Useless Trivia - 1st one to answer gets to ask

Really? I didn't know that.

We let everyone on the freeways out west.

 

Okay. I declare a question each for Samiam and Hyo. With extra points for Boo.

 

When was the necktie invented, and what was its purpose?

 

Not sure exactly when it became a 'necktie' but the cravat has been around for a while. It goes back several centuries to when men tied lace around their necks. You could make a case it started with Elizabethan Ruffs. Much of men's fashion, including various fashionable ways to tie a necktie (and daily bathing) can be traced to Beau Brummel in the early 19th century, England. He also developed a lot of the tradition behind men's suits even though the modern suit doesn't exactly look what he wore. (but padded lapels and dark colors persist to this day.) He did popularize long pants.

 

Shows you how little I know. I thought a Beau Brummel was a member of the Beau Brummels.

 

I don't know how far back it goes, but I believe I read somewhere that it started out basically as a bib, during midevil times, to protect their finery during their feasts.

 

Beau Brummel was an actual, real person. A member of the Ton though not rich nor of noble birth. He eventually fell from grace and died penniless. Don't remember what he did. Probably gambling and couldn't pay his debts or living beyond his means. Dressing really well cost plenty of money in those days. You didn't wear your clothes over and over like we do now. It was Regency period in England. I think he was buddies with the Prince Regent for a time. That would be first few decades of the 1800s. Jane Austen time.

 

FYI --

... and neither did Paul Revere didn't have a back-up band called "The Raiders" !

 

Okay, all of you trivia buffs......

What was the International Distress Signal before SOS was incorporated?

 

Hang on a sec, Hoyle, I don't think it's your turn yet. Usually the person who answers correctly gets to ask the next question.

I think Godiva came the closest. The answer I was looking for was that the necktie was invented as a way to keep body odours from emanating into the room. (Now that we have indoor plumbing, do we need them? )

So, that would make it Godiva's turn. But the previous question was a tie of another sort, so I'm not sure.

 

You have to answer correctly before it's your turn.

I think Samiam is next. And Hyo needs to give us the answer.

 

I hadn't heard of the "reason" thing, Hyo. (And sorta doesn't explain what the women were doing for the same....problem. No wonder Brummel promoted daily bathing.)

Prior to that....people would carry Tussy Mussets (sp?), little bouquets of flowers, to hold to their nose and smell so they wouldn't have to smell....people. Both men and women carried them. They were eventually replaced with handkerchiefs soaked in perfume. I'm sure you've seen period movies with people waving handkerchiefs around. They weren't just props. They were decorated with lace, which was a sign of status because it was so expensive. Some handkerchiefs were bordered with so much lace, the actual size of the fabric was quite small, and useless if you had a cold.

 

While we're waiting for that answer from Hyo, I've got another Aotearoa trivia question (in recognition of Moxiequz's upcoming visit).

New Zealand is known to have more of which three things (per capita) than anyplace else in the world?

Here's a hint, it doesn't refer to indigenous flora or fauna like tree ferns or kiwis, and I'll name two of them for you: sheep and golf courses.

What is the third thing found in greater abundance here than anywhere else in the world?

(There may be more than 1 correct answer, but I'm referring to a well-known attribute of NZ and I will be the judge of who wins)

 

Yay!

Rats, I was going to say "sheep". :mellow:

My guess: Extreme Sports! (bungee jumping, rock climbing etc)

 

New Zealanders?

 

No and no -- good tries though.

 

Hate to change the subject, but huh? How does a necktie stop BO?

 

It didn't.

Hence, Brummel's promotion of daily bathing.

Beau Brummel.

 

Sheep dogs?

Golf pros?

Doctors? (Okay, we knew a New Zealander once who was in Med School.)