Which Alpine countries share tradition of the alphorn?
A. Austria
B. Norway
C. Switzerland
Fact: The alphorn is a traditional instrument of the Alpine regions, especially in Austria, Bavaria, and Switzerland, reflecting shared mountain heritage.
Correct Answer: Austria
What wood is usually used to craft an alphorn?
A. Maple
B. Birch
C. Spruce
Fact: Spruce is commonly chosen for alphorn making because its resonance qualities produce the deep, melodic tones characteristic of the instrument.
Correct Answer: Spruce
How do alphorn players change musical notes?
A. Hand holes
B. Lip tension
C. Foot pedals
Fact: Without valves or keys, alphorn players use precise breath control and lip tension to alter pitch and create different notes.
Correct Answer: Lip tension
Which song was tapped out on the giant keyboard in “Big”?
Rhapsody in Blue
Mary Had a Little Lamb
Heart and Soul
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Fact: In the 1988 comedy Big, Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia famously perform “Heart and Soul” with their feet on a giant floor piano at FAO Schwarz in New York City. The scene became one of the film’s most memorable moments, with the two actors jumping from key to key as they play the familiar duet for a crowd of amused shoppers. “Chopsticks” is also heard briefly during the scene. The giant piano was a real FAO Schwarz attraction and became even more famous and closely associated with the legendary toy store following the movie’s success.
Correct Answer: Heart and Soul
Which former Saturday Night Live cast member was shot and killed by his wife?
Andy Kaufman
Chris Farley
John Belushi
Phil Hartman
Fact: Phil Hartman joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1986 and spent eight seasons on the show, becoming known for impressions of figures including Frank Sinatra, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and Ed McMahon. A year later, Hartman married his third wife, Brynn Omdahl, with whom he had two children. Their marriage, however, was troubled, and Brynn struggled with substance abuse. In 1998, tragedy struck when she shot and killed Hartman while he slept before taking her own life. Toxicology tests later found alcohol, cocaine, and Zoloft in her system. Hartman was just 49 years old.
Correct Answer: Phil Hartman
What famous dance is featured in The Rocky Horror Picture Show?
The Electric Slide
The Watusi
The Locomotion
The Time Warp
Fact: The Time Warp is the famous dance featured in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Performed during the song “Time Warp,” the dance comes with simple step-by-step instructions that encourage audiences to join in. The number is led by Riff Raff, Magenta, and Columbia shortly after Brad and Janet arrive at Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s castle. Over the decades, the Time Warp has become one of the film’s most recognizable traditions and remains a favorite at midnight screenings and Halloween celebrations.
Correct Answer: The Time Warp
Which first name has been shared by more U.S. First Ladies than any other?
Martha
Sarah
Elizabeth
Abigail
Fact: Martha got off to an early lead, but Elizabeth eventually emerged as the most common name among First Ladies of the United States. Three presidential wives were born with the name: Elizabeth Monroe, wife of James Monroe; Elizabeth “Bess” Truman, wife of Harry S. Truman; and Elizabeth “Betty” Ford, wife of Gerald Ford. Although Bess and Betty are the names by which the latter two became widely known, both were actually named Elizabeth. The shared name spans more than 150 years of American presidential history.
Correct Answer: Elizabeth
Which mountain peak on Earth comes closest to the Moon?
Mount Everest
Mount Chimborazo
Mount McKinley
Mount Kilimanjaro
Although Mount Everest is the world’s highest mountain above sea level, Ecuador’s Mount Chimborazo is the peak farthest from the center of the Earth and therefore comes closest to the Moon as Earth rotates. Because Earth is not a perfect sphere and bulges slightly at the equator, Chimborazo’s location just south of the equator gives its summit a unique advantage. Its peak is about 1.3 miles farther from Earth’s center than Everest’s, despite Chimborazo being roughly 8,500 feet lower when measured above sea level.
Correct Answer: Mount Chimborazo
The development of which metal helped bring the Stone Age to an end?
Iron
Bronze
Silver
Aluminum
Fact: The development of bronze helped bring the Stone Age to an end and usher in the Bronze Age. Bronze, an alloy typically made by combining copper with tin, was stronger and more durable than copper alone, making it especially useful for producing tools, weapons, and armor. The transition occurred at different times around the world, beginning in parts of the Middle East around 3300 B.C. The widespread use of bronze represented a major technological advance that transformed warfare, agriculture, craftsmanship, and everyday life.
Correct Answer: Bronze
Which music legend played the Pinball Wizard in the 1975 rock musical Tommy?
David Bowie
Elton John
Freddie Mercury
Mick Jagger
Fact: Elton John played the flamboyant Pinball Wizard in the 1975 film adaptation of The Who’s rock opera Tommy. His character is the reigning pinball champion who faces Tommy, played by The Who frontman Roger Daltrey, in a memorable showdown. John performed “Pinball Wizard” for the film while wearing enormous platform boots and an extravagant costume. His energetic version of the song became one of the movie’s most memorable musical sequences and was later released as a successful hit single, reaching the Top 10 in the United Kingdom.
Correct Answer: Elton John