Average General Trivia: Paint it Black | 10 Questions

Answer: Bubonic plague

Londoners called the terrible plague the Black Death because the buboes, the lumps that formed on the victims' bodies, were black in colour and death was the almost inevitable consequence. We do not know how many died but it has been estimated that there were around 100,000 casualties.

Answer: Yalta

The Yalta Conference was held to determine the future of the war and to make plans for the post-war world. Churchill was very suspicious of Stalin, but Roosevelt, in spite of the unfavourable report from the US ambassador regarding Stalin, was prepared to accept that the Russian head of state would act honourably.

Although a list of agreements was reached Russia did not uphold its promises which ultimately led to the Cold War.

Answer: Meet Joe Black

Although Brad Pitt is listed as the star of this film it is Anthony Hopkins who turns in the best performance as the man, William Parrish, who agrees to act as a guide to Death, who is taking a brief holiday from his never-ending task of guiding the dead from this life.

It becomes a romance when Joe Black, the name Death has taken, falls in love with William's daughter, Susan, and there is some suspense as we wonder who Death will take with him when he leaves.

Answer: The Black Dahlia

Elizabeth Short was a young woman who, like so many others, went to Hollywood seeking fame and fortune but most of the work she did get was waiting on tables. She was very striking looking and had many men friends. This became a very famous case, partly because such a gruesome crime had happened to such an attractive young woman and partly because it happened just five miles from Hollywood Boulevard.

It was front page news for many weeks. There have been over a dozen books written about it and the case has been included in many more 'true crime' anthologies.

A film "The Black Dahlia" was made in 2006, based on the eponymous 1987 book by James Ellroy. In spite of the best efforts of the LAPD the case remains unsolved.

Answer: Blood

Black pudding, actually a long sausage, is a customary part of a full English breakfast. It is typically made of pigs' blood, onions, pork fat, oatmeal and flavourings. It is an ancient dish and Homer's Odyssey mentions a meal made from pigs' blood and fat, roasted in the animal's stomach.

In Northern England there is a festival dedicated to it, and at Ramsbottom, near Manchester, each year there is a black pudding throwing competition.

Answer: Pearl Jam

The lyrics of "Black", the fifth song on Pearl Jam's debut album, were written by Eddie Vedder, the band's vocalist and the music was composed by guitarist Stone Gossard. The record company wanted to release it as a single but the group refused because of its personal nature. It is about a man remembering a lost love.

Answer: Coco Chanel

In the 1920s the style of women's clothes changed dramatically and at the vanguard of this fashion revolution was Coco Chanel. She designed outfits that were not only stylish but comfortable. She liked to work with neutral colors and soft easy-to-wear jersey fabrics that were simple in shape and cut.

It was during this time that she introduced the little black dress, a sleeveless sheath which ended just above the knee. This simple, classic style has remained a favourite to this day

Answer: 200 metres

At the Mexican Olympics, Tommie Smith and John Carlos shocked the sporting world by their apparently blatant political gesture as they stood on the dais after receiving their gold and bronze medals for the 200 metre race. As the 'Stars and Stripes' was played they bowed their heads and raised their fists.

Their intention was to bring attention to the civil rights movement and to encourage black pride. To the American public it was seen as disrespectful to the US anthem and giving encouragement to the Black Panther organisation.

The men were barred from competing in the relay and expelled from the Olympic Village.

Answer: It is written in the first person

Anna Sewell (1820-1878) was brought up as a Quaker and was always taught to be caring towards others. Towards the end of her life she decided to write a book to encourage the better treatment of horses. To give it more immediacy she wrote it from the horse's point of view. It sold very well and became a children's classic.

Answer: Penny Black

The first adhesive postage stamp, used in a public postage system, was issued by the British Government in May, 1840. It was an innovation to have the sender prepay for postage; previously it was the recipient who paid the cost of delivery.