Mastermind: Elisabeth Koch, Milliner

“Mastermind” is a regular magazine column in which we quiz a Beijing personality on general knowledge as well as on a subject in which they consider themselves to be a specialist.

Contestant: Elisabeth Koch, Milliner

Specialist Subject: Hats

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

During the Great Plague, what was painted on the front doors of plague-ridden houses?
Gosh, good question. Was it a big red “X”? A big red cross. √

What is the name of the second James Bond film?
Oh, gee! The Man With the Golden Gun. I don’t know … X

According to the lyrics of the song by The Weather Girls, it will start raining men at just about what time?
Wait, I know. Half past ten! √

Written by Edgar Allen Poe and published in 1845, what poem repeats the famous line: “Nevermore”?
Damn it! I can’t think of a single title of any of Edgar Allen Poe’s poems! Edgar Allen Poe. I don’t know! Maybe it’s called Nevermore. X

Phasmaphobia is the fear of what?
What could that be? Latin? Greek? Phasma. I don’t know. Fear of hats. X

SPECIALIST SUBJECT

Who wrote The Cat in the Hat?
Dr. Seuss! Yes! Yes! √

Two English football teams are nicknamed The Hatters. Name either town.
Liverpool … er … and Newcastle. X

Which country’s military traditionally wears the kepi?
Turkey? I’m guessing. X

What hats do bishops wear?
It’s not the papal tiara … er … bishop’s tiara? X

Where are Panama hats made?
I want to say Panama, but I think a lot of them are made in Ecuador. √

FINAL SCORE: 4/10

Answers: 1) red crosses 2) From Russia With Love 3) half past ten 4) “The Raven” 5) ghosts 6) Dr. Seuss 7) Stockport and Luton 8) France 9) mitre 10) Ecuador

Verdict: 1970s pop, kids’ literature, medieval history … Elisabeth’s knowledge proved to be as varied as her hat designs. Not the best score ever, but four points was no disgrace for this challenging round of questions.

Click here to see the October issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photo: Mitchell Pe Masilun