Physical Traits Trivia

1. Art Tatum was a key performer in the American jazz scene and was a virtuoso of which instrument?

From Quiz I See Blind People

Answer: Piano

The cause of Tatum's loss of sight is contentious. The favoured argument is through cataracts at a very early age. Fortunately for Art he was blessed with perfect pitch or, to put it another way, he didn't need a reference tone to be able to identify and re-create any given note. Tatum was heavily influenced by the likes of Fats Waller, Earl Hines and James P. Johnson, all great exponents of the stride piano style. It is ironic then that it was against Johnson and Waller that Tatum would compete with in a cutting contest in 1933 that would trigger his rise to prominence in the industry. Art's rendition of "Tea For Two" had Johnson proclaiming "it was the first time I had ever heard it ("Tea For Two") really played". Tatum's extended improvisations and technical brilliance would serve to promote great innovations in jazz and influence luminaries such as Charlie Parker ("I wish I could play like Tatum's right hand") and Oscar Peterson ("Tatum was and is my musical God").

From Quiz To Baldly Go

Answer: Andre Agassi

The confession came in Agassi's autobiography, which came out in 2009. The wig was a masterpiece - long and shaggy with highlights, and held on (it now seems) by a headband. Agassi claimed in his book that he lost his first major final, the French Open, in 1990 through his fear that his hair would fall off during the match. It doesn't seem to have hindered him that much, though, as he has eight Grand Slam singles titles to his credit, having won at all four of the major venues.

From Quiz Dark World

Answer: Sharp implement

Three year old Louis Braille was playing in his father's workshop, trying to pierce a piece of leather with a pointed tool. The tool slipped and struck his eye, causing immediate blindness. He also lost the sight from his other eye after that became infected. Despite the odds, Braille completed his education at the National Institute for Blind Youth in Paris. It was here that he became a professor, and in 1824, first published the braille system for reading and writing.

From Quiz Dances with Fat

Answer: Fluffy

Gabriel Iglesias is an American stand-up comedian from San Diego, California. Part of his routine comes from the fact that he is "Fluffy", not fat. At his heaviest Iglesias weighed over 440 pounds. He has been working on losing some of his weight, losing nearly 100 pounds while dieting.

From Quiz I See Blind People

Answer: Blinded by a childhood accident

Braille lost the sight of one eye at age three after an accident with an awl in his father's workshop. An infection developed a little later that spread to his other eye and by age five he would be blind in both eyes. Two of Braille's key attributes were intelligence and his persistence. Thanks to his intelligence he was admitted into the prestigious and forward thinking Royal Institute for Blind Youth. Here he encountered a mode of reading promoted by philanthropist Valentin Hauy that used a system of raised imprints on letters. The system was cumbersome and limiting because it "talked to the fingers with the language of the eye". A few years later Braille was to meet Captain Charles Barbier who'd designed a system of lettering that used a series of dots and dashes impressed on thick paper. The system, called 'night writing', suffered from the use of too many dots and dashes that proved difficult to identify or read. This is where Braille's persistence came in. He worked tirelessly over the next few years to create a more efficient system which, eventually, did away with the dashes and reduced the number of dots to a maximum of six per letter. Braille, at age twenty, would publish his system in 1829. Ironically the tool that he would use to create the raised dots was an awl.

From Quiz To Baldly Go

Answer: England

Kingsley was born in Yorkshire in 1943 to a family of rather exotic descent. His paternal grandfather was Indian, but moved to Zanzibar in Africa, while Kingsley's father was born in Kenya. Sir Ben won an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of another bald man in the film 'Gandhi', which came out in 1982. His other major films include 'Schindler's List' (1993), 'Bugsy' (1991) and 'Sexy Beast' (2000).

From Quiz Deaf World

Answer: Thomas Edison

One of history's most brilliant inventors, Thomas Edison, was most noted for his research in creating over 2,000 patents worldwide, mainly in the field of electrical devices. These included the motion picture camera, phonograph, the first commerically viable eletric light-bulb and even a tattoo machine. There are different theories as to how he lost his hearing, ranging from scarlet fever when he was a child, to being boxed around the ears by a bus conductor. Regardless of which, his brilliance led a shining example to other people faced with a hearing disability.

From Quiz Dances with Fat

Answer: Barry White

Barry White was a Grammy-award winning singer, whose music is seen as very romantic. Barry White was a big man, weighing over 370 pounds, but he enjoyed big stardom. "You're the First, You're the Last, My Everything" is one of his most popular songs. When you're looking to sweep that girl off her feet, chances are you'll have Barry White in your playlist. Barry White passed away in 2004.

From Quiz I See Blind People

Answer: Kilimanjaro

Kibuucka climbed Kilimanjaro in 1968 and immediately became the centre of widespread media attention. As a consequence he was given an invite to travel to Norway at the behest of a disabled sporting organisation to provide inspiration and motivation to disabled people. The invite arrived not long after Idi Amin had gained power in Uganda, and Kibuucka felt it would be a wise move to remain in Norway. Whilst climbing the mountain made him newsworthy, what added to his reputation were his sporting achievements. In 1976 he would attend the first Winter Paralympic Games. Despite living in Norway he went as a representative of Uganda and, in doing so, became Uganda's sole representative and the first African to compete at the Winter Paralympics. He would compete again for his native land in 1980. By 1984 he was a naturalised Norwegian and competed for his adopted country, this time as a runner in the Summer Paralympics, winning medals in the 800, 1,500 and 5,000 metre events.

From Quiz To Baldly Go

Answer: Raisa

Although the wives of western political leaders often find themselves in the public eye, this was less common for the wives of Communist leaders. Raisa Gorbacheva made regular public appearances alongside her husband, having left her post as a university lecturer when he became leader of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev's birthmark, revealed by his lack of hair, was very noticeable but he should be remembered for being the man who introduced the policies of glasnost and perestroika. The new openness led to the dissolution of the USSR with the former members gaining their independence.

From Quiz Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Answer: St. Francis of Assisi

Francis of Assisi was the founder of the Franciscan Order. He was canonized on the 16th of July 1228 by Pope Gregory IX, only two years after his death. In 2013 the new Pope chose Francis as his papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. All of the other religious figures given as possible answers are well known for having had long hair.

From Quiz Dark World

Answer: Stevland Hardaway Judkins

Stevie Wonder suffered with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) when he was a premature new born; the retina became detached because the blood vessels had not had time enough to develop properly. This did not stop him from reaching worldwide popularity as a singer and musician. "Fingertips - Part 1 & 2" was his first hit single and reached number one in the US singles chart in 1963. This was followed by other number one hit singles on a global level including "Ebony and Ivory" and "I Just Called to Say I Love You".

From Quiz I See Blind People

Answer: MacGyver

Elcar was originally cast in the pilot episode of "MacGyver" (1985) in a completely different role (Andy Colson) but would emerge in the series proper as MacGyver's boss and best friend, a role he held for the duration of the programme. In 1991, prior to the start of the sixth season, he developed glaucoma. Rather than write him out of the series the writers cleverly included the condition in the storyline, beginning with the first episode "Blind Faith". Elcar would see his television days out playing other blind characters in shows such as "E.R.", "Law and Order" and "The Magic School Bus". He passed away from pneumonia at the age of 77 in 2005.

From Quiz To Baldly Go

Answer: Seal

Seal was born to a Nigerian mother and his middle names reflect his heritage. His best known hit is probably 'Kiss From a Rose' from 1994, and he was also the featured vocalist on 'Killer', a 1990 hit from dance music producer Adamski. Lemmy comes from the heavy metal band Motorhead, where long hair is compulsory. Sting was born in Tyne and Wear and Adamski was born in Hampshire.

From Quiz Dances with Fat

Answer: Sports Illustrated

Ashley Graham is a plus-sized supermodel who has donned the cover of numerous magazines, including "Vogue" and "Glamour". She was also featured on the cover of "Sports Illustrated's" annual swimsuit issue in 2016. She has hopes to one day be included in a "Victoria's Secret" fashion show.

From Quiz I See Blind People

Answer: Hungary

Also known as Bela II he was the nephew of the then king, King Coloman. Bela's father, Almos, had made several attempts to overthrow Coloman without success which resulted in Coloman stripping him of his duchy and ordering the blinding of both Almos and his son Bela. On Coloman's passing his son (and Bela's cousin) Stephen II ascended to the throne. Stephen, who died childless, discovered Bela in the last years of his reign and welcomed him back to the fold with open arms. He granted him the town of Tolna and arranged his marriage to Helena of Rascia. On Stephen's death Bela would take the throne and immediately acknowledged his wife as his co-ruler fearing that without her support he would be unable to rule the country effectively. Bela's rule was notable for his expansionist policies, the overthrow of Boris, a supposed bastard child of Coloman laying claim to the throne and the execution of all the nobles reportedly involved in the decision to blind both himself and his father.

From Quiz To Baldly Go

Answer: Soccer

Collina is a retired soccer referee from Italy. His bald head, caused by alopecia, made him stand out, but he was also one of the best referees in the sport. Collina was voted the World's Best Referee for each year between 1998 and 2003 and was also his country's Referee of the Year on several occasions. He was the referee for the FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Brazil in 2002, which was played in Japan and which was won by Brazil.

From Quiz Dark World

Answer: David Blunkett

David Blunkett was blinded from birth due to a genetic disorder. Despite his disability and growing up in poverty, he attended schools for the blind and gained a BA at the University of Sheffield. His political career took off from 1970 and he eventually worked in the cabinet run by Prime Minister, Tony Blair. He became the Education and Employment Secretary in 1997, Home Secretary in 2001, and the Work and Pensions Secretary in 2005.

From Quiz Dances with Fat

Answer: 'N Sync

Joey Fatone was a member of the boy band 'N Sync from 1995-2002. He is sometimes called the "Fat One" (a pun of his last name) since he gained a lot of weight after leaving the band. He competed in the 2007 edition of "Dancing With the Stars" where he claimed second place. Joey Fatone opened his own hot dog stand named "Fat One's" in Orlando, Florida.

From Quiz Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Answer: Carsten Jancker

Grevesmühlen is in northern Germany, so you could only really go with two options in here if you knew this. The other German is Stefan Effenberg, who's also played notably for Bayern München but in Italy only for Fiorentina. He's also quite a few years older (born 1968), smaller and played as defensive midfielder. Ludovic Magning is a retired player but from Switzerland, being noted for playing with German side Stuttgart. As for Thomas Gravesen, another retiree, he played most famously for Everton and is Danish. Lastly, Carsten Jancker still went on to play in other countries such as Austria and China and was capped 33 times, scoring 10 goals for the German national team. He retired in 2009.

From Quiz More Hip, Less Hop

Answer: Evel Knievel

A household name in the 1970's, he is still rated as one of the greatest ever dare-devils and a founding father of extreme sports. He is best known for his motorcycle stunts which included jumping over pits of rattlesnakes and (unsuccessfully) jumping over 13 double decker buses at Wembley stadium. Evel Knievel sustained his hip injury whilst attempting to jump the fountains at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas (a jump of 141 feet). He successfully cleared the fountains but was thrown off his bike on the landing ramp breaking several bones and putting himself in a coma for 29 days. Although it was doubtful that he would ever walk again, he made a full recovery and continued to perform his stunts. His career ended in 1976 when he collided with his cameraman whilst practising a jump over a tank full of live sharks. He broke both of his arms in the crash and the cameraman lost an eye. (Info from www.kingofthestuntmen.co.uk)

From Quiz Dark World

Answer: Marla Runyan

Californian born Marla Runyan developed Stargardt's Disease when she was nine years old which left her legally blind. While attending San Diego State University, she started to compete in track and field athletics including the heptathlon, high jump, shot put, 100 meter hurdle, long jump, javelin and the 800 meter. She won gold medals in 100m, 200m, 400m and woman's long jump at the 1992 Barcelona games, followed with another gold medal at Atlanta 1996 in the women's pentathlon. She has continued to compete in athletics but Stargardt's is a degenerative disease and so her eyesight is worsening with age. NB: A person with "normal" vision can see 20/20. This means that they are able to read an eye chart if they stand 20 feet away from it. A person is declared legally blind if their vision is worse than 20/200 without the use of corrective aid. That person would see an object from 20 feet away, where a person with "normal" vision would see the same object if they stood 200 feet away. A person who is legally blind may still be able to distinguish light and dark shapes where a totally blind person would not.

From Quiz Dances with Fat

Answer: Victoria & Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria was the monarch of Great Britain from 1837-1901. Queen Victoria was short in height at only about five feet tall. However, despite her short stature she was known for having a big appetite. She gained a lot of weight after her husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861. The Victorian Era is named after her as Great Britain enjoyed advancements in architecture, engineering, technology and other key areas during her time as Queen.

From Quiz To Baldly Go

Answer: Cookery

Gregg Wallace, usually in partnership with chef John Torode, is known as a presenter of 'Masterchef' and its various spin-offs. He began as a greengrocer at Covent Garden market, before breaking into radio and then television. 'Masterchef' is a competition between amateur cooks who create dishes under pressure. The results are then judged by Gregg and John, with Gregg claiming to be particularly fond of the puddings (desserts). Spin-offs include a celebrity version, one for professionals and another for young cooks. Gregg has also made appearances in other celebrity shows, including 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

From Quiz Dark World

Answer: First blind person to climb Mount Everest

Erik Weihenmayer was born with retinoschisis, a degenerative eye disease which resulted in the retina neurosensory layers splitting. Totally blind at 13 years old, he excelled in sports at school and has since become proficient in sky diving, skiing and running the marathon. He climbed his first mountain in Tajikistan when he was 23 years old. Raising his sights (excuse the pun!) he went on to climb Mt. McKinley, Kilimanjaro and then the highest of them all, Mount Everest.

From Quiz I See Blind People

Answer: Swimming

Born blind it wasn't until she was ten that Trischa started swimming. Remarkably she was competing for her country (the United States) six years later at the 1980 Arnhem Summer Paralympics in The Netherlands. Even more remarkable was her haul of seven gold medals. Her subsequent games built upon her legend. 1984 New York Games - six gold medals 1988 Seoul - 12 gold medals 1992 Barcelona - 10 gold medals In all, Zorn would compete in seven Summer Paralympic Games, culminating in her being the USA's flag bearer at the closing ceremony of the 2004 Athens' Games. Her tally of 55 medals would include 41 gold.

From Quiz To Baldly Go

Answer: William Hague

Hague first made his mark in politics when he spoke at the Conservative Party's conference in 1977. At the time he was aged only sixteen and had a full head of blond hair. After the Conservatives, under John Major, lost power in the 1997 election, Hague was elected the party's new leader. He was derided in the popular press for his lack of hair and for wearing a baseball cap. Being bald didn't seem to be a handicap to Winston Churchill, but maybe we live in a more superficial age.

From Quiz More Hip, Less Hop

Answer: Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda, daughter of screen legend Henry Fonda and sister to Oscar nominated Peter Fonda, had hip replacement surgery in 2005. She also had knee replacement surgery in 2010. She was then diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 but, even though she was faced with so much adversity she didn't let it hold her back, she released two fitness DVD's in 2010, another two in 2011 and a yoga DVD in 2012. Her acting career continues ... A remarkable woman!

From Quiz Deaf World

Answer: Girl Scouts of the United States of America

Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low did not have very good hearing when she was growing up. It is believed that a grain of rice lodged in her ear during her wedding caused an infection and irreparable damage to her hearing. She first met and became friends with Englishman, Robert Baden-Powell, in 1911, who was already known as the "father" of the boy scout movement. This meeting determined the rest of her life when a year later she founded the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. By the time of her death from cancer in 1927, there were well over 140,000 members. The current membership stands at over three million including children and adults.

From Quiz Dances with Fat

Answer: Rikishi

Solofa Fatu wrestled in WWE under the name Rikishi. As Rikishi he teamed up with the tag team Too Cool. Despite being over 400 pounds, he would entertain the fans with his dance moves after a match. Fatu was a member of the Anoa'i family. The Anoa'i family are of Samoan descent and have had numerous family members compete in WWE over the years. They include Yokozuna, Umaga, The Usos (Fatu's sons) and Roman Reigns.

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Last Updated Apr 13 2024 5:51 AM

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