Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Trivia Q&A: March 4

We had another huge crowd for Trivia on Tuesday night, as we had 21 teams take part. The possibility of some serious rain didn't keep many folks away, and that's always a good thing. This was a night of some of the strongest scores ever on Trivia Night (that is, through the first four rounds anyway). I think it was a combination of many smart folks and some not-too-difficult questions.

"Dead or Alive Trivia" was a hoot, and the scores were quite good (we had four teams get perfect scores). The best scores of the night were in True or False Trivia, as we had nine teams get a 10 in that category.

It looked like it would be the closest finish with the most teams we've ever had. We had an amazing 18 of the 21 teams had at least 30 points going into IQ Trivia, and they were all separated by just seven points. But IQ Trivia was extremely difficult for just about everyone. That is, except for one team.

History was made last night, as the team that was in 20th overall place, Latecoming Jackasses, ran the table and got all five questions correct for 25 points and leapfrogged over everyone to get into first place and take the title. (No other team got more than two questions right.) They started the round down by 9 points and won by 7. What made their win all the more remarkable was that they totally missed the first round and started out with Dead or Alive Trivia. My congratulations to my friends Dave and Allison and their friends who pulled off a very "2004 Red Sox-esque" victory.

Current Events
1. This classic rock star has been invited to be the first western rock star to play in North Korea, and last week he announced he will do so next year.
2. The European Union issued a fine of 899 million euros against this company, which is the largest antitrust fine the EU has ever imposed on a single company.
3. Dimitris Christofias was elected president of this southern European country last week.
4. A new ship was christened by the US Navy with this name on Saturday in Louisiana, and the ship's bow was made from steel of the rubble from the World Trade Center.
5. Venezuela President Hugo Chavez amassed thousands of troops on this nation's border, a country that is a US military ally, and is threatening war with them.
6. A BBC documentary claims that this rock star was once the target of an assassination plot by the Hells Angels after they felt that they were once treated badly by him.
7. This comedy, just released last Friday, did just $15 million last weekend, but became the number 1 film in the US.
8. A group representing half a million people of Indian descent are campaigning to have statues of this iconic figure erected at both the UN and Liberty State Park in NJ.
9. Four houses in this western state burned to the ground on Monday, and authorities believe it was done by a radical environmental group.
10. This Hollywood actor made an endorsement of Hillary Clinton over the weekend by putting together a humerous collection of clips from his films and put it on the Internet.

Answers: 1. Eric Clapton; 2. Microsoft; 3. Cyprus; 4. USS New York; 5. Colombia; 6. Mick Jagger; 7. "Semi-Pro;" 8. Mahatma Gandhi; 9. Washington; 10. Jack Nicholson.

Dead or Alive Trivia

1. Bob Denver
2. Neil Armstrong
3. Joey Bishop
4. Abe Vigoda
5. Spiro T. Agnew
6. Abbie Hoffman
7. Jerry Mathers
8. Carroll O'Connor
9. Rev. Billy Graham
10. Jessica Tandy

Answers: 1. dead (2005); 2. alive; 3. dead (2007); 4. alive; 5. dead (1996); 6. dead (1989); 7. alive; 8. dead (2001); 9. alive; 10. dead (1994).

True or False Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. The Army is the only branch of the US military that has the rank of petty officer.
2. John Walsh is the host of the TV series "America's Most Wanted."
3. Shepherd's pie is traditionally filled with lamb or beef.
4. Tofu is made from lima beans.
5. A trurtle has no teeth.
6. Imhotep was the name of the mummy in the 2001 movie, "The Mummy Returns."
7. By definition, a hagiologist studies the lives of criminals.
8. A screenplay is an example of intellectual property.
9. Manicotti is a type of pasta typically shaped like a tube.
10. The first World Series, played in 1903, was won by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Answers: 1. false, Navy; 2. true; 3. true; 4. false, made of soybeans; 5. true; 6. true; 7. false, they study saints; 8. true; 9. true; 10. false, it was won by the Boston Red Sox.

General Knowledge
1. In the US, what everyday object frequently bears the name "Otis?"
2. In the late 19th century, who were the Mugwumps?
3. On the TV series "I Love Lucy," what is Ethel and Fred's last name?
4. What were the radio speeches made by FDR during the Great Depression called?
5. What president gave Camp David its name?
6. The process for turning sea water into fresh drinking water is called what?
7. A popular 1970s fad, the mood ring actually changed colors in response to what?
8. The island of Ibiza is part of what European country?
9. On a classic episode of the TV series "Seinfeld," what does Kramer name his bra for men?
10. Deposed in 1917, who was the last Russian tsar?

Answers: 1. elevator; 2. a political faction; 3. Mertz; 4. Fireside chats; 5. Dwight D. Eisenhower; 6. desalinization; 7. body temperature; 8. Spain; 9. "The Bro;" 10. Nicholas II.

IQ Trivia
1. Where on the human body would you find a lunula? ( 6 points)
2. In the 1970s, who gained fame for claiming to bend spoons using only his mind? ( 5 points)
3. Dendrology is the study of what? ( 5 points)
4. Guam is the largest and southernmost island of what island chain? ( 5 points)
5. What author wrote the line, "Love means never having to say you're sorry?" ( 4 points)

Answers: 1. fingernail; 2. Uri Geller; 3. trees; 4. Mariana; 5. Erich Segal.

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