A Geographical Common Bond Trivia Quiz

Answer: Marilyn Monroe

Monroe's tragic death at the age of 36 can still spark discussion, as can her rendition of "Happy Birthday" for John F. Kennedy. Her films include "The Seven Year Itch", "Some Like It Hot" and "Bus Stop". Michelle Williams was Oscar-nominated for her portrayal of Monroe in 2011's "My Week with Marilyn".

Answer: Wallenda

Karl Wallenda died at the age of 73 whilst attempting to walk a wire strung between two towers of a hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was not the first tragedy suffered by the Flying Wallendas, who had lost two members killed in 1962 when their seven-chair pyramid collapsed during a performance, as well as others in separate incidents.

Answer: Hydroelectric power

Dams like the Aswan Dam in Egypt and the Three Gorges Dam in China have necessitated the relocation of the temples of Abu Simbel, in Egypt and of large numbers of people in China. The up-side is the electric power that has been provided for millions in both countries.

Answer: Whirlpool

The movie "Whirlpool" also starred Richard Conte and Jose Ferrer, and was directed by Otto Preminger. The plot involved a hypnotised woman who may or may not have committed murder.

Answer: Horseshoe

The job of a farrier is to care for horses' feet, including fashioning and replacing horseshoes as necessary. Qualifications for the position are more stringent in the United Kingdom than in many other countries.

Answer: American

Kelly was "An American in Paris" in the 1951 movie that included some quite wonderful dance routines. The American Plan for guests includes three meals, unlike the Continental Plan which calls for a light breakfast only. In major league baseball, the American League started using the designated hitter, who bats in place of the pitcher, in 1973.

Answer: Bridal veil

At least one source offers this explanation for the wearing of a veil by brides, calling to mind the days when men abducted women to be their mates. More often one associates this piece of apparel with purity or the desire of the bride to hide her face from the groom, whether for practical or superstitious reasons, until they are wed.

Answer: Tussaud

Narrowly surviving the reign of terror in France, Marie was given the job of making death masks of victims of the guillotine. She had learned wax modelling from her uncle, Philippe Curtius, and later inherited his collection of wax figures. The wax museum she founded in London, England remained in the family for several generations.

Answer: Casino

In the original film, starring Frank Sinatra and members of his Rat Pack, the plan involved five casinos. George Clooney and his gang in 2001 planned on robbing three of these gambling houses. To tell much more would spoil the fun if you have yet to see the movies.

Answer: Niagara Falls

You can hear the noise of Niagara Falls for quite some time before it comes into view. If you have never been there, I can recommend the experience.

Here is how the clues should have helped you:

Q1 Miss Monroe starred in the 1953 movie "Niagara" set in that city.
Q2 In June 2012, Nik Wallenda, great-grandson of Karl, crossed Niagara Falls at its widest point from the US side to Canada on a wire two inches in diameter.
Q3 The Falls are a major source of hydroelectric power.
Q4 The Whirlpool is downstream from the Falls in the Niagara Gorge. Cable car excursions over the whirlpool and jet boat trips through it are available for those who are brave enough.
Q5, 6 and 7 The three distinct portions of Niagara Falls are the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and the American and Bridal Veil Falls on the US side.
Q8 and Q9 The attractions that are available for visitors include Louis Tussaud's Waxworks, part of a chain bearing the name of a grandson of Marie's, and a casino with a view of the Falls.

Taken altogether, the clues point to Niagara Falls.