American rock band Blue Öyster Cult had a hit with "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" in 1976. Written by lead guitarist Donald Roeser (aka Buck Dharma), it was released as an edited version of the song appearing on their 1976 album "Agents of Fortune". About the inevitability of death and eternal love, it was listed in 2003 on "Rolling Stone" magazine's list of top 500 songs of all time.
2. House of Lancaster
Answer: Red
The War of the Roses was a series of conflicts between 1455 and 1487 fought for control of the English throne, ended (more or less) by marriage. It was fought between the House of York and the House of Lancashire. The name of the conflict is a reference to the heraldic badges of the two houses, rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet. The House of York's was a white rose whilst the rose was red for the House of Lancaster.
3. Clandestine trading venue
Answer: Black
A black market is usually connected with some sort of illegal trading activity. As such it would normally be carried out in a clandestine manner so as to avoid the attention of the authorities. On the other hand, if you go to The Black Market in Cork, Ireland, you will find an indoor food market amongst other things. Made from repurposed shipping containers, the name is a reference to the colour scheme, which is mostly matte black, rather than any illegal activity.
4. US intercity service
Answer: Grey
This clue is a reference to the intercity bus service operated by Greyhound Lines in the US since 1914. The 'greyhound' name was adopted in 1929. The service is now owned by Flix SE of Germany. The company is named after the British greyhound dog breed. The spelling of the colour therefore follows the typical British English form.
5. Oleander (book/film)
Answer: White
The novel "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch was published in 1999. The book follows a young girl Astrid through various foster homes with motherhood as a theme. A 2002 film version was adapted from the book with Alison Lohman in the main role and receiving award nominations along with Michelle Pfeifer and Renée Zellweger. Sap from an oleander shrub is used as a poison in the novel and film.
6. Ducat
Answer: Gold
The ducat is a gold coin first produced by Venetians in the 13th century and which became a standard European trade coin until the 19th century. It replaced the Byzantine gold hyperpyron for the Venetians in part due to the debasement of the hyperpyron. Debasement was also a reason why the florin lost out to the ducat over the next few centuries.
Its status at the time is reflected by the fact that it plays a key role in Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice". Ducat use as a trade coin declined from the 17th century and any minted these days are bullion coins for collectors or investors.
7. Citrus hybrid
Answer: Orange
Both bitter orange (or Seville orange) and orange (or sweet orange) are examples of Citrus genus hybrids. These originated in sub-tropical and tropical regions of south-east Asia. Sweet orange was getting mentioned in Chinese literature as long as 2,400 years ago. Lack of suitable climate in Europe was partially overcome with orangeries, in effect large greenhouses or conservatories. An orangery was a status symbol in 17th century for only the wealthy could afford the cost of the glass.
8. Runner-up
Answer: Silver
In a competition such as the Olympics, the winner of an event is awarded a gold medal. Runner-up normally means the person coming second. Some might add a qualifier like first runner-up or second runner-up. The runner-up (or first runner-up) would receive a silver medal in the Olympics with the second runner-up getting a bronze medal.
9. Putting
Answer: Green
This is a reference to the putting greens of a golf course, the area of closely-cropped grass containing the cup on each hole of a golf course, although it is usually just called a green. Putting green also refers to a practice area which is kept in green-like condition. Commercial putting greens, typically not associated with a golf course, may be made with artificial turf and geared to entertainment with unusual obstacles as part of the design.
10. Pages
Answer: Yellow
First appearing in the 19th century, a Yellow Pages is a telephone directory of businesses, typically printed on yellow paper. The directory is organised by business category rather than alphabetically and paid for through adverts. With the advent of the internet, paper versions have mostly given way to online versions. Yellow Pages were produced in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Philippines, the UK and USA.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor LeoDaVinci before going online.
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