Question 1: Why is New York City considered one of the world's fashion capitals?
Question 2: Which Australian band was formed in 1958 by a group of brothers?
The Bee Gees were a pop music group formed by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. They were born in the Isle of Man, but moved to Redcliffe, Australia in their childhood. The Bee Gees gained global fame with their disco hits in the 1970s.
Question 3: What is the longest river in Africa?
The Nile River is the longest river in Africa and in the world, stretching over 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles) from its source in Burundi to its delta in Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile played a crucial role in the development of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Question 4: Who is credited with inventing the cotton gin in 1793?
Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin revolutionized the cotton industry by automating the process of separating cotton fibers from their seeds, which was previously a labor-intensive task. This invention greatly increased cotton production in the southern United States.
Question 5: When did the first episode of Saturday Night Live air?
The first episode was hosted by comedian George Carlin and featured musical guests Janis Ian and Billy Preston. The original cast included Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner.
Question 6: In the 1960s, which bold pattern became popular in clothing and accessories?
Paisley patterns became popular in the 1960s and were inspired by Indian and Persian designs. They were often seen on shirts, dresses, and accessories like scarves and ties. This trend is often associated with the "hippie" movement and the British rock-and-roll scene, particularly bands like the Beatles.
Question 7: Why do apple farmers sometimes use a technique called "girdling" on their trees?
Girdling, also known as ring barking, is a practice where a strip of bark is removed from around the entire circumference of a tree or branch. It disrupts the flow of nutrients and hormones that move down the tree's phloem, encouraging the tree to produce larger fruit and enhance fruit quality. However, this practice can be risky as it may weaken or kill the tree if not done correctly.
Question 8: How many vertices does an octahedron have?
An octahedron is a three-dimensional shape with 8 faces, but only 6 vertices where those triangular faces meet at a point. The prefix "octa-" refers to the 8 faces, not the number of vertices. A cube, in comparison, has 8 vertices.
Question 9: Who is the first woman to be depicted on U.S. paper currency?
Pocahontas was featured on the back of the $20 National Bank Note in the 1860s. She is considered the first woman to be featured on U.S. paper currency, although Martha Washington appeared on the $1 Silver Certificate in the late 19th century.
Question 10: In what year was the first telephone call made?
On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call, famously saying "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you" to his assistant Thomas Watson.
New York City is considered a global fashion capital largely due to it being the host of New York Fashion Week, one of the most prominent fashion events held twice a year, showcasing international fashion collections and setting trends for the upcoming seasons.