Question 1: How many years did it take to construct the Empire State Building?
Question 2: Which cartoon character is known for his catchphrase "What's up, Doc?"
Bugs Bunny first uttered "What's up, Doc?" in the Warner Bros. cartoon "A Wild Hare" (1940). The phrase stuck and became his signature line, defining his cheeky and laid-back persona.
Question 3: Where did the domestication of maize (corn) most likely originate?
Maize was domesticated from wild grasses in Southern Mexico around 9,000 years ago. Its ancestor is believed to be the teosinte plant. The domestication process allowed maize to become a staple food in cultures around the world.
Question 4: Where is the original sculpture of "The Thinker" by Auguste Rodin located?
"The Thinker" is part of a larger work called "The Gates of Hell" which was started by Rodin in 1881. The original size was conceived in 1880 and the first cast was completed in 1902. The famous sculpture can be found at the Musée Rodin in Paris, and several other casts exist around the world.
Question 5: Which is the smallest country in terms of land area?
Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. With an area of about 44 hectares (110 acres), it's the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world both by area and population.
Question 6: Who was the host of the original "Jeopardy!" when it first aired in 1964?
Art Fleming hosted the original incarnation of "Jeopardy!" which aired from 1964 until 1975. Alex Trebek later became the show's iconic host, starting in 1984 and continuing until his death in 2020.
Question 7: How is the philosophical view of nihilism best described?
Nihilism is a philosophical view that rejects all moral and religious principles, and often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence. It holds that life is without inherent meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value.
Question 8: Why is Mozart considered a key figure of the Classical era in Western music?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era, composed over 600 works, many of which are acknowledged as pinnacles of symphonic, concertante, chamber, operatic, and choral music.
Question 9: When did the supercontinent Pangaea begin to break apart?
Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras. Its breakup led to the formation of the continents as we know them today.
Question 10: How many members were in the original lineup of the Beatles?
The Beatles, often referred to as the "Fab Four," consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They are widely regarded as the greatest and most influential act of the rock era.
Despite being 102 stories tall, the Empire State Building was constructed in a remarkably fast 410 days. Construction began on March 17, 1930 and the building opened on May 1, 1931. At the time, it was the tallest building in the world.