American
Tragedies
Tragedies
On January 2th7, 1967 the NASA space program suffered its first major tragedy. During a routine test, a fire broke out inside the Apollo I space capsule and all three astronauts were killed. Which of the following were NOT members of that crew?
Roger Chaffee
Virgil Grissom
James McDivitt
Ed White
Answer: James McDivitt
James McDivitt was the command pilot for the backup crew in the event the original crew being unable to make the trip. The fire was believed to have been caused by bad wiring in the capsule. With the pure oxygen that was present inside the capsule, the fire quickly got out of control. The three astronauts couldn't get the hatch open to escape and therefore perished within minutes.
Which of the following men put a fleece out to see if dew would collect on it?
Samuel
Moses
Gideon
Jacob
Answer: Gideon
Judges 6:36-40 Gideon asked God for a sign and God gave Gideon answers three times through whether the fleece was wet or dry.
I have been driving through a northwestern state and have traveled through the towns of Starbuck, Walla Walla, Port Angeles and Olympia. What state am I in?
Oregon
Washington
Michigan
California
Answer: Washington
Isn't it fun that the State of Washington has a town by the name of Starbuck? In southwest Washington, you can visit Mount St. Helens, the volcano that erupted in May of 1980.
Let us start with "The Duke" (John Wayne) and one of his roles as Col. Cord McNally. After the Civil War he searches for the traitors who caused the defeat of McNally's unit and the loss of a close friend. Can you name the movie?
Rio Lobo
The Searchers
Rio Bravo
The Horse Soldiers
Answer: Rio Lobo
Amidst the three appropriate descriptions of the term, which of these is NOT a "Grant"?
"The Philadelphia Story" actor, Cary
18th U.S. president, Ulysses
2008 NBA MVP, Kobe
Sum of money given by the government
Answer: 2008 NBA MVP, Kobe
Kobe Bryant is the only non-grant of these four answer choices. Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 until 2016, winning five NBA championships with the team during his career. Ulysses S. Grant was the Commanding General who led the Union Army to victory in the American Civil War before his tenure as U.S. president. Cary Grant is an English-American actor who appeared in dozens of films from 1932 to 1966. Grant as a noun is government-issued funds to be used for a particular purpose.
The most famous tragedy in US history was the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. In the attack, the battleship USS Arizona was sunk and more than 1,100 sailors died in the tragedy. Three other battleships were sunk during the attack. Which of the following was NOT one of them (it was beached)?
USS Oklahoma
USS Nevada
USS California
USS West Virginia
Answer: USS Nevada
The Nevada was making an attempt to leave the harbor but when it was hit it beached in order to prevent it from blocking the harbor entrance. The Arizona became a memorial to the attack and still stands today as a reminder of those who died. The USA declared war on Japan the next day.
Which dead prophet's spirit did a woman bring forth for King Saul?
Samuel
Moses
Abraham
Elijah
Answer: Samuel
1st Samuel 28:3, 11-14 Samuel had died and King Saul was getting no answers from God so he went to a woman who brought forth the spirit of Samuel, who told King Saul that he and his sons would die soon.
I am in a state with beautiful peach orchards and many Civil War battlefields. I have passed through Macon, Augusta, Peachtree City, and Marietta. What state am I in?
North Carolina
Georgia
Michigan
Ohio
Answer: Georgia
The peaches from Georgia are fabulous! If you go to Savannah you can visit Paula Deen's restaurant. She is a popular chef on the Food Network. Of course, this is Carter Country and Jimmy Carter comes from Plains.
Henry Fonda was one of my favourite gunman and he appeared in numerous Westerns. In one of his westerns he portrays a gunman named Clay Blaisdell with a sidekick named Tom Morgan played by Anthony Quinn who had a clubfoot. Can you name the movie?
Once Upon a Time in the West
Warlock
The Ox-Bow Incident
My Name Is Nobody
Answer: Warlock
What do the NFL football team which plays at home at Soldier Field in Chicago, the 1960s TV series "Gentle Ben", and the short story about Old Ben at the center of Faulkner's collection of stories "Go Down, Moses" have in common?
bull
bear
bison
bloodhound
Answer: bear
What became the Chicago Bears football team was founded in 1919 and moved to Chicago in 1921. They played home games at Wrigley Field for fifty years before moving to Soldier Field. Based (loosely) on the 1965 children's novel "Gentle Ben" by Walt Morey, the CBS children's television programme "Gentle Ben" aired from 1967 to 1969.
On May 4th, 1970, National Guard troops opened fire on college students protesting President Nixon's invasion of Cambodia. On what college campus did this shooting take place?
Jackson State
South Carolina State
Memphis State
Kent State
Answer: Kent State
Four students died and nine others were wounded in this - one of several college campus shootings involving National Guard or police riot squads. The shooting at Kent State triggered a massive war protest at nearly 200 college campuses. Ten days later on the campus of Jackson State, two students were killed by police during a similar protest. On February 8th, 1968, South Carolina State was the site of a police shooting spree that was triggered by racial tension. That shooting left three students dead and 27 others wounded.
What type of tree did Jesus make wither for not bearing fruit?
Pear
Apple
Fig
Orange
Answer: Fig
Matthew 21:19 The fig tree did not have figs on it at the time when Jesus passes by so he cursed it and it died. These events are also found in Mark 11:13-20.
I am looking at the Rocky Mountains and I am at the Continental Divide. I have been to Missoula, Whitefish, Bigfork and Butte. What state am I in?
North Dakota
Minnesota
South Dakota
Montana
Answer: Montana
Montana is Lewis and Clark country and loaded with historical sites. Missoula is called the Garden City because of its mild winters (compared to the rest of Montana) and is also home to the University of Montana.
This Glenn Ford western had Frankie Laine sing the title of the movie at the beginning and end of the movie. Can you name this classic movie of 1957 that was remade in 2007?
Hint
The Man from the Alamo
3:10 to Yuma
Go West, Young Lady
The Fastest Gun Alive
Answer: 3:10 to Yuma
What do the British word for the public mail system, the first airplane pilot ever to fly around the world solo, and an American magazine (weekly from 1897 to 1963) which featured the cover art of Norman Rockwell, have in common?
reader
herald
post
horn
Answer: post
In Great Britain and much of the Commonwealth, the system for delivering letters and packages is called the post. Post is often used as a synonym for mail. Oddly, the US Postal Service delivers the mail while the British Royal Mail delivers the post. Wiley Post (1898-1935) was a famous American pilot, best known for being the first to fly around the world solo.
On November 18th, 1978, a religious cult known as "The People's Temple" which was led by controversial preacher Jim Jones took part in what would become one of the largest mass suicides in history. A US Congressman by the name of Leo Ryan was murdered at an airport near the temple site while attempting to free some cult members who claimed they were brainwashed and being held against their will. In what South American country did the tragedy take place?
Ecuador
Brazil
Guyana
Uruguay
Answer: Guyana
Congressman Ryan, who had came to Guyana on a fact finding mission successfully left the cult temple with several cult members but Jim Jones' armed guards were waiting at the airport for them. They opened fire on the group in the truck killing Ryan and four others. Back at the temple, Jones realized the police would be there soon, so either voluntarily or by force, the remaining 912 cult members drank a concoction of Kool-Aid and cyanide and Jones shot himself in the head.
In the parable told by Jesus, what was planted by the enemy with the wheat?
Grapes
Olives
Vines
Tares
Answer: Tares
Matthew 13:24-28 In the parable the wheat and the tares are allowed to grow up together until the time of the harvest. Then they are separated and the tares are burnt while the wheat is put into the barn.
I am now in a state that is the crossroads of the Revolutionary War. I have driven through Atlantic City and the towns of Somerville, Tenafly, Springfield, and Hoboken. Where am I?
New York
Maine
New Jersey
Connecticut
Answer: New Jersey
New Jersey is a dairy state and the most densely populated state in the USA. The historical sites, the Atlantic Shore, and the lighthouses are a tourist's delight.
James Stewart stars in this movie as a Virginia farmer, during the American Civil War, who wishes to remain neutral until one of his sons is captured by Union soldiers. Can you name the movie?
Hint
Shenandoah
Destry Rides Again
The Rare Breed
Winchester '73
Answer: Shenandoah
A vacation in Tromsø would mean you're in position to enjoy which of these?
Emperor penguin migrations
The Northern Lights
Space shuttle launches
The Running of the Bulls
Answer: The Northern Lights
Tromsø is located in Norway and is, thus, in a good spot to see the aurora borealis, a phenomenon that can only be encountered in the higher latitudes (while the aurora australis, or the Southern Lights, are in the lower ones). As for the rest, the Running of the Bulls is in Pamplona, Spain, the emperor penguins would be down in Antarctica, and space shuttle launches are typically done closer to the Equator.
The date was January 28th, 1986 and the Space Shuttle Challenger was launched on its mission to outer space. It never made it. About 73 seconds into the launch, the shuttle exploded over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all seven crew members. Among the crew members was a woman destined to become the first teacher in space. Who was this famous lady?
Sally Ride
Eileen Collins
Judith Resnik
Christa McAuliffe
Answer: Christa McAuliffe
Christa McAuliffe was chosen from 11,000 applicants to be the first teacher and civilian in outer space. She was a teacher at a school in Concord, New Hampshire and sadly her students who were so proud of her, had to view the tragedy while at school. Judith Resnik was one of the regular astronauts who were part of the Challenger crew. Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1984. Eileen Collins became the first woman to pilot a space shuttle in 1995.
What is the name of the falling star that will hit Earth near the end of time?
Wormwood
Coldfire
Bitterdeath
Apocalypse
Answer: Wormwood
Revelation 8:10-11 The falling star Wormwood will affect one third of the water upon Earth making it undrinkable.
I am in a state that has a lot of farmland and a great city. The towns of New Salem, Springfield, Metropolis, and Champaign all have special sites. I am in the Midwest in a state known for its corn and prairies. Where am I?
Missouri
Illinois
Kansas
Colorado
Answer: Illinois
This is the Land of Lincoln, the birthplace of Ronald Reagan, Ulysses S. Grant had a home here after the Civil War, and President Obama calls Chicago home. Metropolis has a giant statue of Superman in front of the courthouse even though it is only a small town on the Ohio River. New Salem is where Abe Lincoln came as a young man.
Walter Brennan was the recipient of three Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. He appeared in numerous western movies with some of the great western actors. In which of the following westerns did he win one of those Oscars, playing opposite Gary Cooper?
The Far Country
Rio Bravo
The Westerner
Red River
Answer: The Westerner
What do the initials A.D. (e.g. year 2000 A.D.) stand for, given that B.C. in the same context stands for "Before Christ"?
Abby Domino
Anno Domini
After Death
Anos Domus
Answer: Anno Domini
Anno Domini translates as "In the Year of the Lord". The literal meaning of, say, 2000 A.D. would be "In the 2000th year of the lord". There has been research questioning the birth date of Christ, however, conventionally, A.D. is just used to signify a different time period than B.C. since many do not know the meaning of it. Said to have been popularised by the scholar Bede, who was the first English historian, although it was not implemented until later on.
In another college campus tragedy, Charles Whitman killed 13 people in a sniper attack while at the top of a 27 story observation tower on August 1st, 1966. At what university did this shooting take place?
Texas
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Alabama
Answer: Texas
Besides killing the 13, Whitman also wounded 31 others before he was shot and killed by police. It was also reported that prior to the shooting, Whitman had killed his mother and wife. An autopsy revealed that he had a brain tumor which affected his emotion and motivational skills.
According to Psalm 23, what is the Lord?
Avenger
Shepherd
Caretaker
Strength
Answer: Shepherd
Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
I have crossed the Mississippi River and visited the towns of Amana, Grand Junction, Fort Dodge and Dubuque. This state has been referred to as "America's Heartland." What state am I in?
Colorado
Iowa
Minnesota
Nebraska
Answer: Iowa
With beautiful bluffs on the banks of the Mississippi River and rich farmlands, Iowa is a picturesque state with rolling hills and a rich history of pioneer settlements. Iowa was admitted to the Union in 1846 as the 29th State.
Lee Van Cleef is well known for his bad guy roles. In which of the following westerns was he a good guy?
For a Few Dollars More
High Noon
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Take a Hard Ride
Answer: For a Few Dollars More
You're in a UK town centre when a rather scruffy man approaches you saying "The Big Issue", what does he want you to do?
Go home with him for a coffee
Discuss Politics
Buy a Magazine
Discuss Religion
Answer: Buy a Magazine
On April 17th, 1995, a man by the name of Timothy McVeigh reportedly picked up a Ryder truck at a body shop. On April 19th he parked the truck outside the Murrah building and at approximately 9:02 am, the truck exploded blowing out the front of the federal building killing 168 people and wounding 800. In what US city did this bombing take place?
Oklahoma City
Tulsa
Detroit
St Louis
Answer: Oklahoma City
McVeigh and his partner Terry Nichols committed an extremely serious act of terrorism. They were part of an anti-government militia group which operated in the US. The attack was said to be revenge for the government's handling of the Waco Texas siege.
Who said, "I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?"?
Esau
Jonathan
Andrew
Cain
Answer: Cain
Genesis 4:9 Cain said this after killing his brother and God asking him where his brother was. God knew that Abel had been slain, but instead of telling the truth Cain posed a question to God.
Again I am driving through another town by the name of Springfield as well as St. Joseph, Creve Coeur, and Cape Girardeau. I am in the Midwest. What state am I in?
Indiana
Mississippi
Missouri
Illinois
Answer: Missouri
Mark Twain was born in Florida, Missouri in 1835. St. Joseph was the rough frontier outpost that was the last supply station for the wagon trains heading west. The state was named after the Missouri River.
We all fondly remember James Garner, as the loveable rogue Bret Maverick in the TV series "Maverick". He did, however, star in a number of western movies shown on the silver screen. Can you name the movie in which he played Wyatt Earp?
A Man Called Sledge
Support Your Local Sheriff
Skin Game
Hour of the Gun
Answer: Hour of the Gun
In Real Estate speak, what does the term "Gazunder" mean? The opposite of this word is "Gazumper".
A chamber pot comes with the deal
There is a gas connection
A man called Garry will do the deal
Last minute reduction in offer price
Answer: Last minute reduction in offer price
On April 20th, 1999, tragedy struck Columbine High School when two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, wearing trench coats entered the school and began to open fire on the students and faculty. When the shooting stopped, 12 students and a teacher were dead and 24 others were wounded. In what state was this high school?
California
Colorado
Wyoming
Utah
Answer: Colorado
Columbine High School is located in Jefferson County not far from Denver. It still remains the third deadliest school shooting tragedy behind the Virginia Tech massacre (2007) and the Texas Tower killings (1966). In regards to the trench coats they wore it was believed that they were part of a social club on school known as "The Trench coat Mafia".
Which of the following is the shortest verse in the Bible?
John 11:35
Acts 2:18
Matthew 6:3
Revelation 2:2
Answer: John 11:35
John 11:35 The verse is simply two words: "Jesus wept." He did this shortly before bringing Lazarus back to life.
I am now in a state that is one of the "four corners" states where four states meet at one point. Towns of Alamogordo, Taos, Truth or Consequences, and Mescalero are interesting for their history and rich heritage. Where am I?
California
Nevada
New Mexico
Texas
Answer: New Mexico
This is a state with strong Spanish, Mexican and Native American cultural influences. With mountains and bluffs, it is one of the most sparsely populated states. The first atomic bomb test was on the Trinity Site in Alamogordo on July 16, 1945.
Clint Eastwood first came to fame as Rowdy Yates in the TV series "Rawhide". He has starred in numerous westerns; in which one does he play the role of Marshal Jed Cooper?
High Plains Drifter
Hang 'Em High
Pale Rider
Unforgiven
Answer: Hang 'Em High
What was the name of Jacques Cousteau's first underwater breathing apparatus?
Calypso
Aqualung
Manifold
Alcyone
Answer: Aqualung
In the most shocking and deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil, members of the terrorist group known as al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial passenger jet liners on September 11th, 2001. They crashed two of them into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and a third into the Pentagon. What was the airline and flight number of the fourth plane which crashed in a field in Pennsylvania?
American Flight 77
United Flight 175
United Flight 93
American Flight 11
Answer: United Flight 93
The passengers of United Flight 93 joined together in an attempt to take control of the plane and by doing so prevented that plane from reaching its probable target, The White House or the Capitol Building. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attack including the terrorists as well as fireman and police who attempted to rescue victims from the World Trade Center.
How many days did Jesus say it would take for him to raise the temple if it was destroyed?
7
3
5
12
Answer: 3
John 2:19 Jesus said this after throwing the moneychangers out of the temple.
I am in a state named after a European monarch. I have driven through the towns of Lafayette, Lake Charles, Slidell, and Bogalusa. There is a lot of Spanish moss hanging from the old live oaks and in the south, the cemeteries are mausoleums with the graves above ground. Where am I?
Texas
Mississippi
Louisiana
Tennessee
Answer: Louisiana
There is a rich mixture of French, Spanish, and African heritage.
Robert Mitchum starred in many western movies. Not his first movie, this is the first movie in which he was billed as the leading male role. It is a remake of a silent movie in 1927 with a similar name to a movie starring Steve McQueen in 1966. Can you name the movie?
Hoppy Serves a Writ (1943)
West of the Pecos (1945)
Nevada (1944)
River of No Return (1954)
Answer: Nevada (1944)
What word links a harness, a show of displeasure and an ancient punishment device?
Bridle
Curb
Trace
Yoke
Answer: Bridle
On April 16th, 2007 on the campus of Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia, a student went on a shooting rampage which became, at the time, the deadliest shooting in US history. Including the perpetrator, how many people were killed?
27
38
41
33
Answer: 33
The shooter was a South Korean named Seung Hui Cho who came to the USA with his parents when he was 8 years old. He supposedly killed two people in a dormitory early that morning and then two hours later entered the Norris Hall building armed with two hand guns and about 200 rounds of ammunition.
According to Matthew 22:32, what is God not a god of?
The wicked
The sinner
The dead
The transgressor
Answer: The dead
Matthew 22:32 God is the god of the living and not of the dead.
I am in the Pacific Northwest even though it does not border the Pacific Ocean. I have traveled through Coeur d'Alene, Downey, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello and if I go far enough north I will be in Canada. Where am I?
Idaho
Wisconsin
Oregon
South Dakota
Answer: Idaho
The land that the Russet Burbank potato made famous, Idaho is a mostly mountainous state that borders British Columbia to the north. Ski resorts and whitewater rafting abound in this great outdoors. This is a fabulous place for a vacation.
Gary Cooper won his second Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Will Kane in the classic western movie "High Noon" (1952). Which was the next western movie that he starred in after "High Noon", where he played the role of the Union Officer Major Lex Kearney?
Garden of Evil
Man of the West
Vera Cruz
Springfield Rifle
Answer: Springfield Rifle
What is fan vaulting?Hint
Gymnastic jump
Architectural term
Cell mutation
Spanish dance move
Answer: Architectural term