Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz: 2009

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Trees

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Subject: TREES
(e.g., What kind of tree is associated with Canada? Answer: Maple tree.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. What kind of tree is associated with Sir Isaac Newton?
Answer________

2. What kind of tree is associated with George Washington?
Answer________

3. What kind of tree is associated with Lebanon?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. This tree was in the middle of the Garden of Eden.
Answer________

5. What kind of tree is America's "General Sherman tree"?
Answer________

6. This huge, 14-story artificial tree is the icon of Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. These humanoid trees lived in the fantasy world of Middle-earth.
Answer________

8. What kind of tree is associated with Buddha?
Answer________

9. In Hinduism, this tree is considered sacred and is called "Ashwath Vriksha."
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Apple tree.
2. Cherry tree.
3. Cedar tree.
4. Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Tree of Conscience).
5. (Giant) Sequoia.
6. The Tree of Life.
7. Ents.
8. Bodhi (Bo) tree.
9. Banyan tree.

Final Films

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, October 19, 2009

Subject: FINAL FILMS
Which actor made a final appearance in the film? Initials are provided. (e.g., "The Harder They Fall": H.B. Answer: Humphrey Bogart.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. "The Misfits": C.G. and/or M.M.
Answer________

2. "Giant": J.D.
Answer________

3. "On Golden Pond": H.F.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. "The Shootist": J.W.
Answer________

5. "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus": H.L.
Answer________

6. "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner": S.T.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. "Brainstorm": N.W.
Answer________

8. "Plan 9 From Outer Space": B.L.
Answer________

9. "Enter the Dragon": B.L.
Answer________

ANSWERS: 1. Clark Gable and/or Marilyn Monroe.
2. James Dean.
3. Henry Fonda.
4. John Wayne.
5. Heath Ledger.
6. Spencer Tracy.
7. Natalie Wood.
8. Bela Lugosi.
9. Bruce Lee.

Names of Nations

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, October 17, 2009

Subject: NAMES OF NATIONS
(e.g., The first country alphabetically. Answer: Afghanistan.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. The largest country with a name that both starts and ends with an "a."
Answer________

2. Two countries with the same name except for the last letter.
Answer________

3. Two countries with names that begin with "Chi."
Answer________

4. A four-letter country name that begins with "C."
Answer________

5. Insert "al" into Austria to get this name.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. Two countries with names that both start with "Al" and end with "ia."
Answer________

7. A country with the name of a continent as part of its name.
Answer________

8. Two country names that both begin with "M" and end with "o."
Answer________

9. The names of two countries that begin with "Be."
Answer________

10. Two country names that both begin with "Slov" and end with "ia."
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. A country name that ends with "name."
Answer________

12. The shortest country name that starts with "T."
Answer________

13. Two country names that both begin with "Lib."
Answer________

14. The only country name that begins with "Y."
Answer________

15. The last country alphabetically.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Australia.
2. Iran, Iraq.
3. China, Chile.
4. Cuba, Chad.
5. Australia.
6. Algeria, Albania.
7. South Africa, United States of America.
8. Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Montenegro.
9. Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin. 10. Slovakia, Slovenia.
11. Suriname.
12. Togo.
13. Liberia, Libya.
14. Yemen.
15. Zimbabwe.

"Roots" Quiz

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, October 16, 2009

Subject: "ROOTS" QUIZ
(e.g., A word meaning "involving the common people." Answer: Grass roots.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Who was the author of "Roots: The Saga of an American Family"?
Answer________

2. What Hires beverage is one of America's oldest soft drinks?
Answer________

3. In the Bible, what is stated to be "the root of all evil"?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. What kind of root would be the concern of an endodontist?
Answer________

5. What two numbers are the square root of 100?
Answer________

6. What animal is featured on the logo of clothing retailer Roots Canada?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. What plant's name is derived from the Chinese words for "man root"?
Answer________

8. What prize did American Elihu Root receive in 1912?
Answer________

9. What U.K. firm once produced Humber Singer and Sunbeam cars?
Answer________

ANSWERS: 1. Alex Haley.
2. Hires Root Beer.
3. The love of money.
4. Root canal.
5. 10 and -10.
6. Beaver.
7. Ginseng.
8. Nobel Peace Prize.
9. Rootes.

Mythical Beasts

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, October 15, 2009

Subject: MYTHICAL BEASTS
Which creatures are mingled? (e.g., Cockatrice. Answer: Rooster + serpent (dragon).)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Mermaid
Answer________

2. Centaur
Answer________

3. Minotaur
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Sphinx
Answer________

5. Griffin
Answer________

6. Harpy
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Faun
Answer________

8. Chimera
Answer________

9. Manticore
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Woman + fish.
2. Human + horse.
3. Human + bull.
4. Human + lion.
5. Eagle + lion.
6. Woman + bird.
7. Human + goat.
8. Lion + goat + serpent (dragon).
9. Human + lion + scorpion (dragon).

Four

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Subject: FOUR
Provide the fourth member of the quartet. (e.g., North, south, east, ___. Answer: West.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Hearts, diamonds, spades, ___.
Answer________

2. Matthew, Mark, Luke, ___.
Answer________

3. String, percussion, woodwind, ___.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Earth, air, water, ___.
Answer________

5. Egg, larva, pupa, ___.
Answer________

6. Carats, clarity, color, ___.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Coins, wands, cups, ___.
Answer________

8. Short Line, B&O, Pennsylvania, ___.
Answer________

9. Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, ___.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Clubs (cards).
2. John (Gospels).
3. Brass (orchestra).
4. Fire (elements).
5. Adult (life cycle).
6. Cut (diamonds).
7. Swords (Tarot).
8. Reading (Monopoly).
9. Utah (four corners).

U.S. City Events

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Subject: U.S. CITY EVENTS
Each question asks: "In what U.S. city?" (e.g., The 1996 Summer Olympics were held. Answer: Atlanta.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Lincoln delivered his "Four score and seven years ago" speech.
Answer________

2. The auto race known as "The 500" is held.
Answer________

3. The annual Rose Parade is held.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Elvis Presley died.
Answer________

5. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I have a dream" speech.
Answer________

6. John Dillinger was shot and killed.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat.
Answer________

8. The Hindenburg airship exploded.
Answer________

9. Joseph Smith was shot and killed.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Gettysburg, Pa.
2. Indianapolis.
3. Pasadena, Calif.
4. Memphis, Tenn.
5. Washington, D.C.
6. Chicago.
7. Montgomery, Ala.
8. Lakehurst, N.J.
9. Carthage, Ill.

Potpourri

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, October 12, 2009

Subject: POTPOURRI
(e.g., What capital city is located at the junction of the White and Blue Niles? Answer: Khartoum, Sudan.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. What TV family lived at Southfork Ranch?
Answer________

2. What is the term for a female donkey?
Answer________

3. What novel's first chapter is titled "Marley's Ghost"?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. What pugilist was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1942?
Answer________

5. What famous novel's subtitle is "The Modern Prometheus"?
Answer________

6. What is fed to a young bee in order for it to develop into a queen?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. What is the only U.S. state with a two-letter postal abbreviation of two vowels?
Answer________

8. In 2005, Bhutan became the first country to completely ban what substance?
Answer________

9. What is the nickname of the literary pickpocket Jack Dawkins?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. The Ewings ("Dallas").
2. Jenny.
3. "A Christmas Carol."
4. Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali).
5. "Frankenstein."
6. Royal jelly.
7. Iowa (IA).
8. Tobacco.
9. "The Artful Dodger."

Sunday, October 11, 2009

More "Moores"

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, October 9, 2009

Subject: MORE "MOORES"
Each answer is the name of a person named Moore. (e.g., He captained England's 1966 World Cup winning team. Answer: Bobby Moore.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. He starred in the film "10" with Bo Derek.
Answer________

2. English actor who portrayed James Bond in films.
Answer________

3. She appeared nude and pregnant on the cover of Vanity Fair.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. She starred on her own TV series as Mary Richards.
Answer________

5. His films include "Bowling for Columbine" and "Sicko."
Answer________

6. Her films include "Magnolia," "Far From Heaven" and "The Hours."
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. He is best known for his abstract monumental bronze sculptures.
Answer________

8. Two of her films — "American Dreamz" and "Saved!" — were satires.
Answer________

9. He co-founded Intel Corp. and is the author of "Moore's Law."
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Dudley Moore.
2. Roger Moore.
3. Demi Moore.
4. Mary Tyler Moore.
5. Michael Moore.
6. Julianne Moore.
7. Henry Moore.
8. Mandy Moore.
9. Gordon Moore.

Film Villains

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, October 8, 2009

Subject: FILM VILLAINS
In what movie did the villain first appear? (e.g., The Wicked Witch of the West. Answer: "The Wizard of Oz.")

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Answer________

2. Norman Bates
Answer________

3. HAL 9000
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Joan Crawford
Answer________

5. Alex Forrest
Answer________

6. Nurse Ratched
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Henry F. Potter
Answer________

8. Annie Wilkes
Answer________

9. Mrs. Danvers
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. "The Silence of the Lambs."
2. "Psycho."
3. "2001: A Space Odyssey."
4. "Mommie Dearest."
5. "Fatal Attraction."
6. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
7. "It's a Wonderful Life."
8. "Misery."
9. "Rebecca."

Pets On TV

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Subject: PETS ON TV
(e.g., Name Drew Carey's pet dog on his TV sitcom. Answer: Speedy.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. What was the name of the Flintstones' pet dinosaur that barked like a dog?
Answer________

2. What kind of animal was Baretta's pet named Fred?
Answer________

3. Characters named Jeff Miller and Timmy Martin both had this dog as a pet.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Name the Clampetts' bloodhound on "The Beverly Hillbillies."
Answer________

5. Name Martin Crane's pet terrier on "Frasier."
Answer________

6. On this show, Ray accidentally kills Ally's pet hamster Pumpernickel.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. What kind of animal was the pet named Spot on "The Munsters"?
Answer________

8. Neighbors on "Green Acres" adopted Arnold. What kind of animal was he?
Answer________

9. On what show did the Buchmans own a pet dog named Murray?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Dino.
2. Cockatoo (bird).
3. Lassie.
4. Duke.
5. Eddie.
6. "Everybody Loves Raymond."
7. Dragon (fire-breathing).
8. Pig.
9. "Mad About You."

Celebrity Moms

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Subject: CELEBRITY MOMS
Name the star's celebrity mother. (e.g., Ivanka Trump. Answer: Ivana Trump.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Kate Hudson
Answer________

2. Carrie Fisher
Answer________

3. Jamie Lee Curtis
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Liza Minnelli
Answer________

5. Larry Hagman
Answer________

6. Ashley Judd
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Mia Farrow
Answer________

8. Melanie Griffith
Answer________

9. Ben Stiller
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Goldie Hawn.
2. Debbie Reynolds.
3. Janet Leigh.
4. Judy Garland.
5. Mary Martin.
6. Naomi Judd.
7. Maureen O'Sullivan.
8. Tippi Hedren.
9. Anne Meara.

Commercial Logos

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, October 5, 2009

Subject: COMMERCIAL LOGOS
(e.g., What animal is featured on the NBC TV logo? Answer: Peacock.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. What geographical site is featured on the Prudential Financial logo?
Answer________

2. What color is the "e" in the eBay logo?
Answer________

3. What letters are within the circle on the Volkswagen logo?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. There are three of these inside the circle of the Buick logo.
Answer________

5. Whose logo features "golden arches"?
Answer________

6. Whose logo is a character called "Poppin' Fresh"?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. What is the hidden symbol in the FedEx logo?
Answer________

8. On what artifact are the letters for the UPS logo placed?
Answer________

9. What government agency's insignia is referred to as the "meatball logo"?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. The Rock of Gibraltar.
2. Red.
3. V and W.
4. Shields.
5. McDonald's.
6. Pillsbury (Doughboy).
7. Arrow (white).
8. Shield.
9. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

War Films

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, October 3, 2009

Subject: WAR FILMS
During what war/conflict is the film set? (e.g., "The Last of the Mohicans" (1992). Answer: French and Indian War.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. "Casablanca" (1942)
Answer________

2. "Apocalypse Now" (1979)
Answer________

3. "MASH" (1970)
Answer________

4. "Legends of the Fall" (1994)
Answer________

5. "Three Kings" (1999)
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. "The Deer Hunter" (1978)
Answer________

7. "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966)
Answer________

8. "Doctor Zhivago" (1965)
Answer________

9. "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1968)
Answer________

10. "From Here to Eternity" (1953)
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. "Home of the Brave" (2006)
Answer________

12. "Cromwell" (1970)
Answer________

13. "The Patriot" (2000)
Answer________

14. "Master and Commander" (2003)
Answer________

15. "Viva Zapata!" (1952)
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. World War II.
2. Vietnam War.
3. Korean War.
4. World War I.
5. Persian Gulf War.
6. Vietnam War.
7. American Civil War.
8. Russian Revolution (and Civil War).
9. Crimean War.
10. World War II.
11. Iraq War.
12. English Civil War.
13. American Revolutionary War.
14. Napoleonic Wars.
15. Mexican Revolution.

Casey and Trac(e)y

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, October 2, 2009

Subject: CASEY AND TRAC(E)Y
Each answer contains Casey or Trac(e)y. (e.g., Rapper, actor and author known as Ice-T. Answer: Tracy Marrow.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Popular comic-strip detective.
Answer________

2. This poem begins, "The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville Nine ..."
Answer________

3. This railroad engineer "died at the throttle, with the whistle in his hand."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Provide the first line of the song "The Band Played On."
Answer________

5. He starred in nine feature films with Katharine Hepburn.
Answer________

6. Vince Edwards starred in this medical TV series from 1961 to 1966.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. American who became the world's No. 1 women's professional tennis player.
Answer________

8. Diana Rigg's character in the film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."
Answer________

9. She had her own TV show from 1987 to 1990 and has appeared in many films.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Dick Tracy.
2. "Casey at the Bat."
3. Casey Jones.
4. "Casey would waltz with a strawberry blonde."
5. Spencer Tracy.
6. "Ben Casey."
7. Tracy Austin.
8. Tracy Bond (born Teresa "Tracy" Draco).
9. Tracey Ullman.

The Advice of Polonius

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, October 1, 2009

Subject: THE ADVICE OF POLONIUS
Complete the advice of Polonius to his son in Shakespeare's "Hamlet." (e.g., Give thy thoughts no ___. Answer: Tongue.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. To thine own self be ___.
Answer________

2. Neither a borrower nor a ___ be.
Answer________

3. Give every man thy ear, but few thy ___.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Beware of entrance to a ___.
Answer________

5. Take each man's censure but reserve thy ___.
Answer________

6. The apparel oft proclaims the ___.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Costly thy habit as thy purse can ___.
Answer________

8. Be thou familiar, but by no means ___.
Answer________

9. Loan oft loses both itself and ___.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. True.
2. Lender.
3. Voice.
4. Quarrel.
5. Judgment.
6. Man.
7. Buy.
8. Vulgar.
9. Friend.

Song Titles

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Subject: SONG TITLES
The artist and the first word of the two-word title is given. Complete the title. (e.g., Rod Stewart: "Maggie ___." Answer: May.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Roy Orbison: "Pretty ___."
Answer________

2. Queen: "Bohemian ___."
Answer________

3. Rolling Stones: "Brown ___."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Neil Sedaka: "Calendar ___."
Answer________

5. Elvis Presley: "Hound ___."
Answer________

6. Jefferson Airplane: "White ___."
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Robbie Williams: "Come ___."
Answer________

8. U2: "Wild ___."
Answer________

9. Peter Gabriel: "Solsbury ___."
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Woman.
2. Rhapsody.
3. Sugar.
4. Girl.
5. Dog.
6. Rabbit.
7. Undone.
8. Honey.
9. Hill.

It's a "Bor"

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Subject: IT'S A "BOR"
Each answer is a word that begins with "bor." (e.g., A wine from a district of southwest France. Answer: Bordeaux.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. To get something on loan.
Answer________

2. A boundary between two countries.
Answer________

3. A person who is wearingly dull.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Term for a brothel.
Answer________

5. The world's third-largest island.
Answer________

6. A Russian soup.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. A tall, fast-moving breed of dog.
Answer________

8. Toward or located in the north.
Answer________

9. One of the administrative divisions of a large city.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Borrow.
2. Border.
3. Bore.
4. Bordello.
5. Borneo.
6. Borscht (borsch).
7. Borzoi.
8. Boreal.
9. Borough.

People In The News

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, September 28, 2009

Subject: PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
(e.g., Director of "Slumdog Millionaire." Answer: Danny Boyle.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. She was John McCain's vice-
presidential candidate in 2008.
Answer________

2. Oscar-winning star of "Mystic River" and "Milk."
Answer________

3. She gained celebrity status on "Britain's Got Talent."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Secretary of the Treasury who had not paid $35,000 in taxes.
Answer________

5. The Wall Street money manager who swindled $50 billion.
Answer________

6. Governor of Illinois who was removed from office in 2009.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Author of "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them."
Answer________

8. Police sergeant who is suspected of killing his third and fourth wives.
Answer________

9. Pilot who landed flight 1549 in the Hudson River.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Sarah Palin.
2. Sean Penn.
3. Susan Boyle.
4. Timothy Geithner.
5. Bernard Madoff.
6. Rod Blagojevich.
7. Al Franken.
8. Drew Peterson.
9. Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

2009 G-20

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, August 1, 2009

Subject: 2009 G-20
Name the country represented by the leader at the G-20 in April 2009. (e.g., Barack Obama. Answer: United States.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Nicolas Sarkozy
Answer________

2. Gordon Brown
Answer________

3. Felipe Calderon
Answer________

4. Dmitry Medvedev
Answer________

5. Stephen Harper
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. Kevin Rudd
Answer________

7. Angela Merkel
Answer________

8. Silvio Berlusconi
Answer________

9. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
Answer________

10. Manmohan Singh
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz
Answer________

12. Taro Aso
Answer________

13. Hu Jintao
Answer________

14. Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Answer________

15. Lee Myung-bak
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. France.
2. United Kingdom.
3. Mexico.
4. Russia.
5. Canada.
6. Australia.
7. Germany.
8. Italy.
9. Brazil.
10. India.
11. Saudi Arabia.
12. Japan.
13. China.
14. Turkey.
15. South Korea.

Elementary

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, July 31, 2009

Subject: ELEMENTARY
The symbol for the given element provides the initials of the person's name. (e.g., Cobalt: Star of "All in the family." Answer: Carroll O'Connor.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Barium: Lou Costello's partner.
Answer________

2. Francium: First African-American to manage a Major League Baseball team.
Answer________

3. Argon: Sculptor of "The Thinker."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Selenium: Chair of the Senate Watergate Committee.
Answer________

5. Neon: Singing partner of Jeanette MacDonald.
Answer________

6. Calcium: Guitarist who won nine Country Music Instrumentalist of the Year awards.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Magnesium: His hits include "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)."
Answer________

8. Mercury: A rodeo champion and a pioneer cowboy film actor.
Answer________

9. Lead: Author of "Jaws."
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Bud Abbott.
2. Frank Robinson.
3. Auguste Rodin.
4. Sam Ervin.
5. Nelson Eddy.
6. Chet Atkins.
7. Marvin Gaye.
8. Hoot Gibson.
9. Peter Benchley.

One Syllable To Three Syllables

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, July 30, 2009

Subject: ONE SYLLABLE TO THREE SYLLABLES
Transform the given word from one syllable to three syllables by adding one letter. (e.g., Rome. Answer: Ro-me-o.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Came
Answer________

2. Are
Answer________

3. Rode
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Crime
Answer________

5. Lien
Answer________

6. Jude
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Smile
Answer________

8. Gape
Answer________

9. Whine
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Cam-e-o.
2. Ar-e-a.
3. Ro-de-o.
4. Cri-me-a.
5. A-li-en.
6. Ju-de-a.
7. Sim-i-le.
8. A-ga-pe.
9. Wa-hi-ne.

Initial TV Characters

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Subject: INITIAL TV CHARACTERS
Who played the character? The TV title and initials are provided. (e.g., J.J. Starbuck on "J.J. Starbuck" (D.R.) Answer: Dale Robertson.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. J.R. Ewing on "Dallas" (L.H.)
Answer________

2. T.J. Hooker on "T.J. Hooker" (W.S.)
Answer________

3. B.L. Stryker on "B.L. Stryker" (B.R.)
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. C.J. Parker on "Baywatch" (P.A.)
Answer________

5. B.J. Hunnicutt on "M*A*S*H" (M.F.)
Answer________

6. J.J. Evans on "Good Times" (J.W.)
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. C.J. Barnes on "8 Simple Rules" (D.S.)
Answer________

8. C.J. Cregg on "The West Wing" (A.J.)
Answer________

9. A.C. Slater on "Saved by the Bell" (M.L.)
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Larry Hagman.
2. William Shatner.
3. Burt Reynolds.
4. Pamela Anderson.
5. Mike Farrell.
6. Jimmie Walker.
7. David Spade.
8. Allison Janney.
9. Mario Lopez.

Saintly Connections

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Subject: SAINTLY CONNECTIONS
What saintly connection is there between the two? (e.g., St. Valentine and Al Capone. Answer: Capone's St. Valentine's Day Massacre.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Santa Maria and Christopher Columbus.
Answer________

2. St. Helena and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer________

3. Francis of Assisi and Harvey Milk.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. San Salvador and Christopher Columbus.
Answer________

5. St. Joseph and Jesse James.
Answer________

6. St. Louis and King Louis IX of France.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Santa Monica and Tobey Maguire.
Answer________

8. St. Bernard and Stephen King.
Answer________

9. St. Thomas and Albert Schweitzer.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Largest of his three ships.
2. Island of his final exile.
3. City supervisor of San Francisco.
4. First island he visited.
5. Killed in St. Joseph, Mo.
6. St. Louis, Mo., is named for him.
7. Born in Santa Monica, Calif.
8. King's Cujo was a St. Bernard.
9. Graduated from and later principal of Theological College of St. Thomas.

Assassination Scenes

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, July 27, 2009

Subject: ASSASSINATION SCENES
In what city was the person killed? (e.g., Jesse James. Answer: St. Joseph, Mo.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. John F. Kennedy
Answer________

2. Abraham Lincoln
Answer________

3. Julius Caesar
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Robert Kennedy
Answer________

5. John Lennon
Answer________

6. Gianni Versace
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Anwar Sadat
Answer________

8. Mohandas Gandhi and Indira Gandhi
Answer________

9. Wild Bill Hickok
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Dallas.
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Rome.
4. Los Angeles.
5. New York City.
6. Miami Beach, Fla.
7. Cairo, Egypt.
8. New Delhi.
9. Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

Historical People

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, July 25, 2009

Subject: HISTORICAL PEOPLE
(e.g., Considered the first "dark horse" candidate elected U.S. president. Answer: James K. Polk.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. America's best-known traitor.
Answer________

2. He surrendered at Yorktown.
Answer________

3. He was defeated by Bernard Montgomery at El Alamein.
Answer________

4. Virtual dictator of the Soviet Union (1929-53).
Answer________

5. Queen who was a patron of Christopher Columbus.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. Queen consort of Louis XVI of France.
Answer________

7. By what title was King Edward VIII known after his abdication?
Answer________

8. Who saved the life of colonist John Smith?
Answer________

9. He defeated the French at the Battle of the Nile (1798).
Answer________

10. She married Philip Mountbatten in 1947.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. French general who died defending Quebec (1759).
Answer________

12. His death ended the Wars of the Roses.
Answer________

13. He headed Adolf Hitler's SS.
Answer________

14. King of Saudi Arabia (1964-75).
Answer________

15. He headed France's Vichy government until 1944.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Benedict Arnold.
2. Gen. Charles Cornwallis.
3. Erwin Rommel.
4. Josef Stalin.
5. Queen Isabella I (Spain).
6. Marie Antoinette.
7. Duke of Windsor.
8. Pocahontas.
9. Horatio Nelson.
10. Queen Elizabeth II.
11. Gen. Louis-Joseph de Montcalm.
12. Richard III.
13. Heinrich Himmler.
14. King Faisal.
15. Marshal Henri-Philippe Petain.

Title Roles

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, July 24, 2009

Subject: TITLE ROLES
Who played the title role in the one-word-name title films? (e.g., "Oliver!" (1968). Answer: Mark Lester.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. "Rocky" (1976)
Answer________

2. "Hannibal" (2001)
Answer________

3. "Sabrina" (1954)
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. "Ray" (2004)
Answer________

5. "Arthur" (1981)
Answer________

6. "Alfie" (1966)
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. "Gigi" (1958)
Answer________

8. "Alexander" (2004)
Answer________

9. "Marty" (1955)
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Sylvester Stallone.
2. Anthony Hopkins.
3. Audrey Hepburn.
4. Jamie Foxx.
5. Dudley Moore.
6. Michael Caine.
7. Leslie Caron.
8. Colin Farrell.
9. Ernest Borgnine.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Park It

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, July 23, 2009

Subject: PARK IT
Name the city in which the park is located (other answers may be possible). (e.g., Stanley Park. Answer: Vancouver.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Central Park
Answer________

2. Golden Gate Park
Answer________

3. Hyde Park
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Gorky Park
Answer________

5. MacArthur Park
Answer________

6. Tivoli Gardens
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Tuileries Garden
Answer________

8. Tiergarten
Answer________

9. Grant Park
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. New York City.
2. San Francisco.
3. London.
4. Moscow.
5. Los Angeles.
6. Copenhagen.
7. Paris.
8. Berlin.
9. Chicago.

Green

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Subject: GREEN
Each answer contains the word "green." (e.g., It's considered to be the world's largest island. Answer: Greenland.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Kermit the Frog popularized this song.
Answer________

2. Whose sidekick is named Little Green Sprout?
Answer________

3. Vince Lombardi coached this team from 1959 to 1967.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. This TV show starred Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor.
Answer________

5. Masked crime fighter Britt Reid.
Answer________

6. Edward G. Robinson's final film.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Phrase used in "The Merchant of Venice" to denote jealousy.
Answer________

8. The informal name of the Vermont National Guard.
Answer________

9. In literature, absinthe is referred to by this green appellation.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. "It's Not Easy Being Green."
2. The Jolly Green Giant.
3. Green Bay Packers.
4. "Green Acres."
5. The Green Hornet.
6. "Soylent Green."
7. "Green-eyed monster."
8. "The Green Mountain Boys."
9. La Fee Verte (the Green Fairy).

Find The Element

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Subject: FIND THE ELEMENT
Answer the question, then use the person's initials to identify the element. (e.g., Her films include "The Barefoot Contessa" and "Show Boat." Answer: Ava Gardner (AG) silver.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. First man on the moon.
Answer________

2. The commander of Adolf Hitler's Luftwaffe.
Answer________

3. He portrayed Archie Bunker.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. He succeeded Gamal Abdel Nasser as president of Egypt.
Answer________

5. Actress who portrayed the writer Jessica Fletcher on TV.
Answer________

6. Author of "Atlas Shrugged."
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. He starred in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939).
Answer________

8. Along with Karl Marx, he developed communist theory
Answer________

9. The only person to have both a sibling and a child as fellow winners of the Indianapolis 500.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Neil Armstrong (NA) sodium.
2. Hermann Goring (HG) mercury.
3. Carroll O'Connor (CO) cobalt.
4. Anwar Sadat (AS) arsenic.
5. Angela Lansbury (AL) aluminum.
6. Ayn Rand (AR) argon.
7. Charles Laughton (CL) chlorine.
8. Friedrich Engels (FE) iron.
9. Al Unser (AU) gold.

Shocking

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, July 20, 2009

Subject: SHOCKING
(e.g., Electric eels are only native to what continent? Answer: South America.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. What manufacturer has cars named Spark and Volt?
Answer________

2. What is the name of Tampa Bay's NHL team?
Answer________

3. (P = I x V) P is in watts, I is in amperes and V is in ___.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Legend has it that this metal object gave off a spark in Benjamin Franklin's experiment.
Answer________

5. Name for a battery with a reaction between zinc and manganese oxide.
Answer________

6. Complete the book title: "Do Androids Dream of ___ ___?"
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Term for an electrician responsible for lighting on a movie or TV set.
Answer________

8. Which Italian is credited with inventing the electric battery?
Answer________

9. His work formed the basis of modern alternating current power systems.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. GM.
2. Lightning.
3. Volts.
4. Key.
5. Alkaline battery.
6. Electric Sheep.
7. Gaffer.
8. Alessandro Volta.
9. Nikola Tesla.

Triple "A"

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, July 18, 2009

Subject: TRIPLE "A"
Each answer is a six-letter word of the form "__a__a__a.")
(e.g., Any occult or secret doctrine or science. Answer: Cabala (Kabala).)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. A crescent-shaped yellow fruit.
Answer________

2. The world's second-largest country (area).
Answer________

3. Capital city of Cuba.
Answer________

4. The world's largest (nonpolar) desert.
Answer________

5. A famous canal.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. A large oval, melonlike tropical fruit with yellowish flesh.
Answer________

7. A Japanese company noted for its motorcycles.
Answer________

8. Tomorrow (Spanish).
Answer________

9. A percussion instrument that is played by shaking it.
Answer________

10. A small structure used as a dressing room beside the sea.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. A popular hotel chain.
Answer________

12. A leading figure in the Mexican Revolution of 1910.
Answer________

13. The second-longest river in South America.
Answer________

14. A melon having yellowish rind and whitish flesh.
Answer________

15. A sleeping garment (usually plural).
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Banana.
2. Canada.
3. Havana (Habana).
4. Sahara.
5. Panama.
6. Papaya.
7. Yamaha.
8. Manana.
9. Maraca.
10. Cabana.
11. Ramada.
12. Zapata (Emiliano).
13. Parana.
14. Casaba.
15. Pajama.

Famous Ships

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, July 17, 2009

Subject: FAMOUS SHIPS
Name the person who commanded the ship. (e.g., Santa Maria. Answer: Christopher Columbus.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. PT-109
Answer________

2. Victory
Answer________

3. Bounty
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Pequod
Answer________

5. Black Pearl
Answer________

6. Titanic
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Kon-Tiki
Answer________

8. Caine
Answer________

9. Golden Hind
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. John F. Kennedy.
2. Lord Horatio Nelson.
3. William Bligh.
4. Captain Ahab.
5. Jack Sparrow.
6. Edward Smith.
7. Thor Heyerdahl.
8. Francis Queeg.
9. Philip Francis Drake.

I Did Not Know That

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, July 16, 2009

Subject: I DID NOT KNOW THAT
(e.g., What is the largest U.S. city that is a state capital? Answer: Phoenix.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Which celebrity's first and last names are both presidential surnames?
Answer________

2. What is the most highly populated island in the United States?
Answer________

3. What country that drives on the left has the highest population?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Who was the first person whose voice was heard after his death?
Answer________

5. March 3, 2009, was "Square Root Day." The next one is April 4, 2016. Why?
Answer________

6. What sport bans left-handed players?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. What object did the "Venus de Milo" hold in her missing left hand?
Answer________

8. What significant event happened in England on Sept. 5, 1752?
Answer________

9. What quotation preceded the words "Go home and get a nice quiet sleep."
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Harrison Ford.
2. Long Island.
3. Japan.
4. Robert Browning (recording by Thomas Edison).
5. 3/3/09 and 4/4/16 (month x day = year).
6. Polo (horseback).
7. An apple.
8. Nothing (Sept. 2 was followed by Sept. 14).
9. "I believe it is peace for our time."

Days and Months

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Subject: DAYS AND MONTHS
Complete the book title with the name of either a day or a month. The author's name is provided. (e.g., William Faulkner: "Light in ___." Answer: August.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Tom Clancy: "The Hunt for Red ___."
Answer________

2. Ron Kovic: "Born on the Fourth of ___."
Answer________

3. Mitch Albom: "___ With Morrie."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Barbara Tuchman: "The Guns of ___."
Answer________

5. Billy Crystal: "700 ___."
Answer________

6. James Patterson: "___ at Tiffany's."
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. John Steinbeck: "Sweet ___."
Answer________

8. G.K. Chesterton: "The Man Who Was ___."
Answer________

9. Edna O'Brien: "___ Is a Wicked Month."
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. October.
2. July.
3. Tuesdays.
4. August.
5. Sundays.
6. Sundays.
7. Thursday.
8. Thursday.
9. August.

Eyes Song Titles

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, July 13, 2009

Subject: EYES SONG TITLES
Use the lyrics to identify the song with the word "eyes" in the title. (e.g., "You're just too good to be true." Answer: "Can't Take My Eyes Off You.")

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. "In the lilt of Irish laughter, you can hear the angels sing."
Answer________

2. "They said, 'Someday you'll find all who love are blind.'"
Answer________

3. "Your lips tell me, no, no, but 85"
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. "Don't know when I've been so blue, don't know what's come over you."
Answer________

5. "Ma, he wants to marry me, be my honey bee."
Answer________

6. "Are the stars out tonight, I don't know if it's cloudy or bright."
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. "Cause the girl in my arms isn't you."
Answer________

8. "For someday I'll return. And you know you're the only one I'll ever love."
Answer________

9. "Pinch me to prove I'm awake, I can't believe that you're really mine."
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling."
2. "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes."
3. "There's Yes! Yes! In Your Eyes."
4. "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue."
5. "Ma, He's Making Eyes at Me."
6. "I Only Have Eyes for You."
7. "Dancing With Tears in My Eyes."
8. "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes."
9. "With My Eyes Wide Open I'm Dreaming."

Rocks and Stones

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, July 11, 2009

Subject: ROCKS AND STONES
(e.g., Rock that is also known as "the Pillars of Hercules." Answer: Rock of Gibraltar.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL
1. Former island prison site known as "the Rock."
Answer________

2. Traditional site of the landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims.
Answer________

3. Band fronted by Mick Jagger.
Answer________

4. She rose to fame in the 1992 film "Basic Instinct."
Answer________

5. Stone used in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland and England.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. He won an Academy Award for directing "Platoon" (1986).
Answer________

7. In 2005, he hosted the 77th Academy Awards ceremony.
Answer________

8. A granite dome in Georgia.
Answer________

9. A fictional boxer portrayed by Sylvester Stallone.
Answer________

10. This stone helped to explain hieroglyphic writing.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. Name used by the ancients for the element sulfur.
Answer________

12. The site in England where Tess is arrested in a famous novel.
Answer________

13. This wrestler's catchphrase was "Austin 3:16."
Answer________

14. This film's success led to the sequel "The Jewel of the Nile."
Answer________

15. Site of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Alcatraz Island.
2. Plymouth Rock.
3. The Rolling Stones.
4. Sharon Stone.
5. Stone of Scone (Stone of Destiny).
6. Oliver Stone.
7. Chris Rock.
8. Stone Mountain.
9. Rocky Balboa.
10. Rosetta stone.
11. Brimstone.
12. Stonehenge.
13. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
14. "Romancing the Stone."
15. Tombstone, Ariz.

Joe and Joseph

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, July 10, 2009

Subject: JOE AND JOSEPH
Each answer is a person called Joe or Joseph. (e.g., Barack Obama's vice president. Answer: Joe Biden.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Slugger who got a hit in 56 straight games in 1941.
Answer________

2. Quarterback nicknamed "Broadway Joe."
Answer________

3. He headed Russia (the Soviet Union) until his death in 1953.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Al Gore's running mate in the 2000 presidential election.
Answer________

5. The only player to be named Super Bowl MVP three times: 1982, 1985, 1990.
Answer________

6. He was named the greatest heavyweight of all time by the International Boxing Research Organization.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. He played mobster Tommy DeVito in "Goodfellas" (1990).
Answer________

8. The minister of propaganda in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945.
Answer________

9. Manager of the New York Yankees from 1996 to 2007.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Joe DiMaggio.
2. Joe Namath.
3. Josef Stalin.
4. Joe Lieberman.
5. Joe Montana.
6. Joe Louis.
7. Joe Pesci.
8. Joseph Goebbels.
9. Joe Torre.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Independence Day

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, July 4, 2009

Subject: INDEPENDENCE DAY
(e.g., The United States became independent from whom? Answer: Great Britain (England).)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. What was the date of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence?
Answer________

2. Who was the king of England at the time?
Answer________

3. Who was the principal author of the Declaration?
Answer________

4. Provide the next four words of the first sentence: "When in the ..."
Answer________

5. Provide the next five words: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ..."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. Which two signers of the Declaration became president?
Answer________

7. What happened on July 4, 1826?
Answer________

8. Which president died five years later on July 4, 1831?
Answer________

9. Who presumably was the first person to sign the Declaration?
Answer________

10. What war took place from 1775 to 1783?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. What foreign country greatly aided the Americans in the war?
Answer________

12. What treaty ended the war in 1783?
Answer________

13. What name was given to Americans who supported England?
Answer________

14. Name the largest group of Native Americans to fight for the British.
Answer________

15. Who is noted for spreading the word that "the Redcoats are coming"?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. July 4, 1776.
2. George III.
3. Thomas Jefferson.
4. "... course of human events."
5. "... all men are created equal."
6. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
7. Both Adams and Jefferson died.
8. James Monroe.
9. John Hancock.
10. Revolutionary War (American War of Independence).
11. France.
12. Treaty of Paris.
13. Loyalists (Tories).
14. The Iroquois Confederacy.
15. Paul Revere.

Scotland

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, July 3, 2009

Subject: SCOTLAND
(e.g., On what island is Scotland? Answer: Great Britain.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Name (a) the traditional musical instrument and (b) the floral emblem.
Answer________

2. What is Scotland's (a) capital city and (b) largest city?
Answer________

3. Which Scottish author created Sherlock Holmes?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Which Scottish author wrote "Ivanhoe"?
Answer________

5. In Scotland, who is known simply as "The Bard"?
Answer________

6. What is the name of the cross on Scotland's flag?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. What is Scotland's highest point?
Answer________

8. How many people make up a jury in Scotland?
Answer________

9. What are the three possible verdicts in Scotland for a criminal trial?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. (a) Bagpipes (b) thistle.
2. (a) Edinburgh (b) Glasgow.
3. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
4. Sir Walter Scott.
5. Robert Burns.
6. Saltire or Saint Andrew's Cross.
7. Ben Nevis.
8. Fifteen.
9. Guilty, not guilty, not proven.

Three-Letter, One-Syllable Words

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, July 2, 2009

Subject: THREE-LETTER, ONE-SYLLABLE WORDS
Provide the three-letter, one-syllable word. (e.g., A policeman. Answer: Cop.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. A female deer.
Answer________

2. Throw in a high arc.
Answer________

3. King Kong, for example.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Catchphrase of Little Orphan Annie's dog, Sandy.
Answer________

5. A linear measure of 16.5 feet.
Answer________

6. Classic affirmative retort by Gary Cooper.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. The vessel that contains the seeds of a plant.
Answer________

8. A mark on a playing card.
Answer________

9. The excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Doe.
2. Lob.
3. Ape.
4. Arf.
5. Rod.
6. Yep.
7. Pod.
8. Pip.
9. Net.

Names of Countries

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Subject: NAMES OF COUNTRIES
The name derivation is provided. Identify the country. (e.g., From the Iroquoian word "Kanata," meaning "village" or "settlement." Answer: Canada.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Named after explorer Amerigo Vespucci.
Answer________

2. South American country named after an Italian explorer.
Answer________

3. From the Latin "liber," meaning "free."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Named after the equator, on which it is located.
Answer________

5. It takes its name from the biblical patriarch Jacob.
Answer________

6. Named after King Philip II of Spain, who reigned 1556-1598.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. From "Land of the Aryans" or "land of the free."
Answer________

8. Named after Jesus. The name means "the saviour" in Spanish.
Answer________

9. The most recent figure to have a country named after him (1783-1830).
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. (United States of) America.
2. Colombia.
3. Liberia.
4. Ecuador.
5. Israel.
6. Philippines.
7. Iran.
8. El Salvador.
9. Bolivia (Simon Bolivar).

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

The Bible: Six-Letter Names

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Subject: THE BIBLE: SIX-LETTER NAMES
Provide the six-letter name of the person. (e.g., He was the judge at the trial of Jesus. Answer: Pilate, Pontius.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. He slew 1,000 men with the jawbone of an ass.
Answer________

2. He was cast into a den of lions.
Answer________

3. He supervised food storage during the famine in Egypt.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL
4. At his signal, every man blew his trumpet and broke his jar.
Answer________

5. The walls came tumbling down and his men attacked the city of Jericho.
Answer________

6. He is best known for disbelieving Jesus' resurrection when first told of it.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. He brought fire down from the sky, and ascended into heaven by a whirlwind.
Answer________

8. The favorite wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
Answer________

9. He was the eldest of Jacob's 12 sons.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Samson.
2. Daniel.
3. Joseph.
4. Gideon.
5. Joshua.
6. Thomas.
7. Elijah.
8. Rachel.
9. Reuben.

Pop Culture Plus

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, June 29, 2009

Subject: POP CULTURE PLUS
(e.g., What film won the Best Picture Oscar for 2008? Answer: "Slumdog Millionaire.")

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Which state once had Rod Blagojevich as its governor?
Answer________

2. This Yankee slugger admitted to using a banned substance between 2001 and 2003.
Answer________

3. What did Nadya Suleman have on Jan. 26, 2009?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Which star athlete had a son named Charlie Axel on Feb. 8, 2009?
Answer________

5. The lifting of term limits allows this Venezuelan leader to run again.
Answer________

6. Her son Trig has Down syndrome.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. His Ponzi scheme swindled investors of $50 billion.
Answer________

8. In what film does the title character grow younger as time passes?
Answer________

9. Which car won the U.S. Car of the Year award for 2009?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Illinois.
2. Alex Rodriguez.
3. Octuplets.
4. Tiger Woods.
5. Hugo Chavez.
6. Sarah Palin.
7. Bernard Madoff.
8. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
9. Hyundai Genesis.

"Mr". Film Titles

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, June 27, 2009

Subject: "MR." FILM TITLES
Provide the full title of the "Mr." film. (e.g., Mr. Smith (1939). Answer: "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.")

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Mr. Ripley (1999)
Answer________

2. Mr. Holland (1995)
Answer________

3. Mr. Bean (2007)
Answer________

4. Mr. Tibbs (1970)
Answer________

5. Mr. Hyde (1941)
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. Mr. Lawrence (1983)
Answer________

7. Mr. Chicken (1966)
Answer________

8. Mr. Jordan (1941)
Answer________

9. Mr. Blandings (1948)
Answer________

10. Mr. Deeds (1936)
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. Mr. Limpet (1964)
Answer________

12. Mr. Hobbs (1962)
Answer________

13. Mr. Allison (1957)
Answer________

14. Mr. Magorium (2007)
Answer________

15. Mr. Chips (1939)
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. "The Talented Mr. Ripley."
2. "Mr. Holland's Opus."
3. "Mr. Bean's Holiday."
4. "They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!"
5. "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
6. "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence."
7. "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken."
8. "Here Comes Mr. Jordan."
9. "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House."
10. "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town."
11. "The Incredible Mr. Limpet."
12. "Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation."
13. "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison."
14. "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium."
15. "Goodbye, Mr. Chips."

Americana "T"

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, June 26, 2009

Subject: AMERICANA "T"
Each answer begins with "T." (e.g., Curly, Larry and Moe. Answer: "Three Stooges.")

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. A dance craze of the 1960s inspired by Chubby Checker.
Answer________

2. A science-fiction TV program hosted by Rod Serling.
Answer________

3. "The Last of the Red Hot Mamas."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Samuel Langhorne Clemens.
Answer________

5. Collective term for the three biggest U.S. horse races.
Answer________

6. Joyce Kilmer's famous poem.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. A narrative by Richard Henry Dana about his experience as a sailor.
Answer________

8. Robert E. Lee's horse.
Answer________

9. Site of the O.K. Corral and Boothill.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. The twist.
2. "The Twilight Zone."
3. Tucker, Sophie.
4. Twain, Mark.
5. Triple Crown.
6. "Trees."
7. "Two Years Before the Mast."
8. Traveler.
9. Tombstone, Ariz.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Major Body Systems

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, June 19, 2009

Subject: MAJOR BODY SYSTEMS
Identify the body system by its function. The first letter is provided. (e.g., Use of the sex organs for childbirth. (R) Answer: Reproductive system.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Processing food with mouth, stomach and intestines. (D)
Answer________

2. Structural support and protection through bones. (S)
Answer________

3. Circulation of blood with heart arteries and veins. (C)
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. The use of the lungs for breathing. (R)
Answer________

5. The use of muscle tissue to move body parts and maintain posture. (M)
Answer________

6. Defending against disease-causing agents. (I)
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Collecting and processing information with brain, spinal cord and nerves. (N)
Answer________

8. System of glands that produce secretions to control metabolic activity. (E)
Answer________

9. Eliminating fluid wastes from the body. (U)
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Digestive system.
2. Skeletal system.
3. Cardiovascular (circulatory) system.
4. Respiratory system.
5. Muscular system.
6. Immune system.
7. Nervous system.
8. Endocrine system.
9. Urinary system.

The Long and Short of It

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, June 18, 2009

Subject: THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT.
(e.g., Who was the short one in the Abbott and Costello team? Answer: Costello.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. An infield position in baseball.
Answer________

2. The pirate leader in "Treasure Island."
Answer________

3. Beatles line and song title that precedes "that leads to your door."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Selling securities one doesn't own, hoping to buy them back at a lower price.
Answer________

5. Eugene O'Neill's "long" full-length play.
Answer________

6. This term refers to the Jack Dempsey-Gene Tunney rematch.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Term for a very terse statement typical of Spartan speech.
Answer________

8. What dissolved itself in England in 1660?
Answer________

9. They were previously known as Durham cattle.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Shortstop.
2. Long John Silver.
3. "The Long and Winding Road."
4. Selling short.
5. "Long Day's Journey Into Night."
6. The "long count" match.
7. Laconic.
8. The Long Parliament.
9. Shorthorn cattle.

Lasts

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Subject: LASTS
Identify the last occurrence. The year is provided. (e.g., 2006: Western Union sent its final ___. Answer: Telegram.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. 1991: He resigned as the last leader of the Soviet Union.
Answer________

2. 2004: Final production of this General Motors division product line.
Answer________

3. 2002: Last empress of India died at age 101.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. 1971: Last year this product was allowed to advertise on American television.
Answer________

5. 2007: The last of the Rat Pack died at age 89.
Answer________

6. 2006: This president died, the last of the Warren Commission members.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. 1927: The last of this Ford model was manufactured.
Answer________

8. 1914: Martha, the last of this type of bird, died at Cincinnati Zoo.
Answer________

9. 1923: The last Western country to adopt the Gregorian calendar.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Mikhail Gorbachev.
2. Oldsmobile.
3. Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother).
4. Tobacco (cigarettes).
5. Joey Bishop.
6. Gerald Ford.
7. Model T.
8. Passenger pigeon.
9. Greece.

Collective Nouns

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Subject: COLLECTIVE NOUNS
Provide a specific animal defined by the collective noun. Alternate answers may be possible. (e.g., A pack of ___. Answer: Wolves, hounds, rats, grouse.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. A flock of ___.
Answer________

2. A swarm of ___.
Answer________

3. A team of ___.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. A pod of ___.
Answer________

5. A nest of ___.
Answer________

6. An army of ___.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. A sounder of ___.
Answer________

8. A raft of ___.
Answer________

9. A cluster of ___.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Geese, sheep, camels, seagulls (or other bird).
2. Bees, flies, wasps, ants, rats, eels.
3. Horses, oxen, ducks, malamutes, huskies.
4. Whales, seals, dolphins.
5. Hornets, mice, rabbits, vipers, snakes.
6. Ants, frogs, caterpillars.
7. Pigs, swine, boars.
8. Ducks, penguins, auks, coots.
9. Spiders, cats, grasshoppers, bees.

European History

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, June 15, 2009

Subject: EUROPEAN HISTORY
(e.g., What empire did Julius Caesar head? Answer: Roman Empire.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. What European culture provided the foundation of Western civilization?
Answer________

2. What city was the capital of the Byzantine Empire?
Answer________

3. What religion became legal under Emperor Constantine?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. These religion-driven military campaigns were mainly against Muslims.
Answer________

5. Which king is numbered as "Charles I" by both France and Germany?
Answer________

6. This pandemic is estimated to have killed 30 percent to 60 percent of Europe's population.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. This German monk's ideas greatly influenced the Protestant Reformation.
Answer________

8. Translate "Liberte, egalite, fraternite."
Answer________

9. What revolution promised "peace, bread and land"?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Greek culture.
2. Constantinople.
3. Christianity.
4. Crusades.
5. Charlemagne.
6. Black Death (bubonic plague).
7. Martin Luther.
8. Liberty, equality, fraternity (brotherhood).
9. Russian Revolution.

American Buildings

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, June 13, 2009

Subject: AMERICAN BUILDINGS
(e.g., The official residence of the U.S. president. Answer: The White House.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Completed in 1931, it was the world's tallest building for 40 years.
Answer________

2. San Antonio's famous "mission."
Answer________

3. It surpassed the World Trade Center to become the tallest U.S. building.
Answer________

4. It serves as the seat of government for the U.S. Congress.
Answer________

5. It is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. This California mansion was under construction for 38 continuous years.
Answer________

7. Though in New York City, the land it occupies is considered "international territory."
Answer________

8. This triangular Manhattan tower was one of the first skyscrapers.
Answer________

9. This museum complex is nicknamed "America's Attic."
Answer________

10. This palatial estate in San Simeon, Calif., was built by a newspaper magnate.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. This Frank Lloyd Wright house reputedly inspired Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead."
Answer________

12. It is the largest privately owned home in the United States.
Answer________

13. Located near Charlottesville, Va., it was the estate of Thomas Jefferson.
Answer________

14. The de facto national library of the United States.
Answer________

15. This art deco skyscraper was the world's tallest building for 11 months.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. The Empire State Building.
2. The Alamo.
3. The Sears Tower.
4. U.S. Capitol building.
5. The Pentagon.
6. The Winchester Mystery House.
7. The United Nations Headquarters.
8. Flatiron Building.
9. Smithsonian Institution.
10. Hearst Castle.
11. Fallingwater.
12. Biltmore Estate.
13. Monticello.
14. The Library of Congress (three buildings).
15. The Chrysler Building.

People on U.S. Stamps

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, June 11, 2009

Subject: PEOPLE ON U.S. STAMPS
Identify the person who has been featured on a U.S. stamp. (e.g., Author of "Little Women." Answer: Louisa May Alcott.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. The straight man for Lou Costello.
Answer________

2. Composer of "There's No Business Like Show Business."
Answer________

3. Charlie McCarthy was his sidekick.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. He forever changed the world of magic and escapes.
Answer________

5. The best-known composer of ragtime music.
Answer________

6. He was "The Manassa Mauler."
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. The first openly Jewish man to become an entertainment star in America.
Answer________

8. He is best known for black-and-white photographs of Yosemite National Park.
Answer________

9. Anthropologist whose "Patterns of Culture" was translated into 14 languages.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Bud Abbott.
2. Irving Berlin.
3. Edgar Bergen.
4. Harry Houdini.
5. Scott Joplin.
6. Jack Dempsey.
7. Al Jolson.
8. Ansel Adams.
9. Ruth Benedict.

Scientific Thought

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Subject: SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT
(e.g., What is Erno Rubik's best-known invention? Answer: Rubik's Cube.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Which is better vision: 20/20 or 20/15?
Answer________

2. Which Greek philosopher was noted for his paradoxes?
Answer________

3. What term is derived from the two words "taximeter" and "cabriolet"?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Ralph Nader's book "Unsafe at Any Speed" hastened the demise of this vehicle.
Answer________

5. Two-word term for the meltdown of a nuclear reactor deep into the earth.
Answer________

6. Informal term for the part of the elbow over which the ulnar nerve passes.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. What distance is calculated to be 24,902 miles (40,075 kilometers)?
Answer________

8. What is "Inventure Place," in Akron, Ohio?
Answer________

9. How long does a U.S. patent for a new invention last?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. 20/15.
2. Zeno.
3. Taxicab.
4. Chevrolet Corvair.
5. China Syndrome.
6. Funny bone.
7. Distance around Earth at the equator.
8. The National Inventors Hall of Fame.
9. Twenty years.

Explorers

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Subject: EXPLORERS
Identify the area explored: Polar region, Africa or Latin America. (e.g., Fridtjof Nansen. Answer: Polar region.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. David Livingstone
Answer________

2. Roald Amundsen
Answer________

3. Hernan Cortes
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Vasco de Balboa
Answer________

5. Ernest Shackleton
Answer________

6. Robert F. Scott
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Mungo Park
Answer________

8. Pedro Cabral
Answer________

9. John H. Speke
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Africa.
2. Polar region.
3. Latin America.
4. Latin America.
5. Polar region.
6. Polar region.
7. Africa.
8. Latin America.
9. Africa.

Anagrammed Countries

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, June 8, 2009

Subject: ANAGRAMMED CAPITALS
Unscramble the letters to identify a national capital city, then name the country. (e.g., Saunas. Answer: Nassau, Bahamas.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Pairs
Answer________

2. More
Answer________

3. Solo
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Mail
Answer________

5. Units
Answer________

6. Hasten
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Animal
Answer________

8. Curse
Answer________

9. Minks
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Paris, France.
2. Rome, Italy.
3. Oslo, Norway.
4. Lima, Peru.
5. Tunis, Tunisia.
6. Athens, Greece.
7. Manila, Philippines.
8. Sucre, Bolivia.
9. Minsk, Belarus.

Chinese Inventions

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, June 6, 2009

Subject: CHINESE INVENTIONS
Identify the invention. (e.g., A device for winding and unwinding fishing line. Answer: Fishing reel.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. The use of this white substance to season and preserve food.
Answer________

2. Fabric made from fine threads produced by certain insect larvae.
Answer________

3. A device found in most churches and used to summon people.
Answer________

4. Substance used in fireworks and bombs.
Answer________

5. It replaced clay tablets and other mediums of writing.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. Its invention promoted the production of books.
Answer________

7. The medicinal practice of inserting needles for therapeutic purposes.
Answer________

8. Its invention greatly aided navigation.
Answer________

9. Grain first cultivated and now the main diet of many Chinese.
Answer________

10. Type of fraction where the denominator is a power of 10.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. Hand-held stringed weapon used for both warfare and hunting.
Answer________

12. Its use promoted commercial transactions and trade.
Answer________

13. Type of furnace used for the smelting of iron.
Answer________

14. Watertight compartments built into ships.
Answer________

15. Use of this resinous substance as a varnish.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Salt.
2. Silk.
3. Bell.
4. Gunpowder.
5. Paper.
6. Printing.
7. Acupuncture.
8. Compass.
9. Rice (millet).
10. Decimal fraction.
11. Crossbow.
12. Paper currency (bank notes).
13. Blast furnace.
14. Bulkhead (partitions).
15. Lacquer.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

USA

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, May 28, 2009

Subject: USA
Use the postal code to identify the state, then name the capital city. (e.g., IL. Answer: Illinois: Springfield.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. NY
Answer________

2. MS
Answer________

3. NJ
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. VA
Answer________

5. IN
Answer________

6. WV
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. IA
Answer________

8. WI
Answer________

9. NE
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. New York: Albany.
2. Mississippi: Jackson.
3. New Jersey: Trenton.
4. Virginia: Richmond.
5. Indiana: Indianapolis.
6. West Virginia: Charleston.
7. Iowa: Des Moines.
8. Wisconsin: Madison.
9. Nebraska: Lincoln.

Film Taglines

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Subject: FILM TAG LINES
Identify the film title. The year is provided. (e.g., "Size does matter" 1998. Answer: "Godzilla.")

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. "He doesn't just talk to the animals!" 1998
Answer________

2. "Yabba-Dabba-Doo!" 1994
Answer________

3. "You'll like him when he's angry." 2008
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. "So many dogs. So little time." 1996
Answer________

5. "You'll believe a man can fly!" 1978
Answer________

6. "You know what we are gonna do? Toga party!" 1978
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. "Show me the money!" 1996
Answer________

8. "With the right song and dance, you can get away with murder." 2002
Answer________

9. "Heel the love." 2008
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. "Dr. Dolittle."
2. "The Flintstones."
3. "The Incredible Hulk."
4. "101 Dalmatians."
5. "Superman."
6. "Animal House."
7. "Jerry Maguire."
8. "Chicago."
9. "Marley & Me."

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Americana

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Subject: AMERICANA
(e.g., Another name for the creature Bigfoot. Answer: Sasquatch.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Who "took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks"?
Answer________

2. His hits include "April Love" and "Love Letters in the Sand."
Answer________

3. The two sons of Ozzie and Harriet.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. She refused to surrender her bus seat to a white man.
Answer________

5. Which two men were known for a series of "Road" pictures in the 1940s?
Answer________

6. In what song is "Come and sit by my side if you love me"?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Who was nicknamed "Yellow Hair" and "Son of the Morning Star"?
Answer________

8. On which farm would you find Rebecca Randall?
Answer________

9. What scandal elicited the statement "Say it ain't so, Joe"?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Lizzie Borden.
2. Pat Boone.
3. David and Ricky.
4. Rosa Parks.
5. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.
6. "Red River Valley."
7. George Armstrong Custer.
8. "Sunnybrook Farm."
9. Black Sox Scandal.

Brown

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, May 25, 2009

Subject: BROWN
Each answer contains "brown." (e.g., A professional football team based in Cleveland. Answer: Cleveland Browns.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Nickname for boxer Joe Louis.
Answer________

2. An abolitionist martyr.
Answer________

3. "The Godfather of Soul."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Famous football player who retired in 1965 to pursue a movie career.
Answer________

5. He followed Tony Blair as prime minister.
Answer________

6. A TV show starring Candice Bergen.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. A popular movie cowboy of the 1930s and '40s.
Answer________

8. He played Cap'n Andy Hawks in MGM's 1951 remake of "Show Boat."
Answer________

9. A landmark Supreme Court case (1954).
Answer________

ANSWERS: 1. "Brown Bomber."
2. John Brown.
3. James Brown.
4. Jim Brown.
5. Gordon Brown.
6. Murphy Brown.
7. Johnny Mack Brown.
8. Joe E. Brown.
9. Brown v. Board of Education.

U.S. Geography

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, May 23, 2009

Subject: U.S. GEOGRAPHY
(e.g., What is the capital city of Puerto Rico? Answer: San Juan.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Which is smallest (area): Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, District of Columbia?
Answer________

2. What state has the postal code AK?
Answer________

3. Name both the capital and the largest city in Illinois.
Answer________

4. Name the three most populous states in order.
Answer________

5. Which is largest in area: Hawaii, Vermont, New Hampshire?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. In what time zone is Colorado?
Answer________

7. What is the highest peak in the United States?
Answer________

8. Which state has the highest population density?
Answer________

9. Which countries are larger in area than the U.S.?
Answer________

10. What island group is made up of St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. Name the capital and the largest city in Kansas.
Answer________

12. Name the three largest (population) cities in Florida.
Answer________

13. Name the three smallest (area) states.
Answer________

14. Name three of the four states that bear the formal title of commonwealth.
Answer________

15. What is the capital of American Samoa?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. District of Columbia.
2. Alaska.
3. Springfield, Chicago.
4. California, Texas, New York.
5. Hawaii.
6. MST (Mountain Standard Time).
7. Mount McKinley (Denali).
8. New Jersey.
9. Russia, Canada.
10. U.S. Virgin Islands.
11. Topeka, Wichita.
12. Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa.
13. Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut.
14. Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia.
15. Pago Pago.

Homonyms

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, May 22, 2009

Subject: HOMONYMS
Use the clues to find two words that sound the same. (e.g., Likewise couple. Answer: Too two.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Observes oceans
Answer________

2. Complete opening
Answer________

3. Smelly chicken
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Naked grizzly
Answer________

5. Military bellybutton
Answer________

6. Correct ceremony
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Motionless writing paper
Answer________

8. Corn labyrinth
Answer________

9. Inactive false god
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Sees seas.
2. Whole hole.
3. Foul fowl.
4. Bare bear.
5. Naval navel.
6. Right rite.
7. Stationary stationery.
8. Maize maze.
9. Idle idol.

Marriage In Literature

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Thursday, May 21, 2009

Subject: MARRIAGE IN LITERATURE
Name the novel in which the marriage occurs. (e.g., Nicholas marries Madeline Bray. Answer: "Nicholas Nickleby.")

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Scarlett O'Hara marries Rhett Butler.
Answer________

2. Elizabeth Bennet marries Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Answer________

3. Jane marries (Edward Fairfax de) Rochester.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. David marries Agnes Wickfield.
Answer________

5. Tess marries Angel Clare.
Answer________

6. Catherine Earnshaw marries Edgar Linton.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Becky Sharp marries Rawdon Crawley.
Answer________

8. Quentin marries Isabelle de Croye.
Answer________

9. Tom marries Sophia Western.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. "Gone With the Wind."
2. "Pride and Prejudice."
3. "Jane Eyre."
4. "David Copperfield."
5. "Tess of the D'Urbervilles."
6. "Wuthering Heights."
7. "Vanity Fair."
8. "Quentin Durward."
9. "Tom Jones."

Literature

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Subject: LITERATURE
In what work of literature would you find ___? (e.g., A pickpocket leader named Fagin? Answer: "Oliver Twist.")

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. The Mad Hatter's tea party?
Answer________

2. A murderer named Injun Joe?
Answer________

3. Families named Capulet and Montague?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. A flower girl named Eliza Doolittle?
Answer________

5. A protagonist and chief narrator named Jim Hawkins?
Answer________

6. A girl named Jenny who dies of leukemia?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. A picture that changes and ages?
Answer________

8. A housekeeper named Mrs. Danvers?
Answer________

9. A gypsy girl named Esmeralda?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
2. "Tom Sawyer."
3. "Romeo and Juliet."
4. "Pygmalion."
5. "Treasure Island."
6. "Love Story."
7. "The Picture of Dorian Gray."
8. "Rebecca."
9. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Animal Families

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Subject: ANIMAL FAMILIES
What type of animal is it? (e.g., Flying Fox. Answer: Bat.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Beluga
Answer________

2. Loon
Answer________

3. Copperhead
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Titmouse
Answer________

5. Macaw
Answer________

6. Cottontail
Answer________
PH.D. LEVEL

7. Teal
Answer________

8. Ibex
Answer________

9. Terrapin
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Whale.
2. Bird.
3. Snake.
4. Bird.
5. Parrot (bird).
6. Rabbit.
7. Duck (bird).
8. Goat.
9. Turtle.

Victoria Day

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Monday, May 18, 2009

Subject: VICTORIA DAY
Today is Victoria Day in Canada. (e.g., Name any year in which Queen Victoria reigned. Answer: 1837-1901.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Victoria is the capital city of which Canadian province?
Answer________

2. In what country is there a state named Victoria?
Answer________

3. What is Victoria's Secret?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. What is the Victoria Cross?
Answer________

5. Which famous soccer player has a wife named Victoria?
Answer________

6. Who portrayed Pamela Barnes Ewing on TV's "Dallas"?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. What island country's capital and largest city is named Victoria?
Answer________

8. Which "Saturday Night Live" comedian said, "I can't do this Victoria 'airhead' thing anymore"?
Answer________

9. The Roman goddess of Victory is Victoria. What is the Greek counterpart?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. British Columbia.
2. Australia.
3. A retailer of bras and lingerie.
4. Highest military decoration of the U.K.
5. David Beckham.
6. Victoria Principal.
7. Seychelles.
8. Victoria Jackson.
9. Nike.

Famous Film Roles

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Saturday, May 16, 2009

Subject: FAMOUS FILM ROLES

Provide the name of the character portrayed by the actor in the film. (e.g., "Dr. No": Sean Connery. Answer: James Bond.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. "Rocky": Sylvester Stallone.
Answer________

2. "Raiders of the Lost Ark": Harrison Ford.
Answer________

3. "The Ten Commandments": Charlton Heston.
Answer________

4. "The Pink Panther": Peter Sellers.
Answer________

5. "Gone With the Wind": Clark Gable.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. "Casablanca": Humphrey Bogart.
Answer________

7. "To Kill a Mockingbird": Gregory Peck.
Answer________

8. "It's a Wonderful Life": James Stewart.
Answer________

9. "Mommie Dearest": Faye Dunaway.
Answer________

10. "Psycho": Anthony Perkins.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. "High Noon": Gary Cooper.
Answer________

12. "Taxi Driver": Robert De Niro.
Answer________

13. "The Color Purple": Whoopi Goldberg.
Answer________

14. "The Silence of the Lambs": Anthony Hopkins.
Answer________

15. "The Godfather": Marlon Brando.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Rocky Balboa.
2. Indiana Jones.
3. Moses.
4. Inspector Jacques Clouseau.
5. Rhett Butler.
6. Rick Blaine.
7. Atticus Finch.
8. George Bailey.
9. Joan Crawford.
10. Norman Bates.
11. Will Kane.
12. Travis Bickle.
13. Celie.
14. Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
15. Vito Corleone.

Science

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz

Published Friday, May 15, 2009

Subject: SCIENCE
(e.g., What has sepals, petals and stamens? Answer: A flower.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. A beaver's home is called a ___.
Answer________

2. What creature produces pearls?
Answer________

3. In China, this device is called a suan pan, meaning "counting tray."
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Term for the second of two full moons occurring in the same month.
Answer________

5. The name for a roughly circular coral reef enclosing a shallow lagoon.
Answer________

6. What is the cube root of 125?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. A gaseous cloud of matter that forces another substance out of a spray can.
Answer________

8. A form of algebra developed by English mathematician George Boole.
Answer________

9. The name for the celestial body of interstellar gas and dust where stars are sometimes born.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Lodge.
2. Oyster (clam).
3. Abacus.
4. Blue moon.
5. Atoll.
6. Five.
7. Aerosol.
8. Boolean algebra.
9. Nebula.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Never Die

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz
King Features Syndicate

Published Thursday, May 14, 2009

Subject: NEVER DIE
Complete the "never die" saying with one word. (e.g., Old teachers never die; they just lose their ___. Answer: Class.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Old gamblers never die; they just cash in their ___.
Answer________

2. Old milkmaids never die; they just kick the ___.
Answer________

3. Old skiers never die; they just go ___.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Old accountants never die; they just lose their ___.
Answer________

5. Old plumbers never die; they just go down the ___.
Answer________

6. Old mediums never die; they just give up the ___.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Old electricians never die; they just lose their ___.
Answer________

8. Old gardeners never die; they just go to ___.
Answer________

9. Old lawyers never die; they just lose their ___.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Chips.
2. Bucket.
3. Downhill.
4. Balance.
5. Drain.
6. Ghost.
7. Spark.
8. Seed.
9. Appeal.

Two In One

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz
King Features Syndicate

Published Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Subject: TWO IN ONE
Each answer is the name of an animal made up of two animal names. (e.g., A large, nonvenomous North American serpent. Answer: Bullsnake.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. People use them to guard and herd their flocks.
Answer________

2. It is often associated with Winston Churchill and Britain.
Answer________

3. In an aquarium, the types include: banjo, talking and long-whiskered.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. These insects are often considered pests because of the bites they inflict.
Answer________

5. Little Red Riding Hood would have found this borzoi-type animal of use.
Answer________

6. Its call resembles the mewing of a feline.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Osprey; also called "bald buzzard."
Answer________

8. The five species are: screaming, giant, bronzed, shiny and brown-headed.
Answer________

9. The song title "La Cucaracha" identifies this pest.
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Sheepdog.
2. Bulldog.
3. Catfish.
4. Horsefly.
5. Wolfhound.
6. Catbird.
7. Fish hawk.
8. Cowbird.
9. Cockroach.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Deaths & Dates

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz
North America Syndicate Inc.

Published Tuesday, April 20, 2009

Subject: DEATHS AND DATES
Identify the person who died on the given date. (e.g., Aug. 5, 1962: Recorded as a "probable suicide." Answer: Marilyn Monroe.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. Sept. 30, 1955: His Porsche 550 Spyder collided with a Ford coupe.
Answer————————

2. Nov. 28, 1981: She slipped, fell overboard and drowned.
Answer————————

3. Jan. 5, 1998: Ran into a tree while skiing.
Answer————————

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. Jan. 3, 1967: Died in the same hospital as Lee Harvey Oswald.
Answer————————

5. March 31, 1931: In a plane crash en route to participate in the film "The Spirit of Notre Dame."
Answer————————

6. April 5, 1976: Died aboard a plane on his way from Freeport in the Bahamas to a Houston hospital.
Answer————————

PH.D. LEVEL

7. March 22, 1978: High-wire acrobat fell to his death in Puerto Rico.
Answer————————

8. April 27, 1521: Shot by a poisonous arrow in the Philippines.
Answer————————

9. Oct. 29, 1618: Beheaded at Whitehall at age 66. Final words were "Strike, man, strike."
Answer————————

ANSWERS:
1. James Dean.
2. Natalie Wood.
3. Sonny Bono.
4. Jack Ruby.
5. Knute Rockne.
6. Howard Hughes.
7. Karl Wallenda.
8. Ferdinand Magellan.
9. Sir Walter Raleigh.

Ants

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz
King Features Syndicate

Published Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Subject: ANTS
(e.g., Ants, beetles, butterflies and flies are all ___. Answer: Insects.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. What is the only continent on which ants are not found?
Answer________

2. Ants are closely related to what flying insect?
Answer________

3. An ant has ___ legs, and its body is divided into ___ parts.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. The Bible: "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be ___."
Answer________

5. In this animated film, Woody Allen provides the voice of an ant named Z.
Answer________

6. In this film, a misfit ant needs help to save his colony from grasshoppers.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. What is the moral of the fable "The Ant and the Grasshopper"?
Answer________

8. What country provides the setting for "Leiningen Versus the Ants"?
Answer________

9. What is the largest country where ants are not found?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Antarctica.
2. Bees or wasps.
3. Six, three.
4. Wise.
5. "Antz."
6. "A Bug's Life."
7. It is best to prepare for days of necessity.
8. Brazil.
9. Iceland.

Obama Inauguration

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz
King Features Syndicate

Published Monday, May 11, 2009

Subject: OBAMA INAUGURATION
(e.g., Name the chief justice who administered the oath of office. Answer: John Roberts.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. What word was out of place when the oath was initially taken?
Answer________

2. George Washington was the first U.S. president; Barack Obama is the ___.
Answer________

3. How many different men served as U.S. president prior to Obama?
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

4. In his address, Obama said that he was "humbled," "grateful" and "___."
Answer________

5. What was he "humbled by," "grateful for" and "mindful of"?
Answer________

6. Obama said, "pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off," alluding to what song?
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

7. Beyonce sang this Etta James classic at the inaugural ball.
Answer________

8. What part did Jason Wu play in the inauguration?
Answer________

9. The first foreign leader Obama phoned was Mahmoud Abbas. Who is he?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. Faithfully.
2. 44th.
3. 42 (Grover Cleveland was No. 22 and No. 24).
4. Mindful.
5. The task, the trust, the sacrifices.
6. "Pick Yourself Up."
7. "At Last."
8. Designed Michelle Obama's evening gown.
9. The Palestinian president.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Military

Isaac Asimov's Super Quiz
King Features Syndicate

Published Saturday, May 9, 2009

Subject: MILITARY
(e.g., What war provided the setting for M*A*S*H? Answer: Korean War.)

FRESHMAN LEVEL

1. In what war did Sgt. Alvin York distinguish himself?
Answer________

2. What country has the world's largest army?
Answer________

3. How many soldiers were commanded by a Roman centurion?
Answer________

4. Term for the German air force before and during World War II.
Answer________

5. Term for the bugle call at sunrise.
Answer________

GRADUATE LEVEL

6. Term for an army officer who provides clothing and subsistence for troops.
Answer________

7. Where would you find the Swiss Guard deployed?
Answer________

8. Site of the U.S. Military Academy on the Hudson River.
Answer________

9. What term describes the U.S. president's position as head of the military?
Answer________

10. The highest military decoration (medal) in the U.K.
Answer________

PH.D. LEVEL

11. Term for a Nepalese soldier in the British or Indian army.
Answer________

12. What type of airplane was flown by Manfred Von Richthofen?
Answer________

13. In the military, what is a sapper?
Answer________

14. With whom did the initial Geneva Convention of 1864 deal?
Answer________

15. Which popular figure refused both the Victorian Cross and a knighthood?
Answer________

ANSWERS:
1. World War I.
2. China.
3. One hundred (century).
4. Luftwaffe.
5. Reveille.
6. Quartermaster.
7. The Vatican.
8. West Point.
9. Commander in chief.
10. Victoria Cross.
11. Gurkha.
12. Fokker Dr.1 triplane.
13. Engineer (builds fortifications and bridges, lays mines, etc.).
14. Wounded and the sick.
15. T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).