Which U.S. Navy aircraft carrier arrived in the eastern Mediterranean on Oct. 10, 2023, as a show of support in the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel?
USS Dwight Eisenhower
USS Carl Vinson
USS Abraham Lincoln
USS Theodore Roosevelt
USS Gerald Ford
Correct Answer: USS Gerald Ford
Trivia: What bird is most often considered a bad omen in many cultures?
Vulture
Raven
Owl
All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
So why is this answer correct? : Owls play prominently in the superstitions of many cultures, a few of which see them as thieves of newly departed souls or as associates of evil witches. Some Native American legends, meanwhile, paint vultures in a less-than-flattering light, and ravens were seen as deliverers of ill fortune in Greek mythology. But for ornithologists and bird lovers alike, all three types of birds are among the most fascinating — and important — creatures that fill our skies.
Trivia: The Japanese often display what kind of figurine for good fortune?
Toad
Dog
Cat
Dragon
Correct Answer: Cat
So why is this answer correct? : Although crossing a black cat is perceived as bad luck, a maneki-neko (“beckoning cat”) is exactly the opposite. Often found in shops throughout Japan, this statue depicting a Japanese bobtail cat is typically seen with its left paw raised or swaying up and down. This is believed to be a sign of good fortune and wealth for businesses that place these trinkets in their front windows or entrances.
Trivia: The Ides of March being unlucky is linked to the death of what leader?
Cleopatra
Julius Caesar
Abraham Lincoln
Genghis Khan
Correct Answer: Julius Caesar
So why is this answer correct? : On March 15, 44 BCE, Julius Caesar was assassinated by fellow senators and countrymen who feared his growing power. Although the phrase “Beware the Ides of March” wasn’t popularized until the arrival of William Shakespeare’s play about the event in the 16th century, some people still look upon mid-March with superstitious worry.
Trivia: “Beginner’s luck” is an example of what psychological concept?
Zero-sum thinking
Confirmation bias
Behavioral script
Psychic equivalence
Correct Answer: Confirmation bias
So why is this answer correct? : Whether playing a board game or engaging in some other pursuit involving chance, “beginner’s luck” is a formidable belief that those unfamiliar with a particular game are destined to best even the most experienced players. However, this is likely just a common case of confirmation bias, where people specifically remember when beginners win, thus confirming their belief, and disregard examples when beginner’s luck doesn’t hold up.
Trivia: What is the name of the groundhog that can supposedly predict the weather?
Philosophical Bill
Punxsutawney Phil
Good Luck Chuck
Harbinger Hog
Correct Answer: Punxsutawney Phil
So why is this answer correct? : On February 2, 1887, residents of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, celebrated the first official Groundhog Day. Ever since, they have relied on groundhog Punxsutawney Phil to “predict” the end of winter each year. If Phil sees his shadow, that means there will be six more weeks of the season. The origins of Groundhog Day come from a Christian tradition known as Candlemas, but it was the Germans who eventually recruited a hedgehog for this soothsaying tradition before exporting the idea to the U.S. in the 19th century.
Trivia: What is triskaidekaphobia?
Fear of spiders
Fear of superstitions
Fear of the number 13
Fear of witches
Correct Answer: Fear of the number 13
So why is this answer correct? : The number 13 gets a lot of bad press. Some say its spooky origins began with the Bible, as the 13th person to arrive at the Last Supper was Judas, who eventually betrayed Jesus. Whatever the reason, this fear inspired an entire film franchise based on Friday the 13th, and some buildings even skip the 13th floor because of this numerical superstition.
Trivia: In German superstition, what beverage should never be toasted with?
Juice
Wine
Water
Beer
Correct Answer: Water
So why is this answer correct? : In Germany, always toast with your beer, but never with your glass of water. German superstition says that if you toast with water, you’re wishing death on the person you’ve toasted. It dates back to ancient Greek myth surrounding the transition to the underworld. Every spirit drank from the River Lethe, after which its guardian, the goddess Lethe, would take away memories of the spirit’s life on Earth before the transition to death.
Trivia: What item should not be opened inside?
Umbrella
Mail
Ladder
Toolbox
Correct Answer: Umbrella
So why is this answer correct? : Even if it’s raining, don’t open your umbrella inside—hold it just outside your doorway to open it. This superstition dates back to Victorian England, when the metal spokes of umbrellas were very rigid, and opening one indoors near people or objects was actually physically dangerous.
Trivia: In Russian folklore, where should you not whistle?
Outside
Indoors
In the woods
At a market
Correct Answer: Indoors
So why is this answer correct? : If you’re in Russia, don’t whistle while you’re indoors. According to superstition, it may bring you financial problems. The superstition comes from a couple different places—either you’ll bring in a wind which will blow away your fortune, or you’ll attract an evil spirit that scares away the good spirit in your home.