August 23rd History, Facts and Trivia
August 23rd History Highlights
- 79 – Mount Vesuvious the volcano erupted and buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under a thick carpet of volcanic ash.
- 1991 – The World Wide Web was available to the public.
- 2006 – Pluto was demoted from full planet status to “dwarf planet”.
- If you were born on August 23rd,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 30th (prior year)
Wisdom From Television:
Jeannie: How should I punish him? Should I give him the death of a thousand itches?
Major Healey: How about scratches?
Jeannie: Itches are much worse.
Stockholm Syndrome
August 23rd is…
Spongecake Day
The Festival of Vulcan (The Vulcanalia, no longer celebrated)
August 23rd Birthday Quotes
– Louis XVI of France
” The way I look at a musical, you are commenting on the human condition no matter what you do. A musical may be light and frivolous, but by its very nature, it makes some kind of social comment.”
– Gene Kelly
“I’ll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it’s sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.”
– Kobe Bryant
” People are more interested in someone who goes on stage and tells the truth.”
– Jay Mohr
” I don’t know any musician, successful or otherwise, that got in it to make money. Or a writer, for that matter. You get into it because you love it.”
– Rick Springfield
August 23rd Birthdays
1884 – Will Cuppy, American author and critic (died in 1949)
1905 – Ernie Bushmiller, American cartoonist, Nancy comic strip (died in 1982)
1912 – Gene Kelly, American actor, singer, and dancer (died in 1996)
1917 – Tex Williams, American singer-songwriter (died in 1985)
1931 – Barbara Eden, American actress
1934 – Sonny Jurgensen, American football player, and sportscaster
1946 – Keith Moon, English drummer, The Who (died in 1978)
1949 – Shelley Long, American actress
1949 – Rick Springfield, Australian-American singer-songwriter and actor
1970 – Jay Mohr, American actor, and screenwriter
1970 – River Phoenix, American actor (died in 1993)
1974 – Ray Park, Scottish actor, and stuntman
1977 – Jared Fogle, former spokesperson for chain restaurant Subway
1978 – Kobe Bryant, American basketball player (died in 2020)
August 23rd History
1305 – Sir William Wallace was executed for high treason at Smithfield in London.
1775 – King George III delivered his ‘Proclamation of Rebellion to the Court of St. James’s’ stating that the American colonies have proceeded to a state of open and avowed rebellion.
1913 – The Little Mermaid statue was dedicated in the harbor of Copenhagen, Denmark
1948 – World Council of Churches was formed.
1965 – The Sound of Music was released, starring Julie Andrews
1966 – Lunar Orbiter 1 took the first photograph of Earth from orbit around the Moon.
1969 – #1 Hit August 23, 1969 – September 19, 1969: The Rolling Stones – Honky Tonk Women
1973 – A bank robbery went wrong in Stockholm, Sweden, turned into a hostage crisis; over the next five days the hostages begin to sympathize with their captors, leading to the term “Stockholm syndrome”.
1975 – #1 Hit August 23, 1975 – August 29, 1975: Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds – Fallin’ in Love
1991 – Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web opened the WWW to new users.
1996- The Price Is Right celebrated its 25th anniversary special on CBS
1998 – That 70’s show premiered on FOX
August 23, 2000 (fiction) Los Angeles was destroyed by a major earthquake, Escape From L.A., Film
2007 – The skeletal remains of Russia’s last royal family members Alexei Nikolaevich, Tsarevich of Russia, and his sister Grand Duchess Anastasia were discovered near Yekaterinburg, Russia.
2008 – #1 Hit August 23, 2008 – September 5, 2008: Rihanna – Disturbia
2011 (Earthquake) Virginia/East Coast, USA
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Useless Pronunciation: O as in ox
‘Yipes’ is the Fruit Stripe chewing gum zebra.
Hedy Lamarr – Real Name: Hedwig Kiesler
“She seems to have an invisible torture” #misunderstoodlyrics
Lilo means “lost” in Hawaiian, so the movie title “Lilo and Stitch” can be interpreted as “lost and pulled together”.
During “One More Time” by Daft Punk says “one more time” 28 times in that song. #onemoretime
“Plastics.” – Mr. Maguire (Walter Brooke) #moviequotes
Garrison Keillor – Real Name: Gary Edward Keillor
umop-apisdn is upside-down upside-down.
“Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get.” – Robert A. Heinlein
The only difference between a dream and a nightmare is whether or not you enjoyed it.
More Pop Culture History Resources
The Seven Heavenly Virtues
The Seven Heavenly Virtues
A Guide to Moral Strength and Spiritual Balance
The Seven Heavenly Virtues represent core moral principles in Christian thought that stand as spiritual remedies to the Seven Deadly Sins. They serve not only as ethical ideals but as active practices meant to transform the soul, discipline the body, and draw believers closer to God. By intentionally cultivating these virtues, individuals pursue a life rooted in righteousness, humility, and compassion—qualities essential to Christian living and spiritual salvation.
These virtues gained structure in part thanks to the Latin poet Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, who wrote the Psychomachia (“Battle for the Soul”) in the 4th century. This epic allegorical poem depicted internal conflict between personified virtues and vices—one of the earliest literary attempts to present Christian morality as an internal struggle. While Scripture does not present these seven virtues as a formal list, they have been deeply woven into theological teachings, Catholic doctrine, and centuries of Christian moral philosophy.
The Purpose of the Seven Heavenly Virtues
Unlike the Deadly Sins, which are passive and inward-facing, the Heavenly Virtues are active and relational. Each one addresses a destructive tendency and offers a redemptive path:
Deadly Sin | Heavenly Virtue |
|---|---|
| Lust | Chastity |
| Gluttony | Temperance |
| Greed | Charity |
| Sloth | Diligence |
| Wrath | Patience |
| Envy | Kindness |
| Pride | Humility |
Together, they outline a framework for personal holiness and social harmony. These are not abstract ideals, but habits of the heart, cultivated over time through prayer, discipline, and spiritual awareness.
1. Chastity (Latin: Castitas) – The Antidote to Lust
Chastity is often misunderstood as mere abstinence, but its deeper meaning lies in honoring the dignity of the human body and the sacredness of intimacy. It calls for purity of mind, heart, and behavior, especially regarding sexual ethics, but also in how one relates to others without objectification or selfishness.
In Christian teaching, chastity applies to everyone—whether married, single, or celibate—and encourages a holistic view of love that prioritizes faithfulness, respect, and spiritual union over indulgence or exploitation.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8
2. Temperance (Latin: Temperantia) – The Antidote to Gluttony
Temperance is the virtue of balance and moderation. It helps individuals resist overindulgence not only in food and drink but also in entertainment, spending, and gratification of the senses. Temperance allows for enjoyment without addiction and freedom without chaos.
This virtue teaches self-control and mindfulness, recognizing that too much of even a good thing can become harmful. It is essential in a modern world dominated by excess and instant gratification.
“Let your moderation be known to all men.” – Philippians 4:5
3. Charity (Latin: Caritas) – The Antidote to Greed
Charity is considered the greatest of the virtues, often equated with love in its highest form. While modern language sometimes limits “charity” to donations, the original caritas refers to self-giving love—the kind of love God has for humanity.
Charity opposes greed by orienting the heart outward. It leads to acts of generosity, service, and sacrificial care for others. It is rooted in empathy and a desire for the well-being of others without seeking recognition or reward.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
4. Diligence (Latin: Industria) – The Antidote to Sloth
Diligence is the discipline of faithful work. It counters the sin of sloth by encouraging perseverance, responsibility, and purpose in one’s daily efforts—whether physical, mental, or spiritual. Diligence is not just about being busy; it’s about doing what’s meaningful and necessary, even when it’s hard.
This virtue promotes attention to one’s duties, goals, and vocation. It is the foundation of stewardship and a rejection of passivity and indifference.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23
5. Patience (Latin: Patientia) – The Antidote to Wrath
Patience is the virtue that empowers individuals to endure suffering, provocation, or injustice without lashing out in anger. It involves forbearance, forgiveness, and long-suffering, which are central to Christian life.
Where wrath seeks vengeance, patience chooses understanding. It resists the urge to react impulsively, trusting instead in God’s timing and justice. Patience also extends to enduring life’s trials without bitterness.
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
6. Kindness (Latin: Humanitas) – The Antidote to Envy
Kindness is an active compassion that rejoices in the good fortune of others. Where envy breeds resentment and comparison, kindness seeks connection, encouragement, and empathy.
Kindness is not weakness—it requires strength to show care, especially to those we find difficult or when we feel inadequate. It builds relationships, heals wounds, and reflects the generous love of Christ.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
7. Humility (Latin: Humilitas) – The Antidote to Pride
Humility is the foundation of all the virtues. It is the proper understanding of one’s position before God—recognizing that all talents, achievements, and blessings come from something beyond oneself. Humility rejects arrogance and invites gratitude, openness, and a willingness to grow.
Unlike false modesty, humility doesn’t diminish a person’s value—it magnifies it by aligning one’s heart with truth. Pride puts the self at the center; humility places God and others in rightful perspective.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – James 4:6
Living the Virtues in the Modern World
The Seven Heavenly Virtues are more than medieval concepts. They offer a timeless roadmap for navigating life with purpose, ethics, and spiritual awareness. While contemporary culture often elevates self-interest, indulgence, and pride, these virtues call for an alternative path—a life marked by self-discipline, service, and sacred balance.
They also provide insight into modern struggles:
Overconsumption and addiction? Practice temperance.
Online outrage and cancel culture? Practice patience.
Toxic comparison on social media? Cultivate kindness and humility.
Through daily habits, prayer, and reflection, these virtues can be cultivated not just as moral concepts, but as personal practices that shape character, build community, and bring one closer to God.
Final Reflection
In Christian tradition, the path to holiness isn’t about simply avoiding sin—it’s about choosing virtue. The Seven Heavenly Virtues represent this positive, redemptive approach to moral life. When actively practiced, they don’t just counter sin—they transform the human heart, making room for love, truth, and divine presence.
Whether in moments of temptation, conflict, or despair, these virtues offer a steady compass. In their pursuit lies not only the promise of spiritual salvation but also the daily gift of peace, purpose, and right relationship with others and with God.
August 22 in Pop Culture History
August 22nd History, Facts and Trivia
August 22nd History Highlights
- 1851 – The first America’s Cup was won by the yacht ‘America’. America’s Cup is the oldest international sporting trophy.
- 1864 – Twelve nations signed the First Geneva Convention, establishing the rules of protection of the victims of armed conflicts.
- 1945 – The Vietnam Conflict began.
- 1989 – 1989 – Nolan Ryan struck out Rickey Henderson to become the first Major League Baseball pitcher to record 5,000 strikeouts. He retired with 5,714 strikeouts.
- August 22 Birthday (fictional) Doug Funnie, Cartoon
- If you were born on August 22nd,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 29th (prior year)
The Geneva Convention
August 22nd is…
Be An Angel Day
Never Bean Better Day
Pecan Torte Day
Surgical Oncologist Day
Tooth Fairy Day
August 22nd Birthday Quotes
“If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gave it to.”
– Dorothy Parker
“Music is the silence between the notes.”
– Claude Debussy
“Looking back over a lifetime, you see that love was the answer to everything.”
– Ray Bradbury
” Poor people have the blues because they’re poor and hungry. Rich people can’t sleep at night because they’re trying to hold on to their money and everything they have.”
– John Lee Hooker
” I don’t think of dying, I think of being here now.”
– Valerie Harper
” You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.”
– Ray Bradbury
” Hip-Hop is my vehicle to scientific and universal enlightenment.”
– GZA
“I hate writing. I love having written.”
– Dorothy Parker
August 22nd Birthdays
1880 – George Herriman, American cartoonist, Krazy Kat (died in 1944)
1893 – Dorothy Parker, American poet, critic, and satirist (died in 1967)
1903 – Jerry Iger, American cartoonist, co-founded Eisner & Iger (died in 1990)
1909 – Julius J. Epstein, American screenwriter, and producer (died in 2000)
1917 – John Lee Hooker, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 2001)
1920 – Ray Bradbury, American science fiction writer, and screenwriter (died in 2012)
1925 – Honor Blackman, English actress and republican (died in 2020)
1934 – Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr., American general (died in 2012)
1936 – Dale Hawkins, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 2010)
1939 – Valerie Harper, American actress (died in 2019)
1945 – David Chase, American director, producer, and screenwriter
1963 – Tori Amos, American singer-songwriter
1966 – GZA, American rapper
1968 – Rich Lowry, American writer and magazine editor (National Review)
1970 – Giada De Laurentiis, Italian-American chef, and author
1973 – Kristen Wiig, American comedic actress
1978 – James Corden, English actor, and television presenter
1995 – Dua Lipa, English singer-songwriter
August 22nd History
565 – Columba, an Irish missionary, reported seeing a monster in Loch Ness, Scotland.
1791 – Haitian Slave Revolution in Saint-Domingue began. It ended with the founding of the Republic of Haiti in 1804.
1831 – Nat Turner’s slave rebellion began just after midnight in Southampton County, Virginia, leading to the deaths of more than 50 whites and several hundred African Americans who were killed in retaliation for the uprising.
1851 – The first America’s Cup was won by the yacht ‘America.’
1865 – The first patent for making liquid soap was granted to William Sheppard.
1902 – Cadillac Motor Company was founded.
1952 – The French penal colony on Devil’s Island is permanently closed.
1963 – American Joe Walker reached an altitude of 66 miles in an X-15 test plane.
1964 – #1 Hit August 22, 1964 – September 4, 1964: The Supremes – Where Did Our Love Go
1970 – #1 Hit August 22, 1970 – August 28, 1970: Bread – Make It with You
August 22, 1976 Birthday (fictional) Percy Weasley, Harry Potter
1987 – #1 Hit August 22, 1987 – August 28, 1987: Madonna – Who’s That Girl
1989 – Nolan Ryan struck out Rickey Henderson to become the first Major League Baseball pitcher to record 5,000 strikeouts.
2003 – Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore was suspended after refusing to comply with a federal court order to remove a rock inscribed with the Ten Commandments from the lobby of the Alabama Supreme Court building.
2004 The Edvard Munch Museum’s versions of ‘Madonna’ and ‘The Scream’ were stolen by masked men wielding firearms. The thieves forced the museum guards to lie down on the floor while they snapped the cable securing the paintings to the wall and escaped in a black Audi A6 station wagon, which police later found abandoned. Both paintings were recovered by the Oslo Police on August 31, 2006.
2007 – The Texas Rangers beat the Baltimore Orioles 30-3, the most runs scored by a team in modern MLB history.
August 22, 2008 – The Cheetah Girls: One World aired on The Disney Channel
2015 – #1 Hit August 22, 2015 – September 18, 2015: The Weeknd – Can’t Feel My Face
#1 Hit August 22, 2020 – September 4: WAP, 2020 – Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
The Capital of Malawi is Lilongwe
In the event of an apocalypse, I would spend the first ten minutes wondering why the internet doesn’t work.
Author Joe Hill was so determined to keep it a secret that he was Stephen King’s son, his own agent didn’t know for 10 years.
Most American car horns honk in the key of F.
TV Quotes… “Makin’ whoopie” (Bob Eubanks) on “The Newlywed Game”
Reflections are just echoes of light. Mirrors are just light echo machines.
Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood is probably my favorite kid’s show that starts and ends with a middle-aged man changing his clothes.
A group of Cosmologists is called a Galaxy.
“It is a damn poor mind indeed which can’t think of at least two ways to spell any word.” – Andrew Jackson
“Who loves you, baby?” – Kojak
Any pizza is a personal pizza if you try hard enough.
More Pop Culture History Resources
The Osborne Effect
The Osborne Effect: When Announcing Too Soon Sinks the Ship
In the early 1980s, the Osborne Computer Corporation was riding high. Its flagship product, the Osborne 1, was one of the first truly portable computers—a luggable briefcase of computing power that had business users excited and competitors scrambling. But in 1983, the company made a fateful move: it announced its next-generation model, the Osborne Executive, well before it was available.
The result? Sales of the current Osborne 1 plummeted. Why buy today if something better was right around the corner?
That single decision contributed to a rapid sales collapse, a warehouse full of unsold inventory, and the company’s bankruptcy shortly afterward. Thus was born The Osborne Effect—a cautionary tale about how premature announcements can destroy current revenue.
What Is the Osborne Effect?
At its core, the Osborne Effect is an economic and marketing dilemma: when a company reveals a future product too early, customers may delay or cancel purchases of existing offerings. The irony is sharp—a company may unintentionally sabotage what’s selling now by trying to build hype for what’s next.
Real-World Implications
The Osborne Effect isn’t just a quirky piece of tech lore. Variations of it happen all the time, especially in industries driven by innovation cycles like:
Technology – Smartphone makers must carefully time product announcements so current models continue to sell.
Gaming – Teasing a new console too far in advance can hurt current-gen game and hardware sales.
Automotive – Announcing a dramatic redesign or shift to electric models too early can cause loyal customers to hold out.
Even nonprofits and institutions can fall victim. A new initiative that renders the current program outdated—without proper transition planning—can drain engagement and support before the new solution is ready.
Strategic Ethics: Promise vs. Performance
The Osborne Effect brings up a deeper ethical question in both business and communication: How transparent should a company be about future plans?
Transparency builds trust, but…
Overpromising risks trust, especially if the new product is delayed or underwhelming.
Withholding too much feels deceptive, but saying too much can damage sustainability.
It’s a balancing act between honesty and strategic restraint.
The Role of Consumer Behavior
This phenomenon is powered by psychology just as much as economics. Consumers are driven by perceived value, fear of missing out (FOMO), and status anxiety. When a better version is on the horizon, even if only in rumor, it can instantly make today’s product feel obsolete.
We’ve all felt it: the regret of buying too early, the joy of waiting for the “next big thing,” or the agony of realizing your expensive phone just dropped in price because the new model launched this morning.
Is the Osborne Effect Always Bad?
Not always. In some cases, companies intend to use the Osborne Effect to phase out old products, especially when:
New tech is significantly better
Inventory is low or intentionally limited
They’re trying to shift public perception or rebrand
Apple, for instance, is a master of managing this effect. Its product leaks and announcements are tightly controlled, creating excitement without immediately cratering sales.
Modern Lessons from a Vintage Collapse
The Osborne Effect is a reminder of how interconnected strategy, psychology, and ethics really are. Whether you’re running a business, launching a project, or simply communicating a change, timing matters.
Don’t fix what people still want to buy.
Be honest, but don’t shoot yourself in the foot.
Anticipate how people react—not just what they know.
Glossary of Terms
Osborne Effect – A drop in current product sales due to the premature announcement of a future product.
Planned Obsolescence – The strategy of designing products to become outdated or nonfunctional after a certain period.
Hype Cycle – The pattern of excitement and disillusionment that follows emerging technologies.
Transparency – Openness in business strategy or communication, often weighed against competitive or timing risks.
Discussion Questions
Should companies always be transparent about their future plans?
Have you ever waited to buy something because of a future product announcement?
How can organizations balance honesty with sustainability?
References
ZDNet. “The Osborne Effect: When Too Much Honesty Is Bad for Business”
The Computer History Museum. “The Rise and Fall of Osborne”
Harvard Business Review. “Don’t Let Your Product Announcements Backfire”
Pull Quotes
“Announcing the future too soon might leave you with nothing to sell today.”
“The Osborne Effect is what happens when anticipation becomes your enemy.”
“Transparency is good—unless it empties your inventory.”
August 21 in Pop Culture History
August 21st History, Facts and Trivia
August 21st History Highlights
- 1911 – The Mona Lisa was stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, a Louvre employee. It was returned to the Louvre on January 4, 1914. Peruggia served six months in prison for the crime.
- 1939 – 5 young African-Americans were denied library cards at the Alexandria, VA Library and arrested after sitting down and reading books. The civil disobedience was one of the earliest in the American Civil Rights Movement.
- 1961 – Motown released what would be its first #1 hit, Please Mr. Postman by The Marvelettes.
- 1986 – The Lake Nyos, Cameroon disaster resulted in the deaths of 1800 people when a volcano suddenly burst with a wave of carbon dioxide.
- If you were born on August 21st,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 28th (prior year)
Southampton Insurrection
August 21st is…
Poet’s Day
Senior Citizens Day
Spumoni Day
August 21st Birthday Quotes
– Count Basie
“It is said that good things come to those who wait. I believe that good things come to those who work.”
– Wilt Chamberlain
“You don’t want to work on a job where you’re looking at your watch.”
– Stephen Hillenburg
” I’ve always said music should make you laugh, make you cry or make you think.”
– Kenny Rogers
” If you play a tune and a person don’t tap their feet, don’t play the tune.”
– Count Basie
” As a child, I’d help my mum cook, and it was ridiculous – she had the correct gadget or utensil for everything. ‘Stop! Don’t use that, I have exactly the right utensil.’ After I left home, I survived on cup-a-meals and never saw myself as being like her. Now I’ve become her.”
– Kelis
August 21st Birthdays
1895 – Blossom Rock, American actress (died in 1978)
1904 – Count Basie, American pianist, composer, and bandleader (died in 1984)
1906 – Friz Freleng, American animator, director, and producer (died in 1995)
1916 – Bill Lee, American actor, and singer (died in 1980)
1936 – Wilt Chamberlain, American basketball player and coach (died in 1999)
1938 – Kenny Rogers, American singer-songwriter and actor (died in 2020)
1941 – Jackie DeShannon, American singer-songwriter
1943 – Hugh Wilson, American actor, director and screenwriter (died in 2018)
1952 – Joe Strummer, English singer-songwriter (died in 2002)
1956 – Kim Cattrall, English-Canadian actress
1961 – Stephen Hillenburg, American marine biologist, and animator, SpongeBob Squarepants (died in 2018)
1967 – Carrie-Anne Moss, Canadian actress
1979 – Kelis Rogers, American singer-songwriter
1988 – Kacey Musgraves, American singer-songwriter
1989 – Hayden Panettiere, American actress
August 21st History
1888 – The first practical adding machine in the United States was patented (#’s 388,116-388,119) by William Seward Burroughs.
1911 – The Mona Lisa was stolen by a Louvre employee, Vincenzo Peruggia. It was returned in 1913.
1919 – Pearl Harbor Dry Dock officially opened.
1957 – The Soviet Union successfully conducted a long-range test flight of the R-7 Semyorka, the first intercontinental ballistic missile.
1959 – Hawaii becomes the 50th state
1961 – Motown released what would be its first #1 hit, “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes.
1979 – Soviet dancer Alexander Godunov defected to the United States.
1983 – Broadway Show – La Cage aux Folles (Musical) August 21, 1983
1992 – Ruby Ridge was the site of a deadly confrontation and siege in northern Idaho in 1992 between Randy Weaver, his family and his friend Kevin Harris, and agents of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It resulted in the death of Weaver’s son Sammy, his wife Vicki, and Deputy U.S. Marshal William Francis Degan.
1994- HBO aired a concert special featuring Barbara Streisand and it was her first public concert in 27 years.
2004 – #1 Hit August 21, 2004 – September 10, 2004: Terror Squad – Lean Back
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Wade Boggs once Drank 64 Cans of Miller Lite on a Cross Country Flight and then Beat the Seattle Mariners the next day #goals #achievements
“I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” – Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore (Robert Duvall) in Apocalypse Now, 1979
The most common use for Q-tips is not recommended or advertised by the Q-tip makers whatsoever.
In 2015 a French court renamed a baby after the judge ruled that the parents’ decision to the name the child “Nutella” was not in the child’s best interest.
We used to make fun of my mother buying stuff from home on QVC. Now I do the same thing with Amazon.
Roulette Odds: numbers 25 to 36: Payoff: 2:1 True Odds: 31.58%
When does a joke become a dad joke?
When the punchline becomes apparent.
From 1908–1940, Sears sold 75,000 homes through their mail-order “Modern Homes” program. There were 447 different housing styles to choose from.
Who needs rhetorical questions?
More Pop Culture History Resources
August 20 in Pop Culture History
August 20th History, Facts and Trivia
August 20th History Highlights
- 1920 – The first(?) commercial radio station, 8MK (now WWJ), began operating in Detroit.
- 1920 – The National Football League was organized as the American Professional Football Conference in Canton, Ohio.
- 1986 – In Edmond, Oklahoma, U.S. Postal employee Patrick Sherrill shot and killed14 of his co-workers, injured 6 more, and then committed suicide. It was the initial example of “going postal”.
- If you were born on August 20th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 27th (prior year)
NASA’s Viking 1 & 2
NASA’s Viking Project found a place in history when it became the first U.S. mission to land a spacecraft safely on the surface of Mars and return images of the surface. Two identical spacecraft, each consisting of a lander and an orbiter, were built. Each orbiter-lander pair flew together and entered Mars orbit; the landers then separated and descended to the planet’s surface. The Viking 1 lander touched down on the western slope of Chryse Planitia (the Plains of Gold), while the Viking 2 lander settled down at Utopia Planitia.
The Viking mission was planned to continue for 90 days after landing. Each orbiter and lander operated far beyond its design lifetime. Viking Orbiter 1 continued for four years and 1,489 orbits of Mars, concluding its mission on August 7, 1980, while Viking Orbiter 2 functioned until July 25, 1978.
August 20th is…
Chocolate Pecan Pie Day
Lemonade Day
Radio Day
August 20th Birthday Quotes
– H.P. Lovecraft
” I don’t sit back and count up what I’ve done. There’s just always something else to do. There’s always a challenge ahead.”
– Isaac Hayes
” If you want to sell a steak, you can’t just have the sizzle, you gotta have sauce.”
– Don King
“No, I’ve never thought that I was gay. And that’s not something you think. It’s something you know.”
– Robert Plant
” Don’t pressure yourself. Don’t worry about what others think you should do or what the societal “norm” is. Do what moves you and makes you smile and the good will follow.
– Misha Collins
“Never be ashamed of what you feel. You have the right to feel any emotion that you want, and to do what makes you happy. That’s my life motto.”
– Demi Lovato
” Educate yourself make your world view beggir, visualize wealth, and put yourself in the picture.”
– KRS-One
August 20th Birthdays
1890 – H.P. Lovecraft, American short story writer, editor, novelist (died in 1937)
1923 – Jim Reeves, American singer-songwriter (died in 1964)
1931 – Don King, American boxing promoter
1935 – Ron Paul, American politician, and physician
1942 – Isaac Hayes, American singer-songwriter and producer (died in 2008)
1943 – Sylvester McCoy, Scottish actor
1946 – Connie Chung, American journalist
1948 – Robert Plant, English singer-songwriter
1949 – Phil Lynott, Irish singer-songwriter, Thin Lizzy (died in 1986)
1952 – Doug Fieger, American singer-songwriter, The Knack (died in 2010)
1954 – Al Roker, American news anchor, and television personality
1962 – James Marsters, American actor
1965 – KRS-One, American rapper and producer
1966 – Dimebag Darrell, American guitarist, and songwriter (died in 2004)
1970 – Fred Durst, American singer-songwriter
1974 – Misha Collins, American actor
1983 – Andrew Garfield, American-English actor
1992 – Demi Lovato, American singer-songwriter and actress
August 20th History
1858 – Charles Darwin first published his theory of evolution through natural selection in The Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London
1882 – Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture debuted in Moscow, Russia.
1910 – The Great Fire of 1910 burned 3 Million acres in Washinton, Idaho, and Montana.
1920 – The first commercial radio station, 8MK “Detroit News Radiophone” (now WWJ), began operations in Detroit, Michigan.
1926 – Japan’s public broadcasting company, Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK) was established.
1938 – Lou Gehrig hits his 23rd career grand slam, a record that stood until
2013 years when it was broken by Alex Rodriguez.
1975 – NASA launched the Viking 1 planetary probe toward Mars.
1977 – #1 Hit August 20, 1977 – September 30, 1977: The Emotions – Best of My Love
1977 – NASA launched the Voyager 2 spacecraft towards the outer solar system.
1998 – The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Quebec cannot legally secede from Canada without the federal government’s approval.
2002 – Broadway Show – Hairspray (Musical) August 15, 2002
2014 – 72 people were killed in Japan’s Hiroshima prefecture by a series of landslides that were caused by a (typical) month’s worth of rain that fell in a single day.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
The Capital of Maldives is Male
“No matter how much the cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens.” – Abraham Lincoln
Doritos could be made without the powder and taste exactly the same. It was left on because it was decided that the residue left on your fingers as part of the “Doritos experience.”
Thomas Jefferson is credited with bringing Macaroni and Cheese to the United States, in 1802.
Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues #6 – Industry.
Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
“The man who said ‘I’d rather be lucky than good’ saw deeply into life. People are afraid to face how great a part of life is dependent on luck.” – Chris Wilton in Match Point #moviequotes
Jupiter’s moon Europa may have a similar chemical balance to Earth and has “the right conditions for life.” Oh sure, of ALL the places in the universe humans could move to, we pick the ONE place we were warned to avoid…
Lasers were once the greatest scientific breakthrough in history, now we use them to play with cats.
When the mummy of Pharaoh Ramesses II needed to be moved to Paris for restoration, it was issued an Egyptian passport that listed his occupation as “King (deceased)”. The mummy was received with the full military honors usually accorded to royalty.
The Capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur
Because telescopes work using mirrors, we’ll never know if there are any space vampires.
More Pop Culture History Resources
August 19 in Pop Culture History
August 19th History, Facts and Trivia
August 19th History Highlights
- 1812 – American frigate USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia, earning the nickname “Old Ironsides”.
- 1893 – Frank Wisner invented the Root Beer Float.
- 1934 – The first All-American Soap Box Derby was held in Dayton, Ohio.
- If you were born on August 19th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 26th (prior year)
The Samlesbury Witch Trials
August 19th is…
Bow Day
Potato Day
Soft Ice Cream Day
World Humanitarian Day
World Photo Day
August 19th Birthday Quotes
– Orville Wright
“Middle age is when you’ve met so many people that every new person you meet reminds you of someone else.”
– Ogden Nash
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
– Coco Chanel
” We cannot build our own future without helping others to build theirs.”
– William J. Clinton
“A really good band with a bad drummer is not a good band. A really bad band with a good drummer sounds better.”
– Ginger Baker
“There’s nothing on it worthwhile, and we’re not going to watch it in this household, and I don’t want it in your intellectual diet.”
– Philo Farnsworth (regarding television)
August 19th Birthdays
1883 – Coco Chanel, French fashion designer, founded the Chanel Company (died in 1971)
1902 – Ogden Nash, American poet (died in 1971)
1906 – Philo Farnsworth, American inventor, invented the Television (died in 1971)
1919 – Malcolm Forbes, American publisher and politician (died in 1990)
1921 – Gene Roddenberry, American screenwriter, and producer, Star Trek (died in 1991)
1933 – Debra Paget, American actress
1934 – Renée Richards, American tennis player, and ophthalmologist
1939 – Ginger Baker, English drummer, and songwriter (died in 2019)
1940 – Johnny Nash, American singer-songwriter
1940 – Jill St. John, American actress
1942 – Fred Thompson, American actor, and politician (died in 2015)
1946 – Bill Clinton, American lawyer, 42nd President of the United States
1948 – Gerald McRaney, American actor
1952 – Jonathan Frakes, American actor, and director
1953 – Mary Matalin, American political consultant
1956 – Adam Arkin, American actor
1963 – John Stamos, American actor
1965 – Kyra Sedgwick, American actress
1966 – Lee Ann Womack, American singer-songwriter
1969 – Nate Dogg, American rapper (died in 2011)
1969 – Matthew Perry, American actor
1988 – Veronica Roth, American author
August 19th History
295 BC – The first temple to Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, was dedicated by Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges
1612 – The “Samlesbury witches”, three women from the Lancashire village of Samlesbury, England, were put on trial, accused of practicing witchcraft, with all three of the Samlesbury women acquitted.
1692 – In Salem, Province of Massachusetts Bay, five people, one woman and four men, including a clergyman, are executed after being convicted of witchcraft at the Salem Witch Trials.
1812 – American frigate USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, earning the nickname “Old Ironsides”.
1848 – The New York Herald published the news to the East Coast of the US about the Gold Rush in California.
1909 – The first automobile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
1934 – The first All-American Soap Box Derby was held in Dayton, Ohio.
1950 – #1 Hit August 19, 1950 – November 17, 1950: Gordon Jenkins and The Weavers – Goodnight Irene
1960 – With Korabl-Sputnik 2, the Soviet Union launched the satellite with the dogs Belka and Strelka, 40 mice, two rats, and a variety of plants. All of the creatures survived
1964 – Syncom 3, the first geostationary communication satellite, was launched.
1967 – #1 Hit August 19, 1967 – August 25, 1967: The Beatles – All You Need Is Love
1973 – The (real) Texas Chain Saw Massacre occurred.
August 19, 19** Birthday (fictional) Aloysius Snuffleupagus, Sesame Street
1991 – Black groups targeted Hasidic Jews on the streets of Crown Heights in New York, New York for three days, after two black children were hit by a car driven by a Hasidic man.
2006 – #1 Hit August 19, 2006 – September 8, 2006: Fergie – London Bridge
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
A “kilowarhol” is the unit of measurement used to describe someone who has been famous for 15,000 minutes.
Composer Arthur Sullivan sent a message to Thomas Edison in regard to the phonograph that he was “… terrified at the thought that so much hideous and bad music may be put on record forever.”
TV Quotes… “Heh heh” (Beavis and Butt-head) on “Beavis and Butthead”
If the first two aliens we met were twins we would think their entire species looked the same. #perception
The biggest film of 1943: This is the Army (Musical) earned ~ $12,000,000
Vincent Price did the monologue for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in one take.
US President #1 President George Washington (1789-1797) Despite rumors, his teeth were made of ivory, not wood. You can visit them at the National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore, Md.
“Doctors say that Nordberg has a 50/50 chance of living, though there’s only a 10 percent chance of that.” – Ed Hocken #moviequotes
The “Dog Days of Summer” meaning comes from the dog star Sirius, and that the star would rise just before the sun mid-summer (the hottest days of the year).
The AOL “Welcome” & “You’ve Got Mail” sounds were recorded in 1989 on a cassette deck.
More Pop Culture History Resources
August 18 in Pop Culture History
August 18th History, Facts and Trivia
August 18th History Highlights
- 1872 – The first mail-order catalogs were published by Montgomery Ward. In 2000, the retail outlet was closed.
- 1920 – The 19th Amendment to the US Constitution granted women the right to vote.
- 1960 “The Pill” – birth control went on sale.
- If you were born on August 18th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 25th (prior year)
August 18th is…
Ice Cream Pie Day
Mail Order Catalog Day
Serendipity Day
August 18th Birthday Quotes
” If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don’t do that, you are wasting your time on this Earth.”
– Roberto Clemente
“As I have always held it a crime to anticipate evils, I will believe it a good comfortable road until I am compelled to believe differently.”
– Meriwether Lewis
” Like a guide dog, paintings help you see.”
– Martin Mull
“I think on-stage nudity is disgusting, shameful, and damaging to all things American. But if I were 22 with a great body, it would be an artistic, tasteful, patriotic and progressive religious experience.”
– Shelley Winters
“Write. Write every day. Write honestly. Write something that doesn’t exist, and you wish did. Read. Learn. Study. Watch people. Listen to what they say, listen to how they say it, and listen to what they do not say. Surprise yourself. Scare yourself.”
– Brian Michael Bendis
August 18th Birthdays
1774 – Meriwether Lewis, American soldier, explorer, and politician (died in 1809)
1834 – Marshall Field, American businessman, founded Marshall Field’s (died in 1906)
1904 – Max Factor, Jr., American businessman (died in 1996)
1920 – Shelley Winters, American actress (died in 2006)
1927 – Rosalynn Carter, First Lady of the United States from 1977 to 1981
1933 – Roman Polanski, French-Polish director, and producer
1934 – Roberto Clemente, Puerto Rican-American baseball player (died in 1972)
1935 – Gail Fisher, American actress (died in 2000)
1943 – Martin Mull, American actor, and comedian
1952 – Elayne Boosler, American comedic actress
1952 – Patrick Swayze, American actor, and dancer (died in 2009)
1956 – Jon ‘Bermuda’ Schwartz, American drummer and producer
1958 – Madeleine Stowe, American actress
1961 – Bob Woodruff, American journalist, and author
1967 – Brian Michael Bendis, American comic book author, and illustrator
1969 – Edward Norton, American actor
1978 – Andy Samberg, American actor, and comedian
1993 – Maia Mitchell, Australian actress
August 18th History
1868 – French astronomer Pierre Janssen discovered helium.
1783 – The 1783 Great Meteor was observed from the British Isles.
1877 – Asaph Hall discovered the Martian moon Phobos.
1903 – German engineer Karl Jatho may have flown his own airplane, four months before the first flight of the Wright brothers.
1920 – The Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing women’s suffrage.
1956 – #1 Hit August 18, 1956 – November 2, 1956: Elvis Presley – Don’t Be Cruel / Hound Dog
1958 – Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel Lolita was published in the United States.
1958 – #1 Hit August 18, 1958 – August 24, 1958: Domenico Modugno – Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)
1962 – Ringo Starr joined the Beatles, replacing Pete Best
1973 – #1 Hit August 18, 1973 – August 24, 1973: Diana Ross – Touch Me in the Morning
1977 – Steve Biko was arrested at a police roadblock under the ‘Terrorism Act No 83 of 1967’ in King William’s Town, South Africa. He died from injuries that occurred during his arrest. Peter Gabriel released a tribute to him, Biko, which became a hit in 1980.
1979 – #1 Hit August 18, 1979 – August 24, 1979: Chic – Good Times
August 18, 1989 (fiction) Jurassic Park’s computer systems were sabotaged, Jurassic Park, Book/Film
August 18, 1993 Birthday (fictional) Percy Jackson, Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book/Film
2001 – #1 Hit August 18, 2001 – September 7, 2001: Alicia Keys – Fallin’
2005 – A massive power blackout hits the Indonesian island of Java, affecting almost 100 million people, one of the largest and most widespread power outages in history, and lasted just over six hours.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
In his 1225 essay on the nature of color (Du Luce/On Light), the English Bishop Robert Grosseteste described the birth of the Universe in an explosion and the crystallization of matter to form stars and planets in a set of nested spheres around Earth, seven centuries before the Big Bang theory.
The Capital of Malta is Valletta
All gerbils in the US descend from 20 caught in Mongolia in 1935 for research purposes.
Roman citizens who did not have land were deemed unfit for battle since they would not have something to protect.
Saying “slashed hashbrowns” in a hushed voice makes me sound like I’m speaking Parseltongue. #teamvoldemort
“I feel the need… the need for speed!” – Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and Lt.jg Nick “Goose” Bradshaw (Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards) in Top Gun, 1986
Charlie Sheen stayed awake for 48 hours to achieve his wasted look for his cameo as a drugged-up thug in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”.
The Ouija board got its name after being asked what is should be called. When asked what it meant, the board allegedly replied, “good luck.”
California has a larger GDP than any other country except for China, Japan, Germany, and the UK.
Muhammad Ali recited, during a speech in 1975 at Harvard University, the “shortest poem ever written on what it’s like to be as great as Ali” by saying: “Me? Whee!”
The Capital of Mali is Bamako
“Tastes great!” … “Less filling!” (Miller Lite beer ad)
More Pop Culture History Resources
Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1950?
Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1950?
1950 Pop Culture Highlights and Fun Facts
1950 began a transformative decade in history, pop culture, and entertainment. As the post-World War II era gave way to a period of optimism and innovation, the 1950s introduced iconic trends, memorable music, groundbreaking films, and fascinating historical events. From the first TV sitcoms to unforgettable sports milestones, 1950 set the stage for a cultural revolution that continues to influence us today.
In 1950, television was starting to become a household staple, revolutionizing how families consumed entertainment. Classic shows began to shape prime-time viewing habits, while moviegoers flocked to theaters for thrilling Westerns and captivating dramas. At the same time, the music industry witnessed the early sparks of rock ‘n’ roll, with popular artists setting the stage for the decade’s upcoming cultural shifts. It was also the year certain toys, fashion trends, and inventions became must-haves in American households.
Sports fans also had plenty to cheer for in 1950, with major events defining their favorite games for years. Meanwhile, significant scientific discoveries and political milestones kept the world abuzz, blending innovation with intrigue. Whether you’re a trivia buff or just curious about this pivotal year, exploring the pop culture of 1950 reveals a tapestry of stories and moments that remain timeless.
50 Trivia Questions for 1950 History
(answers)
1. This comic strip character is best described as a lazy American soldier. It continued after its creator, Mort Walker, ‘s death in 2018. Name that apathetic soldier.
2. How many people lived in the United States in 1950?
3. How many people lived in the World in 1950?
4. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1950?
5. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1950?
6. Who was the President of the United States in 1950?
7. Name the first racehorse in history to earn one million dollars.
8. According to the US Census, what was the average family income in 1950?
9. To the nearest quarter, what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1950?
10. On January 17, 1950, some people called it “the crime of the century” when $2.77 million was stolen in Boston Massachusettes. What is the more famous name of the theft?
11. What was the highest-grossing film of 1950?
12. Sometimes called F1, this is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing. What do most people call it today?
13. The first animated TV series debuted in the United States on August 1, 1950. The show was named after the lead character. Name that cartoon.
14. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1950?
15. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1950?
16. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1950?
17. In his encyclical Humani Generis, Pope Pius XII declared WHAT a serious hypothesis that does not contradict essential Catholic teachings.
18. At 22, this Hollywood starlet announced her retirement from the film industry. Who was she?
19. The first charge card (credit card) was used in New York. What was the name of the charge card company?
20. In 1950, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
21. This studio in Rockefeller Plaza was one of the largest radio studios in the world before it was converted to television in 1950. It has hosted Saturday Night since 1975. Name that NBC studio.
22. Name the recording company started by Sam Phillips at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee…
23. Which artist never recorded at Sun Studios: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, or Jerry Lee Lewis?
24. Based on a story from Charles Perrault, Disney released its 12th animated film. Name that film.
25. Disney also released its first live-action film in 1950, based on Robert Lewis Stevenson’s novel of the same name. What is the title of the film?
26. Name the Nat King Cole song about a famous painting that was number one on the Billboard charts for eight weeks.
27. The Hank McCune Show on NBC was the first program to use this technology to “sweeten” the television broadcast. Name that technology.
28. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1950?
29. Thomas J. Pickard and Louis Freeh were born on January 6, 1950. They also both held a high-profile job in Washington, DC. What position did they both hold?
30. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1950: John Candy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tom Petty, or Nora Roberts?
31. This movie star singing cowboy and his horse, Champion, had his own TV on CBS from 1950 to 1956. Name that cowboy.
32. What was the first-named tropical cyclone in the Atlantic hurricane database and the first of six major hurricanes in the 1950 Atlantic hurricane season?
33. What automobile company used the slogan: “Grace…Space…Pace”?
34. What term was first used in English by Edward Hunter in 1950 to describe how the communist Chinese government appeared to make people cooperate with them?
35. New York City was the most populated area in the world, with over 12 million people in the metropolitan area. What was the second most populated city in the world in 1950?
36. Name the United States government-funded organization that began broadcasting news, information, and analysis to Eastern European countries.
37. Who was the Pope in 1950?
38. Featuring the song There’s No Business Like Show Business, this Broadway Technicolor musical comedy debuted on movie screens on July 17, 1950. Name it.
39. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1950?
40. On May 6, 1950, 18-year-old Elizabeth Taylor got married for the first time. She eventually married 8 times. Who was her first husband?
41. What team won the FIFA World Cup in 1950?
42. To make the US Postal Service more cost-effective, U.S. Postmaster General Jesse M. Donaldson limited the carriers to an eight-hour day, and what other major change?
43. Who won the 1950 World Series?
44. Bank robber and murderer Thomas James Holden is the first person on this famous list. What list?
45. What company used the slogan: “You’re in Good Hands”?
46. What company used the slogan: “The Champagne of Bottle Beer”?
47. The third Christmas song reached the Billboard # 1 chart position. Name that song.
48. Although initially published in only seven newspapers, this comic strip became one of the most popular.
Hint: “Good Grief”
49. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1950?
50. Who was the founder of Scientology?
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. What was the name of L. Ron Hubbard’s book introducing Scientology? They call it ‘Book One”.
2. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1950?
3. This comedy film series about an animal, starring Donald O’Connor, Patricia Medina, and the voice of Chill Wills, went on to seven films by 1956. Name the primary character of those films.
4. Who were the 1950 NFL Champions?
5. This accused communist spy, once a United States official, was convicted on two counts of perjury.
6. Who was the American Vice-President in 1950?
7. They call it ‘the world’s longest-running radio soap opera,’ and it began airing on the BBC on May 29, 1950. Name that radio programme.
8. This naturally mummified corpse of a man living in the 4th century BC was found in a Denmark bog. The body was so well preserved they thought he was a recent murder victim. What have we named that man?
9. Who were the 1950 NBA Champions?
10. In East Germany, this group acted as the secret police until 1990.
50 Trivia Answers for 1950 History
1. This comic strip character is best described as a lazy American soldier and continued after his creator, Mort Walker’s death in 2018. Name that apathetic soldier.
Beetle Bailey
2. How many people lived in the United States in 1950?
The population was an estimated 150,697,361 people.
3. How many people lived in the World in 1950?
The estimated world population in 1950 was 2,525,149,000 people.
4. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1950?
In 1950, The Detroit Red Wings won over the New York Rangers (4 games to 3)
5. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1950?
The Tennessee Waltz by Patti Page (very close second place was Goodnight Irene by The Weavers)
6. Who was the President of the United States in 1950?
Harry S. Truman (April 12, 1945 – January 20, 1953)
7. Name the first racehorse in history to earn one million dollars.
Citation
8. According to the US Census, what was the average family income in 1950?
$3,300
9. To the nearest quarter, what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1950?
50 cents
10. On January 17, 1950, some people called it “the crime of the century” when $2.77 million was stolen in Boston Massachusettes. What is the more famous name of the theft?
The Great Brinks Robbery
11. What was the highest-grossing film of 1950?
King Solomon’s Mines
12. Sometimes called F1, this is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing. What do most people call it today?
Formula One (Racing)
13. The first animated TV series debuted in the United States on August 1, 1950. The show was named after the lead character. Name that cartoon.
Crusader Rabbit
14. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1950?
The Cardinal by Henry Morton Robinson
15. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1950?
14 cents
16. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1950?
82 cents
17. In his encyclical Humani Generis, Pope Pius XII declared WHAT a serious hypothesis that does not contradict essential Catholic teachings.
The Theory of Evolution
18. At 22, this Hollywood starlet announced her retirement from the film industry. Who was she?
Shirley Temple
19. The first charge card (credit card) was used in New York. What was the name of the charge card company?
Diner’s Club
20. In 1950, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
Men – 65.6 years, Women – 71.1 years.
21. This studio in Rockefeller Plaza was one of the largest radio studios in the world before it was converted to television in 1950. It has hosted Saturday Night since 1975. Name that NBC studio.
Studio 8H
22. Name the recording company started by Sam Phillips at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee…
Sun Studio (originally called Memphis Recording Service)
23. Which artist never recorded at Sun Studios: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, or Jerry Lee Lewis?
Buddy Holly (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959)
24. Based on a story from Charles Perrault, Disney released its 12th animated film. Name that film.
Cinderella
25. Disney also released its first live-action film in 1950, based on Robert Lewis Stevenson’s novel of the same name. What is the title of the film?
Treasure Island
26. Name the Nat King Cole song about a famous painting that was number one on the Billboard charts for eight weeks.
Mona Lisa
27. The Hank McCune Show on NBC was the first program to use this technology to “sweeten” the television broadcast. Name that technology.
The Laugh Track
28. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1950?
$0.27 per gallon
29. Thomas J. Pickard and Louis Freeh were born on January 6, 1950. They also both held a high-profile job in Washington, DC. What position did they both hold?
They were both directors of the FBI; Louis Freeh (1993 to 2001). Thomas J. Pickard was Acting FBI Director from June 25 to September 4, 2001.
30. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1950: John Candy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tom Petty, or Nora Roberts?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (born April 16, 1947)
31. This movie star singing cowboy and his horse, Champion, had his own TV on CBS from 1950 to 1956. Name that cowboy.
Gene Autry
32. What was the first-named tropical cyclone in the Atlantic hurricane database and the first of six major hurricanes in the 1950 Atlantic hurricane season?
Hurricane Abel. Before naming, they were numbered.
33. What automobile company used the slogan: “Grace…Space…Pace”?
Jaguar
34. What term was first used in English by Edward Hunter in 1950 to describe how the communist Chinese government appeared to make people cooperate with them?
Brainwashing
35. New York City was the most populated area in the world, with over 12 million people in the metropolitan area. What was the second most populated city in the world in 1950?
London, England.
36. Name the United States government-funded organization that began broadcasting news, information, and analysis to Eastern European countries.
Radio Free Europe
37. Who was the Pope in 1950?
Pope Pius XII, March 2, 1939 – October 9, 1958
38. Featuring the song There’s No Business Like Show Business, this Broadway Technicolor musical comedy debuted on movie screens on July 17, 1950. Name it.
Annie Get Your Gun
39. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1950?
60 cents
40. On May 6, 1950, 18-year-old Elizabeth Taylor got married for the first time. She eventually married eight times. Who was her first husband?
Conrad Hilton, Jr.
41. What team won the FIFA World Cup in 1950?
Uruguay
42. To make the US Postal Service more cost-effective, U.S. Postmaster General Jesse M. Donaldson limited the carriers to an eight-hour day, and what other major change?
He stopped twice-a-day deliveries.
43. Who won the 1950 World Series?
In 1950, The New York Yankees won, beating the Philadelphia Phillies (4 games to 0)
44. Bank robber and murderer Thomas James Holden is the first person on this famous list. What list?
The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted
45. What company used the slogan: “You’re in Good Hands”?
Allstate
46. What company used the slogan: “The Champagne of Bottle Beer”?
Miller Beer
47. The third Christmas song reached the Billboard # 1 chart position. Name that song.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (by Gene Autry)
48. Although initially published in only seven newspapers, this comic strip became one of the most popular.
Hint: “Good Grief”
Peanuts
49. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1950?
The American Fighting-man
50. Who was the founder of Scientology?
L. Ron Hubbard
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. What was the name of L. Ron Hubbard’s book introducing Scientology? They call it ‘Book One”.
Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
2. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1950?
Middleground
3. This comedy film series about an animal, starring Donald O’Connor, Patricia Medina, and the voice of Chill Wills, went on to seven films by 1956. Name the primary character of those films.
Francis the Talking Mule
4. Who were the 1950 NFL Champions?
Cleveland Browns
5. This accused communist spy, once a United States official, was convicted on two counts of perjury.
Alger Hiss (November 11, 1904 – November 15, 1996). He and his family proclaimed his innocence.
6. Who was the American Vice-President in 1950?
Alben W. Barkley (January 20, 1949 – January 20, 1953)
7. They call it ‘the world’s longest-running radio soap opera,’ and it began airing on the BBC on May 29, 1950. Name that radio programme.
The Archers
8. This naturally mummified corpse of a man living in the 4th century BC was found in a Denmark bog. The body was so well preserved they thought he was a recent murder victim. What have we named that man?
The Tollund Man
9. Who were the 1950 NBA Champions?
For the 1949-50 Season, Champion Minneapolis Lakers won 4 games to 2 over the Syracuse Nationals
10. In East Germany, this group acted as the secret police until 1990.
The Stasi (Ministerium fur Staatssicherhetsdienst)
1994 Top Ten Music Charts
1994’s Biggest Artists and Songs
Lisa Loeb, Real McCoy, Coolio, Aaliyah, Counting Crows, Brandy, Snoop Dogg, Collective Soul, Joshua Kadison, Queen Latifah, Pearl Jam, Beck, Cowboy Junkies, Garth Brooks, Green Day, The Offspring, Method Man, Fugees, Weezer, Alice In Chains, Usher, Tori Amos, James, Cracker, Trisha Yearwood, Sarah McLachlan, Dwight Yoakam, Nas and Jamie Foxx
1994’s Retro Top 10 Hits
1994’s ‘One Hit Wonders’
1994’s Dance Top 10 Hit List
1994’s Hip Hop Music Top Ten
1994’s Bubblegum Pop Music Top Ten
1994’s Pop Rock Top 10 Hit List
1994’s Chick Rock Top 10 Hit List
1994’s Alternative Top 10 Hit List
1994’s Album Rock Top 10 Hit List
PCM’s 1994 Top 10 Hit List
August 17 in Pop Culture History
August 17th History, Facts and Trivia
August 17th History Highlights
- 1807 – Robert Fulton’s steamboat begin its first trip between Albany and New York City.
- 1978 – Maxie Anderson, Larry Newman, and Ben Abruzzo became the first people to make a transatlantic trip across the ocean, landing in Miserey, France after a 137 hour trip from Maine.
- 1998 – President Bill Clinton made the statement “It depends on what your meaning of ‘is’ is”.
- August 17, 19** Birthday (fictional) Lois Lane, DC Comics
- If you were born on August 17th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 24th (prior year)
August 17th is…
I Love My Feet Day!
Massachusetts DayNonprofit Day
Thrift Shop Day
Vanilla Custard Day
August 17th Birthday Quotes
” There is nothing worse than having your personal problems become somebody else’s entertainment.”
– Maureen O’Hara
” Remember these words when I am dead. First, be sure you’re right, then go ahead.”
– Davy Crockett
” You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
– Mae West
“Stressed about things I shouldn’t even be stressing about.”
– Lil Pump
” Life’s too short to be a Go-Go for twenty years.”
– Belinda Carlisle
” Time goes on. So whatever you’re going to do, do it. Do it now. Don’t wait.”
– Robert De Niro
August 17th Birthdays
1893 – Mae West, American comedic actress (died in 1980)
1909 – Larry Clinton, American trumpet player, and bandleader (died in 1985)
1919 – Georgia Gibbs, American singer (died in 2006)
1920 – Maureen O’Hara, Irish-American actress (died in 2015)
1943 – Robert De Niro, American actor
1945 – Rachel Pollack, American comic book author, and poet
1958 – Belinda Carlisle, American singer, The Go-Gos
1960 – Sean Penn, American actor
1982 – Mark Salling, American actor (died in 2018)
2000 – Lil Pump, American rapper and songwriter
August 17th History
1807
Robert Fulton’s North River Steamboat left New York, New York, to Albany, New York, on the Hudson River, inaugurating the first commercial steamboat service in the world.
1870
Mount Rainier – 14,417 ft (4,394 m) – Washington, USA – First ascent: August 17, 1870 by Hazard Stevens and P. B. Van Trump
1896
Bridget Driscoll was run over by a Benz car in The Crystal Palace, London grounds. She was the UK’s first pedestrian motoring fatality.
1907
Pike Place Market, in Seattle’s historic district, opened.
1908
Émile Cohl released Fantasmagorie. It is one of the earliest examples of traditional (hand-drawn) animation and is considered by film historians to be the first animated cartoon.
1953
The first meeting of Narcotics Anonymous took place in Southern California.
1958
Pioneer 0, America’s first attempt at lunar orbit, is launched using the first Thor-Able rocket and failed.
1959
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis, the best-selling jazz recording of all time, was released.
1968
#1 Hit August 17, 1968 – September 20, 1968: Young Rascals – People Got to Be Free
1969
Hurricane Camille (Category 5) hit the U.S. Gulf Coast, killing 256 people.
1974
#1 Hit August 17, 1974 – August 23, 1974: Paper Lace – The Night Chicago Died
1977
The Soviet icebreaker Arktika became the first surface ship to reach the North Pole.
1978
Double Eagle II became the first balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean when it landed in Miserey, France near Paris, 137 hours after leaving Presque Isle, Maine
1990
(Earthquake) Izmit, Turkey
1998
President Clinton admitted to having an “inappropriate” relationship with an intern, Monica Lewinsky.
August 17, 19** Birthday (fictional) Lois Lane, DC Comics
2002
#1 Hit August 17, 2002 – October 4, 2002: Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland – Dilemma
2005
Weeds premiered on Showtime
2007
August 17, 2007 – High School Musical 2 aired on The Disney Channel
2008
American swimmer Michael Phelps was the first to win eight gold medals in one Olympic Games.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Robby the Robot starred in films such as Forbidden Planet and television’s The Addams Family
Alan’s Law of Research: The theory is supported as long as the funds are.
Olivia Newton-John was sewn into the leather trousers she wears in the last scene of Grease.
Q: What do you give to a sick lemon? A: Lemon aid!
When mopping the floor, use very hot water. It evaporates and dries quicker. #LifeProTip
A group of Hedgehogs is called an Array.
The Scary Statistic: Falling Down odds: 1-in-246
What to do: Stay in a chair, or lie on the ground.
The first mainstream album in history to be recorded & mixed digitally and released in CD format was ‘The Visitors’ by ABBA
The biggest film of 1945: The Bells of St. Mary’s (Drama) earned ~ $21,000,000
More Pop Culture History Resources
August 16 in Pop Culture History
August 16th History, Facts and Trivia
August 16th History Highlights
- 1896 – Gold was found in Rabbit Creek, leading to the Great Klondike Gold Rush in Canada.
- 1930 – The first color sound cartoon, Fiddlesticks, was released by Ub Iwerks.
- 1962 – Pete Best was discharged from The Beatles, to be replaced two days later by Ringo Starr.
- August 16, 19** Birthday (fictional) Jason Todd (Robin II), DC Comics
- If you were born on August 16th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 23rd (prior year)
Roller Coasters
Catherine the Great, the Russian Empress, loved these rides so much that she even had one built for her, and there were slides in the palaces and gardens of the capital. These slides were so popular that they were even part of her palace garden in St. Petersburg. The ride, which opened in St. Petersburg in 1784, consists of a sleigh on a grooved track that descends a small hill, generating electricity through the height and gradient of the first descent. The event took the form of a ride called “Russian Mountains” in honor of Russia’s most famous mountain, the Russian Mountain
They were called Les Montagnes Russe de Belleville, which literally means “Russian mountains of Bellevilles,” and alludes to the place where they began. In Russia, roller coasters began to appear in the late 19th century as a reaction to the popularity of roller coasters in France and Germany.
In 1827, a mining company in Summit Hill, Pennsylvania constructed the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway, a downhill gravity railroad used to deliver coal to Mauch Chunk (now known as Jim Thorpe), Pennsylvania. The first entertainment-themed roller coaster in the country opened on August 16, 1898, in Prescott, Texas, and sparked an obsession with rides among Americans. The best known historical roller coaster, Cyclone, opened at Coney Island in 1927.
August 16th is…
Bratwurst Day
Roller Coaster Day
Rum Day
Tell a Joke Day (Joe Miller’s Day)
Wave at Surveillance Day
August 16th Birthday Quotes
“All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.”
– T. E. Lawrence
“Do not try to excuse your faults; try to correct them.”
– John Bosco
“Don’t settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that’s in us.”
– Angela Bassett
” I’ve had it happen to me before where it turns out that they never had the money and couldn’t have made the movie in the first place. And these are the things you have to look for when trying to read the behavior of the people you sit down with.”
– Robert Culp
“Tell me I’m beautiful, it’s nothing. Tell me I’m intellectual – I know it. Tell me I’m funny and it’s the greatest compliment in the world anyone could give me.”
– Julie Newmar
” If you settle for what you’ve got, you deserve what you get.”
– Kathie Lee Gifford
August 16th Birthdays
1888 – T. E. Lawrence, British colonel, diplomat, writer and archaeologist (died in 1935)
1892 – Hal Foster, Canadian-American author and illustrator (died in 1982)
1892 – Otto Messmer, American cartoonist and animator, co-created Felix the Cat (died in 1983)
1915 – Al Hibbler, American baritone singer (died in 2001)
1924 – Fess Parker, American actor (died in 2010)
1928 – Eydie Gormé, American singer (died in 2013)
1930 – Robert Culp, American actor (died in 2010)
1930 – Frank Gifford, American football player, and sportscaster (died in 2015)
1933 – Julie Newmar, American actress
1946 – Lesley Ann Warren, American actress
1953 – Kathie Lee Gifford, American talk show host
1953 – James “J.T.” Taylor, American R&B singer-songwriter
1954 – James Cameron, Canadian director, producer and screenwriter
1957 – Laura Innes, American actress, and director
1958 – Madonna, American singer-songwriter and actress
1958 – Angela Bassett, American actress
1960 – Timothy Hutton, American actor
1962 – Steve Carell, American actor,
1985 – Cristin Milioti, American actress
August 16th History
“Europe and America are united by telegraphy. Glory to God in the highest; on earth, peace and goodwill toward men.”
1896 – Skookum Jim Mason, George Carmack, and Dawson Charlie discovered gold in a tributary of the Klondike River in Canada, starting the Klondike Gold Rush.
1920 – Ray Chapman of the Cleveland Indians is hit on the head by a fastball thrown by Carl Mays of the New York Yankees, and died early the next day.
1927 – The Dole Air Race from Oakland, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii. Six participating planes crashed or disappeared, only two made it to Hawaii.
1930 – The first color sound cartoon, called Fiddlesticks, was made by ex-Disney cartoonist Ub Iwerks. It appeared in the music video for Eminem’s song “The Real Slim Shady.” Ub went back to work for Disney in 1940.
1954 – The first issue of Sports Illustrated was published.
August 16, 19** Birthday (fictional) Jason Todd (Robin II), DC Comics
1985 – Madonna married actor Sean Penn.
1986 – #1 Hit August 16, 1986 – August 29, 1986: Madonna – Papa Don’t Preach
1989 – A solar flare from the Sun created a geomagnetic storm that affected micro chips, leading to a halt of all trading on Toronto’s stock market.
1996 – At the Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield Illinois, a 3-year-old boy fell into a Gorilla enclosure and lost consciousness. Binti Jua, a female Gorilla, guarded the young boy against the other gorillas, cradled him in her arms, and carried him 60 feet to an entrance where zookeepers could retrieve him.
2008 – The Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago reached 1,389 feet (423 m), making, at the time, the world’s highest residence above ground-level.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
The fear of cooking is known as Mageirocophobia and is a recognized phobia.
“I’m not talented or gifted. I’m a committed, meticulous workaholic. The only reason I succeed is that I refuse to fail.” – Jessie Snow
“Eh, what’s up doc?” #CartoonCatchphrase
Kidz Bop versions of lyrics are basically what the lyrics of those songs would have been if they had been written 60 years ago.
A group of ants is called a Colony or Army or Swarm or Nest.
Jeanne Clemont was the oldest person ever to live, surviving all the way up 120 years and 238 days.
There are more than 30,000 diets on public records. #snapplefacts
A strawberry is not a berry.
Rita Hayworth – Real Name: Marguerita Cansino
“You know, gingivitis is the number one cause of all tooth decay.” – Ace Ventura in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls #moviequotes
This orange juice says concentrate, but it doesn’t say for how long.
What is another word for “thesaurus”?
More Pop Culture History Resources
August 15 in Pop Culture History
August 15th History, Facts and Trivia
August 15th History Highlights
- 1515 – Panama City, Panama was founded.
- 1870 – The Transcontinental Railway was completed at Promontory Point, UT, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific ports via rail lines.
- 1914 – The Panama Canal opened, although the first ship to pass through, The SS Ancon, went through the 50-mile waterway on August 3.
- 1945 Japan’s Emperor Hirohito addressed the nation, regarding the surrender of Japan to the Allied Forces in the Jewel Voice Broadcast.
- If you were born on August 15th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 22nd (prior year)
Emperor Hirohito’ Surrender Address
Check The Chip Day
Leathercraft Day
Lemon Meringue Pie Day
Relaxation Day
Check The (micro) Chip Day
August 15th is…
Check The Chip Day
Leathercraft Day
Lemon Meringue Pie Day
Relaxation Day
August 15th Birthday Quotes
” Living the past is a dull and lonely business; looking back strains the neck muscles, causing you to bump into people not going your way.”
– Edna Ferber
” Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”
– Julia Child
“If you build an army of 100 lions and their leader is a dog, in any fight, the lions will die like a dog. But if you build an army of 100 dogs and their leader is a lion, all dogs will fight as a lion.”
– Napoleon Bonaparte
“No matter how much you change, you still got to pay the price for the things you’ve done.”
– Ben Affleck
” I like words. I like the way they clash around together and bang up against each other, especially in songs.”
– Jimmy Webb
” On a mission, your worst enemy is idle time.”
– Nipsey Hussle
August 15th Birthdays
1732 – Maria Coventry, Countess of Coventry (died in 1760) #27club
1769 – Napoleon, French general and emperor (died in 1821)
1879 – Ethel Barrymore, American actress (died in 1959)
1885 – Edna Ferber, American novelist, short story writer, and playwright (died in 1968)
1900 – Estelle Brody, American silent film actress (died in 1995)
1912 – Julia Child, American chef and author (died in 2004)
1914 – Paul Rand, American graphic designer and art director (died in 1996)
1925 – Mike Connors, American actor (died in 2017)
1933 – Bobby Helms, American singer-songwriter (died in 1997)
1938 – Maxine Waters, American politician
1946 – Jimmy Webb, American singer-songwriter
1961 – Ed Gillespie, American political strategist
1968 – Debra Messing, American actress
1972 – Ben Affleck, American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
1985 – Nipsey Hussle, American rapper (died in 2019)
1990 – Jennifer Lawrence, American actress
August 15th History
1519 – Panama City, Panama, was founded.
1549 – Jesuit priest Francis Xavier came ashore at Kagoshima, Japan.
1843 – Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest still intact amusement parks in the world, opened in Copenhagen, Denmark. It may be best known for its wooden roller coaster, Rutschebanen, or Bjergbanen (the Mountain Coaster), built in 1914
1868 (Earthquake) Ecuador
1914 – The Panama Canal opened with the transit of the cargo ship SS Ancon.
August 15, 1917 Birthday (fictional) Howard Stark, Marvel Cinematic Universe
1935 – Entertainer Will Rogers and pilot Wiley Post were killed after their aircraft developed engine problems during takeoff in Barrow, Alaska.
1939 – The Wizard of Oz premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, California.
1947 – India gained Independence from the British Indian Empire.
1948 – CBS launched the first network TV news broadcast.
1960 – #1 Hit August 15, 1960 – September 18, 1960: Elvis Presley – It’s Now or Never
1964 – #1 Hit August 15, 1964 – August 21, 1964: Dean Martin – Everybody Loves Somebody
1965 – The Beatles played at Shea Stadium in New York. It is considered the first major rock concert. There were only a few hundred watts of sound for the band, who did not have monitors to hear each other and could not be heard over the screaming of 55,600 fans. The concert grossed $304,000 – a record at the time.
1969 – The Woodstock Music & Art Fair opened in upstate New York. Tickets for the three-day event were $18 in advance and $24 at the gate, and there was sufficient sound for the 500,000 attendees.
1973 – The United States’ bombing of Cambodia ended.
1977 – The Big Ear, a radio telescope operated by Ohio State University as part of the SETI project, received a radio signal from deep space – “6EQUJ5.” The event was named the “Wow! signal” from the notation made by Jerry Ehman on the project. The signal appears to have come to the northwest of the globular cluster of M55 in the constellation Sagittarius, near the Chi Sagittarii star group.
1981 – #1 Hit August 15, 1981 – October 16, 1981: Diana Ross and Lionel Richie – Endless Love
1985 – Michael Jackson paid $47.5 Million for the publishing rights to the Beatles’ song catalog.
1992 – #1 Hit August 15, 1992 – November 13, 1992: Boyz II Men – End Of The Road
1992 – Nickelodeon began airing their Saturday night programming known as SNICK.
August 15, 2014 – How to Build a Better Boy aired on The Disney Channel
#1 Hit August 15, 2020 – August 21, 2020: Watermelon Sugar – Harry Styles
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
“Until you’re ready to look foolish, you’ll never have the possibility of being great.” – Cher
Lewis Carroll – Real Name: Charles Lutwidge Dodgson
The traditional meat in Aztec Pozole was the flesh of human sacrifice. Modern Pozole typically contains pork.
‘Sweet, sweet Connie’ from Grand Funk Railroad’s ‘We’re An American Band’ is a real woman, named Connie Hamzy.
Maybe it was the man on first that let the dogs out #wholetthedogsout
Lucille Le Sueur was better known as Joan Crawford.
“Live long and prosper” – Spock (Star Trek)
“Everything dies, baby, that’s a fact, but maybe everything that dies someday comes back.” #songlyrics
e.g. is the abbreviation of the Latin phrase ‘exempli gratia,’ meaning ‘for example.’
A group of Goats is called a Tribe or Trip or Drove or Herd or Flock.
The word “dude” in The Big Lebowski was spoken 160 times in the movie. #dude
More Pop Culture History Resources
Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1965?
Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1965?
65 Trivia Questions for 1965 History
(answers)
1. A television architect named Wilbur Post, played by Alan Young, owned a horse. What was that horse’s name?
2. In 1965, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
3. 1965 Catchphrase: Who said “Danger, Will Robinson”?
4. What was the highest-grossing film of 1965?
5. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1965?
6. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1965?
7. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1965?
8. Can you name The Rolling Stones’ first American Number One Hit?
9. This television show featured Secret Service agents James West and Artemus Gordon in the 1970s.
10. Before the Canadian flag was the red and white Maple Leaf flag, what was the official Flag of Canada?
11. The Unisphere, a 12-story-high stainless-steel model of the earth, symbolized this 1965 event in New York.
12. Only one cast member remained from the original pilot episode of Star Trek. Name him.
13. Can you name the second Beatles motion picture
14. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1965?
15. This 1965 album by Bob Dylan, his sixth, is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Name the album.
16. Starring Jerry Van Dyke and lasting 30 episodes, this television show is often called among the worst tv shows of all time.
17. How many people lived in the United States in 1965?
18. How many people lived in the World in 1965?
19. To the nearest quarter, what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1965?
20. Who was the President of the United States in 1965?
21. A 630-foot monument has become the symbol of St. Louis, Missouri. What is it called?
22. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1965: DJ Jazzy Jeff, Dr. Dre, Heavy D., Jam Master Jay, or Rob Zombie?
23. The Pillsbury Company’s mascot was introduced in 1965. What do we call him?
24. Name the racing legend who was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash at the Motor Trend 500 race but would recover to win two more Indy 500s, the Daytona 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Man’s race in his career.
25. Who won the 1965 World Series?
26. The Grateful Dead played their first show under their new name in late 1965. What were they called before that?
27. Name the book by attorney and auto safety advocate Ralph Nader that highlighted the dangers of automobiles.
28. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1965?
29. Harvey Korman played a tiny, green, floating alien on The Flintstones. What was this spaceman’s name?
30. Oceanic Airlines was at the center of Lost, but Oceanic has been mentioned dozens of times in Pop Culture, starting with a 1965 episode of what water-based television show
31. What rock band featured Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Angus Maclise as members?
32. The optical system used to store digital data and read by a laser is better known as what?
33. Can you name the television sitcom set in a German (Nazi) prisoner of war (POW) camp during World War II?
34. Name the person or car that first drive an automobile faster than 600 miles per hour, setting a new land speed record of 600.601 mph.
35. The lyrics from The Byrds’ 1965 song Turn! Turn! Turn! are taken almost verbatim from what book of The Bible?
36. What was the Top Rated TV Show in the 1964/1965 season?
37. The fourth film in the James Bond series was released in 1965, based on a 1961 novel by Ian Fleming. What was the name of the novel and film?
38. Noted for “the greatest pie fight ever,” this 1965 film was inspired by the actual 1908 New York to Paris Race.
39. Name the writing tool that uses pressurized ink cartridges to write in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, over wet and greasy paper, and at any angle.
40. What is the name of the town where Days of Our Lives takes place?
41. Originally sold under the name “ChemGrass,” this product became well-known a few years later as what?
42. Name the festival where Bob Dylan offended many of his fans by “going electric”—by playing an electric guitar.
43. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1965?
44. Who was the first African-American to enter Major League Baseball’s “500 Club” – hitting 500 home runs in his career?
45. This adventure television series was the first American television drama to feature a black actor in a lead role. Name the Show.
46. The Beatles released their first official double A-side single in 1965. What two songs were included?
47. Founded in 1965 and selling sandwiches, salads, and beverages, Pete’s Super Submarines changed its name in 1968. Name that fast-food restaurant.
48. J. K. Rowling, the British novelist who created the best-selling Harry Potter book series, was born on July 31, 1965. What is her first name?
49. This television show was based on a novel from 1812 and a comic book. Name that Program…
50. Name the play by Neil Simon, with Walter Matthau as Oscar Madison and Art Carney as Felix Ungar.
51. When he signed a three-year contract with the New York Jets for $400,000, it was the highest paid to a professional football player. Name that player.
52. In this magical television show, a fictitious astronaut lived at 1020 Palm Drive in Cocoa Beach, Florida. What show?
53. English supermodel Jean Shrimpton wore a controversially short dress in Australia, introducing what to 1960s fashion?
54. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1965?
55. Who was the first Pope to visit the United States?
56. This television comedy about a couple who move from New York City to a country farm aired on CBS from 1965 to 1971.
57. US President Johnson signed a law penalizing this act with up to 5 years in prison and a $1,000 fine. What act?
58. What company used the slogan: “Fly the friendly skies.”
59. Today, it is a Summer Olympic sporting event, but the first National Championships were held in Anaheim, California, and aired on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Name that sport.
60. This rock group played the first stadium concert in music history before 55,600 persons at Shea Stadium in New York City. Name that group.
61. At the time, this state funeral was the largest assembly of dignitaries worldwide. Whose funeral was it?
62. As of 2020, this 1965 film sold more tickets than 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
63. What was the second highest-grossing film of 1965?
64. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1965?
65. On Gilligan’s Island, the Professor had a real name. Do you know it?
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. What was The Skipper’s name on Gilligan’s Island?
2. 1965 Catchphrase: What TV character said “Would you believe…?”?
3. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1965?
4. Who was the Pope in 1965?
5. This cartoon hero took Proton Energy Pills (“PEP”), which give him “the strength of twenty atom bombs for twenty seconds.”
6. Who was the American Vice-President in 1965?
7. TV Spy Maxwell Smart worked for an organization named CONTROL. What was the name of the bad guy’s organization?
8. Who were the 1965 NBA Champions?
9. What type of car was featured in television’s My Mother The Car?
10. Who were the 1965 NFL Champions?
65 Trivia Answers for 1965 History
1. A television architect named Wilbur Post, played by Alan Young, owned a horse. What was that horse’s name?
Mister Ed
2. In 1965, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
Men – 66.8 years, Women – 73.7 years.
3. 1965 Catchphrase: Who said “Danger, Will Robinson”?
Robot (B-9) on Lost in Space
4. What was the highest-grossing film of 1965?
The Sound of Music
5. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1965?
21 cents
6. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1965?
$1.05
7. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1965?
The Source by James Michener
8. Can you name The Rolling Stones’ first American Number One Hit?
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones
9. This television show featured Secret Service agents James West and Artemus Gordon in the 1970s.
The Wild Wild West (1965-1969)
10. Before the Canadian flag was the red and white Maple Leaf flag, what was the official Flag of Canada?
Great Britain’s Union Flag (Or the Canadian Red Ensign)
11. The Unisphere, a 12-story-high stainless-steel model of the earth, symbolized this 1965 event in New York.
1964 (1964/1965) New York World’s Fair
12. Only one cast member remained from the original pilot episode of Star Trek. Name him.
Leonard Nimoy as “Mr. Spock”
13. Can you name the second Beatles motion picture?
Help!
14. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1965?
In 1965, The Montreal Canadiens won over the Chicago Black Hawks (4 games to 3)
15. This 1965 album by Bob Dylan, his sixth, is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Name the album.
Highway 61 Revisited
16. Starring Jerry Van Dyke and lasting 30 episodes, this television show is often called among the worst tv shows of all time.
My Mother The Car
17. How many people lived in the United States in 1965?
The population was an estimated 194,302,963 people.
18. How many people lived in the World in 1965?
The estimated world population in 1965 was 3,329,122,479 people.
19. To the nearest quarter, what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1965?
$1.00
20. Who was the President of the United States in 1965?
Lyndon B. Johnson (November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969)
21. A 630-foot monument has become the symbol of St. Louis, Missouri. What is it called?
The Gateway Arch, also called “The Gateway to the West”.
22. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1965: DJ Jazzy Jeff, Dr. Dre, Heavy D., Jam Master Jay, or Rob Zombie?
Heavy D (Dwight Arrington Myers, May 24, 1967 – November 8, 2011)
23. The Pillsbury Company’s mascot was introduced in 1965. What do we call him?
The Pillsbury Doughboy (aka “Poppin’ Fresh”)
24. Name the racing legend who was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash at the Motor Trend 500 race but would recover to win two more Indy 500s, the Daytona 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Man’s race in his career.
A.J. Foyt
25. Who won the 1965 World Series?
In 1965, The Los Angeles Dodgers won, beating the Minnesota Twins (4 games to 3)
26. The Grateful Dead played their first show under their new name in late 1965. What were they called before that?
The Warlocks
27. Name the book by attorney and auto safety advocate Ralph Nader that highlighted the dangers of automobiles.
Unsafe at Any Speed
28. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1965?
53 cents
29. Harvey Korman played a tiny, green, floating alien on The Flintstones. What was this spaceman’s name?
The Great Gazoo
30. Oceanic Airlines was at the center of Lost, but Oceanic has been mentioned dozens of times in Pop Culture, starting with a 1965 episode of what water-based television show?
Flipper
31. What rock band featured Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Angus Maclise as members?
The Velvet Underground
32. The optical system used to store digital data and read by a laser is better known as what?
The Compact Disc (CD)
33. Can you name the television sitcom set in a German (Nazi) prisoner of war (POW) camp during World War II?
Hogan’s Heroes
34. Name the person or car that first drive an automobile faster than 600 miles per hour, setting a new land speed record of 600.601 mph.
Craig Breedlove, driving his Spirit of America
35. The lyrics from The Byrds’ 1965 song Turn! Turn! Turn! are taken almost verbatim from what book of The Bible?
The book of Ecclesiastes
36. What was the Top Rated TV Show in the 1964/1965 season?
Bonanza (NBC)
37. The fourth film in the James Bond series was released in 1965, based on a 1961 novel by Ian Fleming. What was the name of the novel and film?
Thunderball
38. Noted for “the greatest pie fight ever,” this 1965 film was inspired by the actual 1908 New York to Paris Race.
The Great Race
39. Name the writing tool that uses pressurized ink cartridges to write in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, over wet and greasy paper, and at any angle.
The Space Pen (aka Zero Gravity Pen)
40. What is the name of the town where Days of Our Lives takes place?
Salem
41. Originally sold under the name “ChemGrass,” this product became well-known a few years later as what?
AStroTurf, after its use at the Houston Astrodome stadium.
42. Name the festival where Bob Dylan offended many of his fans by “going electric”—by playing an electric guitar.
The 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
43. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1965?
$0.31 per gallon
44. Who was the first African-American to enter Major League Baseball’s “500 Club” – hitting 500 home runs in his career?
Willie Mays
45. This adventure television series was the first American television drama to feature a black actor in a lead role. Name the Show.
I-Spy, with Bill Cosby and Robert Kulp.
46. The Beatles released their first official double A-side single in 1965. What two songs were included?
Day Tripper and We Can Work It Out
47. Founded in 1965 and selling sandwiches, salads, and beverages, Pete’s Super Submarines changed its name in 1968. Name that fast-food restaurant.
Subway
48. J. K. Rowling, the British novelist who created the best-selling Harry Potter book series, was born on July 31, 1965. What is her first name?
Joanne (The “K” stands for “Kathleen,” which was the first name of her grandmother and not her name)
49. This television show was based on a novel from 1812 and a comic book. Name that Program…
Lost in Space (Based on Johann David Wyss’ Swiss Family Robinson and the Gold Key comic book series Space Family Robinson).
50. Name the play by Neil Simon, with Walter Matthau as Oscar Madison and Art Carney as Felix Ungar.
The Odd Couple
51. When he signed a three-year contract with the New York Jets for $400,000, it was the highest paid to a professional football player. Name that player.
Joe Namath
52. In this magical television show, a fictitious astronaut lived at 1020 Palm Drive in Cocoa Beach, Florida. What show?
I Dream of Jeannie
53. English supermodel Jean Shrimpton wore a controversially short dress in Australia, introducing what to 1960s fashion?
The miniskirt.
54. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1965?
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones
55. Who was the first Pope to visit the United States?
Pope Paul VI. He celebrated a Mass in Yankee Stadium and spoke at the United Nations.
56. This television comedy about a couple who move from New York City to a country farm aired on CBS from 1965 to 1971.
Green Acres
57. US President Johnson signed a law penalizing this act with up to 5 years in prison and a $1,000 fine. What act?
Burning draft cards.
58. What company used the slogan: “Fly the friendly skies”
United Airlines
59. Today, it is a Summer Olympic sporting event, but the first National Championships were held in Anaheim, California, and aired on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Name that sport.
Skateboarding.
60. This rock group played the first stadium concert in music history before 55,600 persons at Shea Stadium in New York City. Name that group.
The Beatles
61. At the time, this state funeral was the largest assembly of dignitaries worldwide. Whose funeral was it?
Sir Winston Churchill (November 30, 1874 – January 24, 1965)
62. As of 2020, this 1965 film sold more tickets than 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
The Sound of Music
63. What was the second highest-grossing film of 1965?
Doctor Zhivago
64. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1965?
General William Westmoreland
65. On Gilligan’s Island, the Professor had a real name. Do you know it?
Roy Hinkley, Ph.D.
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. What was The Skipper’s name on Gilligan’s Island?
Jonas “The Skipper” Grumby
2. 1965 Catchphrase: What TV character said “Would you believe…?”?
Maxwell Smart on Get Smart
3. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1965?
Lucky Debonair
4. Who was the Pope in 1965?
Pope Paul VI, from June 21, 1963 – August 6, 1978
5. This cartoon hero took Proton Energy Pills (“PEP”), which give him “the strength of twenty atom bombs for twenty seconds.”
Roger Ramjet. There were 156 episodes from 1965-1969.
6. Who was the American Vice-President in 1965?
Hubert Humphrey (January 20, 1965 – January 20, 1969)
The office of vice president was vacant from November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1965
7. TV Spy Maxwell Smart worked for an organization named CONTROL. What was the name of the bad guy’s organization?
KAOS
8. Who were the 1965 NBA Champions?
For the 1964-65 Season, Champion Boston Celtics won 4 games to 1 over the Los Angeles Lakers
9. What type of car was featured in television’s My Mother The Car?
A 1928 Porter touring car.
10. Who were the 1965 NFL Champions?
Green Bay Packers
August 14 in Pop Culture History
August 14th History, Facts and Trivia
August 14th History Highlights
- 1592 – The Falkland Islands were discovered by John Davis.
- 1935 – Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, creating a government pension system for the retired.
- 1975 – The Gager’s Diner softball team played the Bend’n Elbow Tavern team for 365 innings, to raise money for the Montecillo Community General Hospital (NY) for the construction of a softball field.
The Gagers won, 491-467. It remains the longest softball game of all time. - 1975 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the longest-running release in film history, opened in London.
- August 14, 1989 – Sega Mega Drive/Genesis was released, Video Game Console
- If you were born on August 14th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 21st (prior year)
Social Security Act
On August 14, 1935, the Social Security Act (SSA) was signed into law, and Roosevelt signed it into law. Congress passed it in 1934 to provide benefits to retirees based on their income and history. On August 13, 1936, Roosevelt, signed the Social Security Act, which provided benefits based on the pensioner’s employment history as required by the law, and on August 15, 1937.
Congress passed it in 1934 to provide benefits to retirees based on their income and history. On August 13, 1936, Roosevelt, together with Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court, signed the Social Security Act, which provided benefits based on the pensioner’s employment history as required by the law, and on August 15, 1937.
Social Security is the largest federal program, paying pension benefits to retired workers and their dependents and survivors through the Social Security program and to disabled workers and their dependents through the Disability Insurance program.
VJ Day
August 14th is…
Navajo Code talkers Day
VJ Day
August 14th Birthday Quotes
” It’s hard to make changes. Things get so comfortable and you don’t want to move. Maybe it would do you good to be a little uncomfortable for a while, and do something different.”
– Danielle Steel
“Life is too complex to compress into soundbites. Every situation is different.”
– Sarah Brightman
“There is no normal life, there’s just life.”
– Doc Holliday
” Confidence, not cockiness. Knowing who you are is confidence. Cockiness is knowing who you are and pushing it down everyone’s throat.”
– Mila Kunis
” Don’t waste the time. Time is the final currency, man. Not money, not power – it’s time.”
– David Crosby
” Be so good they can’t ignore you.”
– Steve Martin
” There have been so many people who have said to me, ‘You can’t do that,’ but I’ve had an innate belief that they were wrong. Be unwavering and relentless in your approach.”
– Halle Berry
August 14th Birthdays
1851 – Doc Holliday, American dentist, and gambler (died in 1887)
1881 – Francis Ford, American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter (died in 1953)
1923 – Alice Ghostley, American character actress (died in 2007)
1926 – Buddy Greco, American singer, and pianist (died in 2017)
1941 – David Crosby, American singer-songwriter
1945 – Steve Martin, American actor, comedian and screenwriter
1946 – Susan Saint James, American actress
1947 – Danielle Steel, American author
1950 – Gary Larson, American cartoonist, The Far Side
1956 – Rusty Wallace, American race car driver, and sportscaster
1959 – Magic Johnson, American basketball player
1960 – Sarah Brightman, English singer, and actress
1966 – Halle Berry, American model, and actress, Miss World United States 1986
1968 – Catherine Bell, English-American actress
1983 – Mila Kunis, Ukrainian-American actress
1987 – Tim Tebow, American football and baseball player
August 14th History
1888 – An audio recording of English composer Arthur Sullivan’s “The Lost Chord,” one of the first recordings of music ever made, was played during a press conference introducing Thomas Edison’s phonograph in London, England.
1893 – France became the first country to introduce motor vehicle registration.
1933 – Oxydol’s Own Ma Perkins debuted on Cincinnati’s WLW and became the first successful national radio soap opera.
1935 – Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act.
1936 – Rainey Bethea was hanged in Owensboro, Kentucky in the last public execution in the United States.
1945 – Japan accepted the Allied terms of surrender in World War II. V-J Day. Be sure to thank Alan Hunter, Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, J.J. Jackson and Martha Quinn for their service to our country.
1959 – Founding and first official meeting of the American Football League.
1965 – #1 Hit August 14, 1965 – September 3, 1965: Sonny & Cher – I Got You, Babe
1975 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the longest-running release in film history, opened at the USA Theatre in Westwood, Los Angeles, California.
1980 – Lech Walesa led the first strike at the Gdansk, Poland shipyards.
August 14, 1989 – Sega Mega Drive/Genesis was released, Video Game Console
1994 – Inside The Actors Studio made its debut on Bravo
2000 – Dora the Explorer premiered on Nick Jr
2010 – The first-ever Youth Olympic Games were held in Singapore.
2013 – Egypt declared a state of emergency as security forces killed hundreds of demonstrators supporting former president Mohamed Morsi.
#1 Hit August 14, 2021 – September 10, 2021: Stay – The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Noah’s Arcade was the sponsor for the TV show “Wayne’s World”.
History doesn’t repeat itself, humans repeat history.
It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission.
“Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.” – Bruce Lee
Using the word “pedantic,” in fact, makes you sound pedantic.
“I was hiding under your porch because I love you.” – Up
“Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?” – John Bender in The Breakfast Club
Candygram! #TVCatchphrase
Two wrongs don’t make a right, but two Wrights make an airplane.
Acton’s Law: Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.
The world record for 100-meter three-legged race stands at 13.6 seconds, since 1906.
More Pop Culture History Resources
Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1937?
Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1937?
37 Trivia Questions for 1937 History
(answers)
1. What was the highest-grossing film of 1937?
2. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1937?
3. When it opened on May 27, 1937, it was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge. Name that bridge.
4. In 1937, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
5. In 1937, her divorce was finalized so she could marry the former British king Edward, Duke of Windsor. Who was she?
6. This cartoon character first appeared in the Looney Tunes animated short Porky’s Duck Hunt. Who was he?
7. This 1936 Marx Brothers film featured Groucho Marx as Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush.
8. How many people lived in the United States in 1937?
9. Who was the high-profile American who visited Nazi Germany with his wife and did some spying while he was there?
10. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1937?
11. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1937: Vanessa Redgrave, Roberta Flack, Yoko Ono, Jack Nicholson or Saddam Hussein?
12. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1937?
13. The basic ingredients include ham and pork, and the Hormel Corporation introduced this canned product in 1937. What is it?
14. This 1937 book started an empire that included books, adaptations, and Oscar-winning movies. Name the book and author.
15. Who was the President of the United States in 1937?
16. Which president’s head was dedicated at Mount Rushmore on September 17, 1937? HINT: He was the third head to be completed.
17. What was the name of Ernest Hemingway’s novel about Harry Morgan, a fishing boat captain out of Key West, Florida?
18. Nicknamed the “Blonde Bombshell” and the “Platinum Blonde,” this sex symbol died too soon at the age of 26…
19. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1937?
20. What soap opera began on NBC radio in 1937, switched to television in 1952, and was finally canceled in 2009?
21. In this air disaster, 13 passengers and 22 crew died, along with someone on the ground. What was this terrible event?
22. Over 20,000,000 Americans began participating in this government program. Name that government entitlement.
23. What was the title of John Steinbeck’s novella of the Great Depression?
24. This man set a new record for a nonstop transcontinental flight from Los Angeles to New York: 7 hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds. He beat his 1936 record by nearly 2 hours.
25. This 1937 film starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March has been remade thrice – in 1954, 1976, and 2018.
26. This magazine debuted to compete with Life Magazine. It focuses on pictures and is also in a large format.
27. At 11 feet tall and over 25 feet wide, this gray, black-and-white painting by Pablo Picasso is his largest and probably most well-known painting. What did he call it?
28. Debuting with its first issue in March 1937, it became the longest-running comic book title in history. Name that comic book.
29. What is the name of Dr. Seuss’s first children’s book?
30. Who was the Time Magazine Man & Wife of the Year in 1937?
31. Guarded 24 hours per day by soldiers of the US Army, what is the monument’s name in Arlington, Virginia?
32. On June 14, 1937, what was the first state to make Flag Day an official state holiday?
33. Who won the 1937 World Series?
34. What is the name of the roadway between Weehawken, New Jersey, and Midtown Manhattan, New York City?
35. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1937?
36. What was the musical stage comedy that gave us several hit songs, including My Funny Valentine and The Lady is a Tramp?
37. Nicknamed the “Brown Bomber,” who became the heavyweight boxing champion?
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Who did Joe Louis defeat to become the world heavyweight boxing champion on June 22, 1937?
2. Who was the Pope in 1937?
3. Who were the 1937 NFL Champions?
4. On July 2, 1937, Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared after taking off from New Guinea. Amelia was married. What was her full married name?
5. Who was the American Vice-President in 1937?
6. Where did the NFL Washington Redskins play before they moved to Washington?
7. What was the name of the 1937 National Football League team in Cleveland?
8. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1937?
9. Who was the highest-paid adult star in Hollywood in 1937?
10. Who won the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in 1937?
37 Trivia Answers for 1937 History
1. What was the highest-grossing film of 1937?
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
2. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1937?
Sweet Leilani by Bing Crosby
3. When it opened on May 27, 1937, it was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge. Name that bridge.
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
4. In 1937, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
Men – 58 years, Women – 62.4 years.
5. In 1937, her divorce was finalized so she could marry the former British king Edward, Duke of Windsor. Who was she?
Wallis Simpson. They were married in June at the Château de Candé in Monts, France.
6. This cartoon character first appeared in the Looney Tunes animated short Porky’s Duck Hunt. Who was he?
Daffy Duck
7. This 1936 Marx Brothers film featured Groucho Marx as Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush.
A Day At The Races
8. How many people lived in the United States in 1937?
The population was an estimated 128,824,829 people.
9. Who was the high-profile American who visited Nazi Germany with his wife and did some spying while he was there?
Charles Lindbergh (with his wife, Anne)
10. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1937?
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
11. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1937: Vanessa Redgrave, Roberta Flack, Yoko Ono, Jack Nicholson or Saddam Hussein?
Yoko Ono (born February 18, 1933)
12. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1937?
9 cents
13. The basic ingredients include ham and pork, and the Hormel Corporation introduced this canned product in 1937. What is it?
Spam
14. This 1937 book started an empire that included books, adaptations, and Oscar-winning movies. Name the book and author.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
15. Who was the President of the United States in 1937?
Franklin D. Roosevelt (March 4, 1933 – April 12, 1945)
16. Which president’s head was dedicated at Mount Rushmore on September 17, 1937? HINT: He was the third head to be completed.
Abraham Lincoln
17. What was the name of Ernest Hemingway’s novel about Harry Morgan, a fishing boat captain out of Key West, Florida?
To Have and Have Not.
18. Nicknamed the “Blonde Bombshell” and the “Platinum Blonde,” this sex symbol died too soon at the age of 26…
Jean Harlow
19. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1937?
In 1937, The Detroit Red Wings won over the New York Rangers (3 games to 2)
20. What soap opera began on NBC radio in 1937, switched to television in 1952, and was finally canceled in 2009?
Guiding Light
21. In this air disaster, 13 passengers and 22 crew died, along with someone on the ground. What was this terrible event?
The Hindenburg Disaster
22. Over 20,000,000 Americans began participating in this government program. Name that government entitlement.
Social Security
23. What was the title of John Steinbeck’s novella of the Great Depression?
Of Mice and Men
24. This man set a new record for a nonstop transcontinental flight from Los Angeles to New York: 7 hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds. He beat his 1936 record by nearly 2 hours.
Howard Hughes
25. This 1937 film starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March has been remade thrice – in 1954, 1976, and 2018.
A Star is Born
26. This magazine debuted to compete with Life Magazine. It focuses on pictures and is also in a large format.
Look Magazine. The final issue was on October 19, 1971.
27. At 11 feet tall and over 25 feet wide, this gray, black-and-white painting by Pablo Picasso is his largest and probably most well-known painting. What did he call it?
Guernica. It can be seen in the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid, Spain.
28. Debuting with its first issue in March 1937, it became the longest-running comic book title in history. Name that comic book.
Detective Comics. Batman debuted in the 27th issue.
29. What is the name of Dr. Seuss’s first children’s book?
And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street
30. Who was the Time Magazine Man & Wife of the Year in 1937?
Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling
31. Guarded 24 hours per day by soldiers of the US Army, what is the monument’s name in Arlington, Virginia?
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
32. On June 14, 1937, what was the first state to make Flag Day an official state holiday?
Pennsylvania
33. Who won the 1937 World Series?
In 1937, The New York Yankees won, beating the New York Giants (4 games to 1)
34. What is the name of the roadway between Weehawken, New Jersey, and Midtown Manhattan, New York City?
The Lincoln Tunnel
35. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1937?
$0.20 per gallon
36. What was the musical stage comedy that gave us several hit songs, including My Funny Valentine and The Lady is a Tramp?
Babes in Arms by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.
37. Nicknamed the “Brown Bomber,” who became the heavyweight boxing champion?
Joe Louis was champion from June 22, 1937, to March 1, 1949.
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Who did Joe Louis defeat to become the world heavyweight boxing champion on June 22, 1937?
James J. Braddock
2. Who was the Pope in 1937?
Pope Pius XI, February 6, 1922 – February 10, 1939
3. Who were the 1937 NFL Champions?
Washington Redskins
4. On July 2, 1937, Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared after taking off from New Guinea. Amelia was married. What was her full married name?
Amelia Earhart Putnam
5. Who was the American Vice-President in 1937?
John Garner (March 4, 1933 – January 20, 1941)
6. Where did the NFL Washington Redskins play before they moved to Washington?
Boston (Boston Redskins)
7. What was the name of the 1937 National Football League team in Cleveland?
Cleveland Rams.
8. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1937?
War Admiral
9. Who was the highest-paid adult star in Hollywood in 1937?
Gary Cooper -$370,214. #2 was Mae West -$323.333.
10. Who won the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in 1937?
War Admiral
1957 Top Ten Music Charts
1957’s Biggest Artists and Songs
Sam Cooke, Jimmy Rodgers, Paul Anka, The Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Patsy Cline, Johnny Mathis, David Seville, and Conway
Twitty
1957’s Retro Top 10 Hits
1957’s ‘One Hit Wonders’
1957’s Dance Top 10 Hit List
1957’s Doo-Wop Song Top 10 Hits
More Doo Wop Song Hits…
PCM’s 1957 Top 10 Hit List
August 13 in Pop Culture History
August 13th History, Facts and Trivia
August 13th History Highlights
- 1997 – South Park, created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, debuted on Comedy Central.
- August 13, 2455 (fiction) Jason Vorhees was unfrozen in Space in Jason X, Film
- If you were born on August 13th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 20th (prior year)
The Berlin Wall
The fact that the West did not officially recognize the so-called GDR, coupled with the risk of escalation, meant that decisions could only come from the Kremlin. In August 1961, Moscow gave the green light to the German Communists to close the border and build a physical barrier. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the collapse of communism in East Germany, the building that inspired novels by John Carre and Len Deighton became a fixture of the Cold War landscape, threatening to kill the people who crossed it.
The GDF was desperate to stop this so-called “brain drain,” but Moscow’s refusal to recognize it, combined with a lack of political will from West Germany and fear of retaliation from Moscow, coupled with the risk of escalation, meant that the decision could not be made without a decision from the Kremlin, even if it cost lives.
The Berlin Wall was erected on the night of August 13, 1961, on the eastern side of the city of Berlin, north of West Berlin. The barrier itself was erected by the decision of the Volkskammer of the GDR. When it fell on November 9, 1989, its destruction was the culmination of more than two decades of political and economic conflict between the two countries.
Annie Oakley
When the couple joined Buffalo Bill and the Wild West, it was clear that Oakley Was the most talented member of the duo. She rose to fame as a “living legend” who created thrills and spills. Oakley and Butler traveled the world with Buffalo Bill and the Wild West until they finally left the series shortly after the turn of the century. Oakley, who spent much of her adult life in Maryland, was inducted into the Maryland Museum of Natural History’s Hall of Fame in 1984.
August 13th is…
Left-Handers Day
Prosecco Day
August 13th Birthday Quotes
“Every day that you don’t practice is one day longer before you achieve greatness”
– Ben Hogan
” I believe that the influence of woman will save the country before every other power.”
– Lucy Stone
“You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution to their problem and everyone refuses to believe in magic.”
– Sebastian Stan
“Being a child star is great. It’s being a former child star that sucks.”
– Danny Bonaduce
“Aim for the high mark and you will hit it. No, not the first time, not the second time and maybe not the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect. Finally, you’ll hit the bulls-eye of success.”
– Annie Oakley
” I ain’t afraid to love a man. I ain’t afraid to shoot him either.”
– Annie Oakley
August 13th Birthdays
1860 – Annie Oakley, American target shooter (died in 1926)
1888 – John Logie Baird, Scottish engineer, invented a television (died in 1946)
1895 – Bert Lahr, American actor (died in 1967)
1899 – Alfred Hitchcock, British director and cameo performer (died in 1980)
1904 – Buddy Rogers, American actor, and musician (died in 1999)
1912 – Ben Hogan, American golfer, and sportscaster (died in 1997)
1926 – Fidel Castro, Cuban revolutionary, and politician, 15th President of Cuba (died in 2016)
1930 – Don Ho, American singer and ukulele player (died in 2007)
1938 – Dave “Baby” Cortez, American R&B pianist and organist
1951 – Dan Fogelberg, American singer-songwriter (died in 2007)
1959 – Danny Bonaduce, American actor, and DJ
1962 – John Slattery, American actor
1964 – Debi Mazar, American actress
1982 – Sarah Huckabee Sanders, American political consultant
1982 – Sebastian Stan, Romanian-American actor
1998 – Dina and Arina Averina, Russian rhythmic gymnasts
August 13th History
1868 (Earthquake & Tsunami) Arica, Chile
1898 – Carl Gustav Witt discovered 433 Eros, the first near-Earth asteroid to be seen.
1918 – Opha Mae Johnson was the first woman to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
1942 – Walt Disney’s fifth full-length animated film, Bambi, was released in theaters.
1961 – East Germany closed the border between the eastern and western sectors of Berlin with the Berlin Wall.
1965 – Jefferson Airplane made their first professional appearance at the Matrix Club in San Francisco.
1966 – #1 Hit August 13, 1966 – September 2, 1966: The Lovin’ Spoonful – Summer in the City
1969 – The Apollo 11 astronauts were released from a three-week quarantine to enjoy a ticker-tape parade in New York, New York.
1997 – South Park aired for the first time on Comedy Central.
August 13, 2003 – The Cheetah Girls aired on The Disney Channel
August 13, 2010 – Den Brother aired on The Disney Channel
2013 – Google Incorporated suffered an outage for five minutes. All of its services, including Google Search, YouTube and Google Drive, experienced this outage. During that brief time window, the world’s Internet traffic dropped by 40%.
#1 Hit August 13, 2022 – August 26, 2022: Break My Soul – Beyoncé
August 13, 2455 (fiction) Jason Vorhees was unfrozen in Space in Jason X, Film
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
It Would Cost Thousands of Dollars to Take a Cab From West Philadelphia to Bel Air.
William McKinley was on the $500 bill
So, are quesadillas the Mexican version of pizza, or is pizza the Italian version of a quesadilla?
It is kinda sad when a movie is setting up for a sequel we all know it won’t get. #BuckarooBanzaivsTheWorldCrimeSyndicate
I wonder how many item features I don’t know about because I have never read an instruction manual for anything.
“Explain this to me again. I didn’t know somebody could shoot themself with their own arrow.” #moviequotes
I lived a long chunk of my life thinking “Froot Loops” were spelled “Fruit Loops.”
No word in the English language rhymes with plankton.
Safety pins are just as dangerous as normal pins.
Peter Lorre – Real Name: Laszlo Loewenstein
Searching for Bigfoot should be outlawed because at this point it’s clear he values his privacy and that should be respected.
More Pop Culture History Resources
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave: Unveiling Reality and Enlightenment
Imagine being chained in a cave since birth, your gaze fixed only on the wall in front of you. Behind you burns a fire, and between you and the fire, objects are carried by unseen people—casting flickering shadows on the wall. To you, those shadows are reality. They’re all you’ve ever known.
This is Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, a story told in Book VII of The Republic, written around 380 BCE. It’s one of the most powerful metaphors in philosophy, used to explore themes of perception, knowledge, education, and the nature of truth.
The Setup: Life in the Cave
In Plato’s fictional dialogue, Socrates describes a group of prisoners shackled in a dark cave. Their heads are locked in place, allowing them to see only what’s directly in front of them—the shadow play on the wall. They’ve been this way all their lives.
Unbeknownst to them, the shadows are cast by objects behind them, carried along a walkway in front of a fire. The prisoners name, categorize, and discuss these shadows as if they’re the real things.
To them, the shadows are the world.
This represents how people often mistake appearances for reality, believing what they see and hear without questioning its source or accuracy.
The Escape: The Journey to Truth
Socrates then describes what happens if a prisoner is freed. At first, he’s overwhelmed. The fire hurts his eyes. He resists the idea that the shadows aren’t real.
Dragged out of the cave into the sunlight, the prisoner is blinded. But gradually, his eyes adjust. He begins to see reflections in water, then real objects—trees, animals, stars, and finally, the sun itself.
The sun represents the Form of the Good, Plato’s ultimate source of truth and reality. The light allows the mind to perceive, just as the sun allows the eyes to see.
This difficult journey from darkness to light symbolizes the philosopher’s path: education is not the transmission of facts but a painful reorientation of the soul toward truth.
Returning to the Cave
Now comes the twist. The freed prisoner returns to the cave to liberate the others. But in the darkness, he stumbles. The other prisoners laugh at him. They believe the journey has damaged his vision. Worse, if he tries to free them, they might kill him.
Why?
Because people often resist enlightenment. It’s easier—and more comfortable—to stay in familiar darkness than to confront a world that contradicts everything you thought you knew.
Philosophical Meaning
1. Epistemology (Theory of Knowledge)
The allegory shows that knowledge gained through the senses is imperfect and incomplete. True knowledge, for Plato, comes from intellectual reasoning—what he calls the Forms. The shadows are mere imitations; the real truth lies beyond what we can see or touch.
In modern terms, Reality isn’t always what’s trending, glowing, or right in front of your face. Sometimes, it’s what you have to work hard to uncover.
2. Education and Enlightenment
Plato believed that the role of education is not to “fill” people with facts but to transform their souls. The goal is to help them perceive reality, not just memorize information.
This is why Plato founded The Academy, one of the first institutions of higher learning. He saw philosophy as a way of liberating people from ignorance, not just instructing them.
3. Social Commentary and Leadership
The allegory also speaks to the difficulty of wisely governing an ignorant society. Those who have seen the truth may be mocked, discredited, or attacked.
Plato argued that philosopher-kings who have emerged from the cave and seen the light should lead society. But convincing people to follow them is often an uphill battle.
Real-World Echoes
Though the allegory is ancient, its themes are strikingly modern.
Media and Perception
In the age of screens, many of us live in digital caves—scrolling social media, binging shows, consuming curated content. Algorithms act like Plato’s fire, showing us selective shadows that reinforce our biases.
We mistake popularity for truth and visibility for value. What’s trending isn’t necessarily what’s real.
Education Systems
Classrooms that prioritize memorization over critical thinking risk keeping students in the cave. Real education should challenge assumptions, expand perspectives, and encourage intellectual discomfort—just like the journey out of the cave.
Conspiracy Thinking and Misinformation
Sometimes, individuals believe they’ve escaped the cave, but in reality, they’ve just walked into another set of shadows. Misinformation can feel like enlightenment if it confirms one’s suspicion of the mainstream.
This raises deeper questions: How do we know when we’ve left the cave? And who do we trust to show us the way out?
Psychological Dimensions
Plato’s allegory aligns with modern psychology, especially cognitive dissonance—the discomfort we feel when confronted with information that contradicts our beliefs.
Just like the prisoner who’s blinded by the fire and sun, we often resist new truths, even when they’re right in front of us.
It also connects with confirmation bias—our tendency to seek information that supports our beliefs. This keeps us staring at familiar shadows.
Related Philosophical Ideas
-
Descartes’ Evil Demon – What if everything we perceive is an illusion?
-
Kant’s Noumena vs. Phenomena – We can only know the world as it appears to us, not as it is in itself.
-
The Matrix – A modern take on Plato’s cave, where humans mistake a computer simulation for the real world.
A Modern Parable?
Imagine Plato’s cave today as a room full of people staring at their phones, believing every tweet and TikTok represents reality.
Then, one person steps outside, reads a book, talks to a stranger, travels, or studies history—and realizes there’s a whole world they never noticed.
They return to the group and try to explain. But they’re dismissed, downvoted, or banned for sounding “weird.”
The cave isn’t just ancient. It’s now.
Glossary of Terms
-
Plato – Greek philosopher and student of Socrates; teacher of Aristotle.
-
Forms (Ideas) – In Plato’s philosophy, perfect and eternal concepts that underlie physical reality.
-
Epistemology – The branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge and belief.
-
Cognitive Dissonance – The mental discomfort experienced when new information conflicts with existing beliefs.
-
Confirmation Bias – The tendency to seek out and interpret information that confirms our preexisting views.
Discussion Questions
-
What shadows might you be mistaking for reality in your own life?
-
Can we ever fully “escape the cave,” or is every viewpoint another version of the wall?
-
What responsibilities do those with greater understanding have toward those still in the dark?
References and Further Reading
-
Plato, The Republic, Book VII
-
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Plato’s Ethics and Politics
-
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Plato: The Allegory of the Cave
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SparkNotes – The Republic, Book VII Summary
-
Britannica – Allegory of the Cave
August 12 in Pop Culture History
August 12th History, Facts and Trivia
August 12th History Highlights
- 1492 – Christopher Columbus arrived in the Canary Islands on his first voyage to the New World.
- 1865 – Joseph Lister, British surgeon, and scientist, performed the first antiseptic surgery.
- 1952 – Thirteen Jewish writers associated with the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee (JAC) were executed under orders from Joseph Stalin.
- 1953 The detonation of RDS-6s showed that the Soviet Union had created their own nuclear weapons.
- If you were born on August 12th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 19th (prior year)
August 12th is…
Middle Child Day
Toasted Almond Bar Day
Vinyl Record Day
August 12th Birthday Quotes
“The greatest art in the world is the art of storytelling.”
– Cecil B. DeMille
” Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet.”
– Katharine Lee Bates
“I am who I am, I am what I am, I do what I do and I ain’t never gonna do it any different. I don’t care who likes it and who don’t.”
– Buck Owens
” Every guitar I own gets used and has its purpose.”
– Mark Knopfler
” You reach a point in your career when the weeks turn into a month or more of the phone not ringing.”
– Sam J. Jones
” Successful people jump at opportunity and take advantage of it.”
– Sir Mix-a-Lot
“One very fundamental thing has not changed and I realized that it will never change… is that I really need to go home and practice.”
– Pat Metheny
August 12th Birthdays
1881 – Cecil B. DeMille, American director, and producer (died in 1959)
1907 – Joe Besser, American actor, Stooges #5 (died in 1988)
1910 – Jane Wyatt, American actress (died in 2006)
1918 – Sid Bernstein, American record producer (died in 2013)
1920 – Percy Mayfield, American R&B singer-songwriter (died in 1984)
1925 – Norris McWhirter, Scottish publisher, and activist co-founded the Guinness World Records (died in 2004)
1925 – Ross McWhirter, Scottish publisher, and activist, co-founded the Guinness World Records (died in 1975)
1926 – John Derek, American actor, director, and cinematographer (died in 1998)
1927 – Porter Wagoner, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 2007)
1929 – Buck Owens, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 2006)
1930 – George Soros, Hungarian-American businessman and investor
1949 – Mark Knopfler, Scottish-English singer-songwriter and guitarist
1950 – August “Kid Creole” Darnell, American musician, singer-songwriter and record producer
1954 – Sam J. Jones, American actor
1954 – Pat Metheny, American jazz guitarist
1963 – Sir Mix-a-Lot, American rapper
1971 – Michael Ian Black, American comedian
1971 – Rebecca Gayheart, American actress
1975 – Casey Affleck, American actor
1980 – Maggie Lawson, American actress
1980 – Dominique Swain, American actress
1992 – Cara Delevingne, English actress
August 12th History
1851 – Isaac Singer was granted a patent (#8,294) for his sewing machine.
1877 – Asaph Hall discovered the Mars moon Deimos.
1883 – The last quagga, a kind of zebra, died at the Artis Magistra zoo in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 1984, the quagga was the first extinct animal to have its DNA analyzed.
1901 – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened.
1960 – Echo 1A, NASA’s first successful communications satellite, was launched.
1977 – The first free flight of the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
1978 – #1 Hit August 12, 1978 – August 25, 1978: Commodores – Three Times a Lady
1981 – The IBM Personal Computer was released.
1985 – Japan Airlines Flight 123 crashed into Osutaka ridge in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, killing 520, becoming the worst single-plane air disaster.
1989 – #1 Hit August 12, 1989 – September 1, 1989: Richard Marx – Right Here Waiting
1990 – Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton found to date, was discovered by paleontologist Sue Hendrickson in South Dakota.
1994 – Major League Baseball players went on strike, forcing the cancellation of the 1994 World Series.
2000 – #1 Hit August 12, 2000 – August 25, 2000: Sisqo – Incomplete
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Relax…this won’t hurt! – Hunter S. Thompson (last phrase of his suicide note) #LastWords
The older I get, the more I realize that Squidward actually wasn’t that bad of a guy.
“After all, tomorrow is another day!” – Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh)
Sean Connery wore a toupee in every James Bond film that he starred in.
I might not be the best driver in the world, but at least I’ve never featured in a dashcam video. That’s got to count for something.
“Nobody feels like an adult. It’s the world’s dirty secret.” – Peter Hoberg in Liberal Arts
90% of label makers probably have a label on them that says, “label maker” #people
American Graffiti’s budget was exactly $777,777.77, and it was delivered on time – and on budget.
I still feel rather uncomfortable pronouncing “Worcestershire” around others.
By the time Disney is done with Star Wars films, it will simply be ‘some time ago’
Every day at 4:04, I lose complete track of time. #nerdjokes
More Pop Culture History Resources
August 11 in Pop Culture History
August 11th History, Facts and Trivia
August 11th History Highlights
- 1965 – Race riots (the Watts Riots) began in the Watts area of Los Angeles, California.
- On August 11, 1973, at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NYC, hip hop was created by a guy named DJ Kool Herc.
- August 11, 1981 -Birthday (fictional) Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter
- If you were born on August 11th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 18th (prior year)
The Watts Riots
The Watts Riots began on August 11, 1965, when African-American Marquette Frye was convicted of drunk driving and driving. Minikus was convinced that he was under the influence and ordered the impounding of his car. Because it was racially motivated violence by the minicabs, the mob turned violent, throwing rocks and other objects as they shouted at the police.
The Fryes’ arrest and Watts’ deterioration led to violent riots in the neighborhood, the first of its kind in Los Angeles. Six days of violence left 34 dead, caused property damage worth more than $40 million, and ended with more than 1,000 injured and more than 4,000 arrests.
August 11th is…
Presidential Joke Day
Raspberry Bombe Day
Son and Daughter Day
August 11th Birthday Quotes
– Alex Haley
” I feel like I’m ready for any dangerous situation that might come my way, provided I have a hammer on me.”
– Chris Hemsworth
” The easier it is to do something, the harder it is to change the way you do it.”
– Steve Wozniak
” The only time I’m not Hulk Hogan is when I’m behind closed doors because as soon as I walk out the front door, and somebody says hello to me, I can’t just say ‘hello’ like Terry. When they see me, they see the blond hair, the mustache, and the bald head, they instantly think Hulk Hogan.”
– Hulk Hogan
” One of the most fascinating lessons I’ve absorbed about life is that the struggle is good.”
– Joe Rogan
August 11th Birthdays
1908 – Don Freeman, American author, and illustrator (died in 1978)
1915 – Morris Weiss, American comic book author, and illustrator (died in 2014)
1921 – Alex Haley, American historian and author (died in 1992)
1933 – Jerry Falwell, American minister and television host (died in 2007)
1949 – Eric Carmen, American singer-songwriter
1950 – Steve Wozniak, American computer scientist, and programmer, co-founded Apple Inc.
1953 – Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), American wrestler
1954 – Joe Jackson, English singer-songwriter
1962 – Brian Azzarello, American comic book author
1967 – Joe Rogan, American actor, comedian, and television host
1983 – Chris Hemsworth, Australian actor
August 11th History
1858 – The Eiger in the Bernese Alps was ascended for the first time by Charles Barrington, along with Christian Almer and Peter Bohren.
1929 – Babe Ruth became the first baseball player to hit 500 home runs in his career with a home run at League Park in Cleveland, Ohio.
1942 – Hedy Lamarr (actress) and George Antheil (musician) received a patent (#2,292,387) for a Frequency-hopping communication system which later became the basis for modern technologies like wireless telephones and Wi-Fi.
1962 – #1 Hit August 11, 1962 – August 24, 1962: Neil Sedaka – Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
1965 – The arrest of an accused drunk driver, Marquette Frye, escalated to become the Watts Riots in Los Angeles.
August 11, 1981 -Birthday (fictional) Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter
1982 – A bomb exploded on Pan Am Flight 830, en route from Tokyo, Japan to Honolulu, Hawaii, killing one teenager and injuring 15 passengers. Jordanian Mohammed Rashed placed the bomb, and the pilot was able to later land in Hawaii.
1984 – #1 Hit August 11, 1984 – August 30, 1984: Ray Parker, Jr. – Ghostbusters
1984 – “We begin bombing in five minutes” – US President Ronald Reagan joked while preparing to make his weekly Saturday address on National Public Radio.
1991 – Nickelodeon aired the first episodes of Doug, Rugrats and Ren & Stimpy
2007 – #1 Hit August 11, 2007 – September 7, 2007: Sean Kingston – Beautiful Girls
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
“Wait. You dropped your phony dog poo” … “What phony dog poo?” #moviequotes
Richard Burton – Real Name: Richard Jenkins
“Rosebud.” – Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) #moviequotes
The word OK looks like a sideways person. I’ve said OK my whole life and never noticed him.
A group of Foxes is called a Leash or Skulk or Earth or Lead or Troop.
Learning English is hard but it can be taught through tough thorough thought though.
If you don’t know whether to use ‘effect’ or ‘affect’, use ‘impact’. – Writer Tips
Lie, liar and lying all come from the same word, but are all spelled differently.
The word ‘night’ is a shortened version of ‘no light’. #ireadthatonline
30 years ago, I wonder how many people had ever uttered the words “My phone got stolen.”
A salesman gives you a deal. A great salesman makes you think you got a good deal.
More Pop Culture History Resources
Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1957?
Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1957?
57 Trivia Questions for 1957 History
(answers)
1. Who was the President of the United States in 1957?
2. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1957?
3. To the nearest quarter, what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1957?
4. Published in 1957, this Dr. Seuss book used 236 different words. Name that book.
5. This Rodgers and Hammerstein musical production was the only one they wrote specifically for television, starring Julie Andrews. Name that musical.
6. What was the highest-grossing film of 1957
7. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1957?
8. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1957?
9. In September of 1957, the Ford Motor Company introduced what unpopular car model?
10. How many people lived in the United States in 1957?
11. How many people lived in the World in 1957?
12. Her performance in this 1957 American mystery drama film earned Joanne Woodward her Best Actress Academy Award.
13. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1957?
14. In 1957, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
15. Popular until the late 1970s, this airliner is often credited with starting the “jet age.”
16. What was the first artificial Earth satellite?
17. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1957?
18. This 1957 Broadway show became a hit movie in 1962, with the same leading actor in both. Name that musical.
19. Who was the star of The Music Man on Broadway and Film?
20. What country was the third to explode a nuclear weapon?
21. Name the United States Senator who set the record for the longest filibuster with his 24-hour, 18-minute speech against a civil rights bill.
22. This shipping product can be both useful and fun.
23. Ayn Rand’s final and longest novel was published in the United States. Name it.
24. Walter O’Malley agreed to move what famous organization from Brooklyn, New York, to Los Angeles, California?
25. What was the name of the Park that the Dodgers called home in Brooklyn?
26. Who described Elvis Presley as “This is a real decent, fine boy… You’re thoroughly all right.”
27. Calypso was the first LP (long-playing) record album to sell over one million copies. Name the artist who released it.
28. What Philadelphia Phillies player struck a fan TWICE with foul balls in the same game?
29. This Philadelphia-based teen music show became part of the ABC Network in 1957. Name that show.
30. Who was the host of American Bandstand?
31. This short story, written by George Langelaan, was published in the June 1957 issue of Playboy magazine. It was adapted into a major sci-fi/horror film twice; in 1958 and 1986. Name that short story.
32. Harry Truman refused to ride one particular ride while visiting Disneyland in 1957. What ride was it, and why?
33. What brand of cigarettes used asbestos filters from 1952-1956, replacing asbestos with acetate?
34. Who won the 1957 World Series?
35. The 1980 satirical disaster comedy Airplane! was largely based on the 1957 drama?
36. Introduced in 1957, the “Hamilton 500” was what new fashion accessory?
37. Lawrence Harvey Zeiger got his first media job on a Miami radio station. He also changed his name, becoming a well-known radio and TV personality. What name is he better known as?
38. This 1957 film featured Elvis Presley in his first leading man role.
39. Name the politician who announced his “Great Leap Forward” in 1957.
40. Although the term is often used generically to describe all flying discs, this name is a registered trademark of the Wham-O toy company. What term (or word)?
41. This book, later a film, is a best-selling collection of humorous essays by Jean Kerr about suburban living and raising four boys.
42. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1957?
43. Created by Don Featherstone, these tacky lawn ornaments first appeared in 1957.
44. Who set an airspeed record by traveling from California to New York in a jet in 3 hours, 23 minutes, and 8.4 seconds?
45. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1957?
46. What company used the slogan “It’s such a comfort to take the bus and leave the driving to us”?
47. Created in the 1950s, “hook-and-loop fasteners’ are better known as what?
48. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1956/1957 season?
49. Can you name either of the two car models that Toyota introduced to the US in 1957?
50. On October 21, 1957, Army Capt. Harry Cramer of the 1st Special Forces Group was the unfortunate casualty of what?
51. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1957: Andrew Cuomo, Dolph Lundgren, Senator Lindsey Graham, or Fran Dresher?
52. President Dwight D. Eisenhower apologized to the finance minister of Ghana, Komla Agbeli Gbedemah, after an incident in Dover, Delaware. What incident?
53. In Brazil, 26 swarms of these insects escaped quarantine in 1957. We still worry about them today. What are they?
54. Based on Romeo and Juliette, Leonard Bernstein’s musical opened in 1957.
55. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1957?
56. Name the teenage pair who later went to worldwide superstar status, who met at a summertime garden party at St. Peter’s Church, Woolton, Liverpool, England.
57. What automobile safety device was invented by Nils Bohlin, a Volvo employee.
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Who were the 1957 NFL Champions?
2. Before forming the European Union, what was the name of Europe’s financial organization?
3. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1957?
4. Standard & Poor’s first published what stock index for the first time on March 4, 1957?
5. On February 25, 1957, the body of an unknown boy, 4 to 6 years old, was discovered along a sidewalk near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His story has not been solved. What did the press call him?
6. Who was the Pope in 1957?
7. What company used the slogan: “Go to Work on an …”?
8. Who was the American Vice-President in 1957?
9. Name the two stock exchanges that merged to form the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange.
10. Who were the 1957 NBA Champions?
57 Trivia Answers for 1957 History
1. Who was the President of the United States in 1957?
Dwight D. Eisenhower (January 20, 1953 – January 20, 1961)
2. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1957?
All Shook Up – Elvis Presley
3. To the nearest quarter, what was the average movie theater ticket price in 1957?
50 cents
4. Published in 1957, this Dr. Seuss book used 236 different words. Name that book.
The Cat in the Hat
5. This Rodgers and Hammerstein musical production was the only one they wrote specifically for television, starring Julie Andrews. Name that musical.
Cinderella
6. What was the highest-grossing film of 1957?
The Bridge on the River Kwai
7. How much did a Loaf of Bread cost in 1957?
19 cents
8. How much did a Gallon of Milk cost in 1957?
$1.00
9. In September of 1957, the Ford Motor Company introduced what unpopular car model?
The Edsel
10. How many people lived in the United States in 1957?
The population was an estimated 171,984,130 people.
11. How many people lived in the World in 1957?
The estimated world population in 1957 was 2,863,042,795 people.
12. Her performance in this 1957 American mystery drama film earned Joanne Woodward her Best Actress Academy Award.
The Three Faces of Eve
13. Who won the Stanley Cup in 1957?
In 1957, The Montreal Canadiens won over the Boston Bruins (4 games to 1)
14. In 1957, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
Men – 66.4 years, Women – 72.7 years.
15. Popular until the late 1970s, this airliner is often credited with starting the “jet age.”
The Boeing 707
16. What was the first artificial Earth satellite?
Sputnik I, launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957
17. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1957?
By Love Possessed by James Gould Cozzens
18. This 1957 Broadway show became a hit movie in 1962, with the same leading actor in both. Name that musical.
The Music Man
19. Who was the star of The Music Man on Broadway and on Film?
Robert Preston
20. What country was the third to explode a nuclear weapon?
The United Kingdom
21. Name the United States Senator who set the record for the longest filibuster with his 24-hour, 18-minute speech against a civil rights bill.
South Carolina’s Strom Thurmond
22. This shipping product can be both useful and fun.
Bubble Wrap
23. Ayn Rand’s final and longest novel was published in the United States. Name it.
Atlas Shrugged
24. Walter O’Malley agreed to move what famous organization from Brooklyn, New York, to Los Angeles, California?
The Brooklin Dodgers
25. What was the name of the Park that the Dodgers called home in Brooklyn?
Ebbets Field
26. Who described Elvis Presley as “This is a real decent, fine boy… You’re thoroughly all right.”
Ed Sullivan
27. Calypso was the first LP (long-playing) record album to sell over one million copies. Name the artist who released it.
Harry Belafonte
28. What Philadelphia Phillies player struck a fan TWICE with foul balls in the same game?
Richie Ashburn hit a fan, Alice Roth, with a foul ball, breaking her nose. He hit her again with another foul ball as she was being taken out on a stretcher. They later became friends.
29. This Philadelphia-based teen music show became part of the ABC Network in 1957. Name that show.
American Bandstand
30. Who was the host of American Bandstand?
Dick Clark
31. This short story, written by George Langelaan, was published in the June 1957 issue of Playboy magazine. It was adapted into a major sci-fi/horror film twice; in 1958 and 1986. Name that short story.
The Fly
32. Harry Truman refused to ride one particular ride while visiting Disneyland in 1957. What ride was it, and why?
The Dumbo the Elephant ride, because the elephant is the symbol of the Republican Party.
33. What brand of cigarettes used asbestos filters from 1952-1956, replacing asbestos with acetate?
Kent cigarettes. They erroneously called asbestos filters “the greatest health protection in cigarette history.”
34. Who won the 1957 World Series?
In 1957, The Milwaukee Braves won, beating the New York Yankees (4 games to 3)
35. The 1980 satirical disaster comedy Airplane! was largely based on the 1957 drama?
Zero Hour!
36. Introduced in 1957, the “Hamilton 500” was what new fashion accessory?
The Hamilton Electric 500 was the first electric (battery-operated) watch.
37. Lawrence Harvey Zeiger got his first media job on a Miami radio station. He also changed his name, eventually becoming a well-known radio and TV personality. What name is he better known as?
Larry King
38. This 1957 film featured Elvis Presley in his first leading man role.
Loving You
39. Name the politician who announced his “Great Leap Forward” in 1957.
Chairman Mao of China
40. Although the term is often used generically to describe all flying discs, this name is a registered trademark of the Wham-O toy company. What term (or word)?
Frisbee
41. This book, later a film, is a best-selling collection of humorous essays by Jean Kerr about suburban living and raising four boys.
Please Don’t Eat The Daisies
42. Who was the Time Magazine Man of the Year in 1957?
Nikita Khrushchev
43. Created by Don Featherstone, these tacky lawn ornaments first appeared in 1957.
Pink Flamingos
44. Who set an airspeed record by traveling from California to New York in a jet in 3 hours, 23 minutes, and 8.4 seconds?
Major John Glenn, Jr.
45. How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1957?
57 cents
46. What company used the slogan “It’s such a comfort to take the bus and leave the driving to us”?
Greyhound bus lines
47. Created in the 1950s, “hook-and-loop fasteners’ are better known as what?
Velcro
48. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1956/1957 season?
I Love Lucy (CBS)
49. Can you name either of the two car models that Toyota introduced to the US in 1957?
Toyota Crown and the Toyota Land Cruiser.
50. On October 21, 1957, Army Capt. Harry Cramer of the 1st Special Forces Group was the unfortunate casualty of what?
He was the first combat fatality in Vietnam.
51. Which celebrity was NOT born in 1957: Andrew Cuomo, Dolph Lundgren, Senator Lindsey Graham, or Fran Dresher?
Lindsey Graham (born July 9, 1955)
52. President Dwight D. Eisenhower apologized to the finance minister of Ghana, Komla Agbeli Gbedemah, after an incident in Dover, Delaware. What incident?
He was refused service in a Howard Johnson’s restaurant in Dover, Delaware.
53. In Brazil, 26 swarms of these insects escaped quarantine in 1957. We still worry about them today. What are they?
African bees (aka Killer Bees)
54. Based on Romeo and Juliette, Leonard Bernstein’s musical opened in 1957.
West Side Story
55. How much did a gallon of gas cost in 1957?
$0.31 per gallon
56. Name the teenage pair who later went to worldwide superstar status, who met at a summertime garden party at St. Peter’s Church, Woolton, Liverpool, England.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney
57. What automobile safety device was invented by Nils Bohlin, a Volvo employee.
The Three-Point Seatbelt
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Who were the 1957 NFL Champions?
Detroit Lions
2. Before forming the European Union, what was the name of Europe’s financial organization?
European Economic Community (EEC)
3. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1957?
Iron Liege
4. Standard & Poor’s first published what stock index for the first time on March 4, 1957?
The S&P 500 Index
5. On February 25, 1957, the body of an unknown boy, 4 to 6 years old, was discovered along a sidewalk near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His story has not been solved. What did the press call him?
The Boy in the Box
6. Who was the Pope in 1957?
Pope Pius XII, March 2, 1939 – October 9, 1958
7. What company used the slogan: “Go to Work on an …”?
Egg Marketing Board
8. Who was the American Vice-President in 1957?
Richard Nixon (January 20, 1953 – January 20, 1961)
9. Name the two stock exchanges that merged to form the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange.
The San Francisco and Los Angeles stock exchanges.
10. Who were the 1957 NBA Champions?
For the 1956-57 Season, Champion Boston Celtics won 4 games to 3 over the St. Louis Hawks
August 10 in Pop Culture History
August 10th History, Facts and Trivia
August 10th History Highlights
- 1846 – The Smithsonian Institution was founded.
- 1945 – Japan surrendered to the Allied Powers, effectively ending World War II.
- 1948 – Candid Camera, considered by many to be the first reality tv show, debuted on ABC.
- August 10, 1967 Birthday (fictional) Chris Gaines, Garth Brooks’ alter ego
- If you were born on August 10th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 17th (prior year)
Traditional August 10th Information
August 10th is…
S’mores Day
August 10th Birthday Quotes
” I think the worst enemy for success is the anxiousness to get it.”
– Antonio Banderas
” Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.”
– Herbert Hoover
” You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man’s freedom.”
– Clarence Darrow
” I think the most important thing for an artist is to not worry about what anybody else thinks. You just have to do what comes from your heart and your being and put it out there that’s true in any of the arts.”
– Rosanna Arquette
“There is an excitement about having nightmares.”
– Betsey Johnson
” But, you know, the Stones were my opening act in the Sixties. I loved those British guys, the way they just stood there and shook their hair.”
– Ronnie Spector
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
– Jimmy Dean
August 10th Birthdays
1856 – William Willett, English inventor, founded British Summer Time (died in 1915)
1874 – Herbert Hoover, American politician, 31st President of the United States (died in 1964)
1889 – Charles Darrow, American game designer, created Monopoly (died in 1967)
1897 – John W. Galbreath, American businessman, and philanthropist, founded Darby Dan Farm (died in 1988)
1897 – Jack Haley, American actor, and singer (died in 1979)
1902 – Norma Shearer, Canadian-American actress (died in 1983)
1922 – Al Alberts, American pop singer, and composer, The Four Aces (died in 2009)
1923 – Rhonda Fleming, American actress
1928 – Jimmy Dean, American singer, actor, and businessman, founder of Jimmy Dean Food Company (died in 2010)
1928 – Eddie Fisher, American singer, and actor (died in 2010)
1931 – Tom Laughlin, American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter (died in 2013)
1942 – Betsey Johnson, American fashion designer
1943 – Ronnie Spector, American singer
1947 – Ian Anderson, Scottish-English singer-songwriter
1950 – Patti Austin, American singer-songwriter
1959 – Rosanna Arquette, American actress
1960 – Antonio Banderas, Spanish actor
1962 – Suzanne Collins, American author
1965 – Claudia Christian, American actress
1971 – Justin Theroux, American actor
1972 – Angie Harmon, American actress
1979 – JoAnna Garcia, American actress
1997 – Kylie Jenner, American television personality
August 10th History
1675 – The foundation stone of the Royal Greenwich Observatory in London, England was laid.
1846 – The Smithsonian Institution was chartered by the United States Congress.
1873 – Louvre Museum opened in France.
1932 – An 11-pound chondrite-type meteorite broke into several pieces and landed near the town of Archie in Cass County, Missouri.
1941 – The Mount Rushmore Memorial was dedicated.
1948 – Candid Camera made its television debut, after being on radio for a year as Candid Microphone.
1949 – The US Department of War was replaced with the United States Department of Defense.
1959 – #1 Hit August 10, 1959 – August 23, 1959: Elvis Presley – A Big Hunk o’ Love
1963 – #1 Hit August 10, 1963 – August 30, 1963: Little Stevie Wonder – Fingertips (pt. II)
1966 – The US Treasury Department discontinued printing the $2 bill due to a lack of demand.
August 10, 1967 Birthday (fictional) Chris Gaines, Garth Brooks’ alter ego
1971 – The Society for American Baseball Research is founded in Cooperstown, New York.
1974 – #1 Hit August 10, 1974 – August 16, 1974: Roberta Flack – Feel Like Makin’ Love
1977 – In Yonkers, New York, 24-year-old postal employee David Berkowitz (the “Son of Sam”) was arrested for a series of killings in New York City.
1981- Pete Rose broke Stan Musial’s NL record by getting hit number 3,631.
1984 – Red Dawn, starring Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen, became the first-ever PG-13 movie to be released in theaters.
1985 – Michael Jackson paid $47.5 million for ATV Music, a catalog of the Beatles’ songs, which included 251 songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, beating Paul McCartney’s offer.
1986 – Broadway Show – Me and My Girl (Musical) August 10, 1986
1995 In the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols were indicted for the bombing. Michael Fortier pled guilty in a plea bargain for his testimony.
August 10, 2031 (fiction) Terraforming began on Luna for future settlers. Aliens/Prometheus, Films
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Stars appear to us to have 5 corners because of diffraction.
A clean tie attracts the soup of the day.
What if buying the WinRar license is the ultimate test of modern mankind and we are all failing?
The Caesar Salad was invented in Tijuana, Mexico in the 1920s.
The entire cast was male on the set of 1982’s “The Thing”.
Blackbeard (the Pirate) – Real Name: Edward Teach
Vantablack is the blackest black absorbing up to 99.965% of radiation in the visible spectrum.
“They killed Kenny!” – Stan and Kyle (South Park)
The French word for “cheese” is “Fromage.” Cheese is made by aging milk. Cheese comes “from age.”
A group of Cockroaches is called an Intrusion.
A pentad is a five year period. A decade is ten years long.
More Pop Culture History Resources
August 9 in Pop Culture History
August 9th History, Facts and Trivia
August 9th History Highlights
- 1790 – Robert Gray, sailing The Columbia, became the first person to circumnavigate the Earth, from and to Boston, MA.
- 1945 – The second atomic bomb was dropped on Japan. “Fat Boy” was dropped over Nagasaki, due to the city of Kokura blocked by clouds.
- 1974 – US President Nixon resigned from office.
- August 9, 1974 Birthday (fictional) Philip J. Fry, Futurama, TV
- If you were born on August 9th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 16th (prior year)
August 9th is…
Rice Pudding Day
Veep Day
August 9th Birthday Quotes
“Art is like singing. Some do it better than others, but everyone can and should be doing it for their soul.”
– Barbara Mason
” There are a lot of people who will give money or materials, but very few who will give time and affection.”
– Daniel Keyes
“I think anytime you can affect people in general, in a positive way, then you’re a lucky individual.”
– Sam Elliott
” There are two types of people: The ones who give you 50 reasons it can’t be done … and the ones who just do it.”
– Hoda Kotb
” I think the older I get, the more I realize that the ultimate luxury is time.”
– Michael Kors
” Sometimes I think, I need to think before I speak. And then other times I think, I shouldn’t leave the house or interact with people ever.”
– Anna Kendrick
August 9th Birthdays
1927 – Daniel Keyes, American short story writer, and novelist (died in 2014)
1943 – Ken Norton, American boxer (died in 2013)
1944 – Sam Elliott, American actor
1947 – Barbara Mason, American R&B/soul singer-songwriter
1957 – Melanie Griffith, American actress
1958 – Amanda Bearse, American comedic actress
1959 – Kurtis Blow, American rapper
1959 – Michael Kors, American fashion designer
1963 – Whitney Houston, American singer-songwriter and actress (died in 2012)[7]
1964 – Hoda Kotb, American journalist and television personality
1968 – Eric Bana, Australian actor
1968 – McG, American director, and producer
1970 – Chris Cuomo, American lawyer, and journalist
1976 – Jessica Capshaw, American actress
1985 – Anna Kendrick, American actress
1991 – Alice Barlow, English actress
August 9th History
1854 – Henry David Thoreau published Walden or Life in the Woods.
1892 – Thomas Edison received a patent (#480,567) for a two-way telegraph.
1930 – Betty Boop made her cartoon debut in Dizzy Dishes.
1942 – Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi was arrested in Bombay by British forces, launching the Quit India Movement.
1944 – Nagasaki, Japan was decimated when an atomic bomb, Fat Man, was dropped by the United States B-29 Bock’s Car.
1969 – Followers of Charles Manson murdered pregnant actress Sharon Tate (wife of Roman Polanski), Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski, Jay Sebring and Steven Parent. Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were killed by the same crew the following day.
1972 – East End Show – Jesus Christ Superstar (Musical) August 9, 1972
August 9, 1974 Birthday (fictional) Philip J. Fry, Futurama, TV
1975 – #1 Hit August 9, 1975 – August 22, 1975: Bee Gees – Jive Talkin’
2001 – Gomer Pyle, the fictional TV character, was made an honorary U.S. Marine and promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal by the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps
2104 – Michael Brown, an 18-year-old African American male in Ferguson, Missouri, was shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer, sparking protests and unrest in the city.
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
We put a man on the moon before we put wheels on suitcases. What else are we missing out on?
“It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.” – Dale Carnegie
Abrams’s Advice: When eating an elephant, take one bite at a time.
There is a species of fungus called “Spongiforma squarepantsii” named after the character “SpongeBob SquarePants”.
“Give me liberty or… OOOooo… A jelly donut !” – Homer Simpson
“Mahatma” is a Sanskrit honorific, like “Saint”, and not the first name of *Mohandas* Gandhi.
BuzzBee the bee shills Honey Nut Cheerios cereal.
The only time I have ever heard somebody pronounce it potahto is while saying “potayto potahto”
The first fried dill pickle ever sold was at the Duchess Drive-In in Atkins, Arkansas, in 1963.
I wonder what the spooky girl from The Ring is doing these days since VHS is completely obsolete.
Lillian Gish – Real Name: Lillian Guiche
Almost every Villain in Batman could be called ‘One-Face’. Excluding Two-Face #batmanvillains
More Pop Culture History Resources
August 8 in Pop Culture History
August 8th History, Facts and Trivia
August 8th History Highlights
- August 8, 1953 Birthday (fictional) Samuel Beckett, Quantum Leap, TV
- 1962 – Sabado Gigante premiered on Chilean television. It concluded in 2015.
- 1963 – England’s Great Train Robbery, near Mentmore in Buckinghamshire, England, £2.6 million was stolen.
- 1978 – featured the first appearance of “Odie” in the Garfield comic strip.
- If you were born on August 8th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 15th (prior year)
August 8th is…
Dollar Day
Frozen Custard Day
Happiness Happens Day
Wear Your Mothers Jewelry Day.
August 8th Birthday Quotes
“What the public expects and what is healthy for an individual are two very different things.”
– Esther Williams
“My philosophy is very simple. To feel young, you must work as long as you can.”
– Dino De Laurentiis
“The lack of facts holds you back. The odds are stacked against a weak mind.”
– Kool Moe Dee
” Depressed, anxious, sad, frightened? Yes. But I’ve never been bored.”
– Dustin Hoffman
” It’s essential that a part of you not grow up. Childhood wonder gives us our spark and beauty.”
– Robin Quivers
August 8th Birthdays
1919 – Dino De Laurentiis, Italian actor, and producer (died in 2010)
1921 – Esther Williams, American swimmer, and actress (died in 2013)
1926 – Richard Anderson, American actor (died in 2017)
1930 – Terry Nation, Welsh-American author, and screenwriter (died in 1997)
1932 – Mel Tillis, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died in 2017)
1933 – Joe Tex, American soul singer-songwriter (died in 1982)
1935 – Donald P. Bellisario, American director, producer and screenwriter
1937 – Dustin Hoffman, American actor
1938 – Connie Stevens, American actress
1947 – Larry Wilcox, American actor
1949 – Keith Carradine, American actor
1952 – Robin Quivers, American radio host/personality
1962 – Kool Moe Dee, American Hip Hop musician
1973 – Scott Stapp, American singer-songwriter
1976 – JC Chasez, American singer
1980 – Michael Urie, American actor
August 8th History
1786 – Mont Blanc on the French/Italian border was climbed for the first time by Jacques Balmat and Dr. Michel-Gabriel Paccard.
1786 – Congress established coinage of US money
1876 – Thomas Edison received a patent (#180,857) for his mimeograph (Autographic Printing).
1908 – Wilbur Wright made his first flight at a racecourse at Le Mans, France; the Wright Brothers’ first public flight.
1953 – #1 Hit August 8, 1953 – October 9, 1953: Les Paul and Mary Ford – Vaya Con Dios (May God Be With You)
August 8, 1953 Birthday (fictional) Samuel Beckett, Quantum Leap, TV
1960 – #1 Hit August 8, 1960 – August 14, 1960: Brian Hyland – Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini
1963 – In England, a gang of 15 train robbers stole £2.6 million in banknotes in the Great Train Robbery. They were later caught.
1969 – At a ‘zebra crossing’ in London, photographer Iain Macmillan took one of the most famous photographs of all time, the cover of the Beatles album, Abbey Road.
1974 – President Richard Nixon, in a nationwide television address, announced his resignation from the office of the President of the United States, effective noon the next day.
1975 – Hank Williams, Jr. fell from a mountain in Montana, requiring reconstructive surgery to his face.
1987 – #1 Hit August 8, 1987 – August 21, 1987: U2 – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
1989 – STS-28 Mission: Space Shuttle Columbia took off on a secret five-day military mission. It landed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on August 13. That’s all we know.
1991 – The Warsaw Radio Mast was the world’s tallest structure until its collapse today. It was 2,120 feet tall and was built 1970-1974.
1992 – #1 Hit August 8, 1992 – August 14, 1992: Madonna – This Used To Be My Playground
#1 Hit August 8, 2020 – August 14, 2020: Cardigan – Taylor Swift
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
“I saw that! Brick killed a guy. Did you throw a trident?” – Ron Burgundy #moviequotes
A group of Frogs is called an Army or Colony or Knot.
Steve Carell’s real last name was “Caroselli”, but his father changed it.
Pteronophobia is the fear of being tickled by feathers.
No word in the English language rhymes with purple.
Either I’m getting older or the guy on the Quaker Oats box looks younger than he used to.
The working title for E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial was “A Boy’s Life”.
“Welcome to the island of misfit toys.” – Sam in The Perks of Being a Wallflower #moviequotes
In the Wonder Woman television show starring Lynda Carter, the ore used to make her bracelets were known as “Feminum”
Neuralizer – the hand-held flashing device used by the Men in Black that makes people forget things.
Katy Perry – Real Name: Katy Hudson
More Pop Culture History Resources
1995 Top Ten Music Charts
1995’s Biggest Artists and Songs
All I Wanna Do – Sheryl Crow (Grammy for Record of the Year)
Tony Bennett (Grammy for Album of the Year)
Montell Jordan, Des’ree, Faith Evans, Silverchair, Dave Matthews Band, Blues Traveler, Hootie and the Bluefish, Alanis Morissette, Corona, Presidents of the United States of America, Foo Fighters, Ol Dirty B*stard, Hole, Mobb Deep, Backstreet Boys, and Reba McEntire
1995’s Retro Top 10 Hits
1995’s ‘One Hit Wonders’
1995’s Dance Top 10 Hit List
1995’s Hip Hop Music Top Ten
1995’s Bubblegum Pop Music Top Ten
1995’s Pop Rock Top 10 Hit List
1995’s Adult Rock Top 10 Hit List
1995’s Alternative Top 10 Hit List
1995’s Album Rock Top 10 Hit List
PCM’s 1995 Top 10 Hit List
August 7 in Pop Culture History
August 7th History, Facts and Trivia
August 7th History Highlights
- 1782 – General George Washington ordered the creation of the badge that would become America’s Purple Heart.
- 1882 – The famous Hatfield & McCoy Feud began at the Kentucky/West Virginia border.
- 1959 – US satellite Explorer 6 took the first photograph of Earth from space.
- 1978 – Love Canal, NY, near Niagra Falls, was declared a disaster area by President Jimmy Carter.
- 1990 – Operation Desert Shield began in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
- 2007 – Barry Bonds beat Hank Aarons home record with his 756th home run.
- If you were born on August 7th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 14th (prior year)
August 7th is…
Professional Speakers Day
Raspberries & Cream Day
August 7th Birthday Quotes
“You can make sounds and music out of pretty much anything with a little imagination and putting your mind to it!”
– Stan Freberg
” I’m a big advocate of freedom: freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of thought.”
– Jimmy Wales
” I am a woman who enjoys herself very much; sometimes I lose, sometimes I win.”
– Mata Hari
” Age is of no importance unless you are a cheese.”
– Billie Burke
” You get old and you realize there are no answers, just stories.”
– Garrison Keillor
“Whatever road you’ve been given, enjoy that road.”
– Wayne Knight
August 7th Birthdays
1884 – Billie Burke, American actress, and singer (died in 1970)
1890 – Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, American author, and activist (died in 1964)
1926 – Stan Freberg, American puppeteer and voice actor (died in 2015)
1942 – Garrison Keillor, American humorist, and radio host
1942 – B.J. Thomas, American singer
1955 – Wayne Knight, American actor
1960 – David Duchovny, American actor
1966 – Jimmy Wales, American businessman, co-founder of Wikipedia
1971 – Rachel York, American actress
1977 – Samantha Ronson, English DJ
1982 – Abbie Cornish, Australian actress
August 7th History
1909 – Alice Huyler Ramsey and three other women became the first women to complete a transcontinental automobile trip, taking 59 days to travel from New York, New York to San Francisco, California. Alice drove the whole trip.
1930 – Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith, two accused African-American criminals were taken from jail by a mob and lynched. Lawrence Beitler took a picture of the mob and bodies, inspiring Abel Meeropol to write a poem, “Bitter Fruit.” It was later rephrased as “Strange Fruit” and recorded by Billie Holiday.
1944 – IBM announced the first program-controlled calculator, the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, known best as the Harvard Mark I. It used 765,000 components and hundreds of miles of wire and weighed about 5 tons.
1954 – #1 Hit August 7, 1954 – September 24, 1954: The Crew-Cuts – Sh-Boom
1955 – Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering (became Sony in 1958) sold its first transistor radios in Japan.
1959 – The Lincoln Memorial design on the U.S. penny went into circulation. It replaced the “wheat” design and was minted until 2008.
1959 – Explorer 6 launches from the Atlantic Missile Range in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The satellite fell back to Earth on July 1, 1961
1965 – #1 Hit August 7, 1965 – August 13, 1965: Herman’s Hermits – I’m Henry VIII, I Am
1971 – #1 Hit August 7, 1971 – September 3, 1971: Bee Gees – How Can You Mend a Broken Heart
1974 – Philippe Petit walked an illegal tightrope between the twin towers of the World Trade Center.
1975 (Typhoon) Nina, China
1976 – #1 Hit August 7, 1976 – September 3, 1976: Elton John and Kiki Dee – Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
1976 – Viking 2 entered orbit around Mars. The lander went onto the Mars surface on September 3,
1976, and took pictures and analyzed soil samples until July 1980.
1978 – The US Government made funds available to offer federal assistance for the Love Canal Disaster
1992 – Growing Pains actress Tracy Gold was hospitalized for anorexia and is written out of most of the final episodes for the series
2004 – #1 Hit August 7, 2004 – August 20, 2004: Juvenile featuring Soulja Slim – Slow Motion
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
If I had a twin that was five minutes younger than me, I would constantly remind him about the things I did when I was his age.
Think of one of your friends. Chances are, that person is on their phone right now.
People in 2100 are going to look back at us like we look back at the people who we look at in the early 1900s.
The first episode for Wile E. Coyote and The Road Runner was called ‘Fast and Furry-ous’.
“a password that includes the current year becomes stronger as each year passes” – #modernproverb
James Madison was on the $5,000 bill.
Cheeto dust has an official name – “cheetle”.
The US Navy diving manual has detailed instructions for escaping a giant clam.
The seven spikes on Lady Liberty’s crown represent the seven continents.
Gatorade was named after the University of Florida’s college football team – the Gators.
More Pop Culture History Resources
August 6 in Pop Culture History
August 6th History, Facts and Trivia
August 6th History Highlights
- 1890 – The first electrocution as the death penalty was carried out in Auburn, NY. William Kemmler was executed for murdering his common-law wife, Matilde Ziegler.
- August 6, 1921 Birthday (fictional) Lucy Ricardo, I Love Lucy, TV
- 1926 – Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel (14 hours, 31 minutes).
- 1945, August 6, 8:15 AM, an atomic bomb (Little Boy) was dropped over Hiroshima, Japan, injuring or killing over 200,000 people.
- The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed, designed to make voting easier for minorities.
- If you were born on August 6th,
You were likely conceived the week of… November 13th (prior year)
August 6th is…
Root Beer Float Day
Wiggle Your Toes Day
August 6th Birthday Quotes
“You’re always going to face criticism, you’re always going to face challenges, but those things are there to make you stronger and more committed.”
– David Robinson
” One sometimes finds what one is not looking for. When I woke up just after dawn on Sept. 28, 1928, I certainly didn’t plan to revolutionize all medicine by discovering the world’s first antibiotic, or bacteria killer. But I guess that was exactly what I did.”
– Alexander Fleming
“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”
– Lucille Ball
“You don’t get to celebrate yourself unless you risk being mocked or rejected. As an artist, you cannot play it safe. You just can’t.”
– M. Night Shyamalan
Andy Warhol Birthday Quotes
– Andy Warhol
“An artist is somebody who produces things that people don’t need to have.”
– Andy Warhol
“When I got my first television set, I stopped caring so much about having close relationships.”
– Andy Warhol
“Don’t pay any attention to what they write about you. Just measure it in inches.”
– Andy Warhol
“Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes.”
– Andy Warhol
“You know who would never lie to you guys about what work they had done? Celebrities.”
– Adrianne Curry
August 6th Birthdays
1881 – Alexander Fleming, Scottish biologist, pharmacologist and botanist, Nobel Prize laureate (died in 1955)
1881 – Louella Parsons, American gossip columnist (died in 1972)
1902 – Dutch Schultz, American gangster (died in 1935)
1911 – Lucille Ball, American comedic actress and television producer (died in 1989)
1917 – Robert Mitchum, American actor (died in 1997)
1926 – Norman Wexler, American screenwriter (died in 1999)
1965 – David Robinson, American basketball player
1970 – M. Night Shyamalan, Indian-American director, and screenwriter
1972 – Geri Halliwell, English singer, dancer, and actress
1982 – Adrianne Curry, American model
August 6th History
1787
Sixty copies of the Constitution of the United States were delivered to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1890
At Auburn Prison in New York, William Kemmler was the first to be executed by an electric chair.
1921
August 6, 1921 Birthday (fictional) Lucy Ricardo, I Love Lucy, TV
1926
Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel.
In New York, New York, the Warner Bros.’ Vitaphone sound system premiered with the movie Don Juan starring John Barrymore, with music and sound effects.
1930
Joseph Crater, a New York Supreme Court judge, disappeared. He was declared dead in 1939.
1934
Mount Foraker – 17,400 ft (5,304 m) – Alaska, USA – First ascent: August 6, 1934 by Charles S. Houston, Dr. T. Graham Brown, and Chychele Waterston
1945
Hiroshima, Japan, was largely destroyed when the atomic bomb “Little Boy” was dropped by the B-29 Enola Gay. August 6th, 1945 at 8:16 a.m. was the deadliest moment in history, killing over 70,000 people in 5 seconds.
1952
August 6, 1952 (fiction) Hellboy was granted honorary human status by the United Nations, Comic Books
1956
The DuMont Television Network made its final broadcast, A Boxing Match from the St. Nicholas Arena series.
1964
Prometheus, a bristlecone pine and the world’s oldest tree, at least 4862 years old, was cut down in Nevada.
1966
In a post-fight interview, Howard Cosell honors Muhammad Ali’s wishes to no longer be called Cassius Clay, making his new name more acceptable by everyone.
1970
200 ‘yippies’ invaded Disneyland, putting on a circus (acting like fools), climbing buildings, and singing the Mickey Mouse Club theme.
1986
Rain fell a record 13 inches in a single day in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
1988
Yo! MTV Raps premiered on MTV
1992
Harold Russell sold his 1946 Best Supporting Actor award for $65,000.
1994
#1 Hit August 6, 1994 – August 26, 1994: Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories – Stay (I Missed You)
1996
NASA announced that the ALH 84001 meteorite, thought to originate from Mars and found in Antarctica, contained evidence of primitive life forms.
2012
NASA’s Curiosity rover landed on the surface of Mars.
2016
#1 Hit – August 6, 2016 – September 2, 2016: Sia featuring Sean Paul – Cheap Thrills
Today’s Random Trivia and Shower Thoughts
Star Wars Episodes 1-6 is basically Darth Vader’s life story.
The world record for the oldest cat ever is held by Creme Puff, who lived for 38 years. She lived from Aug 3rd, 1967 to Aug 6th, 2005.
“And the sign said ‘The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls.’” #songlyrics
Johnny Rotten – Real Name: John Lydon
The serial killer “Ghost face” from the Scream film franchise was based on ‘The Scream’ painting by Edvard Munch.
Frank Zappa coined the term “Groupie”.
Raquel Welch – Real Name: Raquel Tejada
The phrase “…as American as apple pie” has only been around since the 1960s.
A group of Angels is called a Host.
10 rations = 1 decoration
Wayne Allwine, the voice actor for Mickey Mouse, and Russi Taylor, the voice actress for Minnie Mouse, got married in 1991.
80’s computers typically had 64 KB (yes, Kilobytes) of memory.
No one expected this post to be about the Spanish Inquisition.
More Pop Culture History Resources
Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1984?
Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1984?
1984 Trivia: How Well Do You Remember This Defining Year in Pop Culture?
1984 was a landmark year that brought unforgettable movies, chart-topping music, and cultural milestones that still resonate today. From the silver screen to the radio waves and beyond, this was a year that shaped the entertainment landscape for generations to come. Are you ready to test your knowledge of one of the most iconic years of the 1980s?
Challenge yourself with questions like: What movie about a paranormal team battling ghosts became an instant classic? Which artist dominated the airwaves with a record-breaking album? What video game hit arcades and cemented its place in gaming history? And which event in 1984 brought the world together in a global celebration of athleticism?
Here’s some bonus trivia to set the mood:
- Ghostbusters, the supernatural comedy starring Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd, became a cultural phenomenon and spawned a hit theme song.
- Prince’s Purple Rain album and accompanying film solidified his place as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
- The Los Angeles Summer Olympics captivated the world, introducing iconic moments like Carl Lewis winning four gold medals.
- Tetris, the addictive puzzle game, debuted in 1984 and became a cornerstone of gaming history.
- James Cameron’s The Terminator, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular cyborg, revolutionized the sci-fi genre with its gritty storytelling and visual effects.
1984 wasn’t just about entertainment—it was a year of technological innovation and cultural shifts. Apple launched its famous “1984” commercial during the Super Bowl, introducing the Macintosh computer and redefining marketing forever. Meanwhile, MTV continued to dominate with music videos that changed how we consumed music.
Whether you’re preparing for trivia night or reminiscing about the glory days of the ’80s, this page is packed with questions to challenge your memory and celebrate the unforgettable events of 1984. From blockbuster movies to global milestones, this year truly had it all.
How much do you really know about 1984? Take the quiz now and relive the excitement of this iconic year!
84 Trivia Questions For 1984 History
(answers)
1. Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, and Toby were all characters on what Children’s television show?
2. Who did Hulk Hogan defeat to win his first World Wrestling Federation Championship?
3. The final original episode of Captain Kangaroo was on December 8, 1984. Who played the role of Captain Kangaroo?
4. Bob Keeshan previously worked as a clown on another children’s program. Name the clown or the show.
5. Who were the NBA Champions in 1984?
6. Technology, Entertainment, and Design Conferences began in 1984. What are they commonly called?
7. Name the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. You get one point for each.
8. Who was the Turtles’ sensei?
9. Launched on February 1, 1984, this basic cable channel features programming geared toward women or featuring women in lead roles. What channel?
10. Name the 80s television show that featured the characters “Sonny” Crockett and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs.
11. Who wrote the Miami Vice Theme?
HINT: It was a #1 hit in 1985
12. The first film in this comedy franchise included Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, and G. W. Bailey.
HINT: Law Enforcement
13. Name the comedy film that gave us the phrase “Up to eleven.”
14. The phrase “Wikki wikki wikki wikki” came from a well-known song. Name that tune.
15. In 1984, the band Yes created 18 different versions of the music video for their latest song, which was played in a marathon on MTV. Name that tune.
16. During a Space Shuttle mission on February 7, 1984, who made the first untethered spacewalk as he flew some 300 feet from the Shuttle?
17. Name the ring announcer who owns the phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble!”
18. Where were the 1984 Summer Olympics held?
19. This sitcom starred Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin as two divorced mothers who decide to live together in the same home.
20. What is the name of the pizza delivery company founded by John Schnatter?
21. Who was the President in 1984?
22. On TV, according to the theme song, who was in charge “of our days and our nights”?
HINT: and “our wrongs and our rights.”
23. What was the name of Bruce Springsteen’s 7th album?
24. Springsteen’s biggest hit peaked at #2 on the Billboard charts. What was it?
25. Prince’s 6th album came out on 1984. What was it called?
26. Purple Rain produced two number-one hits. You get one point for each you can name.
27. Who are the “good guy” Transformers?
28. Who are the “bad guy” Transformers?
29. What primetime television show featured Clair, Cliff, Denise, Sondra, Theodore, and Rudy?
HINT: Huxtable
30. Who’s hair caught fire while recording a commercial for Pepsi?
31. Name the computer listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest-selling single-computer model of all time.
32. Who were the original four Ghostbusters?
HELP: First names will do
33. In 1984, the U.S. Army gave a carton character an honorable discharge in honor of his military service for appearances in WWII cartoons. Name that character.
HINT: He’s a Disney castmember
34. This 1984 film, starring Robert Redford, was loosely based on the shooting incident and subsequent comeback of Philadelphia Phillies player Eddie Waitkus. Name that film.
35. Who was NOT born in 1984?
Paris Hilton, America Ferrera, Olivia Wilde, or Mark Zuckerberg
36. This Ron Howard film involves a young man who falls in love with a mysterious woman who is secretly a mermaid. Name it.
37. Played by Daryl Hannah, what was the mermaid’s chosen name?
38. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous was a program hosted by whom?
39. Who did Republican President Ronald Reagan defeat in the 1984 Presidential election?
40. What was the price of a first-class postage stamp in 1984?
41. What was the name of the IBM PC-compatible home computer systems produced by the Tandy Corporation for sale in its Radio Shack stores in 1983?
42. This romantic comedy (and adventure) film featured Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito. Name that film.
43. Name the Autobiography, the best-selling non-fiction book of 1984.
44. Who was the original mogwai in Gremlins?
45. You get one point for each thing you should NOT do with a Mogwai.
46. Gremlins and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom are responsible for an addition to the MPAA movie rating system. What did they cause?
47. What was the first major film to get the PG-13 rating?
48. Name the actor who portrayed the 6th Doctor on Doctor Who.
49. What was Duran Duran’s first number-one single in the US?
50. Name the Space Shuttle that landed the first shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center.
51. Who is the main protagonist of the Dragon Ball manga series created by Akira Toriyama?
52. Although this show only lasted 13 episodes on NBC, it was Jim Carrey’s first lead role in a Hollywood production. Name that show.
53. This Saturday morning cartoon featured Nanny watching over Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Scooter, Skeeter, Rowlf the Dog, and Gonzo. Name that show.
54. This film tells the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager from Chicago who moves to a small town that bans dancing. Name the film.
55. Who played the role of Ren McCormack in Footloose?
56. Who played the role of Rev. Shaw Moore in Footloose?
57. This 12-issue Marvel comic book series was tied with a similarly-named toy line from Mattel and a role-playing game from TSR. What was it called?
58. Name the hit coming-of-age teen comedy film starring Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, and Anthony Michael Hall.
HINT: It launched all of their careers. Happy Birthday.
59. What film was John Hughes’ directorial debut?
60. This television sitcom featured characters like Harry T. Stone, Bull Shannon and Dan Fielding. Name that show
61. What team won the Super Bowl in 1984?
62. This daytime soap opera revolved around the eventful lives of the wealthy Capwell family in California. Name it
63. The fictitious movie AI Skynet created The Terminator, but who created Skynet?
64. In this 1984 cult sci-fi classic film, Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems in New Jersey caused havoc, thanks to Dr. Emilio Lizardo.
Buckaroo Banzai
Bonus point for the whole name
65. Although he never earned it, who coined the phrase EGOT, an acronym for winning the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards.
66. Who famously said, “You like me… right now… you like me!” at the Oscars?
67. Who introduced the phrase “Shrimp on the Barbie”?
68. This 1984 film featured characters like Lewis Skolnik, Booger Dawson, Gilbert Lowe, and Lamar Latrelle. Name that fil
69. Name the charity recording to raise money to combat the famine in Ethiopia
70. This show featured Angela Lansbury as a mystery writer and amateur detective. Name the show and her character.
71. Who was the Pope in 1984?
72. Name the supernatural slasher film written and directed by Wes Craven and starring Robert Englund.
73. A Nightmare on Elm Street included the feature film debut of a 1990s and 2000s film star. Name that actor.
HINT: He later played a popular pirate
74. Name the actor in the title role of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer.
75. Mike Hammer’s title theme was an old jazz classic written in 1939. What was it?
76. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions in 1984?
77. A World’s Fair was held in New Orleans. What was it called?
78. Who was the Vice-President in 1984?
79. Michael Jackson’s Thriller album had two songs reaching number one. Name them.
80. Who was the biggest musical artist of 1984?
81. What did Clara Peller ask for Wendy’s?
82. Who won the World Series in 1984?
83. Name the film that originated the phrase “I reject your reality and substitute my own.”
84. Who was the leader of the Dinobots?
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Transformers leader Optimus Prime had another name when he was younger. What was it?
2. Reed Richards is the leader of the Fantastic Four. Who is Reed’s father?
3. Name the pair who hosted the first MTV Video Music Awards at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. You get one point for each, which you can name.
4. Who was the first American woman to perform a space walk?
5. Mike Hammer’s TV title theme was an old jazz classic written in 1939. What was it?
6. Name the last European country to grant women the right to vote.
7. Who is the superhero from Tromaville?
8. Name the device that allows an object to pass through solid matter in Buckaroo Banzai.
9. What was the commercial name that only aired once from Apple Computer during Super Bowl XVII?
10. What was the name of the Chicago Morning Show that eventually kicked off Oprah’s career?
84 Trivia Answers For 1984 History
1. Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, and Toby were all characters on what Children’s television show?
Thomas (& Friends)
2. Who did Hulk Hogan defeat to win his first World Wrestling Federation Championship?
The Iron Sheik
3. The final original episode of Captain Kangaroo was on December 8, 1984. Who played the role of Captain Kangaroo?
Bob Keeshan
4. Bob Keeshan previously worked as a clown on another children’s program. Name the clown or the show.
Clarabell the Clown on The Howdy Doody Show.
5. Who were the NBA Champions in 1984?
Boston Celtics
6. Technology, Entertainment, and Design Conferences began in 1984. What are they commonly called?
TED Talks
7. Name the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. You get one point for each.
Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo
8. Who was the Turtles’ sensei?
Splinter
9. Launched on February 1, 1984, this basic cable channel features programming geared toward women or featuring women in lead roles. What channel?
Lifetime
10. Name the 80s television show that featured the characters “Sonny” Crockett and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs.
Miami Vice
11. Who wrote the Miami Vice Theme?
HINT: It was a #1 hit in 1985
Jan Hammer
12. The first film in this comedy franchise included Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall, and G. W. Bailey.
HINT: Law Enforcement
Police Academy
13. Name the comedy film that gave us the phrase “Up to eleven.”
This Is Spinal Tap (also “these go to eleven”)
14. The phrase “Wikki wikki wikki wikki” came from a well-known song. Name that tune.
Jam on It (also Jam-On’s Revenge) by Newcleus
15. In 1984, the band Yes created 18 different versions of the music video for their latest song, which was played in a marathon on MTV. Name that tune.
Leave It
16. During a Space Shuttle mission on February 7, 1984, who made the first untethered spacewalk as he flew some 300 feet from the Shuttle?
Astronaut Bruce McCandless
17. Name the ring announcer who owns the phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble!”
Michael Buffer
18. Where were the 1984 Summer Olympics held?
Los Angeles, California
19. This sitcom starred Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin as two divorced mothers who decide to live together in the same home.
Kate & Allie
20. What is the name of the pizza delivery company founded by John Schnatter?
Papa John’s
21. Who was the President in 1984?
Ronald Reagan (January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989)
22. On TV, according to the theme song, who was in charge “of our days and our nights”?
HINT: and “our wrongs and our rights.”
Charles, from Charles in Charge
23. What was the name of Bruce Springsteen’s 7th album?
Born in the U.S.A.
24. Springsteen’s biggest hit peaked at #2 on the Billboard charts. What was it?
Dancing In The Dark
25. Prince’s 6th album came out on 1984. What was it called?
Purple Rain
26. Purple Rain produced two number-one hits. You get one point for each you can name.
When Doves Cry and Let’s Go Crazy
27. Who are the “good guy” Transformers?
Autobots, led by Optimus Prime
28. Who are the “bad guy” Transformers?
Decepticons, led by Megatron
29. What primetime television show featured Clair, Cliff, Denise, Sondra, Theodore, and Rudy?
HINT: Huxtable
The Cosby Show
30. Who’s hair caught fire while recording a commercial for Pepsi?
Michael Jackson
31. Name the computer listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest-selling single-computer model of all time.
Commodore 64
32. Who were the original four Ghostbusters?
HELP: First names will do
Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore
33. In 1984, the U.S. Army gave a carton character an honorable discharge in honor of his military service for appearances in WWII cartoons. Name that character.
HINT: He’s a Disney castmember
Donald Duck
34. This 1984 film, starring Robert Redford, was loosely based on the shooting incident and subsequent comeback of Philadelphia Phillies player Eddie Waitkus. Name that film.
The Natural
35. Who was NOT born in 1984?
Paris Hilton, America Ferrera, Olivia Wilde, or Mark Zuckerberg
Paris Hilton (born February 17, 1981)
36. This Ron Howard film involves a young man who falls in love with a mysterious woman who is secretly a mermaid. Name it.
Splash
37. Played by Daryl Hannah, what was the mermaid’s chosen name?
Madison
38. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous was a program hosted by whom?
Robin Leach (later with Shari Belafonte)
39. Who did Republican President Ronald Reagan defeat in the 1984 Presidential election?
Former Vice President Walter Mondale
40. What was the price of a first-class postage stamp in 1984?
20 cents
41. What was the name of the IBM PC-compatible home computer systems produced by the Tandy Corporation for sale in its Radio Shack stores in 1983?
Tandy 1000
42. This romantic comedy (and adventure) film featured Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito. Name that film.
Romancing the Stone
43. Name the Autobiography, the best-selling non-fiction book of 1984.
Iacocca by Lee Iacocca and William Novak
44. Who was the original mogwai in Gremlins?
Gizmo (Stripe was the primary antagonist)
45. You get one point for each thing you should NOT do with a Mogwai.
1. do not expose the creature to light, especially sunlight, which will kill it
2. do not let it come in contact with water;
3. above all, never feed it after midnight
46. Gremlins and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom are responsible for an addition to the MPAA movie rating system. What did they cause?
The PG-13 rating
47. What was the first major film to get the PG-13 rating?
Red Dawn
48. Name the actor who portrayed the 6th Doctor on Doctor Who.
Colin Baker.
49. What was Duran Duran’s first number-one single in the US?
The Reflex
50. Name the Space Shuttle that landed the first shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center.
Challenger
51. Who is the main protagonist of the Dragon Ball manga series created by Akira Toriyama?
Goku
52. Although this show only lasted 13 episodes on NBC, it was Jim Carrey’s first lead role in a Hollywood production. Name that show.
The Duck Factory
53. This Saturday morning cartoon featured Nanny watching over Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Scooter, Skeeter, Rowlf the Dog, and Gonzo. Name that show.
Muppet Babies
54. This film tells the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager from Chicago who moves to a small town that bans dancing. Name the film.
Footloose.
55. Who played the role of Ren McCormack in Footloose?
Kevin Bacon
56. Who played the role of Rev. Shaw Moore in Footloose?
John Lithgow
57. This 12-issue Marvel comic book series was tied with a similarly-named toy line from Mattel and a role-playing game from TSR. What was it called?
Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (aka Secret Wars)
58. Name the hit coming-of-age teen comedy film starring Molly Ringwald, Michael Schoeffling, and Anthony Michael Hall.
HINT: It launched all of their careers. Happy Birthday.
16 Candles
59. What film was John Hughes’ directorial debut?
16 Candles
60. This television sitcom featured characters like Harry T. Stone, Bull Shannon and Dan Fielding. Name that show.
Night Court
61. What team won the Super Bowl in 1984?
Los Angeles Raiders
62. This daytime soap opera revolved around the eventful lives of the wealthy Capwell family in California. Name it.
Santa Barbara.
63. The fictitious movie AI Skynet created The Terminator, but who created Skynet?
Cyberdyne Systems (under the direction of Dr. Miles Dyson)
64. In this 1984 cult sci-fi classic film, Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems in New Jersey caused havoc, thanks to Dr. Emilio Lizardo.
Bonus point for the whole name
Buckaroo Bonzai (The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension)
65. Although he never earned it, who coined the phrase EGOT, an acronym for winning the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards.
Philip Michael Thomas
66. Who famously said, “You like me… right now… you like me!” at the Oscars?
Sally Field
67. Who introduced the phrase “Shrimp on the Barbie”?
Paul Hogan via the Australian Tourism Commission
68. This 1984 film featured characters like Lewis Skolnik, Booger Dawson, Gilbert Lowe, and Lamar Latrelle. Name that film
Revenge of the Nerds
69. Name the charity recording to raise money to combat the famine in Ethiopia.
Do They Know It’s Christmas?
70. This show featured Angela Lansbury as a mystery writer and amateur detective. Name the show and her character.
Murder, She Wrote (Jessica Fletcher)
71. Who was the Pope in 1984?
John Paul II (October 16, 1978 – April 2, 2005)
72. Name the supernatural slasher film written and directed by Wes Craven and starring Robert Englund.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
73. A Nightmare on Elm Street included the feature film debut of a 1990s and 2000s film star. Name that actor.
HINT: He later played a popular pirate
Johnny Depp
74. Name the actor in the title role of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer.
Stacey Keach
75. Mike Hammer’s title theme was an old jazz classic written in 1939. What was it?
Harlem Nocturne
76. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions in 1984?
Edmonton Oilers
77. A World’s Fair was held in New Orleans. What was it called?
The 1984 Louisiana World Exposition (aka Expo 84, over 7 million people attended)
78. Who was the Vice-President in 1984?
George H. W. Bush (January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989)
79. Michael Jackson’s Thriller album had two songs reaching number one. Name them.
Billie Jean and Beat It
80. Who was the biggest musical artist of 1984?
Prince and the Revolution
81. What did Clara Peller ask for Wendy’s?
“Where’s the beef?”
82. Who won the World Series in 1984?
Detroit Tigers
83. Name the film that originated the phrase “I reject your reality and substitute my own.”
The Dungeonmaster
84. Who was the leader of the Dinobots?
Grimlock
Trivia Team Bonus Questions:
1. Transformers leader Optimus Prime had another name when he was younger. What was it?
Orion Pax
2. Reed Richards is the leader of the Fantastic Four. Who is Reed’s father?
Nathaniel Richards
3. Name the pair who hosted the first MTV Video Music Awards at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. You get one point for each, which you can name.
Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler
4. Who was the first American woman to perform a space walk?
Kathryn D. Sullivan
5. Mike Hammer’s TV title theme was an old jazz classic written in 1939. What was it?
Harlem Nocturne
6. Name the last European country to grant women the right to vote.
Liechtenstein
7. Who is the superhero from Tromaville?
The Toxic Avenger
8. Name the device that allows an object to pass through solid matter in Buckaroo Banzai.
oscillation over thruster
9. What was the commercial name that only aired once from Apple Computer during Super Bowl XVII?
1984
10. What was the name of the Chicago Morning Show that eventually kicked off Oprah’s career?
A.M. Chicago
History of Happy Birthdays
On August 6, 2013, Curiosity played “Happy Birthday to You” to itself in honor of the one year – One Earth Year, since it landed on Mars. That was the first time a song was played on another planet. It was also the first time music was transmitted between two planets.
The Earliest Noted Birthdays
The idea of birthdays started right after we started keeping track of time, with calendars. The oldest reference we know of was from around 3000 BC (Genesis 40:20-23) and it was a Pharaoh’s Birthday, but in his case, it was his birth when he was crowned as pharaoh – which they viewed as ascending to godhood.
This is related to the tradition of Christian Saints, who are remembered with their feast days; they’re are traditionally set on the anniversary of their “birth” into heaven: which would be the day they died. Early Christians considered celebrating birthdays a pagan tradition. The birth of Jesus was mentioned in the Bible, but no actual date was mentioned. The other Biblical reference to a birthday was for King Herod (Matthew 14:6-12), who celebrated by executing John the Baptist.
Although the births of Mary, mother of Jesus, and John the Baptist were noted in early Christianity, they were not celebrated by common believers. The first known birthday party invitations were sent by Claudia Severa, the wife of a Roman commander named Aelius Brocchus in 100 AD. Paper wasn’t in use yet, so the Birthday Invitations were sent on wooden slabs, they survived, and that’s how we know the date (3 days before the Ides of September).
Birthdays were sometimes noted by successful politicians and soldiers in ancient times as well. Egypt’s Alexandria, it has been said, was designed in a location where the morning sun aligned with Alexander The Great’s birthday.
The Birthday Candle
The first candles were placed on cakes honoring the gods in ancient Greece. Germans started the modern Birthday Party with Kinderfeste, in the late 18th century. This party was held for German kids, or “kinder,” and featured a birthday cake adorned with candles.
Kids were given one candle on top of the cake for each year they had been alive, plus one for the hope of living for at least one more year – we’d call it FOR LUCK. Blowing out these candles while making a wish was part of the party. Christian and Jewish communities both started celebrating birthdays about this time.
The Happy Birthday Song.
Two sisters, Patty and Mildred J. Hill, who happened to be school teachers, wrote a song called “Good Morning To All” in 1893 that was published in a book for other school teachers. The original intent of this song was to be sung in a class by students before starting the day.
Robert Coleman published a songbook in 1924 that featured the song with new lyrics, and that became The Happy Birthday song we all know. In 1933, this new version was used in an Irving Berlin musical. The Hill Sisters sued on the grounds that they held the copyright to the tune, and they won the case.
The Copyright of ‘Happy Birthday’
Warner Bros ended up owning the lyrics, and they split the copyright money with the estate of the Hills, who owned the melody. The royalties for the song were the reason so many restaurants make up their own birthday songs, it was seldom heard in film and television. The song became Public Domain in 2016 and anybody can sing it now.
At the time the copyright ended, it was making around $2 million a year.
What else should we know about Birthdays?
- October 5 is generally regarded as the most popular Birthday in the US- Nine months before October 5 is New Year’s Eve, which makes sense.
- May 22 is considered to be the least common birthday in America- they would be generally Babies conceived on Labor Day.
- Born November 7th? Your parents probably had a very romantic Valentine’s Cay.
- If you were born on August 6th, You were likely conceived the week of… November 13th (the prior year)
- The biggest Birthday party of All Time was the Sultan of Brunei’s 50th, in 1996. He spent $27 million, $16 million of that went toward Michael Jackson performing there.
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