Tag: transport

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.

From One to five—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh.
Image Wikimedia Commons

Today’s batch are simply random questions.

One

The International Car Registration Code for the United Kingdom is what?

Answer: GB

With a history dating to 1909, International vehicle registration codes, also known as VRI codes, indicate the country of registration. These codes, maintained by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, are used in international traffic and are often based on ISO codes. The Geneva Convention on Road Traffic mandates that vehicles from signatory countries display their country’s distinguishing sign on the rear.

Two

Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days, which was first published in French, was originally published in what decade?

Answer: 1870s

Jules Verne’s 1872 adventure novel, Around the World in Eighty Days, follows Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout’s attempt to circumnavigate the globe in eighty days.

Three

What canal joins the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea?

Answer: Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal, completed in 1893, connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in Greece. Despite its historical significance, the canal’s narrowness and navigational challenges limit its economic importance, making it primarily a tourist attraction.

Four

Who was the first human in outer space, and from which present-day country was his historic space flight launched?

Answer: Yuri Gagarin; Kazakhstan

Vostok 1, the first human orbital spaceflight, launched on 12 April 1961 with Yuri Gagarin aboard. Launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the 108-minute flight completed a single orbit around Earth.

Five

What is the correct title of the song often called Starry Starry Night, and who wrote it?

Answer: Vincent; Don McLean

Vincent is a song by Don McLean, written as a tribute to Vincent van Gogh. The song, released in 1971, topped the UK Singles Chart and peaked at No. 12 in the United States.

From One to five

The Starry Night.
Image Wikimedia Commons

Today’s batch are simply random questions.

One

The International Car Registration Code for the United Kingdom is what?

Two

Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days, which was first published in French, was originally published in what decade?

Three

What canal joins the Ionian Sea to the Aegean Sea?

Four

Who was the first human in outer space, and from which present-day country was his historic space flight launched?

Five

What is the correct title of the song often called Starry Starry Night, and who wrote it?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Brace for Impact—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

Today’s questions all relate to January 15th.

Happy Days.
Image IMDb

One

In what decade did the television comedy Happy Days premiere in the United States?

Answer: 1970s

Happy Days, a popular American sitcom that aired from 1974 to 1984, depicted an idealised view of 1950s and 60s America. The show’s most memorable character, Fonzie, became a pop culture icon, leading to several spin-off shows and launching the careers of its stars.

Two

The first national public museum in the world, opened in 1759, boasts a collection of over eight million artefacts. What museum?

Answer: British Museum

The British Museum was founded in 1753 and opened its doors in 1759. It was the first national museum to cover all fields of human knowledge, open to visitors from across the world.

Enlightenment ideals and values – critical scrutiny of all assumptions, open debate, scientific research, progress and tolerance – have marked the Museum since its foundation.

The Museum is driven by an insatiable curiosity for the world, a deep belief in objects as reliable witnesses and documents of human history, sound research, as well as the desire to expand and share knowledge.
— British Museum

Three

The 2016 film Sully, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger III, depicts his remarkable landing of a crippled aircraft in a river. Which river did the aircraft land in, and who directed the film?

Answer: Hudson River; Clint Eastwood

On 15 January 2009, US Airways flight 1549, an Airbus A320, made an emergency landing in the Hudson River after both engines were damaged by a flock of geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. Captain Chesley Sullenberger successfully ditched the plane, resulting in no fatalities but five serious injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded Sullenberger’s decision to land in the river was appropriate.

Four

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on this date in 1929 and dying at the age of 39 in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, this American religious leader became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Who was this?

Answer: Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent American civil rights activist and Baptist minister who led the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He advocated for civil rights for people of colour through nonviolent resistance, achieving significant legislative gains like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal. Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday in January and a memorial dedicated to him stands in the National Mall, Washington, DC.

Five

In 2001, Wikipedia saw its debut. The free Internet-based encyclopaedia was initially launched as a feature of Nupedia prior to being relaunched as an independent entity a few days later. Who were the two founders?

Answer: Jimmy Wales; Larry Sanger

Wikipedia, launched in 2001 as a complement to the expert-written Nupedia, quickly grew into the largest encyclopedia ever assembled. While initially experiencing rapid growth, the English Wikipedia’s growth rate in terms of new articles and editors peaked around 2007 and has since stabilised after a period of decline. Despite concerns about a decline in active editors and page views, Wikipedia remains a widely used and influential resource.

Brace for Impact

The title refers to Captain Sullenberger’s announcement to his passengers in the final approach of flight 1549 to the Hudson River, ‘This is the captain. Brace for impact.’

Brace for Impact

Today’s questions all relate to January 15th.

Happy Days.
Image IMDb

One

In what decade did the television comedy Happy Days premiere in the United States?

Two

The first national public museum in the world, opened in 1759, boasts a collection of over eight million artefacts. What museum?

Three

The 2016 film Sully, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger III, depicts his remarkable landing of a crippled aircraft in a river. Which river did the aircraft land in, and who directed the film?

Four

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on this date in 1929 and dying at the age of 39 in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, this American religious leader became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Who was this?

Five

In 2001, Wikipedia saw its debut. The free Internet-based encyclopaedia was initially launched as a feature of Nupedia prior to being relaunched as an independent entity a few days later. Who were the two founders?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Bridge Over What Water—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions from my earlier post.

The Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges — aka Gateway Bridges — crossing the Brisbane River, 2011.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

The pictured ‘Gateway Bridges’ at Brisbane in Queensland, Australia cross what 214 mile (344 km) long river?

Answer: Brisbane River

The Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges, formerly known as the Gateway Bridge, are twin road bridges over the Brisbane River. The original bridge opened in 1986, and the duplicate bridge opened in 2010, carrying twelve lanes of traffic, six in each direction. The western bridge carries northbound traffic while the eastern bridge carries traffic to heading to the south. A toll is imposed on both bridges until 2051.

Two

In 1787, William Herschel discovered two Moons which were later named Titania and Oberon.These moons are satellites of which planet?

Answer: Uranus

Titania and Oberon, both discovered by William Herschel in 1787, are moons of Uranus. They were later named respectively after the Queen and King of the Fairies in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Titania is the largest moon of Uranus and the eighth largest in the Solar System. It’s composed of ice and rock with a rocky core, icy mantle and possibly a liquid water layer at the core-mantle boundary. Its surface, shaped by impacts and internal processes, features canyons and scarps and may have a tenuous carbon dioxide atmosphere. Oberon is the outermost and second-largest moon of Uranus. Like Titania, it’s composed of ice and rock with a dark cratered surface. Voyager 2 provided the only close-up images of Oberon in 1986 mapping 40% of its surface.

Three

The Throgs Neck Bridge, which opened in 1961, crosses the East River and links two New York City boroughs. Which two?

Answer: The Bronx and Queens

The Throgs (or Throggs) Neck Bridge, a suspension bridge in New York City, connects the Bronx and Queens boroughs. Opened in 1961, it carries six lanes of Interstate 295 over the East River. The bridge, designed by Othmar Ammann, features a centre span of 1,800 feet and is supported by two main cables.

Four

In 1935, a renowned aviator achieved the first successful flight from Hawaii to California. Who was this aviator?

Answer: Amelia Earhart

On 11 January 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first solo aviator to fly from Honolulu to Oakland in a Lockheed 5C Vega. This feat followed unsuccessful attempts by other aviators including an air race which resulted in three deaths. Earhart’s flight was routine with no mechanical issues.

Five

In 1972, this country’s name was changed. It’s now the eighth most populous nation globally and shares a border with the Siliguri Corridor. Which country?

Answer: Bangladesh

Bangladesh, officially the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, is a densely populated country in South Asia. It gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 after a war for independence. Despite challenges like corruption and climate change, Bangladesh is a middle power with a growing economy and the fourth-largest Muslim population in the world. India’s Siliguri Corridor is a vital land connection between India’s mainland and its northeastern states, crucial for logistics and military movements.

Bridge Over What Water

The Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges — aka Gateway Bridges, 2011.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

The pictured ‘Gateway Bridges’ at Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, cross what 214-mile (344-km) long river?

Two

In 1787, William Herschel discovered two moons which were later named Titania and Oberon. These moons are satellites of which planet?

Three

The Throgs Neck Bridge, which opened in 1961, crosses the East River and links two New York City boroughs. Which two?

Four

In 1935, a renowned aviator achieved the first successful flight from Hawaii to California. Who was this aviator?

Five

In 1972, this country’s name was changed. It’s now the eighth most populous nation globally and shares a border with the Siliguri Corridor. Which country?

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

Famous Family—Answers

These questions all relate to today, January 8th.

Flag of Monaco.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

On this day in 1997, what family commemorated 700 years of ruling the place represented by the flag shown above? Who are the family and where do they rule?

  1. Borgia, Republic of San Marino
  2. Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco
  3. Medici family, Vatican City State

Answer: 2. Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco.

Monaco, a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, is the second smallest sovereign state in the world. It is a semi-constitutional monarchy with Prince Albert II as head of state. Monaco is known for its wealth, casinos, and as a tax haven, attracting a high percentage of millionaires.

Two

What year and state complete the following sentence? In …, Elvis Presley was born in …

  1. 1933; Alabama
  2. 1935; Mississippi
  3. 1937; Tennessee

Answer: 2. 1935; Mississippi.

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was a highly influential American singer and actor. Born on 8 January 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, he rose to fame in the 1950s with his unique blend of country and rhythm and blues, becoming a cultural icon despite initial controversy. Presley’s successful music career spanned multiple genres, and he remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Three

On this day, Charles de Gaulle was inaugurated as president of France’s …

  1. First Republic
  2. Fourth Republic
  3. Fifth Republic

Answer: 3. Fifth Republic.

Charles de Gaulle, a pivotal figure in French history, led the Free French forces during WWII, became the provisional president, and was instrumental in establishing the Fifth Republic. As President from 1959 to 1969, he navigated challenges like the Algerian War, strengthened France’s economy and international position, and aimed to increase France’s global influence.

__

Four

Born on this day, Stephen Hawking, a British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, who suffered from motor neurone disease did NOT take part in which one of these?

  1. Have I Got News for You
  2. Monty Python
  3. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series

Answer: 1. Have I Got News for You.

Stephen Hawking was an English theoretical physicist and cosmologist, known for his work on black holes and cosmology. He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease at age 21, but continued his work and achieved commercial success with his book A Brief History of Time. He featured at the Monty Python Live (Mostly) show in 2014. He was shown to sing an extended version of the Galaxy Song, after running down Brian Cox with his wheelchair, in a pre-recorded video. In 2018, Hawking was the voice of The Book Mark II on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series

Five

Queen Mary
Image Wikimedia Commons
Queen Mary 2
Image Wikimedia Commons

The ocean liners RMS Queen Mary 2 and her namesake Queen Mary are both named after the same person. Who?

  1. Mary I
  2. Mary, Queen of Scots
  3. Mary of Teck

Answer: 3. Mary of Teck.

Queen Mary, now berthed permanently at Long Beach, California, United States, was launched in 1934 when she was named after, and by, Queen Mary, the consort of Britain’s King George V. On 8 January 2004, Queen Mary’s granddaughter, Elizabeth II, named Queen Mary 2 after her grandmother, the same Queen Mary who was born Mary of Teck. Cunard legend has it that the 1934 ship was to be named after Queen Victoria, and following protocol, they advised the king, ‘We have decided to name our new ship after England’s greatest queen.’ George V allegedly responded, ‘My wife [Queen Mary] will be delighted that you are naming the ship after her.’

Famous Family

These questions all relate to today, January 8th.

Flag details with answers.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

On this day in 1997, what family commemorated 700 years of ruling the place represented by the flag shown above? Who are the family and where do they rule?

  1. Borgia, Republic of San Marino
  2. Grimaldi family, Principality of Monaco
  3. Medici family, Vatican City State

Two

What year and state complete the following sentence? In …, Elvis Presley was born in …

  1. 1933; Alabama
  2. 1935; Mississippi
  3. 1937; Tennessee

Three

On this day, Charles de Gaulle was inaugurated as president of France’s …

  1. First Republic
  2. Fourth Republic
  3. Fifth Republic

__

Four

Born on this day, Stephen Hawking, a British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, who suffered from motor neurone disease did NOT take part in which one of these?

  1. Have I Got News for You
  2. Monty Python
  3. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy radio series

Five

The ocean liners RMS Queen Mary 2 and her namesake Queen Mary are both named after the same person. Who?

  1. Mary I
  2. Mary, Queen of Scots
  3. Mary of Teck

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.