QUES: Universal's 1936 Show Boat (released a little over a month later) became a critical and financial success, it was not enough to save the Laemmles' involvement with the studio. They were unceremoniously removed from the company they had founded. Because the Laemmles personally oversaw production, Show Boat was released (despite the takeover) with Carl Laemmle and Carl Laemmle Jr.'s names on the credits and in the advertising campaign of the film. Standard Capital's J. Cheever Cowdin had taken over as president and chairman of the board of directors, and instituted severe cuts in production budgets. Gone were the big ambitions, and though Universal had a few big names under contract, those it had been cultivating, like William Wyler and Margaret Sullavan, left.

What position on the board did J. Cowdin Cheever take over?
What is the answer?
ANS: unanswerable
QUES: In Mark, Jesus is crucified along with two rebels, and the day goes dark for three hours. Jesus calls out to God, then gives a shout and dies. The curtain of the Temple is torn in two. Matthew follows Mark, adding an earthquake and the resurrection of saints. Luke also follows Mark, though he describes the rebels as common criminals, one of whom defends Jesus, who in turn promises that he (Jesus) and the criminal will be together in paradise. Luke portrays Jesus as impassive in the face of his crucifixion. John includes several of the same elements as those found in Mark, though they are treated differently.

What did one of the criminals do before he died from being crucified?
What is the answer?
ANS: unanswerable
QUES: The best-known medieval Chinese name for Tibet is Tubo (Chinese: also written as or ; pinyin: Tubo or Tufan). This name first appears in Chinese characters as in the 7th century (Li Tai) and as in the 10th-century (Old Book of Tang describing 608609 emissaries from Tibetan King Namri Songtsen to Emperor Yang of Sui). In the Middle Chinese spoken during that period, as reconstructed by William H. Baxter, was pronounced thux-phjon and was pronounced thux-pjon (with the x representing tone).

Who else in addition to Emperor Yang Songsten does the Old Book of Tang describe?
What is the answer?
ANS:
unanswerable