General Knowledge Quiz 429

Questions

1. Dr Robert Atkins, (1930-2003), who died weighing 260lbs, was noted for what eponymous conception?

2. What naturally occurring and dangerous material is commonly represented by the formula Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4?

3. What famous detective/crime writer was the first goalkeeper and a founder of Portsmouth United Football Club?

4. What modern convenient foodstuff takes its name from the Latin meaning 'salted (and preserved meat)'?

5. Modern DNA studies show that the first migrants to the North American continent were?

   1. Asians
   2. Europeans
   3. South Americans
   4. Africans

6. In what modern country did the ancient Sumer or Sumerian civilisation develop and flourish?

7. Technically the potato is a?

   1. Tuber
   2. Root
   3. Stem
   4. Fruit

8. What does 'swaddling' mean?

   1. Wrapping in cloth
   2. Covering in oil
   3. Soaking in milk
   4. Protecting with straw

9. Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC), was better known as what hugely influential organization, notably in the colonial exploitation of Asia?

10. What ingredient, used cleverly very sparingly by the Romans, largely determines durability of concrete?

11. What biscuit was created to celebrate the visit of a founding father of modern Italy to London in 1864?

12. What controversial levy was introduced in the UK in 1989-90, replaced after prolonged protests by the Council Tax?

13. What Canadian city was named by explorer Jacques Cartier, meaning originally 'Royal Mount'?

14. What car company was set up by Colin Chapman in 1952, subsequently succeeding in F1 racing?

15. What drug company developed Viagra?

16. Roughly how long did the Pony Express service operate in the USA?

    1. 1 year
    2. 5 years
    3. 10 years
    4. 20 years

17. What drink brand was first to be offered with a foam producing 'widget' in the can?

18. In 1971 the Russian-built Salyut 1 became the first what?

19. Spell the medical term?

    1. Cortorize
    2. Quarterize
    3. Cauterize
    4. Quortorize

20. The natural effect causing paint to rise up the hairs of a paintbrush, and liquid to rise up a narrow tube is called (what) action?