Quizology.Online

“There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge.”

— Bertrand Russell

Tag: miscellany

  • Heads or Tails | Answers

    Velociraptor.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Is it true or false that velociraptors were only about the size of turkeys?

    Answer: True

    Velociraptor, commonly known as “raptor,” is one of the dinosaur genera most familiar to the general public. This is largely due to its prominent role in the Jurassic Park films. However, in reality, Velociraptor was roughly the size of a turkey, considerably smaller than the approximately 2 metres (6.6 feet) tall and 90 kilograms (200 pounds) reptiles depicted in the novels and films. These depictions were based on members of the related genus Deinonychus. 

    – Wikipedia

    Two

    Is it true or false that P.T. Barnum started his career as a showman by publicly displaying an elderly African slave he claimed was George Washington’s 161-year-old former nursemaid?  

    Answer: True

    In 1834 he moved to New York City, where he found his vocation as a showman one year later when he successfully presented Joice Heth, a wizened Black woman whom he advertised as the 161-year-old nurse to Gen. George Washington. On her death, however, the story was exposed as a hoax.

    – Encyclopædia Britannica  

    Three

    Is it true or false that if broccoli is left unharvested, each green bud usually produces a flower with four yellow petals?   

    Answer: True

    Broccoli, a nutritious vegetable from the mustard family, is high in fibre and vitamins. It can be eaten fresh or cooked and should be dark green with firm stalks. If left unharvested, those buds produce yellow flowers with four petals and dry capsule fruits called siliques. 

    Four

    Is it true or false that elephants can communicate with each other using ambisonic calls?  

    Answer: False

    Elephants can communicate with each other using infrasonic calls that are below the range of human hearing. They also stomp messages on the ground that can be felt and understood by other elephants miles away.

    Five 

    Is it true or false that on Venus, the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east? 

    Answer: True

    Venus is unusual because it spins the opposite direction of Earth and most other planets…

    …And because Venus rotates backwards, the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east.

    – NASA

  • Heads or Tails

    A simple choice of either true or false today.

    Velociraptor skeleton. Image Wikipedia

    One

    Is it true or false that velociraptors were about the size of turkeys?

    Two

    Is it true or false that P.T. Barnum started his career as a showman by publicly displaying an elderly African slave he claimed was George Washington’s 161-year-old former nursemaid?  

    Three

    Is it true or false that if broccoli is left unharvested, each green bud usually produces a flower with four yellow petals?  

    Four

    Is it true or false that elephants can communicate with each other using ambisonic calls? 

    Five 

    Is it true or false that on Venus, the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east? 

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • Candle in the Wind | Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown below.

    Joseph Merrick, c 1889. See #2 below.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Marilyn Monroe was found dead on the morning of 5 August 1962 in her Los Angeles home. Where was she born?

    Answer: Los Angeles, California

    Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, was an American actress and model who became a popular sex symbol in the 1950s and early 1960s. Known for her ‘blonde bombshell’ characters, she starred in numerous successful films, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot. Despite her success, Monroe’s personal life was troubled, and she died of a barbiturate overdose at the age of 36.

    Two

    Joseph Merrick, born on 5 August 1862, was renowned for his severe physical deformities and was exhibited in freak shows for a period. A film about Merrick’s life was made by David Lynch in 1980. In this film, who portrayed Joseph Merrick?

    Answer: John Hurt

    Joseph Carey Merrick, known as ‘The Elephant Man’ was an English man born in 1862 who suffered from a rare disorder causing severe physical deformities, possibly Proteus syndrome. After being exhibited in freak shows, he lived at the London Hospital under the care of Sir Frederick Treves. There he became well-known in London society and received visits from prominent individuals. Merrick died at age 27 from accidental suffocation. A film The Elephant Man starring John Hurt as Merrick was made about his life.

    Three

    On 5 August 2010, thirty-three miners became trapped in a mine collapse for a prolonged period of time, attracting international attention. In what desert area was the mine situated?

    Answer: Atacama Desert

    In 2010, a collapse at the San José copper-gold mine in Chile‘s Atacama Desert trapped 33 miners underground for 69 days. Despite the mine’s history of safety violations and geological instability, the miners were successfully rescued after a global effort involving multiple organisations and governments.

    Four

    On this day in 1974, President Richard Nixon released subpoenaed tapes after being ordered to do so by the US Supreme Court. One tape, recorded on 23 June 1972, clearly showed the president’s connection to the Watergate burglaries from shortly after they occurred. This tape is known by what two-word term?

    Answer: Smoking Gun (tape)

    The US Supreme Court ordered President Nixon to release tapes of conversations, including the ‘Smoking Gun’ tape, which revealed his involvement in the Watergate coverup. This led to the loss of his political support and imminent impeachment, prompting his resignation on August 8, 1974.

    Five

    Vitus Bering, born on 5 August 1681, led two Russian expeditions to explore the northeast Russian coast and the western coast of North America. Despite being an officer in the Russian Navy, in what country was he born?

    Answer: Denmark

    Vitus Bering, a Danish-born Russian explorer, led two expeditions exploring the north-eastern coast of Russia and the western coast of North America. He discovered the Bering Strait, proving that Asia and America were not connected by land. Bering died of scurvy on Bering Island in 1741, along with 28 of his men.

  • Candle in the Wind

    Marilyn Monroe.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Marilyn Monroe was found dead on the morning of 5 August 1962 in her Los Angeles home. Where was she born?

    Two

    Joseph Merrick, born on 5 August 1862, was renowned for his severe physical deformities and was exhibited in freak shows for a period. A film about Merrick’s life was made by David Lynch in 1980. In this film, who portrayed Joseph Merrick?

    Three

    On 5 August 2010, thirty-three miners became trapped in a mine collapse for a prolonged period of time, attracting international attention. In what desert area was the mine situated?

    Four

    On this day in 1974, President Richard Nixon released subpoenaed tapes after being ordered to do so by the US Supreme Court. One tape, recorded on 23 June 1972, clearly showed the president’s connection to the Watergate burglaries from shortly after they occurred. This tape is known by what two-word term?

    Five

    Vitus Bering, born on 5 August 1681, led two Russian expeditions to explore the northeast Russian coast and the western coast of North America. Despite being an officer in the Russian Navy, in what country was he born?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • Find the Money | Answers

    As usual the answers to my earlier post are shown highlighted below and additionally I have underlined the monetary connection in the relevant answers.

    Ha’penny Bridge, River Liffey, Dublin.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Which pedestrian bridge crossing Dublin’s River Liffey, as shown in the image above, bears a name derived from an old Irish coin?

    Answer: Ha’penny Bridge

    Ha’penny Bridge. The common name of the bridge derives from the ha’penny toll the bridge’s buider was allowed to charge anyone crossing it for a period of 100 years. Originally named the Wellington Bridge and after the Irish War of Independence renamed as the Liffey Bridge, Droichead na Life, its official name to this day.

    For a Few Dollars More
    Image IMDB/Amazon

    Two

    Can you name a 1965 Western film by Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef as bounty hunters?

    Answer: For a Few Dollars More

    For a Few Dollars More is a 1965 Spaghetti Western film directed by Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef as bounty hunters. It was the second instalment of the Dollars trilogy.

    Euros showing Croatian Croatian national sides. Image Wikipedia https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/Croatian_euro_coins_%2810%29.jpg

    Three

    There is continent with a name which might derive from words meaning ‘wide-gazing’ or ‘sunset’. Another theory suggests the name is from a Goddess, who was a Phoenician princess. What is this continent?

    Answer: Europe

    The euro, the currency of the European Union, was introduced in 1999 and became the sole currency of 12 EU member states in 2002. The European Central Bank manages the euro, which is used by 20 EU countries and several non-EU countries. Euro banknotes feature Europa and European symbols, while coins have common and country-specific designs. The euro is the official currency of 20 European Union member states, collectively known as the eurozone. It is also used by several non-EU states and territories, making it the second-largest reserve currency and the second-most traded currency globally. The euro replaced the former European Currency Unit and became the day-to-day currency in 2002.

    Popcorn machine.
    Image Wikipedia

    Four

    A 1996 novel by the British writer Ben Elton shares its name with a variety of corn kernel?

    Answer: Popcorn

    This is the red herring with no monetary connection. Ben Elton’s novel is titled Popcorn.

    Popcorn, a variety of corn kernel that expands when heated, is one of the oldest snacks. It is commonly eaten salted, buttered, sweetened, or with artificial flavourings.

    Mark Spitz, 2012.
    Image Wikipedia

    Five

    The remarkable achievement of a swimmer, the most successful athlete at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, established a record that stood for 36 years. Can you identify the athlete in question?

    Answer: Mark Spitz


    The mark was most notabally a currency used in Germany until 1999 although Bosnia and Herzegovina currently use the convertible mark as their currency.

    Mark Spitz, a retired American competitive swimmer, achieved remarkable success by winning nine Olympic gold medals between 1968 and 1972. Notably, he secured seven Olympic gold medals in Munich, all of which were achieved in world-record times. This remarkable feat stood as a record for an impressive 36 years. 

  • Find the Money

    There is a theme related to money today. Four of the answers will contain a coin, a currency etc but there is one red herring which has nothing to do with the theme and is not related to money.

    River Liffey, Dublin.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Which pedestrian bridge crossing Dublin’s River Liffey, as shown in the image above, bears a name derived from an old Irish coin?

    Two

    Can you name a 1965 Western film by Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef as bounty hunters?

    Three

    There is continent with a name which might derive from words meaning ‘wide-gazing’ or ‘sunset’. Another theory suggests the name is from a Goddess, who was a Phoenician princess. What is this continent?

    Four

    A 1996 novel by the British writer Ben Elton shares its name with a variety of corn kernel?

    Five

    The remarkable achievement of a swimmer, the most successful athlete at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, established a record that stood for 36 years. Can you identify the athlete in question?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • Take your Pick | Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown highlighted below.

    Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) in the Bushveld, Limpopo, South Africa.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    What animal is pictured above?

    • Aardvark
    • Bonito
    • Coypu

    Answer: Aardvark

    Aardvarks are medium-sized, nocturnal mammals native to Africa, using their long proboscis to sniff out ants and termites. They are the only living species of the family Orycteropodidae and the order Tubulidentata, and are not closely related to pigs or anteaters despite superficial similarities.

    Aerial view of Pelham Bay Park (pictured centre left).
    Image Wikipedia

    Two

    According to NYC Parks, the largest public park in New York City is…

    • Central Park, Manhattan
    • Marine Park, Brooklyn
    • Pelham Bay Park, Bronx

    Answer: Pelham Bay Park

    Pelham Bay Park, the largest public park in New York City, spans 2,765 acres in the Bronx. It features peninsulas, a lagoon, and recreational areas such as Orchard Beach and golf courses. The park has a rich history, having been part of Anne Hutchinson’s colony and later playing a role in the Revolutionary War.

    In contrast, Brooklyn’s Marine Park covers 798 acres, while Central Park is an impressive 843 acres.

    Billy the Kid, ballet by Aaron Copland (Premiere 1938).
    Image aaroncopland.com

    Three

    Aaron Copland composed which 1938 ballet?

    • Billy the Kid
    • The Gunfight at the OK Corral
    • Wild Bill

    Answer: Billy the Kid

    Aaron Copland’s 1938 ballet Billy the Kid, commissioned by Lincoln Kirstein and choreographed by Eugene Loring, is a popular and widely performed piece. It incorporates cowboy tunes and American folk songs, portraying the ‘Wild West’ through the figure of Billy the Kid.

    Four

    In what year, and where, was Rift Valley fever first identified?

    • 1851, Japan
    • 1931, Kenya
    • 2011, Laos

    Answer: 1931, Kenya

    The virus was first identified in 1931 during an investigation into an epidemic among sheep in the Rift Valley of Kenya. It is a viral disease transmitted through contact with infected animal blood, raw milk, or mosquito bites. Symptoms range from mild fever and muscle pain to severe complications like blindness, brain infections, and bleeding, with a 50% fatality rate for those with bleeding. Outbreaks occur in Africa and Arabia, typically during rainy periods.

    City of London within London (in centre of image).
    Image Maproom

    Five

    What is the approximate area of the City of London?

    • 1 square mile
    • 11 square miles
    • 111 square miles

    Answer: 1 square mile

    The City of London, or “the City,” is the historic centre of London, containing historic sites like St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Stock Exchange. It is the smallest ceremonial county and local government district in England, with an area of 1.12 sq mi, earning it the nickname the Square Mile.

  • Take your Pick

    Five multiple choice questions on a mixture of topics.

    Image Wikipedia

    One

    What animal is pictured above?

    • Aardvark
    • Bonito
    • Coypu

    Two

    According to NYC Parks, the largest public park in New York City is…

    • Central Park, Manhattan
    • Marine Park, Brooklyn
    • Pelham Bay Park, Bronx

    Three

    Aaron Copland composed which 1938 ballet?

    • Billy the Kid
    • The Gunfight at the OK Corral
    • Wild Bill

    Four

    In what year, and where, was Rift Valley fever first isolated?

    • 1851, Japan
    • 1931, Kenya
    • 2011, Laos

    Five

    What is the approximate area of the City of London?

    • 1 square mile
    • 11 square miles
    • 111 square miles

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.

  • Z is for… | Answers

    The answers to my earlier post are shown highlighted below.

    Aerial view of the Boudewijnkanaal linking the city of Bruges (middle of image) with the port of Zeebrugge (top).
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    The caption (copied below) for the above photo is missing the name of a port. What port?

    Aerial view of the Boudewijnkanaal linking the city of Bruges (middle of image) with the port of … (top).

    Answer: Zeebrugge

    The Port of Zeebrugge, a major North Sea port in Bruges, Belgium, handles over 50 million tonnes of cargo annually. In 1987, the ferry Herald of Free Enterprise capsized outside the port, killing 193 passengers.

    Detail of Zephyrus with Aura from Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.
    Image Wikipedia

    Two

    What six letter word can mean all of the following?

    • a soft, gentle breeze
    • a personification of the west wind
    • a fine cotton gingham
    • a very light article of clothing

    Answer: Zephyr

    late Old English zefferus, denoting a personification of the west wind, via Latin from Greek zephuros ‘(god of the) west wind’. The sense ‘soft, gentle breeze’ dates from the late 17th century.
    – Oxford English Dictionary

    Ziggurat of Ur.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    The above picture is of the … of Ur. What word is missing?

    Answer: Ziggurat

    The Ziggurat in Ur, dedicated to Nanna/Sîn, was built by King Ur-Nammu and completed by King Shulgi in the 21st century BC. It served as the centre of a temple complex and a shrine to the moon god.

    (in ancient Mesopotamia) a rectangular stepped tower, sometimes surmounted by a temple. Ziggurats are first attested in the late 3rd millennium BC and probably inspired the biblical story of the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1–9). 

    origin from Akkadian ziqqurratu.

    – Oxford English Dictionary

    Victoria Falls.
    Image Wikipedia

    Four

    What river flows over these falls, and on which international border are they situated?

    Answer: Zambezi. (Border of) Zimbabwe and Zambia

    Victoria Falls, on the Zambezi River, is one of the world’s largest waterfalls. It was named after Queen Victoria by David Livingstone in 1855. The Lozi name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, is also commonly used.

    David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust.
    Image Wikipedia

    Five

    Now … played guitar
    Jamming good with Weird and Gilly
    And The Spiders from Mars

    The first three lines of a song originally released in 1972 are shown above. What word is missing from the first line?

    Answer: Ziggy

    Ziggy Stardust is a glam rock song about a bisexual alien rock star. The character, created by David Bowie, symbolised an over-the-top rock star and commented on celebrity worship. The lyrics for Ziggy Stardust are shown below.

    Ziggy Sturdust

    David Bowie

    Now Ziggy played guitar
    Jamming good with Weird and Gilly
    And The Spiders from Mars
    He played it left hand
    But made it too far
    Became the special man
    Then we were Ziggy’s Band

    Ziggy really sang
    Screwed-up eyes and screwed-down hairdo
    Like some cat from Japan
    He could lick ’em by smiling
    He could leave ’em to hang
    He came on so loaded, man,
    Well-hung, snow-white tan

    So where were the spiders
    While the fly tried to break our balls?
    Just the beer light to guide us
    So we bitched about his fans
    And should we crush his sweet hands?
    Oh yeah

    Ziggy played for time
    Jiving us that we were Voodoo
    The kids was just crass
    He was the naz
    With God-given ass
    He took it all too far
    But boy, could he play guitar

    Making love with his ego
    Ziggy sucked up into his mind (ah)
    Like a leper messiah
    When the kids had killed a man
    I had to break up the band

    Ziggy played guitar

  • Z is for…

    Continuing, and finishing, the alphabet theme and all today’s answers begin with the letter ‘Z’.

    Aerial view of the Boudewijnkanaal linking the city of Bruges (middle of image) with the port of … (top).
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    The caption (copied below) for the above photo is missing the name of a port. What port?

    Aerial view of the Boudewijnkanaal linking the city of Bruges (middle of image) with the port of … (top).

    Two

    What six letter word can mean all of the following?

    • a soft, gentle breeze
    • a personification of the west wind
    • a fine cotton gingham
    • a very light article of clothing
    … of Ur.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    The above picture is of the … of Ur. What word is missing?

    Victoria Falls.
    Image Wikipedia

    Four

    What river flows over these falls, and on which international border are they situated?

    Five

    Now … played guitar
    Jamming good with Weird and Gilly
    And The Spiders from Mars

    The first three lines of a song originally released in 1972 are shown above. What word is missing from the first line?

    Good luck! I will post the answers later today.