Alan Rock's Trivia!

Questions:

1)  Who directed the film  Apocalypse Now?

2)  The "shekel" is a unit of currency for what country?

3)  The pejorative term "boat people" was used in reference to what group of people?

4)  On this date in 1972, Ceylon became known as the Republic of _________?

Answers:

1)  Francis Ford Coppola

2)   Used in ancient times by the Hebrews, the "new shekel" is in current use in Israel.  At the current exchange rate, it's worth .27 U.S. cents.

3)  Though it is sometimes used in reference to Cuban, Haitian or Dominican refugees, the term was initially applied to Vietnamese refugees. "Boat people" were often forcibly prevented from landing at their destination or they are subjected to mandatory detention after their arrival. Unlike the wave of Vietnamese boat people in the 1970s and early 1980s, most boat people arriving more recently have purchased their passage on large but overcrowded and frequently unseaworthy boats from illegal immigration operators, who may demand considerable sums from their desperate clients.

4)  On this date in 1972, Ceylon became the 'Republic of Sri Lanka' severing a 157 years old link with the British crown.  Although Sri Lanka cut its Constitutional connection with Britain it was to remain within the Commonwealth.