Which is not a Beatles song, just a John Lennon solo hit?
While every Beatles fan loves ''Imagine'', they might not realize that track was a solo project. Described as an atheist anthem, the song became John Lennon's all-time best-seller in 1971. At its peak, it made the number three spot on the Billboard Hot 100. But in Canada, it did reach number one!
What is the biggest country in the world?
Although the United States and Canada are both good guesses, they just the runners-up here. Russia comprises 17,098,242 square kilometers in landmass. In fact, it's so big that it holds the honor of being only one of only two countries that touch 2 continents at once. Mother Russia for the win!
A light-year measures what?
It is easy to associate the term “light-year” with the animated movie Toy Story. But it is actually a mathematical and scientific measurement used to identify distance. More specifically, it is used to find out how far light has traveled in a span of a year.
Where is the largest rainforest in the world?
Most of the Amazon rainforest is located in Brazil. It's no common jungle, as any biologist can testify. Within its leafy treetops and mysterious rivers are 10 million species! The total area is around 2,700,000 sq mi covering parts of 9 nations in the region. Amazingly, the Amazon represents over half the world's remaining rainforest: That's 390 billion trees!
Who was the first man to walk on the moon?
It was none other than Neil Armstrong, on July 20, 1969. On that special day in history, Neil became the first astronaut to walk on the moon. Along with buddy Buzz, the pair took a stroll for about three hours. They picked up moon rocks and dust for colleagues back home. And America watched on TV, breathlessly. Surreal stuff!
Where were french fries actually created?
While the answer might seem obvious, French fries actually hail from Belgium. They speak French there, too! But the truth is, the food name came from the cut of the potato. At first, the cooks used a French julien cut to create the treats. Today, of course, they come in all shapes and styles: Crinkle cut fries at Shake Shack, curly fries at Arby's, waffle fries at Chick-fil-A, and of course — classic fries at McDonald's. Innovation is endless!
What is Japanese sake actually made from?
Anyone who's ever gone out for sushi noticed it on the menu. But what is it, really? Sake is an alcoholic drink made of fermented rice. The process is similar to beer brewing, but the grain produces a very different elixir. Some people call it Japanese rice wine, but don't be fooled: There are absolutely no grapes involved!
What was the first song to be played on MTV when the channel launched?
The hit music video channel went on the air for the first time in August 1, 1981. The video was introduced with the sentence: “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.”, with footage of the first space shuttle launch countdown of Columbia and the launch of Apollo 11.
Who directed the terrifying film Jaws?
The original Jaws took 1975 America by storm, freaking out a generation from the deepwater — and even the shallows — forever. The shark-based thriller was expertly directed by a younger Steven Spielberg. It remains one of his most memorable works to this day. Many are still traumatized just by the music!
Among the following:768×2, 1,410, and 2,800/2, which is smaller?
Among the two equations in the selection, as well as the lone number, the sum that is the smallest is 2,800/2. The equation’s sum results in 1,400, which is essentially less than 1,410, while 768×2 equals 1,536.
Who actually painted the Mona Lisa?
Leonardo da Vinci was the mastermind behind this masterpiece. In real life, it was the portrait of a local lady named Lisa Gherardini. Created on wood with oil paint, it has lasted and lasted. And the value has only appreciated: These days. Mona is thought to be worth around $700 million USD!
Which planet is the largest in the solar system?
The largest ball of gas and dirt? Why, it's none other than Jupiter, by far. This giant planet beats out all the others in volume and mass. And for comparison, Jupiter is more than 300 times the size of Earth! Fun fact: The days are shorter over there. Its rotation time is just 10 hours. from morning 'til night!
What is the best-selling book of all time, worldwide?
It might seem old fashioned, but maybe it's just timeless. The best selling book of all time is The Holy Bible! According to The Guinness Book of World Records, more than 5 billion copies have been sold! The runners up so far seem to be the Qur'an and 1the Book of Mormon. Move over, Harry Potter: There's a theme to the top genre!
What was the name of JFK's elegant wife?
Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis was the first lady to JFK. Popularly, she was simply known as Jackie O! The former socialite retained her grace and high style well into the White House, and American ladies loved what she brought to the table. Today, she's still a chic style icon — nearly 60 years later!
What is actually the capital of Canada?
It's an odd fact, but a lot of Americans get the capital of their neighbor wrong. Maybe that's because places like French-speaking Quebec get so much more buzz. But the truth of the matter is Ottawa! Way back when, Queen Victoria chose the site because it was so centrally located: Snuggled right in between Montreal and Toronto, and far away from the American army, it was the obvious choice!
After decades of performances, what is the longest-running rock band?
It's not hard to believe: The Rolling Stones are officially the longest-running group. The rockers are older now, with more than 50 years of concerts since 1962. But they love to return to their natural habitat, which is clearly the stadium. Fans can get their 'satisfaction', at least once a year!
The bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, spread and ravaged the world during which period in history?
It was during the Middle Ages when the bubonic plague, or Black Death, swept through cities, towns, and villages. The plague purportedly began when infected rats arrived from ships that traveled internationally. Symptoms of the bubonic plague include chills, headache, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
How many seasons of Friends actually aired?
Friends had quite the run, actually. For 10 magical seasons, the sitcom made audiences chuckle on NBC. All 10 seasons made the top rankings for TV, and season 8 actually took the number one spot! The series finale, sad as it was to say goodbye, was tuned in by approximately 52.5 million Americans. That stat made it the most-watched episode of all the 2000s, on all networks. Historic, truly!
Where do Aboriginals come from?
With so many interesting tribes in the anthropology books, one stands out today. The Australian Aboriginals are most definitely still around, throughout the outback. With 50,000 years of separation from the rest of humanity, they had a lot of time to develop their own thing. The didgeridoo and the boomerang are innovations now known all around the world!
Which shark sometimes sneaks into rivers?
Terrifying to find out, bull sharks really do swim into the mainland sometimes. They are the only species that can enjoy both salt and fresh water. And they travel pretty far up rivers when they can! Occasionally spotted in the Mississippi River all the way up to Illinois, they clearly don't mind exploring hundreds of miles away from the sea. Big, scary yikes!
Sir Isaac Newton’s theories on gravity were inspired by which falling fruit?
The English mathematician Sir Isaac Newton formulated the theory of gravity based on his observation of an apple falling from a tree. Some people today mistakenly believe that the apple story was merely a myth, but it was true. According to Newton, the force which caused an apple to drop from a tree was the same force that allowed the moon to remain in place. He developed his theory and eventually presented it in his 1869 book Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy.
What is the biggest state in the USA?
It's easy to forget about sometimes since it's physically so far away. But the biggest state in America is wonderful, wild Alaska. To put things into proportion, Rhode Island fits into Alaska hundreds of times! But not many people actually live there. Only around 730,000 call it home, year round!
What was the first satellite ever launched into space?
It wasn't entirely successful, but any firsts deserve a mention in history. Sputnik was the very first satellite, launched into orbit above the earth by The Soviet Union in 1957. It seemed like it was going okay, for about three weeks. But then, the batteries died! The result was silent circling in space for two months, and then a sad death. Sputnik fell back into the atmosphere, never to be used again!
What was Disney's very first feature-length animated movie?
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a big step for the Walt Disney Company, at the time. Prior to its release in 1937, there had been short cartoons. But a full length, feature film was a real step up! Following big ticket sales, the studio created the classics: Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Bambi were the most memorable originals from the 1940s. Still beloved today, in fact!
There is an aquatic animal that has three beating hearts. What is it?
It is the octopus that has three hearts. But a larger sea creature, the whale, has four large heart chambers. Meanwhile, the jellyfish and the starfish are quite literally heartless sea creatures.
The region of Siberia is part of which country?
Almost synonymous with cold and snow, Siberia is a harsh place for much of the year. It is located in Russia and makes up a huge chunk of the country. Residents know about its awe-inspiring tundra, natural forests, and extensive mountain ranges. The Ural, Verkhoyansk, and Altai are located here. So is Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake. Conveniently, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs through the region for adventures!
What is the capital of South Korea?
Seoul is the capital of the Republic of Korea, and also its largest metropolis. It's not just big for the country, either. It's the world's 16th largest city! Famous for modern skyscrapers and subways, Buddhist temples and ancient palaces, and fresh open markets, there is no shortage of novelty. Tourists are regularly stunned!
What is the only human body part that can't repair itself?
A million dollar smile is a powerful weapon in the right mouth. But with so many corrosive elements attacking them every day, it is easy to see damage. Unfortunately, the sugar and germs that make little holes in the surface are a real threat. Teeth cannot repair themselves, unlike normal organs. Three cheers for modern dentistry!
Which chart-topping musician is known as the King of Pop?
Michael Jackson once explained: ''I'm never pleased with anything, I'm a perfectionist, it's part of who I am.'' Maybe that's why he rose to the title of "King of Pop". Between ''Thriller'', "We Are The World'', and ''Billie Jean'', his moves were always precise, iconic, and original. The title is well deserved, fans agree!
Which beloved Tarantino movie featured this iconic dark bob?
Every Quentin Tarantino film has plenty of blood, guts, and salty language. It's all part of the experience! But not every fan really knows the rankings, in this department. Pulp Fiction holds second place in the director's hall of fame for 'f' word usage, at 265. Which film beat it? The real winner is Reservoir Dogs, with 269 bleeps!
Which country was European pop group ABBA actually from?
Winners of the Eurovision contest, ABBA was Swedish. The pop group took the world by storm from Stockholm in the 1970s, with hits like ''Dancing Queen'' and ''Money, Money, Money'' in discos. Topping international charts for years, their infectious melodies helped to define a club era. ABBA now, ABBA forever!
So there are four hemispheres on Earth, but only one continent with land in each of them. Which continent is it?
Africa is the only continent crossed by both the Prime Meridian and the Equator lines. Thanks to the strategic location of the continent, most of the countries of Africa don’t really have proper seasons, and the weather can sometimes be quite unpredictable.
What was the name of the Tom Hanks masterpiece that made fans laugh and cry, including in this iconic scene?
Not many movies spawn their own novelty restaurants, after the lights come back on. But today, fans can visit Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant & Market at 42 locations! A visual reel of beloved scenes run, all day long. Critics loved it, too: Forrest Gump won the Academy Award for Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and even Best Visual Effects. For Tom Hanks, life is like a box of Oscars!
What is the name of this vintage Nokia phone game?
Everyone really enjoyed the simplicity of Snake, back in the day. A casual phone user could really have a blast maneuvering a growing line around a tiny screen. Modern smartphones have fancier time wasters on them now, but there are 300 plus new Snake-inspired games for good time's sake!
Where is the oldest known active brewery in the world?
Beer may be cold and commonplace now, but it started somewhere. Unsurprisingly, Germany has this status. The oldest brewery has been traced back to the region called Bavaria, still a great place for a pint today! The site is thought to be as old as 1040 AD, but some experts suspect experimentation was even earlier. Guten Appetit!
In which ocean did the Titanic sink?
Just about everyone remembers the Hollywood movie version, thanks to Leo and Kate. But in real life, there was no Jack or Rose. Stepping away from that story, and recalling the historical facts, the big boat hit an iceberg in the Atlantic. Then 400 miles from Canadian shores and safety, it sunk. The giant wreck would never be able to sail again!
Which U.S. state produces the most dairy, by far?
Wisconsin likes to tout itself as “America’s Dairyland.” (No, really, that’s what the license plates say.) Well, it turns out California is the country’s leading milk producer and has held the title for more than 20 years. It also produces the most butter, ice cream, and nonfat dry milk. Wisconsin’s still No. 1 for cheese.
Which classic Woody Allen film is this?
Woody Allen had a renaissance in the 70s and 80s in film, and many are still cult favorites. Annie Hall was his 1977 hit, as many remember well. The romantic comedy explored romantic failure, using Diane Keaton in a role that Woody Wrote with her in mind. Their work together won four Academy Awards, including for Best Picture!
Which member of the Simpsons clan is a vegetarian?
Lisa Simpson once asked: ''When will all those fools learn that you can be perfectly healthy simply eating vegetables, fruits, grains and cheese?'' So far it hasn't been answered the way she wants, in more than 30 years of the cartoon. The whole family seems to take a different approach, even singing songs against salad. Maybe next season?
Genghis Khan was the founder of which empire?
Mongol leader Genghis Khan is one of the most fearsome leaders of all time. From humble beginnings, he united his local tribes. Then he brutally conquered much of central Asia. For his efforts, he holds the title of having the largest land empire in history. Way back in the 1200s, that was a big deal. It still is, frankly!
Justin Timberlake started out as a member of which boy band?
Justin Timberlake is a multi grammy winner, all on his own. But before he found his smashingly successful solo career, he was the standout member of *NSYNC. Every gal had a favorite, back in the day. When Justin came out with "Cry Me a River" and "Rock Your Body", they knew they had the bet on the right star!
Who was the only U.S president to resign, ever?
Richard Nixon had a long career as a senator before he won the big time. But as president, his term did not last long. A scandal regarding the burglary of his rival's documents at a hotel became a national story. It was hard to brush off, and the prez resigned when he realized congress had enough votes to impeach him. Nixon knew a checkmate when he saw one!
Who is next in line to be the next King of the United Kingdom?
King Charles once remarked: ''I find myself born into this particular position. I'm determined to make the most of it and to do whatever I can to help. And I hope I leave things behind a little bit better than I found them.'' We're about to find out!
What's the strongest muscle in the human body?
The masseter is the name of the muscle that works with the jaw bone to grind decades of meals down to a pulp. Yes, that chewing is pretty vital. For that reason, it is the strongest muscle, with 55 pounds of force in the front and 200 pounds of force in the back. Pretty powerful!
Which inspiring sports film showed a character in this triumphant stance?
Sylvester Stallone said it well: “Life's not about how hard of a hit you can give. It's about how many you can take, and still keep moving forward.” Rocky was a huge hit in 1976, and its training montage inspired millions. Viewers shared in his adrenaline, right in their seats!
Where does yoga actually come from, long ago?
It might be a fad everywhere from California to Japan, but Yoga came one special place in the beginning. Practices from ancient India led to different traditions and schools of thought on meditation. Buddhists and Hindus alike loved to do it, layered with their other ideas. It's open to everyone else now, too!
Who gifted America the Statue of Liberty?
Yes, it's true. The iconic statue symbolizing liberty at the harbor in NYC was a gift of sorts. Ally France helped to fund the monument that few can imagine living without today. Over the following centuries, millions of immigrants were welcomed by the giant lady holding a torch. Merci beaucoup, France!
What extreme weather sometimes results in hail?
Hail is a freaky event when it happens. Usually, it's part of a thunderstorm. But occasionally, it can accompany twisters! Experts say that the process of producing these ice chunks can actually cause a tornado. Not every time, luckily. But as weathermen in the biz know, mother nature is full of surprises!
When did the first Star Wars movie come out?
The first film, originally named simply “Star Wars”, was released in 1977. The name was later changed to “Episode IV: A New Hope”, after he was green-lighted for two more movies, to make up the original Star Wars Trilogy.
Who was Bill Clinton's vice president, back in the day?
It's been a while, but Al Gore was once employed in the White House. Though he is now known mostly as an environmental activist, he has a longer resume: From 1993 to 2001, he served faithfully as Bill Clinton's VP. It's becoming ancient history, but it was an era!
Where is the Grand Canyon located?
A common road trip destination for both Americans and tourists, the Grand Canyon is known all around the world. At 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and more than a mile deep, it's no average canyon. Carved out naturally by the Colorado River, the ancient water really worked its magic!
Where does the emu come from?
With long necks and legs, the emu can grow to more than 6 feet tall, and sprint at 31 miles per hour. The emu may remind many of the ostrich, which is found in Africa. But although they are both big, flightless birds, the emu resides far away in Australia. They don't even know each other!
Which city had the first fashion week in history?
Vive la France: The concept truly began in Paris, where these shows from local designers became a social event. From there, it grew and grew. During WWII, international fashionistas were stuck abroad. That's when America started its own version, now known as New York Fashion Week. And the rest, as they say, is history!
Which is the smartest animal in the world?
Chimps are way smarter than they look, it turns out. Hailed as the cleverest creatures on the planet, they have a lot of skills that would surprise zoo visitors. The apes have been seen inventing tools and learning sign language. Not surprising, since they are the closest relative to humans with 99% shared DNA!
How many days can a camel survive without drinking water?
Camels are wonders of nature, seemingly designed for a desert adventure. Many people think that their humps store water, but that is just a myth. Camels simply use h20 efficiently! They can survive an impressive 15 days without water in these harsh conditions. Along the way, they can travel up to 100 miles without a drink!
How many milliliters are there in one liter?
Ah, the metric system. So much simpler, isn't it? In most of the world, this is the system used in daily life. American gallons, quarts, and ounces, sure are tricky! To convert milliliters to liters, just divide by 1,000, every time. That means 1,000 milliliters equal one liter. And 2,000 ml is 2 liters. Simple as that!
Which is not a major export of Texas?
From propane to gasoline, oil and gas are a big deal down in Texas. It's a major part of the economy. But beef is, too! The Lone Star State boasts the most cattle in America, and it extra to have a few rodeos now and then. Diamonds, however, are not part of the Texas story. A few were found in Arkansas, Colorado, and Wyoming, though!
What is the biggest social media in the world?
Sure, TikTok is having its day in the sun. Instagram is the talk of the town, and full of glamorous guys and gals. And Twitter is always entertaining. But the big dog in the room remains Facebook. The world's most widely used platform has 2.740 billion monthly active users. Vintage Myspace never made it that far, did it?
Which is largest country in South America?
Many countries might wish they had the title, but based on land area, Brazil wins this prize. As the largest country in South America, 8.5 million square kilometers host rainforest and cityscape alike. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, anyone? The runner-up is Argentina, but quite far behind with 2.8 million square kilometers. Brazil is almost half of the continent!
Who was a classical music composer, but was actually deaf?
Beethoven, in charge of many of the classical hits you can recognise in just a few seconds, actually started losing his hearing at the age of 28, during a fight with a singer. He tried fighting against his deafness, which made it difficult to perform live, but in the end managed to keep composing music until much later in his life.
What is this vintage item, right here?
There's nothing like a classic lava lamp to set the mood. Back in the 60's these colorful bubble lights became a major fad. What was the real magic behind this psychedelic device? As it turns out, each lamp was filled with paraffin wax, mineral oil, and carbon tetrachloride. There was a patent in 1968, but that's long expired. A big revival of these stylish illuminators happened in the 1990's, along with bell bottoms from the same era. Will there be a third round? Only time will tell, baby!
Who’s the voice behind Darth Vader and Mufasa from ‘The Lion King’?
James Earl Jones started acting in 1948 and hasn’t stopped since! He played everyone from Hamlet and King Lear in Shakespearean plays, to a patient in the medical drama ‘House M.D.’, all the way to narrating all 27 books of the New Testament in an audiobook called ‘James Earl Jones Reads the Bible’!
Instead of saying ‘Cheese!’ before taking a picture, the name of which fruit was said to make people smile?
Prune! Back in the late 19th century, people were encouraged to smile but keep their mouth as small as possible, due to the etiquette and beauty standards of the time. Therefore, they were asked to say ‘prunes’, resulting in the gloomy-looking portraits.
What did Netflix start off as?
Netflix was founded back in 1997 in California, by Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings. The company was launched as the world’s first DVD rental online store, and only had 30 employees and 925 films available for renting! Fast forward to January 2021, the company reported 200 million subscribers!
Which John Travolta Movie is this?
Why it's Greased Lightnin'! Although 70's John Travolta starred in other movies to show off his dancing skills, he did so in Grease as the iconic Danny Zuko. The Pink Ladies swooned, just like audiences back home. A forever classic, if there ever was one!
What was the name of the biggest music festival of 1969?
Woodstock is certainly the most famous festival of its era, held in the hippie year of 1969. It ran in August for three days and took place on a dairy farm. Where was it, though? The answer is Bethel, New York. This out of town location still managed to draw more than 400,000. And rock out, they sure did!
Which American urban center is known as the "Windy City"?
It's Chicago, of course! The nickname is known all around the world, but where does it come from? Most people assume something about the climate near Lake Michigan causes gusts. But the backstory is about corrupt politicians, in the old days. The windbags of their time are the real culprits!
Which of these songs did David Bowie and Queen collaborate on?
Under Pressure! The funky hit was released in 1981, and was born during a jam session Bowie had with Queen, the band, in Switzerland. Due to scheduling conflicts, the music video for the amazing song doesn’t feature Queen or David Bowie, but rather video footage of everything from traffic jams to silent films.
Where is the glorious Mount Rushmore located?
Mount Rushmore is a national memorial unlike anything else in the world, not just America. Carved right into a mountain, the massive sculpture is located in the Black Hills area of South Dakota. Four presidents are honored in stone: George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. Way to go, South Dakota!
Which cult classic involved this boy's night at a bowling alley?
A cult staple these days, The Big Lebowski must be seen to be understood. Cowriter Joel Coen explained he wanted to deal ''with the characters trying to unravel a mystery, as well as having a hopelessly complex plot that's ultimately unimportant." Seeing it may clear up a lot, or not!
Which country sold Alaska to America, back in the day?
Russia may regret it now, but that big, cold piece of northern real estate was sold for pennies on the dollar. America gained its largest state for just $7.2 million, around 2 cents per acre. A great buy in 1867, for sure. Especially since secret gold was discovered after the deal!
Which food can actually turn a person's skin orange, in large amounts?
The urban legend is true: Carrots can make skin visibly orange if too many are consumed. But how many are too many? According to the experts, around 10 carrots a day, every day, for a few weeks could result in this side effect. Luckily, this discoloration goes away by itself in a few months. And it's totally harmless!
When were American women first allowed to vote?
Women began protesting for their right to vote around the 1840s, but didn’t get their wish until 1920! The first two national suffrage organizations were founded in 1869, and were merged in 1890, known as the National American Woman Suffrage Association.
Which country is also a continent?
The answer is Australia, mates! This faraway place is the only country in the world that is also a continent. It's a big hunk of land with kangaroos and didgeridoos, and no one ever divided it into nations. Today, it is divided into provinces. But Australia remains united floating in both the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. A unique title, so far!
Which famous river flows through Paris?
The geography of Europe includes famous rivers, and none are more romantic than the Seine. As France's second-longest river, it flows through wine-making regions and ends up in Paris itself. Literature over the years has referenced this waterway, and it's still as peaceful and slow-moving today. A stroll with a ham croissant is simply the best, on this river bank!
What religion does Tom Cruise love to promote?
Tom Cruise has been a very outspoken Scientologist for decades now. According to the actor: ''Being a Scientologist, when you drive past an accident, it's not like anyone else, it's, you drive past, you know you have to do something about it. You know you are the only one who can really help. That's what drives me.'' Pretty mysterious stuff, Tom!
In which movie did Spider-Man first appear in the MCU?
It may have started on the page of a comic book, but things have gotten incredibly 3D in recent years. Peter Parker has jumped around screens for decades as Spiderman. Though he was used to starring in his own stories, he entered the MCU for change. His first on-screen MCU appearance was in Captain America: Civil War in 2016, As usual, he reminded new viewers of one thing: With great power, comes great responsibility!
What country does spinach pie come from?
Greece is the delicious country that brought the world Spanakopita, a very savory spinach pie. Usually, it contains feta cheese, and may or may not involve onions, scallions, egg, dill, or parsley. There are so many varieties out there, all ready for the snacking. Zeus himself endorsed them all!