Question 1: If someone described a situation as a "Catch-22", what would they mean?
Question 2: How many versions of The Scream did Norwegian artist Edvard Munch paint?
Edvard Munch created four versions of his iconic painting The Scream between 1893 and 1910. Two versions were done in paint and two in pastels. The Scream is one of the most recognized images in art history, noted for its haunting depiction of anxiety and existential dread.
Question 3: Which city is home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue?
The Christ the Redeemer statue, standing at 98 feet tall atop Corcovado mountain, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The statue was completed in 1931 and has become a cultural icon of both the city and the country.
Question 4: Why is the Sahara desert so dry?
The Sahara desert's location in a high-pressure zone means that the air is descending, which suppresses cloud formation and precipitation, making this region extremely dry.
Question 5: The famous painting "Starry Night" was painted by which artist?
"Starry Night", one of Vincent van Gogh's most famous works, was painted while he was in an asylum in Saint-Rémy, France, in 1889. The painting depicts the view from his window, with the addition of an idealized village.
Question 6: Who was the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Actor?
In 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Lilies of the Field. He paved the way for future generations of Black actors in Hollywood.
Question 7: Why are minerals important to the study of geology?
Minerals record information about the conditions under which they formed, including temperature, pressure, and chemistry. By studying minerals, geologists can piece together details about Earth's formation and evolution over billions of years.
Question 8: What architectural style is characterized by flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and large stained-glass windows?
Gothic architecture originated in the 12th century in France and is most commonly associated with cathedrals and other religious buildings. It was designed to be light and airy, an ethereal contrast to the heavier Romanesque style that preceded it. Notable examples include Notre-Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathedral.
Question 9: In which city are the headquarters of luxury brand Chanel located?
Paris is not only the home of luxury fashion brand Chanel, but also the heart of high fashion. Chanel, founded by Coco Chanel, is known for its timeless designs and is synonymous with luxury.
Question 10: The Rosetta Stone was a critical key to deciphering which ancient language?
The Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799, was inscribed with the same text in Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphics. Because scholars understood Greek, they were able to use the Rosetta Stone to translate the mysterious Egyptian hieroglyphics.
The term "Catch-22" originated from Joseph Heller's 1961 novel of the same name. In the book, a U.S. Air Force airman who wants to avoid combat missions is considered insane if he's willing to fly dangerous missions, but if he applies for a psychiatric evaluation to avoid the missions, this act of self-preservation proves he is sane and therefore ineligible to be relieved from duty.