1.
A talking Barbie once complained, "Math is hard."
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
In the early 1990s, a talking Barbie doll was released with the phrase, "Math class is tough." This statement sparked controversy and debate about gender stereotypes and education, leading to widespread criticism from educators, parents, and advocacy groups. The backlash was centered on the concern that such a message could discourage young girls from pursuing math and science. In response to the criticism, Mattel, the manufacturer of Barbie, announced that the doll would no longer say that phrase.
2.
Nelson Mandela's old jail cell is now a tourist attraction.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
Nelson Mandela's old jail cell being a tourist attraction is a fact. This is because after spending 27 years in prison, Mandela's cell on Robben Island has been preserved and turned into a museum for visitors to learn about his struggle against apartheid and his fight for freedom. Many tourists visit this historic site to gain insight into Mandela's life and the hardships he endured during his imprisonment.
3.
The US Marines were founded in a bar in Philadelphia.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
The US Marines were indeed founded at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia on November 10, 1775. Tun Tavern is celebrated as the birthplace of the Marine Corps, established by the Continental Congress to create two battalions of Marines. This fact underscores the historic and symbolic significance of Tun Tavern in Marine Corps heritage.
4.
Elvis did a TV ad for a donut.
Correct Answer
B. Crap
Explanation
Elvis Presley, despite his immense fame and various commercial opportunities, never did a TV advertisement for a donut. While Elvis was known for his love of certain foods, there's no record of him participating in a commercial specifically for donuts. Throughout his career, Elvis's image and music were used in advertisements and promotional materials, but his direct involvement in product endorsements was minimal, especially for specific food products like donuts.
5.
The word chihuahua means "fearsome lizard dog" in the Aztec language.
Correct Answer
B. Crap
Explanation
The word "Chihuahua" does not mean "fearsome lizard dog" in the Aztec language. The name "Chihuahua" is believed to come from the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of Mexico. While the exact origin of the word is not entirely clear, it is thought to be derived from the Nahuatl words "chichi" (meaning "dog") and "hua" (meaning "place" or "river"). So, "Chihuahua" is often interpreted to mean "the place where the dog rivers meet" or "the place of the dog." It does not contain the term "fearsome lizard" in its meaning.
6.
Celine Dion was named after a Canadian Prime Minister.
Correct Answer
B. Crap
Explanation
Celine Dion was not named after a Canadian Prime Minister. She was actually named after the song "Céline," which was recorded by French singer Hugues Aufray two years before her birth. Her parents, Adhémar Dion and Thérèse Tanguay, were fans of the song, leading them to name their daughter after it. Celine Dion has no direct naming connection to any Canadian Prime Minister or political figure.
7.
A team from Seattle has won hockey's Stanley Cup.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
Fact! The Seattle Metropolitans of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA) won the Stanley Cup in 1917 by defeating the National Hockey Association (NHA) and Stanley Cup defending champion Montreal Canadiens in a best-of-five game series. The games of the Final were played at the Seattle Ice Arena. Seattle defeated Montreal three games to one to become the first United States-based team to win the Cup.
8.
The word paparazzi means 'crazy fly.'
Correct Answer
B. Crap
Explanation
The word "paparazzi" does not mean "crazy fly." It is derived from the Italian word "paparazzo," which Federico Fellini, the famous Italian film director, used in his 1960 film "La Dolce Vita" to name a character who was a news photographer. The character's name, Paparazzo, was inspired by an Italian dialect word that describes a buzzing mosquito, suggesting the annoying and persistent nature of photographers who follow celebrities. Over time, "paparazzi" became the term used to refer to such photographers, especially those who aggressively pursue celebrities for photographs.
9.
The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified Kosher.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
The glue on Israeli postage stamps is indeed certified Kosher. This decision takes into account the dietary restrictions observed by some Jewish people who follow kosher dietary laws. By certifying the glue on postage stamps as kosher, it ensures that even the act of licking stamps to affix them to envelopes remains in compliance with Jewish dietary laws, reflecting the cultural and religious considerations of the country. This is an example of how religious practices can influence seemingly secular aspects of daily life.
10.
NASA beamed the Beatles' song Across the Universe to Polaris.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
In 2008, NASA indeed beamed the Beatles' song "Across the Universe" towards Polaris, also known as the North Star. This event marked the 50th anniversary of NASA's establishment and the 40th anniversary of the song's recording. The song was transmitted into deep space using NASA's Deep Space Network, with the intention of sending a message of peace and unity across the universe. It's worth noting that this transmission was largely symbolic, as the song's radio waves will take hundreds of years to reach Polaris and will likely be distorted by cosmic radiation and background noise by the time they arrive.
11.
The Great Wall of China is visible from space.
Correct Answer
B. Crap
Explanation
The claim that the Great Wall of China is visible from space is a popular misconception. While certain man-made structures like large cities or major dams can be seen from space, the Great Wall of China is not easily visible to the naked eye from low Earth orbit. This myth has been debunked by numerous astronauts, including China's first astronaut Yang Liwei. The Great Wall is a relatively narrow structure, measuring only a few meters wide, and it's made from materials that blend in with the surrounding landscape. This makes it challenging to discern from other natural features when viewed from space, especially without the assistance of magnification or specialized equipment.
12.
The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be a temporary structure.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
The Eiffel Tower was indeed originally intended to be a temporary structure. It was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair held in Paris, and was initially met with mixed reactions from the public. However, due to its popularity and the practical uses it served, such as being used as a radio transmission tower, it was decided to keep the tower standing. Over time, it has become an iconic symbol of Paris and a major tourist attraction.
13.
Bananas are berries.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
Bananas are classified as berries because they meet the botanical definition of a berry. According to botany, a berry is a fleshy fruit that develops from a single ovary and contains seeds inside. Bananas fit this definition as they are derived from a single flower with a single ovary, and they have seeds inside, although they are usually small and undeveloped. Therefore, it is a fact that bananas are considered berries.
14.
The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
The Mona Lisa's lack of prominent eyebrows is a subject of historical debate. Some suggest they were lost over time due to restoration, while others believe Leonardo da Vinci painted her according to contemporary beauty standards. The exact reason remains a point of art historical speculation.
15.
The world's oldest known recipe is for beer.
Correct Answer
A. Fact
Explanation
The world's oldest known recipe is indeed for beer. Evidence of beer brewing dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, around 3,900 years ago. The recipe was found inscribed on a Sumerian clay tablet, part of a hymn to Ninkasi, the goddess of brewing and beer. This ancient recipe provides a glimpse into early brewing techniques and the cultural significance of beer in ancient societies.