1.
A talking Barbie once complained, "Math is hard."
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
This statement is a fact because it is a direct quote from a talking Barbie doll. The doll specifically says, "Math is hard." Therefore, it can be considered a factual statement made by the Barbie doll.
2.
Nelson Mandela's old jail cell is now a tourist attraction.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
Nelson Mandela's old jail cell being a tourist attraction is a fact. This is because after spending 27 years in prison, Mandela's cell on Robben Island has been preserved and turned into a museum for visitors to learn about his struggle against apartheid and his fight for freedom. Many tourists visit this historic site to gain insight into Mandela's life and the hardships he endured during his imprisonment.
3.
The US Marines were founded in a bar in Philadelphia.
Correct Answer
B. Crap
Explanation
False. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) was not founded in a Philadelphia tavern. It was established on November 10, 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Tun Tavern is often considered the birthplace of the Marine Corps, but it's important to note that the Marine Corps was formed as a result of a resolution by the Continental Congress and then headquartered at Tun Tavern in its early days.
4.
Elvis did a TV ad for a donut.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
True. Elvis Presley appeared in a television commercial for a donut company called Southern Maid Donuts in the 1950s. This commercial featured a young Elvis promoting the donuts, and it is one of the early instances of a famous musician or celebrity endorsing a product in a television ad.
5.
The word chihuahua means "fearsome lizard dog" in the Aztec language.
Correct Answer
B. Crap
Explanation
False. The word "Chihuahua" does not mean "fearsome lizard dog" in the Aztec language. The name "Chihuahua" is believed to come from the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of Mexico. While the exact origin of the word is not entirely clear, it is thought to be derived from the Nahuatl words "chichi" (meaning "dog") and "hua" (meaning "place" or "river"). So, "Chihuahua" is often interpreted to mean "the place where the dog rivers meet" or "the place of the dog." It does not contain the term "fearsome lizard" in its meaning.
6.
Celine Dion was named after a Canadian Prime Minister.
Correct Answer
B. Crap
Explanation
This statement is incorrect. Celine Dion was not named after a Canadian Prime Minister.
7.
A team from Seattle has won hockey's Stanley Cup.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
Fact! The Seattle Metropolitans of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA) won the Stanley Cup in 1917 by defeating the National Hockey Association (NHA) and Stanley Cup defending champion Montreal Canadiens in a best-of-five game series. The games of the Final were played at the Seattle Ice Arena. Seattle defeated Montreal three games to one to become the first United States-based team to win the Cup.
8.
The word paparazzi means 'crazy fly.'
Correct Answer
B. Crap
9.
The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified Kosher.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
The statement is a fact because Israeli postage stamps have glue that is certified Kosher. Kosher certification ensures that a product adheres to Jewish dietary laws and is suitable for consumption or use by observant Jews. In this case, the glue used on Israeli postage stamps meets the requirements set by the certifying authority, making it a fact that the glue is certified Kosher.
10.
NASA beamed the Beatles' song Across the Universe to Polaris.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
NASA indeed beamed the Beatles' song Across the Universe to Polaris. In 2008, NASA transmitted the song as a tribute to the band and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the song's recording. The transmission was aimed at Polaris, also known as the North Star, which is located approximately 431 light-years away from Earth. Although it is highly unlikely that any extraterrestrial beings would be able to receive or understand the transmission, it was a symbolic gesture to showcase human creativity and achievements in space exploration.
11.
The Great Wall of China is visible from space.
Correct Answer
B. Crap
Explanation
This statement is false. The Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye. Astronauts have reported that it is difficult to see the wall from space without the aid of binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens. The wall is not wide enough and its color blends with the surrounding landscape, making it nearly impossible to spot from such a distance.
12.
The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be a temporary structure.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
The Eiffel Tower was indeed originally intended to be a temporary structure. It was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair held in Paris, and was initially met with mixed reactions from the public. However, due to its popularity and the practical uses it served, such as being used as a radio transmission tower, it was decided to keep the tower standing. Over time, it has become an iconic symbol of Paris and a major tourist attraction.
13.
Bananas are berries.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
Bananas are classified as berries because they meet the botanical definition of a berry. According to botany, a berry is a fleshy fruit that develops from a single ovary and contains seeds inside. Bananas fit this definition as they are derived from a single flower with a single ovary, and they have seeds inside, although they are usually small and undeveloped. Therefore, it is a fact that bananas are considered berries.
14.
The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows.
Correct Answer
B. Crap
Explanation
The statement "The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows" is false. The famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa, does have eyebrows. The eyebrows are not very pronounced, but they are clearly visible in the painting.
15.
The world's oldest known recipe is for beer.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
The statement is true. The world's oldest known recipe is indeed for beer. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of beer production dating back to around 3400 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia. The recipe, written on a Sumerian clay tablet, includes instructions for brewing beer using barley, malt, and water. This discovery provides valuable insights into the early history of human civilization and the importance of beer in ancient societies.