Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. In 1911, Harriet Quimby became the first American woman to earn her aviator's certificate, followed shortly after by her sister, Matilda Moisant. In April 1912, Quimby became the first woman aviator to successfully fly across the English Channel, a feat which would have been as celebrated as were Amelia Earhart's accomplishments over two decades later, had it not been for this disaster. What other news overshadowed Harriet Quimby in April 1912?
2. In August 1914, the first traffic signal lights were installed in Cleveland, Ohio, by the American Traffic Signal Company. In the century that has followed, traffic lights have been installed all over the world and have a universally accepted colour-coding system. In spite of the importance of this innovation, traffic lights were upstaged by this event, which arguably had far more impact on the world. What other news overshadowed the traffic light, in July 1914?
3. In 1945, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam's independence. This would be the catalyst that would lead to the separation of North and South Vietnam, and ultimately to the devastating losses during the Vietnam War (1954-1975). But the declaration of independence was largely overshadowed by this other international news. What other news occurred in August 1945?
4. Born in India in 1869, educated in London and returning to India to organize political protests beginning in 1915, Mohandas Gandhi was an internationally recognized pacifist. In January 1948, his assassination occurred on his way to address a prayer meeting, and occurred within hours of this other news. What other important personality died the same day as Gandhi?
5. In 1963, the world was on the verge of an amazing decade of cultural and political change. Come November 22nd, the United States, and most of the world, would experience one of its first "Where were you when?" moments, with the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Not only did JFK's assassination change the direction of politics in the US, it also overshadowed other news of the day. What other event occurred on November 22, 1963?
6. Groucho Marx, arguably the most famous of the Marx Brothers, had a career that spanned from vaudeville, radio, television and over 13 feature films. After suffering a series of strokes, and amid failing health, Marx finally passed as a result of pneumonia on August 19, 1977. Despite his fame and contributions to American culture, his death was overshadowed by this other event. What other news took the headline in August 1977?
7. There are many iconic images that emerged in the 80s; the fall of the Berlin Wall, Michael Jackson's hair catching on fire and the explosion of the Challenger to name a few. Another image is the student protester blocking a tank in the middle of Tiananmen Square. These student-led protests were front page news in June 1989. What other news did these protests overshadow?
8. In 1990, the first McDonald's in Russia opened its doors, Nelson Mandela walked out of the doors of Victor Verster Prison, and the threat of the impending Gulf War was on Bush's mind. Amid this, in May 1990 we learned of the deaths of one of the Rat Pack's most talented members. Sammy Davis Jr.'s death, to throat cancer, saddened the world, but was hugely overshadowed by what other news on May 16, 1990?
9. There is no doubt that the events of September 11, 2001 were immense and will never be forgotten. Because of the massive monopoly on news from that moment forward, any other news was completed overshadowed by the tragedy. Which Canadian children's television icon died within a week of the 9/11 tragedy?
10. Finally, on June 25, 2009 the world was stunned when we learned that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had been rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. When we learned mere hours later that he had died, at the age of 50, we almost failed to notice the passing of this other celebrity?
Source: Author
WWKnits
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