Quote-pourri
"'Classic' - a book which people praise and don't read," is an ironic quote coming from this man who wrote quite a few himself.
Who is Mark Twain?
This rhyming expression, used in times of need, likely refers to two medieval tools used for collecting firewood.
What is "by hook or by crook"?
It's the common thread between carpets, lampshades, and graduates (specifically their attire).
What is a tassel?
For much of his presidency, Teddy Roosevelt was mostly blind in his left eye thanks to an unfortunate boxing match on White House grounds; a blow to the face left him with a detached this.
What is a retina?
Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea all star this icon on their flags.
What is the Southern Cross?
Referencing an old song she actually didn't write, she once said "If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain", which she had to quite literally growing up in Tennessee.
Who is Dolly Parton?
Be amazed as you stand before this great prison of the Minotaur!
What is the labyrinth?
Though its acronym might make you think otherwise, I can assure you that upon graduating, this is a perfectly legitimate degree.
What is the Bachelor of Science degree?
Later inspiring a famous product, Theodore Roosevelt famously refused to shoot this animal which had been tied to a tree while on a hunting expedition, thinking it unsportsmanlike (although being the president, he had someone else shoot it for him).
What is a bear?
It's the youngest nation in the world, only about as old as the creator of this Jeopardy, having gained independence from its northern neighbor in 2011!
What is South Sudan?
As a tall, lanky young man in 19th century Illinois, he told his neighborhood bully "I'm the big buck of this lick. If any of you want to try it, come on and whet your horns!" When he got into a more serious fight later in his life, his trash talk improved slightly.
Who is Abraham Lincoln?
This challenge originated from a Scandinavian military drill.
What is biathlon?
In 1901, composer Edward Elgar and poet A.C. Benson combined their talents (and alike mustaches) to write lyrics to Pomp and Circumstance in honor of the coronation of King Edward VII; the finale would be released separately as this song, at one point an unofficial anthem of England.
What is Land of Hope and Glory?
Franklin Roosevelt, for the entirety of his presidency was unable to walk unassisted thanks to what at the time was believed to be this ailment, making him the first president with a disability.
What is Polio?
When the American south broke off from the north in 1861, the Confederacy established this city as its capital (although the mosquitos drove them out in just a couple months).
What is Montgomery?
In Shakespeare's As you Like it, he said "The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool", ironic considering his role.
Who is Touchstone?
The lyricist of this colorful song probably admired Judy Garland.
What is Goodbye Yellow Brick Road?
Perhaps you'd rather not know that the flat caps traditionally worn at graduations are called these, a word also used in construction, and one that you wouldn't want to throw carelessly above your head.
What are mortarboards?
In this autobiography written by Eleanor Roosevelt, she admitted that "From a personal standpoint, I did not want my husband to be president."
What is This I Remember?
In 1831, Southampton county, Virginia saw one of the most violent slave rebellions in U.S. history led by this man, ending with a death count totaling around 60.
Who is Nat Turner?
This virtuosic violinist's talents were so unprecedented for his time that his audience believed he had made a pact with Satan! He did not exactly help his case when he said of one of his performances "My resemblance to the devil was a proof of my origin."
Who is Niccolò Paganini?
This event happened in 2025, and will break its cycle to happen again in 2033 to commemorate a 2,000 year anniversary.
What is jubilee?
She became the first woman to receive a college degree in 1840, among 10 other female graduates, her name came first in alphabetical order.
Who is Catherine Brewer Benson?
Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to receive the Nobel Peace Prize when he played a part in resolving this conflict between Asia and Europe in 1906; it ended with the European power unable to expand southward and hence victory for Emperor Meiji.
What is the Russo-Japanese war?
It's the southernmost sea on the planet, named after the first explorer to cross it who fittingly captained the HMS Terror.
What is the Ross sea?