Pub Quiz Trivia Volume 1-4
Copyright © 2011 by Bryan Young
Smashwords Edition
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America
First Printing: October 2011
This book is a collection of trivia used in the Big Shiny Geek Show Pub Quiz, hosted weekly by Bryan Young and Shannon Barnson. Pains have been taken to verify the accuracy of answers, but some questions (particularly those in the Current Events category) should be double-checked for accuracy before using them in a competitive setting.
This book is dedicated to Josh Stasinos, who writes the Pub Quiz I like to attend (Monday Nights at The Republican, Salt Lake City, Utah) and Shannon Barnson, my co-writer and co-host for the Pub Quiz I put on weekly (Wednesday Nights at Lucky 13, Salt Lake City, Utah). And Patty Bailey, the best damn Quiz Mistress ever.
Pub Quiz Trivia Volume 1-4:
1. History and Current Events
2. Wildcard Rounds
3. Geek Trivia
4. Film Trivia
By Bryan Young
Pub Quiz Trivia Volume 1:
History and Current Events
Introduction
I’m told Pub Quizzes have been popular in Europe for decades, and for some reason they’re just now catching on over here in the United States.
I attended my first quiz just a couple of years ago and was immediately hooked. What’s not to like about them? You get to hang out with your friends, drink good beer, and compete in a battle of knowledge against your neighbors. I started going pretty regularly, and my team was winning every now and again. I was having a great time.
Pretty soon, it was apparent to me and my co-host, Shannon Barnson, that we could make some money on the side hosting our very own quiz. We looked into working for some of the giant, corporate (and soulless) Pub Quizzes that run nights at bars across the country, but we thought we could do our own better. And I think we do.
Some of those first nights, figuring out how to write and word questions was a little tough, but we’ve done quizzes for more than 70 weeks in a row now and attract crowds of hundreds to compete in our quiz.
Since we have so many regulars, recycling quizzes and questions is fairly impossible, so I decided to take my old quizzes and publish them so you can use them in your own quizzes. You have in your hands the first of a four part series of pub quiz trivia books. This first volume contains 42 rounds of 10 questions, all having to do with History and Current Events. (Part 2 is Wildcard Trivia, Part 3 is Geek Trivia, and Part 4 is Film Trivia.) You will also be able to find them all collected in one volume.
We tend to run our quiz (The Big Shiny Geek Show Pub Quiz) with 8 rounds per night. General Trivia, Two Wildcard Rounds, Film, Music, Geeks Vs. Jocks, Lightning Round, and History and Current Events. Each round has 10 questions, and we take two breaks per night, once after the first three rounds, and another after the second three rounds. It gives us time to score and give standings to the teams.
It’s a lot of fun, and I suggest you try it sometime.
Our History and Current Events rounds are known as “The Great Equalizers.” They’re always the last round of the night because they are literally anyone’s to in. If it’s close going in, you never know who’s going to come out on top.
If you’re a trivia buff just looking for another trivia book, I’ve done my best to dig up some really interesting and fascinating trivia for you.
As a trivia buff myself, I’ve learned so much writing this quiz, it’s really hard to quantify. Every pain has been taken to make sure the answers are correct, but sometimes mistakes do happen, and for that we’re sorry. And for some of the more “Current Events” questions, double-check the answers if you think the answer I’ve written down could be dated.
Happy Quizzing!
--BY 2011
History and Current Events #1
What Egyptian leader further angered protesters by shutting off the Internet and Cellular service nationwide? President Hosni Mubarak
Spell Tutankhamen correctly.
Who was the president of Egypt from 1970 until his assassination in 1981? Anwar el Sadat
After a 2010 study, MSNBC was shocked to find that what percentage of high school science teachers teach creationism in school? 13%
Whose twins did Cleopatra bear? Marc Antony’s
What Egyptian city is currently the second largest in the country, founded in 331 BC and remained Egypt's capital for nearly a thousand years until the Muslim conquest of 641 AD? Alexandria
What did then Vice-president Dick Cheney famously tell Senator Patrick Leahy on the senate floor? Go fuck yourself
What is the only ancient wonder of the world (of the original seven) still standing? The Great Pyramid of Khufu (2 points) or The Pyramids (1 point)
Who is widely regarded as the first European to land in North America? Leif Ericson
What indigenous guide led Lewis and Clark on their expedition through the western territories? Sacajawea
History and Current Events #2
Who was the first US Secretary of State? Thomas Jefferson
Who is the current US Secretary of State? Hillary Clinton
What founding father devised his own phonetic alphabet? Benjamin Franklin
Who was the United States' first delegate in the UN General Assembly? Eleanor Roosevelt
Who were the spanish Monarchs that funded Columbus' 1492 expedition? Ferdinand and Isabella
What two presidential candidates were the stars of the first televised presidential debate in the United States? John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon
Who challenged Ronald Reagan in the 1984 Presidential election, for a bonus point, who was did he pick as vice president? Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferrarro
What Wisconsin Governor caused outrage in 2011 by trying to eliminate unions for public employees? Scott Walker
What sitting Vice President of the United States killed a former US Secretary of the Treasury in a duel? Bonus Point for the Secretary’s name? Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton
Who was the 17th president of the United States? Andrew Johnson
History and Current Events #3
Sarah Palin ridiculed Michelle Obama this work for her support of what preventative health measure, after dedicating an entire month to its awareness during her tenure as the governor of Alaska? Breastfeeding
The preamble of the US constitution calls on the government to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, secure the blessings of liberty and what? What is the last thing on the list the Constitution calls upon the government to do? Promote the General Welfare
What CBS news correspondent was brutally raped and assaulted in Egypt while reporting on their civil war? Lara Logan
In what year did Prohibition begin in the United States? 1920
Of what religious persuasion was Richard Nixon? Quaker
Named by George Washington, what is the world's oldest floating commissioned naval vessel? The USS Constitution
Who is the Attorney General of the United States as of 2011? Eric Holder
What is the nickname of the ship mentioned in question 6? Old Ironsides
Who is the Surgeon General of the United States as of 2011? Vice Admiral Regina M. Benjamin
In what Civil War battle did "Stonewall" Jackson receive his nickname? The First Battle of Bull Run (or the First Battle of Manassas)
History and Current Events #4
What were 5 cent pieces in the US better known as from 1913 to 1938? For a bonus point, whose profile is on the current nickel? Buffalo or Indian head nickels. Thomas Jefferson
Supreme Court Justice Scalia said that women don't have coverage under what clause in the 14th amendment? The Equal Protection Clause
Who said, " As you know, you go to war with the army you have, not the army you might want or wish to have at a later time?” Donald Rumsfeld
Who said, "I spent several years in a North Vietnamese prison camp, in the dark... fed with scraps. Do you think I want to do that all over again as vice president of the United States?" John McCain
Who said, " We have a firm commitment to NATO; we are a part of NATO. We have a firm commitment to Europe. We are a part of Europe." Dan Quayle
What does WMD stand for? Weapons of Mass Destruction
Who said, " I am not worried about the deficit. It is big enough to take care of itself." Ronald Reagan
Who said, " For seven and a half years I've worked alongside President Reagan. We've had triumphs. Made some mistakes. We've had some sex... uh... setbacks." George H.W. Bush
What is the name of the B-29 Bomber that dropped the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945? The Enola Gay
In what year was the Magna Carta issued? 1215
History and Current Events #5
What politician had a map naming Gabrielle Giffords as a target with crosshairs during the 2010 campaign and quickly took it down after her shooting? Sarah Palin
What was the name of the shooter in that Arizona assassination attempt? Jared Lee Loughner
What Asian Capital was formerly known as Edo? Tokyo
What former Texas Congressperson was sentenced to 3 years in prison for his role in funneling illegal corporate money to texas political campaigns? Tom DeLay
The sinking of what US battleship in Havana Bay, Cuba in 1898 helped precipitate the Spanish American War? The USS Maine
Who was the leader of the Mexican Force at the Battle of the Alamo? Santa Anna
What was World War I better known as at the time it was being fought? The Great War
As of 9/2011, who is the head of the Republican National Convention? Reince Preibus
The Austro-Hungarian empire's invasion of what country began World War I? Serbia
What world leader is was involved in a sex scandal with a teenage, Moroccan dancer named Ruby? Silvio Berlosconi, Pres. of Italy
History and Current Events #6
What country suffered the bloodiest day in its history on July 1, 1916, during the Battle of Somme? Britain
What country was alarmed by the findings of a government paid study that said their nations teenagers and married couples are suffering from dwindling sex drives? Japan
The sinking of what ship by a German U-Boat helped to compel American involvement in World War I? The RMS Lusitania
On what day (and year) was the armistice ending World War I signed? November 11, 1918
What GOP Senator commented after the Gabrielle Giffords tragedy, "If we tone down our rhetoric, then the Arizona shooter wins?" Utah Senator Mike Lee
What nickname was given to the group of protestors accused of inciting a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention? The Chicago 7
What was the name of the 1794 uprising by American citizens in Western Pennsylvania over excise taxes imposed by the US government? The Whiskey rebellion
What congressman idiotically shouted "You Lie!" during 2009‘s State of the Union Address? Joe Wilson
Who was Jimmy Carter's Vice President? Walter Mondale
What governor called for a special session of their state legislature to approve a measure that would allow that state to exclude 1/5 of medicaid recipients in the state? Jan Brewer of Arizona
History and Current Events #7
Who was the coward that assassinated Jesse James? Robert Ford
Who shot Billy the Kid? Pat Garrett
In 1993, Bill Clinton signed what law into effect, requiring background checks for all gun purchasers? The Brady Bill or the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act
What is the largest county AND island in England? The Isle of Wight
Who wrote the anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin? Harriet Beecher Stowe
How many southern states seceded from the Union at the outset of the civil war? 11
In what year did the Civil War start? 1861
What percent of Muslims doesGlenn Beck claim were terrorists this week? 10. Which equals about 157 million. The actual number is far less than 1 percent.
December 7 is a date that lives in infamy. Why? The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941
Name the head of Wikileaks. Julian Assange
History and Current Events #8
Who did the assassin named Mark David Chapman kill? John Lennon
What American schoolteacher who was imprisoned from 1997 to 2004 for having sexual intercourse with her 12 year old student, and had his babies while she was imprisoned? Mary Kay Letourneau
What do historians believe to be the first play Shakespeare wrote? Henry VI, Part One
Who is an American economist, Professor at Princeton and columnist for the New York Times? Paul Krugman
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald can be found in what body of water? Lake Superior (or the Great Lakes is acceptable)
What US Senator from Vermont spent 9 hours talking in an old school filibuster in 2011, railing against the tax cuts for the rich? Bernie Sanders
Who did Al Franken beat in his bid for Minnesota Senator? Norm Coleman
Established in 1926, what road went from Chicago to Los Angeles and was a major byway of those suffering from the effects of the dustbowl in their western migration? Route 66
What US President first created the position: Chief Technology Officer of the United States? Barack Obama
What does NATO stand for? The North American Treaty Organization
History and Current Events #9
The president of FIFA told fans that they should refrain from what during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar? Having Gay sex
How many minutes to midnight is the doomsday clock set to as of 2011? Six minutes to midnight
By 1933, at least 10,000 US Citizens were poisoned by the US government with what substance? Alcohol. They decided to poison as much alcohol as they could to deter drinking.
What French King's head was stolen by revolutionaries when they desecrated his grave in 1793 and was found in the attic of a retired French accountant in 2011? Henry IV
In 1944, German troops demanded the surrender of United States troops at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, prompting what famous one word reply by General McAuliffe? "Nuts!"
What English physicist wrote a book that first described the universal gravitation and the three laws of motion? Sir Issac Newton
What former Speaker of the House said that "Most of the countries problems can be blamed on the "leftist news media," Hollywood, tenured academics, overpaid federal workers, and unemployed people."? Newt Gingrich
What inventor, who died in 1871, developed the idea of programable computers? Charles Babbage
What House leader, who has railed against overpaid federal workers, had his office staff's salaries go up 81% since he took office in 2001? Eric Cantor
Which Constitutional Amendment gave us the Equal Protection Clause? The 14th
History and Current Events #10
Name 2 of 3 Presidents who won more votes in the electoral college, but not the popular vote: Rutherford B. Hayes, Grover Cleveland, George H.W. Bush
Who hosted the March to Keep Fear Alive in Washington, D.C.? Stephen Colbert
How many Constitutional Amendments are there? 27
How long is a US Senatorial term? 6 years
What US State was abandoned by the US Government at the outset of the Civil War? Utah
Who was the first "Orange-American" Speaker of the House? John Boehner
November 11 is officially Veteran's day, what did it originally commemorate? Armistice Day, the end of WWI
The Hope Diamond was donated to what public institution, where it remains today? The Smithsonian
The "Wealth Manager" for what banking company had felony hit-and-run charges dropped against him after he struck a biker with his car, because the Denver DA was fearful the man might lose his job? Morgan Stanley
Sitting Bull was a member of what Native American Tribe? Lakota
History and Current Events #11
Mount Rushmore was originally supposed to be carvings of the presidents, head to waist. Why did it go unfinished? Insufficient funding
Robert Gibbs got into a shouting match with security officials from what country, because they wouldn't allow members of the America Press Corp to cover a presidential event there? India
Near mount Rushmore is a sculpture that has been undergoing continuous work since 1948 and when completed will be the largest sculpture in the world. Who is it of? Crazy Horse
Whose former president’s autobiography was discovered to be made up of bits from already published books from those close to him? George W. Bush
What is the capital of Greece? Athens
What was the original name given to New York? For a bonus point, who renamed it? New Amsterdam, renamed New York by the British
What was the capital of the Ottoman Empire? Constantinople
What reality TV star earned the highest ratings the "Learning" channel had seen to date with the debut of her show "Alaska"? Sarah Palin
In what year were the Salem witch trials held? (they occurred through 1692 and 1693)
What is the term used for a session of congress held after elections but before replacements? A Lame Duck Session
History and Current Events #12
During the Depression, a department was created to make posters and art for the government to give work to out of work artists. What was it called? The Federal Art Project
What book, written by a British Naturalist after his visit to the Galapagos, was released and sold out in its first day? On the Origin of Species
Designers Dolce and Gabbana were indicted for what crimes in Italy? Tax Evasion
What British Prime Minister is best known for his foreign policy of appeasement, aiding in the rise of Hitler's Third Reich? Neville Chamberlain
What French World War I veteran led the Free French resistance during World War II (and has France's major international airport named for him?) Charles DeGaulle
What Russian American dentist-slash-lawyer is the leader of the so called "Birther movement", trying to prove that Barack Obama isn't a US citizen despite verifiable evidence to the contrary? Orly Taitz
Who wrote the philosophical text and Socratic dialogue "The Republic"? Plato
What greek philosopher popularized the theory of the five elements, earth, fire, air, water, and the aether? Aristotle
What is the capital of Brazil? Brasilia
Who, in 1916, became the world's first Billionaire? John D. Rockefeller
History and Current Events #13
What Republican Senator blocked the unanimous consent request to allow the commission investigating the BP oil spill the power to suboena BP executives and force them to testify under oath? Jim DeMint
What US President called for a "Second Bill of Rights" which would have offered every American the right to a livable wage, health care, free education, and freedom from corporate monopolies and unfair business practices? Franklin Roosevelt
Every one in four of what country’s citizens were killed or wounded during World War II, suffering more casualties than another country? The Soviet Union
What infamous Spanish author was born in 1547? Miguel de Cervantes Savedra (author of Don Quixote)
Because of his persistent opposition to gay rights, what former US Senator's name has been co-opted to mean "the frothy mixture of lube and fecal matter that is sometimes the byproduct of anal sex"? Rick Santorum
What White House staffer resigned in order to run for (and win) the position of Chicago Mayor? Rahm Emmanuel
What CNN news host was fired for lambasting Jon Stewart and opining that "Jews ran CNN"? Rick Sanchez
Larry, Moe, and Curly all had last names. What were they? Fine, Howard, Howard
What Cartheginan leader marched war Elephants over the Alps to make war in Northern Italy? Hannibal
John Paul Stevens wrote about his one regret as a Supreme Court Justice, what was it? That he upheld the death penalty
History and Current Events #14
During the heyday of the Atlantic Triangular slave trade, what goods were generally traded from the Caribbean to Europe, where it was traded for manufactured goods, which was in turn traded for slaves? Sugar and Rum
Though rates are at a record low in human history, how many millions of people are estimated to still live in slavery? 12-27 million
Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, was awarded a Presidential Medal of freedom posthumously by which US President? Barack Obama
According to a New York Magazine cover story, who did Rachel Maddow call, quote, "A race baiting fuck"? Bill O'Reilly
What classic American actor played a hauntingly sympathetic Nazi in charge of a death camp alongside Dean Martin and Montgmery Clift in "The Young Lions"? Marlon Brando
What was the name given to the best point of crossing the Berlin Wall by the Allies during the Cold War? Checkpoint Charlie
How many miners were trapped for 10 weeks in a Chilean mine? 33
What does USSR stand for? Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Who was the founder of the Bolsheviks? Vladimir Lenin
Who was allowed to begin setting up a Consumer Protection Agency because of a recess appointment? Elizabeth Warren
History and Current Events #15
Name the single Socialist Senator currently in office in the United States. For a bonus point, what state is he from. Bernie Sanders - Vermont
What major technology corporation has been test-driving driverless automobiles on the roads of California? Google
Gorbachev advocated a policy of openness and transparency near the end of the cold war and coined a term for it. What was that term? Glasnost
In 1947, what Senate committee began its look into Communism in Hollywood? The House Un-American Activities Committee (or HUAC)
What supreme court ruling opened the floodgates for virtually unlimited corporate and foreign spending on US elections? Citizens United vs. The Federal Elections Commission (or just Citizen's United)
In what year was the BBC founded? 1922
What US President established the US Department of Agriculture? Abraham Lincoln
Until March 2003, what Department was the Secret Service house under? The Department of the Treasury. (They are now under homeland security)
What was the original goal of The Crusades? To recapture Jerusalem
What New Mexican Governor tried unsuccessfully to run for president in 2008? Bill Richardson
History and Current Events #16
King Arthur had a last name. What was it? Pendragon
What NPR correspondent was fired after making inflammatory anti-muslim remarks on FOX news? Juan Williams
Who was the Pope during World War II? Pope Pius XII
Who "disproved" evolution on their show by saying "I haven't seen a half-monkey, half-person walking around yet"? Glenn Beck
In 1974, scientists in Africa discovered the bones of an early hominid (a half monkey/half person) that were about 3 million years old. They were of a 20 year old female specimen. What did they name her? Lucy
What musician’s autobiography sold out in pre-orders, despite the $740 price tag? Jimmy Page
Daniel Boone is most famous for his exploration and settlement of what US State? Kentucky
What was the bloodiest American Civil War battle, resulting in more than 51,000 casualties? Gettysburg
What is the name of the Arizona governor, who thinks the Federal government is "out to get" her state? Jan Brewer
What composer continued to compose, conduct, and perform music even after going completely deaf? Beethoven
History and Current Events #17
What was the wall of concrete fortifications, tank obstacles, and artillery built along France's German and Italian borders called? The Maginot Line
What Monty Pythoner shares a name with the crazed Florida pastor who planned to burn Qu'ran's on 9/11? Terry Jones
Marbury V. Madison was a Supreme Court case from 1803 and was the first time the supreme court declared that a something could be what? Unconstitutional
Who wrote the Last of the Mohicans? James Fenimore Cooper
What ancient tablet proved the key to decoding ancient egyptian hieroglyphics? The Rosetta Stone
What president, after he'd been shot and effectively assassinated, called out "Boys! Don't let them hurt him!" to the crowd beating his assassin to a pulp? William McKinley
What US state was long held to be an island until Juan Bautista de Anza fully explored it in the 1770s? California
What television show host claimed he'd never win an Emmy because of his atheism? Bill Maher
In 1944, Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill met to discuss WWII strategy during the "Octagon Conference" in what Canadian city? Quebec
What is the capital of Austria? Vienna
History and Current Events #18
What was the reason revolutionaries gave for the Boston Tea Party? Taxation without Representation. (meaning they had no voice to represent them when it was decided what was to be taxed and for how much)
Hitler was "The Furher,” Mussolini was also known as what? Il Duce
Who was the Emperor of Japan during World War II? Hirohito (or Showa)
Who is the Governor of Louisiana? Bobby Jindal
What author served as an Italian ambulance driver in World War I? Ernest Hemingway
What author was a prisoner of war in World War II and bore witness to the firebombing of Dresden? Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
What diplomatic telegram helped the US decide they needed to declare war on Germany in April, 1917? The Zimmerman Note
What is the name of the feminine personification of the United States? Colombia
What allegedly psychic sea creature predicted the winners of the World Cup? An Octopus
Our 21st president seems forgotten, but implemented policies against cronyism that serve our government today. What was his name? Chester A. Arthur
History and Current Events #19
Who did George Bush pick for a spot on the supreme court but they ended up withdrawing their nomination? Hariet Meirs
What was the most recent black and white film to win the oscar for Best Picture? Schindler's List
How many wars did the Punic Wars consist of? Three
Who was the first black player in Major League baseball, for a bonus point, what team was he on? Jackie Robinson, Brooklyn Dodgers
What Babylonian king wrote, among many other laws, "If a man puts out the eye of an equal, his eye shall be put out"? Hammurabi
What was the name of Alexander the Great's Horse? Bucephalus
What is the capital of Chile? Santiago
What Cunard line ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat, prompting the United States to enter World War I? The RMS Lusitania
Who was better known as Mark Twain? Samuel Clemens
What famous author committed suicide in Idaho in 1961? Ernest Hemingway
History and Current Events #20
What is the "6-2-5 war" better known as? The Korean War
Who recently invented the word "refudiate"? Sarah Palin
What does the acronym DMZ stand for? De-militarized zone
What conservative organization did Fox News reveal a $1 million donation to, destroying any semblance of balanced coverage on their network? The Republican Governors Association
Who is largely credited with discovering Hawaii for the the English-speaking world? Captain James Cook
American Actress Grace Kelley was the princess of what country at the time of her death? Monaco
What was the name of the colony in present day North Carolina where its settlers mysteriously disappeared without a trace sometime in the 1580s? Roanoke
What was the name of the man credited with proclaiming the first Thanksgiving, and was also elected 30 times as governor of Plymouth Colony? William Bradford
What is the capital of the Czech Republic? Prague
What major social network caused a ruckus by banning ads in support of legalizing marijuana? Facebook
History and Current Events #21
If they still existed, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon would be located in what modern country? Iraq
15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers hailed from what country? Saudi Arabia
What were the names of Christopher Columbus' 3 ships. 1 point for 2 of them, 2 points for all 3. The Nina, The Pinta, and the Santa Maria
What news organization controversially took Helen Thomas' front row seat in the White House press room? Fox News
1 in 5 American's falsely believe that President Obama is what? A Muslim
Operation Overlord's D-Day invasion, the largest amphibious assault in history, landed troops on what shore? Normandy, France
Who's tell-all biography is finally came out, 100 years ago? Mark Twain
The Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 created what current major banking institution, designed to assure customers that their money wouldn't just disappear one day? The FDIC (The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)
What is the capital of Bolivia? La Paz
What two country's intelligence agencies led the Iranian coup de'tat of 1953 that replaced it's democratically elected Prime Minister with the current regime? The US and the UK
History and Current Events #22
In the Civil War, what is the First Battle of Manassas better known as, for a bonus point who won the conflict? The Battle of Bull Run and the Confederates won.
After Gordon Brown blew it for the labor party, who succeeded him as Prime Minister of Britain? David Cameron
What Television show aired for the first time in the United States on September 27th, 1976? The Muppet Show
What was the first war officially declared by the US Congress? The War of 1812
What World War 1 ending treaty was signed exactly 5 years after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand? The Treaty of Versailles
What future president served as the Governor of New York from 1929-1932? Franklin Roosevelt
What freestanding monument was named the world's tallest structure from 1884 until 1889? The Washington Monument
What former KKK member and longest serving Senator ever died at the age of 92? For an extra point, what state did he represent? Robert Byrd, (D-SC)
On July 26, 1941, who was made a General and Supreme Commander of the US Army Forces of the Far East? General Douglas MacArthur
What U.S. President ordered the training of Cuban exiles in amphibious assaults to overthrow Castro's government? Dwight D. Eisenhower
History and Current Events #23
When Ronald Reagan was shot and George H.W. Bush was physically absent, what member of the cabinet alarmed American's by asserting that he was "in control here"? Secretary of State Alexander Haig
Larry David's ex-wife Laurie, is accused of having an affair with what recently single prominent political figure? Al Gore
In what country were two people executed in an impromptu raid for watching the "un-Islamic" World Cup? Somalia
What is the name of the trumpet like instrument blown by World Cup fans to the annoyance of many? Vuvuzela
Whose assassination in Serbia was the inciting event that caused World War I? Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Who was John Stewart talking about when he quipped, "finally, a guy who says what people who aren't thinking are thinking."? Glenn Beck
Who served 20 years as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, from 1976-1996? Tommy Lasorda
What US Army General resigned in disgrace after being the subject of a profile in Rolling Stone magazine? Gen. Stanley McChrystal
What was the first conflict gatling guns were used in? By the Union in the Civil War
With a lifetime score of 894, what NHL star has scored the most goals in NHL history? Wayne Gretzky
History and Current Events #24
In To Kill A Mockingbird, what was Scout's real name? Jean Louise
What greek god was said to have been born from Zeus, Poseidon, and Hermes urinating on a bull hide? Orion
Who was the german Emperor during World War I? Kaiser Wilhelm II
Who was the current Queen of England’s predecessor? George VI
What US President presided over World War I? Woodrow Wilson
What Russian leader presided over World War I? Czar Nicholas II
What law did Attorney General Eric Holder inform congress he would not continue trying to defend since it had been thrown out by too many courts? The Defense of Marriage Act
Who suffered more casualties during World War I? The Allies or the Central Powers? For a bonus point, within 3, how many million soldiers were Killed, Wounded or Missing in Action during World War I? The allies suffered more, (22 mil vs. the Axis 16 mil). 39 million, total. So between 36 and 42 million casualties are acceptable.
What Panamanian Dictator was on the CIA payroll from the 50s to the 80s? Manuel Noriega
The Daily Beast prank called Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and got him to reveal his insidious anti-union plans. Who did they call him as? First and Last name. David Koch
History and Current Events #25
In what year did the US and UK intelligence services overthrow the democratically elected government of Iran, installing the current regime? 1953
Rumours persist that the United States was involved in the assassination of Salvador Allende, the first democratically elected Marxist leader in the Americas and President of what country? Chile
What prominent terrorist was given funding and CIA training by the United States to fight the soviet Union? Osama Bin Laden
What foreign president rejected an apology from the US after a NATO air strike killed 9 civilian boys? Afghan President Hamid Karzai
What was the battle that was an unsuccessful attempt by the United States to overthrow Fidel Castro called? The Bay of Pigs invasion
What is the most prominent Japanese city affected by and closest to the epicenter of the Earthquake and Tsunami? Sendai
In what year was San Francisco’s catastrophic Earthquake? 1906
What was the first manmade satellite in space? Sputnik
In what city did the Confederate army surrender? Appomattox
Who led the Free French from his exile the United Kingdom? Charles DeGaulle
History and Current Events #26
What is the capital of Libya? Tripoli
What is said to have been born in the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia in the 1770s? The US Marine Corps
In 1933, the Reichstag passed the Enable Act that enabled what? Adolf Hitler to become dictator
Who was the Emperor of Japan from Christmas 1926 until 1989? Hirohito
What wars ran from 1803 to about 1815? The Napoleonic Wars
What government exploration agency was established on July 29, 1958? NASA
What spacecraft burned up returning from orbit in 2003? Colombia
What former Senator and perennial Presidential hopeful said that Social Security would be more solvent today if we had less abortions? Rick Santorum
Who was the first American in space? Alan Shephard
Joe Biden’s staff kept a reporter waiting in a closet for hours while he was supposed to be covering a fundraising event. What outlet did that reporter work for? The Orlando Sentinel
History and Current Events #27
Who was the first American to orbit the Earth? John Glenn
What country was officially the first to block the .xxx web designation? India
What unmanned spacecraft was launched from the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1989 to study Jupiter and its moons? Galileo
What GOP Senator claimed that 90% of Planned Parenthood’s business is performing abortions. When called on it, his staff said, quote, “his remark was not intended to be a factual statement” Senator John Kyl from Arizona
Who wrote the expose on the auto industry “Unsafe at Any Speed”? Ralph Nader
What CBS news anchor was hailed as the most trusted man in America during his tenure? Walter Kronkite
What were the series of military tribunals used to try Nazi War criminals in 1945 and 1946 better known as? The Nuremberg trials
First awarded in 1947, what are the awards for theatrical achievement called? Tony Awards
What architect of the Gunpowder plot was born in 1570? Guy Fawkes
While the US lags further and further behind in innovation, what country is planning a moon base by 2030? Russia
History and Current Events #28
The third president of the United States was born in 1743. What was his name? Thomas Jefferson
What was the project by the US, UK and Canada to develop Nuclear Weapons during World War II called? The Manhattan Project