Question 1: When did the Berlin Wall fall, marking a symbolic end to the Cold War?
Question 2: Who is known as the "Father of Taxonomy" for his work in classifying living organisms?
Carl Linnaeus, an 18th-century Swedish botanist, is known as the "Father of Taxonomy" for his work in developing the modern system of naming and classifying organisms. His system, known as binomial nomenclature, is still used today.
Question 3: Which classic novel features the character Jay Gatsby?
F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel "The Great Gatsby" is a classic of American literature. The novel explores themes of decadence, idealism, resistance to change, and social upheaval.
Question 4: How many films are in the original Star Wars trilogy?
The original Star Wars trilogy consists of three films: Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983). These films, written and directed by George Lucas, launched the Star Wars franchise and introduced iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader.
Question 5: When did the musical "Hamilton" first premiere on Broadway?
Hamilton premiered off-Broadway at The Public Theater in February 2015 before transferring to Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre in August 2015. Since then, it has become a cultural phenomenon, winning 11 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Question 6: Why is handwashing so important in preventing the spread of infections?
Handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to remove harmful germs and chemicals from hands, helping prevent their spread to others. The CDC recommends scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds.
Question 7: If a book is a "potboiler", what does that mean?
The term "potboiler" originated in the 19th century, implying that a work was written fast, perhaps to "boil the pot" and put food on the table. While potboilers are often seen as lower quality literature, many famous authors have penned potboilers, including Edgar Allan Poe.
Question 8: Why do certain plants turn red in the fall?
Chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for giving leaves their green color, breaks down in the fall due to cooler temperatures and less light. As the green fades, other pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins become more visible, transforming the leaves into vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red.
Question 9: What country has the longest coastline in the world?
Canada has the longest coastline in the world, stretching over 202,080 kilometers (125,570 miles). This vast coastline borders the Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans, giving Canada an incredibly diverse marine landscape.
Question 10: Which book by George Orwell features a society under constant surveillance by the government?
George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984, published in 1949, depicts a totalitarian society where the government exerts complete control over its citizens, including through mass surveillance. The book introduced terms like "Big Brother" and "thought police" that are still referenced today when discussing government overreach and privacy concerns.
The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989 was a pivotal event that symbolized the end of the Cold War and the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. It led to the reunification of East and West Germany.