Category: General

Which of these sporting events occurs earliest in the calendar year?

Kentucky Derby
Stanley Cup
World Series
Indianapolis 500

The Kentucky Derby is the sporting event that occurs earliest in the calendar year among the listed choices. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby is held annually on the first Saturday in May at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. In contrast, the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, takes place later in May, typically on Memorial Day weekend. The Stanley Cup Finals and the World Series occur much later in the year, with the Stanley Cup Finals taking place in June and the World Series in October.

Correct Answer: Kentucky Derby

Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs was known for wearing what color turtleneck?

White
Red
Blue
Black

Steve Jobs was known for many things, from inventing the iPhone to revolutionizing Apple. Another hallmark of his legacy was his iconic outfit, which he wore nearly every day. Jobs became associated with wearing a black turtleneck, Levi’s jeans, and New Balance sneakers. He reportedly owned hundreds of these black turtlenecks, all custom-designed by Japanese fashion legend Issey Miyake. This wardrobe choice symbolized Jobs’ philosophy of simplicity and focus, reflecting his desire to strip away the unnecessary in pursuit of excellence.

Correct Answer: Black

The longest current flight links which two cities?

Tokyo / Lisbon
Singapore / NYC
Dallas / Sydney
New Delhi / San Francisco

The current longest flight in the world is the 18 hour 50 minute route between New York City (JFK) and Singapore, operated by Singapore Airlines. Spanning an impressive 9,585 miles, this ultra-long-haul flight is a testament to advancements in modern aviation technology and passenger comfort. It is operated using the Airbus A350-900ULR, engineered to handle extensive distances without refueling. The aircraft’s cabin features 67 pod-style business-class seats and 94 premium economy seats. Notably, there are no regular economy seats on this flight.

Correct Answer: Singapore / NYC

In which U.S. city did the term “Black Friday” originate?

New York City
Chicago
Baltimore
Philadelphia

The name “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia, when it was coined by the Philadelphia Police Department in 1966 to describe the chaos caused by massive traffic jams, car accidents and congested sidewalks that resulted from the shopping day after Thanksgiving. Contemporary use of the term now refers to it as the point in the year at which retailers begin to turn a profit, thus going from being “in the red” to being “in the black”. Since 2006, there have been 17 deaths and 125 injuries as a result of Black Friday events.

Correct Answer: Philadelphia

Queen Elizabeth II shared a birth year with which famous person?

Marilyn Monroe
Elvis Presley
Albert Einstein
Martin Luther King Jr.

Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe shared the same birth year: 1926. While Queen Elizabeth was born on April 21 in London, destined to become Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1 in Los Angeles, eventually becoming a symbol of Hollywood glamour. Despite their vastly different lives, both women embodied the transformative spirit of their era, navigating the complexities of fame and public scrutiny. Their paths crossed briefly on October 29, 1956, during the Royal Command Film Performance at London’s Empire Theatre.

Correct Answer: Marilyn Monroe

What was the first balloon to ever take part in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?

Correct Answer: Felix the Cat

Who encouraged Abraham Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday?

His mother
Founder of Macy’s
Inventor of Coca-Cola
Author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”

Much of the credit for President Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation should probably go to a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale. As a highly influential magazine editor, Sarah Hale led a 36-year campaign advocating for a national day of gratitude, through an extensive collection of articles and letters. Her September 28, 1963 letter to Lincoln is often cited as the main factor for Lincoln’s Proclamation. Adding a fascinating layer to this historical narrative, Hale was also the author of the beloved nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

Correct Answer: Author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”

Which musician used the pseudonym “Alexander Nevermind”?

Bob Dylan
Prince
Michael Jackson
Paul McCartney

The name Alexander Nevermind was a pseudonym created by Prince, showcasing his flair for mystery and his deliberate desire to separate specific works from his public persona. While the exact inspiration for the name remains unknown, it reflects his imaginative spirit and tendency to adopt alternate identities. Operating under this alias, Prince contributed to notable songs for other artists, demonstrating his versatility and ability to create impactful genre-defying music without directly associating every piece with his own name.

Correct Answer: Prince

The mascot of the Borden Dairy Company, Elsie the Cow, is “married” to which other product’s mascot?

Elmer’s Glue
Frosted Flakes
Michelin Tires
Planters Peanuts

Elsie the Cow, the mascot of the Borden Dairy Company is one of the most recognizable and endearing brand icons. Interestingly, she is said to be “married” to Elmer the Bull, the mascot for Elmer’s Glue. This playful connection reflects their shared origin, as both mascots were created by the Borden Company, which owned both its dairy and adhesive divisions during the mid-20th century. The “marriage” of Elsie and Elmer exemplified a clever branding strategy, linking the wholesome image of Borden’s dairy products with the reliability of their glue.

Correct Answer: Elmer’s Glue

What business was known as the Haloid Company before it took the name of its most famous product?

Jacuzzi
Chapstick
Kleenex
Xerox

The Haloid Company, originally founded in 1906, was a photographic paper and equipment manufacturer based in Rochester, New York. The company gained prominence in the mid-20th century when it developed a revolutionary photocopying process. This innovation proved so successful that the company rebranded itself in 1961, adopting the name of its groundbreaking product: Xerox Corporation. Over time, the word Xerox has grown to become a synonym for a copy machine, much like how “Pampers” became a synonym for disposable diapers.

Correct Answer: Xerox