• RQFTCIFFF12 Game 9, Rounds 9-10: countries, challenge round

    From Mark Brader@21:1/5 to All on Tue Mar 22 23:51:58 2022
    These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2012-03-26,
    and should be interpreted accordingly. All questions were written
    by members of Footloose and Firkin Free, but have been reformatted
    and may have been retyped and/or edited by me. I will reveal the
    correct answers in about 3 days.

    For further information, including an explanation of the """ notation
    that may appear in these rounds, see my 2021-07-20 companion posting
    on "Reposted Questions from the Canadian Inquisition (RQFTCI*)".


    ** Game 9, Round 9 - Geography & History - Countries of the World

    Name the countries from the descriptions provided. *Note:* I have
    not attempted to update this round from the original game.

    1. Between 1990 and 1992 it ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist
    rule and established a multi-party democracy. The transition has
    proven challenging, as successive governments have tried to deal
    with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated
    physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks,
    and combative political opponents. It has made progress in
    its democratic development since first holding multi-party
    elections in 1991. Admitted to NATO in 2009, and formally
    applied for EU membership that same year.

    2. Great Britain formally acquired possession of it in 1814.
    It staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars, and
    remained in the Commonwealth on becoming independent in 1964.
    A decade later it became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s,
    it has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point,
    a financial center, and a tourist destination. It became an
    EU member in May 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.

    3. Broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent
    history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and
    countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982,
    but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty,
    social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005,
    the people elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo Morales
    president by the widest margin of any leader since civilian
    rule was restored in 1982, after he ran on a promise to change
    the country's traditional political class and empower the
    nation's poor majority. Morales was re-elected in 2009 by a
    wide majority.

    4. Formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish
    conquest in 1533. The capital became a seat of Spanish
    colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of
    New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty
    gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a
    federation known as Gran Colombia. When it withdrew in 1830,
    the traditional name was abandoned in favor of the current name.
    Although it marked 30 years of civilian government in 2009,
    the period has been marred by political instability, including
    a 2010 police revolt sparked by austerity cuts.

    5. In 1865, Britain and this place signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,
    under which it would receive an annual subsidy in exchange
    for ceding some border land to British India. Under British
    influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; 3 years later, a
    treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere
    in internal affairs and it allowed Britain to direct its foreign
    affairs. In 2007, the country made the transition from absolute
    monarchy to constitutional monarchy, holding its first general
    election shortly thereafter. Around the same time, King Jigme
    Singye Wangchuck abdicated in favor of his son.

    6. In 1951, the monarch ended the century-old system of rule by
    hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of
    government. Reforms in 1990 established a multi-party democracy
    within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist
    insurgency, launched in 1996, gained traction and threatened
    to bring down the regime. 2008 elections for the constituent
    assembly overwhelmingly favored the abdication of the monarch
    and the establishment of a federal multi-party representative
    democratic republic. The first president was sworn in on July
    23, 2008.

    7. This country is still rebuilding itself after a civil war that
    went on from its independence in 1975 for 27 years until 2002.
    Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when national elections were
    held, but the opposition renewed fighting after being beaten
    at the polls. Up to 1,500,000 lives may have been lost and
    4,000,000 people displaced in the quarter century of fighting.
    Although the first legislative elections in 16 years were held
    in 2008, observers reported serious electoral irregularities.
    Diamonds and oil make up 60% of the country's economy.

    8. Formed from the merger of the two British colonies, it
    gained independence in 1957. A long series of coups resulted
    in the suspension of its third constitution in 1981 and a ban
    on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multi-party
    politics, was approved in 1992. John Kufuor, who defeated former
    Vice President John Atta-Mills in a free and fair election,
    became president in 2000. Atta-Mills regained the presidency
    in 2009, securing the country's status as a stable democracy.
    The country is one of the world's top producers of gold and
    cocoa.

    9. Its roots are in the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, established in
    the 14th Century under King Fa Ngum. After centuries of gradual
    decline, it came under the control of a neighbor from the late
    18th century until the late 19th century when it became part
    of French Indochina. In 1975, the local Communist Party took
    control of the government, ending a 6-century-old monarchy and
    instituting a strict socialist regime. A gradual return to
    private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment
    laws began in 1986. It became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

    10. A unified kingdom was established in the mid-14th century.
    It is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken
    over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932
    led to a constitutional monarchy. It was in alliance with
    Japan during World War II, but became a US ally afterwards.
    It is currently facing separatist violence in its southern
    ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces, and is just emerging back as a
    democracy after a 2006 coup.


    ** Game 9, Round 10 - Challenge Round

    * A. Canadian Lakes

    "Largest" refers to area.

    A1. Name the Canadian lake which is the deepest lake in North
    America and about the 9th-largest in the world (depending
    on how you count).

    A2. Name the largest lake that lies entirely within the
    boundaries of the Province of Ontario.


    * B. Noble Gases

    B1. Helium is the lightest of the noble gases. Name the next
    lightest, whose atomic number is 10.

    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.


    * C. Pre-Confederation Canada

    C1. Whose 1838 report contained the famous assessment that Lower
    Canada -- now Quebec -- consisted of "two nations warring
    within the bosom of a single state"?

    C2. Based on <answer C1>'s report, Lower and Upper Canada were
    united into a single colony of Canada in 1841. What city
    became the first capital of this Canada? It only remained
    the capital for 3 years, as the city was considered too
    small and lacking in amenities, and its location made it
    vulnerable to American attack.


    * D. English Football Grounds

    Given the name of the stadium, you tell us the well-known English
    football (soccer) club that """plays""" their home games at that stadium.

    D1. Anfield.
    D2. Emirates Stadium.


    * E. Explorers

    E1. This Portuguese sea captain and explorer commanded the first
    fleet to reach India from Europe. He sailed around the Cape
    of Good Hope to India in the late 1490s. His voyage opened
    the first all-water trade route between Europe and Asia.
    Name him.

    E2. He was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who was the first
    European to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean
    (in 1513), crossing the Isthmus of Panama. In 1500, he
    sailed with Rodrigo de Bastidas from Spain to Colombia
    where they searched for treasures along the northern coast
    of South America. Name him.


    * F. Toronto Music Venues

    F1. What Toronto music venue """is""" located at 735 Queen St. E.?
    F2. What Toronto music venue """is""" located at 464 Spadina Av.?

    --
    Mark Brader "It is considered a sign of great {winnitude}
    Toronto when your Obs are more interesting than other msb@vex.net people's whole postings." --Eric Raymond

    My text in this article is in the public domain.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Erland Sommarskog@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Wed Mar 23 20:21:56 2022
    Mark Brader (msb@vex.net) writes:
    ** Game 9, Round 9 - Geography & History - Countries of the World

    Name the countries from the descriptions provided. *Note:* I have
    not attempted to update this round from the original game.

    1. Between 1990 and 1992 it ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist
    rule and established a multi-party democracy. The transition has
    proven challenging, as successive governments have tried to deal
    with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated
    physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks,
    and combative political opponents. It has made progress in
    its democratic development since first holding multi-party
    elections in 1991. Admitted to NATO in 2009, and formally
    applied for EU membership that same year.

    Albania

    2. Great Britain formally acquired possession of it in 1814.
    It staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars, and
    remained in the Commonwealth on becoming independent in 1964.
    A decade later it became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s,
    it has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point,
    a financial center, and a tourist destination. It became an
    EU member in May 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.

    Cyprus

    3. Broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent
    history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and
    countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982,
    but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty,
    social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005,
    the people elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo Morales
    president by the widest margin of any leader since civilian
    rule was restored in 1982, after he ran on a promise to change
    the country's traditional political class and empower the
    nation's poor majority. Morales was re-elected in 2009 by a
    wide majority.

    Bolivia

    4. Formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish
    conquest in 1533. The capital became a seat of Spanish
    colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of
    New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty
    gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a
    federation known as Gran Colombia. When it withdrew in 1830,
    the traditional name was abandoned in favor of the current name.
    Although it marked 30 years of civilian government in 2009,
    the period has been marred by political instability, including
    a 2010 police revolt sparked by austerity cuts.

    Ecuador

    5. In 1865, Britain and this place signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,
    under which it would receive an annual subsidy in exchange
    for ceding some border land to British India. Under British
    influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; 3 years later, a
    treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere
    in internal affairs and it allowed Britain to direct its foreign
    affairs. In 2007, the country made the transition from absolute
    monarchy to constitutional monarchy, holding its first general
    election shortly thereafter. Around the same time, King Jigme
    Singye Wangchuck abdicated in favor of his son.

    Bhutan

    6. In 1951, the monarch ended the century-old system of rule by
    hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of
    government. Reforms in 1990 established a multi-party democracy
    within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist
    insurgency, launched in 1996, gained traction and threatened
    to bring down the regime. 2008 elections for the constituent
    assembly overwhelmingly favored the abdication of the monarch
    and the establishment of a federal multi-party representative
    democratic republic. The first president was sworn in on July
    23, 2008.

    Nepal

    7. This country is still rebuilding itself after a civil war that
    went on from its independence in 1975 for 27 years until 2002.
    Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when national elections were
    held, but the opposition renewed fighting after being beaten
    at the polls. Up to 1,500,000 lives may have been lost and
    4,000,000 people displaced in the quarter century of fighting.
    Although the first legislative elections in 16 years were held
    in 2008, observers reported serious electoral irregularities.
    Diamonds and oil make up 60% of the country's economy.

    Angola

    8. Formed from the merger of the two British colonies, it
    gained independence in 1957. A long series of coups resulted
    in the suspension of its third constitution in 1981 and a ban
    on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multi-party
    politics, was approved in 1992. John Kufuor, who defeated former
    Vice President John Atta-Mills in a free and fair election,
    became president in 2000. Atta-Mills regained the presidency
    in 2009, securing the country's status as a stable democracy.
    The country is one of the world's top producers of gold and
    cocoa.

    Ghana

    9. Its roots are in the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, established in
    the 14th Century under King Fa Ngum. After centuries of gradual
    decline, it came under the control of a neighbor from the late
    18th century until the late 19th century when it became part
    of French Indochina. In 1975, the local Communist Party took
    control of the government, ending a 6-century-old monarchy and
    instituting a strict socialist regime. A gradual return to
    private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment
    laws began in 1986. It became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

    Cambodia

    10. A unified kingdom was established in the mid-14th century.
    It is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken
    over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932
    led to a constitutional monarchy. It was in alliance with
    Japan during World War II, but became a US ally afterwards.
    It is currently facing separatist violence in its southern
    ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces, and is just emerging back as a
    democracy after a 2006 coup.

    Thailand

    ** Game 9, Round 10 - Challenge Round

    * B. Noble Gases

    B1. Helium is the lightest of the noble gases. Name the next
    lightest, whose atomic number is 10.

    Neon

    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.

    Radon

    * D. English Football Grounds

    Given the name of the stadium, you tell us the well-known English
    football (soccer) club that """plays""" their home games at that stadium.

    D1. Anfield.

    Liverpool

    D2. Emirates Stadium.

    Arsenal


    * E. Explorers

    E1. This Portuguese sea captain and explorer commanded the first
    fleet to reach India from Europe. He sailed around the Cape
    of Good Hope to India in the late 1490s. His voyage opened
    the first all-water trade route between Europe and Asia.
    Name him.

    Vasco da Gama

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Dan Blum@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Wed Mar 23 22:10:42 2022
    Mark Brader <msb@vex.net> wrote:

    ** Game 9, Round 9 - Geography & History - Countries of the World

    1. Between 1990 and 1992 it ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist
    rule and established a multi-party democracy. The transition has
    proven challenging, as successive governments have tried to deal
    with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated
    physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks,
    and combative political opponents. It has made progress in
    its democratic development since first holding multi-party
    elections in 1991. Admitted to NATO in 2009, and formally
    applied for EU membership that same year.

    Romania

    2. Great Britain formally acquired possession of it in 1814.
    It staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars, and
    remained in the Commonwealth on becoming independent in 1964.
    A decade later it became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s,
    it has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point,
    a financial center, and a tourist destination. It became an
    EU member in May 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.

    Malta

    3. Broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent
    history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and
    countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982,
    but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty,
    social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005,
    the people elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo Morales
    president by the widest margin of any leader since civilian
    rule was restored in 1982, after he ran on a promise to change
    the country's traditional political class and empower the
    nation's poor majority. Morales was re-elected in 2009 by a
    wide majority.

    Colombia

    4. Formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish
    conquest in 1533. The capital became a seat of Spanish
    colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of
    New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty
    gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a
    federation known as Gran Colombia. When it withdrew in 1830,
    the traditional name was abandoned in favor of the current name.
    Although it marked 30 years of civilian government in 2009,
    the period has been marred by political instability, including
    a 2010 police revolt sparked by austerity cuts.

    Venezuela; Ecuador

    5. In 1865, Britain and this place signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,
    under which it would receive an annual subsidy in exchange
    for ceding some border land to British India. Under British
    influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; 3 years later, a
    treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere
    in internal affairs and it allowed Britain to direct its foreign
    affairs. In 2007, the country made the transition from absolute
    monarchy to constitutional monarchy, holding its first general
    election shortly thereafter. Around the same time, King Jigme
    Singye Wangchuck abdicated in favor of his son.

    Nepal

    6. In 1951, the monarch ended the century-old system of rule by
    hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of
    government. Reforms in 1990 established a multi-party democracy
    within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist
    insurgency, launched in 1996, gained traction and threatened
    to bring down the regime. 2008 elections for the constituent
    assembly overwhelmingly favored the abdication of the monarch
    and the establishment of a federal multi-party representative
    democratic republic. The first president was sworn in on July
    23, 2008.

    Laos

    7. This country is still rebuilding itself after a civil war that
    went on from its independence in 1975 for 27 years until 2002.
    Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when national elections were
    held, but the opposition renewed fighting after being beaten
    at the polls. Up to 1,500,000 lives may have been lost and
    4,000,000 people displaced in the quarter century of fighting.
    Although the first legislative elections in 16 years were held
    in 2008, observers reported serious electoral irregularities.
    Diamonds and oil make up 60% of the country's economy.

    Angola

    8. Formed from the merger of the two British colonies, it
    gained independence in 1957. A long series of coups resulted
    in the suspension of its third constitution in 1981 and a ban
    on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multi-party
    politics, was approved in 1992. John Kufuor, who defeated former
    Vice President John Atta-Mills in a free and fair election,
    became president in 2000. Atta-Mills regained the presidency
    in 2009, securing the country's status as a stable democracy.
    The country is one of the world's top producers of gold and
    cocoa.

    Ghana

    9. Its roots are in the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, established in
    the 14th Century under King Fa Ngum. After centuries of gradual
    decline, it came under the control of a neighbor from the late
    18th century until the late 19th century when it became part
    of French Indochina. In 1975, the local Communist Party took
    control of the government, ending a 6-century-old monarchy and
    instituting a strict socialist regime. A gradual return to
    private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment
    laws began in 1986. It became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

    Cambodia

    10. A unified kingdom was established in the mid-14th century.
    It is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken
    over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932
    led to a constitutional monarchy. It was in alliance with
    Japan during World War II, but became a US ally afterwards.
    It is currently facing separatist violence in its southern
    ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces, and is just emerging back as a
    democracy after a 2006 coup.

    Thailand

    ** Game 9, Round 10 - Challenge Round

    * A. Canadian Lakes

    A1. Name the Canadian lake which is the deepest lake in North
    America and about the 9th-largest in the world (depending
    on how you count).

    Great Bear Lake; Great Slave Lake

    A2. Name the largest lake that lies entirely within the
    boundaries of the Province of Ontario.

    Great Slave Lake; Great Bear Lake

    * B. Noble Gases

    B1. Helium is the lightest of the noble gases. Name the next
    lightest, whose atomic number is 10.

    argon

    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.

    radon

    * C. Pre-Confederation Canada

    C1. Whose 1838 report contained the famous assessment that Lower
    Canada -- now Quebec -- consisted of "two nations warring
    within the bosom of a single state"?

    Palmerston

    * D. English Football Grounds

    D2. Emirates Stadium.

    Manchester United

    * E. Explorers

    E1. This Portuguese sea captain and explorer commanded the first
    fleet to reach India from Europe. He sailed around the Cape
    of Good Hope to India in the late 1490s. His voyage opened
    the first all-water trade route between Europe and Asia.
    Name him.

    Vasco da Gama

    E2. He was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who was the first
    European to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean
    (in 1513), crossing the Isthmus of Panama. In 1500, he
    sailed with Rodrigo de Bastidas from Spain to Colombia
    where they searched for treasures along the northern coast
    of South America. Name him.

    Balboa

    --
    _______________________________________________________________________
    Dan Blum tool@panix.com
    "I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't just made it up."

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Dan Tilque@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Wed Mar 23 20:04:09 2022
    On 3/22/22 21:51, Mark Brader wrote:


    ** Game 9, Round 9 - Geography & History - Countries of the World

    Name the countries from the descriptions provided. *Note:* I have
    not attempted to update this round from the original game.

    1. Between 1990 and 1992 it ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist
    rule and established a multi-party democracy. The transition has
    proven challenging, as successive governments have tried to deal
    with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated
    physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks,
    and combative political opponents. It has made progress in
    its democratic development since first holding multi-party
    elections in 1991. Admitted to NATO in 2009, and formally
    applied for EU membership that same year.

    Poland


    2. Great Britain formally acquired possession of it in 1814.
    It staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars, and
    remained in the Commonwealth on becoming independent in 1964.
    A decade later it became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s,
    it has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point,
    a financial center, and a tourist destination. It became an
    EU member in May 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.

    Malta


    3. Broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent
    history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and
    countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982,
    but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty,
    social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005,
    the people elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo Morales
    president by the widest margin of any leader since civilian
    rule was restored in 1982, after he ran on a promise to change
    the country's traditional political class and empower the
    nation's poor majority. Morales was re-elected in 2009 by a
    wide majority.

    Argentina


    4. Formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish
    conquest in 1533. The capital became a seat of Spanish
    colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of
    New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty
    gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a
    federation known as Gran Colombia. When it withdrew in 1830,
    the traditional name was abandoned in favor of the current name.
    Although it marked 30 years of civilian government in 2009,
    the period has been marred by political instability, including
    a 2010 police revolt sparked by austerity cuts.

    Ecuador


    5. In 1865, Britain and this place signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,
    under which it would receive an annual subsidy in exchange
    for ceding some border land to British India. Under British
    influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; 3 years later, a
    treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere
    in internal affairs and it allowed Britain to direct its foreign
    affairs. In 2007, the country made the transition from absolute
    monarchy to constitutional monarchy, holding its first general
    election shortly thereafter. Around the same time, King Jigme
    Singye Wangchuck abdicated in favor of his son.

    Bhutan


    6. In 1951, the monarch ended the century-old system of rule by
    hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of
    government. Reforms in 1990 established a multi-party democracy
    within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist
    insurgency, launched in 1996, gained traction and threatened
    to bring down the regime. 2008 elections for the constituent
    assembly overwhelmingly favored the abdication of the monarch
    and the establishment of a federal multi-party representative
    democratic republic. The first president was sworn in on July
    23, 2008.

    7. This country is still rebuilding itself after a civil war that
    went on from its independence in 1975 for 27 years until 2002.
    Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when national elections were
    held, but the opposition renewed fighting after being beaten
    at the polls. Up to 1,500,000 lives may have been lost and
    4,000,000 people displaced in the quarter century of fighting.
    Although the first legislative elections in 16 years were held
    in 2008, observers reported serious electoral irregularities.
    Diamonds and oil make up 60% of the country's economy.

    8. Formed from the merger of the two British colonies, it
    gained independence in 1957. A long series of coups resulted
    in the suspension of its third constitution in 1981 and a ban
    on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multi-party
    politics, was approved in 1992. John Kufuor, who defeated former
    Vice President John Atta-Mills in a free and fair election,
    became president in 2000. Atta-Mills regained the presidency
    in 2009, securing the country's status as a stable democracy.
    The country is one of the world's top producers of gold and
    cocoa.

    Ghana


    9. Its roots are in the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, established in
    the 14th Century under King Fa Ngum. After centuries of gradual
    decline, it came under the control of a neighbor from the late
    18th century until the late 19th century when it became part
    of French Indochina. In 1975, the local Communist Party took
    control of the government, ending a 6-century-old monarchy and
    instituting a strict socialist regime. A gradual return to
    private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment
    laws began in 1986. It became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

    Laos


    10. A unified kingdom was established in the mid-14th century.
    It is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken
    over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932
    led to a constitutional monarchy. It was in alliance with
    Japan during World War II, but became a US ally afterwards.
    It is currently facing separatist violence in its southern
    ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces, and is just emerging back as a
    democracy after a 2006 coup.

    Thailand



    ** Game 9, Round 10 - Challenge Round

    * A. Canadian Lakes

    "Largest" refers to area.

    A1. Name the Canadian lake which is the deepest lake in North
    America and about the 9th-largest in the world (depending
    on how you count).

    Great Slave Lake


    A2. Name the largest lake that lies entirely within the
    boundaries of the Province of Ontario.

    Lake Simco



    * B. Noble Gases

    B1. Helium is the lightest of the noble gases. Name the next
    lightest, whose atomic number is 10.

    neon


    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.

    radon



    * C. Pre-Confederation Canada

    C1. Whose 1838 report contained the famous assessment that Lower
    Canada -- now Quebec -- consisted of "two nations warring
    within the bosom of a single state"?

    Lord Durham


    C2. Based on <answer C1>'s report, Lower and Upper Canada were
    united into a single colony of Canada in 1841. What city
    became the first capital of this Canada? It only remained
    the capital for 3 years, as the city was considered too
    small and lacking in amenities, and its location made it
    vulnerable to American attack.

    Kingston



    * D. English Football Grounds

    Given the name of the stadium, you tell us the well-known English
    football (soccer) club that """plays""" their home games at that stadium.

    D1. Anfield.
    D2. Emirates Stadium.


    * E. Explorers

    E1. This Portuguese sea captain and explorer commanded the first
    fleet to reach India from Europe. He sailed around the Cape
    of Good Hope to India in the late 1490s. His voyage opened
    the first all-water trade route between Europe and Asia.
    Name him.

    Vasco da Gama


    E2. He was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who was the first
    European to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean
    (in 1513), crossing the Isthmus of Panama. In 1500, he
    sailed with Rodrigo de Bastidas from Spain to Colombia
    where they searched for treasures along the northern coast
    of South America. Name him.

    Balboa



    * F. Toronto Music Venues

    F1. What Toronto music venue """is""" located at 735 Queen St. E.?
    F2. What Toronto music venue """is""" located at 464 Spadina Av.?


    --
    Dan Tilque

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Joshua Kreitzer@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Wed Mar 23 20:00:57 2022
    On Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 11:52:04 PM UTC-5, Mark Brader wrote:

    ** Game 9, Round 9 - Geography & History - Countries of the World

    Name the countries from the descriptions provided. *Note:* I have
    not attempted to update this round from the original game.

    1. Between 1990 and 1992 it ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist
    rule and established a multi-party democracy. The transition has
    proven challenging, as successive governments have tried to deal
    with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated
    physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks,
    and combative political opponents. It has made progress in
    its democratic development since first holding multi-party
    elections in 1991. Admitted to NATO in 2009, and formally
    applied for EU membership that same year.

    Albania

    2. Great Britain formally acquired possession of it in 1814.
    It staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars, and
    remained in the Commonwealth on becoming independent in 1964.
    A decade later it became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s,
    it has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point,
    a financial center, and a tourist destination. It became an
    EU member in May 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.

    Malta

    3. Broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent
    history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and
    countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982,
    but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty,
    social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005,
    the people elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo Morales
    president by the widest margin of any leader since civilian
    rule was restored in 1982, after he ran on a promise to change
    the country's traditional political class and empower the
    nation's poor majority. Morales was re-elected in 2009 by a
    wide majority.

    Bolivia

    4. Formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish
    conquest in 1533. The capital became a seat of Spanish
    colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of
    New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty
    gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a
    federation known as Gran Colombia. When it withdrew in 1830,
    the traditional name was abandoned in favor of the current name.
    Although it marked 30 years of civilian government in 2009,
    the period has been marred by political instability, including
    a 2010 police revolt sparked by austerity cuts.

    Peru

    5. In 1865, Britain and this place signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,
    under which it would receive an annual subsidy in exchange
    for ceding some border land to British India. Under British
    influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; 3 years later, a
    treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere
    in internal affairs and it allowed Britain to direct its foreign
    affairs. In 2007, the country made the transition from absolute
    monarchy to constitutional monarchy, holding its first general
    election shortly thereafter. Around the same time, King Jigme
    Singye Wangchuck abdicated in favor of his son.

    Bhutan

    6. In 1951, the monarch ended the century-old system of rule by
    hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of
    government. Reforms in 1990 established a multi-party democracy
    within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist
    insurgency, launched in 1996, gained traction and threatened
    to bring down the regime. 2008 elections for the constituent
    assembly overwhelmingly favored the abdication of the monarch
    and the establishment of a federal multi-party representative
    democratic republic. The first president was sworn in on July
    23, 2008.

    Nepal

    7. This country is still rebuilding itself after a civil war that
    went on from its independence in 1975 for 27 years until 2002.
    Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when national elections were
    held, but the opposition renewed fighting after being beaten
    at the polls. Up to 1,500,000 lives may have been lost and
    4,000,000 people displaced in the quarter century of fighting.
    Although the first legislative elections in 16 years were held
    in 2008, observers reported serious electoral irregularities.
    Diamonds and oil make up 60% of the country's economy.

    Angola

    8. Formed from the merger of the two British colonies, it
    gained independence in 1957. A long series of coups resulted
    in the suspension of its third constitution in 1981 and a ban
    on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multi-party
    politics, was approved in 1992. John Kufuor, who defeated former
    Vice President John Atta-Mills in a free and fair election,
    became president in 2000. Atta-Mills regained the presidency
    in 2009, securing the country's status as a stable democracy.
    The country is one of the world's top producers of gold and
    cocoa.

    Ghana

    9. Its roots are in the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, established in
    the 14th Century under King Fa Ngum. After centuries of gradual
    decline, it came under the control of a neighbor from the late
    18th century until the late 19th century when it became part
    of French Indochina. In 1975, the local Communist Party took
    control of the government, ending a 6-century-old monarchy and
    instituting a strict socialist regime. A gradual return to
    private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment
    laws began in 1986. It became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

    Laos

    10. A unified kingdom was established in the mid-14th century.
    It is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken
    over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932
    led to a constitutional monarchy. It was in alliance with
    Japan during World War II, but became a US ally afterwards.
    It is currently facing separatist violence in its southern
    ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces, and is just emerging back as a
    democracy after a 2006 coup.

    Thailand

    ** Game 9, Round 10 - Challenge Round

    * A. Canadian Lakes

    "Largest" refers to area.

    A1. Name the Canadian lake which is the deepest lake in North
    America and about the 9th-largest in the world (depending
    on how you count).

    Great Slave Lake

    * B. Noble Gases

    B1. Helium is the lightest of the noble gases. Name the next
    lightest, whose atomic number is 10.

    xenon; krypton (?)

    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.

    radon

    * D. English Football Grounds

    Given the name of the stadium, you tell us the well-known English
    football (soccer) club that """plays""" their home games at that stadium.

    D2. Emirates Stadium.

    Manchester United

    * E. Explorers

    E1. This Portuguese sea captain and explorer commanded the first
    fleet to reach India from Europe. He sailed around the Cape
    of Good Hope to India in the late 1490s. His voyage opened
    the first all-water trade route between Europe and Asia.
    Name him.

    Vasco da Gama

    E2. He was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who was the first
    European to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean
    (in 1513), crossing the Isthmus of Panama. In 1500, he
    sailed with Rodrigo de Bastidas from Spain to Colombia
    where they searched for treasures along the northern coast
    of South America. Name him.

    Pizarro

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Pete Gayde@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Thu Mar 24 22:24:43 2022
    Mark Brader wrote:
    These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2012-03-26,
    and should be interpreted accordingly. All questions were written
    by members of Footloose and Firkin Free, but have been reformatted
    and may have been retyped and/or edited by me. I will reveal the
    correct answers in about 3 days.

    For further information, including an explanation of the """ notation
    that may appear in these rounds, see my 2021-07-20 companion posting
    on "Reposted Questions from the Canadian Inquisition (RQFTCI*)".


    ** Game 9, Round 9 - Geography & History - Countries of the World

    Name the countries from the descriptions provided. *Note:* I have
    not attempted to update this round from the original game.

    1. Between 1990 and 1992 it ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist
    rule and established a multi-party democracy. The transition has
    proven challenging, as successive governments have tried to deal
    with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated
    physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks,
    and combative political opponents. It has made progress in
    its democratic development since first holding multi-party
    elections in 1991. Admitted to NATO in 2009, and formally
    applied for EU membership that same year.

    Romania; Hungary


    2. Great Britain formally acquired possession of it in 1814.
    It staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars, and
    remained in the Commonwealth on becoming independent in 1964.
    A decade later it became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s,
    it has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point,
    a financial center, and a tourist destination. It became an
    EU member in May 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.

    Gibraltar


    3. Broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent
    history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and
    countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982,
    but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty,
    social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005,
    the people elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo Morales
    president by the widest margin of any leader since civilian
    rule was restored in 1982, after he ran on a promise to change
    the country's traditional political class and empower the
    nation's poor majority. Morales was re-elected in 2009 by a
    wide majority.

    Bolivia


    4. Formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish
    conquest in 1533. The capital became a seat of Spanish
    colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of
    New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty
    gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a
    federation known as Gran Colombia. When it withdrew in 1830,
    the traditional name was abandoned in favor of the current name.
    Although it marked 30 years of civilian government in 2009,
    the period has been marred by political instability, including
    a 2010 police revolt sparked by austerity cuts.

    Ecuador


    5. In 1865, Britain and this place signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,
    under which it would receive an annual subsidy in exchange
    for ceding some border land to British India. Under British
    influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; 3 years later, a
    treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere
    in internal affairs and it allowed Britain to direct its foreign
    affairs. In 2007, the country made the transition from absolute
    monarchy to constitutional monarchy, holding its first general
    election shortly thereafter. Around the same time, King Jigme
    Singye Wangchuck abdicated in favor of his son.

    Thailand


    6. In 1951, the monarch ended the century-old system of rule by
    hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of
    government. Reforms in 1990 established a multi-party democracy
    within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist
    insurgency, launched in 1996, gained traction and threatened
    to bring down the regime. 2008 elections for the constituent
    assembly overwhelmingly favored the abdication of the monarch
    and the establishment of a federal multi-party representative
    democratic republic. The first president was sworn in on July
    23, 2008.

    Nepal; Bhutan


    7. This country is still rebuilding itself after a civil war that
    went on from its independence in 1975 for 27 years until 2002.
    Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when national elections were
    held, but the opposition renewed fighting after being beaten
    at the polls. Up to 1,500,000 lives may have been lost and
    4,000,000 people displaced in the quarter century of fighting.
    Although the first legislative elections in 16 years were held
    in 2008, observers reported serious electoral irregularities.
    Diamonds and oil make up 60% of the country's economy.

    Angola


    8. Formed from the merger of the two British colonies, it
    gained independence in 1957. A long series of coups resulted
    in the suspension of its third constitution in 1981 and a ban
    on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multi-party
    politics, was approved in 1992. John Kufuor, who defeated former
    Vice President John Atta-Mills in a free and fair election,
    became president in 2000. Atta-Mills regained the presidency
    in 2009, securing the country's status as a stable democracy.
    The country is one of the world's top producers of gold and
    cocoa.

    Tanzania


    9. Its roots are in the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, established in
    the 14th Century under King Fa Ngum. After centuries of gradual
    decline, it came under the control of a neighbor from the late
    18th century until the late 19th century when it became part
    of French Indochina. In 1975, the local Communist Party took
    control of the government, ending a 6-century-old monarchy and
    instituting a strict socialist regime. A gradual return to
    private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment
    laws began in 1986. It became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

    Laos


    10. A unified kingdom was established in the mid-14th century.
    It is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken
    over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932
    led to a constitutional monarchy. It was in alliance with
    Japan during World War II, but became a US ally afterwards.
    It is currently facing separatist violence in its southern
    ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces, and is just emerging back as a
    democracy after a 2006 coup.

    Thailand; Cambodia



    ** Game 9, Round 10 - Challenge Round

    * A. Canadian Lakes

    "Largest" refers to area.

    A1. Name the Canadian lake which is the deepest lake in North
    America and about the 9th-largest in the world (depending
    on how you count).

    A2. Name the largest lake that lies entirely within the
    boundaries of the Province of Ontario.


    * B. Noble Gases

    B1. Helium is the lightest of the noble gases. Name the next
    lightest, whose atomic number is 10.

    Oxygen


    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.

    Radon



    * C. Pre-Confederation Canada

    C1. Whose 1838 report contained the famous assessment that Lower
    Canada -- now Quebec -- consisted of "two nations warring
    within the bosom of a single state"?

    C2. Based on <answer C1>'s report, Lower and Upper Canada were
    united into a single colony of Canada in 1841. What city
    became the first capital of this Canada? It only remained
    the capital for 3 years, as the city was considered too
    small and lacking in amenities, and its location made it
    vulnerable to American attack.

    St. John's; St. John



    * D. English Football Grounds

    Given the name of the stadium, you tell us the well-known English
    football (soccer) club that """plays""" their home games at that stadium.

    D1. Anfield.

    Liverpool

    D2. Emirates Stadium.

    Arsenal



    * E. Explorers

    E1. This Portuguese sea captain and explorer commanded the first
    fleet to reach India from Europe. He sailed around the Cape
    of Good Hope to India in the late 1490s. His voyage opened
    the first all-water trade route between Europe and Asia.
    Name him.

    Vasco da Gama


    E2. He was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who was the first
    European to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean
    (in 1513), crossing the Isthmus of Panama. In 1500, he
    sailed with Rodrigo de Bastidas from Spain to Colombia
    where they searched for treasures along the northern coast
    of South America. Name him.

    Cortez; Pizzaro



    * F. Toronto Music Venues

    F1. What Toronto music venue """is""" located at 735 Queen St. E.?

    Massey Hall; Thomson Hall

    F2. What Toronto music venue """is""" located at 464 Spadina Av.?

    Massey Hall; Thomson Hall



    Pete Gayde

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Mark Brader@21:1/5 to All on Sat Mar 26 23:06:13 2022
    Mark Brader:
    These questions were written to be asked in Toronto on 2012-03-26,
    and should be interpreted accordingly... I will reveal the correct
    answers in about 3 days.

    Oops, missed a day there. Sorry.

    For further information... see my 2021-07-20 companion posting on
    "Reposted Questions from the Canadian Inquisition (RQFTCI*)".


    This completes Game 9, and the winner is JOSHUA KREITZER. Hearty congratulations, sir!


    ** Game 9, Round 9 - Geography & History - Countries of the World

    Name the countries from the descriptions provided. *Note:* I have
    not attempted to update this round from the original game.

    This was not only the longest but also the hardest round in the
    original game... an unpleasant combination. Oh well, these things
    happen.

    1. Between 1990 and 1992 it ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist
    rule and established a multi-party democracy. The transition has
    proven challenging, as successive governments have tried to deal
    with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated
    physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks,
    and combative political opponents. It has made progress in
    its democratic development since first holding multi-party
    elections in 1991. Admitted to NATO in 2009, and formally
    applied for EU membership that same year.

    Albania. 4 for Erland and Joshua.

    2. Great Britain formally acquired possession of it in 1814.
    It staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars, and
    remained in the Commonwealth on becoming independent in 1964.
    A decade later it became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s,
    it has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point,
    a financial center, and a tourist destination. It became an
    EU member in May 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.

    Malta. 4 for Dan Blum, Joshua, and Dan Tilque.

    3. Broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent
    history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and
    countercoups. Democratic civilian rule was established in 1982,
    but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty,
    social unrest, and illegal drug production. In December 2005,
    the people elected Movement Toward Socialism leader Evo Morales
    president by the widest margin of any leader since civilian
    rule was restored in 1982, after he ran on a promise to change
    the country's traditional political class and empower the
    nation's poor majority. Morales was re-elected in 2009 by a
    wide majority.

    Bolivia. 4 for Erland, Joshua, and Pete.

    Morales left office in 2019.

    4. Formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish
    conquest in 1533. The capital became a seat of Spanish
    colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of
    New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty
    gained their independence between 1819 and 1822 and formed a
    federation known as Gran Colombia. When it withdrew in 1830,
    the traditional name was abandoned in favor of the current name.
    Although it marked 30 years of civilian government in 2009,
    the period has been marred by political instability, including
    a 2010 police revolt sparked by austerity cuts.

    Ecuador. 4 for Erland, Dan Tilque, and Pete. 2 for Dan Blum.

    5. In 1865, Britain and this place signed the Treaty of Sinchulu,
    under which it would receive an annual subsidy in exchange
    for ceding some border land to British India. Under British
    influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; 3 years later, a
    treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere
    in internal affairs and it allowed Britain to direct its foreign
    affairs. In 2007, the country made the transition from absolute
    monarchy to constitutional monarchy, holding its first general
    election shortly thereafter. Around the same time, King Jigme
    Singye Wangchuck abdicated in favor of his son.

    Bhutan. 4 for Erland, Joshua, and Dan Tilque.

    6. In 1951, the monarch ended the century-old system of rule by
    hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of
    government. Reforms in 1990 established a multi-party democracy
    within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist
    insurgency, launched in 1996, gained traction and threatened
    to bring down the regime. 2008 elections for the constituent
    assembly overwhelmingly favored the abdication of the monarch
    and the establishment of a federal multi-party representative
    democratic republic. The first president was sworn in on July
    23, 2008.

    Nepal. 4 for Erland and Joshua. 3 for Pete.

    7. This country is still rebuilding itself after a civil war that
    went on from its independence in 1975 for 27 years until 2002.
    Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when national elections were
    held, but the opposition renewed fighting after being beaten
    at the polls. Up to 1,500,000 lives may have been lost and
    4,000,000 people displaced in the quarter century of fighting.
    Although the first legislative elections in 16 years were held
    in 2008, observers reported serious electoral irregularities.
    Diamonds and oil make up 60% of the country's economy.

    Angola. 4 for Erland, Dan Blum, Joshua, and Pete.

    8. Formed from the merger of the two British colonies, it
    gained independence in 1957. A long series of coups resulted
    in the suspension of its third constitution in 1981 and a ban
    on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multi-party
    politics, was approved in 1992. John Kufuor, who defeated former
    Vice President John Atta-Mills in a free and fair election,
    became president in 2000. Atta-Mills regained the presidency
    in 2009, securing the country's status as a stable democracy.
    The country is one of the world's top producers of gold and
    cocoa.

    Ghana. 4 for Erland, Dan Blum, Joshua, and Dan Tilque.

    9. Its roots are in the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, established in
    the 14th Century under King Fa Ngum. After centuries of gradual
    decline, it came under the control of a neighbor from the late
    18th century until the late 19th century when it became part
    of French Indochina. In 1975, the local Communist Party took
    control of the government, ending a 6-century-old monarchy and
    instituting a strict socialist regime. A gradual return to
    private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment
    laws began in 1986. It became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

    Laos. 4 for Joshua, Dan Tilque, and Pete.

    10. A unified kingdom was established in the mid-14th century.
    It is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken
    over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932
    led to a constitutional monarchy. It was in alliance with
    Japan during World War II, but became a US ally afterwards.
    It is currently facing separatist violence in its southern
    ethnic Malay-Muslim provinces, and is just emerging back as a
    democracy after a 2006 coup.

    Thailand. 4 for Erland, Dan Blum, Joshua, and Dan Tilque.
    3 for Pete.


    ** Game 9, Round 10 - Challenge Round

    * A. Canadian Lakes

    "Largest" refers to area.

    A1. Name the Canadian lake which is the deepest lake in North
    America and about the 9th-largest in the world (depending
    on how you count).

    Great Slave Lake. (Not Great Bear Lake, which is about 10% larger but
    about 30% less deep.) 4 for Joshua and Dan Tilque. 2 for Dan Blum.

    A2. Name the largest lake that lies entirely within the
    boundaries of the Province of Ontario.

    Lake Nipigon. (It's just slightly larger than Lake Nipissing.)


    * B. Noble Gases

    B1. Helium is the lightest of the noble gases. Name the next
    lightest, whose atomic number is 10.

    Neon. 4 for Erland and Dan Tilque.

    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.

    2012 answer: radon. 2022 answer: oganesson (see below). 4 for
    everyone -- Erland, Dan Blum, Joshua, Dan Tilque, and Pete.

    Oganesson has atomic number 118, and is likewise always radioactive.
    No doubt it *would* therefore likewise be a health hazard if there
    was enough of it around to affect anyone, but only a few atoms of
    it have ever been made.


    * C. Pre-Confederation Canada

    C1. Whose 1838 report contained the famous assessment that Lower
    Canada -- now Quebec -- consisted of "two nations warring
    within the bosom of a single state"?

    Lord Durham (John Lambton). 4 for Dan Tilque.

    To eliminate this condition, he recommended marginalizing the
    French-speaking colonials, so they would find themselves forced to
    assimilate, by eliminating their separate colony of Lower Canada
    and encouraging more immigration from Britain.

    This approach did not prove successful.

    C2. Based on <answer C1>'s report, Lower and Upper Canada were
    united into a single colony of Canada in 1841. What city
    became the first capital of this Canada? It only remained
    the capital for 3 years, as the city was considered too
    small and lacking in amenities, and its location made it
    vulnerable to American attack.

    Kingston. 4 for Dan Tilque.

    It gets weirder. The capital was next moved to the largest city,
    Montreal. Then the former capitals of Upper and Lower Canada, Toronto
    and Quebec City, *took turns* as capital of the united colony,
    twice each, until the compromise location of Ottawa was finally
    settled on, and someone had the idea of ending all arguments by
    having Queen Victoria announce the designation. Then only 2 years
    later the united colony was broken up, along the old boundary (which incidentally was adjacent to Ottawa), into Ontario and Quebec.

    But this happened simultaneously with a federation being formed from
    these and other British colonies, this federation being the entity
    we now call Canada. So thereafter, Toronto and Quebec City both
    resumed their roles as capitals, now full-time again, while Ottawa
    became the federal capital.


    * D. English Football Grounds

    Given the name of the stadium, you tell us the well-known English
    football (soccer) club that """plays""" their home games at that stadium.

    Still true in each case.

    D1. Anfield.

    Liverpool. 4 for Erland and Pete.

    D2. Emirates Stadium.

    Arsenal. 4 for Erland and Pete.


    * E. Explorers

    E1. This Portuguese sea captain and explorer commanded the first
    fleet to reach India from Europe. He sailed around the Cape
    of Good Hope to India in the late 1490s. His voyage opened
    the first all-water trade route between Europe and Asia.
    Name him.

    Vasco de Gama. 4 for everyone.

    E2. He was a Spanish conquistador and explorer who was the first
    European to see the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean
    (in 1513), crossing the Isthmus of Panama. In 1500, he
    sailed with Rodrigo de Bastidas from Spain to Colombia
    where they searched for treasures along the northern coast
    of South America. Name him.

    Vasco Núñez de Balboa. (Yes, Keats did write about Cortez discovering
    the Pacific. But he was a poet, not a historian...) 4 for Dan Blum
    and Dan Tilque.


    * F. Toronto Music Venues

    F1. What Toronto music venue """is""" located at 735 Queen St. E.?

    "The Opera House".

    (Still true. The city's *actual* opera house is called the "Four
    Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts", and is at 145 Queen St. W.)

    F2. What Toronto music venue """is""" located at 464 Spadina Av.?

    The "El Mocambo". (True again; it reopened in 2021 after a long
    closure.)


    Scores, if there are no errors:

    GAME 9 ROUNDS-> 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 BEST
    TOPICS-> Can Ent His Spo Mis Sci Geo Cha SIX
    Joshua Kreitzer 16 39 16 32 17 36 36 12 176
    Pete Gayde 8 16 16 40 30 28 22 16 152
    Dan Blum 4 12 16 20 14 36 18 14 118
    Dan Tilque 4 4 12 20 0 28 24 28 116
    Erland Sommarskog -- -- 20 0 16 15 32 20 103

    --
    Mark Brader | "'Settlor', (i) in relation to a testamentary trust,
    Toronto | means the individual referred to in paragraph (i)." msb@vex.net | -- Income Tax Act of Canada (1972-94), 108(1)(h)

    My text in this article is in the public domain.

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  • From Erland Sommarskog@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Sun Mar 27 11:47:36 2022
    Mark Brader (msb@vex.net) writes:
    This was not only the longest but also the hardest round in the
    original game... an unpleasant combination. Oh well, these things
    happen.

    Indeed. I thought this would be easy, since this is my strong
    point, but many of the questions were quite thin on leads despite
    the wordiness. For instance:

    2. Great Britain formally acquired possession of it in 1814.
    It staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars, and
    remained in the Commonwealth on becoming independent in 1964.
    A decade later it became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s,
    it has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point,
    a financial center, and a tourist destination. It became an
    EU member in May 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.

    Malta. 4 for Dan Blum, Joshua, and Dan Tilque.

    I knew that this must be Cyprus or Malta. I settled for Cyprus,
    because Cyprus-registered freighters and tankers are not unheard of.
    And for Malta I would have expected some reference to betting, as
    many betting-related companies are based here. This is not intended
    as a protest, just a comment on how difficult the round was.


    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.

    2012 answer: radon. 2022 answer: oganesson (see below). 4 for
    everyone -- Erland, Dan Blum, Joshua, Dan Tilque, and Pete.

    Oganesson has atomic number 118, and is likewise always radioactive.
    No doubt it *would* therefore likewise be a health hazard if there
    was enough of it around to affect anyone, but only a few atoms of
    it have ever been made.

    To be picky the 2022 answer is still radon, since the question specified the atommic number.

    As for the "is", I guess that depends if there exists any oganesson in
    the very moment you speak.

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  • From Mark Brader@21:1/5 to All on Sun Mar 27 09:42:53 2022
    Mark Brader:
    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.

    2012 answer: radon. 2022 answer: oganesson (see below). 4 for
    everyone -- Erland, Dan Blum, Joshua, Dan Tilque, and Pete.

    Erland Sommarskog:
    To be picky the 2022 answer is still radon, since the question specified the atommic number.

    Wrong; see the explanation of """ notation in the companion posting.
    --
    Mark Brader, Toronto | "Show that 17x17 = 289. Generalise this result." msb@vex.net | -- Carl E. Linderholm

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  • From Erland Sommarskog@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Sun Mar 27 18:06:23 2022
    Mark Brader (msb@vex.net) writes:
    Mark Brader:
    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.

    2012 answer: radon. 2022 answer: oganesson (see below). 4 for
    everyone -- Erland, Dan Blum, Joshua, Dan Tilque, and Pete.

    Erland Sommarskog:
    To be picky the 2022 answer is still radon, since the question
    specified the atommic number.

    Wrong; see the explanation of """ notation in the companion posting.

    The question still specified number 86.

    As for the """is""", we don't know if the second one has really changed.
    With only a few atoms, we don't for a fact that it is a gas. A quick
    glance in Wikpipedia suggests that some people think that it actually
    may would be solid, were we able to produce enough of it.

    Also, the answer has not really changed since 2012 in terms of existence,
    as oganesson was first verified in 2002, but in 2012 it did still not
    have a name.

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  • From Erland Sommarskog@21:1/5 to Mark Brader on Mon Mar 28 00:10:07 2022
    Mark Brader (msb@vex.net) writes:
    As for the """is""", we don't know if the second one has really changed.
    With only a few atoms, we don't for a fact that it is a gas...

    "Noble gas" is the name of its group in the periodic table.

    Yes, that why I did not question the first """is""".

    And, again, if radon is an incorrect answer in 2022, it was an incorrect
    answer in 2012 as well, but the correct answer in 2012 would be "element
    118", as it had not yet been named.

    Then again, it's only on the days when they produce some oganesson atoms,
    radon is not the heaviest noble gas...

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  • From Mark Brader@21:1/5 to All on Sun Mar 27 17:01:14 2022
    Mark Brader:
    B2. This noble gas, atomic number 86, """is""" the heaviest
    of the noble gases. It """is""" the only gas that only
    has radioactive isotopes, and is considered a health hazard
    due to its radioactivity.

    2012 answer: radon. 2022 answer: oganesson (see below). 4 for
    everyone -- Erland, Dan Blum, Joshua, Dan Tilque, and Pete.

    Erland Sommarskog:
    To be picky the 2022 answer is still radon, since the question
    specified the atommic number.

    Mark Brader:
    Wrong; see the explanation of """ notation in the companion posting.

    Erland Sommarskog:
    The question still specified number 86.

    So what? That was secondary information that was out of date.

    As for the """is""", we don't know if the second one has really changed.
    With only a few atoms, we don't for a fact that it is a gas...

    "Noble gas" is the name of its group in the periodic table.
    --
    Mark Brader | But I think we can do better next time. (Where the
    Toronto | word "we" refers to [those] who do the hard work while msb@vex.net | I sit back and complain...) -- Keith Thompson

    My text in this article is in the public domain.

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  • From Mark Brader@21:1/5 to All on Sun Mar 27 22:40:20 2022
    Erland Sommarskog:
    And, again, if radon is an incorrect answer in 2022, it was an incorrect answer in 2012 as well, but the correct answer in 2012 would be "element 118", as it had not yet been named.

    Then at that point it was only a hypothetical element, and doesn't count.
    --
    Mark Brader | "Which baby is that? Oh, of course -- it must be
    Toronto | the one that comes complete with bathwater."
    msb@vex.net | --Maria Conlon

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