A Strange Loop Trivia Quiz

Answer: A train of thought that resists resolution

A 'brain loop' is a recurring circuit of neural activity that reinforces certain thoughts, behaviours, or physiological responses. These loops can be functional, like those involved in memory, motor control, or emotional regulation, or dysfunctional, as seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety, where the brain repeatedly cycles through distressing thoughts or urges.

At a biological level, brain loops often involve feedback between regions like the cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and limbic system, creating self-reinforcing patterns that shape perception and action.

A brain loop can also describe the mental experience of being stuck in repetitive thinking, rumination, overanalysis, or mental rehearsal. These loops may be triggered by unresolved problems, emotional stress, or habitual thought patterns, and can feel like the mind is 'spinning its wheels'.

I had a few brain loops when I was writing this quiz! :-D

Answer: The United Kingdom

Loop Guru is a British musical duo formed in 1985 by Sam Dodson (also known as Salman Gita) and David Muddyman (aka Jamuud). The two musicians initially met around 1980 and collaborated in the post-punk band The Transmitters before creating Loop Guru.

Known for pioneering a unique fusion of global sounds and electronic music, they developed an eclectic and multicultural style. Their approach involved mixing traditional Asian and Middle Eastern musical influences with Western dance beats, ambient soundscapes, and dub rhythms. They used innovative techniques, including tape loops, field recordings, and a variety of exotic instruments, to build their distinctive sound.

Sadly, David Muddyman (Jamuud) passed away in March 2022, marking an end to an era for the duo but leaving behind a lasting legacy in experimental music.

Answer: Devolver Digital

Developed by Russian studio Four Quarters and published by Devolver Digital, 'Loop Hero' debuted in 2021 after a rocky start at a game jam. Despite early bugs, its unique concept resonated with players, selling over 500,000 copies in its first week.

The game begins after the end of the world. An evil Lich has shattered reality, plunging everything into a timeless void. You play as a lone hero wandering through a decaying landscape, trying to restore fragments of memory and rebuild existence. But instead of controlling the hero directly, you shape the world around them, placing terrain, enemies, and buildings using a mystical deck of cards. Each expedition is a loop through a path, where the hero battles foes and gathers resources.

Back at camp, you use gathered materials to construct new buildings like kitchens, blacksmiths, and alchemist huts. These unlock new cards, hero classes (Warrior, Rogue, Necromancer), and passive traits. Each loop becomes a puzzle of risk and reward.

Answer: A jump from one foot, landing on the same foot

In figure skating, a single loop jump is a fundamental rotational jump where the skater takes off from the back outside edge of one foot, completes one full revolution in the air, and lands on the same foot and edge they took off from. It's performed from a right back outside edge for counterclockwise jumpers (most skaters), and the jump is known for its tight, vertical rotation.

Unlike toe jumps like the toe loop or flip, the loop is an 'edge jump', meaning it doesn't rely on a toe pick assist, as the skater springs directly from the edge of the blade.

Though it's one of the simpler jumps in terms of rotation, mastering the loop requires precise edge control, strong core engagement, and clean timing. It's often used as a building block for more complex combinations, such as double or triple loops.

Answer: Chicago

The Loop is Chicago's official downtown and its central business district, bordered by the Chicago River to the north and west, Lake Michigan to the east, and Roosevelt Road to the south. It's the second-largest business district in North America after Midtown Manhattan, and home to corporate headquarters, government offices, and cultural institutions.

The name 'The Loop' comes from the circular route formed by Chicago's elevated train system, the 'L', which loops around the area via the Orange, Green, Purple, Brown, and Pink lines. This transit hub makes the Loop one of the most accessible neighbourhoods in the city, drawing commuters, tourists, and locals alike.

The Loop is packed with attractions: Millennium Park and its reflective Cloud Gate sculpture ('The Bean'), the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Theatre, and the towering Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower).

Answer: Reabsorbing water and salts from urine

The Loop of Henle is a part of the kidney that helps control how much water and salt your body keeps or gets rid of. It's shaped like a U and sits inside tiny filters called nephrons. As liquid from the blood flows through it, the loop pulls out water and salt depending on what your body needs.

This process helps make your urine more concentrated when your body wants to save water. It also helps keep your blood pressure and salt levels steady. So, the Loop of Henle is like a filter that helps your body stay balanced.

Answer: Johnny Thunder

Johnny Thunder, who was born Gil Hamilton in Florida, had a brief stint with The Drifters before launching his solo career. 'Loop De Loop' was the highlight of his discography and featured on his only album of the same name. It was written by Teddy Vann and Joe Dong, with Vann also serving as producer.

Released in December 1962, the single soared to number four on the U.S. Pop Chart and number six on the R&B chart in early 1963, making it his only Top 40 hit. It also reached number 14 in Canada and was performed on "American Bandstand", helping establish its popularity.

Answer: Toucan Sam

Created by artist Manuel R. Vega for Kellogg's, Toucan Sam has been the face of Froot Loops since 1963. He has vibrant plumage and an oversized striped beak, originally colored to match the cereal's red, orange, and yellow loops. His famous catchphrase, 'Follow your nose-it always knows!' captured the idea that his beak could sniff out the irresistible scent of Froot Loops wherever they were.

In 2020, Kellogg's introduced a radically redesigned version with neon colours and a simple cartoonish look. The change sparked a backlash from fans who preferred the classic design. In response, Kellogg's reverted to a more traditional style in 2021. His beak now features all the colours of the cereal: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, as the Froot Loops palette expanded.

Answer: Science Fiction

The Sci-fi film 'Time Loop' follows the story of Ricky, a young London scientist played by Sam Gittins, who travels to a remote Italian village to assist his estranged father Riccardo with experimental research. Their strained relationship, rooted in Riccardo's obsession with his work, sets the emotional backdrop for a story that quickly spirals into temporal chaos.

When their experiments accidentally create a time machine, Ricky finds himself trapped in a loop, reliving the same hour repeatedly and confronting the consequences of actions he hasn't yet taken.

Directed and written by Ciro Sorrentino, it is a modest indie production that leans heavily on its concept rather than special effects. It explores classic time loop tropes: multiple versions of the protagonist, paradox avoidance, and the challenge of correcting mistakes made in earlier iterations.

Answer: Five

A standard pair of Levi's 501 jeans typically features five belt loops: two at the front (one on each side), two at the back (also one on each side), and a central loop at the rear, positioned above the back seam. This configuration balances function and aesthetics, helping the belt stay evenly distributed and the jeans sit securely at the waist.

Five loops provide sufficient support to prevent the belt from sagging or twisting during movement. The rear centre loop is especially important, anchoring the belt and preventing it from riding up or slipping down. Larger waist sizes (usually 38" and up) may include seven belt loops instead of five, offering enhanced belt stability and tension distribution.

I have 10 loops on mine, because I like to be unconventional and loopy! ;-)