October, October
Which famous explorer reached the New World in October 1492
Christopher Columbus
One of their iconic hits, in 1969 the Carpenters sang their version of the Beatles tune “Ticket to ___.”
“Ride”
The brother-sister duo was popular throughout the ’60s and ’70s.
What is positioned in farm fields to scare away flying pest that eat crops?
Scarecrows
The scarecrow’s main purpose is to deter animals, especially crows, from disturbing crops. Sometimes sound machines are added to play predator sounds to deter certain animals.
What were the magic words used to gain access to a locked room in the 1944 film Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves?
“Open sesame.”
The movie’s captivating storyline helped solidify the expression “open sesame” as a reference for unlocking secrets or hidden realms.
Which iconic structure opened to the public on October 28 in 1886?
The Statue of Liberty.
The copper-clad statue, a gift to the United States from the people of France people commemorating the alliance of France and the United States during the American Revolution.
Red delicious, yellow delicious, and Roma varieties of this fruit are harvested in October.
Apples
Fun fact: The average tree fills roughly 20 boxes at harvest, weighing approximately 42 pounds each.
They sang the 1970’s romantic hit “We’ve Only Just _____.”
“Begun”
After this single, the Carpenters won two Grammy awards.
Which three colours make up candy corn?
Orange Yellow & White.
Candy corn was created in the 1880s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at Wunderlee Candy Company. Every year, more than 17,000 tons of candy corn are made.
What is the practice of predicting the future based on the positions of celestial bodies and star signs?
Astrology
Astrologers believe that the planets and stars are linked to human behaviour.
Reduced sunlight is one reason the leaves on this type of tree change colour before the tree loses its leaves.
Deciduous
Other factors besides length of daylight include leaf pigment, weather conditions, and soil moisture.
Look back fondly with this tune: “_________ Once More.”
“Yesterday”
Fun Fact: After they visited the White House in 1973, President Nixon called the duo “young America at its best.”
Which famous baseball player married Marilyn Monroe?
Joe DiMaggio
Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio’s marriage lasted only nine months.
What magic word is often associated with granting wishes or when a magician performs a trick. It comes from the Hebrew words meaning “I will create as I speak”?
Abracadabra.
Abracadabra is a term that English showmen picked up after seeing rabbis perform healings. They used the word as a sort of incantation.
This divided country was reunited in October 1990.
Germany
The Cold War divided the country into East and West. After 45 years, the two were officially reunited on October 3, 1990, less than one year after the Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989.
This is an anthem for anyone who dislikes the workweek: “Rainy Days and _______.”
“Mondays”
The harmonica solo on this popular tune was played by acclaimed musician Tommy Morgan.
What famous museum is home of the Mona Lisa?
The Louvre.
The Louvre is the world’s most-visited art museum. It is located in Paris, France.
What is the name of the ghostly holiday celebrated in Mexico that coincides with Halloween?
Day of the Dead
It’s a day when people pay tribute to departed ancestors and to the souls of loved ones who have passed.
Which pink ribbon is associated with October?
Breast Cancer Awareness
The pink ribbon movement began as a grassroots effort in the early 1990s when 68-year-old Charlotte Haley handmade peach ribbons to raise awareness about the lack of funding for cancer prevention research.
Look to the stars with 1977’s “Calling Occupants of Interplanetary _____.”
“Craft”
Fun Fact: The Carpenters first began playing instruments as children in New Haven, Connecticut.
Whose job is it to study and predict the weather and climate patterns?
Meteorologists.
They use a combination of observations, data analysis, computer models, and scientific knowledge to understand how the atmosphere works and to forecast weather conditions.
What is the name of the legendary magician and escape artist who died on Halloween in 1926?
Harry Houdini.
He initially gained a reputation as the “King of Handcuffs.”
When it’s not a harvest moon, the name of October’s full moon is this.
Hunter’s moon (or sanguine or blood moon)?
The full moon will be visible at sunset on Sunday, October 9, but you can see it in all its splendor at least the day before and day after its official peak.
This soothing song was a hit in 1972: “Crystal _______.”
“Lullaby”
Between 1970–1972, the duo had six Top 5 hits.
What is the worlds smallest ocean?
Arctic.
The Arctic Ocean covers the northernmost point of Earth. Most of the ocean is covered by ice throughout the year.
What mischievous comic-strip character is known for his trademark spiky hair, striped shirt, and slingshot as well as for causing trouble for his neighbour, Mr. Wilson?
Dennis the Menace.
In the original television show, actor Joseph Kearns, who played Mr. Wilson, unexpectedly died after the 100th episode. The character’s brother, another Mr. Wilson, was introduced for the last year of production.