Miscellaneous Madness VII Trivia Quiz

Answer: Abucatl

It is said that Montezuma served the avocado to Cortez. The Aztecs call it "abucatl" which was their word for testicles---not because they resembled testicles but because they believed the avocado caused sexual passion. The French also believed that the avocado was an aphrodisiac. Whether this is true or not, it is an important meat substitute in parts of the world and in other parts, it becomes a dessert. Go figure!

Answer: 5 iron

The mashie may have taken its name from how novice golfers "mashed" a ball with it. The club was introduced to the sport in 1888. A little story---a true story---I hope you don't mind a little irreverence in fun. Lee Trevino was heading to the 16th green when a thunder storm complete with lightning raced over the golf course. Everyone ran for cover (NEVER under a tree!) except Lee who held up his 1 iron to the sky. People yelled at him to get out of the fairway and he replied, "I'm safe---even God can't hit a 1 iron!"

Answer: An agreement signed by those on the Mayflower

The Mayflower Compact was signed by 51 adult passengers of the Mayflower. They all agreed that they would stay together when they landed, choose their leaders and abide by the majority rule. The Mayflower Compact was one of the beginnings of the American democracy.

Answer: Wild Pigs

Captain James Cook introduced the domesticated pig to New Zealand. Many of them escaped and turned wild (as pigs will do). Naturally, they multiplied and when they became a nuisance, the settlers began calling them "captain cooks".

Answer: Give me a Coca Cola

Still somewhat prevalent in the southern US, "dope" is the slang word for Coca Cola. This slang dates back to the late 1800's when the soft drink was thought of as a "tonic" and was said to have contained tiny amounts of cocaine.

Answer: false

Not only does lightning strike twice in the same place, it is more likely to strike in the same place. As an example, if it is a tree that has been struck, it is the most attractive place in the area to lightning. Lightning kills about 150 people a year in the United States----but thankfully, not Lee Trevino.

Answer: California

These colorful names were Californian goldfields. The first US goldrush occurred in north Georgia and there is a dome in Atlanta coated with the stuff. The goldminers were a tough breed. Some struck it rich but the vast majority of them used the expression of the day that meant defeat. "I have seen the elephant." Many went home and many started businesses in California.

A humorous Western song was written by one of these goldminers. "The miners came in '49. The whores in '51. And when they got together---they produced the native son."

Answer: 206

More than one half of your 206 bones are found in your hands and feet.

Answer: True

By "popular demand", later versions of this kiddie tale allows the little girl's life to be spared.

Answer: Her younger brother

Cleopatra was only 38 when she met the asp. At the age of 17, she married a younger brother. It is said that she married two younger brothers. She lived openly in Rome with Julius Caesar after having poisoned her husband. Caesar was assassinated and Cleo left with their son, Caesarion and went home to Egypt. Mark Antony came along, fell madly in love with our "Lady Cleo" and even gave up his wife for her.

She had three sons by Antony who lived but Caesarion was put to death.