What conservation act was established to protect endangered species in 1973?
A Wildlife Protection Act
B Endangered Species Act
C Animal Welfare Act
Fact: The Endangered Species Act (ESA) signed in 1973 aims to protect species like the black-and-white ruffed lemur from extinction and preserve their habitats, emphasizing the importance of conservation.
Correct Answer: Endangered Species Act
What U.S. monopoly was broken into seven regional companies in the 1980s?
AT&T
U.S. Steel
Standard Oil
General Electric
Fact: In 1984, AT&T was dismantled as part of a landmark antitrust settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The breakup ended AT&T’s decades-long control over the nation’s telephone service and created seven regional operating companies—often called the “Baby Bells.” These new firms handled local phone service, while AT&T retained long-distance operations and equipment manufacturing. The move reshaped the U.S. telecommunications industry, fostering competition and paving the way for modern phone and internet services.
Correct Answer: AT&T
Which film was the true Best Picture winner at the Academy Awards after La La Land was mistakenly announced?
Arrival
Hidden Figures
Moonlight
Manchester by the Sea
Fact: At the 89th Academy Awards in 2017, one of the most infamous moments in Oscars history unfolded when presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were mistakenly handed the wrong envelope and announced La La Land as Best Picture. Beatty hesitated after seeing the card, but Dunaway read the title aloud, triggering celebrations onstage. Moments later, producers revealed the error on live television, and the correct winner—Moonlight—was announced, creating a shocking reversal that instantly became one of the most talked-about moments in Academy Awards history.
Correct Answer: Moonlight
What unique ice formation can be found along Lake Superior’s shoreline during winter?
A Plate ice
B Slush ice
C Floe ice
Fact: Plate ice is a distinctive formation created by thin sheets of ice that stack and drift on Lake Superior during winter. This phenomenon results from the lake’s unique depth and wind patterns, leading to the stunning, glass-like shards along the shoreline.
Correct Answer: Plate ice
What does the Ojibwe name ‘Gichigami’ mean concerning Lake Superior?
A Great seas
B Frozen water
C The deep lake
Fact: ‘Gichigami’ translates to ‘great sea’ in Ojibwe, reflecting how the Indigenous people perceive the vastness and significance of Lake Superior. As the world’s largest freshwater lake, it has always held immense importance in the region.
Correct Answer: Great seas
How do the winter conditions affect ice formations at Lake Superior?
A They remain static
B They melt quickly
C They constantly change
Fact: The ice formations at Lake Superior are highly dynamic, changing frequently with temperature shifts and wind patterns. This allows for a constantly shifting landscape that can appear and disappear within short time frames, showcasing the lake’s nature.
Correct Answer: They constantly change
What seven-letter word appears on all U.S. coins?
Fact: The word “Liberty” has been required by law to appear on coins since the Coinage Act of 1792. The Coinage Act was passed by the United States Congress on April 2, 1792, and created the United States dollar as the country’s standard unit of money, established the United States Mint, and regulated the coinage of the United States. The Coinage Act of 1792 further specified that the front of each coin shall be inscribed with the word “Liberty” and the back of each coin should display the words “United States of America.”
Answer: Liberty
Which all-female music group holds the record for the most Grammy Awards?
The Supremes
Spice Girls
Dixie Chicks
Destiny’s Child
Fact: With a total of 13 Grammy Awards, Dixie Chicks—now known as The Chicks—hold the record for the most Grammy wins by an all-female group. The trio achieved sustained, multi-era success across both country and pop categories, earning some of the ceremony’s highest honors, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year. Their Grammy total surpasses every other all-female group in music history. As a result, they are widely regarded as the most decorated female group in Grammy history and one of the most influential groups of their generation.
Correct Answer: Dixie Chicks
Which Christmas song was banned by the BBC for being “too morbid”?
Blue Christmas
Silent Night
White Christmas
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Fact: During World War II, the BBC banned I’ll Be Home for Christmas out of concern that its wistful, sentimental lyrics—particularly references to being home “if only in my dreams”—could intensify homesickness and lower morale among British troops stationed overseas. Although the song was immensely popular with the public and widely requested, BBC officials worried its emotional tone was simply too heavy and reflective for wartime radio broadcasts. The ban was eventually lifted, and the song went on to become one of the most enduring and beloved Christmas songs of all time.
Correct Answer: I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Which film holds the title of the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time?
Elf
Die Hard
Home Alone
The Grinch
Fact: Released in 2018, The Grinch—an animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday story—has become the highest-grossing Christmas film of all time, earning over $500 million worldwide. Its success was driven by broad family appeal, strong international box-office performance, and modern animation that introduced the character to a new generation. While classics like Home Alone and Elf remain holiday staples, The Grinch surpassed them in total global earnings, securing its place at the top of the Christmas box-office rankings.
Correct Answer: The Grinch