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Flash's
Quiz of the Week
Each week, Flash's Quiz of the Week presents a brief for-fun test on pop culture, sports, history, science, and general knowledge, with a separate test provided for and geared towards the younger set. Visitors are invited to log on each week for a new test; and to check out the answers to past quizzes, which are archived on this webpage. Note to quiz takers: For the current
week, only the questions are shown. For previous weeks, the answers
are given immediately following the questions. Be aware of this format
if you wish the try to answer quizzes from prior weeks.
For the week beginning June 3, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “The Indianapolis 500”. Question 1: Three men have won the Indianapolis 500 four times. Name them. (Difficulty 6). Question 2: How did the Indianapolis Motor Speedway acquire its nickname, “The Brickyard”? (Difficulty 6). Question 3: What year was the Indianapolis 500 first held; who was the first winner; and can you guess (within five miles per hour) his average speed? (Difficulty 8). (Answers next week)
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. How many laps must a driver complete to finish the Indianapolis 500? (Difficulty 4). (Answer next week)
For the week beginning May 27, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “differences”. Question 1: What is the difference between a teepee, a wigwam, and a hogan? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: A teepee is used as shelter by plains Indians. It usually consists of a conical framework of poles covered with buffalo skins. A wigwam is used as shelter by woodlands Indians. It usually consists of a domed or arched framework of poles, and covered with branches, bark, and rushes. A hogan is used as shelter by desert Indians, particularly the Navaho. It usually consists of a framework of poles supporting earthen walls. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 2: What is the difference between a pirate and a privateer? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: A pirate operates outside the law and attacks any vessel he pleases (and it usually pleases him to attack ships filled with booty). A privateer is commissioned by a government to attack only certain ships (such as enemy vessels during time of war). Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 3: What is the difference between a spiral and a helix? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: A spiral coils outward from a central point while remaining on a single plane. The mainspring that powers an old-fashioned stem-wound watch is an example of a spiral. A helix throws in the third dimension. A helix coils up and away. The spring that puts tension on the cartridge of a ballpoint pen is an example of a helix. Source: Webster’s New World
Dictionary
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: What is the difference between a puppet and a marionette? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: A puppet is fitted like a glove over the operator’s hand and manipulated from below. Kukla and Ollie were puppets. A marionette is suspended from strings that the operator manipulates from above. Pinocchio was not a puppet, but in fact a marionette. Source: Webster’s New World
Dictionary
For the week beginning May 20, 2001 With the baseball season well under way, the theme of this week’s quiz is one of baseball’s most illustrious players, “Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs”. Question 1: How did Sammy Sosa come to play with the Chicago Cubs? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: On March 30, 1992, Chicago White Sox players Sammy Sosa and Ken Patterson were traded to the Chicago Cubs for George Bell. Source: The Sammy Sosa site at http://www.geocities.com Question 2: In 1993, Sammy Sosa became the first Chicago Cub in history to have a “30/30” season. What is the meaning of a “30/30” season? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: A “30/30” season means that a player has hit at least 30 home runs and stolen at least 30 bases in a single season, the hallmark of a superb batter/baserunner. Sosa became a “30/30” player not once, but twice. In 1993, he had 33 homes runs and 36 stolen bases. In 1995, he had 36 home runs and 34 stolen bases. Source: The Sammy Sosa site at ww1.sportsline.com Question 3: From what Caribbean nation does Sammy Sosa hail? (Difficulty 6). Answer 3: The Dominican Republic. Source: The Sammy Sosa site
at http://www.geocities.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: What is Sammy Sosa’s jersey number, and why does he wear that particular number? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Sammy Sosa wears jersey number 21, in honor of his boyhood idol, Roberto Clemente, number 21 of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Source: The Sammy Sosa site
at http://www.geocities.com
For the week beginning May 13, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “World War II quotes”. Question 1: "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant, and fill him with a terrible resolve." Who said that and in what circumstance? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Japanese Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku, commenting on the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor (1941). Probably no truer words were ever spoken. The sneak attack that decimated the Pacific Fleet also unified the American people like no other single event in its history. From that point forward, the fascist powers were doomed. Source: Pearl Harbor, a Life Magazine Collector’s Edition Question 2: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Who said that and in what circumstance? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, commenting on the Battle of Britain (1940). Though sorely lacking for both planes and pilots, Great Britain’s Royal Air Force, aided by aviators from a number of allied nations, managed to fend off massive air assaults from Germany’s Luftwaffe, saving the British Isles from occupation. Sources: The Battle of Britain site at http://www.battleofbritain.net and the Winston Churchill site at http://www.winstonchurchill.org Question 3: “Nuts!” Who said that and in what circumstance? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: American General A.C. McAuliffe, responding (with inspiring brevity) to a German call to surrender during the Battle of the Bulge (1944). Sources: The Battle of the
Bulge sites at http://www.army.mil and http://users.skynet.be
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: “Yesterday, MM-DD-YY - a date which will live in infamy - ”. Who said that and in what circumstance? And while you are at it, fill in the date. (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, addressing the nation from the House of Representatives chamber the day following the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. The date to fill in is “December 7, 1941”. Source: An Album for Americans
by David H. Appel
For the week beginning May 6, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “friend or foe”. Question 1: In World War II, the democratic nations (the United States, Great Britain, Canada, etc.) were known collectively as the Allies. By what name were the fascist nations known collectively? And how did they get that name? And what nations comprised said collective? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The fascist nations were known collectively as the Axis. This name came from an October 25, 1936 proclamation declaring the existence of an “axis” between Berlin and Rome. The Axis consisted of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. Sources: The Axis Powers site at http://www.britannica.com Question 2: What incident precipitated the famous feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: Although the two clans had been bitter rivals for many years (mostly in the timber trade), the bullets started flying when Randall McCoy accused Floyd Hatfield of stealing two of his razor-backed hogs. By the time the feud was over a decade later, a total of twelve men were dead. A ridiculous reason to instigate a bitter feud, you say? Perhaps. On the other hand, way back when, the possession of a hog might mean the difference between your family eating or not eating. Sources: The Hatfield and the McCoys sites at http://moe.cc.emory.edu and http://www.goto.com Question 3: George III was the King of England during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1781). Who was the King (or Queen) of England during the War of 1812 (1812-1815)? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: The King of England during the War of 1812 was… George III (life dates 1738-1820, reigned 1760-1820). Source: Webster’s New World
Dictionary
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: In the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon universe, who were the arch-enemies of Rocky and Bullwinkle? And for what totalitarian nation did said arch-enemies do their spying? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The arch-enemies of Rocky and Bullwinkle were Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale. They did their spying for the fictional nation of Pottsylvania. Source: The Rocky and Bullwinkle
site at http://www.inkyfingers.com
For the week beginning April 29, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “investing”. Question 1: What is the difference between a stock and a bond? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: When you buy a stock, you are acquiring an ownership stake in a corporation, proportionate to the number of shares you purchase. When you buy a bond, you are essentially loaning money to a corporation. The corporation repays the principal at a specified date (usually more than one year in future), and in the interim makes periodic interest payments as well. Selling stocks and selling bonds are the two principal means by which corporations raise capital to finance their operations. Sources: The Financial Glossary site at http://biz.yahoo.com and Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 2: In the world of stock trading, what is a “round lot”; and what is an “odd lot”? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: Shares of stock typically are traded in multiples of 100. 100 shares of stock is a “round lot”; anything less than 100 shares is an “odd lot”. Source: The Financial Glossary site at http://biz.yahoo.com Question 3: What does it mean if your securities are held in “street name”? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: It means that the securities you own are not registered in your name, but rather in the name of your Wall Street brokerage firm (hence, “street name”). Your brokerage firm then places your securities in a separate numbered account in your name. Having your securities held in street name offers many advantages. For starters, the securities owner is relieved of the hassles of procuring, handling, storing, and redeeming physical stock or bond certificates. Securities transactions can be effected faster, easier, and at less cost. The brokerage firm issues to the account holder statements at the end of each month, as well as at year-end, which facilitates record keeping and tax filings. Street name is the way to go. Source: The Financial Glossary
site at http://biz.yahoo.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: What is the difference between simple interest and compound interest? And which provides the greater rate of return? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Simple interest is earned only on the principal (the money you loan). Compound interest is earned not only on the principal but also on interest previously earned. For example, if you loan somebody $100.00 at 5% simple interest, you will have earned $5.00 at year-end. But if you loan somebody $100.00 at 5% compound interest (compounded quarterly), you will have earned $5.10 at year-end. All other things being equal, compound interest provides the greater rate of return. And that, kiddies, is your first lesson in capitalism. Sources: The Financial Glossary
site at http://biz.yahoo.com and Webster’s New World Dictionary
For the week beginning April 22, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “dogs”. Question 1: For his twelfth and last labor, Hercules had to bring up from the Lower World the three-headed dog that guarded the gates of Hades. What was the name of the three-headed dog? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Cerberus. Source: The Cerberus site at http://www.perseustufts.edu Question 2: On the television series “Get Smart”, Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 sometimes were assisted by canine agent K-13. What was K-13’s name? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: Fang. Source: The Get Smart site at http://www.wouldyoubelieve.com Question 3: Just as Sirius (The Dog Star) is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (The Great Dog), Procyon is the brightest star in the neighboring constellation Canis Minor (The Little Dog). The star Procyon was so named because of something that is does. What is this something that Procyon does that gave it its name? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: Procyon got its name because it rises before Sirius. Procyon, literally translated, means “before the dog”. Source: Webster’s New World
Dictionary
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: What breed of dog is that mystery-solving canine, Scooby-Doo? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1:
Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane. Actually, given the fact that he is scared
of his own shadow, he probably would be more accurately described as a
So-So Dane.
For the week beginning April 15, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “baseball”. Question 1: This pitcher struck out both Bobby Bonds and his son Barry Bonds; Ken Griffey and his son Ken Griffey, Jr.; and Maury Wills and his son Bump Wills. Name that pitcher. (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: As a consequence of pitching in the Major Leagues for 27 seasons, Nolan Ryan was able to fan all of these father-son combinations. Source: The Nolan Ryan site at http://ryan34.itgo.com Question 2: What does it mean when a player “hits the cycle”? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: It means that a player has hit a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Source: The Baseball Lingo site at http://ww3.sportsline.com Question 3: Rogers Hornsby (St. Louis, NL) won the National League’s triple crown twice (1922 and 1925). Name the only other player in Major League history to win a League triple crown twice. (Hint: The other player was an American Leaguer.) (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: Ted Williams (Boston, AL) won the American League’s triple crown two times (1942 and 1947). Source: The Baseball Lists
site at http://ww3.sportsline.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: The pitcher and the catcher are known collectively as the “battery”. The pitcher and the catcher are, therefore, each other’s “battery mates”. In the "Peanuts" comic strip, Charlie Brown does the pitching. Who is Charlie Brown’s battery mate? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: When he is not playing classical music on his toy piano or petitioning the federal government to make Beethoven’s birthday a national holiday, Schroeder handles the plate chores as Charlie Brown’s first-string catcher. Source: The Peanuts site at
http://expage.com
For the week beginning April 8, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “geographic comparisons”. Question 1: Which river system is longer? The Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock River system in North America, or the Amazon River in South America? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: The Amazon River is 6,296 km (3,912 mi) long. The Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock River system is 5,970 km (3,710 mi) long. Source: Time Almanac 2001 Question 2: Both the highest and lowest elevations in the 48 contiguous states are found in the state of California. True or false? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: True. Highest point: Mt. Whitney, 4,418 m (14,494 ft). Lowest point: Death Valley, 86 m (282 ft) below sea level. Source: Time Almanac 2001 Question 3: Related to the above: Both the highest and lowest elevations on the South American continent are found in the same nation. True or false? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: True again. Both are in Argentina. Highest point: Mt. Aconcagua, 6,960 m (22,834 ft). Lowest point: Peninsula Valdes, 40 m (131ft) below sea level. Source: The South America site
at http://encarta.msn.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: Which border is longer? The border between the continental United States and Mexico, or the border between the state of Alaska and the nation of Canada? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The border between the continental United States and Mexico is 3,111 km (1,933 mi) long. The border between the state of Alaska and the nation of Canada is 2,475 km (1,538 mi) long. Source: Time Almanac 2001
For the week beginning April 1, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “differences”. Question 1: What is the difference between a tornado and a waterspout? (Difficulty 4). Answer 1: A tornado occurs over land, a waterspout over water. Just as a tornado draws dirt and dust into its funnel, a waterspout draws into its funnel water and water vapor. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 2: Related to the above: What is the difference between a hurricane and a typhoon? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: Both a hurricane and a typhoon are tropical cyclones with sustained winds of 73 MPH or greater. The only real difference lies in where they are found. Hurricanes occur in the western Atlantic Ocean, especially in the vicinity of the West Indies. Typhoons form in the western Pacific Ocean, mostly in and around the South China Sea. The word “hurricane” comes from the Taino Indian huracan, the indigenous name for such storms. The word “typhoon” comes from the Chinese tai-fung, meaning “great wind”. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 3: What is the difference between a rabbit and a hare? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: While rabbits and hares have many similarities, they have also many differences. Rabbits are generally smaller than hares. The ears of a rabbit tend to be shorter and less floppy than those of a hare. The hind legs of a hare are bigger, longer, and more powerful than those of a rabbit. The cleft in the upper lip of a hare is considerably more pronounced than that of a rabbit (hence the term, "harelip"). But here is the most significant difference: Baby rabbits are born naked, baby hares are born with fur. Just remember that a hare is born with hair, and you will never forget which is which. One more thing: A jackrabbit is so called because its large, floppy ears resemble those of a jackass. But a jackrabbit is in fact a hare. Source: Webster’s New World
Dictionary
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: What is the difference between hail and snow? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: Hail results when powerful updrafts send rain high into the upper reaches of storm clouds, where the drops of liquid water freeze into ice pellets. Snow results when particles of water vapor freeze to form those familiar hexagonal crystal arrays called… snowflakes Sources: The Hail site at http://www.nws.noaa.gov
and Webster’s New World Dictionary
For the week beginning March 25, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “islands”. Question 1: Just off the east coast of the African continent lies the world’s fourth largest island. Name that island. (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: Madagascar. Source: The Madagascar site at http://encarta.msn.com Question 2: Why are the Galapagos Islands called the Galapagos Islands? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: Certain animal species indigenous to the Galapagos Islands are found nowhere else on Earth. Among the Islands’ unique residents are six species of giant tortoise called, in Spanish, galapagos. Source: The Galapagos Islands site at http://encarta.msn.com Question 3: Here is a two-part question related to the above: a) Where do the Galapagos Islands lie; and b) what nation, if any, has sovereignty over the Galapagos Islands? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: The Galapagos Islands lie 1,050 km (650 miles) due west of the nation of Ecuador, and were annexed by that South American nation in 1832. Source: The Galapagos Islands
site at http://encarta.msn.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: Every school child needs to keep in mind that the “state of Hawaii” consists not just of the island of Hawaii, but in fact every island in the Hawaiian Islands chain (except Midway Island, which is administered by the U.S. Navy), plus a few geographically unrelated islets to the north of the chain. In all, the state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands and 124 islets, reefs, and shoals. Now, here is your question: On which of the Hawaiian Islands will you find Honolulu, the capital city of the state of Hawaii? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: Honolulu is located on the third-largest island, Oahu. Source: The Hawaii and Honolulu
sites at http://encarta.msn.com
For the week beginning March 18, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “ships”. Question 1: In the television series “Gilligan’s Island”, what was the name of the “tiny ship” that never finished its “three-hour tour”? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: The vessel was the S.S. Minnow. Source: The Unofficial Gilligan’s Island Handbook by Joey Green Question 2: What famous sailing ship is known as “Old Ironsides”? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: That would be the U.S.S. Constitution, launched on October 21, 1787. Though no longer in active service, she retains her commission with the United States Navy. She is the oldest commissioned vessel of any navy in the world. Source: The U.S.S. Constitution site at http://www.ussconstitution.navy.mil Question 3: Speaking of which, how on Earth did a wooden-hulled vessel acquire a nickname like “Old Ironsides”? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: Her nickname was acquired as a consequence of her engagement with the HMS Guerriere (Great Britain) on August 19, 1812. When a British cannonball bounced off of the Constitution’s stout hull, a British crewman is said to have declared, “Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!” And the name stuck. Source: The U.S.S. Constitution
site at http://www.ussconstitution.navy.mil
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: In the Star Wars universe, what is the name of Han Solo’s ship? Extra credit if you can name the person from whom Solo acquired her. (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: Han Solo’s ship is the Millennium Falcon. Solo acquired her from a fellow by the name of Lando Calrissian. No, acquired is not the right word. More accurate to say, Solo won the ship from Calrissian in a card game called sabacc, which they were playing for high stakes – very high stakes. Source: Star Wars:
The Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels, by Bill Smith.
For the week beginning March 11, 2001 In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the theme for this week’s quiz is “the Irish”. Question 1: An event called “Black ‘47” weighs heavily on the hearts of the Irish and Americans of Irish descent. To what does Black ’47 refer? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Black ’47 refers to 1847, the worst year of the Great Irish Potato Famine. Source: The Black ‘47 site at http://www.rootsworld.com Question 2: This Irish author wrote Ulysses, Finnegan's Wake, and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Name him. (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: James Joyce. Source: The James Joyce site at http://www.joycean.com Question 3: Track and field athlete James B. Connolly, American-born of Irish descent, accomplished an historic “first”, in Athens, Greece in the year 1896. What was Connolly’s accomplishment? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: Athens, Greece was the site of the first Olympic Games of the modern era. James B. Connolly was a member of the 1896 United States team. The first event for which medals were bestowed was the hop, step, and jump (now called the triple jump), in which Connolly placed first with a winning effort of 13.71 meters. Thanks to Connolly, the first Olympic gold medal of the modern era was awarded to an American. Sources: The James B. Connolly
site at http://www.hickoksports.com and the Modern Olympics site at http://www.forthnet.gr
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: Larry Mullen, Jr., Adam Clayton, Paul Hewson, and Dave Evans are the members of what Irish rock group? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: U2. Source: The U2 site at http://www.atU2.com
For the week beginning March 4, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “Abraham Lincoln”. Question 1: The state of Illinois calls itself “The Land of Lincoln”, but Illinois was not the state of Lincoln’s birth. In what state was Lincoln born? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Lincoln was born in Hardin (now Larue) County, Kentucky, near the community of Hodgenville. Lincoln‘s family moved to Indiana in 1816, and later to Illinois. Source: The Lincoln Birthplace site at http://www.uky.edu Question 2: For what office was Lincoln running during his famous series of debates with Stephen A. Douglas in 1858? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: Lincoln and Douglas were running for the office of United States Senator from Illinois. Lincoln lost, but made something of a comeback two years later. Source: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates site at http://www.illinoiscivilwar.org Question 3: Speaking of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, how many were there, and why that particular number? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: In 1858, Illinois had seven U.S. Representatives. Lincoln and Douglas held seven debates, one in each of Illinois’ seven congressional districts. Source: The Lincoln-Douglas
Debates site at http://www.illinoiscivilwar.org
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: Abraham Lincoln’s profile has adorned the U.S. penny since the year 1909. That this re-designed one-cent piece was first issued in the year 1909 is not happenstance. In what way is the year 1909 significant to Abraham Lincoln? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. The re-designed penny bearing his likeness was first issued in the year 1909 to honor the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. Source: A Guide Book of
United States Coins by R. S. Yeoman
For the week beginning February 25, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “commonalities”. In other words, you will be given a group of people or things, and it is up to you to determine their common factor. (Example: What are Short Line, Pay Luxury Tax, Community Chest, and the Water Works? Answer: They are four non-property squares on the Monopoly gameboard.) Now try these: Question 1: What are helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Those are the chemical elements that used to be called the inert elements, but are now known collectively as noble gases. Source: General Chemistry By Ralph H. Petrucci Question 2: What are Hart, Calder, Norris, Vezina, and Lady Byng? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: Those are some of the principle trophies awarded in the National Hockey League. They honor the most valuable player (Hart Trophy), best rookie (Calder), best defenseman (Norris), best goaltender (Vezina), and sportsmanship (Lady Byng). Source: The National Hockey League site at http://cbs.sportsline.com Question 3: Who are Frank Miller, Ben Miller, Jim Pierce, and Jack Colby? (Hint: They are four characters in a famous work of fiction). (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: Those are the four gunmen that Marshal Will Kane (Gary Cooper) must face alone in the classic 1952 western High Noon. By the way, if you have never seen High Noon, take it in at your next opportunity. It carries my highest recommendation. Source: The High Noon site
at http://www.filmsite.org
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. What are equilateral, isosceles, scalene, acute, obtuse, and right? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: The six different kinds of triangles. Source: The Euclidian Geometry site
at http://aleph0.clarku.edu
For the week beginning February 18, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “oddities of geography”. Question 1: If you were to begin your journey in the city of Detroit, Michigan and head due south, what would be the first foreign nation you would encounter? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Believe it or not, the correct answer is… Canada. Check your map. A spur portion of Ontario province lies south of Detroit. Source: Close-Up U.S.A. map set, published by the National Geographic Society Question 2: At the closest point between the two nations, what distance separates the Russian Republic from the United States? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: Oh, about… two and a half miles. I kid you not. Again, check your map. On either side of the International Date Line lie two small Bering Strait islands. Big Diomede (Russia) lies only two and a half miles from Little Diomede (U.S.). Source: Close-Up U.S.A. map set, published by the National Geographic Society Question 3: What follows is one of the most famous of all geography questions: Where can you find the Islands of Langerhans? (Difficulty 9). Answer 3: Trick question. The Islands of Langerhans (named for their discoverer, Paul Langerhans (1847-1888), German histologist) are irregular bodies within the pancreas that produce insulin hormone. Source: Webster’s New World
Dictionary
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: What is the significance of Lebanon, Kansas? (Difficulty 8). Answer 1: Lebanon, Kansas is the community that lies closest to the geographical center of the 48 contiguous states. Source: Close-Up U.S.A.
map set, published by the National Geographic Society
For the week beginning February 11, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “differences”. Question 1: What is the difference between a crosscut saw and a rip saw? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: A crosscut saw is a fine-toothed saw used to cut wood across the grain. A rip saw is a coarse-toothed saw used to cut wood along the grain. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 2: What is the difference between a dirigible and a blimp? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: A dirigible has a rigid interior support frame (Hindenburg dirigible). A blimp has next to nothing in the way of an interior support frame (Goodyear blimp). Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 3: What is the difference between an arrow and a quarrel? (Difficulty 9). Answer 3: An arrow is a fairly long shaft, with a pointed head, fletched with feathers at the opposite end, and typically fired from a bow. A quarrel (sometimes called a bolt) is a somewhat shorter shaft, with a square head, fletched with leather fins, and typically fired from a crossbow. Source: Webster’s New World
Dictionary
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: In the world of animated cartoons, what is the difference between full animation and limited animation? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Modern motion picture cameras shoot twenty-four frames of film for every second of action. Therefore, if the animator draws twenty-four unique animation pictures (called cels) for every second of action, the animated motion will be as smooth as live action. That is full animation. But if the animator draws only one, two, or three unique animation cels for every second of action, the animated motion will appear choppy. That is limited animation. As full animation can require up to twenty-four times as many cels as limited animation, it is a much more expensive undertaking. A Disney feature film, with a large budget, can afford the luxury of full animation. A typical Saturday morning cartoon (Scooby-Doo, etc.) must employ limited animation to stay within a limited budget. Source: The Film Animation
sites at http://encarta.msn.com and http://www.britannica.com
For the week beginning February 4, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “earth, air, fire, and water”. Question 1: If you are a homeowner, you may have had occasion to use diatomaceous earth. What is diatomaceous earth? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Diatomaceous earth is derived from a light, porous, easily pulverized sedimentary rock permeated with the fossilized remains of microscopic algae (called diatoms). When crushed, the resultant powder is referred to as diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth can be used as a medium to filter swimming pool water or as a non-toxic insecticide. Sources: The Diatomaceous Earth sites at http://waltonfeed.com, http://www.britannica.com, http://encarta.msn.com, http://www.fwkc.com, and http://www.hydromall.com Question 2: What is the difference between an airdrome and an air base? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: An airdrome is the totality of the physical facilities (hangars, administrative offices, etc.) of an air base. Combine the airdrome with the air personnel needed to operate it, and you have a full-fledged air base. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 3: In classical mythology, what was the name of the god of fire? For extra credit, give both the Greek and Roman names. (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: To the Greeks, his name was Hephaestus. To the Romans, his name was Vulcan. Source: Webster’s New World
Dictionary
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: A review from geography class. On what continents will you find each of the following waterfalls: Victoria Falls, Niagara Falls, and Angel Falls? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Victoria Falls lies on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia in Africa; Niagara Falls lies on the U.S.-Canada border in North America; Angel Falls is in Venezuela in South America. Source: The Waterfalls of the
World sites at http://encarta.msn.com
For the week beginning January 28, 2001 The Super Bowl is today. The theme for this week’s quiz is “sports officials”. Question 1: How does a football official signal that a team has scored a safety? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: The official places his hands over his head, palms together. Source: The Sports Officials Signals site at http://www.firstbasesports.com Question 2: When a football official places his hands on his hips, he is signaling that a team has committed the foul of being offside. What does it mean when an ice hockey official places his hands on his hips? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: When an ice hockey official places his hands on his hips, he is signaling that someone has committed the offense of misconduct (cursing an official, protesting a call too vociferously, etc.). The offending player cannot return to the ice for ten minutes (however, his team will not have to skate shorthanded in the interim, as on other penalties). In addition, the offender is automatically fined $100 for simple misconduct, $200 for gross misconduct (and to a player making several million dollars a year, this cannot help but make an impression). Sources: The Ice Hockey Rules site at http://www.icehockeyrules.8m.com and The Sports Officials Signals site at http://www.firstbasesports.com Question 3: When an accident occurs on a motor speedway, race officials may decide to wave either a yellow flag or a red flag. What does each tell the drivers to do? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: The yellow flag orders all drivers to slow down while maintaining their relative positions behind the pace car. The yellow flag usually stays out for three laps, to give emergency crews time to clear the track. The red flag orders all drivers to come to a stop in their relative positions. The red flag usually is followed by a three-lap yellow flag. This is done to give the drivers time to re-warm their engines before resuming the race full bore. Source: The NASCAR site at
http://nascar.about.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: Speaking of yellow and red, soccer referees carry yellow and red cards with them while they officiate at a soccer game. What is the purpose of each card? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: If a player commits an act of foul play or ungentlemanly/unladylike conduct, the referee pulls out the yellow (caution) card and writes thereon the name of the offending player. That player has received a warning. If a player engages in serious foul play, violent conduct, uses foul or abusive language, or persists in the behavior that earned him a yellow card, the referee pulls out the red (expulsion) card and writes thereon the name of the offending player. That player is now ejected from the match. In each case, the referee makes a formal report to the appropriate league officials explaining his carding decisions. That report may lead to additional disciplinary action against the offending player. Source: The Laws of the Game
(of Soccer) site at http://next.dch.mty.itesm.mx
For the week beginning January 21, 2001 With the Super Bowl coming up next week, the theme for this week’s quiz is – what else? – “The Super Bowl”. Question 1: The Super Bowl was not always called the Super Bowl. What was the first year that the Super Bowl actually was called the Super Bowl? And what was it called previously? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: The first Super Bowl was officially called and marketed as the "First AFL-NFL World Championship Game". But sportswriters dubbed the game the Super Bowl almost immediately. The championship game has been called the Super Bowl since Super Bowl II. Source: The Super Bowl History site at http://www.nflshop.com Question 2: Has there ever been a shutout in the Super Bowl? And what was the largest margin of victory in the Super Bowl? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: There has never been a shutout in the Super Bowl. The largest margin of victory was 45 points in Super Bowl XXIV (San Francisco 55, Denver 10). Source: The Super Bowl Records site at http://www.spin.org Question 3: What team has made the most Super Bowl appearances without a victory? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: The Minnesota Vikings and the Buffalo Bills share that dubious distinction. Both teams have made four appearances in the Super Bowl without a victory. Special note: Buffalo lost four consecutive Super Bowls, prompting people to wonder if the team’s name were not an acronym for Boy, I Love Losing Superbowls. Source: The Super Bowl Records
site at http://www.spin.org
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: What was the result of last year’s Super Bowl XXXIV? And who was named Most Valuable Player? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Ah, yes. How soon we forget. Super Bowl XXXIV, played on January 30, 2000, was won by the St. Louis Rams, 23-16 over the Tennessee Titans. Rams quarterback Kurt Warner, who passed for a Super Bowl record 414 yards, was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV. Source: The Super Bowl Records
site at http://www.spin.org
For the week beginning January 14, 2001 The theme for this week’s quiz is “combinations”. Question 1: Why is that piece of farm machinery called a combine? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The combine reaps and threshes wheat in one operation. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 2: What to you get if you combine Portland cement and stone aggregate; creamed corn and lima beans; a jackass and a mare? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: Concrete; succotash; and a mule. Sources: The Portland Cement and Concrete sites at http://www.britannica.com and Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 3: The Nordic combined in an event in the Winter Olympics. What do you have to combine to get a Nordic combined? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: The Nordic combined tests the athlete’s proficiency in both cross-country skiing and ski jumping. Source: Webster’s New World
Dictionary
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: What primary color pigments do you have to combine in equal proportions to get the following secondary colors: Green and purple? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: Combine yellow and blue in equal proportions, and you get green; combine blue and red in equal proportions, and you get purple. Source: The Primary and Secondary
Colors site at http://www.casenet.com
For the week beginning January 7, 2001 Since this is the first quiz of 2001, the theme for this week’s quiz is “firsts”. Question 1: Which event took place first? The Boston Massacre or the Boston Tea Party? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The Boston Massacre took place on March 5, 1770; the Boston Tea Party took place on December 16, 1773. Source: An Album for Americans by David H. Appel Question 2: What baseball team was the first to become an all-professional team? (Hint: The team is still around – and at the same location!) (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: The team in question is the Cincinnati Red Stockings, which became an all-professional team in 1869. Source: The Cincinnati Reds site at http://www.cincinnatireds.com Question 3: Having become our nation’s 43rd President, George W. Bush has become the second son of a President to himself become President. Who was the first son of a President to himself become President? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: Our 6th President, John Quincy Adams, was the son of our 2nd President, John Adams. Source: An Album for Americans
by David H. Appel
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: Which superhero came on the scene first? Superman or Batman? (Difficulty 6) Answer 1: Superman’s first appearance was in Action Comics #1 (June, 1938); Batman’s first appearance was in Detective Comics #27 (May, 1939). Source: The Comic Book Price
Guide by Robert M. Overstreet
For the week beginning December 17, 2000 To further get you into the Christmas spirit, the theme for this week’s quiz is “Christmas classics”. Question 1: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” became a best-selling record in 1949. Who provided the vocals for that original recording? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Believe it or not, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was sung by a man better known for signing cowboy songs: Gene Autry. Source: The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer site at http://www.snopes.com Question 2: In the motion picture It’s a Wonderful Life, what was the name of the angel who helped George Bailey? (Difficulty 6). Answer 2: Clarence. Source: The It’s a Wonderful Life site at http://www.ozcraft.com Question 3: This true or false question refers to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The spirits were able to reform Ebenezer Scrooge, but not in time to help Tiny Tim, who ultimately succumbed to his debilitating illness. True or false? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: False. The story states explicitly that Tiny Tim did not die. Presumably after Scrooge rounded up and paid for the best medical care to be found anywhere. Source: What else? A
Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: No Christmas season would be complete without a re-broadcasting of A Charlie Brown Christmas. What was the first year that this special was broadcast? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: A Charlie Brown Christmas has been broadcast annually since 1965. Source: A Charlie Brown
Christmas: The Making of a Tradition by Lee Mendelson with Bill
Melendez
For the week beginning December 10, 2000 To get you into the Christmas spirit, the theme for this week’s quiz is “Christmas around the world”. Question 1: At Christmastime, the English burn a Yule Log in the family hearth. By tradition, what implement is used to set the Yule Log afire? (Difficulty 8). Answer 1: The Yule Log is lit by means of a piece of Yule Log from the Christmas before. The scrap is retained throughout the year to protect the house from fire and lightning. Americans pay homage to this custom on a reduced scale by lighting – Christmas candles. Source: The Yule Log site at http://www.snopes.com Question 2: Why do Spanish children leave their shoes outside on the doorstep on January 5th? (Difficulty 8). Answer 2: January 5th is the Eve of Epiphany. During the early morning hours of January 6th (Epiphany), the Three Wise Men ride by and fill the shoes with gifts. Source: The Christmas in Spain site at http://wfs.vub.ac.be Question 3: On what day do Russian Christians celebrate Christmas? And why? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: Followers of the Russian Orthodox Church celebrate Christmas on January 7th, in accordance with the Julian Calendar. Source: The Russian Orthodox
Christmas site at http://russianculture.miningco.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: How do you say “Merry Christmas” in each of the following languages: Spanish, French, and Italian? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, and Buon Natale, respectively. Source: The Merry Christmas
in 350 Languages site at http://www.flw.com
For the week beginning December 3, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “advertising slogans”. Question 1: The late Clara Peller got her fifteen minutes of fame by shouting a memorable advertising line that became part of the pop culture. What was the line, and what company did it promote? Hint: The commercial series won three Clio Awards for excellence in advertising in 1984. (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Dismayed by the skimpy little patty in her oversized hamburger bun, Miss Peller’s crusty character would shout out, “WHERE’S THE BEEF?”. This memorable ad was for Wendy’s Hamburgers. Source: The Wendy’s site at http://www.wendys.com Question 2: This company’s products come in “57 Varieties”. To what company am I referring? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: Heinz Pickles. Actually, the present-day H. J. Heinz Co., Inc. now makes and markets several hundred varieties of various kinds of food products. Source: The Heinz site at http://www.britannica,com Question 3: What soft drink was marketed as “The Real Thing” and “The Pause That Refreshes”? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: Both slogans were used at various times to promote sales of…Coca-Cola. Source: The Coca-Cola site
at http://www.2netdoor.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: What breakfast cereal goes “Snap, Crackle, and Pop”? Which one is the “Breakfast of Champions”? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and General Mills’ Wheaties, respectively. Sources: The Kellogg’s site
at http://www.kelloggs.com and the Wheaties site at http://www.wheaties.com
For the week beginning November 19, 2000 Special note: As I write these quiz questions, the Florida vote count – and with it, the Presidential election - is still up in the air. This very serious matter may (or may not) be resolved by the time I return from vacation, due to several challenges to the election that have been filed in court. While we wait for the final certification of the Florida vote, let us see how much you know - or have had to learn - about the “Electoral College”. Question 1: Where do the members of the Electoral College meet to cast their votes for President and Vice-President? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The electors from each state meet in their respective state capitols. After they vote, the ballots are mailed to the United States Senate to be counted formally. Source: Your Rugged Constitution by Bruce and Ester Findlay Question 2: The 435 members of the House, combined with the 100 members of the Senate, make 535 members of Congress. Yet, the Electoral College consists of 538 electors. From whence came the three extra electors? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: Per the 23rd Amendment to the United States Constitution, the District of Columbia has - for Electoral College purposes - as many electors as it would have if it were a state (although never more electors than that of the least populous state). Thus, while the District of Columbia has no vote in Congress, its residents have a say in the election of the President and the Vice-President. Source: Your Rugged Constitution by Bruce and Ester Findlay Question 3: Hypothetically speaking, what is the minimum number of states that either Bush or Gore could have won that would have given either a majority of the Electoral College? Consider yourself an involved citizen if you know the exact total. (Difficulty 9). Answer 3: Either could have won the Presidency by winning just the eleven most populous states. They are: California (54 electoral votes); New York (33); Texas (32); Florida (25); Pennsylvania (23); Illinois (22); Ohio (21); Michigan (18); New Jersey (15); North Carolina (14); and either Georgia or Virginia (13 each). By sheer coincidence, those figures add up to exactly the minimum needed to secure a majority of the Electoral College: 270 electoral votes. Source: The Electoral College
site at http://www.fec.gov
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: What is the minimum number of electoral votes that any state can have? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The Constitution provides that each state shall have two Senators (Article 1, Section 3, Clause 1); that each state shall have at least one Representative (Article 1, Section 2, Clause 1); and that each state shall have as many electors as it has Senators and Representatives combined (Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2). Each elector has one vote. Hence, no state can ever have less than three electoral votes. Source: Your Rugged Constitution
by Bruce and Ester Findlay
For the week beginning November 12, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “November”. Question 1: Why is Veteran’s Day celebrated on November 11? (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: The Armistice that ended World War I was signed on November 11, 1918. In 1919, that date was designated as Armistice Day to honor American veterans of that war. In 1938, it became an official federal holiday. In 1954, the day was renamed Veteran’s Day to honor all American veterans of all wars (as well you should). Source: The Veteran’s Day History sites at http://encarts.msn.com and http://ww.usis.usemb.se Question 2: Each year, the President of the United States receives a Thanksgiving turkey. What does he typically do with it? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: He issues it a Presidential pardon and lets it live out its days in Frying Pan Park (a petting zoo). According to legend, Abraham Lincoln issued such a Presidential pardon to placate his son Tad. Harry Truman made it an annual custom beginning in 1947. Source: The Presidential Pardon site at http://cjonline.com Question 3: What is the meaning of the word “November”? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: November is derived from the Latin “novem”, meaning “nine”. The earliest Latin calendar had ten months, beginning in March. Source: Time Almanac 2000
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: Each year, Macy’s Department Store holds a Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. For how long has this parade been held? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: This year’s parade, scheduled for November 23, 2000, will be the 74th annual event. Incidentally, the first balloon used in the parade was that of cartoon character Felix the Cat (1927). Source: The Macy’s Parade site
at http://www.nyctourist.com
For the week beginning November 5, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “ships”. Question 1: The Titanic had two sister ships. Name them. For extra credit, what were the fates of both sisters? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: The Olympic was the first of the three sisters. She entered service in 1911. She was converted into a troop carrier in World War I. After the war, she re-entered passenger service. She was scrapped in 1935. The Britannic was the last of the sisters. She entered service in 1915. She promptly was converted into a hospital ship. On November 21, 1916, an explosion - possibly from a mine or torpedo - sent her to the bottom of the Aegean Sea. Despite having been a sister ship to the greatest ocean liners of their day, the Britannic was never to carry a single paying passenger. Source: The Titanic, Olympic, and Britannic site at http://www.titanic.cc Question 2: In 1956, the Andrea Doria sank after colliding with another vessel. Name the vessel with which the Andrea Doria collided. (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: The colliding vessel was the passenger liner Stockholm. The Stockholm, though badly damaged in the collision, remained afloat. Source: The Andrea Doria site at http://library.thinkquest.org Question 3: What was the name of the submarine featured in Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? And what was the name of her skipper? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: The submarine was named the Nautilus. She was commanded by Captain Nemo. Source: The 20,000 Leagues
Under the Sea site at http://www.teachwithmovies.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set: Name the three ships of Christopher Columbus’ first voyage. (Difficulty 5). Answer 1: The ships were the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Source: The Christopher Columbus
site at http://deil.lang.uiuc.edu
For the week beginning October 29, 2000 With Halloween just around the corner, the theme for this week’s quiz is “spooky stuff”. Question 1: This question is a four-parter on the subject of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. What were the first names of each man? What is the complete title of the story? Who wrote the story? What was its year of publication? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Dr. Jekyll's first name was Henry (called Harry by his friends); his evil alter ego, Mr. Hyde, had the first name of Edward. The full title of the story is The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The story was written by Robert Louis Stevenson. The story was published in 1886. Source: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, Bantam Classics edition. Question 2: Name the actors who played the following characters in the following classic horror movies: The phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera” (1925); Frankenstein’s monster in “Frankenstein” (1931); Count Dracula in “Dracula” (1931); the mummy in “The Mummy” (1932); and the werewolf in “The Wolf Man” (1941). (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: The actors are, respectively: Lon Chaney; Boris Karloff; Bela Lugosi; Boris Karloff (the guy gets around); and Lon Chaney, Jr. (like father, like son). Source: The Classic Movie Monster Stamps site at http://www.mca.com Question 3: One of the most famous of all ghost stories is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. The story features a headless ghost on horseback. Who was the Headless Horseman, and why did he haunt Sleepy Hollow? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: In life, the Headless Horseman was an unnamed Hessian trooper who lost his head to a cannonball during an obscure battle of the American Revolutionary War. Though his remains are buried in the church cemetery, he still rides through the woods in and around Sleepy Hollow on a nightly - and futile - quest to find his head. Source: What else? The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. A brief editorial: The Legend
of Sleepy Hollow is my all-time favorite ghost story. In fact,
of all the tales - of any genre - I have ever read, The Legend of Sleepy
Hollow ranks in my personal top ten. It is a superb example of
the craft of storytelling. So carefully does Irving relate the tale,
you will not perceive the tension building until – suddenly – you will
find your heart pounding! You will think that it is you, not Ichabod
Crane, who is racing the Galloping Hessian to the old wooden bridge.
An excellent story told by a master storyteller. If you have never
read it, you owe it to yourself to do so.
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. Casper, the Friendly Ghost, has two close friends. One is a good witch; the other is a ghost horse. Name them both. By the way, Casper lives in a haunted house with his three equally deceased uncles. For extra credit, what are the names of Casper's uncles, and by what name are the three uncles known collectively? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The good witch is named Wendy; the ghost horse is named Nightmare. Casper's three uncles - Stretch, Stinkie, and Fatso - are known collectively as The Ghostly Trio. Sources: The Casper Meets Wendy
site at http://www.foxhome.com
For the week beginning October 22, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “airplanes”. Question 1: Before there was heavier-than-air flight, there was lighter-than-air flight. Name the two French brothers who constructed the first hot-air balloon. Then name the first three passengers. (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: The brothers in question were Joseph Michel (1740-1810) and Jacques Etienne (1745-1799) Montgolfier. In 1782, they launched successfully a test balloon with no one aboard. In June of 1793, the first living beings were sent aloft. They were a duck, and sheep, and a rooster. By sending them to an altitude of 6000 m (18,000 ft) and recovering them alive, the brothers proved that living beings could survive at such altitudes. Two months later, the first humans went aloft. They were Pilatre de Rozier and Francois Laurent. The Montgolfier brothers did more than just pioneer balloon flights. Joseph invented the calorimeter and the hydraulic ram. Jacques invented a process for making vellum. Sources: The Montgolfier Brothers sites at http://www.fwkc.com and http://www.britannica.com Question 2: On December 14, 1986, this experimental aircraft took off from Edwards Air Force Base. Nine days later, it landed on the same airfield. It had flown around the world without once stopping or refueling! Name the craft. For extra credit, name the pilots and the designer of the craft. (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: The aircraft was named Voyager. The pilots, who slept in shifts during the around-the-world flight, were Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager. Dick’s brother, Burt Rutan, designed the craft. Source: The Voyager site at http://www.britannica.com Question 3: What aircraft was once called “The Flying Lumberyard”; and by what even more derisive nickname is it better known? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: The aircraft in question was the HK-1 (later re-designated the H-4) Hercules Flying Boat. With a wingspan of 320 feet, it was the biggest aircraft (by wingspan) ever built. Its purpose was to provide a means of transporting large amounts of military personnel and equipment over long distances. What made the plane unique was the fact that it was built almost entirely out of laminated (birch) wood. When a disgruntled U.S. Senator called the plane “The Flying Lumberyard”, the press piled on and gave the craft its more infamous nickname: The “Spruce Goose”. On November 2, 1947, the Spruce Goose taxied out of Long Beach, California for its first (and only) flight, with none other than Howard Hughes himself at the controls. Though the craft would never fly again, the fact that it did get off the ground (if only for a short distance) proved the viability of the design, some aspects of which are used on contemporary jumbo craft. After being dismantled piecemeal and transported overland, the Spruce Goose now resides (fully reassembled) in the Evergreen Aviation Education Center in McMinnville, Oregon. Sources: The Spruce Goose sites
at http://www.sprucegoose.org, http://aafo.com, http://www.theaviationzone.com,
and http://www.geocities
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. In the “Peanuts” comic strip, Snoopy was engaged in a never-ending battle against the Red Baron. What sort of plane did Snoopy fly? And what was the Baron’s craft? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Snoopy flew a Sopwith F-1 “Camel”. Although the Baron flew biplanes such as the Albatros D.II and the Albatros D.III for most of his flying career, it is the Fokker Dr.1 triplane, the only one he painted entirely blood red, with which he is most commonly associated. Sources: The Sopwith Camel
site at http://www.wpafb.af.mil and the Red Baron site at http://www.briggsenterprises.com
For the week beginning October 15, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “mountains”. Question 1: On May 18, 1980, this volcanic mountain exploded, sending a cubic mile of debris into the air and reducing the height of the mountain by nearly 1300 feet. Name the mountain and the state in which it is located. (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The mountain in question is Mt. St. Helens, in Washington state. Source: The Mt. St. Helens site at http://volcano,und.nodak.edu Question 2: The most famous photograph of the Second World War was Joe Rosenthal’s “Flag Raising on Iwo Jima”. Name the mountain on which the flag raising took place. (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: The American flag was raised on the high ground, the summit of Mt. Suribachi. A special note, lest we forget: Of the six U.S. servicemen who raised our flag, only three left the island of Iwo Jima alive. Source: The Iwo Jima site at http://www.iwojima.com Question 3: The goal of every serious mountaineer is to climb the “Seven Summits”. What are the “Seven Summits” and what is their significance? (Difficulty 9). Answer 3: The “Seven Summits” are the highest mountains on each of the world’s seven continents. They are (in descending order of height): Mt. Everest (Asia); Mt. Aconcagua (South America); Mt. McKinley (North America); Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa); Mt. Elbrus (Europe); Mt. Vinson Massif (Antarctica); and Mt. Kosciusko (Australia). A controversy rages about the “Seven Summits”. Mt. Carstensz on the island of New Guinea is taller than Mt. Kosciusko. But, because the scattered islands of the South Pacific do not fit neatly into any particular continent, Mt. Carstensz is left out of the mix. Some have suggested combining Australia with New Guinea and the rest of Oceania to create a new continent dubbed Australasia. Mt. Carstensz would then displace Mt. Kosciusko as one of the “Seven Summits”. While the debate rages on, several mountaineers have covered their bases by climbing all eight peaks. Source: The Seven Summits site
at http://lycos.infoplease.com and http://www.everestnews.com and the Mt.
Carstensz site at http://www.britannica.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. Name the four U.S. Presidents whose faces are carved into Mt. Rushmore. For extra credit, name the state in which this monument, called in full the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, is located. (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The four Presidents are (from left to right as you face the monument) George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The Mt. Rushmore National Memorial is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Source: The Mt. Rushmore site
at http://www.nps.gov
For the week beginning October 8, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “organization”. Question 1: By area, the six largest countries are, alphabetically: Australia; Brazil; Canada; China (Communist); Russia; and the United States. Now, put them in order, largest to smallest. (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Russia (6.5 million square miles); Canada (3.8 M.s.m.); China (Communist) (3.6 M.s.m.); United States (3.5 M.s.m.); Brazil (3.2 M.s.m.); Australia (2.9 M.s.m.). Source: Time Almanac 2000 Question 2: Four events in track and field involve the hurling of an object. They are, alphabetically: The discus throw; the hammer throw; the javelin throw; and the shot put. Now, organize them according to how far each object can be thrown or put. (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: The object that can be put the shortest distance is the 16 lb. shot (world record, 23.12 m.). Then, the discus (WR, 74.08 m.). Next, the 16 lb. hammer (WR, 86.74 m.). Last - but not least - the javelin (WR, 98.48 m.). Records through completion of the Sydney Olympic Games. Source: The Althetics Records site at http://www.olympics.com Question 3: The fastest land animals are, alphabetically: The antelope( pronghorn); the cheetah; the gazelle; the lion; and the wildebeest. Now, place them in order, slowest to fastest. (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: The gazelle, the lion, and the wildebeest share third place honors at 50 miles per hour. The antelope (pronghorn) takes second place at 61 m.p.h. The cheetah is difficult to quantify. It can attain fantastic speeds, but only over very short distances. However, a cheetah has been credibly timed at an incredible 70 m.p.h.! Source: The Animals site at
http://www.robinsonresearch.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. The four most important documents in the history of the United States are, alphabetically: The Articles of Confederation; the Bill of Rights; the Constitution of the United States; and the Declaration of Independence. Now, put them in order chronologically. (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Even before Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown, the states were organized into a national government under the Articles of Confederation (became effective March 1, 1781). When that experiment failed, "a more perfect Union” was organized under the Constitution of the United States (signed September 17, 1787; ratified June 1788). The first ten Amendments to the Constitution, known collectively as the Bill of Rights, were ratified en masse on December 15, 1791. Sources: The Articles of Confederation
site at http://www.ukans,edu, the Bill of Rights site at http://www.discover.net,
An
Album for Americans by David H. Appel, and Your Rugged Constitution
by Bruce and Ester Findlay
For the week beginning October 1, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “more on The Olympic Games”. Question 1: The gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded at the Olympic Games really are, respectively, gold, silver, and bronze. True or false? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Partly true. The bronze medal is bronze. The silver medal is silver. But, because gold is so expensive, the gold medal is really a silver medal plated with six grams of gold. Source: The Olympic Primer site at http://www.aafla.com Question 2: For sheer Olympic Games drama, it is hard to beat the 1936 Berlin Games, in which American Jesse Owens won four gold medals and gave Hitler constipation. What were the events won by Owens? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: Owens won gold medals in the 100-meter dash; the 200-meter dash; the long jump; and as a member of the 4 x 100-meter relay team. No, giving Hitler constipation is not a medal event. Source: The Jesse Owens site at http://www.cmgww.com Question 3: One of the most unusual events at the Olympic Games is the modern pentathlon. The five events are: Equestrian (originally a 5000-meter cross-country ride, now a 400-meter jumping course); running (originally a 4000-meter cross-country run, now a 3000-meter cross-country run); swimming (originally a 300-meter freestyle, now a 200-meter freestyle); shooting (originally a .22 pistol shot at a moving target, now an air pistol shot at a stationary target); and fencing (originally epees, still epees). How in the world did they come up with this combination? (Difficulty 9). Answer 3: The modern pentathlon was designed by none other than Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement. It is the only Olympic event patterned after an actual historical incident. According to legend, during the Franco-Prussian War, a cavalry officer in Napoleon’s army was dispatched to deliver a message by horseback. Along the way, he encountered an enemy soldier with sword drawn. The French officer drew his sword and bested his opponent in the duel. Re-mounting his steed, he continued on his way until a second enemy soldier shot and killed his horse. The French officer responded in kind, killing the second soldier with a single shot. Without his mount, he had no choice but to run cross-country (and, at one point, swim across a river) in order to deliver his message. Upon reaching his destination, the commander to whom he delivered the message is supposed to have said, in as many words, “What took you (so long)?” The Baron is supposed to have designed the modern pentathlon as a means of allowing military officers to demonstrate - in a peaceful way - their skills in the military arts (at least, those military arts taught at military academies in the Baron’s time). Sources: The 2000 Sydney Olympics site at http://olympics.com, the Modern Pentathlon sites at http://www.hickoksports.com and http://www.slam.ca, and the Olympics Information site at http://lycos.infoplease.com The last website is an excellent
source of information for Olympics fans.
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. The 2000 Summer Games are wrapping up in Sydney, Australia. When and where will the next Summer Games be held? When and where will the next Winter Games be held? (Difficulty 6). (Answer next week) Answer 1: The next Summer Games will be held in Athens, Greece in 2004. The next Winter Games will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2002. Source: The Olympic Primer
site at http://www.aafla.com
For the week beginning September 24, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “The Olympic Games”. Question 1: What determines the order in which the teams enter the stadium during the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Greece, the nation that founded the Olympic Games, always enters first. The host nation always enters last. The other nations enter in alphabetical order, as determined by the official or principal language of the host nation. Source: The Olympic Games site at http://www.britannica.com Question 2: To claim the title of “world’s greatest athlete”, you must win the Olympic decathlon. What ten events comprise the decathlon? Extra credit if you know the meaning of the word “decathlon”. (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: The events are: The 100-meter dash; 400-meter dash; long jump; 16-lb. shot put; high jump; 110-meter hurdles; discus throw; pole vault; javelin throw; 1500-meter run. “Decathalon”, literally translated from the Greek, means “contest of ten”. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 3: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.” Who gets the credit for these immortal words? (Difficulty 9). Answer 3: None other than Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement (and he should know). Source: The Olympic Primer
site at http://www.aafla.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. What is the motto of the Olympic Games, and what does the motto mean? (Difficulty 8). Answer 1: The motto of the Olympic Games is “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, which is Latin for “Swifter, Higher, Stronger”. Source: The Olympic Primer
site at http://www.aafla.com
For the week beginning September 17, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “dogs and cats”. Question 1: What are the tallest and smallest breeds of dogs? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: The tallest breed is the Irish Wolfhound. The Irish Wolfhound can grow to stand six foot, four inches on its hind legs and weigh up to 180 pounds. The smallest breed is the Mexican Chihuahua. It can be as little as six inches in length and two pounds in weight. And yes, that is for an adult. Sources: The American Kennel Club site at http://www.akc.org, the Irish Wolfhound site at http://www.mindtravel.com, and the Mexican Chihuahua site at http://www.canismajor.com Question 2: In Greek mythology, Hercules had to perform Twelve Labors. The first of these was to kill a cat (of a sort). What was the First Labor of Hercules? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: The "cat” Hercules had to kill for his First Labor was actually a lion. The lion of Nemea, to be precise. The Nemean lion had an invulnerable hide, so no weapon could wound it. Therefore, Hercules killed the beast by choking the life out of him. Hercules then used the lion’s own invulnerable claws to cut the invulnerable hide, and fashion for himself an invulnerable lionskin garment. Sources: Mythology by Edith Hamilton and the Hercules Labor site at http://www.monica4kids.com Question 3: What is the only breed of cat that is born without a tail? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: The only tailless breed of cat is the Manx. Actually, it would be more accurate to say that the Manx is the only breed of cat that can be born without a tail. A Manx can have a full tail, a short tail, a rudimentary tail, or be entirely tailless. Moreover, all four possibilities can occur in the same litter! Incidentally, a tailless Manx is known as a “rumpy”. Source: The Manx site at http://www.moggies.co,uk
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. On the Cartoon Network original series “2 Stupid Dogs”, what is the name of the big dog, and what is the name of the little dog? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: The name of the big dog is Big Dog. The name of the little dog is Little Dog. I kid you not. Source: The 2 Stupid Dogs site
at http://www.cartoonnetwork.com
For the week beginning September 10, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “unusual sports”. Question 1: In the game of polo, each player rides a horse. So, why are the mounts called “ponies” when obviously they are too old and too tall to be ponies? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: The term “ponies” is a throwback to the earliest days of polo in England. In the 1880’s, there was a height restriction that said that the mounts could not be higher than 55 inches at the shoulder. This limited the mounts to honest-to-goodness ponies. The Americans ignored the rule and used full-fledged horses in an effort to speed up the game. The British soon followed suit; but to this day, the mounts are still called “ponies”. Source: The Polo History site at http://www.hampoloclub.org.uk Question 2: Combine lawn bowling with an ice rink and you have the sport of curling. Heavy granite stones with concave bottoms and attached handles are sent down the ice towards an archery-type concentric ring target. That is understandable enough. But you will also see team members using brooms to sweep the ice ahead of the oncoming stone. Why is this done? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: The brooms are a throwback to the days when curling was exclusively an outdoor sport. Way back when, the brooms were used to sweep away snow. They are still used in the modern indoor game, to remove ice particles and otherwise smooth the ice so as to assure the stone a longer “ride”. The sweeping is done under the direction of the “skip” (team captain). Source: The Curling site at http://www.britannica.com Question 3: One of the most unusual - and exciting - of all human athletic events is the tossing of the caber at the Highland Games. Yet, the caber is not tossed for distance. What is the object of the caber toss? (Difficulty 8). Answer 3: A caber is a spruce log, typically 22 feet in length and weighing 125 pounds. It varies in diameter from seven inches at the base to five inches at the tip. The caber is positioned upright on its thin end. The tosser lifts the caber from beneath and balances it against his shoulder. He then runs for a distance of his choosing with the caber maintained in the upright position. When he is ready, he tosses the caber ahead of him with the intent of flipping it onto its head so that it then flops over forward. The idea is to toss it so that it flops over as directly ahead of the tosser as possible. In other words, if the tosser’s feet stand at six o’clock, a perfect throw would be one where the caber flops over to point towards twelve o’clock (a judge running behind the tosser makes the call). Thus, the caber tosser demonstrates his strength by his control of the heavy log. In the caber toss, it is said that the straightest man, not the strongest, wins. Sources: The Scottish Heavy
Games site at http://grassroots.ns.ca and The World Book Encyclopedia
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. The marathon is a running race of 26 miles, 385 yards. Why is a race of this distance called a marathon? And why is a marathon 26 miles and 385 yards long? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: In 490 B.C., the Persian army, under Darian I, invaded Greece. The Athenians, under Miltiades, repelled the invaders on the plains of Marathon with a swift and bold attack that caught the Persians off guard. Its ranks broken, the Persian army fled. At this point, facts and fancy start becoming intertwined. According to legend, Miltiades was afraid that the city of Athens - unaware of their victory at Marathon - might surrender unnecessarily to the Persian fleet. Miltiades dispatched his swiftest messenger, Pheidippides, to the city of Athens to inform the people. Pheidippides had just finished a wearying run in an effort to garner allies for the Athenians. Nevertheless, aware of the importance of the message he bore, Pheidippides ran as fast as he could from the battle plains of Marathon to the gates of the city of Athens – a distance of 26 miles, 385 yards. Upon entering the city, he shouted a single word - “Nike!” (“Victory!”). The people rejoiced in the knowledge that the invaders had been repulsed and that they were saved. Pheidippides then collapsed from exhaustion – and died. And now, a brief editorial: Every time I hear a sports announcer call an athlete a sports "hero” or refer to an athletic achievement as “heroic”, I cringe. By overusing the word “hero” in the context of athletes and athletics, the word starts to lose its significance. A hero is someone who routinely puts his life on the line for the sake of someone else. Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, soldiers, and teachers can be called heroes. But athletes? Give me a break! There may be a lot of stars in the world of athletics – but no heroes. Pheidippides is the exception that tests the rule. By running the first marathon, Pheidippides delivered - at the cost of his own life - the message that saved his people. This is one of the few times that an athletic achievement truly can be called heroic. Source: The Battle of Marathon
sites at http://www.cos.k12.ia.us and http://www.britannica.com
For the week beginning September 3, 2000 In honor of the upcoming Labor Day holiday, the theme for this week’s quiz is “work”. Question 1: What are “sandhogs”? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: Sandhogs are laborers who perform the difficult task of digging dirt out from within a pneumatic caisson. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 2: “Gaffers” are found in both the glass industry and the motion picture industry. What are the duties of each in each industry? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: In the glass industry, a gaffer is a master glass blower. He supervises a group of apprentice glass blowers, and usually does the finish work. In the motion picture industry, a gaffer is the head electrician on a movie or television set. He supervises the apprentice electricians on the set. Incidentally, the word “gaffer” is derived from “godfather”. Sources: Webster’s New World Dictionary and The World Book Encyclopedia Question 3: Why is a blacksmith called a blacksmith? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: Because he works with iron, which in the old days was known simply as “black metal”. Source: Webster’s New World
Dictionary
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. This question refers to the recording industry. What must a record do in order to “go gold”? What must a record do in order to “go platinum”? (Difficulty 6). Answer 1: To go gold, a record must sell 500,000 units. To go platinum, it must sell 1,000,000 units. Source: The Billboard Magazine
site at http://imr.utsa.edu
For the week beginning August 27, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “Presidential trivia”. Question 1: Who was the fattest U.S. President? And exactly how fat was he? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: William Howard Taft, our 27th President, tipped the scales at 325 pounds. He was so rotund he once got stuck in the White House bathtub. His political enemies used the derisive slogan “Sink a raft with William Howard Taft.” Source: The Presidential Trivia site at http://hjw.injersey.com Question 2: We deride such presidential aspirants as Steve Forbes for seeking the highest office in the land without having previously been elected to any public office. But four U.S. Presidents did exactly that. Name them. (Difficulty 8). Answer 2: Ulysses S. Grant, William Howard Taft, Warren G. Harding, and Dwight David Eisenhower. Source: The Presidential Trivia site at http://hjw.injersey.com Question 3: Here is a three-part question on Presidential “firsts”. Who was the first U.S. President to ride in an airplane? Who was the first U.S. President to have a telephone on his desk? Who was the first U.S. President to ride in a submarine? (Difficulty 9). Answer 3: Surprisingly (or perhaps not), all of the above firsts were accomplished by that adventurous “Rough Rider”, Theodore Roosevelt. Source: The Presidential Trivia
site at http://hjw.injersey.com
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. The tallest U.S. President soared to a height of 6 foot 4 inches. Name him. (Hint: Just picture tall.) (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: The tallest U.S. President was Abraham Lincoln. Source: The Presidential Trivia
site at http://ipl.lub.lu.se
For the week beginning August 20, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “commonalities”. Question 1: What do the Ferris wheel, the Diesel engine, the Gatling gun, and the Klieg light have in common? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: All of them were named for their inventors. George Ferris, Rudolph Diesel, R. J. Gatling, and Anton Kliegl, respectively. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 2: What do Albert Schweitzer, Theodore Roosevelt, Mother Teresa, and the International Red Cross have in common? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: All are past winners of the Nobel Prize for Peace. And yes, organizations are eligible. Source: The Nobel prize site at http://www.nobelprizes.com Question 3: What do actors Jock Mahoney, Gordon Scott, Buster Crabbe, and Christopher Lambert have in common? (Difficulty 7). Answer 3: All of them portrayed Tarzan of the Apes in the movies. Source: The Tarzan and the
Movies site at http://www.ac.wwu.edu
For the younger set. Question 1: For the younger set. What do the following historical events have in common: The admission of the state of Texas to the Union (1845); the acquittal of impeached President Andrew Johnson (1868); and Adolph Hitler’s rise to the leadership of the Nazi Party (1923)? (Hint: Their common factor provides an important lesson in civics). (Difficulty 8). Answer 1: All of them happened as the consequence of a single vote. That is, single as in one. Never let anyone tell you that your vote does not count. Source: The Power of One Vote
site at http://www.co.limestone.al.us
For the week beginning August 13, 2000 The theme for this week’s quiz is “M-sciences”. Question 1: Metallurgy: An alloy is a combination of two or more metals. What metals must be combined to produce the following alloys: Brass; bronze; and pewter? (Difficulty 7). Answer 1: Combine zinc and copper, and you have brass; combine copper and tin, and you have bronze; combine tin and lead, and you have pewter. Be aware that these are just the essential basics. Metalsmiths may add various percentages of other metals in an effort to improve the alloys. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 2: Meteorology: What is the purpose of each of the following devices: Anemometer; psychrometer; and barometer? (Difficulty 7). Answer 2: An anemometer measures wind velocity; a psychrometer measures humidity; a barometer measures atmospheric pressure. Source: Webster’s New World Dictionary Question 3: Mechanics: Mechanics, in the |