General Knowledge
What class in your school days would you use a microscope?
Science
The first microscopes were invented in the late 1500s and could magnify objects about 20 to 30 times. Today’s microscopes can magnify over one million times!
What is the hole of a needle called?
Eye
Needles have been used for sewing for over 20,000 years and were originally made from bone.
This common writing instrument used by children is covered in wood.
Pencil
Wood covers the graphite-and-clay composite used as a writing medium. It’s a myth that pencils are made with lead.
“What a Wonderful World” is a forever memorable tune by this artist, whose nickname is Satchmo.
Louis Armstrong
Many have covered his tunes, including this one, but his inimitable voice exudes feeling and soul like no other.
This nightshade was once considered poisonous.
A tomato
In 16th-century Europe, it was regarded not only as poisonous but also as a source of temptation.
What is the name of the decorative flower pinned to a man’s dress shirt?
Boutonniere
The word boutonniere comes from French and means “buttonhole.” The flower was originally worn through a jacket buttonhole.
What does the abbreviation VIP stand for?
“Very Important Person”?
The term VIP became popular in the 1940s during World War II.
This large wooden boat in the Bible was built to withstand 40 days and nights of a rainstorm.
Noah’s ark
The ark is referenced in Genesis 6–9.
This variety TV host’s signature tune is “Everybody Loves Somebody.”
Dean Martin
In 1967, he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Male TV Star. Later, he was the host of The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast. Don Rickles hosted when it came time for Martin’s own roast.
Where is the Golden Gate Bridge located?
California
When it opened in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world.
What type of bird can be trained to carry messages?
Pigeon
Homing pigeons were used to deliver messages during wartime.
This Swedish company that sells moderately priced home furnishings is one of the largest global consumers of wood.
IKEA
The company uses technology to maximize the yield and minimize waste from its wood, and also has a tree-planting initiative to help replace the wood it uses.
No one sings “Folsom Prison Blues” like this Tennessee performer who wrote it.
Johnny Cash
Folsom was one of the country’s first maximum-security prisons and among its toughest. Cash saw the film Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison while stationed in Germany. He couldn’t forget what he saw and wrote the song about it. Then he performed at Folsom Prison for the prisoners.
Which sport did Muhammad Ali play?
Boxing
Muhammad Ali won an Olympic gold medal in 1960 before becoming a world heavyweight champion.
What kind of doctor is a neurologist?
Brain doctor
The brain has about 86 billion nerve cells called neurons. Neurologists also treat the spinal cord and the nervous system.
This famous wooden puppet had a nose that grew longer whenever he told a lie.
Pinocchio
A hit from 1962 is “I Left My Heart in” this city.
San Francisco
Tony Bennett is the artist, and many have covered this tune.
How many ounces equal one pound?
16
The concept of the ounce dates back 2,000 years to ancient Rome.
What animal can go for long periods without food and water?
Camel
Camels can go for weeks without water by storing fat in their humps.
Long before GPS, sailors and explorers relied on this wooden device to help determine direction.
Compass
This Henry Mancini classic tune had its film premiere in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and was one of two tunes included twice in the film.
What is “Moon River”?
Its popularity soared when it became the theme of The Andy Williams Show.
In the nursery rhyme “Jack Sprat,” who “could eat no lean”?
His wife
The rhyme dates back to the 1600s and is thought to represent a married couple with very different eating habits.
What occupation deals with keeping and auditing financial records?
Accountant
The word accountant comes from the French word compter, meaning “to count, score, or reckon.” The first professional accounting organization, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), was formalized in 1854.
This famous wooden horse was supposedly given as a gift to the people of Troy—but it secretly carried Greek soldiers inside.
The Trojan Horse
“Mr. Tambourine Man” is performed by this artist with a distinctive, gravelly voice.
Bob Dylan
The tune first appeared on his March 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home. One month later, the Byrds released their cover of the tune and brought it to the No. 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100.