Random Trivia
“Firsts” in the 1960s
U.S. States
December Tunes
Where are you Christmas?
The TV Time Machine :1970
100

In this 1990 thriller, Sean Connery plays Soviet Captain Mario Ramius, who is involved in A submarine chase with the CIA.

What is ” The Hunt for Red October?” Connery spent time aboard a real submarine to prepare for the role and was even allowed to give commands on the vessel. 

100

In the age of Camelot, what idea of a group of young people acting throughout the world did a youthful president introduce during his presidential campaign in 1960?

The Peace Corps

100

Missouri is bordered to the south by which state?

Arkansas

Missouri borders Arkansas to the south and Iowa to the north. Colorado and Minnesota do not border Missouri.

100

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire' is the opening line for which classic Christmas tune?

The Christmas Song

Who can forget Nat King Cole's spotless rendition of this classic song?

100

In the popular song, what brought 'Frosty the Snowman' to life?

a hat

The children placed an old silk hat on the snowman and he came to life. It was a magic hat.

100

The song "Gentle on My Mind" was used as the opening theme for this variety show which aired from 1969 to 1972 on CBS. Any chance you can name it?

The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour

200

This famed U.S. Army Air Corps pilot is remembered for his World War II Raid on Tokyo. In 1985, he was made full General on the Air Force retired list.

Who is Jimmy Doolittle?

200

In 1961, what did Pampers introduce, much to the joy of mothers (where they were available)?

Disposable diapers

Since their initial appearance in the 1961, disposable diapers have radically changed. Originally, they had plastic on the outside with a lot of papery material inside.

200

How many American states border Mexico?

4

Mexico borders four American states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The US-Mexico border is about 3,169 km long.

200

True or False? Jingle bell time is a swell time, to go gliding in a one-horse sleigh' is a line from one of the all-time favorites, namely 'Jingle Bells'.

False

Not so fast there, partner! In fact, it is part and parcel of the lyrics for the tune 'Jingle Bell Rock', a song first released in 1957 by Bobby Helms. Naturally, the title was derived from the tune 'Jingle Bells', which was written exactly 100 years prior (1857).

200

What is the largest selling Christmas song of all time?

White Christmas'

It's had more than 50 million copies sold. Wow! It was first introduced in the movie 'Holiday Inn'

200

This half-hour CBS comedy was a spin-off of the very popular 1960s sitcom "The Andy Griffith Show". Do you remember this one?

Mayberry R.F.D.

"Mayberry R.F.D." ran from 1968 to 1971, airing a total of 78 episodes.

300

The tagline for this charming 1995 film says it all: “ A little pig goes a long way.”

What is Babe?

throughout filming, 48 pigs were used to portray the title character.

300

What did Sam Walton open in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas?

Wal-Mart Discount Store

Wal-Mart's Discount Stores are estimated to be the biggest private employer in the world.

300

How many states do NOT border another state?

2

Two American states do not border any other American state: Alaska and Hawaii. Missouri and Tennessee have the most borders (each with eight states).

300

Somebody snitched on me' is a refrain heard prominently in which Christmas song, popular with mischievous little children everywhere?

Nuttin' for Christmas

'Nuttin' for Christmas' was written by Tepper and Bennett in 1955, and includes some of the all-time greatest subversive Christmas lyrics.

300

What is Scrooge's first name?

Ebenezer

His name even sounds mean.

300

Social misfits Pete, Linc and Julie teamed up and went undercover to solve a variety of crimes, in this hour-long drama on ABC. Do you know the name of the "hip" cop show I'm describing?

The Mod Squad

400

In the 1986 film The Adventures of Milo and Otis, Milo is one of these domestic pets. 

What is a cat?

400

What show did Johnny Carson begin appearing on in 1962?

The Tonight Show

The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson as host ran from 1962 to 1992. Originally, it was a 90 minute show. Carson's timing was impeccable. He brought to life in his own inimitable style a host of memorable characters, including El Mouldo, Aunt Blabby, and Floyd R. Turbo, among others.

400

Lincoln is the capital city of what state?

Nebraska

Lincoln is the capital city of Nebraska. Ohio's capital city is Columbus. California's capital city is Sacramento. Topeka is the capital city of Kansas.

400

Which lovely Christmas ballad ask us to 'hang a shining star upon the highest bough'?

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Judy Garland sung this song, written by Martin and Blaine, in the 1944 movie 'Meet Me in St. Louis'. It has also been covered by country singer Vince Gill and R&B singer Luther Vandross, among many others.

400

In what city did 'Miracle on 34th Street' take place?

New York

400

J. Edgar Hoover was a series consultant for this hour-long crime drama, which aired Sunday nights on ABC. Can you name the show?

The F.B.I.

500

What classic construction toy, created in 1916, consist of interlocking wooden logs that can be used to build miniature structures?

What are Lincoln Logs?

500

In 1963 what numerical routing system was introduced which greatly helped the US Postal System?


Zip Code

The Zip Code began in July 1963. Later, in the 1960s, because of overwhelming mail volume, there was a strike, and the Post Office Department was renamed the United States Postal Service. By 1978, four digits were added to the five digit Zip Code in order to improve overall efficiency.

500

Which of these states does Virginia NOT border?

South Carolina

Virginia borders five American states: Tennessee, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky. South Carolina doesn't share a border with Virginia, but it does touch North Carolina and Georgia.

500

What is the title of the 1948 Christmas song that begins, 'Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling, too'?

Sleigh Ride

Here is the first verse of the song in its entirety:

'Just hear those sleigh bells jingling,
ring ting tingling, too.
Come on, it's lovely weather
for a sleigh ride together with you.
Outside the snow is falling
and friends are calling "Yoo hoo".
Come on, it's lovely weather
for a sleigh ride together with you.'

500

Which reindeer doesn't get mentioned in 'The Night Before Christmas'?

Rudolph

500

In the half-hour sitcom "Family Affair", Buffy was often seen in the company of her favorite doll. Do you remember the doll's name?

Mrs. Beasley

600

In 1980, Congress passed a conservation act to protect natural lands in this noncontiguous northern state.

What is Alaska? The act was designed to protect land and water of nationally significant value, whether scenic, historic, or scientific. 

600

By 1962 which of these did 90% of American families own?

Television Sets 

600

What is Kentucky's postal service abbreviation?

KY

Kentucky's abbreviation is "KY". Kansas is "KS", but there are no US states with the abbreviations "KT" or "KN".

600

You may not be aware that a certain popular Christmas tune, popularized by Bing Crosby, begins with the following lines: 'Christmas makes you feel emotional. It may bring parties or thoughts devotional.' Which song is this?

Silver Bells

Typically, people think the first verse of the song is as follows:

'City sidewalk, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style. In the air there's a feeling of Christmas.'

But a verse with the above words (in the question) actually does precede these more well-known lyrics.

600

If we include Rudolph, how many reindeer are there?

9

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.

600

This long running game show featured audience members in crazy costumes, doors, curtains and 'Zonks'. What show am I talking about?

Let's Make a Deal

700

What singer was known in the 40s and 50s for tracks like “Time After Time,” “You Couldn’t be Cuter,” and “Make someone Happy”?

Who is Margaret Whiting? 

700

What point and click device did Douglas Engelbart invent which forever changed the electronic workplace?


Computer mouse

700

Which states are directly and entirely south of Idaho?

Nevada and Utah

Nevada makes up the western half of land south of Idaho. Utah makes up the eastern half of land. A piece of Wyoming is also south of Idaho, but the entire state itself is not fully south.

700

In which raffish Christmas tune has a certain individual 'been drinking too much eggnog' and, even worse, has 'forgot[ten] her medication'?

Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer

Written by Randy Brooks, this song was popularized by Elmo and Patsy Shropshire in a 1979 rendition. Not your typical Christmas tune, it talks of the eventful passing of a beloved but irresponsible babushka who seemingly has mixed her medication with alcohol...a bad combo.

700

. 'I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus, underneath the ________'?

mistletoe

The words to this song were written by Tommie Connor, 1952

700

7. Following a very successful film career, this actress/singer decided to give TV a shot, starring in her own half-hour comedy on CBS. In what show could you hear the series star singing "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" over the opening credits?

The Doris Day Show

Doris Day began her acting career in 1948, eventually becoming one of the biggest box office draws in America.

800

Which bone are human infants born without? 

The kneecap/patella

usually develops into bone over time by ages 10-12

800

What first did Barclay's Bank initiate in 1967?

ATM

800

How many US state names start with the letter "S"?

2

Two American state names start with the letter "S": South Carolina and South Dakota. There are no US state names starting with the letters B, E, J, Q, X, Y, and Z.

800

In which Christmas hit of the 1980s is the line 'But say a prayer; Pray for the other ones' performed by George Michael?

Do They Know It's Christmas?

George Michael's line was just one among many in this wonderful number one hit by 'Band Aid', a group of British rockers hoping to raise money for starving people in Africa. Among other performers on the original 1984 version were Boy George, Bono, Sting and Simon LeBon.

800

What is the name of the elf that wanted to become a dentist in 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer'?

Hermey

Poor Hermey. Luckily for him Santa gave him a job that was perfect for him!

800

Buck Owens and Roy Clark hosted this country themed variety show, which came to you weekly from fictional "Kornfield Kounty". What show am I referring to?

Hee Haw

"Hee Haw" aired on CBS from 1969 to 1971.

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