Quizology.Online

Tag: sport

  • A Masterly Performance—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

    These questions are all related to today’s date, January 21st.

    Pontifical Swiss Guard.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    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.

    Concorde G-BOAA at the National Museum of Flight, Scotland.
    Image National Museum of Flight

    Five

    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.

  • A Masterly Performance

    These questions are all related to today’s date, January 21st.

    Pontifical Swiss Guard.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    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?

    Concorde G-BOAA at the National Museum of Flight, Scotland.
    Image National Museum of Flight

    Five

    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?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later today.

  • Doubly Tuned—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    Five random questions today.

    Billy the Kid.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    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.

    — Oxford English Dictionary

    Five

    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.

  • Doubly Tuned

    Five random questions today.

    Billy the Kid.
    Image Encyclopædia Britannica

    One

    Billy the Kid was shot and killed at Fort Sumner by whom?

    Two

    Whose first novel was When the Lion Feeds?

    Three

    Tennis: The Woodies won six Wimbledon men’s doubles titles. What were their surnames?

    Four

    DOUBLY TUNED is an anagram of an English word, an adverb meaning certainly. What is the word?

    Five

    Simon and Garfunkel’s first U.S. number one single hit was what?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answer later.

  • Game, Set and Match—Answers

    The Championships, Wimbledon.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    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.

  • Game, Set and Match

    The Championships, Wimbledon.
    Image Wikimedia Commons

    One

    Which tennis player fills in the gap in this list of Wimbledon Men’s Champions from the early nineties: Edberg — … — Agassi — Sampras — Sampras

    Two

    What is the capital of Lithuania?

    Three

    Who created the fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey?

    Four

    What word does the ‘U’ in U-boat actually refer to?

    Five

    The title of Pink Floyd’s debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn derived from what children’s novel?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • We Three Kings—Answers

    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.

  • We Three Kings

    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?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later today.

  • Mixed Up—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    Unscramble the capitalised ANAGRAM to find the answer in each of the following questions phrases and clues.

    See question four. Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris).
    Image Wikipedia

    Example

    Washington DC is the capital of the ESTATE NUDIST

    Answer: United States

    One

    A quote from the BBC in which the first ANAGRAM is a band name, the second and third are a singer’s name.

    When the ITCHY SERUM scored their first global hit in the early 1980s all eyes were on ONLINE ANNEX, the singer whose powerful androgynous look defied the male gaze.

    and

    The video accompanying the single, in which ONLINE ANNEX appeared with closely cropped orange hair and wearing a man’s business suit, was both striking and surreal. …extraordinary image was at odds with her female contemporaries.

    — BBC

    What is the band (One word) and who is the singer? (First name and surname)

    Answer: Eurythmics; Annie Lennox

    In 1983, the Eurythmics achieved global chart success, topping the US charts with their hit Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox achieved international success with Dave Stewart in the Eurythmics in the 1980s. She embarked on a successful solo career in 1992, releasing six studio albums and winning numerous awards, including eight Brit Awards and four Grammy Awards. Lennox is also a prominent political and social activist, raising awareness for HIV/AIDS and women’s empowerment.

    Two

    This Oxford English Dictionary definition for pewter has what element mixed up: ‘a grey alloy of tin with copper and MY NATION.’ (One word)

    Answer: Antimony

    Antimony (Sb), a lustrous grey metal or metalloid, is primarily sourced from stibnite (Sb2S3). It is used in alloys, flame retardants, semiconductors, and historically in medicine and cosmetics. Historically, pewter was an alloy of tin with up to 40% lead.

    Argentinian tennis player Guillermo Vilas at the 1974 Dutch Open tournament.
    Image Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 nl
    File:Guillermo Vilas.jpg Created: 14 July 1974

    Three

    In 1977, this Argentinian tennis player set a record of a 53-match winning streak on clay courts, which stood until it was surpassed by Rafael Nadal in 2006. He will be found in VILLAGE RUM SILO. (First name and surname)

    Answer: Guillermo Vilas

    Guillermo Vilas is an Argentine former professional tennis player. Argentine Guillermo Vilas, a former professional tennis player, was ranked world No. 1 in the Grand Prix seasons of 1974, 1975 and 1977. He won 62 singles titles, including four majors, and is renowned for his dominance on clay courts, holding the record for most clay court match wins. Despite studies suggesting he should have been ranked No. 1 for seven weeks, the ATP has not officially recognised this.

    Four

    A species of thrush (see picture at the top of this post): DEAF RIFLE

    Answer: Fieldfare

    The fieldfare is a migratory thrush found in northern Europe and the Palearctic. It breeds in woodland and scrub, and winters in the UK, Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

    A sign on the Eyre Highway indicating that an RFDS emergency airstrip is ahead. There are three such strips on the highway.
    Image Wikipedia

    Five

    This sign for a Flying Doctor Service emergency airstrip is on what Australian road which crosses the Nullarbor Plain: GEE HAIRY WHY (two words)

    Answer: Eyre Highway

    Eyre Highway, a 1,664-kilometre highway, links Western Australia and South Australia via the Nullarbor Plain. Constructed during World War II, it was initially named Forrest Highway before being officially named after explorer Edward John Eyre.

  • Mixed Up

    Unscramble the capitalised ANAGRAM to find the answer in each of the following questions phrases and clues.

    See question four.
    Image Wikipedia (Attribution link in answer post)

    Example

    Washington DC is the capital of the ESTATE NUDIST

    United States

    One

    A quote from the BBC in which the first ANAGRAM is a band name, the second and third are a singer’s name.

    When the ITCHY SERUM scored their first global hit in the early 1980s all eyes were on ONLINE ANNEX, the singer whose powerful androgynous look defied the male gaze.

    and

    The video accompanying the single, in which ONLINE ANNEX appeared with closely cropped orange hair and wearing a man’s business suit, was both striking and surreal. …extraordinary image was at odds with her female contemporaries.

    — BBC

    What is the band (One word) and who is the singer? (First name and surname)

    Two

    This Oxford English Dictionary definition for pewter has what element mixed up: ‘a grey alloy of tin with copper and MY NATION.’ (One word)

    Argentinian tennis player VILLAGE RUM SILO at the 1974 Dutch Open tournament.
    Image Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 nl
    (Attribution links in answer post)

    Three

    In 1977, this Argentinian tennis player set a record of a 53-match winning streak on clay courts, which stood until it was surpassed by Rafael Nadal in 2006. He will be found in VILLAGE RUM SILO. (First name and surname)

    Four

    A species of thrush (see picture at the top of this post): DEAF RIFLE

    A sign on the GEE HAIRY WHY indicating that an RFDS emergency airstrip is ahead. There are three such strips on the highway.
    Image Wikipedia (Attribution link in answer post)

    Five

    This sign for a Flying Doctor Service emergency airstrip is on what Australian road which crosses the Nullarbor Plain: GEE HAIRY WHY (two words)

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.