On this day, Victoria became queen of the United Kingdom. Her succession followed the death of her predecessor. Who was her predecessor and what was their relationship to Victoria?
Five
The theme song for the The Savage Seven, a 1968 biker film, was performed by what rock group?
Today’s question continue the sausages theme with more links for you to digest.
One
Two events in a sport link Prestwick, Scotland, in 1860 with Newport, Rhode Island, in 1895. What sport, and what notable events?
Answer: Golf; the inaugural Open Championship and the inaugural U.S. Open.
The Open Championship, founded in Scotland at Prestwick Golf Club, Prestwick, Ayrshire, in 1860, where it was originally played annually on its links course, is the oldest and one of the most prestigious golf tournaments. It is organised by the R&A. The U.S. Open, first played at the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1895, was initially dominated by British players until John J. McDermott became the first American winner in 1911. It is organised by the USGA.
Two
The Hudson Strait links what bay to what sea?
Answer: Hudson Bay to Labrador Sea.
The Hudson Strait is a 750-kilometre-long waterway linking Hudson Bay with the Atlantic Ocean and Labrador Sea, separating Baffin Island from northern Quebec. First entered by Europeans in 1578 by Sir Martin Frobisher, it was later explored and named after Henry Hudson. The strait remains an important maritime route connecting central Canadian ports to the Atlantic, though Arctic ice limits its use as a Northwest Passage route.
Three
According to Wikipedia what character in a long-running film series ‘has been portrayed by Jack Lord, Cec Linder, Rik Van Nutter, Norman Burton, David Hedison, John Terry, and Jeffrey Wright’?
Answer: Felix Leiter.
Felix Leiter, James Bond’s CIA ally, is introduced in Casino Royale as a former U.S. Marine and NATO intelligence officer. He is described as a cool, no-nonsense character who understands Bond’s strengths and weaknesses.
Four
What three words link a Neil Young song from 1972 with a fictional spacecraft?
Answer: Heart of Gold.
Heart of Gold was a 1972 single from Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young taken from his fourth album Harvest. Heart of Gold was also the name of a spaceship in Douglas Adams’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Five
What British TV quiz programme, first broadcast on 9 and 10 September 2001, links these real-life people: Charles and Diana Ingram and Tecwen Whittock?
Answer: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.
Charles Ingram, a contestant on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, raised suspicions during his run on the show. Despite using two lifelines early on, he progressed to the £1 million question, which he answered correctly, leading to further scrutiny from the production team.
Sausages II
As explained yesterday, sausages in a chain are links, and today’s questions are all about links.
