Thursday, October 29, 2009
ANSWER: For Children
50
Green Eggs and Ham is one of Seuss's "Beginner Books", written in a very simple vocabulary for beginning readers. The vocabulary of the text consists of just fifty different words, of which 49 are monosyllabic (the one exception being "anywhere"). It averages 5.7 words per sentence and 1.02 syllables per word, giving it an exceptionally low Flesch-Kincaid grade level of -1.3.
Bennett Cerf, Dr. Seuss's publisher, wagered $50 that Seuss could not write a book using only fifty different words. The bet came after Seuss completed The Cat in the Hat, which used 225 words.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 171-137
Green Eggs and Ham is one of Seuss's "Beginner Books", written in a very simple vocabulary for beginning readers. The vocabulary of the text consists of just fifty different words, of which 49 are monosyllabic (the one exception being "anywhere"). It averages 5.7 words per sentence and 1.02 syllables per word, giving it an exceptionally low Flesch-Kincaid grade level of -1.3.
Bennett Cerf, Dr. Seuss's publisher, wagered $50 that Seuss could not write a book using only fifty different words. The bet came after Seuss completed The Cat in the Hat, which used 225 words.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 171-137
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
QUESTION: For Children
Green Eggs and Ham was written using only a certain number of different words. How many?
ANSWER: Botany
Biennial
A biennial plant is a flowering plant that takes two years to complete its biological lifecycle. In the first year the plant grows leaves, stems, and roots (vegetative structures), then it enters a period of dormancy over the colder months. Usually the stem remains very short and the leaves are low to the ground, forming a rosette. Many biennials require a cold treatment, or vernalization, before they will flower. During the next spring or summer, the stem of the biennial plant elongates greatly, or "bolts". The plant then flowers, producing fruits and seeds before it finally dies. There are far fewer biennials than either perennial plants or annual plants.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 170-137
A biennial plant is a flowering plant that takes two years to complete its biological lifecycle. In the first year the plant grows leaves, stems, and roots (vegetative structures), then it enters a period of dormancy over the colder months. Usually the stem remains very short and the leaves are low to the ground, forming a rosette. Many biennials require a cold treatment, or vernalization, before they will flower. During the next spring or summer, the stem of the biennial plant elongates greatly, or "bolts". The plant then flowers, producing fruits and seeds before it finally dies. There are far fewer biennials than either perennial plants or annual plants.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 170-137
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
ANSWER: Music
Born premature, his retinas detached, possibly due to an excess of oxygen in the incubator
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 169-137
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 169-137
Monday, October 26, 2009
ANSWER: Literature
Four
"Elizabeth is the second daughter in the Bennet family. She has four sisters: Forgiving and naive Jane, studious Mary, Kitty, and flamboyant, flirtatious Lydia. Her mother is very eccentric in marrying her daughters to wealthy men and does everything in her power to complete this objective. When rich Mr. Bingley moves into the area, she immediately attempts to attach him to Jane. Bingley's friend, Mr. Darcy is first percieved to be a proud, elegant, and unamiable man. But when he grows fond of Elizabeth, who is the most prejudiced of them all, he learns that a man can change his manners, and a woman her mind."
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 168-137
"Elizabeth is the second daughter in the Bennet family. She has four sisters: Forgiving and naive Jane, studious Mary, Kitty, and flamboyant, flirtatious Lydia. Her mother is very eccentric in marrying her daughters to wealthy men and does everything in her power to complete this objective. When rich Mr. Bingley moves into the area, she immediately attempts to attach him to Jane. Bingley's friend, Mr. Darcy is first percieved to be a proud, elegant, and unamiable man. But when he grows fond of Elizabeth, who is the most prejudiced of them all, he learns that a man can change his manners, and a woman her mind."
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 168-137
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
ANSWER: Colleges/Universities
Sorbonne
The historic University of Paris was founded in the mid 12th century, likely between 1160 and 1170 (or possibly as early as 1150), In 1970 it was reorganized as 13 autonomous universities (University of Paris I–XIII). The university is often referred to as the Sorbonne or La Sorbonne after the collegiate institution (Collège de Sorbonne) founded about 1257 by Robert de Sorbon. The university as such was older and was never completely centered on the Sorbonne. Of the thirteen current successor universities, the first four have a presence in the historical Sorbonne building, and three include "Sorbonne" in their names.
Matt: WRONG
Record: 167-137
The historic University of Paris was founded in the mid 12th century, likely between 1160 and 1170 (or possibly as early as 1150), In 1970 it was reorganized as 13 autonomous universities (University of Paris I–XIII). The university is often referred to as the Sorbonne or La Sorbonne after the collegiate institution (Collège de Sorbonne) founded about 1257 by Robert de Sorbon. The university as such was older and was never completely centered on the Sorbonne. Of the thirteen current successor universities, the first four have a presence in the historical Sorbonne building, and three include "Sorbonne" in their names.
Matt: WRONG
Record: 167-137
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
ANSWER: Math
2
In mathematics, a prime number (or a prime) is a natural number which has exactly two distinct natural number divisors: 1 and itself.
The only even prime number is 2, since any larger even number is divisible by 2. Therefore, the term odd prime refers to any prime number greater than 2.
In mathematics, a prime number (or a prime) is a natural number which has exactly two distinct natural number divisors: 1 and itself.
The only even prime number is 2, since any larger even number is divisible by 2. Therefore, the term odd prime refers to any prime number greater than 2.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
ANSWER: Game Shows
Chuck Woolery
Chuck Woolery emceed the original Wheel pilot, Shopper's Bazaar, in late 1973. This pilot bore little resemblance to the eventual series with a manually-operated brown puzzle board, $0 spaces, "Your Own Clue", no Bankrupt space, and the wheel itself (a motorized carnival-style wheel). There was also a bonus round, which spelled out the prize the contestant was playing for.
After some retooling and a title change to Wheel Of Fortune, Edd Byrnes hosted two pilots in late 1974. Woolery was ultimately picked to host, the choice being made by Griffin after he reportedly heard Byrnes reciting "A-E-I-O-U" to himself in an effort to remember the vowels.
After seven years at the helm, Chuck Woolery left Wheel after a salary dispute with Griffin; his last episode aired on December 25, 1981. Pat Sajak replaced him as host.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 167-136
Chuck Woolery emceed the original Wheel pilot, Shopper's Bazaar, in late 1973. This pilot bore little resemblance to the eventual series with a manually-operated brown puzzle board, $0 spaces, "Your Own Clue", no Bankrupt space, and the wheel itself (a motorized carnival-style wheel). There was also a bonus round, which spelled out the prize the contestant was playing for.
After some retooling and a title change to Wheel Of Fortune, Edd Byrnes hosted two pilots in late 1974. Woolery was ultimately picked to host, the choice being made by Griffin after he reportedly heard Byrnes reciting "A-E-I-O-U" to himself in an effort to remember the vowels.
After seven years at the helm, Chuck Woolery left Wheel after a salary dispute with Griffin; his last episode aired on December 25, 1981. Pat Sajak replaced him as host.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 167-136
Monday, October 19, 2009
ANSWER: Politics
Otto von Bismarck
Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck (1 April 1815 – 30 July 1898) was a Prussian German statesman and aristocrat of the 19th century. As Minister-President of Prussia from 1862–1890, he oversaw the unification of Germany. In 1867 he became Chancellor of the North German Confederation. When the German Empire was formed in 1871, he served as its first Chancellor until 1890 and practiced Realpolitik, which gained him the nickname "The Iron Chancellor". As Chancellor, Bismarck held an important role in the German government and greatly influenced German and international politics both during and after his time of service.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 166-136
Otto Eduard Leopold von Bismarck (1 April 1815 – 30 July 1898) was a Prussian German statesman and aristocrat of the 19th century. As Minister-President of Prussia from 1862–1890, he oversaw the unification of Germany. In 1867 he became Chancellor of the North German Confederation. When the German Empire was formed in 1871, he served as its first Chancellor until 1890 and practiced Realpolitik, which gained him the nickname "The Iron Chancellor". As Chancellor, Bismarck held an important role in the German government and greatly influenced German and international politics both during and after his time of service.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 166-136
Sunday, October 18, 2009
ANSWER: Magic
Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini was born in Budapest, Hungary. A copy of his birth certificate was found and published in The Houdini Birth Research Committee's Report. (1972). As to his birth date, from 1907 onwards, Houdini claimed in interviews to have been born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on April 6, 1874. He was really born on March 24, 1874.
He immigrated with his family to the United States on July 3, 1878, at the age of four, on the SS Fresia with his mother (who was pregnant) and his four brothers. Houdini's name was listed as Ehrich Weiss. Friends called him "Ehrie" or "Harry". In 1918 he registered for selective service as Harry Handcuff Houdini.
Harry Houdini was born in Budapest, Hungary. A copy of his birth certificate was found and published in The Houdini Birth Research Committee's Report. (1972). As to his birth date, from 1907 onwards, Houdini claimed in interviews to have been born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on April 6, 1874. He was really born on March 24, 1874.
He immigrated with his family to the United States on July 3, 1878, at the age of four, on the SS Fresia with his mother (who was pregnant) and his four brothers. Houdini's name was listed as Ehrich Weiss. Friends called him "Ehrie" or "Harry". In 1918 he registered for selective service as Harry Handcuff Houdini.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
ANSWER: Science
Wind
Wind pollinated flowers are characteristically small, green and with little scent and no nectar. They are often borne in long catkins.
Alternatively they may have their anthers on long slender stalks so they are readily shaken by the wind.
Wind pollination is often most effective in plants that are normally gregarious e.g. grasses in grassland. The number of insects required to carry pollen from one plant to another would be enormous.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 165-136
Wind pollinated flowers are characteristically small, green and with little scent and no nectar. They are often borne in long catkins.
Alternatively they may have their anthers on long slender stalks so they are readily shaken by the wind.
Wind pollination is often most effective in plants that are normally gregarious e.g. grasses in grassland. The number of insects required to carry pollen from one plant to another would be enormous.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 165-136
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
ANSWER: Cards
364
If you add up the values of all the cards in the deck (with A=1,J=11,Q=12,K=13) you get (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12+13)*4 = 364
Matt: WRONG
Record: 164-136
If you add up the values of all the cards in the deck (with A=1,J=11,Q=12,K=13) you get (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12+13)*4 = 364
Matt: WRONG
Record: 164-136
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
ANSWER: Movies
Paris
The Spirit of St. Louis is a 1957 biographical film directed by Billy Wilder and starring James Stewart as Charles Lindbergh. Its screenplay was adapted by Charles Lederer, Wendell Mayes, and Billy Wilder from Lindbergh's 1954 Pulitzer Prize winning book of the same name. The film follows Lindbergh's historic transatlantic flight in his Ryan NYP monoplane from its May 20, 1927, take off from Roosevelt Field and ends with his landing at Le Bourget Field in Paris on May 21.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 164-135
The Spirit of St. Louis is a 1957 biographical film directed by Billy Wilder and starring James Stewart as Charles Lindbergh. Its screenplay was adapted by Charles Lederer, Wendell Mayes, and Billy Wilder from Lindbergh's 1954 Pulitzer Prize winning book of the same name. The film follows Lindbergh's historic transatlantic flight in his Ryan NYP monoplane from its May 20, 1927, take off from Roosevelt Field and ends with his landing at Le Bourget Field in Paris on May 21.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 164-135
Monday, October 12, 2009
ANSWER: Explorers
Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria
Christopher Columbus had three ships on his first voyage, the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Columbus sailed from Palos de la Frontera on 3 August, 1492. His flagship, the Santa Maria had 52 men aboard while his other two ships, the Nina and Pinta were each crewed by 18 men.
MATT: CORRECT
RECORD: 163-135
Christopher Columbus had three ships on his first voyage, the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Columbus sailed from Palos de la Frontera on 3 August, 1492. His flagship, the Santa Maria had 52 men aboard while his other two ships, the Nina and Pinta were each crewed by 18 men.
MATT: CORRECT
RECORD: 163-135
Sunday, October 11, 2009
ANSWER: Candy
Snickers
In 1930, the Mars family introduced its second product, Snickers, named after their favorite horse.
In the UK and Ireland, it was originally sold under the name "Marathon". Mars standardised many of its global brand names and the name was changed to Snickers in 1990. For 18 months before the name changed, the words "Internationally known as Snickers" were printed on the side of the Marathon wrapper. Following the name change, the bar moved from being Britain's ninth most popular bar to the third most popular.
Mars have since re-registered the original name as a UK trademark.
There is currently a campaign in the USA to get the bar renamed to Marathon via an online petition at BringBackMarathon.org
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 162-135
In 1930, the Mars family introduced its second product, Snickers, named after their favorite horse.
In the UK and Ireland, it was originally sold under the name "Marathon". Mars standardised many of its global brand names and the name was changed to Snickers in 1990. For 18 months before the name changed, the words "Internationally known as Snickers" were printed on the side of the Marathon wrapper. Following the name change, the bar moved from being Britain's ninth most popular bar to the third most popular.
Mars have since re-registered the original name as a UK trademark.
There is currently a campaign in the USA to get the bar renamed to Marathon via an online petition at BringBackMarathon.org
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 162-135
Thursday, October 8, 2009
ANSWER: Celebrities
Orpah Winfrey
Though there are conflicting reports as to how her name became "Oprah", Winfrey was originally named Orpah after the Biblical character in the Book of Ruth. According to an interview with the Academy of Achievement, Winfrey claimed that her family and friends' inability to pronounce “Orpah” caused them to put the “P” before the “R” in every place else other than the birth certificate. However, there is the account that the midwife transposed letters while filling out the newborn's birth certificate.
Matt: WRONG
Record: 161-135
Though there are conflicting reports as to how her name became "Oprah", Winfrey was originally named Orpah after the Biblical character in the Book of Ruth. According to an interview with the Academy of Achievement, Winfrey claimed that her family and friends' inability to pronounce “Orpah” caused them to put the “P” before the “R” in every place else other than the birth certificate. However, there is the account that the midwife transposed letters while filling out the newborn's birth certificate.
Matt: WRONG
Record: 161-135
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
ANSWER: Holidays
November 11
In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans.
Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.”
Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “the War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.
An answer to the question of how to pay tribute to those who had served in this latest, great war came in a proposal made by Representative Edwin K. Rees of Kansas: Change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, and make it an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 161-134
In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans.
Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.”
Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “the War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.
An answer to the question of how to pay tribute to those who had served in this latest, great war came in a proposal made by Representative Edwin K. Rees of Kansas: Change Armistice Day to Veterans Day, and make it an occasion to honor those who have served America in all wars. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 161-134
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
ANSWER: Cooking
Garlic, Parsley, Lemon Zest
Gremolata is a chopped herb condiment typically made of garlic, parsley, and lemon zest. It is a traditional accompaniment to the Italian braised veal shank dish, "Ossobuco alla milanese". Although it is a common accompaniment to veal, the citrus element in gremolata makes it an appropriate addition to seafood dishes.
Matt: WRONG
Record: 160-134
Gremolata is a chopped herb condiment typically made of garlic, parsley, and lemon zest. It is a traditional accompaniment to the Italian braised veal shank dish, "Ossobuco alla milanese". Although it is a common accompaniment to veal, the citrus element in gremolata makes it an appropriate addition to seafood dishes.
Matt: WRONG
Record: 160-134
Monday, October 5, 2009
ANSWER: Disney
Princess Aurora
Set in the 14th century, the newborn Princess Aurora is named after the Roman goddess of the dawn because she fills the lives of her mother and father, King Stefan and Queen Leah, with sunshine. While still an infant, she is betrothed to the also-young Prince Phillip, son of King Hubert. At her christening, the Three Good Fairies Flora (dressed in red/pink), Fauna (in green), and Merryweather (in blue) arrive to bless her. Flora gives her the gift of beauty while Fauna gives her the gift of song. Before Merryweather can give her blessing, the Dark Fairy Maleficent appears, expressing disappointment in not being invited to Aurora's christening ceremony and curses the princess to die when she touches a spinning wheel's spindle before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday. Maleficent leaves, and Merryweather is able to use her blessing to weaken the curse so that instead of death, Aurora, will fall into a deep sleep until she is awakened by true love's kiss.
Set in the 14th century, the newborn Princess Aurora is named after the Roman goddess of the dawn because she fills the lives of her mother and father, King Stefan and Queen Leah, with sunshine. While still an infant, she is betrothed to the also-young Prince Phillip, son of King Hubert. At her christening, the Three Good Fairies Flora (dressed in red/pink), Fauna (in green), and Merryweather (in blue) arrive to bless her. Flora gives her the gift of beauty while Fauna gives her the gift of song. Before Merryweather can give her blessing, the Dark Fairy Maleficent appears, expressing disappointment in not being invited to Aurora's christening ceremony and curses the princess to die when she touches a spinning wheel's spindle before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday. Maleficent leaves, and Merryweather is able to use her blessing to weaken the curse so that instead of death, Aurora, will fall into a deep sleep until she is awakened by true love's kiss.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
ANSWER: Beauty Pageants
1984
Williams began competing in beauty pageants in the early 1980s. Williams won Miss New York in 1983, and went to the Miss America national pageant in Atlantic City. She was crowned Miss America 1984 on September 17, 1983 making her the first-ever Miss America of African American descent. Prior to the final night of competition, Williams won both the Preliminary Talent and Swimsuit Competitions from earlier in the week. Williams' reign as Miss America was not without its challenges and controversies. For the first time in pageant history, a reigning Miss America was the target of death threats and angry racist hate mail.
Ten months into her reign as Miss America, she received an anonymous phone call stating that nude photos of her taken by a photographer prior to her pageant days had surfaced. Williams believed the photographs were private and had been destroyed; she claims she never signed a release permitting the photos to be used.
The genesis of the photos dated back to 1982, when she worked as an assistant and makeup artist for Mount Kisco, New York photographer Tom Chiapel. According to Williams, Chiapel advised her that he wanted to try a "new concept of silhouettes with two models." He photographed Williams and another woman in several nude poses, including simulated lesbian sex.
After days of media frenzy and sponsors threatening to pull out of the upcoming 1985 pageant, Williams felt pressured by Miss America Pageant officials to resign, and did so in a press conference on July 23, 1984.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 160-133
Williams began competing in beauty pageants in the early 1980s. Williams won Miss New York in 1983, and went to the Miss America national pageant in Atlantic City. She was crowned Miss America 1984 on September 17, 1983 making her the first-ever Miss America of African American descent. Prior to the final night of competition, Williams won both the Preliminary Talent and Swimsuit Competitions from earlier in the week. Williams' reign as Miss America was not without its challenges and controversies. For the first time in pageant history, a reigning Miss America was the target of death threats and angry racist hate mail.
Ten months into her reign as Miss America, she received an anonymous phone call stating that nude photos of her taken by a photographer prior to her pageant days had surfaced. Williams believed the photographs were private and had been destroyed; she claims she never signed a release permitting the photos to be used.
The genesis of the photos dated back to 1982, when she worked as an assistant and makeup artist for Mount Kisco, New York photographer Tom Chiapel. According to Williams, Chiapel advised her that he wanted to try a "new concept of silhouettes with two models." He photographed Williams and another woman in several nude poses, including simulated lesbian sex.
After days of media frenzy and sponsors threatening to pull out of the upcoming 1985 pageant, Williams felt pressured by Miss America Pageant officials to resign, and did so in a press conference on July 23, 1984.
Matt: CORRECT
Record: 160-133
Thursday, October 1, 2009
ANSWER: Music
Yardbirds
The Yardbirds are an English rock band, notable for starting the careers of three of rock's more famous guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, all of whom were in the top fifteen of Rolling Stones' 100 Top Guitarists list (Clapton as #4, Page as #9, and Beck as #14). A blues-based band whose sound evolved into early experimental rock, The Yardbirds proved to be a crucial link between British R&B and psychedelic rock. The group had a string of hits, including "For Your Love", "Over, Under, Sideways, Down" and "Heart Full of Soul".
Matt: WRONG
Record: 159-133
The Yardbirds are an English rock band, notable for starting the careers of three of rock's more famous guitarists: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, all of whom were in the top fifteen of Rolling Stones' 100 Top Guitarists list (Clapton as #4, Page as #9, and Beck as #14). A blues-based band whose sound evolved into early experimental rock, The Yardbirds proved to be a crucial link between British R&B and psychedelic rock. The group had a string of hits, including "For Your Love", "Over, Under, Sideways, Down" and "Heart Full of Soul".
Matt: WRONG
Record: 159-133
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