We had a great night of Trivia on Tuesday night, with 15 teams in and a crowd really into the Q&A. It was one of those nights when I made the Q Train lightning round a bit easier than I would have liked, with 8 teams getting all ten correct. But in no other category did any team get a perfect score for any round. So, I suppose that balances out. But it was the team of Big Game Danny that won the night, as they were in first place throughout the night, and wound up winning winning with 44 points. My congratulations to Indy, Noah and Kyle on their first ever win, in their first time back at Trivia Night in over a year.
Second place went to State of the Onion with 39 points and DIMS finished in third place with 37 points.
Best Team Name: Ground Control to Professor Thom
Current Events
1. What male singer announced last week that he will be forced to retire from touring after recently being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease?
2. What retail chain, which filed for bankruptcy protection last September, announced they are closing 180 stores around the US this year?
3. What film led the way with 13 Academy Award nominations last Tuesday?
4. What rock superstar announced last week he will make one last world tour of 300 concert dates and will retire from touring to spend more time with his family?
5. What Emmy-winning TV series from the 1990s is getting a reboot by CBS next season, exactly 20 years after it ended its 20-year run?
6. What magazine erased actor James Franco from its much coveted Hollywood portfolio cover last week due to the sexual misconduct allegations against him?
7. Ingvar Kamprad, who was worth $60 billion and was the 8th richest man in the world, died last Saturday in Sweden at the age of 91. What retail chain did he start in 1943?
Super Bowl Trivia
1. Which team won the first Super Bowl in 1967? a. Dallas; b. Green Bay; c. Pittsburgh; d. NY Jets.
2. Which of these NFC teams have the New England Patriots NOT beaten in the Super Bowl? a. Philadelphia; b. Carolina; c. Atlanta; d. Dallas.
3. Where is this year's Super Bowl being played? a. Miami; b. Minneapolis; c. Houston; d. Los Angeles.
4. Which team has appeared in the most Super Bowls? a. New England; b. Pittsburgh; c. Dallas; d. Denver.
5. How many Super Bowls have the Giants and Jets won combined? a. 3; b. 4; c. 5; d. 6.
6. What number Super Bowl is this year's game? a. 51; b. 52; c. 53; d. 54.
7. Name 2 of the 5 players to have won the Super Bowl MVP award at least twice.
The Q Train: 21st Century TV Characters
1. Francis Underwood
2. Liz Lemon
3. Tyrion Lannister
4. Michael Scott
5. Don Draper
6. Omar Little
7. Walter White
8. Carrie Mathieson
9. Brian Griffin
10. Selina Meyer
General Knowledge
1. Benjamin Franklin famously said, "Nothing is certain except death and what?" ( 1 pt)
2. In September 2014, what nation voted not to ceded from the UK? ( 1 pt)
3. Robert Moog revolutionized music by designing a popular model of what instrument? ( 1 pt)
4. In 1986, what boxer defeated Trevor Berbick to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history? ( 2 pt)
5. Jared Leto won an Oscar in 2014 for what film? ( 2 pt)
6. Which US state has the motto "North to the Future?" ( 2 pt)
7. How many letters are there in the Hawaiian alphabet? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What pop singer is the only artist to have a number one Billboard album in six decades? ( 5 points)
2. What Asian country celebrates National Foundation Day every February 11th? ( 4 points)
3. Sir Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibnitz both developed what branch of mathematics? ( 3 points)
4. In the 1994 film "Forrest Gump", which US president does Forrest expose his butt to in doctored archival footage? ( 4 points)
5. Yerba Buena was the original name of what West Coast city, which was changed by the chief magistrate there in 1847? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Neil Diamond; 2. Toys 'R' Us; 3. "The Shape of Water;" 4. Elton John; 5. "Murphy Brown;" 6. Vanity Fair; 7. IKEA.
Super Bowl Trivia
1. b; 2. d; 3. b; 4. c; 5. c; 6. b; 7. Tom Brady (4), Joe Montana (3), Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw and Eli Manning (2 each).
The Q Train: 21st Century Trivia
1. House of Cards; 2. 30 Rock; 3. Game of Thrones; 4. The Office; 5. Mad Men; 6. The Wire; 7. Breaking Bad; 8. Homeland; 9. Family Guy; 10. Veep.
General Knowledge
1. Taxes; 2. Scotland; 3. synthesizer; 4. Mike Tyson; 5. "Dallas Buyers Club;" 6. Alaska; 7. 13.
IQ Trivia
1. Barbra Streisand; 2. Japan; 3. calculus; 4. Lyndon Johnson; 5. San Francisco.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Monday, January 29, 2018
Pigskin Trivia Dominates This Week
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Benjamin Franklin famously said, 'Nothing is certain in life except death and what?'"
I hope to see many of you this Tuesday night for what will surely be a great night of Trivia Q&A!
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Fenway Park Never Fails to Impress
Paul and his crew also have a Top 10 rank of stadiums by sport, all of the major league ones, and it also includes college and minor league stadiums as well. (As a Minnesota Vikings fan I was surprised that US Bank Stadium didn't crack the NFL Top 10. Oh well, I guess they have their reasons why it didn't.)
I also found it interesting that Citi Field cracked the overall Top 100, but Yankee Stadium did not.
So, please do check out Paul's site. Worth your time to check it out, as he even has reviews of ballparks from sports from around the world.
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Trivia Q&A: January 23
We had another fine turnout with 12 teams and a crowd really into last night's Trivia. The scores were rather low the first two rounds, as this might have been another night I made the Trivia a bit harder than I thought. But the scores picked up in the following rounds. The boys from DIMS had another terrific night, getting all five correct in IQ Trivia and walking away with 51 points and convincing win. Congrats to Michael, Ken and Derek on another great win.
But in all my years doing Trivia, something happened last night that never happened before. We had a four-way tie for second place! The teams of Liverwurst Club, My Neck, My Back, Eat My Tide Pod Snack, Probing Sessions and Shut Up the Government & Shut Down the Super Bowl all finished with 36 points, so we had a tie breaker question to determine second and third places. "How many total Grammy nominations do Jay-Z and Kanye West have combined in their careers?" The answer is 128, as they both have 64. Probing Sessions was closest in their guess, and finished second, and Liverwurst Club was next closest, and finished third.
Best Team Name: My Neck, My Back, Eat My Tide Pod Snack
Current Events
1. Delores O'Riordan, the lead singer of what Irish rock band, was found dead in a London hotel room last week?
2. Pope Francis officiated a wedding ceremony among two flight attendants during his three-day visit in what South American country last Thursday?
3. What world capital city had only six minutes of sunlight for the entire month of December, due to unrelenting cloud cover, the darkest since the city began recording the data?
4. What company is planning to build a new corporate campus while hiring 20,000 new workers because of a tax cut that will enable them to bring an estimated $245 billion from overseas?
5. A former employee of what Oscar-winning actor accused him last week of sexually harassing her and masturbating in front of her when she worked for him in the 1980s?
6. At least 43 people were killed when five suicide bombers stormed a hotel in the capital of what Asian country last Saturday?
7. What much-maligned film starring Mark Wahlberg led the way with nine nominations as the Razzie Awards were announced this past weekend?
Grammy Awards Trivia
1. Which rock group has won the most Grammys with 22 in its history? a. The Rolling Stones; b. U2; c. The Who; d. The Beatles.
2. Which of these individual pop music artists has won the most Grammys? a. Madonna; b. Michael Jackson; c. Stevie Wonder; d. Frank Sinatra.
3. What city is hosting the 2018 Grammy Awards? a. New York; b. Los Angeles; c. Nashville; d. New Orleans.
4. Who was the first rock band to win the Album of the Year Grammy in 1968? a. The Beatles; b. The Rolling Stones; c. Simon and Garfunkel; d. Blood, Sweat and Tears.
5. Which female artist has won the most Grammys in history, with 27? a. Aretha Franklin; b. Beyonce; c. Ella Fitzgerald; d. Alison Krauss.
6. What artist is nominated for the most Grammys for 2018? a. Kendrick Lamar; b. Bruno Mars; c. Jay-Z; d. SZA.
7. Which of these artists is the only one to refuse a Grammy Award? a. Bob Dylan; b. Sinead O'Connor; c. The Dixie Chicks; d. The Sex Pistols.
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. The island group known as the Azores are found in the Pacific Ocean.
2. Marlon Brando portrayed Superman's father in the 1978 movie "Superman."
3. The land that makes up the District of Columbia was donated by the state of Virginia.
4. The Ebola virus was named after a river.
5. The Evelyn Wood program is best known for teaching public speaking.
6. A cow has four compartments in its stomach.
7. A male moose sheds its antlers once a year.
8. In 19th century Japan, it was customary for women to dye their teeth black.
9. The primary characteristics of strobe lighting is a reddish glow.
10. Jakob Dylan, son of Bob Dylan, is the lead singer of the band Hot House Flowers.
General Knowledge
1. "We're gonna need a bigger boat" is a famous line from what 1976 film? ( 1 pt)
2. What was the first state to ratify the US Constitution? ( 1 pt)
3. The West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted by what insect? ( 1 pt)
4. James Spader plays an ex-fugitive who works with the FBI on what TV series? ( 2 pt)
5. The iconic statue "Christ the Redeemer" is found in what country? ( 2 pt)
6. "Rude Boy" was a 2009 hit single for what female pop singer? ( 2 pt)
7. What nation fought the Soviet Union in the Winter War of 1939? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. UFC champion Ronda Rousey went to the 2004 and 2008 Olympics in what sport? ( 5 points)
2. Hill Valley was a fictional town in what hit 1985 comedy film? ( 3 points)
3. What former dictator sued the makers of "Call to Duty: Black Ops II" in 2014 for defamation after he appeared in the video game? ( 4 points)
4. In 2013, what hard rock band played a concert in Antarctica and became the first band ever to play concerts on all seven continents? ( 4 points)
5. What HBO series centered on the hunt for a serial killer named "The Yellow King?" ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. The Cranberries; 2. Chile; 3. Moscow; 4. Apple; 5. Michael Douglas; 6. Afghanistan; 7. "Transformers: The Last Knight."
Grammy Awards Trivia
1. b; 2. c; 3. a; 4. a; 5. d; 6. c; 7. b.
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. false, Atlantic; 2. true; 3. false, Maryland; 4. true; 5. false, speed reading; 6. true; 7. true; 8. true; 9. false, high speed flashing; 10.false, The Wallflowers.
General Knowledge
1. "Jaws;" 2. Delaware; 3. mosquito; 4. "The Blacklist;" 5. Brazil; 6. Rhianna; 7. Finland.
IQ Trivia
1. Judo; 2. "Back to the Future;" 3. Manuel Noriega; 4. Metallica; 5. "True Detective."
But in all my years doing Trivia, something happened last night that never happened before. We had a four-way tie for second place! The teams of Liverwurst Club, My Neck, My Back, Eat My Tide Pod Snack, Probing Sessions and Shut Up the Government & Shut Down the Super Bowl all finished with 36 points, so we had a tie breaker question to determine second and third places. "How many total Grammy nominations do Jay-Z and Kanye West have combined in their careers?" The answer is 128, as they both have 64. Probing Sessions was closest in their guess, and finished second, and Liverwurst Club was next closest, and finished third.
Best Team Name: My Neck, My Back, Eat My Tide Pod Snack
Current Events
1. Delores O'Riordan, the lead singer of what Irish rock band, was found dead in a London hotel room last week?
2. Pope Francis officiated a wedding ceremony among two flight attendants during his three-day visit in what South American country last Thursday?
3. What world capital city had only six minutes of sunlight for the entire month of December, due to unrelenting cloud cover, the darkest since the city began recording the data?
4. What company is planning to build a new corporate campus while hiring 20,000 new workers because of a tax cut that will enable them to bring an estimated $245 billion from overseas?
5. A former employee of what Oscar-winning actor accused him last week of sexually harassing her and masturbating in front of her when she worked for him in the 1980s?
6. At least 43 people were killed when five suicide bombers stormed a hotel in the capital of what Asian country last Saturday?
7. What much-maligned film starring Mark Wahlberg led the way with nine nominations as the Razzie Awards were announced this past weekend?
Grammy Awards Trivia
1. Which rock group has won the most Grammys with 22 in its history? a. The Rolling Stones; b. U2; c. The Who; d. The Beatles.
2. Which of these individual pop music artists has won the most Grammys? a. Madonna; b. Michael Jackson; c. Stevie Wonder; d. Frank Sinatra.
3. What city is hosting the 2018 Grammy Awards? a. New York; b. Los Angeles; c. Nashville; d. New Orleans.
4. Who was the first rock band to win the Album of the Year Grammy in 1968? a. The Beatles; b. The Rolling Stones; c. Simon and Garfunkel; d. Blood, Sweat and Tears.
5. Which female artist has won the most Grammys in history, with 27? a. Aretha Franklin; b. Beyonce; c. Ella Fitzgerald; d. Alison Krauss.
6. What artist is nominated for the most Grammys for 2018? a. Kendrick Lamar; b. Bruno Mars; c. Jay-Z; d. SZA.
7. Which of these artists is the only one to refuse a Grammy Award? a. Bob Dylan; b. Sinead O'Connor; c. The Dixie Chicks; d. The Sex Pistols.
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. The island group known as the Azores are found in the Pacific Ocean.
2. Marlon Brando portrayed Superman's father in the 1978 movie "Superman."
3. The land that makes up the District of Columbia was donated by the state of Virginia.
4. The Ebola virus was named after a river.
5. The Evelyn Wood program is best known for teaching public speaking.
6. A cow has four compartments in its stomach.
7. A male moose sheds its antlers once a year.
8. In 19th century Japan, it was customary for women to dye their teeth black.
9. The primary characteristics of strobe lighting is a reddish glow.
10. Jakob Dylan, son of Bob Dylan, is the lead singer of the band Hot House Flowers.
General Knowledge
1. "We're gonna need a bigger boat" is a famous line from what 1976 film? ( 1 pt)
2. What was the first state to ratify the US Constitution? ( 1 pt)
3. The West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted by what insect? ( 1 pt)
4. James Spader plays an ex-fugitive who works with the FBI on what TV series? ( 2 pt)
5. The iconic statue "Christ the Redeemer" is found in what country? ( 2 pt)
6. "Rude Boy" was a 2009 hit single for what female pop singer? ( 2 pt)
7. What nation fought the Soviet Union in the Winter War of 1939? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. UFC champion Ronda Rousey went to the 2004 and 2008 Olympics in what sport? ( 5 points)
2. Hill Valley was a fictional town in what hit 1985 comedy film? ( 3 points)
3. What former dictator sued the makers of "Call to Duty: Black Ops II" in 2014 for defamation after he appeared in the video game? ( 4 points)
4. In 2013, what hard rock band played a concert in Antarctica and became the first band ever to play concerts on all seven continents? ( 4 points)
5. What HBO series centered on the hunt for a serial killer named "The Yellow King?" ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. The Cranberries; 2. Chile; 3. Moscow; 4. Apple; 5. Michael Douglas; 6. Afghanistan; 7. "Transformers: The Last Knight."
Grammy Awards Trivia
1. b; 2. c; 3. a; 4. a; 5. d; 6. c; 7. b.
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. false, Atlantic; 2. true; 3. false, Maryland; 4. true; 5. false, speed reading; 6. true; 7. true; 8. true; 9. false, high speed flashing; 10.false, The Wallflowers.
General Knowledge
1. "Jaws;" 2. Delaware; 3. mosquito; 4. "The Blacklist;" 5. Brazil; 6. Rhianna; 7. Finland.
IQ Trivia
1. Judo; 2. "Back to the Future;" 3. Manuel Noriega; 4. Metallica; 5. "True Detective."
Monday, January 22, 2018
A Trivia College of Musical Knowledge
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted by what insect?"
We'll get going at 8:30 PM on Tuesday night at Professor Thom's, and I hope many of you can join us for what should be a great night of Trivia Q&A!
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Trivia Q&A: January 16
We had another good crowd in for Trivia on Tuesday night, with 13 teams playing, and another night of many people on each team. The scores were really good for Black and White Trivia (I guess I made that too easy), and rather low for IQ Trivia (I guess I made that too hard), as five teams didn't answer even one question correctly. But we ended up having a tie for first place, the first time that has happened in a long time. Both DIMS and Turkey Club ended up with 45 points, so we had a tie-breaker question: "How many windows does the Empire State Building have in total?" The answer is 6,514, and the team of Turkey Club was closest in their guess, so they won the night. Congrats to Bob and Cato on the victory.
Third place went ot Nuclear Winter Games: Seoul 2018 with 42 points.
Best Team Name: Yoko O'Know It Alls
Current Events
1. What man recently passed Bill Gates as the world's richest person, and is worth $105 billion, the richest man ever?
2. What female pop singer was chosen to sing the National Anthem at next month's Super bowl in Minneapolis?
3. A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of what Central American country last Wednesday?
4. What Oscar-winning actor went on an epic rant during an awards show in NYC last week, calling President Trump "baby-in-chief" and "jerkoff-in-chief?"
5. What retail chain announced that it will be increasing employees' starting hourly wage from $9 to $11 per hour, but will also be closing dozens of stores in the mean time?
6. Variety magazine said last week that what Oscar-winning actor will star in Quentin Tarantino's upcoming film based on the life of Charles Manson?
7. What male R&B singer posted an Instagram video of his 3-year-old daughter with his pet monkey and it led authorities to seize the monkey because he had no permit and he could face jail time?
Black and White Trivia
1. What cocktail is made with vodka, coffee liqueur and cream?
2. The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team for what sport?
3. What was the name of the fast-food restaurant Harold and Kumar always wanted to go to in their movie series?
4. Fergie was the only female member of what hip-hop group?
5. What 1982 hit song by Billy Idol is often considered to be his most popular song?
6. What disease reached its peak in 14th century Europe?
7. The novels "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little" were written by what author?
The Q Train: Name the Month
1. Germany surrenders to the US in WWII in 1945.
2. Autumn begins in the Northern Hemisphere in this month.
3. The Boston Marathon is always held in this month.
4. The Roe vs. Wade abortion decision by the Supreme Court is handed down in 1973.
5. "Saturday Night Live" debuts on NBC in 1975.
6. Fathers Day and Flag Day are celebrated in this month.
7. Women's History Month and Pi Day occur in this month.
8. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin are the first men to walk on the Moon in 1969.
9. Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated in the UK every year in this month.
10. The Zodiac signs Leo and Virgo occur together in this month.
General Knowledge
1. The Iran-Contra scandal occurred during what president's administration? ( 1 pt)
2. In the US, a 100 proof bottle of liquor contains what percentage of alcohol? ( 1 pt)
3. Through what part of their bodies do crickets hear? ( 1 pt)
4. "That Thing You Do" was a feature film directed by what actor in 1996? ( 2 pt)
5. Recorded over 3000 times, what Beatles song was originally titled "Scrambled Eggs?" ( 2 pt)
6. "The Best a Man Can Get" is the slogan for what company? ( 2 pt)
7. According to Shakespeare, who said, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears?" ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. In what country does Mount Kosciuszko claim the title as the highest mainland mountain? ( 4 points)
2. Martin Luther King Day was the most recent national holiday, signed into law in 1983. What national holiday is the second most recent, becoming one in 1968? ( 4 points)
3. What supermodel testified about blood diamonds at the criminal trial of Liberian dictator Charles Taylor in 2012? ( 4 points)
4. In 1946, the US attempted (and failed) to buy what strategically located island from a European ally for $100 million? ( 5 points)
5. What actor founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1978? ( 3 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Jeff Bezos; 2. Pink; 3. Honduras; 4. Robert DeNiro; 5. Walmart; 6. Leonardo DiCaprio; 7. Chris Brown.
Black and White Trivia
1. White Russian; 2. rugby; 3. White Castle; 4. The Black Eyed Peas; 5. "White Wedding;" 6. The Black Plague; 7. E.B. White.
The Q Train: Name the Month Trivia
1. May; 2. September; 3. April; 4. January; 5. October; 6. June; 7. March; 8. July; 9. November; 10. August.
General Knowledge
1. Ronald Reagan; 2. 50; 3. legs; 4. Tom Hanks; 5. "Yesterday;" 6. Gillette; 7. Mark Antony.
IQ Trivia
1. Australia; 2. Columbus Day; 3. Naomi Campbell; 4. Greenland; 5. Robert Redford.
Third place went ot Nuclear Winter Games: Seoul 2018 with 42 points.
Best Team Name: Yoko O'Know It Alls
Current Events
1. What man recently passed Bill Gates as the world's richest person, and is worth $105 billion, the richest man ever?
2. What female pop singer was chosen to sing the National Anthem at next month's Super bowl in Minneapolis?
3. A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of what Central American country last Wednesday?
4. What Oscar-winning actor went on an epic rant during an awards show in NYC last week, calling President Trump "baby-in-chief" and "jerkoff-in-chief?"
5. What retail chain announced that it will be increasing employees' starting hourly wage from $9 to $11 per hour, but will also be closing dozens of stores in the mean time?
6. Variety magazine said last week that what Oscar-winning actor will star in Quentin Tarantino's upcoming film based on the life of Charles Manson?
7. What male R&B singer posted an Instagram video of his 3-year-old daughter with his pet monkey and it led authorities to seize the monkey because he had no permit and he could face jail time?
Black and White Trivia
1. What cocktail is made with vodka, coffee liqueur and cream?
2. The All Blacks are New Zealand's national team for what sport?
3. What was the name of the fast-food restaurant Harold and Kumar always wanted to go to in their movie series?
4. Fergie was the only female member of what hip-hop group?
5. What 1982 hit song by Billy Idol is often considered to be his most popular song?
6. What disease reached its peak in 14th century Europe?
7. The novels "Charlotte's Web" and "Stuart Little" were written by what author?
The Q Train: Name the Month
1. Germany surrenders to the US in WWII in 1945.
2. Autumn begins in the Northern Hemisphere in this month.
3. The Boston Marathon is always held in this month.
4. The Roe vs. Wade abortion decision by the Supreme Court is handed down in 1973.
5. "Saturday Night Live" debuts on NBC in 1975.
6. Fathers Day and Flag Day are celebrated in this month.
7. Women's History Month and Pi Day occur in this month.
8. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin are the first men to walk on the Moon in 1969.
9. Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated in the UK every year in this month.
10. The Zodiac signs Leo and Virgo occur together in this month.
General Knowledge
1. The Iran-Contra scandal occurred during what president's administration? ( 1 pt)
2. In the US, a 100 proof bottle of liquor contains what percentage of alcohol? ( 1 pt)
3. Through what part of their bodies do crickets hear? ( 1 pt)
4. "That Thing You Do" was a feature film directed by what actor in 1996? ( 2 pt)
5. Recorded over 3000 times, what Beatles song was originally titled "Scrambled Eggs?" ( 2 pt)
6. "The Best a Man Can Get" is the slogan for what company? ( 2 pt)
7. According to Shakespeare, who said, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears?" ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. In what country does Mount Kosciuszko claim the title as the highest mainland mountain? ( 4 points)
2. Martin Luther King Day was the most recent national holiday, signed into law in 1983. What national holiday is the second most recent, becoming one in 1968? ( 4 points)
3. What supermodel testified about blood diamonds at the criminal trial of Liberian dictator Charles Taylor in 2012? ( 4 points)
4. In 1946, the US attempted (and failed) to buy what strategically located island from a European ally for $100 million? ( 5 points)
5. What actor founded the Sundance Film Festival in 1978? ( 3 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Jeff Bezos; 2. Pink; 3. Honduras; 4. Robert DeNiro; 5. Walmart; 6. Leonardo DiCaprio; 7. Chris Brown.
Black and White Trivia
1. White Russian; 2. rugby; 3. White Castle; 4. The Black Eyed Peas; 5. "White Wedding;" 6. The Black Plague; 7. E.B. White.
The Q Train: Name the Month Trivia
1. May; 2. September; 3. April; 4. January; 5. October; 6. June; 7. March; 8. July; 9. November; 10. August.
General Knowledge
1. Ronald Reagan; 2. 50; 3. legs; 4. Tom Hanks; 5. "Yesterday;" 6. Gillette; 7. Mark Antony.
IQ Trivia
1. Australia; 2. Columbus Day; 3. Naomi Campbell; 4. Greenland; 5. Robert Redford.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
A 2004 Red Sox Moment In Minnesota
As many of you may know, I have been a fan of the Minnesota Vikings for quite a long time. I go back to 1972 with them, when Fran Tarkenton was traded back to the Vikings by the Giants. The Giants were awful back then, and I "followed" Fran back to his old team, and I really got to like the Vikings, with their Purple People Eaters and dominance in brutally cold weather. I became a fan, and have stuck with them ever since, through the Super Bowl losses, mediocre teams, and other near misses from years such as 1998 and 2009.I've actually been a Vikings fan 5 years longer than I've been a Red Sox fan. (I hooked up with these long-suffering franchises when I was just a youth. Little did I know the misery I was in for going forward.) I was absolutely thrilled when the Red Sox reached the Promised Land in 2004, with the greatest comeback in history and the first title in 86 years. But I remember saying to my friends that night, "Now if only the Vikings can one day win a Super Bowl..."
It's been an amazing season for the Vikings in 2017. They lost two key players early in the year in QB Sam Bradford and rookie RB Dalvin Cook. I thought each injury would derail any chance the Vikings had, but their amazing defense, ranked number one overall in the NFL, has kept the dream going, not to mention the incredible play of QB Case Keenum and RB Latavius Murray. They stepped in, and the team didn't miss a beat, winning eight straight at one point.
As the second round of the playoffs was about to begin, and the Vikings would face the New Orleans Saints, I couldn't help think of the 2004 Red Sox. Both the Red Sox and Vikings fan bases have been through absolutely interminable long stretches of waiting and hoping to see their teams win it all. I thought more and more about the ecstasy of the Red Sox 2004 World Series win, and how I want to relive that feeling again, this time with the football team I have supported for 46 years. I even got slightly emotional at the thought this might finally be the Vikings year. I just wanted to see happen now. Just ONCE.
Could the 2017 Vikings be the 2004 Red Sox?
The way Sunday's game finished, they sure could be.
It was a crazy game. The Vikings dominated the first half, taking a 17-0 lead at halftime, playing an almost perfect half of football (except missing a field goal at the end of the half). I started thinking that it was coming too easy, and that the Saints aren't as bad as they way they played the first half.
And they came back. New Orleans scored a TC at the end of the third quarter, scored another early in the fourth, and blocked a Vikings punt and later converted that into another TD, and grabbed a 21-20 lead. But they left too much time on the clock, and Keenum drove the Vikings down to the Saints 35, where Kai Forbath kicked a 53-yard FG to put the Vikings out front again.
But they left too much time on the clock, too. New Orleans drove down the field, and Mike Lutz' 43-yard FG seemed to give New Orleans a 24-23 win. But there was still 25 seconds to play...
At that point, I sank in my chair at home, thinking the season for the Vikings was over. I was going over in my head the reaction to this loss, how the Vikings were "chokers" again, giving up a 17-point lead, and this would be another in the litany of painful Vikings losses. I was even thinking how I'd react to this on Facebook, and what should I change my FB profile picture to?
I half-heartedly watched the final seconds, and it looked like the Vikings were going down without a fight. They got to their own 31 with 10 seconds left, and I had the TV on mute, as I didn't want to hear it.
Then Keenum finds Stefon Diggs at the Vikings' 35 yard-line, and nobody touches him, and he's running down the sidelines with no one behind him. Am I really seeing this??? I grabbed my TV remote and turned the sound back on, and Joe Buck was screaming about the Vikings winning! I fell to my knees in front on my TV and just started laughing and yelling "I can't believe this just happened!!" over and over again.
I replayed the score, and recorded for my friends on FB. My iPhone exploded with friends and family congratulating me on the win. It was the greatest moment in Minnesota Vikings history, and now they head to Philadelphia on Sunday to play the Eagles for the right to play in the Super Bowl, on their own home turf.
The game put a smile on my face that stayed there the rest of the night, and is still there. And I couldn't help think of the 2004 Red Sox again on Sunday night, and experienced the joy I felt when the Red Sox came back from a 3-0 deficit against New York to get to the World Series. This time it was with the Minnesota Vikings. They pulled a rabbit out of the hat like the Red Sox did back then, and gave the fans a moment we'll always treasure.
It was a gift to all their long-suffering fans, and now we will see if they can parlay this absolutely unbelievable moment into their first Super Bowl title ever. Like the Red Sox winning the 2004 AL pennant, the Vikings still have lots of work to do before they can claim the ultimate victory.
But Stefon Diggs' TD on Sunday will go down in NFL playoff lore, no matter what happens from here on in. Thank you, Vikings, and now let's go get the Lombardi Trophy.
Just once before I die!
Monday, January 15, 2018
It's All In Black or White on Tuesday
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The Iran-Contra scandal occurred what president's administration?"
I hope to see many of you for what should be another great night of Trivia on Tuesday night. See you then!
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Trivia Q&A: January 9
The brutally cold weather finally abated on Tuesday, and we had 13 teams come out for Trivia. It was a late arriving but a spirited crowd who came in. We had a close three-team race to the finish, but the team of DIMS pulled out a razor-thin one point win, grabbing 44 points and the weekly title. Congrats to Ken and Michael on a hard-fought win.
Second place went to Chicken Club with 43 points, and third place went to You Go Girl, 2020 (who also won for Best Team Name) with 42 points.
Current Events
1. What Hollywood actor said he would kill Harvey Weinstein if he ever met him on the street for blacklisting his Oscar-winning daughter?
2. What game show host revealed last Thursday he is on medical leave after he underwent surgery in December for removal of a subdural hematoma he suffered after he fell and hit his head?
3. What US senator announced he is retiring from the Senate later this year and Mitt Romney is rumored to be running for his seat?
4. What troubled retail chain announced they will close another 100 stores on top of 250 stores they closed last year?
5. According to the moving company United Van Lines, what midwestern state was the most moved-out-of state in the US in 2017?
6. ABC recently canceled a 50th anniversary tribute show to what magazine after the founder of the magazine was hit with sexual misconduct allegations?
7. What film won four awards at the Golden Globes last Sunday, including Best Movie Drama?
January 9th Trivia
1. President Richard Nixon was born on this date in 1913. In what year was he first elected to the presidency?
2. On this day in 1977, what NFL team lost the Super bowl to the Oakland Raiders, their fourth Super Bowl loss, and haven't been to a Super Bowl since?
3. In 1991, what MLB star was officially barred from being elected to the Hall of Fame?
4. On this date in 2009, Gov. Rod Blagojevich of what US state was officially impeached (and later removed) on various charges including attempting to sell a vacated US Senate seat?
5. On this date in 2007, Steve Jobs of Apple introduced what device for the first time?
6. What actor, born on this day in 1955, won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2014 for the film "Whiplash?"
7. In 1988, what female singer had her sixth straight number one single with "So Emotional", and until that time, only the Beatles and Bee Gees had six straight number ones?
The Q Train: Birthday Boys Songs (Elvis Presley, David Bowie or Jimmy Page)
1. Suspicious Minds
2. Modern Love
3. Whole Lotta Love
4. Hound Dog
5. Heroes
6. Heartbreak Hotel
7. The Immigrant Song
8. Let's Dance
9. Burning Love
10. All My Love
General Knowledge
1. What university do Rhodes scholars attend? ( 1 pt)
2. What legendary actress was the first Playboy playmate? ( 1 pt)
3. What US state has the slogan "Great potatoes, tasty destinations?" ( 1 pt)
4. What US president's image is on the Purple Heart medal? ( 2 pt)
5. Russia and what other European nation claim to have invented vodka? ( 2 pt)
6. What gas helps potato chips stay fresh inside of bags? ( 2 pt)
7. How many triangles are on a standard backgammon board? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. Longacre Square in New York changed its name in 1904 to what name it is known by today? ( 4 points)
2. The Palme d'Or is awarded every year at what event? ( 3 points)
3. Jeanette Jerome was born in Brooklyn, NY on January 9, 1854. Her famous son was what world leader? ( 4 points)
4. The kuna is the name of the currency of introduced in 1994 in what Eastern European country? ( 5 points)
5. Ruth, Anita, Bonnie and June are four sisters who are part of what 1980s pop singing group? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Paul Sorvino; 2. Alex Trebek; 3. Orrin Hatch; 4. Sears; 5. Illinois; 6. Rolling Stone; 7. "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri."
January 9th Trivia
1. 1968; 2. Minnesota Vikings; 3. Pete Rose; 4. Illinois; 5. iPhone; 6. J.K. Simmons; 7. Whitney Houston.
The Q Train: Birthday Boys Songs
1. Elvis Presley; 2. David Bowie; 3. Led Zeppelin; 4. Elvis Presley; 5. David Bowie; 6. Elvis Presley; 7. Led Zeppelin; 8. David Bowie; 9. Elvis Presley; 10. Led Zeppelin.
General Knowledge
1. Oxford; 2. Marilyn Monroe; 3. Idaho; 4. George Washington; 5. Poland; 6. nitrogen; 7. 24.
IQ Trivia
1. Times Square; 2. Cannes Film Festival; 3. Winston Churchill; 4. Croatia; 5. Pointer Sisters.
Second place went to Chicken Club with 43 points, and third place went to You Go Girl, 2020 (who also won for Best Team Name) with 42 points.
Current Events
1. What Hollywood actor said he would kill Harvey Weinstein if he ever met him on the street for blacklisting his Oscar-winning daughter?
2. What game show host revealed last Thursday he is on medical leave after he underwent surgery in December for removal of a subdural hematoma he suffered after he fell and hit his head?
3. What US senator announced he is retiring from the Senate later this year and Mitt Romney is rumored to be running for his seat?
4. What troubled retail chain announced they will close another 100 stores on top of 250 stores they closed last year?
5. According to the moving company United Van Lines, what midwestern state was the most moved-out-of state in the US in 2017?
6. ABC recently canceled a 50th anniversary tribute show to what magazine after the founder of the magazine was hit with sexual misconduct allegations?
7. What film won four awards at the Golden Globes last Sunday, including Best Movie Drama?
January 9th Trivia
1. President Richard Nixon was born on this date in 1913. In what year was he first elected to the presidency?
2. On this day in 1977, what NFL team lost the Super bowl to the Oakland Raiders, their fourth Super Bowl loss, and haven't been to a Super Bowl since?
3. In 1991, what MLB star was officially barred from being elected to the Hall of Fame?
4. On this date in 2009, Gov. Rod Blagojevich of what US state was officially impeached (and later removed) on various charges including attempting to sell a vacated US Senate seat?
5. On this date in 2007, Steve Jobs of Apple introduced what device for the first time?
6. What actor, born on this day in 1955, won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2014 for the film "Whiplash?"
7. In 1988, what female singer had her sixth straight number one single with "So Emotional", and until that time, only the Beatles and Bee Gees had six straight number ones?
The Q Train: Birthday Boys Songs (Elvis Presley, David Bowie or Jimmy Page)
1. Suspicious Minds
2. Modern Love
3. Whole Lotta Love
4. Hound Dog
5. Heroes
6. Heartbreak Hotel
7. The Immigrant Song
8. Let's Dance
9. Burning Love
10. All My Love
General Knowledge
1. What university do Rhodes scholars attend? ( 1 pt)
2. What legendary actress was the first Playboy playmate? ( 1 pt)
3. What US state has the slogan "Great potatoes, tasty destinations?" ( 1 pt)
4. What US president's image is on the Purple Heart medal? ( 2 pt)
5. Russia and what other European nation claim to have invented vodka? ( 2 pt)
6. What gas helps potato chips stay fresh inside of bags? ( 2 pt)
7. How many triangles are on a standard backgammon board? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. Longacre Square in New York changed its name in 1904 to what name it is known by today? ( 4 points)
2. The Palme d'Or is awarded every year at what event? ( 3 points)
3. Jeanette Jerome was born in Brooklyn, NY on January 9, 1854. Her famous son was what world leader? ( 4 points)
4. The kuna is the name of the currency of introduced in 1994 in what Eastern European country? ( 5 points)
5. Ruth, Anita, Bonnie and June are four sisters who are part of what 1980s pop singing group? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Paul Sorvino; 2. Alex Trebek; 3. Orrin Hatch; 4. Sears; 5. Illinois; 6. Rolling Stone; 7. "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri."
January 9th Trivia
1. 1968; 2. Minnesota Vikings; 3. Pete Rose; 4. Illinois; 5. iPhone; 6. J.K. Simmons; 7. Whitney Houston.
The Q Train: Birthday Boys Songs
1. Elvis Presley; 2. David Bowie; 3. Led Zeppelin; 4. Elvis Presley; 5. David Bowie; 6. Elvis Presley; 7. Led Zeppelin; 8. David Bowie; 9. Elvis Presley; 10. Led Zeppelin.
General Knowledge
1. Oxford; 2. Marilyn Monroe; 3. Idaho; 4. George Washington; 5. Poland; 6. nitrogen; 7. 24.
IQ Trivia
1. Times Square; 2. Cannes Film Festival; 3. Winston Churchill; 4. Croatia; 5. Pointer Sisters.
Monday, January 08, 2018
Birthday Trivia On Tap This Week
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What university do Rhodes scholars attend?"
The cold weather is finally abating, and it should be a lot better by Tuesday night, and I hope to see many of you for a great night of Trivia then!
Wednesday, January 03, 2018
Trivia Q&A: January 2
It was another brutally cold night in New York City on Tuesday night, and the day after New Year's, so I feared we might not have Trivia for a second straight week. But, many hardy souls came out and braved the elements and eight teams took part. I thank all of you for the support.
We had a close three-team race to the finish last night, and they were just two points apart. But the team of Room 119 emerged victorious, running the table in the IQ Trivia round and ending up with 49 points. Congratulations to my old friend and Trivia regular Charles Evans, who came with two of his former students from the high school where he teaches, and grabbed the win. It was great seeing a longtime regular after so long!
DIMS finished in second place with 42 points, and third place went to Whole Milk and Steak with 37 points.
Best Team Name: The Browns are Winless and So is Our Trivia Team
Current Events
1. A new high-speed rail station is being built at the Western Wall in Israel and the nation's transportation minister said the station maybe named in honor of what man?
2. Who was selected by a poll from Gallup as the most admired man in America for 2017?
3. What baseball player was named the AP Male Athlete of the Year for 2017?
4. What rock singer told Rolling Stone magazine he recently had a near-death experience, and it influenced his band's newest album that came out this past November?
5. Guests on what talk show claim that the show's staff procured drugs and alcohol ahead of show tapings that focused on addiction?
6. Name 1 of the 2 music superstars who will be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018, as they were part of her New Year's Honors List.
7. What male action star was named Forbes' highest grossing actor of 2017, as his films grossed $1.6 billion in worldwide ticket receipts?
The Year 2017 In Review
1. What pop singer had the best-selling album of 2017?
2. What group of people were selected as Time magazine's "Person of the Year" for 2017?
3. What film won the 2017 Best Picture Oscar last February after "La La Land" was mistakingly announced as the winner and the producers of the film realized it in mid-speech?
4. The New England Patriots won their fifth Super Bowl in February, with the greatest comeback in history against what NFC team in overtime?
5. Chester Bennington, the lead singer of what commercially successful 2000s rock band, died this past July at the age of 41?
6. As of December 15th, what live-action version of an animated classic was the number one grossing film worldwide for 2017?
7. Name 1 of the 3 nations that officially legalized same-sex marriage in 2017.
The Q Train: Albums of 2017
1. Strength of a Woman
2. Songs of Experience
3. Divide
4. Revival
5. Reputation
6. Concrete and Gold
7. Damn
8. 4:44
9. 24K Magic
10. Now
General Knowledge
1. What color is PacMan in the classic video game ( 1 pt)
2. In front of what famous structure did Martin Luther King deliver his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963? ( 1 pt)
3. Columbia is the capital of what US state? ( 1 pt)
4. Tierra Del Fuego is located in what two South American countries? ( 2 pt)
5. What was the name of the first man made satellite launched into orbit? ( 2 pt)
6. Elton John won an Oscar for the song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" which was featured in what film? ( 2 pt)
7. On what day will the Spring Equinox occur in 2018? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. In 2002, what PBS TV character became the only nonhuman to testify before Congress? ( 5 points)
2. Who is the only person currently prominently pictured on US currency who was not born in what is now the continental United States? ( 4 points)
3. Jinko Tabei of Japan was the first woman to accomplish what feat in 1975, 22 years after the first man did it? ( 4 points)
4. In which of Martin Scorsese's films do his parents both appear: his mother serving pasta and his father in jail? ( 3 points)
5. "Banned For Life From All Holiday Inns" was the alternate title for what classic rock guitarist's 2012 memoir? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Donald Trump; 2. Barack Obama; 3. Jose Altuve; 4. Bono; 5. Dr. Phil; 6. Ringo Starr & Barry Gibb; 7. Vin Diesel.
The Year 2017 In Review
1. Taylor Swift; 2. "The Silence Breakers"; 3. "Moonlight"; 4. Atlanta Falcons; 5. Linkin Park; 6. "Beauty and The Beast;" 7. Australia, Germany and Malta.
The Q Train: Albums of 2017
1. Mary J. Blige; 2. U2; 3. Ed Sheeran; 4. Eminem; 5. Taylor Swift; 6. Foo Fighters; 7. Kendrick Lamar; 8. Jay-Z; 9. Bruno Mars; 10. Shania Twain.
General Knowledge
1. Yellow; 2. Lincoln Memorial; 3.South Carolina; 4. Argentina and Chile; 5. Sputnik; 6. "The Lion King;" 7. March 20.
IQ Trivia
1. Elmo; 2. Alexander Hamilton; 3. Climb Mount Everest; 4. "Goodfellas;" 5. Pete Townshend.
We had a close three-team race to the finish last night, and they were just two points apart. But the team of Room 119 emerged victorious, running the table in the IQ Trivia round and ending up with 49 points. Congratulations to my old friend and Trivia regular Charles Evans, who came with two of his former students from the high school where he teaches, and grabbed the win. It was great seeing a longtime regular after so long!
DIMS finished in second place with 42 points, and third place went to Whole Milk and Steak with 37 points.
Best Team Name: The Browns are Winless and So is Our Trivia Team
Current Events
1. A new high-speed rail station is being built at the Western Wall in Israel and the nation's transportation minister said the station maybe named in honor of what man?
2. Who was selected by a poll from Gallup as the most admired man in America for 2017?
3. What baseball player was named the AP Male Athlete of the Year for 2017?
4. What rock singer told Rolling Stone magazine he recently had a near-death experience, and it influenced his band's newest album that came out this past November?
5. Guests on what talk show claim that the show's staff procured drugs and alcohol ahead of show tapings that focused on addiction?
6. Name 1 of the 2 music superstars who will be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018, as they were part of her New Year's Honors List.
7. What male action star was named Forbes' highest grossing actor of 2017, as his films grossed $1.6 billion in worldwide ticket receipts?
The Year 2017 In Review
1. What pop singer had the best-selling album of 2017?
2. What group of people were selected as Time magazine's "Person of the Year" for 2017?
3. What film won the 2017 Best Picture Oscar last February after "La La Land" was mistakingly announced as the winner and the producers of the film realized it in mid-speech?
4. The New England Patriots won their fifth Super Bowl in February, with the greatest comeback in history against what NFC team in overtime?
5. Chester Bennington, the lead singer of what commercially successful 2000s rock band, died this past July at the age of 41?
6. As of December 15th, what live-action version of an animated classic was the number one grossing film worldwide for 2017?
7. Name 1 of the 3 nations that officially legalized same-sex marriage in 2017.
The Q Train: Albums of 2017
1. Strength of a Woman
2. Songs of Experience
3. Divide
4. Revival
5. Reputation
6. Concrete and Gold
7. Damn
8. 4:44
9. 24K Magic
10. Now
General Knowledge
1. What color is PacMan in the classic video game ( 1 pt)
2. In front of what famous structure did Martin Luther King deliver his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963? ( 1 pt)
3. Columbia is the capital of what US state? ( 1 pt)
4. Tierra Del Fuego is located in what two South American countries? ( 2 pt)
5. What was the name of the first man made satellite launched into orbit? ( 2 pt)
6. Elton John won an Oscar for the song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" which was featured in what film? ( 2 pt)
7. On what day will the Spring Equinox occur in 2018? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. In 2002, what PBS TV character became the only nonhuman to testify before Congress? ( 5 points)
2. Who is the only person currently prominently pictured on US currency who was not born in what is now the continental United States? ( 4 points)
3. Jinko Tabei of Japan was the first woman to accomplish what feat in 1975, 22 years after the first man did it? ( 4 points)
4. In which of Martin Scorsese's films do his parents both appear: his mother serving pasta and his father in jail? ( 3 points)
5. "Banned For Life From All Holiday Inns" was the alternate title for what classic rock guitarist's 2012 memoir? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Donald Trump; 2. Barack Obama; 3. Jose Altuve; 4. Bono; 5. Dr. Phil; 6. Ringo Starr & Barry Gibb; 7. Vin Diesel.
The Year 2017 In Review
1. Taylor Swift; 2. "The Silence Breakers"; 3. "Moonlight"; 4. Atlanta Falcons; 5. Linkin Park; 6. "Beauty and The Beast;" 7. Australia, Germany and Malta.
The Q Train: Albums of 2017
1. Mary J. Blige; 2. U2; 3. Ed Sheeran; 4. Eminem; 5. Taylor Swift; 6. Foo Fighters; 7. Kendrick Lamar; 8. Jay-Z; 9. Bruno Mars; 10. Shania Twain.
General Knowledge
1. Yellow; 2. Lincoln Memorial; 3.South Carolina; 4. Argentina and Chile; 5. Sputnik; 6. "The Lion King;" 7. March 20.
IQ Trivia
1. Elmo; 2. Alexander Hamilton; 3. Climb Mount Everest; 4. "Goodfellas;" 5. Pete Townshend.
Tuesday, January 02, 2018
As We Begin 2018...
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What color is PacMan in the classic video game?"
It will again be a cold night on Tuesday, and just the day after New Year's. But I hope some of you can make it out for our first Trivia Night at Professor Thom's for 2018. And thanks to all of you for making 2017 a great year for me hosting Trivia again at Thom's. Happy New Year to you all!