Special Sub-Topic: Totally Random Stuff I Learned in 10th Grade Click Here To Play: Totally Random Stuff I Learned in 10th Grade

How did Humayun, a ruler of the Mughal dynasty, die?

He fell down some stairs. This is one of the few things I found interesting in my World History class. Humayun was rushing down the steps of a library, arms laden with books, and he tripped and hit his head. He died from the wounds caused by the fall. Ironically, he was in such a rush because he was going to pray.

Which of these Greek letters is used as a math term, usually to represent an unknown angle?

Theta. I just learned this a few weeks ago in Higher Algebra. Theta is often used to represent the quantity of an unknown angle in a triangle, usually in trigonometric functions (i.e., sine, cosine, tangent, etc.).

What was the alternate title of D.W. Griffith's landmark film "Birth of a Nation"?

The Clansman. This was one of the first films we learned about in my Cinema class. "Birth of a Nation" was released in 1915, and it was very controversial for it's time, mostly for its portrayal of African-Americans in the south. It was also one of the very first movies over 2 hours long.

Which of these was not an alias used by Huck in the novel "Huckleberry Finn"?

Buck Grangerford. This is the only book that I've been interested in so far in English. Buck Grangerford was the son of a family he briefly stayed with. He used Sarah Williams when he disguised himself as a girl, but changed it to George Jackson when he was found out to be a boy. He was mistaken for being Tom Sawyer by Tom's aunt Sally, and he goes by it for quite a while until Tom's aunt Polly pays a visit and identifies him as Huck.

Which of these French verbs is conjugated in "l'imparfait" (imperfect tense)?

Parliez. "Parler" (to talk) is the infinitive. "Parlerons", conjugated with "nous" (we), is future tense, and "Parle", conjugated with "il/elle" (he/she) is present tense. Imperfect tense is used when you are talking about what you were doing, or what you used to do. I learned this, obviously, in French.

Which of these is not an anxiety disorder?

Anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is one of the three eating disorders. Anorexics refuse to ingest the proper amount of nutrients needed to stay alive, which is why it is such a serious disease. Symptoms of anorexia can include rapid weight loss, brittle fingernails, and secretive food hoarding. Anorexics often wear baggy clothes to cover up their rapid weight changes or emaciated figure. I found this to be an interesting unit in my Health class.

What should you do if you feel tired while you are driving a long way?

Stop at the nearest place you can and sleep. In Driver's Ed, I learned that you should NEVER continue driving if you find it hard to keep your eyes open. Caffeine or energy drinks won't help, and neither will the radio or some other source of sound. The safest way is to go is stop somewhere and rest up before continuing on your way.

Which of these is NOT a way to make a buffer?

A strong acid with a salt of that acid. I learned in Chemistry that a buffer is something that will maintain a steady pH when more of an acid or a base is added to it. Blood is an example of a natural buffer.

What was the name of the inventor of volleyball?

William Morgan. William Morgan invented volleyball in 1895 in Holeyoke, Massachusetts. Morgan was a YMCA physical education instructor. Then, volleyball was called "Mintonette". I learned this in gym, and believe or not, was tested on it. I thought the only good thing about gym was the fact that there weren't any tests!

OK, I think I've made it through all my classes now, so here's a completely random question. Which of these is NOT a breed of fancy rat?

New England Black. A capped rat is one with a generally dark-colored head (brown or black) with a white body, and sometimes a spot on the back. A topaz rat is one that is golden fawn colored with cream colored fur on the stomach. A champagne rat is beige in color. I made up the New England black breed, though there dozens of rat breeds. I have two rats; one of them is capped and one of them is a pink-eyed white.