• QFTCI23 Final, Round 7-8: literature, history

    From Mark Brader@21:1/5 to All on Sun Feb 4 05:07:21 2024
    These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2023-11-27,
    and should be interpreted accordingly.

    On each question you may give up to two answers, but if you give
    both a right answer and a wrong answer, there is a small penalty.
    Please post all your answers in a single followup to the newsgroup,
    based only on your own knowledge. (In your answer posting, quote
    the questions and place your answer below each one.) I will reveal
    the correct answers in about 3 days.

    All questions were written by members of the Usual Suspects and
    are used here by permission, but have been reformatted and may have
    been retyped and/or edited by me. The posting and tabulation of
    current-events questions is independent of the concurrent posting
    of other rounds. For further information please see my 2023-05-24
    companion posting on "Questions from the Canadian Inquisition
    (QFTCI*)".


    I wrote 6 of the 12 pairs in this set.


    ** Final, Round 7 - Literature

    * A. More Italian Literature

    A1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/ital-A1.jpg

    This Italian was born in Cuba but moved with his family
    to Italy as a child. He initially wrote in a realist
    or neorealist style with such works as "The Crow Comes
    Last", which dealt with his experiences in World War II.
    His later work was influenced by more experimental writers
    such as Roland Barthes. Name him.

    A2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/ital-A2.jpg

    Who was the controversial poet, playwright, journalist,
    and movie director whose first novel, "Hustlers", was
    published in 1955? One of his best-known films is "The
    Gospel According to St. Matthew". He died in violent and
    never-explained circumstances in 1975.


    * B. If You See It in the ""Sun""

    There have been a number of newspapers called the "Sun", but these
    questions are about the very popular one that started in New York
    City in 1833 and was published until 1950.

    B1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/sun-B1.jpg

    In 1897 the "Sun" received a letter reading in part, "Papa
    says 'If you see it in the Sun, it's so'". What question
    did the writer want answered?

    B2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/sun-B2.jpg

    In 1835 the "Sun" ran a series of 6 articles detailing
    discoveries supposely made by Sir John Herschel using a
    new telescope. What did they say he had discovered?


    * C. Daylight and Darkness and Newspapers

    C1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/dark-C1.jpg

    Which national capital city has a daily newspaper whose
    motto is "Democracy Dies in Darkness"?

    C2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/dark-C2.jpg

    Which national capital city has a daily newspaper whose
    motto is "Fair Play and Daylight"?


    * D. More Travel Writing

    D1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/trav-D1.jpg

    This British-born author of South Asian descent has spent
    much of his adult life in the US and Japan as well as the
    UK, and is a long-time friend of the Dalai Lama. His travel
    writings look at a variety of countries from an outsider or
    cross-cultural perspective. He even wrote about Canada,
    of all places. One of his best-known books is 2001's
    "The Global Soul", a meditation on cultural globalization.
    Name him.

    D2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/trav-D2.jpg

    "Black Lamb and Grey Falcon" is Dame Rebecca West's
    over-1,000-page account of a trip to which country in 1937?
    The country no longer exists.


    * E. Isaac Asimov

    E1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/asim-E1.jpg

    Isaac Asimov's ["AZ-im-ov'z"] best-known works include his
    short stories and novels about robots. When he started
    writing them, other writers often produced stories where
    robots ran amok. Asimov decided it would be more interesting
    to write about robots with built-in ethical principles --
    principles that he called what?

    E2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/asim-E2.jpg

    What fictional technology did Asimov's robots use to
    accomplish reasoning? On "Star Trek: The Next Generation",
    Commander Data used the same technology.


    * F. Authors by European Background

    In each case, name them.

    F1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/back-F1.jpg

    This German-speaking Bohemian author worked for many years
    in the insurance business in his hometown of Prague.
    The protagonists in his novels and short stories often
    face weird or surrealistic quandaries and incomprehensible
    entanglements with bureaucracy. He died in 1924 from
    tuberculosis.

    F2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/back-F2.jpg

    This Polish author had to learn English fluently in order
    to fit into the genteel British environment he eventually
    found himself in -- and became one of the most esteemed
    writers in English literature. His most famous work was
    inspired by a time years before, when he lived in Africa
    and served on a steamer going up and down the Congo River.


    ** Final, Round 8 - History

    * A. The Ones Before

    A1. Before the US adopted its constitution in 1789, there were
    14 presidents of the Continental Congress. Name *any one*.

    A2. Before the Norman conquest under William I in 1066, there
    were 19 men who are sometimes considered kings of England.
    Name *any one*; his first name will be sufficient.


    * B. International Organizations Formed

    B1. The European Union now has 27 member countries. Within 1,
    in 1957, how many countries formed what was then called
    the European Common Market?

    B2. The United Nations now has 193 member countries. Within 5,
    how many member countries were there when it was formed
    in 1945?


    * C. More Economists

    In each case, name them.

    C1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/econ-C1.jpg

    This British economist and politician developed a series
    of proposals in 1942 that formed the basis of the UK's
    post-war welfare state. Though he lost his own seat,
    running as a Liberal, in 1945, the newly-elected Labour
    government largely implemented the program he had set out.

    C2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/econ-C2.jpg

    This media-friendly left-leaning Canadian economist worked
    for the Centre for Policy Alternatives for several years,
    until 2017. She now holds a fellowship with the Atkinson
    Foundation and researches workers and technology. She is
    a frequent contributor to the "Toronto Star" and the CBC.


    * D. Canadiana: A Year Ending in 0

    D1. In a certain year ending in 0, Britain ceded control of
    the Arctic Archipelago to Canada, and Edward (Ned) Hanlan
    became the first Canadian world champion in any sport,
    which, of course, was rowing. What year was it?

    D2. In another year ending in 0, the oldest Canadian company
    still existing was founded. Its original name was rather
    long and included the words "Adventurers of England". If you
    go to what is now the company's main building in Toronto,
    you will see several signs mentioning the date of founding.
    What year was it?


    * E. British Historians

    In each case, name them.

    E1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/hist-E1.jpg

    This Briton, born in 1948, spent most of his career at New
    York University. He was known for his writings on modern
    European history, including "Postwar", concerning Europe
    after 1945. He died of ALS in 2010.

    E2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/hist-E2.jpg

    This British historian trained in medieval history, but in
    the 1970s turned his attention toward Nazi Germany, and is
    now known particularly for his biographies of Adolf Hitler.
    He promoted the "working toward the F�hrer" concept, which
    suggested that, rather than by direct orders from the top,
    the Third Reich operated mostly by officials implementing
    policies that the leader would approve of.


    * F. Colonial Powers

    F1. In Africa, which country colonized what are now Benin
    and Mali?

    F2. Which country colonized what is now Angola, in Africa,
    as well as Macau, which is now part of China?

    --
    Mark Brader | "In the land of truth, my friend,
    Toronto | the man with one fact is king."
    [email protected] | --"In the Loop", Jesse Armstrong et al.

    My text in this article is in the public domain.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Erland Sommarskog@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Sun Feb 4 12:04:49 2024
    Mark Brader ([email protected]) writes:
    D2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/trav-D2.jpg

    "Black Lamb and Grey Falcon" is Dame Rebecca West's
    over-1,000-page account of a trip to which country in 1937?
    The country no longer exists.

    Tuva (The only country that existed in 1937 but does not exist now
    that I can think of on the top of my head. Seems like an unlikely answer, though.)

    * E. Isaac Asimov

    E1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/asim-E1.jpg

    Isaac Asimov's ["AZ-im-ov'z"] best-known works include his
    short stories and novels about robots. When he started
    writing them, other writers often produced stories where
    robots ran amok. Asimov decided it would be more interesting
    to write about robots with built-in ethical principles --
    principles that he called what?

    Robotics

    E2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/asim-E2.jpg

    What fictional technology did Asimov's robots use to
    accomplish reasoning? On "Star Trek: The Next Generation",
    Commander Data used the same technology.

    Positron brains

    * F. Authors by European Background

    In each case, name them.

    F1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/back-F1.jpg

    This German-speaking Bohemian author worked for many years
    in the insurance business in his hometown of Prague.
    The protagonists in his novels and short stories often
    face weird or surrealistic quandaries and incomprehensible
    entanglements with bureaucracy. He died in 1924 from
    tuberculosis.

    Franz Kafka

    ** Final, Round 8 - History

    * A. The Ones Before

    A2. Before the Norman conquest under William I in 1066, there
    were 19 men who are sometimes considered kings of England.
    Name *any one*; his first name will be sufficient.

    Edward the Confessor

    * B. International Organizations Formed

    B1. The European Union now has 27 member countries. Within 1,
    in 1957, how many countries formed what was then called
    the European Common Market?

    Six

    B2. The United Nations now has 193 member countries. Within 5,
    how many member countries were there when it was formed
    in 1945?

    75

    * C. More Economists

    In each case, name them.

    C1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/econ-C1.jpg

    This British economist and politician developed a series
    of proposals in 1942 that formed the basis of the UK's
    post-war welfare state. Though he lost his own seat,
    running as a Liberal, in 1945, the newly-elected Labour
    government largely implemented the program he had set out.

    Keyens

    * F. Colonial Powers

    F1. In Africa, which country colonized what are now Benin
    and Mali?

    France

    F2. Which country colonized what is now Angola, in Africa,
    as well as Macau, which is now part of China?

    Portugal

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Dan Tilque@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Sun Feb 4 06:48:52 2024
    On 2/3/24 21:07, Mark Brader wrote:


    I wrote 6 of the 12 pairs in this set.


    ** Final, Round 7 - Literature

    * A. More Italian Literature

    A1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/ital-A1.jpg

    This Italian was born in Cuba but moved with his family
    to Italy as a child. He initially wrote in a realist
    or neorealist style with such works as "The Crow Comes
    Last", which dealt with his experiences in World War II.
    His later work was influenced by more experimental writers
    such as Roland Barthes. Name him.

    A2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/ital-A2.jpg

    Who was the controversial poet, playwright, journalist,
    and movie director whose first novel, "Hustlers", was
    published in 1955? One of his best-known films is "The
    Gospel According to St. Matthew". He died in violent and
    never-explained circumstances in 1975.


    * B. If You See It in the ""Sun""

    There have been a number of newspapers called the "Sun", but these
    questions are about the very popular one that started in New York
    City in 1833 and was published until 1950.

    B1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/sun-B1.jpg

    In 1897 the "Sun" received a letter reading in part, "Papa
    says 'If you see it in the Sun, it's so'". What question
    did the writer want answered?

    Is there a Santa Claus?


    B2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/sun-B2.jpg

    In 1835 the "Sun" ran a series of 6 articles detailing
    discoveries supposely made by Sir John Herschel using a
    new telescope. What did they say he had discovered?

    life on the Moon



    * C. Daylight and Darkness and Newspapers

    C1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/dark-C1.jpg

    Which national capital city has a daily newspaper whose
    motto is "Democracy Dies in Darkness"?

    Washington DC


    C2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/dark-C2.jpg

    Which national capital city has a daily newspaper whose
    motto is "Fair Play and Daylight"?

    Canberra, Australia



    * D. More Travel Writing

    D1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/trav-D1.jpg

    This British-born author of South Asian descent has spent
    much of his adult life in the US and Japan as well as the
    UK, and is a long-time friend of the Dalai Lama. His travel
    writings look at a variety of countries from an outsider or
    cross-cultural perspective. He even wrote about Canada,
    of all places. One of his best-known books is 2001's
    "The Global Soul", a meditation on cultural globalization.
    Name him.

    D2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/trav-D2.jpg

    "Black Lamb and Grey Falcon" is Dame Rebecca West's
    over-1,000-page account of a trip to which country in 1937?
    The country no longer exists.


    * E. Isaac Asimov

    E1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/asim-E1.jpg

    Isaac Asimov's ["AZ-im-ov'z"] best-known works include his
    short stories and novels about robots. When he started
    writing them, other writers often produced stories where
    robots ran amok. Asimov decided it would be more interesting
    to write about robots with built-in ethical principles --
    principles that he called what?

    three laws of robotics


    E2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/asim-E2.jpg

    What fictional technology did Asimov's robots use to
    accomplish reasoning? On "Star Trek: The Next Generation",
    Commander Data used the same technology.

    positronic brain



    * F. Authors by European Background

    In each case, name them.

    F1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/back-F1.jpg

    This German-speaking Bohemian author worked for many years
    in the insurance business in his hometown of Prague.
    The protagonists in his novels and short stories often
    face weird or surrealistic quandaries and incomprehensible
    entanglements with bureaucracy. He died in 1924 from
    tuberculosis.

    F2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/back-F2.jpg

    This Polish author had to learn English fluently in order
    to fit into the genteel British environment he eventually
    found himself in -- and became one of the most esteemed
    writers in English literature. His most famous work was
    inspired by a time years before, when he lived in Africa
    and served on a steamer going up and down the Congo River.

    Joseph Conrad



    ** Final, Round 8 - History

    * A. The Ones Before

    A1. Before the US adopted its constitution in 1789, there were
    14 presidents of the Continental Congress. Name *any one*.

    Patrick Henry


    A2. Before the Norman conquest under William I in 1066, there
    were 19 men who are sometimes considered kings of England.
    Name *any one*; his first name will be sufficient.

    Edward the Confessor



    * B. International Organizations Formed

    B1. The European Union now has 27 member countries. Within 1,
    in 1957, how many countries formed what was then called
    the European Common Market?

    6


    B2. The United Nations now has 193 member countries. Within 5,
    how many member countries were there when it was formed
    in 1945?

    50



    * C. More Economists

    In each case, name them.

    C1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/econ-C1.jpg

    This British economist and politician developed a series
    of proposals in 1942 that formed the basis of the UK's
    post-war welfare state. Though he lost his own seat,
    running as a Liberal, in 1945, the newly-elected Labour
    government largely implemented the program he had set out.

    C2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/econ-C2.jpg

    This media-friendly left-leaning Canadian economist worked
    for the Centre for Policy Alternatives for several years,
    until 2017. She now holds a fellowship with the Atkinson
    Foundation and researches workers and technology. She is
    a frequent contributor to the "Toronto Star" and the CBC.


    * D. Canadiana: A Year Ending in 0

    D1. In a certain year ending in 0, Britain ceded control of
    the Arctic Archipelago to Canada, and Edward (Ned) Hanlan
    became the first Canadian world champion in any sport,
    which, of course, was rowing. What year was it?

    1930


    D2. In another year ending in 0, the oldest Canadian company
    still existing was founded. Its original name was rather
    long and included the words "Adventurers of England". If you
    go to what is now the company's main building in Toronto,
    you will see several signs mentioning the date of founding.
    What year was it?

    1810



    * E. British Historians

    In each case, name them.

    E1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/hist-E1.jpg

    This Briton, born in 1948, spent most of his career at New
    York University. He was known for his writings on modern
    European history, including "Postwar", concerning Europe
    after 1945. He died of ALS in 2010.

    E2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/hist-E2.jpg

    This British historian trained in medieval history, but in
    the 1970s turned his attention toward Nazi Germany, and is
    now known particularly for his biographies of Adolf Hitler.
    He promoted the "working toward the Führer" concept, which
    suggested that, rather than by direct orders from the top,
    the Third Reich operated mostly by officials implementing
    policies that the leader would approve of.


    * F. Colonial Powers

    F1. In Africa, which country colonized what are now Benin
    and Mali?

    France


    F2. Which country colonized what is now Angola, in Africa,
    as well as Macau, which is now part of China?

    Portugal


    --
    Dan Tilque

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Dan Blum@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Sun Feb 4 15:56:19 2024
    Mark Brader <[email protected]> wrote:


    ** Final, Round 7 - Literature

    * A. More Italian Literature

    A1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/ital-A1.jpg

    This Italian was born in Cuba but moved with his family
    to Italy as a child. He initially wrote in a realist
    or neorealist style with such works as "The Crow Comes
    Last", which dealt with his experiences in World War II.
    His later work was influenced by more experimental writers
    such as Roland Barthes. Name him.

    Italo Calvino

    A2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/ital-A2.jpg

    Who was the controversial poet, playwright, journalist,
    and movie director whose first novel, "Hustlers", was
    published in 1955? One of his best-known films is "The
    Gospel According to St. Matthew". He died in violent and
    never-explained circumstances in 1975.

    Antonioni

    * B. If You See It in the ""Sun""

    B1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/sun-B1.jpg

    In 1897 the "Sun" received a letter reading in part, "Papa
    says 'If you see it in the Sun, it's so'". What question
    did the writer want answered?

    "Is there a Santa Claus?"

    B2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/sun-B2.jpg

    In 1835 the "Sun" ran a series of 6 articles detailing
    discoveries supposely made by Sir John Herschel using a
    new telescope. What did they say he had discovered?

    life on the Moon

    * C. Daylight and Darkness and Newspapers

    C1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/dark-C1.jpg

    Which national capital city has a daily newspaper whose
    motto is "Democracy Dies in Darkness"?

    Washington, DC

    C2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/dark-C2.jpg

    Which national capital city has a daily newspaper whose
    motto is "Fair Play and Daylight"?

    Ottawa

    * D. More Travel Writing

    D2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/trav-D2.jpg

    "Black Lamb and Grey Falcon" is Dame Rebecca West's
    over-1,000-page account of a trip to which country in 1937?
    The country no longer exists.

    Yugoslavia

    * E. Isaac Asimov

    E1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/asim-E1.jpg

    Isaac Asimov's ["AZ-im-ov'z"] best-known works include his
    short stories and novels about robots. When he started
    writing them, other writers often produced stories where
    robots ran amok. Asimov decided it would be more interesting
    to write about robots with built-in ethical principles --
    principles that he called what?

    Three Laws of Robotics

    E2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/asim-E2.jpg

    What fictional technology did Asimov's robots use to
    accomplish reasoning? On "Star Trek: The Next Generation",
    Commander Data used the same technology.

    positronic brain

    * F. Authors by European Background

    In each case, name them.

    F1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/back-F1.jpg

    This German-speaking Bohemian author worked for many years
    in the insurance business in his hometown of Prague.
    The protagonists in his novels and short stories often
    face weird or surrealistic quandaries and incomprehensible
    entanglements with bureaucracy. He died in 1924 from
    tuberculosis.

    Kafka

    F2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/back-F2.jpg

    This Polish author had to learn English fluently in order
    to fit into the genteel British environment he eventually
    found himself in -- and became one of the most esteemed
    writers in English literature. His most famous work was
    inspired by a time years before, when he lived in Africa
    and served on a steamer going up and down the Congo River.

    Conrad

    ** Final, Round 8 - History

    * A. The Ones Before

    A1. Before the US adopted its constitution in 1789, there were
    14 presidents of the Continental Congress. Name *any one*.

    James Madison

    A2. Before the Norman conquest under William I in 1066, there
    were 19 men who are sometimes considered kings of England.
    Name *any one*; his first name will be sufficient.

    Harold

    * B. International Organizations Formed

    B1. The European Union now has 27 member countries. Within 1,
    in 1957, how many countries formed what was then called
    the European Common Market?

    8

    B2. The United Nations now has 193 member countries. Within 5,
    how many member countries were there when it was formed
    in 1945?

    52

    * C. More Economists

    In each case, name them.

    C1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/econ-C1.jpg

    This British economist and politician developed a series
    of proposals in 1942 that formed the basis of the UK's
    post-war welfare state. Though he lost his own seat,
    running as a Liberal, in 1945, the newly-elected Labour
    government largely implemented the program he had set out.

    Keynes

    * D. Canadiana: A Year Ending in 0

    D1. In a certain year ending in 0, Britain ceded control of
    the Arctic Archipelago to Canada, and Edward (Ned) Hanlan
    became the first Canadian world champion in any sport,
    which, of course, was rowing. What year was it?

    1890; 1900

    D2. In another year ending in 0, the oldest Canadian company
    still existing was founded. Its original name was rather
    long and included the words "Adventurers of England". If you
    go to what is now the company's main building in Toronto,
    you will see several signs mentioning the date of founding.
    What year was it?

    1760; 1780

    * F. Colonial Powers

    F1. In Africa, which country colonized what are now Benin
    and Mali?

    France

    F2. Which country colonized what is now Angola, in Africa,
    as well as Macau, which is now part of China?

    Portugal

    --
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Dan Blum [email protected]
    "I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't just made it up."

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Mark Brader@21:1/5 to All on Wed Feb 7 06:21:37 2024
    Mark Brader:
    These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2023-11-27,
    and should be interpreted accordingly... For further information
    please see my 2023-05-24 companion posting on "Questions from the
    Canadian Inquisition (QFTCI*)".


    I wrote 6 of the 12 pairs in this set.

    In Round 7, I wrote pairs B, C, and E; in Round 8, pairs A, B, and D.


    ** Final, Round 7 - Literature

    In the original game, the current-events round was the easiest and
    this one was next-easiest.

    * A. More Italian Literature

    A1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/ital-A1.jpg

    This Italian was born in Cuba but moved with his family
    to Italy as a child. He initially wrote in a realist
    or neorealist style with such works as "The Crow Comes
    Last", which dealt with his experiences in World War II.
    His later work was influenced by more experimental writers
    such as Roland Barthes. Name him.

    Italo Calvino. 4 for Dan Blum and Stephen.

    A2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/ital-A2.jpg

    Who was the controversial poet, playwright, journalist,
    and movie director whose first novel, "Hustlers", was
    published in 1955? One of his best-known films is "The
    Gospel According to St. Matthew". He died in violent and
    never-explained circumstances in 1975.

    Pier Paolo Pasolini. 4 for Joshua and Stephen.


    * B. If You See It in the ""Sun""

    There have been a number of newspapers called the "Sun", but these
    questions are about the very popular one that started in New York
    City in 1833 and was published until 1950.

    B1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/sun-B1.jpg

    In 1897 the "Sun" received a letter reading in part, "Papa
    says 'If you see it in the Sun, it's so'". What question
    did the writer want answered?

    Is there a Santa Claus? (Anything along these lines is fine.)
    4 for Joshua, Dan Tilque, Dan Blum, Pete, and Stephen.

    B2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/sun-B2.jpg

    In 1835 the "Sun" ran a series of 6 articles detailing
    discoveries supposely made by Sir John Herschel using a
    new telescope. What did they say he had discovered?

    People living on the Moon. (Also plants, animals, colossal buildings,
    etc. Anything along these lines is fine.) 4 for Dan Tilque,
    Dan Blum, and Stephen. 2 for Joshua.


    * C. Daylight and Darkness and Newspapers

    C1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/dark-C1.jpg

    Which national capital city has a daily newspaper whose
    motto is "Democracy Dies in Darkness"?

    Washington. (The "Post".) 4 for Joshua, Dan Tilque, Dan Blum,
    Pete, and Stephen.

    C2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/dark-C2.jpg

    Which national capital city has a daily newspaper whose
    motto is "Fair Play and Daylight"?

    Ottawa. (The "Citizen".) 4 for Dan Blum and Stephen.


    * D. More Travel Writing

    D1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/trav-D1.jpg

    This British-born author of South Asian descent has spent
    much of his adult life in the US and Japan as well as the
    UK, and is a long-time friend of the Dalai Lama. His travel
    writings look at a variety of countries from an outsider or
    cross-cultural perspective. He even wrote about Canada,
    of all places. One of his best-known books is 2001's
    "The Global Soul", a meditation on cultural globalization.
    Name him.

    Pico Iyer. 4 for Stephen.

    D2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/trav-D2.jpg

    "Black Lamb and Grey Falcon" is Dame Rebecca West's
    over-1,000-page account of a trip to which country in 1937?
    The country no longer exists.

    Yugoslavia. 4 for Dan Blum and Stephen.


    * E. Isaac Asimov

    E1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/asim-E1.jpg

    Isaac Asimov's ["AZ-im-ov'z"] best-known works include his
    short stories and novels about robots. When he started
    writing them, other writers often produced stories where
    robots ran amok. Asimov decided it would be more interesting
    to write about robots with built-in ethical principles --
    principles that he called what?

    The Three Laws of Robotics. 4 for Joshua, Dan Tilque, Dan Blum,
    Pete, and Stephen.

    Fun fact: at the time, he thought "robotics" was an existing word.
    Thanks to his stories, now it is. But not a sufficiently specific
    answer for this question by itself.

    E2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/asim-E2.jpg

    What fictional technology did Asimov's robots use to
    accomplish reasoning? On "Star Trek: The Next Generation",
    Commander Data used the same technology.

    Positronic brain. 4 for Joshua, Erland, Dan Tilque, Dan Blum,
    and Stephen.

    Fun facts:

    The top photo is from the 2004 movie "I, Robot". That title was
    taken from a well-known book collection of a number of Asimov's robot
    stories, but the movie's plot was not derived from any of them;
    indeed, part of the movie involves robots running amok, although
    this is eventually worked into a Three Laws of Robotics context.

    In any case the title of the book was not Asimov's in the first place;
    it was chosen by the publisher over his objections, as it had been
    previously used for yet another unrelated story, by Eando Binder.
    By the time the movie appeared, Binder's story had been adapted
    twice into episodes of different versions of "The Outer Limits".


    * F. Authors by European Background

    In each case, name them.

    F1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/back-F1.jpg

    This German-speaking Bohemian author worked for many years
    in the insurance business in his hometown of Prague.
    The protagonists in his novels and short stories often
    face weird or surrealistic quandaries and incomprehensible
    entanglements with bureaucracy. He died in 1924 from
    tuberculosis.

    Franz Kafka. 4 for Joshua, Erland, Dan Blum, and Stephen.

    F2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr7/back-F2.jpg

    This Polish author had to learn English fluently in order
    to fit into the genteel British environment he eventually
    found himself in -- and became one of the most esteemed
    writers in English literature. His most famous work was
    inspired by a time years before, when he lived in Africa
    and served on a steamer going up and down the Congo River.

    Joseph Conrad. ("Heart of Darkness".) 4 for Joshua, Dan Tilque,
    Dan Blum, and Stephen.


    ** Final, Round 8 - History

    * A. The Ones Before

    A1. Before the US adopted its constitution in 1789, there were
    14 presidents of the Continental Congress. Name *any one*.

    Elias Boudinot (1782-83), Nathaniel Gorham (1786-87), Cyrus Griffin
    (1788), John Hancock (1775-77 and 1785-86), John Hanson (1781-82),
    Samuel Huntington (1779-81), John Jay (1778-79), Henry Laurens
    (1777-78), Richard Henry Lee (1784-85), Thomas McKean (1781),
    Henry Middleton (1774), Thomas Mifflin (1783-84), Peyton Randolph
    (1774 and 1775), Arthur St. Clair (1787). 4 for Joshua and Stephen.

    A2. Before the Norman conquest under William I in 1066, there
    were 19 men who are sometimes considered kings of England.
    Name *any one*; his first name will be sufficient.

    �thelbald [pronounce � like E] (ruled 858-60), �thelbert (860-66),
    �thelred (I, 866-71; II or the Unready, 978-1016), �thelwulf (839-58),
    Alfred the Great (871-99), Athelstan (924-39), Canute (1016-35),
    Eadred (946-55), Eadwig (955-59), Edgar (959-75), Edmund (939-46),
    Edward (the Confessor, 1042-66; the Martyr, 975-78; the Elder,
    899-924), Egbert (827-39), Harold (I, 1035-40; II, 1066), Harthacanute (1040-42). 4 for Joshua, Erland, Dan Tilque, Dan Blum, and Stephen.
    2 for Pete.


    * B. International Organizations Formed

    B1. The European Union now has 27 member countries. Within 1,
    in 1957, how many countries formed what was then called
    the European Common Market?

    6 (accepting 5-7). 4 for Joshua, Erland, Dan Tilque, and Stephen.

    B2. The United Nations now has 193 member countries. Within 5,
    how many member countries were there when it was formed
    in 1945?

    50 (accepting 45-55). 4 for Joshua, Dan Tilque, Dan Blum,
    and Stephen.


    * C. More Economists

    In each case, name them.

    C1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/econ-C1.jpg

    This British economist and politician developed a series
    of proposals in 1942 that formed the basis of the UK's
    post-war welfare state. Though he lost his own seat,
    running as a Liberal, in 1945, the newly-elected Labour
    government largely implemented the program he had set out.

    William Beveridge. 4 for Stephen.

    C2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/econ-C2.jpg

    This media-friendly left-leaning Canadian economist worked
    for the Centre for Policy Alternatives for several years,
    until 2017. She now holds a fellowship with the Atkinson
    Foundation and researches workers and technology. She is
    a frequent contributor to the "Toronto Star" and the CBC.

    Armine Yalnizyan.


    * D. Canadiana: A Year Ending in 0

    D1. In a certain year ending in 0, Britain ceded control of
    the Arctic Archipelago to Canada, and Edward (Ned) Hanlan
    became the first Canadian world champion in any sport,
    which, of course, was rowing. What year was it?

    1880. 4 for Stephen. 3 for Joshua.

    D2. In another year ending in 0, the oldest Canadian company
    still existing was founded. Its original name was rather
    long and included the words "Adventurers of England". If you
    go to what is now the company's main building in Toronto,
    you will see several signs mentioning the date of founding.
    What year was it?

    1670. 4 for Stephen.

    ("The Governor and Company of Adventurers of England Trading into
    Hudson's Bay.") See: http://i0.wp.com/www.mp.photo/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/E830E30A-5B85-4CDB-9965-4BE9EBEBD1C8_1_201_a.jpeg


    * E. British Historians

    In each case, name them.

    E1. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/hist-E1.jpg

    This Briton, born in 1948, spent most of his career at New
    York University. He was known for his writings on modern
    European history, including "Postwar", concerning Europe
    after 1945. He died of ALS in 2010.

    Tony Judt ["jut"].

    E2. See: http://www.vex.net/~msb/tmp/gfr8/hist-E2.jpg

    This British historian trained in medieval history, but in
    the 1970s turned his attention toward Nazi Germany, and is
    now known particularly for his biographies of Adolf Hitler.
    He promoted the "working toward the F�hrer" concept, which
    suggested that, rather than by direct orders from the top,
    the Third Reich operated mostly by officials implementing
    policies that the leader would approve of.

    Ian Kershaw. 3 for Stephen.


    * F. Colonial Powers

    F1. In Africa, which country colonized what are now Benin
    and Mali?

    France. 4 for everyone -- Joshua, Erland, Dan Tilque, Dan Blum,
    Pete, and Stephen.

    F2. Which country colonized what is now Angola, in Africa,
    as well as Macau, which is now part of China?

    Portugal. 4 for everyone.


    Scores, if there are no errors:

    FINAL ROUNDS-> 2 3 4 6 7 8 BEST
    TOPICS-> Geo Mis Spo Sci Lit His FOUR
    Stephen Perry 44 48 43 36 48 39 183
    Dan Blum 36 24 7 24 40 16 124
    Joshua Kreitzer 30 32 16 28 30 27 120
    Dan Tilque 24 20 8 28 24 20 96
    Erland Sommarskog 24 16 0 23 8 16 79
    Pete Gayde 28 23 -- -- 12 10 73

    --
    Mark Brader, Toronto, [email protected] | "...but I could be wromg." --Rodney Boyd

    My text in this article is in the public domain.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Erland Sommarskog@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Wed Feb 7 21:03:53 2024
    Mark Brader ([email protected]) writes:
    Edward (the Confessor, 1042-66; the Martyr, 975-78; the Elder,
    899-924),

    So with Roman numerals, the latter would be Edward -III?

    Anyone knows about the funny numbering of the Edwards? Was 1066 a
    total reset?

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Dan Blum@21:1/5 to Erland Sommarskog on Wed Feb 7 22:28:43 2024
    Erland Sommarskog <[email protected]> wrote:
    Mark Brader ([email protected]) writes:
    Edward (the Confessor, 1042-66; the Martyr, 975-78; the Elder,
    899-924),

    So with Roman numerals, the latter would be Edward -III?

    Anyone knows about the funny numbering of the Edwards? Was 1066 a
    total reset?

    Yes. The Normans were like that.

    --
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Dan Blum [email protected]
    "I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't just made it up."

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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