Here Comes the Rain Again Trivia Quiz

Answer: Fish

Olneyville is a locality of Providence, Rhode Island. In May, 1900, fish rained down on the area. The theory behind the skies raining animals upon the Earth is usually based on waterspouts or violent winds picking up the animals in their travels. Shortly after, the objects fall to the ground as though raining.

This theory doesn't explain why it's normally only one species of an animal that is picked up. The animals involved usually live in water (e.g. fish and frogs) so the waterspout theory may have some validity.

The animals are usually alive when they hit the ground so the distances travelled should be fairly small as fish can't survive out of water for long periods. There was an instance of frogs raining on a town in Greece. The species of frog involved was native to northern Africa! Other abnormal things to fall to Earth include crabs, periwinkles, squid, blood, baby jellyfish or fish roe, baby alligators (about a 12 in/30 cm long) and corn.

Answer: Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor (1940-2005) was an actor, comedian and writer remembered for movies such as 1989's "See No Evil, Hear No Evil". He passed away in 2005 from multiple sclerosis. His daughter Rain Pryor is now a spokesperson for MS, committed to finding a cure and educating others about MS. She is also an actress and singer, releasing a jazz album called "Rain Pryor Live In London" in 2006.

Answer: The Rainmaker

"The Rainmaker" was Grisham's sixth book with a legal theme. The movie made in 1997 with the same title starred Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes and Jon Voight. Matt Damon played Rudy Baylor, a wet behind the ears lawyer who takes on a medical insurance company. Rudy fights for leukemia treatment in order to save a young boy's life.

The boy's condition is deteriorating and may prove terminal if he doesn't receive treatment. In the mean time, his boss in the legal firm has gone into hiding from the Feds.

Answer: Arabian Desert, Asia

Antarctica and the Arctic region are both deserts as they receive less than 10 inches (25cm) of precipitation per year. Of the nonpolar deserts the Sahara Desert covers a vast 3,320,000 square miles or over 9 million square kms. Second place belongs to the Arabian Desert covering 222,000 square miles on the Arabian Peninsula in south-west Asia. Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman and Iraq all have territory in the Arabian Desert.

Answer: Umbrella

The term bumbershoot seems to be derived from two words. "Bumber" is apparently an alteration of "umbrella" and the "shoot" suffix comes from "parachute". I think it's a great word!

Answer: Silver Cloud

Rolls-Royce made the Silver cloud from 1955 to 1966. It was the model that replaced the Silver Dawn. It was replaced by the Silver Shadow 11 years later. The Silver Cloud I weighed almost two tonnes but could attain a top speed of close to 103mph/165kph. Engine capacity was almost five litres. From 1956 you could have the power steering and air conditioning options.

This could have been your car for around 5,000 British pounds. Cheap at twice the price!

Answer: Black Rain

"Black Rain" was directed by Ridley Scott and co-starred Andy Garcia and Kate Capshaw. The plot is about two New York cops who escort a Japanese gang member back to Japan. Alas, he escapes and the cops try to find him. This entangles them into the Yakuza and they end up playing the Yakuza at their own game.

Answer: Pierre-Auguste Renoir

This painting by Renoir was completed over several years as his artistic style changed over the painting's duration. Dissatisfaction with the initial impressionist style caused Renoir to repaint some of his work with a more traditional style and palette.

Answer: London, UK

The Raindance Film Festival has been held in London since 1992. It shows independent films from the world over. Prizes are awarded in categories such as Best UK Short, Best Documentary and Best Debut Feature.

Answer: Heavy Rain

Developed by Quantic Dream and only for use on the Playstation 3, "Heavy Rain" is the story of Scott Shelby and his search for the Origami Killer. Three other characters (which can be assumed by a player) are entwined in the story. The heavy rain of the title is a central element of the plot rather than just a presence.