10 GK Questions in English
02/07/2022
Kaliningrad Oblast.
Throughout the ages the region was possessed by the Teutonic Order, then part of the Duchy of Prussia and later annexed to the German Empire.
Following the German defeat in World War II, the region was then annexed by the Soviet Union and after its collapse, remained part of the Russian territory given its vast majority of Russian population.
Butterfly.
Medley is a swimming competition that consists on four different strokes. Each style is used for a quarter of the race always following the specific order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle.
To date, only the 200 meter and 400 meter race variants are Olympic events, both for men and women.
The movie directed by William A. Wellman tells us the story of two pilots in World War 1 who are in love with the same woman.
On the side, one can observe a picture of Clara Bow, one of the stars of the movie.
Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Point Zero, also known as Kilometer Zero, is a small geographic marker in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris from where the distance from Paris to all other cities is measured and also the starting point of France’s most important roads. This marker was implemented following an Imperial Decree by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1811, which designated Paris as the starting point of most national roads with sequential numbering in a clocwise manner.
It is supposed to mark the exact center of the city.
It is not the only Point Zero in the world – this type of marker can be found in numerous capitals around the world, like Madrid, Berlin or Kiev.
William Tell.
This hero’s legend, set in the 14th century, tells us how Tell defied the tyrannical rule of Albrecht Gessler of the House of Habsburg, ultimately killing him.
The way William Tell stood against oppressive rule and stood for the fight for freedom inspired the Swiss people to rebel against foreign rule, eventually leading to the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy, of which nowadays Tell is considered to be the father.
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June.
The Pride Month happens in June and it serves as a celebration of the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising (or Stonewall Riots), a series of protests to promote gay rights in the USA during the Summer of 1969.
The Stonewall Riots had a major impact on the awareness and on the fighting against discrimination, resulting in the creation of the first Gay Liberation Front.
Pesto.
Also known as Pesto alla Genovese, this Italian sauce was firstly documented in 1863 by Giovanni Battista Ratto. However, some other variations not including fresh basil leaves were already much appreciated at the time (like Moretum, introduced by the Ancient Romans).
Hieronymus Bosch.
On the side one can observe the central panel of the triptych “The Garden of Earthly Delights”, that can be admired in the Museo del Prado, in Madrid, Spain.
This painting is believed to have been created between 1490 and 1510, at the dawn of the cultural clash caused by the sea expansion of many empires.
Bosch is widely recognized as one of the most enigmatic painters ever, not only given the symbolic nature of his paintings, but also considering that little is known regarding his life, education and intentions.
Liverpool.
Located in the center of Liverpool, this club’s history is strictly related with some of the most important rock bands worldwide. Indeed, names like Queen, The Rolling stones, The Who, Elton John, The Yardbirds or John Lee Hooker performed in the Club in the past, most of them at early stages of their careers.
It is also the club in which The Beatles started to gain popularity in the UK, having played there for more than 200 times and meeting their future manager, Brian Epstein.
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