Opening Day is exactly one week away for the Red Sox, and members of the battery made news this week.
Clay Buchholz was named the Opening Day starter for next Monday in Philadelphia. He's "the old man" of the revamped starting staff, and his numbers this spring aren't bad, despite giving up 12 hits and 4 runs over 5 innings last Friday. (And you obviously take Spring Training numbers with a grain of salt.)
2015 is a make it or break it year for Buchholz. He has to prove he is a top-of-the-rotation starter, and stay healthy at the same time. Most Red Sox fans don't believe he is a number one starter, and I don't either. But he's had the most experience of any of the starting pitchers the Sox have, so he almost gets it by default.
Rick Porcello will pitch the second game in Philadelphia, and either Wade Miley or Justin Masterson will complete the opening series.
In far more troubling news, the Sox placed Christian Vazquez on the 60-day disabled list today, and acquired catcher Sandy Leon from the Washington Nationals for cash considerations. Vazquez has been having right elbow discomfort, and is scheduled to visit Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama on Wednesday for a second opinion. Unfortunately, this has "Tommy John surgery" written all over it.
Leon is strictly catching depth for the Sox, who will go with Ryan Hanigan as their number one catcher with Vazquez out. Blake Swihart has had a good spring, but figures to play everyday at Pawtucket, as he is not ready. And all of a sudden, that Hanigan for Will Middlebrooks deal the Sox made this past winter is looking more and more crucial.
And in more injury news, it sounds like Koji Uehara will not be on the roster for Opening Day, as his hamstring injury will not be settled by then, and John Farrell said yesterday that Edward Mujica (God help us) will be the primary closer, but he did not rule out going to a closer-by-committee until Koji is ready to return.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
So Pete Rose Wants Back In
I haven't written much on baseball so far in this new year of 2015, but with 13 days to go until the season gets under way, and the cold weather finally abating, let's do it!
Earlier this month, Pete Rose made his intentions known that he is applying for reinstatement, after being banned since 1989 for betting on baseball. With a new commissioner at the helm in Rob Manfred, he figures to try and strike while the iron is hot and hopes that the new commissioner will be sympathetic to his case.
Manfred announced he will give Rose's case a look, but has not hinted in which direction he will go.
We all know the facts of Rose's banishment. He was basically caught red-handed having placed bets on baseball while manager of the Cincinnati Reds, and screamed for years that he never actually did it. He says he accepted the lifetime ban with the idea that after one year he would file for reinstatement. He also figured that he was still eligible for the Hall of Fame at the time, so that wouldn't be affected. (The Hall of Fame then banned all players on the Permanently Ineligible List shortly thereafter.) But Bart Giamatti, who rightly gave Rose the boot, died one week after the whole sordid matter ended, and the two commissioners that followed him, Fay Vincent and Bud Selig, kept the ban in place.
Rose lied in his deposition in 1989, and smeared the reputations of the men who brought the evidence against him 26 years ago, and has never offered any kind of apology to them.
Everyone in baseball knows that betting on the game is the sport's mortal sin. Every locker room in MLB has signs posted about that. The Black Sox scandal of 1919 came close to sinking the sport.
And have you noticed there has not been one case of illegal betting on baseball by anyone in MLB since Rose was banned?
I was in Rose's camp in early 2000s that he had served a long enough sentence for this case, and maybe it was finally time to reconsider his ban. But then in 2004, simply to sell yet another autobiography he'd written, Rose decided to come clean and admit, "yeah, I bet on baseball." For 15 years, he insisted to all his loyal fans and supporters that he hadn't bet on the game, and it was all trumped up by MLB.
And to make more money, Charlie Hustle admitted he hustled the fans. Treated us all like chumps.
So as far as I am concerned, Pete Rose can stay banned from MLB.
Listen, the Hall of Fame has plenty of members of rather dubious character, and the PED scandals have really played havoc with the election process. But that's a whole different story. I'm sure Rob Manfred will give Rose a shot here, but I bet he is in no rush to make any kind of ruling.
Rose doesn't have my support. And many Hall of Famers feel the same way. Everyone knows the rules. YOU DON'T BET ON MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL. He knew that, did it anyway because he was (and probably still is) a degenerate gambler. He of course merits induction for what he did as an MLB player.
But he ruined his career after he became a manager. I have always felt that somewhere down the road he will be reinstated and will enter the Hall of Fame by way of the Veterans Committee. But let it happen after he dies, so he's not there to enjoy it.
Sorry, Pete. No sympathy from me. You treated us like fools for years. Don't bet (pun intended) on getting back in MLB's good graces. Let your cries for reinstatement fall on deaf ears.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Trivia Will Return On April 12
Due to the continuing NCAA Tournament basketball playoffs on March 29th, and the opening of the baseball season on April 5th (and it also being Easter Sunday), Trivia Night at Foley's will be taking off the next two weeks.
We'll be back with another edition of Trivia on Sunday night, April 12th at 7 PM.
Hope to see you then!
We'll be back with another edition of Trivia on Sunday night, April 12th at 7 PM.
Hope to see you then!
Monday, March 16, 2015
Trivia Q&A: March 15
On the cusp of St. Patrick's Day, we did Ireland Trivia as one of two Special Categories for Trivia Night at Foley's on Sunday night. The numbers for that round were generally on the higher side. The bar had all different folks in watching hockey and soccer, and few in playing Trivia. The team of Green Eyed Monsters got the win, getting 38 points, winning each round except the final round. Nice job by Cato and Bob taking the night again.
Second place went to Dink Dink, Dink Dink, Dink Dink, Dink Dink with 23 points, and third place went to The K Family with 22 points.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Trivia Night will take next week off at Foley's, due to the NCAA Tournament games and few other events going on at the bar. We will return in two weeks, on Sunday night, March 29th at 7 PM. See you then!
Current Events
1. What western US state's lawmakers voted this past week to bring back the firing squad as a form of capital punishment, the only state to have it?
2. A jury awarded $7.4 million to the children of what R&B singer after determining that singers Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams copied his music in their 2013 number one hit song?
3. What news organization was recently named the most trusted, as well as the least trusted network in news in a recent Quinnipiac University poll?
4. "American Sniper" last week became the highest grossing war film of all-time, reaching $500 million in worldwide gross. What 1998 war film had the previous record?
5. What longtime network crime drama was recently acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the largest-ever TV drama, simulcast in 171 countries on March 4th?
6. What English rock star was named an "honorary Texan" by the Texas legislature this past week after donating hundreds of his Alamo artifacts to the state?
7. What world leader was not seen in public for nearly seven days last week, and reports surfaced he was in Switzerland for the birth of his "secret" daughter?
Ireland Trivia
1. What is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin in population? a. Cork; b. Galway; c. Limerick; d. Waterford.
2. Which Irish saint is said to have visited America 1000 years before Columbus? a. Patrick; b. Finbar; c. Brendan; d. Thomas.
3. Which one of the following entertainers was not born in Ireland? a. Bono; b. Bob Geldof; c. Elvis Costello; d. Pierce Brosnan.
4. Which is the most popular sport in Ireland? a. soccer; b. rugby; c. cricket; d. Gaelic football.
5. In which year did Ireland achieve Home Rule and their independence from the UK? a. 1905; b. 1922; c. 1929; d. 1935.
6. What Irish rock band had hits with such songs as "Jailbreak" and "The Boys Are Back In Town?" a. U2; b. The Pogues; c. Black 47; d. Thin Lizzy.
7. In which century did Ireland's potato famine take place? a. 17; b. 18; c. 19; d. 20.
Green Trivia
1. "Green River" was a hit single for what 1960s rock band?
2. What is the name of the main character in the book "Green Eggs and Ham?"
3. What US city's river is dyed green every St. Patrick's Day?
4. Martin Balsam portrayed Mr. Green in what 1974 NYC-based film that was remade in 2009?
5. What North African country's flag is completely green?
6. What is the name of the pigment in green plants that gives them their color?
7. What Nickelodeon TV show was known for dropping green slime on its characters?
General Knowledge
1. The world's largest desert is found on what continent? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the name of the doomed boat from the classic TV sitcom "Gilligan's Island?" ( 1 pt)
3. Which of the Great Lakes is the largest in area? ( 1 pt)
4. The Galapagos Islands belong to what South American country? ( 2 pt)
5. Nicosia is the capital of what European country? ( 2 pt)
6. In 1775, the Continental Congress named what Founding Father the first postmaster general? ( 2 pt)
7. Byzantium was an ancient city that today is known by what name? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. Mt. Kosciusko, at 7,310 feet, is the highest mountain in what country? ( 5 points)
2. What 19th century US president was the only president who was once held as a prisoner of war? ( 4 points)
3. What current best-selling author was once a Democratic state legislator from Mississippi? ( 4 points)
4. The Treaty of Ghent ended what 19th century war? ( 3 points)
5. In 2014, who did Forbes magazine name "The World's Richest Athlete", having earned $105 million that year? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Utah; 2. Marvin Gaye; 3. Fox News; 4. "Saving Private Ryan;" 5. "CSI"; 6. Phil Collins; 7. Vladimir Putin.
Ireland Trivia
1. a; 2. c; 3. c; 4. d; 5. b; 6. d; 7. c.
Green Trivia
1. CCR; 2. Sam; 3. Chicago; 4. "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three;" 5. Libya; 6. chlorophyll; 7. "You Can't Do That On Television."
General Knowledge
1. Africa; 2. SS Minnow; 3. Lake Superior; 4. Ecuador; 5. Cyprus; 6. Ben Franklin; 7. Istanbul.
IQ Trivia
1. Australia; 2. Andrew Jackson; 3. John Grisham; 4. The War of 1812; 5. Floyd Mayweather.
Second place went to Dink Dink, Dink Dink, Dink Dink, Dink Dink with 23 points, and third place went to The K Family with 22 points.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Trivia Night will take next week off at Foley's, due to the NCAA Tournament games and few other events going on at the bar. We will return in two weeks, on Sunday night, March 29th at 7 PM. See you then!
Current Events
1. What western US state's lawmakers voted this past week to bring back the firing squad as a form of capital punishment, the only state to have it?
2. A jury awarded $7.4 million to the children of what R&B singer after determining that singers Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams copied his music in their 2013 number one hit song?
3. What news organization was recently named the most trusted, as well as the least trusted network in news in a recent Quinnipiac University poll?
4. "American Sniper" last week became the highest grossing war film of all-time, reaching $500 million in worldwide gross. What 1998 war film had the previous record?
5. What longtime network crime drama was recently acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the largest-ever TV drama, simulcast in 171 countries on March 4th?
6. What English rock star was named an "honorary Texan" by the Texas legislature this past week after donating hundreds of his Alamo artifacts to the state?
7. What world leader was not seen in public for nearly seven days last week, and reports surfaced he was in Switzerland for the birth of his "secret" daughter?
Ireland Trivia
1. What is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin in population? a. Cork; b. Galway; c. Limerick; d. Waterford.
2. Which Irish saint is said to have visited America 1000 years before Columbus? a. Patrick; b. Finbar; c. Brendan; d. Thomas.
3. Which one of the following entertainers was not born in Ireland? a. Bono; b. Bob Geldof; c. Elvis Costello; d. Pierce Brosnan.
4. Which is the most popular sport in Ireland? a. soccer; b. rugby; c. cricket; d. Gaelic football.
5. In which year did Ireland achieve Home Rule and their independence from the UK? a. 1905; b. 1922; c. 1929; d. 1935.
6. What Irish rock band had hits with such songs as "Jailbreak" and "The Boys Are Back In Town?" a. U2; b. The Pogues; c. Black 47; d. Thin Lizzy.
7. In which century did Ireland's potato famine take place? a. 17; b. 18; c. 19; d. 20.
Green Trivia
1. "Green River" was a hit single for what 1960s rock band?
2. What is the name of the main character in the book "Green Eggs and Ham?"
3. What US city's river is dyed green every St. Patrick's Day?
4. Martin Balsam portrayed Mr. Green in what 1974 NYC-based film that was remade in 2009?
5. What North African country's flag is completely green?
6. What is the name of the pigment in green plants that gives them their color?
7. What Nickelodeon TV show was known for dropping green slime on its characters?
General Knowledge
1. The world's largest desert is found on what continent? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the name of the doomed boat from the classic TV sitcom "Gilligan's Island?" ( 1 pt)
3. Which of the Great Lakes is the largest in area? ( 1 pt)
4. The Galapagos Islands belong to what South American country? ( 2 pt)
5. Nicosia is the capital of what European country? ( 2 pt)
6. In 1775, the Continental Congress named what Founding Father the first postmaster general? ( 2 pt)
7. Byzantium was an ancient city that today is known by what name? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. Mt. Kosciusko, at 7,310 feet, is the highest mountain in what country? ( 5 points)
2. What 19th century US president was the only president who was once held as a prisoner of war? ( 4 points)
3. What current best-selling author was once a Democratic state legislator from Mississippi? ( 4 points)
4. The Treaty of Ghent ended what 19th century war? ( 3 points)
5. In 2014, who did Forbes magazine name "The World's Richest Athlete", having earned $105 million that year? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Utah; 2. Marvin Gaye; 3. Fox News; 4. "Saving Private Ryan;" 5. "CSI"; 6. Phil Collins; 7. Vladimir Putin.
Ireland Trivia
1. a; 2. c; 3. c; 4. d; 5. b; 6. d; 7. c.
Green Trivia
1. CCR; 2. Sam; 3. Chicago; 4. "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three;" 5. Libya; 6. chlorophyll; 7. "You Can't Do That On Television."
General Knowledge
1. Africa; 2. SS Minnow; 3. Lake Superior; 4. Ecuador; 5. Cyprus; 6. Ben Franklin; 7. Istanbul.
IQ Trivia
1. Australia; 2. Andrew Jackson; 3. John Grisham; 4. The War of 1812; 5. Floyd Mayweather.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Millar, O'Brien Lead Ballot For the Irish American BB HoF
My friends at Foley's NY Pub and Restaurant (where I do Trivia every Sunday night, plug, plug!!) announced this past week their newest candidates for the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame, and they include three individuals with connections to the Red Sox over the years.
One is former player and 2004 World Series champion Kevin Millar, another is current Red Sox radio announcer Dave O'Brien, and the third is MLB Hall of Fame manager Joe McCarthy (who managed the Sox after his long successful tenure with the Yankees in the late 1940s).
There are eleven candidates on the 2015 ballot, from the groups of Former Players, Broadcasters, Managers and Executives. Here are the eleven up for consideration:
Current and Former Players
· Mike Sweeney: Five-time All-Star and former captain of the KC Royals; involved with numerous charities in the Kansas City area.
· Michael Cuddyer: Two-time All-Star, 2013 NL batting champ and current New York Met; nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award recognizing outstanding off-field community service.
· Kevin Millar: Member of 2004 Red Sox who helped end Boston’s 86-yr. World Series drought.
Broadcasters
· Dave O'Brien: ESPN sportscaster, also calls play-by-play on the Boston Red Sox Radio Network alongside Joe Castiglione.
· Tom McCarthy: Play-by-play announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies' broadcasts.
· Ed Coleman: Radio play-by-play announcer for the New York Mets.
Managers
· Joe McCarthy: Yankees all-time leader in managerial wins (1,460), won seven World Series titles between 1931-46.
· Jack McKeon: Two-time NL Manager of Year whose 2003 Florida Marlins won the World Series
Executives
· Bill Murray: Comedic actor and SNL alumnus, owner of minor league teams
· Shannon Forde: Longtime member of New York Mets p.r. staff
· Joe McDonald: Longtime executive with the New York Mets
The Hall of Fame is located inside Foley's, at 18 West 33rd Street. It was founded by Shaun Clancy in 2008 to honor those connected to MLB of Irish descent. The candidates to be enshrined in 2015 will be announced in April.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
We Celebrate Ireland & Its History On Sunday
We will celebrate the St. Patrick's Day holiday early on Sunday, March 15th with Trivia Night at Foley's. We will have two Special Categories this week (with the Q Train lightning round getting the week off), and they will be "Ireland Trivia" and "Green Trivia." Ireland Trivia will be seven questions about the Emerald Isle and its history, and Green Trivia will be seven questions that all involve the color green in some way. And in deference to Foley's, there will be no answers involving the song "Danny Boy."
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
Which of the Great Lakes is the largest in area?"
We'll get started at 7 PM on Sunday night. Foley's is located at 18 West 33rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. There will be drink specials throughout the Trivia Night, so come on out and celebrate the holiday early with a great night of Trivia tomorrow night!
Friday, March 13, 2015
The Machine Turns Nine
It hardly seems possible, but it was nine years ago today that Yours Truly founded The Mighty Quinn Media Machine.
I started it almost on a lark, but I am certainly glad I did. It has brought many wonderful people into my life, and I can't thank them (and all of you) enough.
These days, I'm not writing as much as I once did. I still write about the Red Sox, but not on an everyday basis anymore. And of course, I use the blog extensively to promote my Trivia Night.
The post about good ol' Doug Mirabelli in 2006 is still be far the most popular thing I have ever put up here. Doug has long since left the Red Sox and MLB, but fans are still looking to find out about his "epic" day, and usually wind up on my blog!
Anyway, thanks to all of you for the support you have given me and my little writing thingy here.
Sunday, March 08, 2015
Trivia Q&A: March 8
Our third edition of Sunday Night Trivia at Foley's brought out an old friend, Matt, who is one of my loyal Trivia players from my other Trivia venues. Always nice seeing familiar faces from the past. We had a small turnout of players on Sunday, but we are making progress in our new Trivia home.
Most teams did rather well in the Women's History Trivia round, so they can be proud on International Women's Day they know their stuff!
My thanks to the great Ed Randall, who hosts a Sunday morning show on WFAN Radio here in New York, as he gave a nice shout out to my Trivia Night at Foley's yesterday. I've known Ed many years, as he has been a regular at the BLOHARDS meetings and is a tireless advocate for prostate cancer awareness. He's one of the good guys in sports.Thanks a million, Ed!
The team of Vince Wilfork's Body Guards were victorious, taking the night by 20 points over second place Mortal Wombat, who had 34 points, and third place went to A Lone Warrior with 28 points.
Current Events
1. Loretta Lynch was confirmed last week as what new member of President Obama's cabinet?
2. What man was named by Forbes magazine earlier this week as "The World's Richest Man" with a net worth of $79.2 billion?
3. What western US state became the third state to permit legal marijuana use in that state?
4. Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu spoke before Congress for the third time this past week. What 20th century world leader was the only other to speak before Congress three times?
5. The National Transportation Safety Board recently said they have agreed to consider reopening the investigation into the plane crash that killed what rock star many years ago?
6. Mark Lippert, the US ambassador to what country, was attacked last Thursday by a man with a razor blade, and needed 80 stitches to close a wound on his face?
7. Minnie Minoso, the first black Cuban born player in MLB, died last Sunday at the age of 92. What team did he play for in five different decades?
Women's History Trivia
1. Who was the first woman to run for president of the US? a. Shirley Chisholm; b. Susan B. Anthony; c. Victoria Woodhull; d. Sonia Johnson.
2. In 1932, Amelia Earhart was the first woman to do what? a. Fly a plane; b. Fly solo across the Atlantic; c. Fly in the Air Force; d. Fly solo around the world.
3. Who was the first woman to be Secretary of State? a. Elizabeth Dole; b. Condoleezza Rice; c. Hillary Clinton; d. Madeline Albright.
4. What was the first US state to allow women to vote? a. Wyoming; b. Colorado; c. Utah; d. Idaho.
5. Roe vs. Wade was one of the most controversial cases in Supreme Court history covering what women's right? a. Education; b. abortion; c. birth control; d. employment.
6. In 1926, Gertrude Ederle accomplished what feat as the first woman to do what? a. Swim the English Channel; b. Climb Mt. Everest; c. Sail around the world; d. Ride in the Tour deFrance.
7. Who was the first woman to serve as US Attorney General? a. Condoleezza Rice; b. Hillary Clinton; c. Janet Reno; d. Geraldine Ferraro.
Even Numbered Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. The pearl wedding anniversary is this number of years.
2. Arizona is this number US state.
3. Cancer is this number sign of the Zodiac.
4. This is the freezing point of water at sea level degrees Fahrenheit.
5. The highest number on a standard dartboard is this number.
6. This number is retired throughout MLB in honor of Jackie Robinson.
7. This is the approximate total number of grams in one ounce.
8. This number parallel north separates North and South Korea.
9. In tennis, this number represents the third point gained in a game.
10. This number amendment to the Constitution made the standard minimum voting age at 18.
General Knowledge
1. The Brandenburg Gate is found in what European city? ( 1 pt)
2. What is another name for the human clavicle? ( 1 pt)
3. What two US coins have ridges on them? ( 1 pt)
4. The Emerald Coast is located on what US state? ( 2 pt)
5. Tony Abbott is the current Prime Minister of what country? ( 2 pt)
6. Name 1 of the 2 letters worth ten points in Scrabble, the most valuable ones. ( 2 pt)
7. What is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What famous 19th century author is credited with having written the first book on a typewriter? ( 3 points)
2. What southern US state has the butterfly as its official mascot, but has no official nickname, the only state without one? ( 4 points)
3. Who is the only Roman Catholic to be Vice-President of the United States? ( 4 points)
4. What famous singer was the first African-American to host an American TV show, in 1956? ( 5 points)
5. William Morgan invented what team sport in Massachusetts in 1895, which was originally called "mintonette?" ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Attorney General; 2. Bill Gates; 3. Alaska; 4. Winston Churchill; 5. Buddy Holly; 6. South Korea; 7. Chicago White Sox.
Women's History Trivia
1. c; 2. b; 3. d; 4. a; 5. b; 6. a; 7. c.
Even Numbered Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. 30; 2. 48; 3. 4; 4. 32; 5. 20; 6. 42; 7. 28; 8. 38; 9. 40; 10. 26.
General Knowledge
1. Berlin; 2. collarbone; 3. dime and quarter; 4. Florida; 5. Australia; 6. Q&Z; 7. prostate.
IQ Trivia
1. Mark Twain; 2. Alabama; 3. Joe Biden; 4. Nat King Cole; 5. volleyball.
Most teams did rather well in the Women's History Trivia round, so they can be proud on International Women's Day they know their stuff!
My thanks to the great Ed Randall, who hosts a Sunday morning show on WFAN Radio here in New York, as he gave a nice shout out to my Trivia Night at Foley's yesterday. I've known Ed many years, as he has been a regular at the BLOHARDS meetings and is a tireless advocate for prostate cancer awareness. He's one of the good guys in sports.Thanks a million, Ed!
The team of Vince Wilfork's Body Guards were victorious, taking the night by 20 points over second place Mortal Wombat, who had 34 points, and third place went to A Lone Warrior with 28 points.
Current Events
1. Loretta Lynch was confirmed last week as what new member of President Obama's cabinet?
2. What man was named by Forbes magazine earlier this week as "The World's Richest Man" with a net worth of $79.2 billion?
3. What western US state became the third state to permit legal marijuana use in that state?
4. Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu spoke before Congress for the third time this past week. What 20th century world leader was the only other to speak before Congress three times?
5. The National Transportation Safety Board recently said they have agreed to consider reopening the investigation into the plane crash that killed what rock star many years ago?
6. Mark Lippert, the US ambassador to what country, was attacked last Thursday by a man with a razor blade, and needed 80 stitches to close a wound on his face?
7. Minnie Minoso, the first black Cuban born player in MLB, died last Sunday at the age of 92. What team did he play for in five different decades?
Women's History Trivia
1. Who was the first woman to run for president of the US? a. Shirley Chisholm; b. Susan B. Anthony; c. Victoria Woodhull; d. Sonia Johnson.
2. In 1932, Amelia Earhart was the first woman to do what? a. Fly a plane; b. Fly solo across the Atlantic; c. Fly in the Air Force; d. Fly solo around the world.
3. Who was the first woman to be Secretary of State? a. Elizabeth Dole; b. Condoleezza Rice; c. Hillary Clinton; d. Madeline Albright.
4. What was the first US state to allow women to vote? a. Wyoming; b. Colorado; c. Utah; d. Idaho.
5. Roe vs. Wade was one of the most controversial cases in Supreme Court history covering what women's right? a. Education; b. abortion; c. birth control; d. employment.
6. In 1926, Gertrude Ederle accomplished what feat as the first woman to do what? a. Swim the English Channel; b. Climb Mt. Everest; c. Sail around the world; d. Ride in the Tour deFrance.
7. Who was the first woman to serve as US Attorney General? a. Condoleezza Rice; b. Hillary Clinton; c. Janet Reno; d. Geraldine Ferraro.
Even Numbered Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. The pearl wedding anniversary is this number of years.
2. Arizona is this number US state.
3. Cancer is this number sign of the Zodiac.
4. This is the freezing point of water at sea level degrees Fahrenheit.
5. The highest number on a standard dartboard is this number.
6. This number is retired throughout MLB in honor of Jackie Robinson.
7. This is the approximate total number of grams in one ounce.
8. This number parallel north separates North and South Korea.
9. In tennis, this number represents the third point gained in a game.
10. This number amendment to the Constitution made the standard minimum voting age at 18.
General Knowledge
1. The Brandenburg Gate is found in what European city? ( 1 pt)
2. What is another name for the human clavicle? ( 1 pt)
3. What two US coins have ridges on them? ( 1 pt)
4. The Emerald Coast is located on what US state? ( 2 pt)
5. Tony Abbott is the current Prime Minister of what country? ( 2 pt)
6. Name 1 of the 2 letters worth ten points in Scrabble, the most valuable ones. ( 2 pt)
7. What is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What famous 19th century author is credited with having written the first book on a typewriter? ( 3 points)
2. What southern US state has the butterfly as its official mascot, but has no official nickname, the only state without one? ( 4 points)
3. Who is the only Roman Catholic to be Vice-President of the United States? ( 4 points)
4. What famous singer was the first African-American to host an American TV show, in 1956? ( 5 points)
5. William Morgan invented what team sport in Massachusetts in 1895, which was originally called "mintonette?" ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Attorney General; 2. Bill Gates; 3. Alaska; 4. Winston Churchill; 5. Buddy Holly; 6. South Korea; 7. Chicago White Sox.
Women's History Trivia
1. c; 2. b; 3. d; 4. a; 5. b; 6. a; 7. c.
Even Numbered Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. 30; 2. 48; 3. 4; 4. 32; 5. 20; 6. 42; 7. 28; 8. 38; 9. 40; 10. 26.
General Knowledge
1. Berlin; 2. collarbone; 3. dime and quarter; 4. Florida; 5. Australia; 6. Q&Z; 7. prostate.
IQ Trivia
1. Mark Twain; 2. Alabama; 3. Joe Biden; 4. Nat King Cole; 5. volleyball.
Saturday, March 07, 2015
The Ladies In History Featured On Sunday
This Sunday night, March 8th, the Special Category for Sunday Night Trivia at Foley's NY Pub and Restaurant will be "Women's History Trivia," seven questions about women in US history, in honor of Sunday being International Women's Day. All the questions will be multiple choice.
The Q Train lightning round will be "Even Numbered Trivia." I will ask you ten general knowledge questions, and every answer will be an even number from 1 through 50. And no answer will be the same number.
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The Brandenburg Gate is found in what European city?"
We get going at 7 PM on Sunday night. The weather will be a lot better on Sunday, and there will not be a Pittsburgh Penguins game on at that time, so things should be fine. Foley's is located at 18 West 33rd Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. There will be beer specials during the Trivia Night, so why not come out and have a great time with Trivia tomorrow night at Foley's. See you then!
Sunday, March 01, 2015
Trivia Q&A: March 1
It looked like the weather was going to play havoc with us again for Trivia Night at Foley's. 1-3 inches of snow fell on NYC, but we actually had a pretty good turnout for a snowy night. We started after the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game finished (Pens fans hang out at Foley's), and a few of the patrons joined us, along with seeing old friends Rhonda, Michael and Amy, which was a nice surprise. So it turned out to be a pretty good night indeed.
The team of Polka Kings pulled off the win, getting 48 points and won by a comfortable margin of 12 points. They also won our opening week of Trivia at Foley's two weeks ago, so my congratulations to Cato and Bob on their win.
Second place went to Ballz Deep with 36 points, and third went to Captain Spock's Exploding Manhole Covers with 34 points.
Current Events
1. John Kitzhaber, the governor of what western US state, resigned recently over an ethics scandal involving him and his fiancee?
2. What legendary comedian was recently chosen by Rolling Stone magazine as the all-time number one cast member in the history of "Saturday Night Live?"
3. The CEO of Hermitage Capital Management claimed recently that what world leader has a net worth of $200 billion, more than that of Bill Gates, most of which he claims is stolen?
4. Rock star Neil Young asked his fans last week to join in a boycott of what chain store after their involvement in a lawsuit against the state of Vermont over shielding food ingredients?
5. What late-night talk show host filmed segments for his show in Cuba late last month, the first US talk show to film there since 1959?
6. What female pop singer fell off the stage last week while performing at the Brit Awards in London?
7. What 1990s rap star was arrested in Florida recently for breaking into and stealing from an abandoned home?
Academy Awards Trivia
1. What 1985 film was nominated for 11 Oscars, and won no awards, tied for the most in history without a win?
2. What 1970 Beatles film won an Academy Award for Best Original Score?
3. What 1992 film was the last Western to win the Best Picture Oscar?
4. What film did Mel Brooks win his only Oscar for Best Original Screenplay?
5. Who is the only actress to win four Best Actress Oscars?
6. What actor has been nominated a record 12 times for acting Oscars?
7. Name 2 of the 5 actors/actresses who have won acting Oscars in consecutive years.
Odd Numbered Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. The silver wedding anniversary is marked after this number years of marriage.
2. The debut album from singer Adele was entitled this number.
3. A soccer match has this numbered minutes in each half.
4. The NY Yankees retired this number in honor of late catcher Thurman Munson.
5. Alaska is this number US state.
6. The left fielder in baseball is represented by this number.
7. Aquarius is this number sign of the Zodiac.
8. This is the number of flavors of Baskin-Robbins ice cream.
9. Chicago Bulls retired this number in honor of Michael Jordan.
10. Jesus Christ is said to be this age at the time of his crucifixion.
General Knowledge
1. Lake Titicaca is located on what continent? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the second largest planet in the solar system? ( 1 pt)
3. Hall of Fame QB John Elway was originally drafted by what NFL team? ( 1 pt)
4. Since 1980, the shekel has been the currency of what country? ( 2 pt)
5. "Iron Man" is a 1970 song by what rock band? ( 2 pt)
6. A dodecagon has how many sides? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the national animal of Canada? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What 20th century US president used his poker winnings to help finance his first campaign for Congress, which he won? ( 4 points)
2. What Asian country is the world's largest producer and consumer of milk? ( 4 points)
3. Sid is the real first name of what popular Sesame Street character? ( 3 points)
4. After Rhode Island and Delaware, what Eastern US state is the third smallest in total area? ( 4 points)
5. What Canadian province was the most recent to enter the Canadian Confederation, in 1949? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Oregon; 2. John Belushi; 3. Vladimir Putin; 4. Starbucks; 5. Conan O'Brien; 6. Madonna; 7. Vanilla Ice.
Academy Awards Trivia
1. "The Color Purple;" 2. "Let It Be;" 3. "Unforgiven;" 4. "The Producers;" 5. Katharine Hepburn; 6. Jack Nicholson; 7. Tom Hanks, Spencer Tracy, Luise Rainer, Katharine Hepburn, Jason Robards.
Odd Numbered Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. 25; 2. 19; 3. 45; 4. 15; 5. 49; 6. 7; 7. 11; 8. 31; 9. 23; 10. 33.
General Knowledge
1. South America; 2. Saturn; 3. Baltimore Colts; 4. Israel; 5. Black Sabbath; 6. twelve; 7. beaver.
IQ Trivia
1. Richard Nixon; 2. India; 3. Cookie Monster; 4. Connecticut; 5. Newfoundland.
The team of Polka Kings pulled off the win, getting 48 points and won by a comfortable margin of 12 points. They also won our opening week of Trivia at Foley's two weeks ago, so my congratulations to Cato and Bob on their win.
Second place went to Ballz Deep with 36 points, and third went to Captain Spock's Exploding Manhole Covers with 34 points.
Current Events
1. John Kitzhaber, the governor of what western US state, resigned recently over an ethics scandal involving him and his fiancee?
2. What legendary comedian was recently chosen by Rolling Stone magazine as the all-time number one cast member in the history of "Saturday Night Live?"
3. The CEO of Hermitage Capital Management claimed recently that what world leader has a net worth of $200 billion, more than that of Bill Gates, most of which he claims is stolen?
4. Rock star Neil Young asked his fans last week to join in a boycott of what chain store after their involvement in a lawsuit against the state of Vermont over shielding food ingredients?
5. What late-night talk show host filmed segments for his show in Cuba late last month, the first US talk show to film there since 1959?
6. What female pop singer fell off the stage last week while performing at the Brit Awards in London?
7. What 1990s rap star was arrested in Florida recently for breaking into and stealing from an abandoned home?
Academy Awards Trivia
1. What 1985 film was nominated for 11 Oscars, and won no awards, tied for the most in history without a win?
2. What 1970 Beatles film won an Academy Award for Best Original Score?
3. What 1992 film was the last Western to win the Best Picture Oscar?
4. What film did Mel Brooks win his only Oscar for Best Original Screenplay?
5. Who is the only actress to win four Best Actress Oscars?
6. What actor has been nominated a record 12 times for acting Oscars?
7. Name 2 of the 5 actors/actresses who have won acting Oscars in consecutive years.
Odd Numbered Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. The silver wedding anniversary is marked after this number years of marriage.
2. The debut album from singer Adele was entitled this number.
3. A soccer match has this numbered minutes in each half.
4. The NY Yankees retired this number in honor of late catcher Thurman Munson.
5. Alaska is this number US state.
6. The left fielder in baseball is represented by this number.
7. Aquarius is this number sign of the Zodiac.
8. This is the number of flavors of Baskin-Robbins ice cream.
9. Chicago Bulls retired this number in honor of Michael Jordan.
10. Jesus Christ is said to be this age at the time of his crucifixion.
General Knowledge
1. Lake Titicaca is located on what continent? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the second largest planet in the solar system? ( 1 pt)
3. Hall of Fame QB John Elway was originally drafted by what NFL team? ( 1 pt)
4. Since 1980, the shekel has been the currency of what country? ( 2 pt)
5. "Iron Man" is a 1970 song by what rock band? ( 2 pt)
6. A dodecagon has how many sides? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the national animal of Canada? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What 20th century US president used his poker winnings to help finance his first campaign for Congress, which he won? ( 4 points)
2. What Asian country is the world's largest producer and consumer of milk? ( 4 points)
3. Sid is the real first name of what popular Sesame Street character? ( 3 points)
4. After Rhode Island and Delaware, what Eastern US state is the third smallest in total area? ( 4 points)
5. What Canadian province was the most recent to enter the Canadian Confederation, in 1949? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Oregon; 2. John Belushi; 3. Vladimir Putin; 4. Starbucks; 5. Conan O'Brien; 6. Madonna; 7. Vanilla Ice.
Academy Awards Trivia
1. "The Color Purple;" 2. "Let It Be;" 3. "Unforgiven;" 4. "The Producers;" 5. Katharine Hepburn; 6. Jack Nicholson; 7. Tom Hanks, Spencer Tracy, Luise Rainer, Katharine Hepburn, Jason Robards.
Odd Numbered Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. 25; 2. 19; 3. 45; 4. 15; 5. 49; 6. 7; 7. 11; 8. 31; 9. 23; 10. 33.
General Knowledge
1. South America; 2. Saturn; 3. Baltimore Colts; 4. Israel; 5. Black Sabbath; 6. twelve; 7. beaver.
IQ Trivia
1. Richard Nixon; 2. India; 3. Cookie Monster; 4. Connecticut; 5. Newfoundland.