Author: Carla

In which country is it the year 2018?

Iran
Nepal
Ethiopia
Thailand

Fact: Ethiopia follows the Ethiopian calendar, which is derived from the ancient Coptic system. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, it has 13 months—12 months of 30 days and one short month of 5 or 6 days. The Ethiopian calendar also lags about 7–8 years behind the Gregorian one, which is why Ethiopia was in 2018 when most of the world observed 2025. Other nations like Iran, Nepal, and Thailand do use traditional calendars alongside the Gregorian system, but only Ethiopia’s remains the official national calendar, creating this striking difference in the year count.

Correct Answer: Ethiopia

How much did the United States pay Russia in 1867 to purchase Alaska?

$7.2 million
$117.4 million
$314.7 million
$1.3 billion

Fact: In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a deal often referred to as “Seward’s Folly” after Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the treaty. At the time, many Americans considered the territory barren and worthless, mocking the purchase as a waste of money. However, the acquisition proved to be an incredible bargain, as Alaska later became a rich source of natural resources such as gold, oil, and fish. Today, it is regarded as one of the most shrewd land purchases in U.S. history.

Correct Answer: $7.2 million

What is the name of the distinctive look of 1950s diners?

Fact: …“Googie” is the name given to the then-futuristic look found in gas stations, restaurants, and motels across America in the 1950s (not to mention Disney’s Tomorrowland). The name came from a distinctive coffee shop called Googie in West Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Correct Answer: Googie

Route 66, one of America’s most famous highways, has an alternate name honoring which legendary actor?

Will Rogers
Gene Autry
John Wayne
Ronald Reagan

Fact: U.S. Route 66, often called the “Main Street of America,” was officially dedicated in 1926 and became an iconic symbol of cross-country travel. In 1952, the highway was also given the honorary title The Will Rogers Highway, in memory of the beloved humorist, actor, and social commentator. Rogers, who was one of the most popular entertainers of the early 20th century, embodied the spirit of adventure and Americana that Route 66 came to represent. The dedication linked his legacy with the open road, cementing his place in American cultural geography.

Correct Answer: Will Rogers

What role do sea otters play in coastal ecosystems?

A They act as predators of kelp forests.
B They help control sea urchin populations.
C They are top predators of fish.

Fact: Sea otters feed on sea urchins, which can devastate kelp forests when their populations are unchecked. By maintaining a balanced sea urchin population, sea otters play a crucial role in the health of coastal ecosystems.

Correct Answer: They help control sea urchin populations.

What unique behaviour do sea otters exhibit while floating?

A They build nests onshore.
B They hold paws to stay connected.
C They engage in group hunting.

Fact: Sea otters are often seen floating in groups, or ‘rafts,’ where they hold paws to prevent drifting apart. This behaviour not only strengthens social bonds but also provides safety from predators.

Correct Answer: They hold paws to stay connected.

What danger do sea otters face that can affect their survival?

A Competition from dolphins.
B Oil spills in their habitat.
C Excessive sunlight exposure.

Fact: Oil spills are particularly harmful to sea otters since their fur is not waterproof. Oil can damage their insulation, making it difficult for them to maintain body heat, which poses a serious threat to their survival.

Correct Answer: Oil spills in their habitat.

Robert Redford, who died this week at 89, founded what famous film festival?

Cannes
Tribeca
Sundance
Toronto

Fact: After rising to stardom in the 1960s, Robert Redford became one of the defining actors of the 1970s, starring in classics such as The Candidate, The Way We Were, and All the President’s Men. He capped the decade with an Academy Award for Best Director for Ordinary People, which also won Best Picture. In 1978, Redford founded the Sundance Film Festival, named after his “Sundance Kid” role, to champion independent filmmaking. Under his guidance, Sundance grew into the world’s premier showcase for emerging voices in cinema. Redford passed away this week at his home. He was 89.

Correct Answer: Sundance

Due to the lack of available tiles, which of the following words cannot be played in Scrabble?

Exotoxic
Quizzify
Pizzazz
Counterclockwise

Fact: Scrabble is played with a fixed set of 100 tiles, but only two of them are the coveted and high-scoring Zs. This limitation makes certain words impossible to form, no matter how skilled or resourceful the player many be. For example, the flashy word “pizzazz” requires four Zs, but the tile set simply doesn’t provide enough to spell it out. By contrast, exotoxic can be made using both X tiles, quizzify is playable with the game’s two Zs, and counterclockwise, though impressively long, still fits comfortably within the 15-letter limit of the Scrabble board.

Correct Answer: Pizzazz

What is the primary reason Oktoberfest was originally held in 1810?

A To celebrate a royal wedding.
B To mark the harvest season.
C To honour the city’s founding.

Fact: Oktoberfest was initially organised to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, thus the festival got its start as a royal wedding celebration.

Correct Answer: To celebrate a royal wedding.