Just to keep you updated.....
For various reasons I have had very little time or opportunity to write any new sets and to update my site
However,I intend to restart with new batches of questions as of Sunday 10th June
In the meantime,I will be putting up compilation/revision sets on Thursdays and Sundays.
Thanks to everyone for your continued support of this blog/site
Paul
Monday, 14 May 2012
Monday, 30 April 2012
I'm currently working on a whole new collection of questions,which should be posted in the near future.
For now,here's another batch of WQC-style revision questions.
These are slightly easier than the last couple of sets (and there are a few British related questions).
40 questions for you...............
1.What two word phrase links a chain of clothing stores owned by Gap Inc, a hit single by the post-punk group The Boomtown Rats and a term used for a politically unstable country dependent upon limited agriculture?
Banana Republic
2.Of the five recognised dwarf planets, which is the largest ,both in terms of size and mass?
Eris
3.Gwyneth Lewis,Gwyn Thomas and (currently) Gillian Clarke have all held which important ,cultural post in Wales,since its inception in 2005?
National Poet
4.Born in Munchenbuchsee,Switzerland,which expressionist and surrealist painter's works include Rose Garden,Head of Man and Castle and Sun?
Paul Klee
5.With an atomic number of 76,it is twice as dense as lead.Which element,a part of the platinum family,is the densest natural element?
Osmium
6.It is the annual national pilgrimage of Ireland and held on the last Sunday of the month of July. Pilgrims climb Ireland's holiest mountain,Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, traditionally,in their bare feet. It is held in honour of Saint Patrick with appoximately 20,000-30,000 pilgrims participating on the day. With a name sounding like an unpleasant smell what is this holy day called?
Reek Sunday (accept Garland Sunday)
7.Rehoboam was the ruler of Judah in 930 BC. Which biblical ruler was his father,who died in 931 BC?
Solomon
8. In which of Shakespeare's plays would you find the characters Cloten,Imogen and Caius Lucius?
Cymbeline
9.This make of British sportscar is named after a former, multiple Formula One Chamion. It was founded by Dutch millionaire Klaas Zwart in 1995 and the first models being the 'FGT' in 1995 then the 'Ecosse' in 1998. What is the nmae of this 'high end' vehicle manufacturer,based in Banbury?
Ascari Cars
10.With the only difference being a slightly darker tint of blue on the left hand vertical strip,which African country's flag is almost identical to that of Romania?
Chad
11.Noted for a number of works,he discovered Saturn's rings,the pendulum clock and wave theory, amongst others.Who is this 17th century Dutch scientist?
Christain Huygens
12.Its explosions are believed to be the origin of long-duration gamma ray bursts.Which astronomical term refers to an exceptionally large star that collapses at the end of its lifespan,specifically to an explosion with an energy of over 100 supernovae?
Hypernova
13.What naame links a donkey from George Orwell's 'Animal Farm',one of the sons of the biblical figure Jacob and a slang term for an American hundred dollar bill?
Benjamin
14.Fought and won under the command of the Duke of Marlborough,during which conflict did the 1706 Battle of Ramillies take place?
War of Spanish Succession
15. Still trying to seek independance,what is the name of the exclave and province of Angola, that is seperated from the rest of Angola, by a narrow strip belonging to the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Cabinda
16.One of the largest toy manufacturers in the world, it was founded by Henry and Helal Hassenfeld in 1923. What is the name of this company ,whose products include Mr Potato Head , GI Joe and My Little Pony ,amongst others?
Hasbro
17.His most 'famous' work is The Origin of the Knights of Bath,he became poet laureate when he was 30 years, the youngest ever. Which 18th century poet gained this distinction?
Laurence Eusden
18.His conquests have included the Golden Gate Bridge,The Eiffel Tower and the Petronas Towers. What is the name of the renowned French climber, nicknamed 'Spiderman' for his reputation of climbing without ropes and who also suffers from vertigo?
Alain Robert
19.What is the capital city of ,the former Soviet state, Turkmenistan?
Ashgabat
20.Used everyday in hospitals and at doctors' surgeries, for what is a sphygmomanometer, used to measure?
Blood Pressure
21.In the work,'Peter and the Wolf,by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev,each animal is represented by an orchestral instrument.Which instrument,traditionally, represents the Wolf?
French Horn(s)
22.Andrew Lloyd Webber has won an Oscar for best original song in Evita (1996) . Name one of the other two musicals for which he has also received an Academy Award nomination?
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) Phantom of The Opera (2004)
23.Who is the only FIFA World player of the year that has never played at a World Cup Finals?
George Weah
24.What is the name of the Christian denomination founded in Switzerland in 1693 by Jakob Ammann?
Amish
25.What name was given to the followers of a 14th century political and religious movement,led by John Wycliffe?
Lollards
26.Which one colour is common to the flags of Jamaica,Syria and the Bahamas?
Black
27.Produced by Italian brandy producer Arturo Vaccari, which yellow liquer named after a war hero, is a blend of herbs and fruits such as star anise and juniper?
Galliano
28.Which unit of weight is equal to 1/7000th of a pound?
A Grain
29. Which word, familiar to generations of British soldier, derives from a Hindustani word for home ?
Blitey
30.England played many of its early football international games at cricket grounds,but which was the first football stadium to host an England international football game (a stadium still in use today)?
Bramall Lane
31.The Golan Heights form a rocky plateau, that serves both as an area of strategic importance and as a popular tourist attraction.In which country is this area situated?
Syria
32.Maglev is currently the system used by the World's fastest commercial train,the Shanghai Maglev.For which two words is Maglev an abbreviation`?
Magnetic Levitation
33.Which American photographer was noted for his black and white depictions of the American West including the work 'Moon and Half Dome' and was also the pioneer of the Zone System photography technique?
Ansel Adams
34.Instrumental in retaining the right of Scottish banks to issue their own notes in 1826,who appears on every Scottish bank note?
Sir Walter Scott
35.Often referred to as the 'Father of Geometry',which Greek mathematician wrote his influential work 'Elements' in circa 300BC?
Euclid
36.In which modern day country can Mount Sinai,the location where Moses received the Ten Commandments, be found?
Egypt
37.Element 112 was previously known as ununbium until February 2010,when it was renamed after which scientist,on the 537th anniversary of his birth?
Nicolaus Copernicus (Copernicium)
38.Which Graham Greene novel features the character James Wormold,a vacuum cleaner salesman,who becomes caught up in the world of espionage?
Our Man in Havana
39.The first country to allow female Members of Parliament,which country was also
the first European country to allow women to vote in parliamentary elections?
Finland
40.Based in Kazhakstan,it is the world's largest and also first space launch facility.It was where Sputnik 1 and Luna 1 launched and also saw Gagarin in Vostok 1 become the first man in space. What is the name of this facility, originally called Leninsk?
Baikonur Cosmodrome
For now,here's another batch of WQC-style revision questions.
These are slightly easier than the last couple of sets (and there are a few British related questions).
40 questions for you...............
1.What two word phrase links a chain of clothing stores owned by Gap Inc, a hit single by the post-punk group The Boomtown Rats and a term used for a politically unstable country dependent upon limited agriculture?
Banana Republic
2.Of the five recognised dwarf planets, which is the largest ,both in terms of size and mass?
Eris
3.Gwyneth Lewis,Gwyn Thomas and (currently) Gillian Clarke have all held which important ,cultural post in Wales,since its inception in 2005?
National Poet
4.Born in Munchenbuchsee,Switzerland,which expressionist and surrealist painter's works include Rose Garden,Head of Man and Castle and Sun?
Paul Klee
5.With an atomic number of 76,it is twice as dense as lead.Which element,a part of the platinum family,is the densest natural element?
Osmium
6.It is the annual national pilgrimage of Ireland and held on the last Sunday of the month of July. Pilgrims climb Ireland's holiest mountain,Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, traditionally,in their bare feet. It is held in honour of Saint Patrick with appoximately 20,000-30,000 pilgrims participating on the day. With a name sounding like an unpleasant smell what is this holy day called?
Reek Sunday (accept Garland Sunday)
7.Rehoboam was the ruler of Judah in 930 BC. Which biblical ruler was his father,who died in 931 BC?
Solomon
8. In which of Shakespeare's plays would you find the characters Cloten,Imogen and Caius Lucius?
Cymbeline
9.This make of British sportscar is named after a former, multiple Formula One Chamion. It was founded by Dutch millionaire Klaas Zwart in 1995 and the first models being the 'FGT' in 1995 then the 'Ecosse' in 1998. What is the nmae of this 'high end' vehicle manufacturer,based in Banbury?
Ascari Cars
10.With the only difference being a slightly darker tint of blue on the left hand vertical strip,which African country's flag is almost identical to that of Romania?
Chad
11.Noted for a number of works,he discovered Saturn's rings,the pendulum clock and wave theory, amongst others.Who is this 17th century Dutch scientist?
Christain Huygens
12.Its explosions are believed to be the origin of long-duration gamma ray bursts.Which astronomical term refers to an exceptionally large star that collapses at the end of its lifespan,specifically to an explosion with an energy of over 100 supernovae?
Hypernova
13.What naame links a donkey from George Orwell's 'Animal Farm',one of the sons of the biblical figure Jacob and a slang term for an American hundred dollar bill?
Benjamin
14.Fought and won under the command of the Duke of Marlborough,during which conflict did the 1706 Battle of Ramillies take place?
War of Spanish Succession
15. Still trying to seek independance,what is the name of the exclave and province of Angola, that is seperated from the rest of Angola, by a narrow strip belonging to the Democratic Republic of Congo?
Cabinda
16.One of the largest toy manufacturers in the world, it was founded by Henry and Helal Hassenfeld in 1923. What is the name of this company ,whose products include Mr Potato Head , GI Joe and My Little Pony ,amongst others?
Hasbro
17.His most 'famous' work is The Origin of the Knights of Bath,he became poet laureate when he was 30 years, the youngest ever. Which 18th century poet gained this distinction?
Laurence Eusden
18.His conquests have included the Golden Gate Bridge,The Eiffel Tower and the Petronas Towers. What is the name of the renowned French climber, nicknamed 'Spiderman' for his reputation of climbing without ropes and who also suffers from vertigo?
Alain Robert
19.What is the capital city of ,the former Soviet state, Turkmenistan?
Ashgabat
20.Used everyday in hospitals and at doctors' surgeries, for what is a sphygmomanometer, used to measure?
Blood Pressure
21.In the work,'Peter and the Wolf,by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev,each animal is represented by an orchestral instrument.Which instrument,traditionally, represents the Wolf?
French Horn(s)
22.Andrew Lloyd Webber has won an Oscar for best original song in Evita (1996) . Name one of the other two musicals for which he has also received an Academy Award nomination?
Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) Phantom of The Opera (2004)
23.Who is the only FIFA World player of the year that has never played at a World Cup Finals?
George Weah
24.What is the name of the Christian denomination founded in Switzerland in 1693 by Jakob Ammann?
Amish
25.What name was given to the followers of a 14th century political and religious movement,led by John Wycliffe?
Lollards
26.Which one colour is common to the flags of Jamaica,Syria and the Bahamas?
Black
27.Produced by Italian brandy producer Arturo Vaccari, which yellow liquer named after a war hero, is a blend of herbs and fruits such as star anise and juniper?
Galliano
28.Which unit of weight is equal to 1/7000th of a pound?
A Grain
29. Which word, familiar to generations of British soldier, derives from a Hindustani word for home ?
Blitey
30.England played many of its early football international games at cricket grounds,but which was the first football stadium to host an England international football game (a stadium still in use today)?
Bramall Lane
31.The Golan Heights form a rocky plateau, that serves both as an area of strategic importance and as a popular tourist attraction.In which country is this area situated?
Syria
32.Maglev is currently the system used by the World's fastest commercial train,the Shanghai Maglev.For which two words is Maglev an abbreviation`?
Magnetic Levitation
33.Which American photographer was noted for his black and white depictions of the American West including the work 'Moon and Half Dome' and was also the pioneer of the Zone System photography technique?
Ansel Adams
34.Instrumental in retaining the right of Scottish banks to issue their own notes in 1826,who appears on every Scottish bank note?
Sir Walter Scott
35.Often referred to as the 'Father of Geometry',which Greek mathematician wrote his influential work 'Elements' in circa 300BC?
Euclid
36.In which modern day country can Mount Sinai,the location where Moses received the Ten Commandments, be found?
Egypt
37.Element 112 was previously known as ununbium until February 2010,when it was renamed after which scientist,on the 537th anniversary of his birth?
Nicolaus Copernicus (Copernicium)
38.Which Graham Greene novel features the character James Wormold,a vacuum cleaner salesman,who becomes caught up in the world of espionage?
Our Man in Havana
39.The first country to allow female Members of Parliament,which country was also
the first European country to allow women to vote in parliamentary elections?
Finland
40.Based in Kazhakstan,it is the world's largest and also first space launch facility.It was where Sputnik 1 and Luna 1 launched and also saw Gagarin in Vostok 1 become the first man in space. What is the name of this facility, originally called Leninsk?
Baikonur Cosmodrome
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Thursday Quiz 74
Here is a set of WQC-type 'Low Brow' or 'Trash' questions (sport,entertainment,lifestyle etc)
Enjoy............
1.Played on a board of eight ranks by twelve files,what name is given to the German variant of chess,that takes its name from the German word for a chess bishop?
Courier Chess
2.Which Dutch sounding surname links the American golfer 'Bo',currently ranked in the World's Top 50,the siblings from the Peanuts comic strip,'Linus,Lucy and Reun' and the character 'Grace' played by Amanda Righetti in the US TV drama series 'The Mentalist'?
Van Pelt
3.In Ice hockey,in addition to scoring a goal and recording an assist,what would a player need to do to complete a 'Geordie Howe' hat-trick during a game?
Get into a fight
4.Which team won the last ever East German football league title in 1991?
FC Hansa Rostock
5.Best known for his role as Cliff Clavin in US sitcom 'Cheers', who provides the voice of 'Hamm the Piggy Bank' in the film Toy Story 3?
John Ratzenberger
6.Which pop superstar performed as a dancer with French disco artist,Patrick Hernandez,as well as performing vocals in the bands 'The Breakfast Club' and'Emmy', before signing a record deal with Sire records in 1981?
Madonna
7.With types such as coronary,ureteral and prostatic,what name is given to the artificial tube,inserted into a natural passage in the body to 'prevent, or counteract, a disease-induced, localised flow constriction'?
Stent
8.American astrophysicist,cosmologist and Nobel Laureatre George Smoot III won US$ 1 million in 2009 on which US TV quiz show?
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
9.With examples and collections found in books such as 'The Blue Cliff Record' and 'The Book Of Equanimity',what is the name of the fundamental teachings of Zen Buddhism,designed to expose the limitations of the mind, as in the example,'Two hands clap and there is a sound; what is the sound of one
hand?
Koan(s)
10.Founded in 1912 and closing in 1935,this 'slapstick' film studio, produced silent pictures that started the careers of Harold Lloyd,Charlie Chaplin and Fatty Arbuckle ,amongst others.It also produced a namesake act.What is the name of these studios,based in Edendale,California?
Keystone Studios
11.'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' is an American reality television series that premiered in 2007 and has led to several spin-off shows.It follows the daily lives of American socialite Kim Kardashian and her family.Featured in the show,who is her famous father-in-law,an Olympic Gold Medal winning athlete from the 1976 Games in Montreal?
Bruce Jenner
12.Founded in Milan in 1910,which car manufacturer,with models including the Giulietta,Spider and Brera,is noted for being the make of car, in which the Italian driver ,Giuseppe Farina, won the first Formula One championship in 1950?
Alfa Romeo
13.Previously known under his stage name 'Sweet Mickey',the former recording artist,Michael Martelly became the President of which Central American country in May 2011?
Haiti
14.Used in many parts of South Asia,which word or term,refers to a series of steps leading down to a water body,usually a holy river?
Ghat
15.Traditionally this two word term refers to a fight involving three or more combatants, that is fought until only one fighter remains standing.it is used in combat sports,but the term has a specific meaning, depending on the sports being discussed.It was also used in the title of a cult 2000 film by Kinji Fukasaku.Which term?
Battle Royal(e)
16.In 2000,the Dutch rock festival,'Pinkpop',was the first major public event to provide what resource for women?
Female Urinals
17.Best known for the design of the Sydney Opera House,architect Jorn Utzon,also created which Middle Eastern country's National Assemby building?
Kuwait
18.Which EU capital city's metro system includes the stations Opera,Oktogon,Astoria and Stadionok?
Budapest
19.Usually served with sushi,which root,also known as Japanese horseradish,belongs to the same family as cabbages, horseradish, and mustard?
Wasabi
20.He is head of the film music division at Dreamworks Studios and has composed over 100 film scores.What is the name of this prolific German composer,who has written scores for film such as Gladiator,Inception,The Lion King and Frost/Nixon?
Hans Zimmer
21.Syreeta Wright was a Grammy nominated,American singer and songwriter who died in 2004.She is particularly noted for her collaborations with Billy Preston and which other music 'superstar',whom she was married between 1970 -1972?
Stevie Wonder
22.Selling more than 30 million records,she is among the most successful recording artists of all time in France. She also holds the record for the most number one hits in the French charts (which began in 1984), with twelve to date, eight of which were consecutive.Her most notable songs include 'Sans contrefacon', 'Libertine' and 'California'.Who is this prolific performer?
Mylene Farmer
23.The basis for several television series,films and even a theme park in Naantali, Finland,the 'Moomins' series of books and comic strips are the creation of which Swedish-Finn illustrator and writer?
Tove Jansson
24.His surname is familiar to astronomers.Playing for the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys,which American football linebacker,is noted as the only player to have won 5 'Superbowl' championships,doing so between 1989-1995?
Charles Haley
25.it was invented by naval engineer Richard James in the 1940s and first shown in Gimbel's department stores in Philedelphia.it has been used by NASA for experiments in zero-gravity and by John Cage in his 1959 'Sounds of Venice'.What is the name of this toy,which may be familiar to fans of the 'Toy Story' films?
Slinky
26.Playing at the highest level in France, Italy and Spain for over 15 seasons,he was a World Cup winner in 1998 and European Championship winner two years later.Having recorded an impressive 142 appearances,who is the most capped player in the history of the French national football team?
Lilian Thuram
27.Slowly cooked at the table,in a mixture of soy sauce,sugar and minin,what meat is traditionally used in the Japanese Winter dish 'Sukiyaki'?
Beef
28.Which of the 'Seven Wonders of The Ancient World',would be located in the Turkish city of Bodrum,if it was to exist today?
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
29.Awarded the prize for his performances in 1984,1985,1988 and 1992 films,which US actor holds the unenviable record, of receiving most Golden Raspberry Awards in the category of Worst Actor?
Sylvester Stallone
30.The last Brazilian film to have won an Academy Award was in 1985,when William Hurt won the award for Best actor. The film was also nominated in the Best Picture,Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay categories.Directed by Hector Babenco and based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig,what is the English title of this film,set in a Brazilian prison?
Kiss Of The Spider Woman
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Sunday Quiz 71
Another set of revision questions for the WQC.
If anyone would like to enter the World Quiz Championships,I would highly recommend it. It's a great chance to test yourself against the very best quizzers in the world.(You never know you may surprise yourself!)
There are many venues across the globe.See http://www.worldquizzing.com/ for more details
Hope you enjoy these..............
1.For which team did the 2010 and 2011 World Driver's Champion, Sebastian Vettel,make his Formula One debut,doing so at the 2007 United States Grand Prix?
(BMW) Sauber
2.Which German composer, conductor, and founder of the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra,is best known for his operatic version of Shakespeare's comedy 'The Merry Wives of Windsor'?
(Carl)Otto Nicolai
3.Having film adaptations for most of his novels,which American author's works include, 'A Kiss Before Dying','Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Stepford Wives'?
Ira Levin
4.With the atomic number 98,what is the only chemical element to be named after a state of the USA?
Californium
5.Containing Japan's second largest island, Hokkaido and Russia's largest island, Sakhalin,which sea,located in the western Pacific,lies between Russia in the north and the Kuril islands in the South?
Sea of Okhotsk
6.Bordered by Rajasthan to the north and Maharashtra to the south, its capital is Gandhinagar, while its largest city is Ahmedabad.What is the name of this state located in western India?
Gujarat
7.Marketed as a luxury vehicle,the 'Acura' is currently available in the USA,Canada,Mexico,China and Hong Kong.Which Japanese car manufacturer produce this vehicle?
Honda
8.In terms of population,which is the smallest Australian state capital city?
Darwin
9.Receiving 17 Emmy nominations in 2011,which US TV comedy series revolves around three families,inter-related through Jay Pritchett (played by Ed O'Neill) and his children?
Modern Family
10.In winning the 2008 Womens Long Jump event,who became Brazil's first and (so far) only individual female Olympic champion?
Maurren Maggi
11.Receiving a sentence of over 365 years imprisonment in 1977,what was the real name of the convicted serial killer,who dubbed himself the 'Son of Sam',in a note to the New York Police Department?
David Berkowitz
12.In Norse mythology,what name is given to Thor's belt,which magnifies his strength?
Meginjord
13.Traditionally made from rice straw and covered with layers of soft rushes,they are built to a standard size,(equivalent to one sleeping space,described as '6 mat','8 mat' etc).What name is given to this traditional Japanese floor matting?
Tatami
14.Deriving their name from a king of Thessalian Phthia and son of Zeus,which legendary group of brave and skilled warriors were commanded by Achilles,as described in Homer's 'Iliad'?
Myrmidons
15.In which Eastern art,is the Yoshizawa-Randlett system, a series of diagrams,describing the art?
Origami
16.A term coined by critic F. S. Boas in his 1896 work 'Shakespeare and his Predecessors',how are the Shakesperean plays, 'All's Well That Ends Well', 'Measure for Measure' and 'Troilus and Cressida',often described?
Problem Plays
17.La Seigneurie is the capital of which small,inhabited Channel Island?
Sark
18.Monte Titano is the highest peak in San Marino.In which mountain range does it lie?
Apennines
19.Usually distilled from grain, potatoes,honey and sugar beets,its name translates to mean whisky or a strong spirit.It is also often referred to as the country's equivalent of vodka.From which modern day, European country, does the alcoholic drink,Horilka,originate?
Ukraine
20.Located on the Bight of Bonny,in the Atlantic Ocean,the islands of Annobon,Bioko and Corisco all belong to which West African nation?
Equatorial Guinea
21.Written by Anita Loos,it began as a series of short sketches published in Harper's 'Bazaar',known as the 'Lorelei' stories.Adapted for the big screen in 1928,it featured Ruth Taylor in the lead role.In 1953,this role was to become iconic for Marilyn Monroe.What is the name of this work?
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
22.Endemic to the Antarctic and, in 2011, seen on a New Zealand beach for the first time in 44 years,'Aptenodytes forsteri' is the tallest and heaviest of which animal species?
Penguin (Emperor Penguin)
23.Designed by the 'Swiss Cracking Association',what was the Commodore Amiga computer,the first to receive,in 1987?
Computer Virus
24.Founded in Iran during the first millenium BC,what is the name of the religion that follows one supreme God, by the name of Ahura Mazda and has a scripture called 'Avesta'?
Zoroastranism
25.A name (traditionally,but not correctly) given to a sweet potato in the US and parts of Canada,which vegetable, a primary agricultural commodity in West Africa and New Guinea,belongs to the Dioscorea genus and can grow to 2.5metres in length?
Yam
26.Medically known as 'Peritonsillar abscess' and considered to be the cause of George Washington's death,by what name is this severe complication of tonsilitis more commonly known?
Quinsy
27.Of the 28 member nations of NATO,which two were previously part of Yugoslavia?
Slovenia and Croatia
28.Renowned for its wine and lying close to the Tanaro river,in which Italian region, can the town of Asti be located?
Piedmont
29.Which prolific Canadian Pritzker Prize winning architect is noted for his work on the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao,the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and an eponymous twisting tower in Hanover?
Frank Gehry
30.During the 1990s,the artists Bobby Brown,Bell Biv Devoe and Ralph Tresvant all had top 40 hit singles in the UK and US.By what name were they collectively known when they had a worldwide hit during the 1980s,with the song 'Candy Girl'?
New Edition
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Thursday Quiz 73
More WQC revision for those of you who are interested.
For those of you who are not,enjoy this challenging set anyway..........
1.Similar to the game boules,which paralympic sport,designed for wheelchair users and those with limited motor skills,involves throwing leather balls at a jack,with the aim of being the closest to it?
Boccia
2.The 'Rocket-Powered Recoilless Weapon' was the brainchild of Dr Robert H. Goddard as a side project of his work on rocket propulsion.Also used to describe any shoulder-fired missile weapon,by what generic one-word name is this weapon known today?
Bazooka
3.Surpassing Nokia in 2011 to become the third largest smartphone maker in the world (behind Apple and Samsung),which Asian country is home to the telecommunications giants,'HTC'?
Taiwan
4.Since her 1998 debut with the single 'Poker Face',she has sold over 50 million records in Japan, making her the best selling solo singer in Japanese history.She has also made three of the world's top 20,most expensive pop videos ever.What is the name of this Japanese icon,known as 'Ayu' to her fans?
Ayumi Hamasaki
5.Which Hungarian-born,Israeli biochemist, was jointly awarded the 2004 Nobel Prize for Chemistry,along with Aaron Ciechanover and Irwin Rose, 'for the discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation'?
Avram Hershko
6.The musical director of the English National Opera between 1979-1993,he has also been appointed principal conductor for several prestigious British Symphony orchestras during his career.Who was appointed chief conductor and musical director of the Halle Orchestra in 2000,a role he still holds today?
Mark Elder
7.Endemic to certain islands of Indonesia,from where its name derives,what is the largest living species of lizard,growing up to 3 metres long in many cases?
Komodo Dragon
8.Based on a 19th century poem by Alexander Pushkin,what is the name of the Tchaikovsky opera,that tells the story of a bored St Petersburg dandy?
Eugine Onegin
9.Founded in 1983,'Just For Laughs' is the largest international comedy festival in the world.In which Canadian city is it held?
Montreal
10.An over-the-counter medicine,it is produced worldwide by Procter and Gamble,to treat minor digestive system upsets.Its active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate,from which it derives its name.Which medicine is often nicknamed 'the pink stuff',following various advertising campaigns?
Pepto-Bismo
11.Rising to international fame with their debut album, 'Hybrid Theory'in 1996,they have since sold over 50 million albums worldwide and received two Grammy Awards.Which popular American rock band is led by vocalist,Chester Bennington?
Linkin Park
12.One of the most notorious prisons in the world,Thailand's Bangkwang Jail is usually known by what colloquial name in the Western world?
Bangkok Hilton
13.What is the name of 53km tunnel,the longest railway tunnel in the world, which links the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido?
Seikan Tunnel
14.Held in Wales in 1991,which national team won the first Womens Rugby Union World Cup,beating England 19-6 in the final?
USA
15.With an atomic number of 86,which is the densest of the noble gases,under standard conditions?
Radon
16.The Confederate States of America was a government set up under President Jefferson Davis between 1861-1865 by 11 Southern slave states.In this period it had 3 cities serve as its capital with Montgomery in Alabama being the first.Name either of the ither two,both cities in the state of Virginia?
Richmond and Danville
17.Written in 1876,it is described as a fantastical 'nonsense' poem and Lewis Carroll's last great work.What is the title this work which explores the adventures of a bizarre crew of tradesmen, and one beaver, who set off to find the poem's eponymous creature?
The Hunting of the Snark
18.Commissioned by Edward James in 1937 ,after which Hollywood actress is the iconic Salvador Dali wooden and satin sofa,named?
Mae West
19.On the Periodic Table,which element,in terms of atomic number,is the first to use two consonants as its chemical symbol?
Magnesium (Mg number 12)
20.Held in great respect in ancient times and obtaining its name from a legend in the 'Letter of Aristeas',what is the name of the historic Greek translation of the Old Testament adopted by Christians?
Septuagint
21.In 1978 Emilio Marcos Palma made history be becoming the first recorded baby to be born in which part of the world?
Antarctica
22.According to the sport's regulations,all Speedway motorcycles must only use which specific substance for fuel?
Methanol
23.The Turkish professional football club,Bucaspor,is currently the only top-tier team from which city,Turkey's third largest by population?
Izmir
24.Holding an annual exhibition for ten years in the late 19th century,what name was given to the group of Belgian painters, designers and sculptors, formed in 1883 by the Brussels lawyer, publisher, and entrepreneur Octave Maus?
Les Vingt
25.Named after the neuro-surgeon who first described it,what is the name of the hormone disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood,causing rapid weight gain and associated with the consumption of certain steroids?
Cushing's Syndrome
26.Her surname is shared by a 1982 Italian football World Cup winner.Which Italian born nun who founded the 'Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus',became,in 1946,the first US citizen to be canonised as a saint?
Francis Xavier Cabrini
27.A feature,inparticular to Huntingdon's disease and Saint Vitus' Dance,what is the name of the involuntary ,jerky movements caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls muscular co-ordination?
Chorea
28.Winning Peace Prize in 2001,who is the only Ghanaian Nobel Laureate?
Kofi Annan
29.What is the English title of the 1997 Italian film,that won 3 Academy Awards,including 'Best Actor' to Roberto Benigni for his portayal of a father who must employ his fertile imagination to help his family, during their internment in a Nazi concentration camp?
Life Is Beautiful
30.In 1911,the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire became one of the deadliest industrial disasters in US history,resulting in the deaths of around 140 workers.In which US city did this tragedy occur?
New York
For those of you who are not,enjoy this challenging set anyway..........
1.Similar to the game boules,which paralympic sport,designed for wheelchair users and those with limited motor skills,involves throwing leather balls at a jack,with the aim of being the closest to it?
Boccia
2.The 'Rocket-Powered Recoilless Weapon' was the brainchild of Dr Robert H. Goddard as a side project of his work on rocket propulsion.Also used to describe any shoulder-fired missile weapon,by what generic one-word name is this weapon known today?
Bazooka
3.Surpassing Nokia in 2011 to become the third largest smartphone maker in the world (behind Apple and Samsung),which Asian country is home to the telecommunications giants,'HTC'?
Taiwan
4.Since her 1998 debut with the single 'Poker Face',she has sold over 50 million records in Japan, making her the best selling solo singer in Japanese history.She has also made three of the world's top 20,most expensive pop videos ever.What is the name of this Japanese icon,known as 'Ayu' to her fans?
Ayumi Hamasaki
5.Which Hungarian-born,Israeli biochemist, was jointly awarded the 2004 Nobel Prize for Chemistry,along with Aaron Ciechanover and Irwin Rose, 'for the discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation'?
Avram Hershko
6.The musical director of the English National Opera between 1979-1993,he has also been appointed principal conductor for several prestigious British Symphony orchestras during his career.Who was appointed chief conductor and musical director of the Halle Orchestra in 2000,a role he still holds today?
Mark Elder
7.Endemic to certain islands of Indonesia,from where its name derives,what is the largest living species of lizard,growing up to 3 metres long in many cases?
Komodo Dragon
8.Based on a 19th century poem by Alexander Pushkin,what is the name of the Tchaikovsky opera,that tells the story of a bored St Petersburg dandy?
Eugine Onegin
9.Founded in 1983,'Just For Laughs' is the largest international comedy festival in the world.In which Canadian city is it held?
Montreal
10.An over-the-counter medicine,it is produced worldwide by Procter and Gamble,to treat minor digestive system upsets.Its active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate,from which it derives its name.Which medicine is often nicknamed 'the pink stuff',following various advertising campaigns?
Pepto-Bismo
11.Rising to international fame with their debut album, 'Hybrid Theory'in 1996,they have since sold over 50 million albums worldwide and received two Grammy Awards.Which popular American rock band is led by vocalist,Chester Bennington?
Linkin Park
12.One of the most notorious prisons in the world,Thailand's Bangkwang Jail is usually known by what colloquial name in the Western world?
Bangkok Hilton
13.What is the name of 53km tunnel,the longest railway tunnel in the world, which links the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido?
Seikan Tunnel
14.Held in Wales in 1991,which national team won the first Womens Rugby Union World Cup,beating England 19-6 in the final?
USA
15.With an atomic number of 86,which is the densest of the noble gases,under standard conditions?
Radon
16.The Confederate States of America was a government set up under President Jefferson Davis between 1861-1865 by 11 Southern slave states.In this period it had 3 cities serve as its capital with Montgomery in Alabama being the first.Name either of the ither two,both cities in the state of Virginia?
Richmond and Danville
17.Written in 1876,it is described as a fantastical 'nonsense' poem and Lewis Carroll's last great work.What is the title this work which explores the adventures of a bizarre crew of tradesmen, and one beaver, who set off to find the poem's eponymous creature?
The Hunting of the Snark
18.Commissioned by Edward James in 1937 ,after which Hollywood actress is the iconic Salvador Dali wooden and satin sofa,named?
Mae West
19.On the Periodic Table,which element,in terms of atomic number,is the first to use two consonants as its chemical symbol?
Magnesium (Mg number 12)
20.Held in great respect in ancient times and obtaining its name from a legend in the 'Letter of Aristeas',what is the name of the historic Greek translation of the Old Testament adopted by Christians?
Septuagint
21.In 1978 Emilio Marcos Palma made history be becoming the first recorded baby to be born in which part of the world?
Antarctica
22.According to the sport's regulations,all Speedway motorcycles must only use which specific substance for fuel?
Methanol
23.The Turkish professional football club,Bucaspor,is currently the only top-tier team from which city,Turkey's third largest by population?
Izmir
24.Holding an annual exhibition for ten years in the late 19th century,what name was given to the group of Belgian painters, designers and sculptors, formed in 1883 by the Brussels lawyer, publisher, and entrepreneur Octave Maus?
Les Vingt
25.Named after the neuro-surgeon who first described it,what is the name of the hormone disorder caused by high levels of cortisol in the blood,causing rapid weight gain and associated with the consumption of certain steroids?
Cushing's Syndrome
26.Her surname is shared by a 1982 Italian football World Cup winner.Which Italian born nun who founded the 'Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus',became,in 1946,the first US citizen to be canonised as a saint?
Francis Xavier Cabrini
27.A feature,inparticular to Huntingdon's disease and Saint Vitus' Dance,what is the name of the involuntary ,jerky movements caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls muscular co-ordination?
Chorea
28.Winning Peace Prize in 2001,who is the only Ghanaian Nobel Laureate?
Kofi Annan
29.What is the English title of the 1997 Italian film,that won 3 Academy Awards,including 'Best Actor' to Roberto Benigni for his portayal of a father who must employ his fertile imagination to help his family, during their internment in a Nazi concentration camp?
Life Is Beautiful
30.In 1911,the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire became one of the deadliest industrial disasters in US history,resulting in the deaths of around 140 workers.In which US city did this tragedy occur?
New York
Monday, 16 April 2012
Sunday Quiz 70
Here is Sunday's quiz.
My aim was to set a mini-WQC (World Quiz Championship) set,but I have had to put that on hold. Instead I have added 30 WQC-style questions.
I hope you enjoy..............
1.What is the name of the Persian Queen and legendary storyteller of the 'One Thousand and One Nights' tales?
Scheherazade
2.Which Russian word,translated to mean 'travelling companion',was initially used as a name for a launch vehicle to carry nuclear warheads,but is more familiar for other,historic reasons?
Sputnik
3. Nominated as best director for 12 Angry Men (1957), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Network (1976) and The Verdict (1982),which American film director died in April 2011?
Sidney Lumet
4.His major works include 'The Dead Man'and 'I and the Village'.Which Russian-born,Jewish artist was one of the pioneers of early 20th century art and due to his prominence in France,has a museum in Nice entirely devoted to his work?
Marc Chagall
5.In Greek mythology,how were the sisters Stheno,Euryale and Medusa collectively known?
Gorgons
6.Described as 'the single most significant creative figure in 20th-century Brazilian art music',which prolific South American composer is particularly noted for his most famous work,'Bachianas Brasileiras'?
Heitor (or Hector) Villa-Lobos
7.Following on from her breakthrough role in 2000's Girlfight, she is best known for playing tough girl roles and starring in Hollywood blockbusters such as The Fast and the Furious, Resident Evil, S.W.A.T., Avatar and Machete.She is equally well known for her role as Ana Lucia Cortez in the television series Lost.What is the name of this American actress?
Michelle Rodriguez
8.Adapted into a 1967 film,which Lerner and Loewe musical,making its debut on Broadway in 1960,is based on the TH White novel 'The Once and Future King'?
Camelot
9.Which mountain,located in the Bernese Alps was first conquered by Christian Almer and Peter Bohren and Charles Barrington,but is probably best known for a particular part of the mountain,that has the German nickname,'Mordwand', translated in English as 'death wall'?
The Eiger (North Face)
10.What is the name of the United States Pacific territory that comprises of seven islands including Swain's and Tuitula and has its capital at Pago Pago?
American Samoa
11.With the only difference being a slightly darker tint of blue on the left hand vertical strip,which African country's flag is almost identical to that of Romania?
Chad
12.The largest mud-brick building in the world,the Great Mosque of Djenne can be found in which African country?
Mali
13.Made up of twelve car horns, it was created for use in his 'March of the Automobiles' ,composed in 1929, for the Cincinnati Automobile Show.What is the name of the musical instrument created by the American composer Henry Fillmore?
Klaxophone
14.What is the name of the French confection that consists of a chestnut that is candied in sugar syrup and then glazed?
Marron Glace
15.Located at the end of the stamen,what is the name given to the sac, in which pollen grains develop?
Anther
16.Zipf's Law is used within within which branch of mathematics?
Statistics
17.Winning in 1996 when racing for the 'Ligier' Formula One team,who was the last Frenchman to win the Monaco Grand Prix?
Olivier Panis
18.Named after the colour of the barrel in which it was shipped,what was the name of the herbicide,a 50/50 mixture of 245-T and 24-D,that was used by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, during the Vietnam War?
Agent Orange
19.With 1,196 inhabitants per square mile ,which is the most densely populated state in the USA?
New Jersey
20.On the periodic table,what name is given to the series of fifteen metallic chemical elements with the atomic numbers 57-71?
Lanthanide
21.Which 19th century English writer,who did not complete her first novel until middle age,created the novels 'Mary Barton,'Cranford' and 'North and South',amongst others?
Elizabeth Gaskell
22.Spanning the borders between Pakistan, India and China,in which mountain range can the world's second highest peak,K2,be located?
Karakoram Range
23.Of the 8 possibilites,which country has the longest land border with Serbia?
Romania
24.The symptoms of Psittacosis in humans,are often severe,initially mimicking typhoid fever,before developing into pneumonia.The disease is also known by what ornithological name,after the bird from which it is contracted?
Parrot's Disease
25.NRK Classic is a European,government-owned radio station,playing classical music 24 hours a day.It is particularly noted as the world's first all-digital radio station.From which country does it broadcast?
Norway
26.Founded in 2001 by front man,Win Butler and based in Montreal,which Canadian rock band has released the albums 'Funeral','Neon Bible' and 2010's 'The Suburbs'?
Arcade Fire
27.Which actor links a Prefab Sprout album of 1985,the British artist and film director whose work includes 'Hunger' and Dr Gregory House's pet rat?
Steve McQueen
28.In which Canadian city were the first Commonwealth games held in 1930?
Hamilton
29.Also the name of a computer software company,found on most computers,which type of sun-dried building brick, is made from sand, clay, water and organic materials such as straw?
Adobe
30.Translated from the German meaning 'flank' or 'wing',what is the name of the brass musical instrument that resembles a trumpet,but has a wider, conical bore?
Flugelhorn
My aim was to set a mini-WQC (World Quiz Championship) set,but I have had to put that on hold. Instead I have added 30 WQC-style questions.
I hope you enjoy..............
1.What is the name of the Persian Queen and legendary storyteller of the 'One Thousand and One Nights' tales?
Scheherazade
2.Which Russian word,translated to mean 'travelling companion',was initially used as a name for a launch vehicle to carry nuclear warheads,but is more familiar for other,historic reasons?
Sputnik
3. Nominated as best director for 12 Angry Men (1957), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Network (1976) and The Verdict (1982),which American film director died in April 2011?
Sidney Lumet
4.His major works include 'The Dead Man'and 'I and the Village'.Which Russian-born,Jewish artist was one of the pioneers of early 20th century art and due to his prominence in France,has a museum in Nice entirely devoted to his work?
Marc Chagall
5.In Greek mythology,how were the sisters Stheno,Euryale and Medusa collectively known?
Gorgons
6.Described as 'the single most significant creative figure in 20th-century Brazilian art music',which prolific South American composer is particularly noted for his most famous work,'Bachianas Brasileiras'?
Heitor (or Hector) Villa-Lobos
7.Following on from her breakthrough role in 2000's Girlfight, she is best known for playing tough girl roles and starring in Hollywood blockbusters such as The Fast and the Furious, Resident Evil, S.W.A.T., Avatar and Machete.She is equally well known for her role as Ana Lucia Cortez in the television series Lost.What is the name of this American actress?
Michelle Rodriguez
8.Adapted into a 1967 film,which Lerner and Loewe musical,making its debut on Broadway in 1960,is based on the TH White novel 'The Once and Future King'?
Camelot
9.Which mountain,located in the Bernese Alps was first conquered by Christian Almer and Peter Bohren and Charles Barrington,but is probably best known for a particular part of the mountain,that has the German nickname,'Mordwand', translated in English as 'death wall'?
The Eiger (North Face)
10.What is the name of the United States Pacific territory that comprises of seven islands including Swain's and Tuitula and has its capital at Pago Pago?
American Samoa
11.With the only difference being a slightly darker tint of blue on the left hand vertical strip,which African country's flag is almost identical to that of Romania?
Chad
12.The largest mud-brick building in the world,the Great Mosque of Djenne can be found in which African country?
Mali
13.Made up of twelve car horns, it was created for use in his 'March of the Automobiles' ,composed in 1929, for the Cincinnati Automobile Show.What is the name of the musical instrument created by the American composer Henry Fillmore?
Klaxophone
14.What is the name of the French confection that consists of a chestnut that is candied in sugar syrup and then glazed?
Marron Glace
15.Located at the end of the stamen,what is the name given to the sac, in which pollen grains develop?
Anther
16.Zipf's Law is used within within which branch of mathematics?
Statistics
17.Winning in 1996 when racing for the 'Ligier' Formula One team,who was the last Frenchman to win the Monaco Grand Prix?
Olivier Panis
18.Named after the colour of the barrel in which it was shipped,what was the name of the herbicide,a 50/50 mixture of 245-T and 24-D,that was used by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, during the Vietnam War?
Agent Orange
19.With 1,196 inhabitants per square mile ,which is the most densely populated state in the USA?
New Jersey
20.On the periodic table,what name is given to the series of fifteen metallic chemical elements with the atomic numbers 57-71?
Lanthanide
21.Which 19th century English writer,who did not complete her first novel until middle age,created the novels 'Mary Barton,'Cranford' and 'North and South',amongst others?
Elizabeth Gaskell
22.Spanning the borders between Pakistan, India and China,in which mountain range can the world's second highest peak,K2,be located?
Karakoram Range
23.Of the 8 possibilites,which country has the longest land border with Serbia?
Romania
24.The symptoms of Psittacosis in humans,are often severe,initially mimicking typhoid fever,before developing into pneumonia.The disease is also known by what ornithological name,after the bird from which it is contracted?
Parrot's Disease
25.NRK Classic is a European,government-owned radio station,playing classical music 24 hours a day.It is particularly noted as the world's first all-digital radio station.From which country does it broadcast?
Norway
26.Founded in 2001 by front man,Win Butler and based in Montreal,which Canadian rock band has released the albums 'Funeral','Neon Bible' and 2010's 'The Suburbs'?
Arcade Fire
27.Which actor links a Prefab Sprout album of 1985,the British artist and film director whose work includes 'Hunger' and Dr Gregory House's pet rat?
Steve McQueen
28.In which Canadian city were the first Commonwealth games held in 1930?
Hamilton
29.Also the name of a computer software company,found on most computers,which type of sun-dried building brick, is made from sand, clay, water and organic materials such as straw?
Adobe
30.Translated from the German meaning 'flank' or 'wing',what is the name of the brass musical instrument that resembles a trumpet,but has a wider, conical bore?
Flugelhorn
Website problem (hopefully fixed now!)
Hello,
I have only just managed to gain access to my own website. I'm not sure why I couldn't amend,but it looks like the problem has gone away now.
Just to let you know,I will be putting up questions later tonight..............
Thanks
Paul
I have only just managed to gain access to my own website. I'm not sure why I couldn't amend,but it looks like the problem has gone away now.
Just to let you know,I will be putting up questions later tonight..............
Thanks
Paul
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