Cutting Edges Trivia Quiz

Answer: Cutlass

Malik24 informs us that the trusty cutlass is said to derive from 'coutelas', a French machete-like blade, which itself derived from 'couteau', a French knife. It was favoured in naval battles because it was sturdy enough to cut rope and yet nimble enough to use at close quarters. In the movie series 'Pirates of the Caribbean', they really didn't seem to utilise these swords to their best abilities - they hardly ever seemed to draw blood! Perhaps they just weren't proper pirates after all...

Answer: Sheryl Crow

Tazman6619 sharply notes that Sheryl released "The First Cut Is the Deepest" as the first of two singles used to promote her compilation album "The Very Best of Sheryl Crow". The song had wide appeal and crossed-over onto many different charts. Chart success:
Number/chart
1 - US Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart
13 - Irish Singles chart
14 - US Billboard Hot 100
19 - New Zealand RIANZ Charts
31 - Austrian Singles Chart
35 - US Billboard Country Songs chart
37 - UK Singles Chart
Sheryl's version was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Answer: Blade

Let pollucci19 slash any doubts you might have - Created by Marv Wolfman (appropriate name), Blade made his first appearance in "Tomb of Dracula #10" in July 1973. In this edition he is seen sporting an Afro hairdo, wearing his trademark leather coat and wielding knives made of teak. Blade's mother, Tara, a prostitute, develops complications during Blade's birth and the doctor that comes to her aid is Deacon Frost, a vampire.

He feasts on Tara which leads to her death but not that of the child. In the process of feeding on Tara some of the vampire's enzymes make their way into the baby's bloodstream. Blade is born with semi-vampiric powers, such as a longer lifespan and the power to sense supernatural beings, and a deep resentment toward vampires.

Answer: Meg Ryan & Mark Ruffalo

Malik24 edges in that 'In the Cut' was produced by Nicole Kidman and Jane Campion, and this was, in fact, Nicole Kidman's producing debut. 'In the Cut' was based on a novel of the same name by Susanna Moore, and it was, sadly, not too-well received by critics in general (although, I always barrack for the underdog, myself.). On the plus side, it made more in the box office than it cost ($12,000,000).

Answer: Final Fantasy VII

Malik24 imparts that the 'Final Fantasy' series is the gift that just keeps giving us sharp titles. Although, some might argue the sharpness has dulled in some of the later editions - nevertheless, 'Final Fantasy VII' was one of the most popular amongst fans of the series, and is an RPG set in a stylish world which features a conflict of technological and natural themes, with a villain pulling the strings from afar.

The Buster Sword is Cloud Strife's (the main character) signature weapon. He obtained this weapon from a friend in difficult circumstances, and always keeps the weapon with him, despite obtaining better ones within the game.

Answer: Boat

Malik24 cuts the tension, notifying us that a cutter is a small-medium sized sailboat often used by those who exert authority, for example coastal guards. A cutter can also be used to ferry passengers from a larger boat to the land. Variations of the cutter include the pulling cutter, the pilot cutter and even a rowing cutter.

Answer: Political and social issues

Malik24 cuts to the chase, telling us that 'Cutting Edge' broadcast several one-off documentaries which focused on both joyous and sad stories. One sad case included the coverage of Katie Piper (2009), a burns victim which featured the inspirational story of a young woman who had been attacked with acid and still stood up and stood proud. A documentary on 'My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding' also spawned a popular new series of the same name, following gypsy and traveller brides as they plan their wedding days (often with impractically huge dresses).

Answer: At the position of greatest advantage or advancement

Malik24 cuts in, stating that 'cutting edge' is also synonymous with 'state of the art' - the highest point of development or achievement, particularly technologically, achieved at any one time. For example, "That company's mobile phone technology is cutting edge". Of course, a cutting edge can be the edge of a blade, which would be highly likely to lacerate the skin if applied to its surface, but that is not idiomatic.

Answer: Cuttlefish

Malik24 dices dismay, informing us that the cuttlefish changes colour both to communicate with other cuttlefish and to camouflage themselves from predators. They have sacs of pigments which can be crushed by muscles when necessary - this pigment causes the change in colour perception. Oddly, the cuttlefish has a 'W' shaped pupil, and perhaps ironically cannot see colour despite their ability to change it at will.

The cuttlefish is also said to be one of the most intelligent invertebrates - what a cutting edge fish.

Answer: Vikings

Tazman6619 cuts up a dish of extra facts, informing us that the exact details of the incident are somewhat disputed but the basic story in all accounts is the same. Basically, the Mother Superior is said to have gathered her nuns together when either Viking pirates (or possibly Danish) landed in Scotland. To save her virginity, she cut off her nose and upper lip and encouraged her nuns to do the same. All followed suit and were spared by the pirates who were disgusted by the sight. In some accounts they were then burned to death by the pirates, but in others she survived beyond the incident.

Phrases.org says the phrase has come to mean to "disadvantage yourself in order to do harm to an adversary." Someone very bitter might engage in such behaviour!