| Dave Doucette: Puzzle 184 forced me to do more research than I had done before. It was interesting to find (and resolve) conflicting information from different places. |
Debbie Sterbinsky
Let's give Benjaman Kyle a break and give him a close 2nd. My heart goes out to this
man.I still think his name is Paul, just not sure why.
Karen Kay Bunting
I am telling you that this time I am having a tremendously hard time of deciding upon a
favorite. I liked #208 Benjaman Doe because it is still ongoing and you are still working
on it.
Milene Rawlinson
The challenge of figuring out the correct parameters for searching, and do I search in
images, on the web or where.
Let's give Benjaman Kyle a break and give him a close 2nd. My heart goes out to this
man.I still think his name is Paul, just not sure why.
Karen Kay Bunting
I am telling you that this time I am having a tremendously hard time of deciding upon a
favorite. I liked #208 Benjaman Doe because it is still ongoing and you are still working
on it.
Milene Rawlinson
The challenge of figuring out the correct parameters for searching, and do I search in
images, on the web or where.
| Dead Horse Update Click HERE to read our analysis of the Dead Horse Picture from the Sheboygan Press. |
Carolyn Cornelius
My favorite quiz was without a doubt #193, the Times Square kiss. I was fascinated
and slightly obsessed by the evidence, scientific and otherwise, supporting the two main
claimants to being the sailor. And so I carried my research far beyond what I usually do
for these quizzes. I stand by my original comments which were faithfully reproduced in
the answer to the quiz.
Karen Kay Bunting
I liked #193 Smackeroonie for the same reason (that you worked on it). I like the
challenge.
Jim Kiser
#193 was a fun historical quiz.
My favorite quiz was without a doubt #193, the Times Square kiss. I was fascinated
and slightly obsessed by the evidence, scientific and otherwise, supporting the two main
claimants to being the sailor. And so I carried my research far beyond what I usually do
for these quizzes. I stand by my original comments which were faithfully reproduced in
the answer to the quiz.
Karen Kay Bunting
I liked #193 Smackeroonie for the same reason (that you worked on it). I like the
challenge.
Jim Kiser
#193 was a fun historical quiz.
Mike Swierczewski
I'm just a sucker for well-done hoaxes. Besides, most of the material I saw on the web
about it was put out there by the perpetrators themselves! I learn something new with
practically every quiz.
Nancy Lear
19th c. industrial age fascinates me and I'm always interested in a good hoax. I learn so
much doing the research. Expands the mind.
Dennis Brann
Fascinated by the fact that somebody has taken this much effort to perpetrate a hoax.
Marilyn Hamill
Boilerplate's site was very creative and the man did a lot of work to make it look
authentic.
Venita Wilson
I must include #210 because you really had me fooled with that robot standing next to
TR!
I'm just a sucker for well-done hoaxes. Besides, most of the material I saw on the web
about it was put out there by the perpetrators themselves! I learn something new with
practically every quiz.
Nancy Lear
19th c. industrial age fascinates me and I'm always interested in a good hoax. I learn so
much doing the research. Expands the mind.
Dennis Brann
Fascinated by the fact that somebody has taken this much effort to perpetrate a hoax.
Marilyn Hamill
Boilerplate's site was very creative and the man did a lot of work to make it look
authentic.
Venita Wilson
I must include #210 because you really had me fooled with that robot standing next to
TR!
 |  |  |  |
| Survey #6 Results |
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| If you have a picture you'd like us to feature a picture in a future quiz, please email it to us at CFitzp@aol.com. If we use it, you will receive a free analysis of your picture. You will also receive a free Forensic Genealogy CD or a 10% discount towards the purchase of the Forensic Genealogy book. |
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| If you enjoy our quizzes, don't forget to order our book! Click here. |
| Honorable Mentions |
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Mike Dalton
It was difficult to solve, partially because of fuzzy lettering and the time it took to
search out various words or clues, and finally get it. There were at least 3 other photos
which I considered difficult; but I had overlooked obvious clues and wandered off lost.
There were other photos that i might have selected for photo itself or subject matter.
Don Draper
#209, really had many visual clues but some were quite blurred. It really took careful
photo analysis and outside research to solve. If this was a sharper image it would
provide even more triggers for internet searches - words, dates, names, brands, ads.,
pictures, etc.
Karen Kay Bunting
I guess I will have to give my top award to #209 Passing the Bar because it provided
the most challenge to me and I liked using the clues within the picture to determine the
answer. Which is applicable to any photo too, I guess.
Evan Hindman
Too hard to pick! I would say that I especially enjoy those using the old photos...
Those showing details of another era - #209 (what a great place for a beer!)
Judy Pfaff
Lots of clues in the photo that were interesting. I like the ones that make me think
beyond just the first glance.
Fred Stuart
There were so many clues and so much that needed to be researched. [I like the
quizzes because of] the knowledge gained from the variety of subject matter.
It was difficult to solve, partially because of fuzzy lettering and the time it took to
search out various words or clues, and finally get it. There were at least 3 other photos
which I considered difficult; but I had overlooked obvious clues and wandered off lost.
There were other photos that i might have selected for photo itself or subject matter.
Don Draper
#209, really had many visual clues but some were quite blurred. It really took careful
photo analysis and outside research to solve. If this was a sharper image it would
provide even more triggers for internet searches - words, dates, names, brands, ads.,
pictures, etc.
Karen Kay Bunting
I guess I will have to give my top award to #209 Passing the Bar because it provided
the most challenge to me and I liked using the clues within the picture to determine the
answer. Which is applicable to any photo too, I guess.
Evan Hindman
Too hard to pick! I would say that I especially enjoy those using the old photos...
Those showing details of another era - #209 (what a great place for a beer!)
Judy Pfaff
Lots of clues in the photo that were interesting. I like the ones that make me think
beyond just the first glance.
Fred Stuart
There were so many clues and so much that needed to be researched. [I like the
quizzes because of] the knowledge gained from the variety of subject matter.
| BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR 2008-2009 |
| Submitted by Claudia Niemiec |
| Boilerplate is a fictional robot of the Victorian era and early 20th century, created in 2000 by Portland, Oregon artist Paul Guinan. Originally intended for comics, the character became known via a faux-historical website created by Guinan, and has since appeared in other media. |
| This photo of a bar scene was taken in either Lake City or Milwaukee, WI. The location is given by the names on the calendars and the political posters on the wall and behind the bar. The date is March 1936, given by the page showing on the calendars. |
| What Our Readers Like Most about the Quizzes |
| Mike Dalton Wonderful site for humorous and intelligent dialogue as well as creative thinking (thinking slightly outside of the box) to solve questions. Each photo has a story, etc. Where else on earth, real or virtual would find such a site? Carl Blessing Makes you really do research and learn about different places, times, peoples, events from different perspectives. Jocelyn Thayer They keep the brain cells pink. The Quizes make me think, research, and then articulate what I have learned. I enjoy discovering something new each week and look forward to the assignment. I have investigated subjects I 'hadn't a clue' about and always have a feeling of self-satisfaction when I complete them. Sometimes it takes what seems like forever to discover the answer. I always feel like I've accomplished something 'just for me. Don Draper Solving puzzles is fun! The photo quizzes are usually quite challenging puzzles and so, finding solutions can be very satisfying. You say to yourself, “Yes! I did it!” I enjoy doing searches on the web. Quite often you can find the answers to each quiz in one place but usually I am not content simply finding these answers. It is even more interesting discovering what other sources have to say about the photo/topic. The answer summary is always excellent. I enjoy reading what other people have to say. Their approaches to solving the quiz, their thoughts and evaluations about the various situations, and personal experiences relating to the photo of the week, are interesting. Venita Wilson My expansion of knowledge: both in my personal research & in reading how others solved the weekly problem along with the actual solution. Margaret Waterman I love the challenge and I love the skills I have acquired trying to solve the quizzes. Dave Doucette Hard to believe another 50 quizzes have gone by. Wow! You have been doing a fantastic job keeping the puzzles interesting and challenging. Mary Osmar I just learn so much about lesser known events in history. I love to research and these quizzes challenge my skills. Stan Read The search for answers to the quizzes requires looking at the vast storehouse of information on the Web. And this is much more convenient than going to the Library of Congress and poring through all those dusty books! Gina Hudson They teach me about things that I never knew before. Even when I get the answer wrong, I have learned something. Marilyn Hamill Trying to drag a clue out of a picture. Evan Hindman I always enjoy the old photos and finding out the story behind the photo. I continue to visit every week (even though I don't always solve the puzzle). Keep up the great quizzes! Robert W. Steinmann Jr. Even though I am only in my late 40's, the weekly quizzes keep my brain cells moist & pliable! They give me something to do for fun! Betty Chambers They make me think. Mary Osmar I just learn so much about lesser known events in history. I love to research and these quizzes challenge my skills. Fred Stuart The knowledge gained from the variety of subject matter. Tamara Jones The unexpected challenge. Dennis Brann They get my brain juices flowing. Debbie Sterbinsky The hunt, it's all about the hunt! Plus I learn something too. Brian Kemp I enjoy the challenge of researching and exploring the subject matter of each quiz. Beverly Johns I like the history is gives and the test of my ability to find out what the story really is. |
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Diane Burkett
#191 sent me time traveling to the New Orleans of my grandparents' youth. Finding
links to so many old photos brought memories and reliazation how much AND how
little Canal St. has changed in the past century.
Teresa Yu
This was tough but I'm going with 191 - Throw me something This one took me a
while to figure out (and I still didn't get it completely right). I also loved the photo. I
love old photos so I get excited when it's black and white or sepia. ;-D
Don Draper
Quiz photos, #191 and #205 were similar in that they show much detail, have lots of
people and good clues - great photos aged 100 years or more.
#191 sent me time traveling to the New Orleans of my grandparents' youth. Finding
links to so many old photos brought memories and reliazation how much AND how
little Canal St. has changed in the past century.
Teresa Yu
This was tough but I'm going with 191 - Throw me something This one took me a
while to figure out (and I still didn't get it completely right). I also loved the photo. I
love old photos so I get excited when it's black and white or sepia. ;-D
Don Draper
Quiz photos, #191 and #205 were similar in that they show much detail, have lots of
people and good clues - great photos aged 100 years or more.
| Quiz #191 Throw Me Something! 4 January 2009 |
| This photo was submitted by Rhonda Hensley of her son James running the Chicago Marathon on October 12, 2008. The picture was taken when James was southbound on Wentworth Ave. between W. 28th Pl. & W. 29th Pl., just south of the intersection of the Dan Ryan and Adelai Stevenson Fwys. James was photographed when he was about 22 1/4 miles along the race route. James' finished the 26.2 mile race in 3 1/2 hours, so that it can be calculated that the picture was taken just before 11 am. This photograph was featured in the article "Where When Why Who" in the August issue of GAMES Magazine. |
Don Draper
I really like the variety of tasks required by the quizzes. I would not want every week to
be like the photos identified as my “favorites”. Photos do not all have to be ancient.
Quiz#183 of the marathon runner was quite current, was a great shot and needed
accurate internet searches to solve.
Dave Doucette
I ...was frustrated to no end by puzzle 183. I kept it on my nightstand all week long -
trying to figure out what I was missing. Great!
Sandra McConathy
It combined trying to figure out what race the guy was running in and where he was. [I
like] the mental challenge and the odd tidbits one learns from trying to solve [the
quizzes] as well as solving them.
Teresa Yu
I love the problem/puzzle solving ones.
kevin Beeson
Because I know Chicago and Illinois history.
Diane Burkett
Love the puzzle of finding out where from obscure clues. The quizzes give me a
chance to learn about obscure facts or interesting persons of which I might otherwise
have never heard.
I really like the variety of tasks required by the quizzes. I would not want every week to
be like the photos identified as my “favorites”. Photos do not all have to be ancient.
Quiz#183 of the marathon runner was quite current, was a great shot and needed
accurate internet searches to solve.
Dave Doucette
I ...was frustrated to no end by puzzle 183. I kept it on my nightstand all week long -
trying to figure out what I was missing. Great!
Sandra McConathy
It combined trying to figure out what race the guy was running in and where he was. [I
like] the mental challenge and the odd tidbits one learns from trying to solve [the
quizzes] as well as solving them.
Teresa Yu
I love the problem/puzzle solving ones.
kevin Beeson
Because I know Chicago and Illinois history.
Diane Burkett
Love the puzzle of finding out where from obscure clues. The quizzes give me a
chance to learn about obscure facts or interesting persons of which I might otherwise
have never heard.
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| The Granville to Paris express train failed to stop at the dead ended Gare Montparnasse station in Paris, careered across 100ft of concourse, though the glass end wall and into the street.Gare Montparnesse, Paris, France Oct 23, 1895 Submitted by Gina Ortega |
Betty Chambers
I like quizzes that you can search for the location on maps even decades later.
Carolyn Cornelius
Great group of quizzes! Not fair to ask us to pick a favorite. The photo I like best
appeared with Quiz 173. [I like] the highly varied topics, each a learning experience.
Diane Burkett
I have four favorites and for three different reasons [including] #173. Please make them
harder. With rare exception, they are relatively easy.
I like quizzes that you can search for the location on maps even decades later.
Carolyn Cornelius
Great group of quizzes! Not fair to ask us to pick a favorite. The photo I like best
appeared with Quiz 173. [I like] the highly varied topics, each a learning experience.
Diane Burkett
I have four favorites and for three different reasons [including] #173. Please make them
harder. With rare exception, they are relatively easy.
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the Center for Human Identification in Denton, TX, the US Armed Forces DNA
Identification Laboratory in Washington DC, and genetic genealogy tests by Family
Tree DNA in Houston, TX. As part of her efforts on the project, Quizmaster General
Colleen Fitzpatrick has been maintaining Benjaman's Wikipedia article up to date. It can
by found at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjaman_Kyle.
Identification Laboratory in Washington DC, and genetic genealogy tests by Family
Tree DNA in Houston, TX. As part of her efforts on the project, Quizmaster General
Colleen Fitzpatrick has been maintaining Benjaman's Wikipedia article up to date. It can
by found at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjaman_Kyle.
Benjaman Kyle is a pseudonym adopted
by a man claiming to be suffering from
retrograde amnesia. He was discovered
unconscious on August 31, 2004 in
Richmond Hill, Georgia, and is believed to
be in his 50s or 60s. He is unable to
obtain employment without a social
security number, and as of July 2009,
continues to search for his identity.
Extensive efforts that have been made to
identify Benjaman, include fingerprint
analysis by the FBI, and DNA tests by
by a man claiming to be suffering from
retrograde amnesia. He was discovered
unconscious on August 31, 2004 in
Richmond Hill, Georgia, and is believed to
be in his 50s or 60s. He is unable to
obtain employment without a social
security number, and as of July 2009,
continues to search for his identity.
Extensive efforts that have been made to
identify Benjaman, include fingerprint
analysis by the FBI, and DNA tests by
| Benjaman Kyle |
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| Alfred Eisenstadt took this photo during the V-J celebrations. Because Eisenstaedt was photographing rapidly changing events he didn't get a chance to get names and details. The photograph does not clearly show the faces of either kisser and several people have laid claim to being the subjects. Submitted by John Roberts |
| Suggested by Mike Swierczewski |
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| Submitted by Evan Hindman |
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| More Favorites |
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| Robin Depietro: IIt was the second one I did, but I got my husband involved,too. I like challenges and researching the answers. |
| Invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761, the glass armonica (or glass harmonica) was one of the most celebrated musical instruments of the eighteenth century. |
| The Crossing the Equator Ceremony on the USS Nebraska, either on July 28 or August 1, 1902 |
| John Chulick: There was an old historical photo. The story behind the photo was cryptic as well as very interesting. Stan Read: The "latitude" clue didn't activate any of my aged neurons, so I was led to surf around on the Web to find the answer. Recent belief that neurons can grow in the adult brain, hopefully means that Web surfing can benefit the brain! |
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| Submitted by Jina Yi, Mr. Rick's Quiz Amgel |
| Quiz #184 Remember the Alamo! November 16, 2008 |
| The Alamo Theater Washington DC 1937 |
| Don Draper: The quiz #204 photo is a panorama of buildings and people. With the higher magnification I felt like I was drawn into a setting that existed 116 years ago. There were sufficient clues to help find the answers for the quiz. The details were quite clear, suggesting that the shot was captured with a very good camera, possibly in the hands, or stand of a professional. When I discovered the locale of this quiz, it was particularly special, and thus my favorite, because I knew that my great grandfather, Charles E. Harris, went to this exhibition with the mammoth cheese. |
| Jocelyn Thayer: Putting aside the personal pride I take acknowledging [my brother] Mr. Rick’s many accomplishments, I still find this Quiz one of the most inspiring. It recognizes the many challenges a disabled individual faces, the degree to which they navigate their quality of life issues, and the incessant hope they have that someday there will be a cure to end spinal cord paralysis. For those of us not directly affected, it underscores how fortunate we are; for those less fortunate it encompasses a hope for the future. |
| If you visit the Art Institute of Chicago, you can park at Imperial Parking, 200 S. Michigan Ave., and the lots at 55 E. Jackson Blvd.and at 325 S. Michigan Ave. |
| Un photo pris par Eugens Rollens le 22 Février 1892. Il ne faut pas parler francais pour comprendre ce que je demande! |
| Beth Long: My vote would be for Achilles Berat, since I did so much follow up work on that one (which I don't think I sent all of to you).... :) |
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| Evan Hindman: Great backstory! |
| The Chicago World's Fair, aka The World's Columbian Exhibition was held in 1893 in honor of the 400th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of America. Many products that are familiar to us today were introduced at the fair, including Cracker Jacks, Juicy Fruit Gum, and Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix. |
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| Roy Takeno, the editor of the newspaper, "Manzanar Free Press" photographed by Ansel Adams in a Japanese-American internment camp, Manzanar, CA |
| Darrell Gwynn was injured during a car race in 1990. His nonprofit foundation donated a top-of-the-line motorized wheel chair to Jina Yi Mr Rick's Quiz Angel, and one of our favorite Quizmasters. |
| Submitted by Joe McCabe |
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| Beverly Johns: I find the picture both amusing and interesting. Can you hear all the stories made up about a women train engineer!!! What a shock to see it coming flying out of the building. |
| Carl Blessing: Have always been interested in Glass Harmonica (or Armonica) music...but it's first time that I heard that Benjamin Frankline invented it. |
| Been busy canvassing the other quiz people to vote for the "quiz angel" contest [Quiz #186] or suffer...so for the quiz angel contest you can add to the long list of names that you are probably getting Rick Mackinney and everyone that lives in the state of Florida, Jina Yi and all the people who live in the South Pacific, Ashley Hicks and all the people who have anything to do with Grey's Anatomy. Also, any of the people that already voted and did not sign their name really voted for the Quiz Angel....remember Jina and I live in Florida-Home of the Hanging Chad!!! Rick Mackinney |
| Contributed by Quizmaster Mike Dalton |
| Quiz #218 Qwerty July 19, 2009 |
Paul Smith created this rendition of
the Mona Lisa using only the keys
on the top row of the typewriter -
~!@#$%^&*()_+. Suffering from
spastic cerebral palsy, it took Paul
32 years to learn to walk, half that
to learn to talk, and he never had a
chance to have a formal eduction,
yet Paul taught himself to become a
master artist as well as a terrific
chess player.
Producing his artwork using only a
typewrite, Paul created incredible
techniques for shadings, colors
using colored typewriter ribbons,
and textures that resembled pencil
or charcoal drawings. Paul created
still lifes, landscapes, and portraits
of 13 U. S. Presidents, Mother
the Mona Lisa using only the keys
on the top row of the typewriter -
~!@#$%^&*()_+. Suffering from
spastic cerebral palsy, it took Paul
32 years to learn to walk, half that
to learn to talk, and he never had a
chance to have a formal eduction,
yet Paul taught himself to become a
master artist as well as a terrific
chess player.
Producing his artwork using only a
typewrite, Paul created incredible
techniques for shadings, colors
using colored typewriter ribbons,
and textures that resembled pencil
or charcoal drawings. Paul created
still lifes, landscapes, and portraits
of 13 U. S. Presidents, Mother
Teresa, and many other well known figures.
Paul Smith was described as thoughtful, humble, funny and kind. He died on
June 25 2007, but left behind a collection of his incredible artwork that will serve
as an inspiration for all.
Paul Smith was described as thoughtful, humble, funny and kind. He died on
June 25 2007, but left behind a collection of his incredible artwork that will serve
as an inspiration for all.
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| Suggested by Cari Thomas |
| Three Way Tie for Second Place |
Venita Wilson
The Mona Lisa and the story about its typing creator has got to be my favorite. I spent
more hours than on any other quiz trying to find the answer, but was unsuccessful. In
doing my research, I certainly learned a lot about the most recognizable painting of all
time! My number 1 favorite was the typed Mona Lisa (218) because of the story behind
it even though I was unsuccessful in solving it.
Gary Sterne
Paul Smith was an amazing man who created some amazing artwork.
Debbie Sterbinsky
My favorite was #218, amazing talent! I am impressed that a person with disabilities can
displace those shortcomings at times with a more amazing talent.
Karen Kay Bunting
I loved learning about #218 Qwerty and this man's phenomenal artwork in spite of his
personal challenges.
Cari Thomas
It's taken me till now to finally check the results from my suggested Paul Smith's Mona
Lisa #218. What a treat! How lovely to see that so many puzzle-solvers enjoyed this
puzzle. AND especially to see that it stumped the QPL Robert Edward McKenna.
Wheeeeee! Thanks for using this one. Guess since I suggested it, I'd better vote for
it as my choice for best of 170-219, even though I didn't have to solve it!
The Mona Lisa and the story about its typing creator has got to be my favorite. I spent
more hours than on any other quiz trying to find the answer, but was unsuccessful. In
doing my research, I certainly learned a lot about the most recognizable painting of all
time! My number 1 favorite was the typed Mona Lisa (218) because of the story behind
it even though I was unsuccessful in solving it.
Gary Sterne
Paul Smith was an amazing man who created some amazing artwork.
Debbie Sterbinsky
My favorite was #218, amazing talent! I am impressed that a person with disabilities can
displace those shortcomings at times with a more amazing talent.
Karen Kay Bunting
I loved learning about #218 Qwerty and this man's phenomenal artwork in spite of his
personal challenges.
Cari Thomas
It's taken me till now to finally check the results from my suggested Paul Smith's Mona
Lisa #218. What a treat! How lovely to see that so many puzzle-solvers enjoyed this
puzzle. AND especially to see that it stumped the QPL Robert Edward McKenna.
Wheeeeee! Thanks for using this one. Guess since I suggested it, I'd better vote for
it as my choice for best of 170-219, even though I didn't have to solve it!
| ********** |
| Submitted by Rhonda Hensley. |
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| The Magistral Library and Archives of the Order of Malta Magistral Palace, Via dei Condotti, 68 00187 Rome – Italy Photo taken shortly after the death of Fra’ Andrew Bertie, 78th Grand Master of the Order of Malta, on 7 Feb 2008 |
| Mardi Gras Day New Orleans, LA February 27, 1906 |
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| Special Note from Rick Mackinney Mentor of Quiz Angels Jina Yi and Ashley Hicks |
| Submitted by Mike Vanlandingham. |
| Submitted by Robert McKenna, QPL |
| Robert W. Steinmann Jr.: Even though I am a "Newbie" & have only been on board since late May, it's not really fair for me to vote but if you're asking me, it was Quiz #217- "Here Comes The Judge". This one was the hardest for me to solve & I learned the most from it. I didn't even know where to start, then I learned so much from it. |
| Joseph Nye Welsh was the head counsel for the United States Army while it was under investigation by Joseph McCarthy's Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations for Communist activities. He later played the judge in the movie Anatomy of a Murder. |
| Robert E. McKenna, QPL: It had the scheme of answering each question in sequence. Dear me, did I submit that quiz? Oh Well...... |