Quizzes & Puzzles 32

Some new problems with which to exercise the brain. But first a look at answers and solutions to Quizzes & Puzzles 31. New problems below the image (cartoon).

Answer to Quiz 31:1

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

It indicates a high presence of ketones in the blood, which, in turn, can be a symptom of diabetes. However, it can also be a result of the diet, or of high alcohol consumption.

Answer to 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?

This, of course, is Figaro, and he is a barber.

The plays were written by by Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais. The French original titles are "Le barbier de Séville, ou la précaution inutile" and "La folle journée, ou le mariage de Figaro".

The operas are Rossini's "The Barber of Seville", and Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro".

The publication I referred to as a clue is "Le Figaro", a French newspaper, published regularly (with a couple of short interruptions) since 1825.

Answer to Quiz 31:3

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

Beverages containing anise (such as ouzo), become milky or cloudy when water is added to them. The reason is the presence of anethole, a substance occurring in anise and fennel.

Answer to 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?

It is a ruby. The different colours of corundum, the technical name of this mineral, come from trace of various elements. The red colour of rubies derives mainly from chromium.

Answer to 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?

The novel is “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and the author was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It is the third of his four novels about Sherlock Holmes, the archetypal detective.

Of course such a prominent story has also been made to film. The best one is probably the one with Jeremy Brett as the famous detective. It is available on YouTube:

If you prefer an audiobook, it is also available on YouTube. But of course, nothing compares to the written original.

Answer to Quiz 31:6

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

A mirror. You can read more about various aspects of mirrors in my old article, Magic Mirror on the Wall.

And now some new exercises for brain & memory..

Quiz 32:1

Everyone has heard about Christopher Columbus, the official discoverer of America. In 1506, he died in Valladolid in present day Spain, but where was he born?

Quiz 32:2

Most people know that a piste is a marked path for skiing or some similar sport. However, a piste is also the area for an entirely different activity, an indoors sport. Which sport am I thinking of?

Quiz 32:3

In this portrait of Van Gogh from 1887 (painted by Toulouse-Latrec), we can see a typical glass at the bottom right corner. But of what is it typical? What did Vincent Van Gogh drink?

Quiz 32:4

We were recently discussing Frankenstein and its author Mary Shelley. Mary was married to an English poet who drowned under somewhat unclear circumstances. Where did he drown – in which lake?

Quiz 32:5

There is a scale for measuring and comparing the hotness of peppers. What is it called?

Quiz 32:6

If you are a vet and get a patient with strangles; which sort of animal are you dealing with?

Quiz 32:7

Why Didn't They Ask Evans?

This is a difficult question, because there seems to be too little information. But it is not; it is just a matter of whether or not you are into the genre of literature to which the question refers.

Since this is so difficult, I make it an extra question - so we have 7 this time.

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.

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