General Knowledge 56

Question 1

Which former American President was the teddy bear named after?

Answer 1

Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt

The teddy bear was named in honor of President Roosevelt’s bear hunting trip.

Question 2

Who is credited with the following quotation: ‘I never hated a man long enough to give him back his diamonds’?

Answer 2

Zsa Zsa Gabor

This quote reflects Gabor’s witty and glamorous persona.

Question 3

In Scrabble, how many additional points are gained if all seven letters are played in one turn?

Answer 3

50

This bonus is awarded for using all seven tiles in a single turn.

Question 4

What is vexillology a study of?

Answer 4

Flags

Vexillology encompasses the study of flags, their history, and symbolism.

Question 5

What name is shared by the canine winner of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2012 and the mascot of the ‘Children in Need’ charity?

Answer 5

Pudsey

Pudsey is a bear mascot associated with the charity and the talent show.

Question 6

After which author did Victoria Beckham claim she named her daughter?

Answer 6

Harper Lee

Harper Lee is known for her novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

Question 7

In the animal world, what is a Taipan?

Answer 7

Snake

The Taipan is known for being one of the most venomous snakes in the world.

Question 8

Name the official daily report of the proceedings of the Houses of Parliament.

Answer 8

Hansard

Hansard is the official transcript of parliamentary debates.

Question 9

Which day of the week is named after a Roman God?

Answer 9

Saturday

Saturday is named after Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture.

Question 10

Which part of the body does ‘pulmonary’ refer to?

Answer 10

The lungs

The term pulmonary is derived from the Latin word for lungs.

Question 11

Which American singer took her rapper husband’s surname in the 2013 ‘Mrs Carter Show World Tour’?

Answer 11

Beyonce

The tour was named after her husband’s last name, Carter.

Question 12

The Barbadian R & B singer born Robyn Fenty in 1988 is better known by what name?

Answer 12

Rihanna

Rihanna is a global music icon and entrepreneur.

Question 13

Which band had a hit with ‘My Generation’ in 1965?

Answer 13

The Who

This song became an anthem for the youth culture of the 1960s.

Question 14

Which singer has had UK number ones with ‘Mirrors’ and ‘SexyBack’?

Answer 14

Justin Timberlake

Timberlake is known for his successful solo career after leaving NSYNC.

Question 15

Which Canadian pop star has fans called ‘Beliebers’?

Answer 15

Justin Bieber

Bieber gained fame as a teen pop sensation.

Question 16

Who co-wrote and performed the title track to the James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’?

Answer 16

Adele

Adele’s song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Question 17

In which Italian city is the La Scala Opera House?

Answer 17

Milan

La Scala is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.

Question 18

What musical instrument are ‘timpani’?

Answer 18

Drums

Timpani are also known as kettle drums and are used in orchestras.

Question 19

Name the American jazz pianist and song-writer who composed ‘Porgy and Bess’.

Answer 19

George Gershwin

Gershwin’s work blends classical and jazz elements.

Question 20

Which famous musical duo wrote the music and lyrics for the film ‘The Sound of Music’?

Answer 20

Rogers and Hammerstein

This duo is known for their contributions to American musical theater.

Question 21

Richard Briers played the laird in which long running TV drama?

Answer 21

Monarch of the Glen

The show depicts life in a Scottish estate.

Question 22

Which comedian won the first ever UK series of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in 2001?

Answer 22

Jack Dee

Dee is known for his deadpan humor and stand-up comedy.

Question 23

Geraldine Granger is a character from which British sitcom?

Answer 23

The Vicar of Dibley

The show features a female vicar in a rural parish.

Question 24

In which Scandinavian city are the television dramas ‘The Killing’ and ‘Borgen’ set?

Answer 24

Copenhagen

Both shows have received critical acclaim for their storytelling.

Question 25

Which ‘**Blue Peter**’ presenter trekked for Sport Relief to the South Pole in 2012?

Answer 25

Helen Skelton ## Footnote Skelton is known for her adventurous spirit and television work.

Question 26

Who was the first presenter of the UK’s cooking TV show ‘**Masterchef**’?

Answer 26

Lloyd Grossman ## Footnote Grossman is also known for his work in television and journalism.

Question 27

What is the name of the former BBC **Director-General** who resigned in November 2012 after just 54 days in the job?

Answer 27

George Entwistle ## Footnote His resignation followed a scandal regarding the BBC's handling of a news story.

Question 28

Which BBC school-based drama relocated from Rochdale to **Scotland**?

Answer 28

Waterloo Road ## Footnote The show focuses on the lives of students and teachers.

Question 29

Name the Channel 4 panel show hosted by **Jimmy Carr** that is based on statistics and opinion polls.

Answer 29

8 out of 10 cats ## Footnote The show features comedians discussing survey results.

Question 30

Who took over from Holly Willoughby to co-present the UK’s ‘**Dancing on Ice**’ with Phillip Schofield?

Answer 30

Christine Bleakley ## Footnote Bleakley is known for her work in television presenting.