Back In My Day
Which U.S. president signed the Social Security Act into law in 1935?
A. Herbert Hoover
B. Franklin D. Roosevelt
C. Harry S. Truman
D. Dwight D. Eisenhower
B) Franklin D. Roosevelt
Which variety show, hosted by a famous red-headed comedian, debuted in 1967 and ran for over a decade?
A. The Carol Burnett Show
B. The Mary Tyler Moore Hour
C. The Lucille Ball Comedy Hour
D. The Red Skelton Show
A) The Carol Burnett Show
Explanation: The Carol Burnett Show premiered in 1967 and became one of the most beloved sketch comedy and variety shows in television history, known for its hilarious characters and musical performances.
Which artist originally recorded the hit song “Unchained Melody” in 1955?
A. Elvis Presley
B. Sam Cooke
C. Roy Hamilton
D. The Righteous Brothers
C) Roy Hamilton
Explanation: While The Righteous Brothers made it famous in 1965, Roy Hamilton’s 1955 version was the original charting hit.
Which proverb suggests that early action can prevent bigger problems later?
A. A penny saved is a penny earned
B. A stitch in time saves nine
C. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
D. Too many cooks spoil the broth
B) A stitch in time saves nine
Explanation: This saying encourages prompt action to avoid future complications.
Which city is home to the historic Hagia Sophia, a structure that has served as a church, mosque, and museum?
A. Istanbul
B. Cairo
C. Athens
D. Jerusalem
A) Istanbul
Explanation: The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, has a rich history spanning Byzantine and Ottoman eras.
Which innovation became a staple in American kitchens during the 1960s, revolutionizing how leftovers were stored?
A. Vacuum sealer
B. Tupperware
C. Ice maker
D. Pressure cooker
B) Tupperware
Explanation: Tupperware gained widespread popularity in the 1960s, thanks to its airtight seal and the rise of home parties that marketed the product directly to consumers.
Which TV show featured the character Archie Bunker?
A. The Jeffersons
B. Maude
C. All in the Family
D. Good Times
C) All in the Family
Explanation: Archie Bunker was the central character in All in the Family, a 1970s sitcom known for tackling controversial social issues.
Which song begins with the lyrics “Well, since my baby left me”?
A. Jailhouse Rock
B. Don’t Be Cruel
C. Blue Suede Shoes
D. Heartbreak Hotel
D) Heartbreak Hotel
Explanation: Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” opens with that line and became his first No. 1 hit in 1956.
What is the meaning of the saying “You can’t take it with you”?
A. Material wealth is useless after death
B. Travel light when going on vacation
C. Always be prepared for emergencies
D. Don’t forget your belongings
A) Material wealth is useless after death
Explanation: It reminds us that possessions don’t follow us beyond life, so enjoy and share while you can.
Which country is known for the ancient city of Petra, carved into rose-red cliffs?
A. Iran
B. Jordan
C. Lebanon
D. Egypt
B) Jordan
Explanation: Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Which major international alliance was formed in 1949 to counter Soviet influence during the Cold War?
A. United Nations
B. NATO
C. Warsaw Pact
D. League of Nations
Answer: B) NATO
Explanation: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established in 1949 as a collective defense alliance among Western nations in response to growing tensions with the Soviet Union.
What was the name of the radio show that featured the character “The Shadow”?
A. Mystery Theater
B. The Adventures of The Shadow
C. Detective Hour
D. The Shadow Knows
B) The Adventures of The Shadow
Explanation: This 1930s radio drama was famous for its eerie catchphrase: “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?”
Who sang the 1967 hit “Respect,” which became an anthem for civil rights and feminism?
A. Nina Simone
B. Diana Ross
C. Aretha Franklin
D. Etta James
C) Aretha Franklin
Explanation: Franklin’s powerful rendition transformed Otis Redding’s original into a cultural milestone.
Which famous quote is attributed to Benjamin Franklin?
A. Give me liberty or give me death
B. Speak softly and carry a big stick
C. Ask not what your country can do for you
D. Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise
D) Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise
Explanation: Franklin championed discipline and self-improvement through this timeless advice.
Which European capital is divided by the River Danube into Buda and Pest?
A. Prague
B. Vienna
C. Budapest
D. Bratislava
C) Budapest
Explanation: Hungary’s capital is famously split by the Danube, with Buda on the west and Pest on the east.
Which iconic American car was first introduced in 1953?
A. Ford Mustang
B. Chevrolet Corvette
C. Dodge Charger
D. Pontiac GTO
Answer: B) Chevrolet Corvette
Which actor voiced Fred Flintstone in the original 1960s animated series?
A. Alan Reed
B. Daws Butler
C. Mel Blanc
D. Don Messick
A) Alan Reed
Explanation: Alan Reed gave voice to Fred Flintstone in The Flintstones, the first prime-time animated TV show.
Which group released the song “California Dreamin’” in 1965?
A. The Mamas & the Papas
B. The Beach Boys
C. Jefferson Airplane
D. The Byrds
A) The Mamas & the Papas
Explanation: Their dreamy harmonies captured the spirit of the 1960s counterculture.
What does the saying “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater” mean?
A. Always bathe infants separately
B. Avoid multitasking during chores
C. Be careful not to discard something valuable while removing something unwanted
D. Use warm water for bathing
C) Be careful not to discard something valuable while removing something unwanted
Explanation: It’s a caution against overcorrecting or being too hasty in eliminating problems.
Which country has the most official languages, totaling 11?
A. South Africa
B. Switzerland
C. Nigeria
D. India
A) South Africa
Explanation: South Africa recognizes 11 official languages, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage.
Which major event occurred in 1969 that was watched by millions on television?
A. The Watergate break-in
B. The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
C. Apollo 11 Moon Landing
D. Woodstock Music Festival
Answer: C) Apollo 11 Moon Landing
Which radio personality was known for the sign-off “Good night, and good luck”?
A. Walter Cronkite
B. Edward R. Murrow
C. Howard Cosell
D. Paul Harvey
B) Edward R. Murrow
Explanation: Murrow used this phrase during broadcasts in the McCarthy era, symbolizing journalistic integrity and courage.
Which artist recorded the song “My Way,” famously associated with his career and legacy?
A. Bing Crosby
B. Dean Martin
C. Tony Bennett
D. Frank Sinatra
D) Frank Sinatra
Explanation: “My Way” became Sinatra’s signature anthem of independence and reflection.
Which quote is commonly associated with Socrates?
A. The unexamined life is not worth living
B. Knowledge is power
C. To be or not to be, that is the question
D. I think, therefore I am
A) The unexamined life is not worth living
Explanation: Socrates emphasized introspection and philosophical inquiry as essential to a meaningful life.
Which island nation is located off the southeastern coast of Africa and is known for its unique biodiversity?
A. Mauritius
B. Maldives
C. Madagascar
D. Sri Lanka
Answer: C) Madagascar
Explanation: Madagascar is home to thousands of species found nowhere else, including lemurs and baobabs.