The Adams–Onís Treaty of 1819 resulted in the United States acquiring which present-day state from Spain? Texas Florida Arizona New Mexico Fact: Signed in 1819 and taking effect in 1821, the historic Adams–Onís Treaty transferred Florida from Spain to the United States. Negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and Spanish diplomat Luis … Read more
What box office star was hired by SNL early on in their career but left after only four episodes? John Goodman Jim Carrey Kevin Hart Ben Stiller Fact: Early in his career, Ben Stiller made a short parody of the Tom Cruise movie The Color of Money that caught the attention of SNL, which aired … Read more
What No. 1 hit of 1969 was performed by a cartoon band? “Sugar, Sugar” “Build Me Up Buttercup” “Crimson and Clover” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” Fact: The Archies, a fictional cartoon band based on characters from the Archie comic books and television series, recorded “Sugar, Sugar,” which became one of the biggest hits of 1969. … Read more
Which science-fiction author coined the term “cyberspace” in his 1984 novel Neuromancer? Arthur C. Clarke Ray Bradbury William Gibson Isaac Asimov Fact: Even if you’ve never heard of William Gibson, you’ve almost certainly felt his influence. Widely regarded as one of the most influential science-fiction writers of his generation, Gibson helped shape modern ideas about … Read more
In 1887, Arthur Conan Doyle introduced the character Sherlock Holmes in which debut novel? The Sign of the Four A Study in Scarlet The Valley of Fear The Hound of the Baskervilles Fact: Arthur Conan Doyle first introduced Sherlock Holmes in the 1887 novel A Study in Scarlet. The story also marks the first appearance … Read more
Which director won an Oscar, a Tony, and an Emmy all in the same year? Steven Spielberg Bob Fosse Mel Brooks Ron Howard Fact: In 1973, Bob Fosse achieved one of the most remarkable award sweeps in entertainment history by winning an Oscar, a Tony, and an Emmy in the same year. He won the … Read more
Which ‘80s band at one point had three unrelated members with the same last name? The Bangles Bon Jovi Duran Duran Tears for Fears Fact: Duran Duran was one of the most successful bands of the 1980s, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Three members share the last name Taylor, John Taylor, Roger … Read more
Joan Jett rose to fame as the frontwoman of which all-female rock band? Heart The Bangles The Go-Go’s The Runaways Fact: Before launching her successful solo career with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Joan Jett first gained fame as a founding member and rhythm guitarist of The Runaways in the mid-1970s. The Runaways were one … Read more
Which original marshmallow shape from Lucky Charms is still included in the cereal today? Pink Hearts Yellow Moons Orange Stars Green Clovers Fact: When Lucky Charms debuted in 1964, it featured just four marshmallow shapes: pink hearts, yellow moons, orange stars, and green clovers. Over the decades, the cereal has introduced—and retired—many additional shapes, including … Read more
John Adams controversially wanted the President to have what title? King Emperor Supreme Leader His Highness Fact: During the First Congress in 1789, John Adams, serving as Vice President, argued that the new nation’s chief executive should have a more distinguished and formal title to command respect both domestically and abroad. He proposed the elaborate … Read more