What was the original purpose of constructing the Leshan Giant Buddha statue?
To attract tourists
To calm river currents
To celebrate a festival
Fact: The Leshan Giant Buddha was built with the hope that its presence would calm the dangerous currents of the rivers nearby, ensuring safer passage for boats, illustrating its purpose beyond mere artistry.
Correct Answer: To attract tourists
Which monk is credited with initiating the construction of the Leshan Buddha?
Hai Tong
Buddhaghosa
Xuanzang
Fact: Hai Tong, a devoted monk, spearheaded the construction of the Leshan Giant Buddha, committing to the project even sacrificing his eyesight for funding, highlighting his dedication to spiritual and community safety.
Correct Answer: Hai Tong
What unique feature helps to preserve the Leshan Giant Buddha from erosion?
Statue made of marble
Internal drainage channels
External coatings
Fact: The Leshan Giant Buddha includes internal drainage channels designed to prevent water accumulation, thus protecting it from erosion, contributing to its preservation for over a millennium.
Correct Answer: Internal drainage channels
Which Cheers cast member got his early break playing Private LaRoche on M*A*S*H?
Ted Danson
George Wendt
John Ratzenberger
Woody Harrelson
Fact: Before becoming the beloved bar-stool regular Norm Peterson on Cheers, George Wendt made a memorable appearance on M*A*S*H. In the show’s Season 11 Halloween episode, he played Private LaRoche, a soldier who arrives at the 4077th with a billiard ball lodged in his mouth—an offbeat role that helped showcase his comedic timing. Just a few years later, Wendt would join the cast of Cheers and turn “Norm!” into one of the most iconic entrances in television history. His brief stop in Korea remains a fun piece of TV trivia linking two classic sitcoms.
Correct Answer: George Wendt
Queen Elizabeth II owned many generations of which dog breed?
Corgis
Dachshunds
Scottish Terriers
Labrador Retrievers
Fact: Queen Elizabeth II’s bond with corgis became one of the most recognizable aspects of her public image. Her affection for the breed began in 1933 when the royal family brought home their first corgi, Dookie, sparking a fascination that would last her entire life. In 1944, Elizabeth received her own corgi, Susan, for her 18th birthday—a gift that proved especially meaningful. Nearly every corgi the queen owned for the next 14 generations descended from Susan, creating a true royal bloodline of beloved companions. Over the course of her 70-year reign, the Queen owned roughly 30 corgis in all.
Correct Answer: Corgis
The sinking of what ship led to the Spanish-American War in 1898?
USS Monitor
USS Maine
RMS Lusitania
USS Constitution
Fact: The USS Maine exploded and sank in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898, killing more than 260 American sailors. Although the exact cause of the explosion remains debated, sensationalist newspaper coverage—often called “yellow journalism”—blamed Spain. The rallying cry “Remember the Maine! To hell with Spain!” swept across the United States and became a driving force behind the decision to declare war. The incident transformed a long-brewing tension into conflict, marking the start of the Spanish–American War.
Correct Answer: USS Maine
Which of these famous landmarks once served as a prison?
The Louvre
The Colosseum
Tower of London
The Parthenon
Fact: The Tower of London is one of the world’s most storied fortresses, and for centuries it doubled as a notorious prison. Originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century as a royal stronghold, it later became the holding place for political rivals, religious dissenters, spies, and even members of the royal family. Figures such as Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Guy Fawkes were imprisoned within its walls. Today, the Tower is a major historic site and home to the Crown Jewels—far removed from its darker past.
Correct Answer: Tower of London
Which actor was offered, but ultimately turned down the role of Han Solo in “Star Wars”?
Al Pacino
Sylvester Stallone
Burt Reynolds
John Travolta
Fact: Before Harrison Ford became synonymous with Han Solo, George Lucas initially offered the role to Al Pacino. Pacino later joked that he “didn’t understand the script,” so he ultimately turned it down. His surprising decision then paved the way for Ford—who was at the time doing part-time carpentry work on Lucas’s set—to step into the role and become one of the most iconic and enduring heroes in movie history. It’s now a classic Hollywood “what if” story, highlighting how a single, unexpected casting choice can unexpectedly reshape an entire franchise.
Correct Answer: Al Pacino
Which patriotic song contains the line, “O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife”?
America the Beautiful
The Star-Spangled Banner
God Bless America
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Fact: The line “O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife” is the opening line of the second verse of America the Beautiful, the patriotic hymn written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893 and later set to music by Samuel A. Ward. While most people are familiar with the song’s first verse—“O beautiful for spacious skies…”—the second verse shifts the focus from America’s natural beauty to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought to defend the nation’s freedoms. By honoring the “heroes proved” in battle, the verse adds depth to the song’s tribute to the country and the people who helped shape it.
Correct Answer: America the Beautiful
Which iconic artist painted a self-portrait titled “Diego and I”?
Paul Cézanne
Salvador Dalí
Frida Kahlo
Paul Gauguin
Fact: Diego and I is one of Frida Kahlo’s most revealing and emotionally charged self-portraits, created during a period of deep turmoil in her relationship with Diego Rivera. Painted in 1949, it shows Kahlo with tears running down her cheeks and a small image of her husband painted on her forehead, symbolizing how deeply he occupied her thoughts and identity. The portrait reflects the turbulent, intertwined nature of their relationship and is considered one of Kahlo’s late masterpieces, blending raw emotion with her signature surrealist-influenced style.
Correct Answer: Frida Kahlo