Unutterably Silly Quiz

[Fbone]

New World- I would guess Mexico to Brazil


[Edit] Old World- France to Australia

The Dwarf Palm is the northern most palm grower.

[Shayne Parkinson]

You're right about the most northerly. It's the Mediterranean dwarf fan palm, and France is one of the two countries in its most northerly range.

The most southerly one is not in Australia.

2 points to Fbone for country and palm name. Points still available for latitude, for the other country that shares that northern range, and for details of the southernmost palm.

[Fbone]

I remember seeing the Dwarf Palm in southern France. Actually they are found in many places but thought France was the northern most during my travels. Could Italy or Switzerland be the other country?

[Shayne Parkinson]

Italy is indeed the other country. The two northernmost localities, at almost identical latitudes, for this palm are Hyères-les-Palmiers (France) and Capraia (Italy).

Another point for you, Fbone.

[Shayne Parkinson]

Since I seem to have made the quiz soporific with this one , here's the rest of the answer: the southernmost naturally occurring palm tree is found right here in New Zealand - in fact I'm just a few metres from several as I type this. It's the nikau palm. The word "nikau" appears in several other Polynesian languages meaning coconut frond, so when Maori first arrived in New Zealand they probably named our nikau for its likeness to the coconut palms of their northern islands. This likeness may have led to some disappointment when coconuts failed to eventuate.

Nikau have been found as far south as 44° 18'S, while the fan palm grows at 43° 07' N.

More on both:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamaerops
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikau

And for the linguistically inclined:
http://pollex.org.nz/entry/nii-kau/

Congratulations, Fbone, on your valiant answers! Please give the next question.

[Fbone]

Thank you. I like palm trees

Another easy riddle:

First think of a person who lives in disguise, who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies. Next tell me what's the last to mend, the middle of middle and the end of end. Finally give me the sound often heard during the search for a hard to find word. Now string them together and answer me this, which creature are you unwilling to kiss?

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by Fbone

Thank you. I like palm trees

Another easy riddle:

First think of a person who lives in disguise, who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies. Next tell me what's the last to mend, the middle of middle and the end of end. Finally give me the sound often heard during the search for a hard to find word. Now string them together and answer me this, which creature are you unwilling to kiss?

Very good. Spider? (Spy - d - er)

[Fbone]

Originally Posted by Bilbo1967

Very good. Spider? (Spy - d - er)

Well done!

Next one is yours.

[Bilbo1967]

Right, five games/sports to identify please;

1. Invented in India in about 1874, has a name which is believed to have originated from a slang term for an inexperienced person.

2. Mostly played in South Asia, this game includes a phase where a specific player has to hold their breath. India are unbeaten world champions.

3. Includes moves called piaffe, pirouette and half-pass. At the end of last year it was announced that a recently retired very successful competitor in another sport would be taking up this sport.

4. A game which is at least 450 years old, but with origins going even further back, there are now only 47 places left in which to play it.

5. A game believed to be of prehistoric origin. The ball in this game is called the sliotar.

Good luck!

[red_phoenix]

4. lacrosse?

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by red_phoenix

4. lacrosse?

No. The playing area for this sport is very specific.

[orlok]

1. Polo?

[Stitchawl]

1. Snooker

2. Kebadi (sp?)

3. Equestrian Dressage.


Stitchawl

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by orlok

1. Polo?

No.

Originally Posted by Stitchawl

1. Snooker

2. Kebadi (sp?)

3. Equestrian Dressage.


Stitchawl

All correct ('kabbadi' is the spelling I have seen, but near enough).

Snooker was invented by British soldiers in India. 'Snooker' was a term used for soldiers arriving who were new to the region, but became a word used to describe anybody new to something over time and somehow got associated with the game. Probably when somebody new to the game played a particularly bad shot, "I say Carruthers, you're such a bally snooker!"!

Bonus point if anybody can name the retired competitor I mentioned taking up dressage.

[orlok]

Originally Posted by Bilbo1967

No.



All correct ('kabbadi' is the spelling I have seen, but near enough).

Snooker was invented by British soldiers in India. 'Snooker' was a term used for soldiers arriving who were new to the region, but became a word used to describe anybody new to something over time and somehow got associated with the game. Probably when somebody new to the game played a particularly bad shot, "I say Carruthers, you're such a bally snooker!"!

Bonus point if anybody can name the retired competitor I mentioned taking up dressage.

I'm sure I have heard about this. will have to have a think.