A Strange Bunch Trivia Quiz

Answer: iMac

The iMac saw many changes, not least the switch from the "Macintosh" name to the shorter "Mac" with which so many products are now associated. In less than six months, the iMac G3 sold over 800,000 units giving Apple an annual profit of over $300 million.

The iMac was also the first Macintosh product to have USB drives and a CD-ROM drive replaced the floppy disk drive which until then had been standard. It was discontinued in 2003, following the release of the iMac G4 a year earlier.

Answer: Headstones

Headstones formed in Kingston, Ontario in the 80s and after years of touring bars and clubs, landed a record deal in 1993, releasing their debut album, "Picture of Health" the same year. Never getting the recognition they deserved, the band split in 2003, but reformed in 2011 for a mini tour and ten years after the split released a new album, "Love + Fury" in 2013, which gave them their first Canadian top ten album.

Answer: Bilbo

Bilbo Baggins, hobbit and much loved protagonist of "The Hobbit" is associated with courage, compassion and cleverness as well as humility, although he is not afraid to speak his mind when the situation calls for it. He is a hobbit of routine, which is why his great adventure was such a shock to both himself and his neighbours in The Shire.

Answer: Hermit

Interestingly, the hermit crab is not a solitary creature, often living in colonies numbering over 100. It will usually use abandoned sea snail shells as its house as these give good protection for the rather soft body, while also providing moisture for the gills. Hermit crabs will eat almost anything, fish, fruit, tree bark, meat and leaves are all acceptable.

The gaudy clown crab can be found in Gulf of Mexico and takes its name from the shell colouring of bright orange with blue dots and patches of cream. The shame faced crab can be found worldwide in tropical waters and gets its name from its trait of holding its large claws in front of the face for camouflage, giving the look of being ashamed of something.

Answer: Humboldt Squid

The Humboldt Squid, also known as the Giant Squid, is usually found in the Humboldt Current off the west coast of South America, although it can also be found off the coasts of California, Alaska, Washington and Oregon too, but in smaller numbers. Most of its aggression is directed at prey, and it is thought (hoped?) that the attacks on fishermen are purely cases of mistaken identity.

The Humboldt is one of the few creatures that will eat members of their own group or shoal if food supplies are low.

While many squid (and other animals) will eat other types, cannibalism of their own species is not usual, unless you're a Humboldt.

Answer: Lenny Bruce

Lenny Bruce was a phenomenal comedic talent, who due to his desire to push the boundaries is quite difficult to write about on FT. He was arrested for obscenity in 1961, and was acquitted by jury. In 1962, after appearing in London, he was barred from UK as an "undesirable alien" and he was again arrested for obscenity in 1963 although the charges were eventually dismissed.

In 1964, he was twice arrested for obscenity, found guilty and sentenced to four months in a workhouse. He was freed on bail to prepare his appeal, but died of a drug overdose before his appeal could be heard.

Answer: Your Lordship

The UK peerage can be a confusing place, a minefield of titular explosives for us commoners. A duke would addressed as "Your Grace", but a viscount, along with a marquess, an earl and a baron would be addressed as "Your Lordship". Then there are certain members of the judiciary which are addressed as "My Lord", as well as some clergy members, although senior clergy are addressed as "Your Grace". Hopefully that's clear now!

Answer: Rose

Technically, a thorn is derived from the shoot of a plant, such as those on a citrus bush, whereas the thorns on a rose plant are an extension of the plant's cortex and are therefore prickles, not thorns. I guess "Every Rose Has Its Prickle" just wasn't catchy enough for this 1988 song which was Poison's biggest hit.

Answer: The Giant Brain

ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was made to compute artillery firing tables for the United States Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory and in just 30 seconds could calculate a trajectory that had previously taken a human over 20 hours.

It was also used for hydrogen bomb calculations by Los Alamos. Following its decommission in 1955, various components of ENIAC are now on display in several museums throughout USA.

Answer: Barbie

Yep Barbie has certainly led a full life. In addition to her extensive pet collection, she has owned many vehicles, with hot pink Corvette convertibles being a particular favourite and she has had many jobs, including NASCAR driver, helicopter pilot, astronaut and fully qualified doctor! Although she has been with Ken for years, they did split up in 2004, during which time she got very friendly with Blaine, a blonde Australian surfer dude. Thankfully she and Ken reunited in 2006, following his makeover and facelift!