Question 1: Which actress played the lead role in the movie "Pretty Woman"?
Question 2: Where is Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, the Mona Lisa, permanently housed?
The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 16th century, is one of the most famous paintings in the world. It has been on permanent display at the Louvre Museum in Paris since 1797.
Question 3: What is the largest known land mammal on Earth?
The African bush elephant is the largest living terrestrial animal, with males weighing up to 13,000 pounds (6,000 kg). They are native to various regions across sub-Saharan Africa.
Question 4: If someone is arrested and charged with a crime, what legal right ensures they are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law?
The presumption of innocence is a fundamental principle in criminal law that states a person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This legal right places the burden of proof on the prosecution to prove the accused's guilt, rather than the accused having to prove their innocence.
Question 5: How long did the ancient Mayan civilization last?
The ancient Mayan civilization lasted for over 3,000 years, beginning around 2000 BCE and ending with the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century CE. The Mayans developed advanced systems of writing, mathematics, astronomy, and architecture during this time.
Question 6: Which event is considered the starting point of World War II?
The German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, is widely considered the event that triggered the start of World War II. Following the invasion, Britain and France declared war on Germany, escalating the conflict into a global war.
Question 7: Who wrote the famous musical "The Phantom of the Opera"?
Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the music for "The Phantom of the Opera", which premiered in London's West End in 1986. The musical, based on the French novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux, has since become one of the longest-running and most successful musicals in history.
Question 8: Why is Luxembourg considered a tax haven?
Luxembourg is considered a tax haven primarily due to its low corporate tax rates, which attract many multinational companies to establish their headquarters there. The country's tax system is designed to be favorable for businesses, making it an attractive location for companies looking to minimize their tax liabilities.
Question 9: Where did the term "Tragedy" and "Comedy" originate from in theatre?
The terms "Tragedy" and "Comedy" as genres in theatre originated in Ancient Greece. Greek theatre had three genres: tragedy, comedy, and satyr plays. Tragedies typically dealt with weighty issues and often had unhappy endings, while comedies were lighthearted and typically had happy endings.
Question 10: Why is Leonardo da Vinci's painting "Mona Lisa" so famous?
The Mona Lisa's subtle and ambiguous smile has been a source of fascination for centuries, contributing greatly to the painting's enduring fame and mystique. Art historians have debated and analyzed the smile extensively, seeing it as a quintessential example of Leonardo's sfumato technique.
Julia Roberts starred as Vivian Ward, a prostitute who falls in love with a wealthy businessman played by Richard Gere, in the 1990 romantic comedy "Pretty Woman". The role helped establish Roberts as a leading Hollywood actress.