Czar killed despite 1796 safe haven

Czar Paul I had big shoes to fill when he succeeded his mother Catherine the Great to the Russian throne in 1796. The powerful Catherine had ruled for more than 30 years, but Paul was never her biggest fan. Soon, her political allies became Paul’s rivals, and he lived in fear of assassination. Seeking a safe haven, he had the “assassination-proof ” St. Michael’s (Mikhailovsky) Castle built for himself in St. Petersburg. Paul moved into the castle in February 1801. He was assassinated there 40 days later.

What ruler was imprisoned at Lochleven Castle and forced to abdicate power in 1567?

A) Macbeth

B) Mary, Queen of Scots

C) Richard the Lionhearted

D) Robert the Bruce

Answer: Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned at Lochleven Castle and forced to abdicate power to her son James in 1567.

Japanese poetry a collaboration

Writing poetry isn’t necessarily a solitary occupation. In fact, Japanese renga “linked-verse” requires collaboration. A poet begins by crafting a three-line poem of 17 syllables in a 5-7-5 pattern. A second poet continues the poem with two lines of seven syllables each. Another poet adds another three lines, and then another poet adds two, continuing the pattern until the poem totals 100 lines or more. Renga has been around since the 12th century, producing poetry that may be formal, funny or even bawdy.

What Japanese art form involves growing miniature trees in containers? A) Bonsai

B) Haiku

C) Kabuki

D) Origami

Answer: Bonsai is a Japanese art that involves growing miniature trees in containers.

Play-Doh was first a cleaner

Play-Doh, every kindergartner’s favorite modeling compound, wasn’t originally intended for kids. Produced by the Kutol Products Company of Cincinnati, the flour, water and salt-based mixture was made to clean wallpaper of grime and soot, especially the residue from coalburning heating systems. When sales dipped as households switched from coal to other heating fuels, Kutol Wall Cleaner was repositioned as Play-Doh, a soft, nontoxic alternative to modeling clay that was easy for little hands to shape and mold.

Which was the first toy to be advertised on television?

A) Barbie

B) Matchbox cars

C) Mr. Potato Head

D) Tinkertoy

Answer: In 1952, Mr. Potato Head became the first toy advertised on television.