Who appeared in more than 30 Alfred Hitchcock films? Cary Grant Clare Greet James Stewart Alfred Hitchcock Fact: Film director Alfred Hitchcock made cameo appearances in 39 of his 52 surviving major films. For the films in which he appeared, he would be seen for a brief moment in a non-speaking part as an extra, … Read more
Which comedian was Johnny Carson’s permanent guest host in the 1980s? Bill Cosby Joan Rivers Bob Newhart Garry Shandling In the 1980s, Joan Rivers earned the distinction of being Johnny Carson’s permanent guest host on The Tonight Show. Whenever Carson was absent, Rivers frequently took the helm, showcasing her sharp wit and bold comedic style. … Read more
Which iconic landmark was once owned by a private citizen? Stonehenge Big Ben Liberty Bell Leaning Tower of Pisa Fact: Most people think of Stonehenge as an ancient monument forever under government protection, but for much of its history it was actually privately owned. In 1915, the prehistoric stone circle was put up for public … Read more
Which of these countries was once a territory of the United States? Haiti Iceland Jamaica Philippines Fact: The Philippines was a territory of the United States from 1898 to 1946. After the Spanish–American War, Spain ceded the Philippines to the U.S. under the Treaty of Paris. For nearly five decades, the islands were governed as … Read more
What was the first toy ever advertised on television? Barbie Mr. Potato Head Play-Doh Slinky Fact: In 1952, Mr. Potato Head made history as the first toy to be advertised on television. The original kit contained plastic body parts and accessories—such as eyes, noses, and mouths—that children could stick into a real potato. The TV … Read more
Which author won a Nobel, Pulitzer, and Presidential Medal of Freedom? Mark Twain John Steinbeck Maya Angelou Ernest Hemingway Fact: John Steinbeck, celebrated for classics like The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men, is among the rare writers to have received all three honors: the Pulitzer Prize (1940, for The Grapes of Wrath), … Read more
Which university once served as the provisional capital of the United States? Princeton Rutgers Columbia Georgetown Fact: In the summer of 1783, during the final days of the Revolutionary War, Princeton University briefly served as the provisional capital of the United States. The Continental Congress met in Nassau Hall, the university’s oldest building, after being … Read more
Which Dr. Seuss book was written as an allegory for US occupation of Japan after WWII? Green Eggs and HamThe Cat in the HatThe LoraxHorton Hears a Who! Fact: Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Geisel, used Horton Hears a Who! (1954) as more than just a whimsical children’s tale. After serving as a … Read more
Who was the first woman to appear on the front of a Wheaties cereal box? Billie Jean King Florence Griffith-Joyner Mary Lou Retton Babe Didrikson Zaharias Fact: Wheaties has long been known as the “Breakfast of Champions,” featuring famous athletes on its iconic orange cereal box. For decades, the honor was reserved almost exclusively for … Read more
Which of the following Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavors is named after a music group? Chunky Monkey Phish Food Chocolate Therapy Karamel Sutra Fact: Phish, an American rock band formed at the University of Vermont in 1983, inspired one of Ben & Jerry’s most iconic ice cream flavors of ice cream. In 1997, the … Read more