Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


The one word in the English language that can be made plural by adding a “c,” and doing nothing else, is “die,” the singular form of the word, “dice.”

Today's Question:

Name the oldest federal non-military law enforcement agency in the United States.

I would guess it is something that is not normally viewed as law-enforcement such as the post office.

(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December, 31, 2011; http://www.dailywritingtips.com/one-die-two-dice/; http://interactive.usc.edu; www.ottoladensack.blogspot.com, www.pladensack.blogspot.com)

Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


Tanzania (officially the United Republic of Tanzania) was formed by the union of the countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

Today's Question:


Only one word in English is made plural by inserting a "c" and doing nothing else. Give the singular form of this word.

I don't know this but am very interested to see what the answer will be.


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 30, 2011; http://atlas.mapquest.com/country/Tanzania/?flv=1; http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Tanzania; http://www.mapsofworld.com/tanzania/; www.ottoladensack.blogspot.com; www.pladensack.blogspot.com)

Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


The book of the Old Testament that is the fewest pages in length is "Obadiah."

Today's Question:


Tanzania was formed by the union of what two countries?

(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 29, 2011; http://www.behindthename.com/glossary/view/old_testament; http://bible.org/seriespage/obadiah; http://static.artbible.info; https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tz.html; www.ottoladensack.blogspot.com; www.pladensack.blogspot.com)

Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


Pablo Picasso painted "Guernica."

Today's Question:


Which book of the Old Testament is the fewest pages in length?


Search me. (That's an odd expression)

(Sources: America Mensa, email transmission, December 28, 2011; http://www.pablopicasso.org/; http://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/a_nav/guernica_nav/main_guerfrm.html; www.artnewsblog.com; http://www.americanidioms.net/search-me/; www.ottoladensack.blogspot.com; www.patricia--ladensack.blogspot.com)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


As bovine is to cow, ovine is to sheep.


Today's Question:


Who painted "Guernica?"

I saw the answer while getting the above image but did not know it beforehand.


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 27, 2011; http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bovine; http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ovine; www.artnewsblog.com; www.ottoladensack.blogspot.com; www.patricia--ladensack.blogspot.com)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


Czarnina is a polish soup that contains duck blood.

("Czarny," is polish for "black" which refrences the soup's typically dark color.)

Today's Question:


As "bovine" denotes a cow, what denotes a sheep.

I don't know this one.


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 26, 2011; http://www.soupsong.com/rczarnin.html; buffalofood.blogspot.com; http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bovine; http://www.flickr.com/photos/otto_ladensack/sets/72157627554614898/; www.patricia--ladensack.blogspot.com)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


This Shakespearean quote, “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, (blank),” ends with the name, “Horatio.”

Today's Question:


Czarnina is a Polish soup with a very unusual ingredient. What is it?


I don't know this one, I could quip but's it's too obvious.

(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 25, 2011; http://shakespeare.mit.edu/; http://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/views/plays/characters/charlines.php?CharID=horatio&WorkID=hamlet; www.lukewyatt.us; http://ottoladensack.blogspot.com/; www.patricia--ladensack.blogspot.com)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer:


The Spanish Civil War gave rise to the term "fifth columnists."

Today's Question:


Fill in the one word in this Shakespearean quotation exactly as it originally appeared: "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, ____________."


The word "well" popped into my head but I think it's probably due to the context rather than vague recollection.

(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 24, 2011; http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/Spanish-Civil-War.htm; http://www.thefreedictionary.com/fifth+columnist; http://longstreet.typepad.com/; http://shakespeare.mit.edu/; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH6vjCAkoVs; http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricia_ladensack)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:

The metals silver, cadmium, and copper can be used to make green gold.

Today's Question:

Which war gave rise to the term "fifth columnists."

I don't know.

(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 23, 2011; http://chemistry.about.com/od/jewelrychemistry/a/goldalloys.htm; www.indiamart.com)

Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


Lisbon, Portugal is the westernmost, mainland capital city in Europe.

I must've been careless yesterday as I looked to Scandinavia thinking I'd read "northernmost." :)

Today's Question:


In making jewelry, certain metals are mixed with gold to give it another tint. What metals are added to produce green gold? (three possible answers)

I don't know this one with any certainty and hadn't heard of green gold but I would guess one possible metal would be copper as it is green in certain states (as ore and I believe when oxidized).

(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 22, 2011; http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/343243/Lisbon; http://geography.about.com/od/europemaps/tp/scandinavia.htm; http://thebesttraveldestinations.com)

Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


The U.S. English term “sausages” is the translation for the British English term "bangers."

The common British dish, "bangers and mash."

Today's Question:
Which is the westernmost mainland European capital city?


I have to imagine the answer is Scandanavian; I'd go with Oslo, Norway.


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 21, 2011; http://britishfood.about.com/od/introtobritishfood/a/suasages.htm; http://static.flickr.com/1/125099787_c13a245328.jpg; eatzybitzy.blogspot.com; http://scandinavianow.com/; http://www.weddingineurope.net; http://ottoladensack.blogspot.com/2011/12/get-money-out-of-politics.html; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrFM_140pKg)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


The full name of the fictional doctor who begins his reminiscences thusly: "In the year 1878 I took my degree of Doctor of Medicine of the University of London, and proceeded to Netley to go through the course prescribed for surgeons in the army. Having completed my studies there, I was duly attached to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers as Assistant Surgeon," was Dr. John H. Watson. (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Today's Question:


Give the U.S. English translation of the British English term "bangers."


I am fairly sure "bangers" are sausage.


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 20, 2011; http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/637629/Dr-Watson; http://www.sherlockholmesonline.org/; www.thefamouspeople.com; http://ottoladensack.blogspot.com/2011/12/get-money-out-of-politics.html; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u56qq_C_hUw)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


Congreve wrote "Music has charms to soothe a savage breast."

I guess Bugs Bunny wasn't a plagiarist.

Today's Question:


Give the full name of the fictional doctor who begins his reminiscences thusly: "In the year 1878 I took my degree of Doctor of Medicine of the University of London, and proceeded to Netley to go through the course prescribed for surgeons in the army. Having completed my studies there, I was duly attached to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers as Assistant Surgeon."


This definitely sounds likes Sherlock Holmes ' cohort, Dr. John H. Watson. He was a medical doctor that served in the military in India in the late 1800s. I don't recall reading he was with the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers but I believe Watson is the answer they're after.

(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 19, 2011; http://www.online-literature.com/congreve/; http://www.thefreedictionary.com/plagiarist; quotationsbook.com; http://uk.ask.com/question/what-is-a-fusilier; http://www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk/home.htm; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u56qq_C_hUw; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrFM_140pKg)

Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


Mohammed died in the 7th century, in the year 632.

Today's Question:


Fill in the one word in the quotation exactly as it originally appeared: "Music has charms to soothe a savage ____________." (Congreve)



Well if Bugs Bunny was being accurate the answer is "beast."


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, email transmission, December 18, 2011; http://www.jihadwatch.org/2009/08/british-author-calls-muhammad-schizophrenic-cleric-says-people-dont-seem-to-understand-the-consequen.html; http://dearlavender.blogspot.com; http://www.online-literature.com/congreve/; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qxhLStdrn8; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u56qq_C_hUw; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG55dzJf8mc)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:

It was Leo Tolstoy who noted, "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."

Today's Question:


Identify the century in which the death of Mohammed occurred.


I don't know this one. I know he was born in the 6th century but do not know if he died in that century or the next.

(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 17, 2011; http://www.online-literature.com/tolstoy/; http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/27719.html; www.telegraph.co.uk; http://www.youtube.com/user/OttoLadensack?feature=mhee; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG55dzJf8mc)

Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


"The Merry Wives of Windsor" and "Timon of Athens" are two of the four Shakespearean plays with cities in their titles--besides the previously mentioned “Merchant of Venice” and “Two Men of Verona.”

Today's Question:


Name the Russian author who noted, "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."


I've seen this quote in a self-help book before; I'm pretty sure it was Tolstoy.

(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 16, 2011; http://shakespeare.mit.edu/; http://www.william-shakespeare.info/shakespeare-play-the-merry-wives-of-windsor.htm; http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/timonofathens/; http://www.online-literature.com/tolstoy/)

Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


The operas "Thais" and "Aida" set are both set in Egypt.

Aida

Thais

Today's Question:
"The Merchant of Venice" and "Two Gentlemen of Verona" are two of four Shakespearean plays with cities in their titles. Name the cities in the titles of the other two plays.


I can't even think of one.


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 15, 2011; https://www.google.com/#hl=en&cp=5&gs_id=k&xhr=t&q=thais&tok=MvCJBHGryaj9_nIoZVPGjQ&pf=p&sclient=psyab&site=&source=hp&pbx=1&oq=thais&aq=0&aqi=g4&aql=&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&fp=c926c362c28586a4&biw=1112&bih=526; https://www.google.com/#hl=en&cp=4&gs_id=1g&xhr=t&q=aida&tok=MvCJBHGryaj9_nIoZVPGjQ&pq=thais&pf=p&sclient=psyab&source=hp&pbx=1&oq=aida&aq=0&aqi=g4&aql=&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&fp=c926c362c28586a4&biw=1112&bih=526; https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/eg.html; http://1.bp.blogspot.com; 365thingsaustin.com)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


The last name of the Renaissance poet Dante was Alighieri.

Today's Question:


In which country are the operas "Thais" and "Aida" set?


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 14, 2011; http://www.learner.org/interactives/renaissance/; http://www.greatdante.net/; http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Dante_Alighieri_Rosario.jpg)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


Bolivia and Paraguay are the only two landlocked countries in South America.

Today's Question:

What was the last name of Renaissance poet Dante?

I don't know this answer; as with Michelangelo Buonarroti I always thought the first name was the surname.


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 13; http://atlas.mapquest.com/country/Bolivia/?flv=1; http://www.embassyworld.com/maps/Maps_Of_Paraguay.html; www.vanderbilt.edu; http://www.empire.k12.ca.us/capistrano/Mike/capmusic/renaissance/renaissa.htm)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


Henri Rousseau painted "The Sleeping Gypsy." (I must admit I wasn't familiar with Rousseau but thought "The Sleeping Gypsy" was reminiscent of Dali in color-contrast and style and was a bit amused to see he also has a somewhat prominent mustache). Some girls find mustaches very uncomfortable but I digress : )~

Today's Question:
Name the two landlocked countries of South America.


Well I could name all 13 countries (Thanks to Mr. Bernazza) but can't fully picture the layout. I believe the answer is Paraguay and Bolivia.

(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 12, 2011; http://www.henrirousseau.org/; http://www.billzart.net/display.php?work=6; http://thedali.org/; http://www.thefreedictionary.com/digress; http://www.midhudsoncentral.com/site/index.cfm?;newsid=537660&BRD=1770&PAG=461&dept_id=100644&rfi=8; http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/samer/outlinemap/map.GIF)


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Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


The capital of Jordan is Amman.

Today's Question:


Who painted "The Sleeping Gypsy?"

I don't know who did this; it's interesting though.


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 12, 2011; https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/jo.html; http://www.mzv.cz/public/19/cd/2e/459907_331133_amman.JPG; www.art-wallpaper.com)

Compiled by Otto Ladensack with Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:

Maudlin is the "sentimental" (as in effusive) word we derived from the name Magdalene.


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Click on Picture for a better explanation.

Today's Question:


What is the capital of Jordan?


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmision, December 10, 2011; http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maudlin; http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effusive; http://wordsmith.org/words/maudlin.html; http://www.gomideast.com/pic/jordan/misc/amman_panorama.jpg)


Compiled Otto Ladensack and Patricia Ladensack explanation.

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


The Sergio Leone movie, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," was titled "ri Buono, al Brutto il Cattivo," when it was released in Italy.

Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, Eli Wallach

Today's Question:


What "sentimental" word do we derive from the name Magdalene?


This is an interesting "stumper." I wonder if they may mean "magic."


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 8, 2011; http://www.fistful-of-leone.com/; http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060196/; http://translate.google.com/#it|en|; http://www.bleedingcool.com; http://www.magdalene.org/)


Compiled by Otto Ladensack with help from Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


The Gutenberg Bible was written in Latin.

Today's Question:
When this film was released in Italy, it was titled "ri Buono, al Brutto il Cattivo." By what title do we know this Sergio Leone "spaghetti western"?


I do not know what a spaghetti western is yet (I will in a few minutes) but considering that as Romance Languages go, "Buono" sounds like good, and "Brutto" has connotations of brutal or bad in English, I would guess that "Cattivo" means ugly. I don't know why the definite articles (the) would change so much but also don't know Italian well at all; therefore I would guess the answer is: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 8, 2011; http://molcat1.bl.uk/treasures/gutenberg/search.asp; http://www.freedict.com/onldict/lat.html; http://whatintheword.nlpgblogs.com/files/2011/03/gutenberg.jpg; http://www.sergioleone.com/; http://website.lineone.net/~braithwaitej/mainsite/overview/definition/definition.htm; http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/508379/Romance-languages; http://translate.google.com/#en|it|)


Compiled by Otto and Patricia Ladensack

Yesterday's Answer, Today's Question

Yesterday's Answer:


Hypokalemia is the scientific term for a deficiency of potassium in your body.

Today's Question:

In which language is the Gutenberg Bible written?


Johannes Gutenberg was a German Catholic which leads me to believe it was printed in either German or Latin--I will have to go with German on this one.


(Sources: American Mensa, email transmission, December 7th, 2011; http://www.hypokalemia.net/; http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/k.html; www.scielo.br;http://inventors.about.com/od/gstartinventors/a/Gutenberg.htm)


Compiled by Otto and Patricia Ladensack