Some libraries are very specialized. True or false: Washington, DC’s Folger Library only houses books about the coffee industry. Many works by Roman and Greek scholars were lost, although some were preserved in Arabic translations. When the Moors were driven out of Europe in 1492, some of these lost works were found in which country? […]
Each year, Jamaica produces and exports more than 2 million pounds of an herb used to relieve motion sickness, sore throats, morning sickness and migraines. What is the herb? A. Ginger B. Ginko C. Kava Native Americans used many herbal remedies long before Columbus arrived. Can you match each of the following ailments to the […]
All scent hounds have incredibly acute olfactory skills. Match each of the following scent hounds with its country of origin. A. Kerry Beagle 1. Spain B. Podenco Ibicenco 2. USA C. Bluetick Hound 3. Ireland True or False: Many dog experts consider Germany’s Alsatian (or German Shepherd) to be the least adaptable of all dog […]
Comanche Moon, the latest novel by US author Larry McMurtry, tells the early story of characters from which of his previous books? A. Horseman, Pass By B. The Last Picture Show C. Lonesome Dove The 1963 novel Rayuela was a revolutionary work by Argentine author Julio Cortázar. True or false: The novel was noted for […]
True or false: The Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri families were best known for making exquisite Italian harps. Most wind and brass instruments are played with the mouth. Match these characteristic mouthpieces to their instruments. A. Double-reed 1. Irish tin whistle B. Fipple 2. English horn C. Funnel 3. French horn In the West Indies, the […]
True or false: One of the world’s oldest known paintings was found on a cave wall in Pech-Merle, France. Most Muslim art, including architecture and paintings, is limited by which of the following proscriptions? A. Blue and red may not be used together B. Geometric patterns may not be depicted. C. Images of humans and […]
The oldest major theater form still performed regularly is the no drama. In which country did no plays originate and develop? A. Peru B. Japan C. Singapore Commedia dell’arte was the only type of theater in Europe to use natural speech patterns and depict everyday life between 1550 and 1750. True or false: It was […]
Confucius (551-479 BC) believed that learning and wisdom were keys to the path of virtue. True or false: One of his doctrines parallels the golden rule in Western tradition. In contrast to Confucius, Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) advocated a double standard for sovereigns and subjects in The Prince. He proposed that great leaders should be duplicitous […]
Match the holiday with its faith and representative country A. Eid al Fitr (end of Ramadan) 1. Hindu (Singapore) B. Ash Wednesday (first day of Lent) 2. Jewish (USA) C. Vaisakhi (Solar New Year) 3. Islamic (Oman) D. Shavuot (laws given to Moses) 4. Christian (Venezuela) True or false: An early Scandinavian calendar was based […]
Sir Winston Churchill inspired millions with the line, “…[T]his was their finest hour.” True or false: He was referring to World War II veterans who died for their countries. One of the most famous speeches ever given in Mexico is known as the grito de Dolores (cry from Dolores). This 1810 speech was: A. Pancho […]
