Quizzes & Puzzles 31

Some new problems with which to exercise the brain. But first a look at answers and solutions to Quizzes & Puzzles 30. New problems below the image (cartoon).

Answer to Quiz 30:1

If, in directions to music (sheet music), you find the abbreviation “sfz”, what does it mean​?

It stands or sforzando, and means that a note should be played with sudden strong accent or emphasis. @jstjylrd_ knew that.

The word is Italian, traditionally the international language of music directions.

Answer to Quiz 30:2

In Norse mythology, the chief god, Odin, has two ravens. Every morning they gather news for their master. What are the ravens' names? (Incidentally, the names mean “thought” and “memory”.)

Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory). Spelling Hugin and Munin is also fine. @jstjylrd_ gave us a correct answer.

Ravens and crows play a prominent role in mythology and religion. If you want to learn more about that, read Crows, Ravens & Tengu.

Answer to Quiz 30:3

A small country in the Caribbean has two times in history declared itself an Empire. None of these in reality insignificant two empires survived its first megalomaniac emperor. Which country was that? (It still exists today.)

As an answer, I quote my article “Emperors, Purple & The Roman Legacy”, Meriondho Leo, June 2012, an article also being an integrated part of my e-book “Imperium”, from 2020:

“Even Haiti has had two emperors. Jean-Jacques Dessalines made himself an emperor, as Jacques I, in 1803, and his empire lasted until he was murdered in 1806. He led the second successful revolt against the French, who had held Haiti as a colony since 1697. The first (at least initially) successful revolt was led by the legendary Toussaint L'Ouverture, who was successful at first but was finally defeated by Napoleon I and brought to France, where he died in 1803. But that is another story.

The second "emperor" of Haiti was Faustin-Élie Soulouque, who made himself an emperor in 1841, as Faustin I. He was forced to abdicate in 1859, after a failed attempt to take the Dominican Republic. His reign was an attempt to copy Napoleon I of France in almost every way, although without losing its specific Haitian touch.”

Answer to Quiz 30:4

A certain flower symbolised secrecy for the old Romans. Hanging over a table, it meant that the conversation there was to remain confidential. There is an expression based on that custom which is sometimes used (quoted in Latin) even today.

What flower, and what expression?

The expression is "sub rosa", under the rose. @jstjylrd_ knew this answer as well.

Answer to Quiz 30:5

Who was created first, Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse?

Mickey Mouse; he is about 6 years older than Donald Duck.

Answer to Quiz 30:6

Were birds the first vertebrates to develop powered flight? I not, what did it before them?

No, birds were not first, pterosaurs were. They dominated the airspace 228-66 million years ago. It's very possible they were better flyers than the birds are. In any case, birds did not evolve properly until the pterosaurs were gone and left the niche free for them.

Pterosaurs, of which the most well known is the pterodactylus, were not dinosaurs, rather cousins of dinosaurs. They belonged to their own line, Pterosauria, a line that eventually became extinct in the great mass extinction that also killed off the dinosaurs.

@jstjylrd_ had the answer: pterosaurs, and reached four right answers this time!

And now some new exercises for brain & memory...

Quiz 31:1

If your breath smells acetone, of what is that a sign?

Quiz 31:2

Two well-known operas, by two different composers, are based on two (stage) plays by a French dramatist, one the sequel of the other.

The main character has a name that can be associated with a publication. What is his occupation?

Quiz 31:3

Have you ever heard about "The ouzo effect"? What is it, and what causes it?

Quiz 31:4

I think you all know that sapphire is a gemstone. Although a sapphire is often blue, it can come in any colour. If it is red, however, it goes under another name. What is a “red sapphire” called?

Quiz 31:5

A crossbred dog - half Mastiff, half Bloodhound - plays a major role in this very famous novel, written by a physician, who began writing while he waited for patients.

Which is the novel, and who is the author?

Quiz 31:6

What object is in some cultures a symbol of vanity, while in others symbolising self-reflection and truth?

You'll find answers and solutions in the next “Quizzes & Puzzles”.

Quizzes & Puzzles has its own label in my Index, where all issues of the series can be found.

In my INDEX, you can find all my writings on Read.Cash, sorted by topic.

Copyright © 2022 Meleonymica/Mictorrani. All Rights Reserved

(Cartoon by Christian Dorn/Pixabay, CC0/Public Domain.)