Variety is the Spice of Life! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Florida Coast

Manatees, despite their massive bulk are very graceful swimmers and are found in coastal waters from Florida to Brazil. There is a smaller species that live in the Amazon river and another that lives off of the west coast of Africa. Like all mammals they breath air and often the only thing visible from the shore is the nose of the animal.

These gentle giants are endangered and are often hit by motorboats and sometimes become entangled in fishing nets. They are found in warm waters, usually near the coast and very rarely swim very far out to sea.

Answer: Bark

Willow trees are usually seen growing near water as they prefer moist conditions. These beautiful trees live about 30 years and do not require regular pruning. They grow quickly and provide lots of shade. Native American tribes used to chew young twigs of these trees as a natural treatment for various aches and pains.

More recently the salicylic acid contained in the bark of these trees has been used to make aspirin.

Answer: Sweden

Greta Lovisa Gustafsson (Greta Garbo), was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1905. She was one of the most popular actresses during Hollywood's silent and classic periods. Despite her public image as an exotic beauty, Garbo was an intensely private woman who had no problem separating her real self from her public persona.

She was one of the few actresses who was successfully able to transition from the silent film age to the "talkies". The public found her accent and exotic looks to be mesmerizing.

Answer: Asterism

Asterism is an optical phenomenon found in some gemstones that disperses reflected light in the shape of a star. It is common in rubies and sapphires, but is found in other gemstones. The gem must be cut in a rounded cabochon for this effect to be displayed and it usually, but not always, has six arms.

Answer: Trees

Dr. Seuss often said in public that "The Lorax" was his personal favorite of the books he had written. This fable attempts to teach children the importance of ecology. His character attempts to save the trees from money-hungry corporations who are not interested in the damage they are causing when they cut down trees without regard to conservation issues.

Answer: Spinel

The Black Prince's Ruby is actually a glowing, uncut, red spinel. It has been owned by the British Royals since 1367. It was named after the 'Black Prince', Edward of Woodstock. It is one of the oldest gemstones in the collection of the British Crown Jewels. It sits in the front of the Imperial State Crown.

Answer: Vladivostok

Located in extreme southeastern Russia, Vladivostok is the largest port city on the Pacific ocean as well as the capital city of the Primorsky Territory. Its location in the extreme south of the Russian Far East has led to its role as a major shipping port and headquarters for the Russian Pacific Navy Fleet.

This city is the eastern terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railroad as well as being the cultural center of eastern Russia. Set against beautiful mountains this city is home to theaters, orchestras, and museums.

It is a secret gem of a city for those looking for a unique place to visit.

Answer: Shuriken

The shuriken, which roughly translates into "blade hidden in the hand" was a throwing weapon often used as a supplemental weapon to the katana (sword). Used for centuries, these sharp, bladed weapons were usually thrown, but were sometimes used as a stabbing weapon. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and were extremely effective in slowing down the opponent.

Answer: False

A hennin is the name of the high cone-shaped headdress that commonly worn in European court during the 15th century. They usually had a shear scarf hanging from the top. The wearer usually shaved her forehead a couple of inches, as this was thought to accentuate her beauty.

Hennin's did come in a couple of different shapes but the conical one is the most familiar. Pointelle, is a knitting pattern that is often seen in cardigans; it is a type of openwork design.

Answer: False

These beautiful stained glass windows were known as rose windows, not rainbow windows. Alternate names include wheel window and Catherine window. The latter terms originates from St. Catherine of Alexandria who was said to have been executed on a spiked wheel.

The intricate tracery provides the spoke design and holds the glass in place. These windows were usually placed high on the wall, allowing light into the building from above.