1.
Casino building in Las Vegas didn't really kick off until 1946 when Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky funded to build this hotel and casino. Which one is it?
Correct Answer
C. Flamingo
Explanation
The correct answer is Flamingo. In 1946, Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky provided funding to build the Flamingo hotel and casino in Las Vegas. This marked the beginning of the casino building boom in the city.
2.
What is the state sport of Maryland?
Correct Answer
A. Jousting
Explanation
Jousting is the state sport of Maryland because it has a long history and cultural significance in the state. Jousting tournaments have been held in Maryland since the colonial era and continue to be a popular event. Maryland even has an official jousting team and hosts the annual Maryland Jousting Tournament. This sport is deeply rooted in the state's heritage and is recognized as an important part of Maryland's identity.
3.
What was the first food eaten by an American astronaut in space?
Correct Answer
D. Apple Sauce
Explanation
The first food eaten by an American astronaut in space was apple sauce. This is because apple sauce is a convenient and easily digestible food that can be consumed in a zero-gravity environment. It is also a good source of vitamins and nutrients, making it a suitable choice for astronauts to maintain their health and energy levels while in space.
4.
The first leap year was recognized in 45 BC. Which famous personality is the reason why we have leap years?
Correct Answer
B. Julius Ceasar
Explanation
Julius Caesar is the reason why we have leap years. He introduced the Julian calendar, which included the concept of adding an extra day every four years to keep the calendar aligned with the solar year. This adjustment was necessary because the solar year is approximately 365.25 days long, and without leap years, the calendar would gradually fall out of sync with the seasons. Julius Caesar's reform was a significant development in the history of calendars and is still in use today in modified form.
5.
In 2010, this volcanic eruption disrupted travel in Europe and caused damage to several aircraft and buildings due to the downfall of volcanic ash and smoke. Which volcano is this?
Correct Answer
C. Eyjafjallajökull
Explanation
Eyjafjallajökull is the correct answer because in 2010, this volcano erupted and caused widespread disruption to air travel in Europe. The eruption resulted in the release of a large amount of volcanic ash and smoke, which posed a significant risk to aircraft engines and caused damage to several aircraft and buildings. This event highlighted the potential impact of volcanic eruptions on aviation and led to the temporary closure of airspace in many European countries.
6.
The latest country to be formed in 2011 after a bitter multi-decade civil war was South Sudan. Identify the flag.
Correct Answer
B. Option 2
Explanation
The flag of South Sudan is represented by Option 2. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after a long civil war. The flag consists of three horizontal stripes of black, red, and green, with a blue triangle on the hoist side. The blue triangle represents the Nile River, while the black, red, and green stripes symbolize the people, bloodshed, and natural resources of South Sudan, respectively.
7.
The Great Wall of China can be seen from the Moon?
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
False. This statement is a common misconception, but it is not true. The Great Wall of China is not visible from the Moon. The wall is only about 30 feet wide, which is far too narrow to be seen from such a great distance. In fact, astronauts who have been to the Moon have confirmed that the Great Wall is not visible from there.
8.
What was the price of the most expensive license plate in the world?
Correct Answer
C. $ 14.2M
Explanation
The most expensive license plate in the world was priced at $14.2 million.
9.
Who is this controversial personality from a gigantic global sporting federation?
Correct Answer
D. Sepp Blatter
Explanation
Sepp Blatter is the correct answer because he is a controversial personality from a gigantic global sporting federation. Blatter served as the president of FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, from 1998 to 2015. During his tenure, he faced numerous allegations of corruption and unethical behavior, which tarnished FIFA's reputation. Blatter was ultimately banned from all football-related activities for six years by the FIFA Ethics Committee.
10.
Which sporting franchise is the wealthiest in the world?
Correct Answer
B. Dallas Cowboys
Explanation
The Dallas Cowboys is the wealthiest sporting franchise in the world. This can be attributed to their success both on and off the field. The team has consistently been one of the most valuable sports franchises, with a large fan base and lucrative sponsorship deals. Additionally, the Cowboys' stadium, AT&T Stadium, is one of the most modern and expensive stadiums in the world, contributing to their overall wealth.
11.
In the initial stages of the development of Google, it was called 'Backrub'.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
In the initial stages of Google's development, it was indeed called "Backrub." This name was used before it was officially changed to Google.
12.
This famous singer would've turned 70 this November. He had humble beginnings in Zanzibar to Indian Parsi parents who moved to Bombay before moving to England where he became part of a famous band with melodies that are still sung today. Name the singer.
Correct Answer
C. Freddie Mercury
Explanation
Freddie Mercury, the correct answer, was a famous singer who would have turned 70 in November. He had humble beginnings in Zanzibar to Indian Parsi parents who later moved to Bombay and then to England. In England, he became part of a famous band, Queen, known for their memorable melodies that are still sung today.
13.
This airline's flight to Auckland is the longest flight in the world from it's home base. Which airline is it? Fun fact - the first flight is today 03/01/2016.
Correct Answer
A. Emirates
Explanation
Emirates is the correct answer because it operates the longest flight in the world from its home base to Auckland. This flight covers a distance of approximately 14,200 kilometers and has a duration of around 17 hours and 20 minutes. Emirates is known for its extensive network and long-haul flights, making it the airline that offers this record-breaking route.
14.
Which TV show made a comeback in 2016 after 15 years, giving a great ending to a series that had a huge fan following.
Correct Answer
A. The X Files
Explanation
The X Files made a comeback in 2016 after 15 years, providing a great ending to a series that had a massive fan following.
15.
The United Nations decided to fly which flag for the first time ever in September 2015?
Correct Answer
C. Palestine
Explanation
In September 2015, the United Nations decided to fly the flag of Palestine for the first time ever. This decision was significant as it represented a symbolic recognition of Palestine as a non-member observer state at the United Nations. It was a step towards acknowledging the aspirations and rights of the Palestinian people, and a demonstration of support for their pursuit of statehood.