We had a small turnout on Tuesday night for Trivia, with six teams taking part. The boys from DIMS won the night, rolling up 50 points and the victory. It was still close going into IQ Trivia, with the guys from Effervescence right behind them going into the round, but Ken and Michael got 4 of 5 correct to seal up the victory. The team of Boston Lemon Party sneaked up in the IQ round and wound up in second place with 39 points, with Effervescence right behind them with 38 points.
Current Events
1. A subway fare hike in what South American country recently set off protestors and led to violent protests and the government to declare a state of emergency?
2. Four drug companies reached a settlement with what midwestern state in what was to be the first federal trial over the opioid crisis, a deal worth $260 million?
3. Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio dropped out of the 2020 Democratic presidential race last week. How many Democrats are still in the race?
4. 39 Chinese nationals were found dead in a truck in what European country last week, and four men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to traffic people and manslaughter?
5. What Oscar-winning actress was arrested for the third straight week last Friday at a climate change protest in Washington, DC?
6. What actress, known for her political tweets, tweeted and later deleted one last week attacking Sen. Rand Paul for his stance on the Kurds and to be "grateful for the neighbor who beat the shit out of him"?
7. What controversial musician gave an interview last week and called himself "unquestionably, undoubtedly the greatest human artist of all time"?
Halloween Trivia
1. What midwestern US state produces 95% of all the pumpkins in the US?
2. In "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", who did Linus mistake for the Great Pumpkin?
3. In which European country did jack o'lanterns originate?
4. Which Halloween tradition originated from a Roman harvest festival that honors the goddess Pamona?
5. According to Candystore.com, what is the most popular Halloween candy for 2019?
6. According to Candtstore.com, what is the most hated Halloween candy for 2019?
7. Wiccaphobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of what?
The Q Train: Horror Films Trivia
1. The Shining
2. The Exorcist
3. Saw
4. The Blair Witch Project
5. The Cabin In The Woods
6. Rosemary's Baby
7. An American Werewolf In London
8. The Others
9. The Sixth Sense
10. Halloween
General Knowledge
1. What comic actor was the voice of "Shrek"? ( 1 pt)
2. What film studio has the lion as a mascot? ( 1 pt)
3. A polar bear's skin is what color? ( 1 pt)
4. Who were the Spartans fighting against in the film "300?" ( 2 pt)
5. Between New York, London and Rome, which city is not a “Big Four” Fashion Week city?( 2 pt)
6. How many years go by between Halley's Comet visits to Earth? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the only US state that borders both Texas and Tennessee? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What legendary Oscar-winning actor "died" in just eight of his more than 140 films, such as "The sands of Iwo Jima" and "The Alamo?" ( 3 points)
2. Santana and Jefferson Airplane were among the opening acts in a free concert on December 6, 1969 that was billed "Woodstock West." What band was the headliner? ( 4 points)
3. Italian physicist Alessandro Volta is credited with inventing what modern-day item in 1800? ( 4 points)
4. In the quirky 2013 film "This Is The End", what performs in the afterlife to conclude the movie? ( 4 points)
5. What red object has been the symbol of Britain's Labour Party since the 1980s? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Chile; 2. Ohio; 3. 18; 4. England; 5. Jane Fonda; 6. Bette Midler; 7. Kanye West.
Halloween Trivia
1. Illinois; 2. Snoopy; 3. Ireland; 4. bobbing for apples; 5. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups; 6. Candy Corn; 7. witches.
The Q Train: Horror Films Trivia
1. 1980s (1980); 2. 1970s (1973); 3. 2000s (2004); 4. 1990s (1999); 5. 2010s (2011); 6. 1960s (1968); 7. 1980s (1981); 8. 2000s (2001); 9. 1990s (1999); 10. 1970s (1978).
General Knowledge
1. Mike Myers; 2. MGM; 3. black; 4. The Persians; 5. Rome; 6. 75-76 years; 7. Arkansas.
IQ Trivia
1. John Wayne; 2.The Rolling Stones; 3. battery; 4. The Backstreet Boys; 5. rose.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Monday, October 28, 2019
Let's Get Scared On Tuesday
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What comic actor was the voice of Shrek?"
I look forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night for another great night of Trivia!
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Trivia Q&A: October 22
We had 11 teams in for Trivia on a rainy night in New York on Tuesday night. We had a close race between five teams going into IQ Trivia, and top two of the teams were separated by just one point. And it remained that way as both teams got 4 of 5 correct in that last round, the team of Effervescence emerged victorious, with 44 points. DIMS finished second with 43 points. (Last week it was the exact reverse, as DIMS got the win and Effervescence finished second.) Congratulations to Bob and Cato on their victory.
Third place went to Bill Taylor Can F**k with 33 points.
Best Team Name: Premature Speculation
Current Events
1. A Hard Rock hotel under construction collapsed in what southern city last week, killing three people and injuring a dozen others?
2. What actor pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual misconduct last week and prosecutors say 12 women will be called to testify against him?
3. What 1993 Robin Williams film is being adapted into a musical, and will debut on Broadway next April?
4. What city's public school teachers walked out on strike last Thursday?
5. A contestant on what game show won $263,000 in prizes last week, setting a new record for a long time TV staple?
6. The UN General Assembly voted to let what country onto the Human Rights Council last week, despite its history of human rights abuses over the years?
7. What Pop singer invited a fan on stage during a concert in Las Vegas last week and she jumped into his arms but the pair lost their balance and fell off the stage unhurt?
World Series Trivia
1. With the Nationals in their first World Series in 2019, what team is now the only one never to have appeared in a World Series? a. Mariners; b. Rays; c. Rockies; d. Diamondbacks.
2. What MLB Hall of Famer holds the record for the most World Series home runs in a career with 18? a. Joe DiMaggio; b. Reggie Jackson; c. Babe Ruth; d. Mickey Mantle.
3. What AL team did the Chicago Cubs defeat to win their first World Series in 108 years in 2016? a. Royals; b. Indians; c. Tigers; d. Red Sox.
4. How many times have the Red Sox won the World Series in the 21st century? a. 2; b. 3; c. 4; d. 5.
5. What AL team did the Mets defeat to win the 1969 World Series? a. Orioles; b. Red Sox; c. A's; d. Royals.
6. What Yankees Hall of Famer holds the record for playing in the most World Series, with 10? a. Babe Ruth; b. Joe DiMaggio; c. Yogi Berra; d. Lou Gehrig.
7. What NL team has won the most World Series? a. Giants; b. Cardinals; c. Dodgers; d. Pirates.
The Q Train: Yes or No Trivia
1. Did Led Zeppelin ever win a Grammy Award?
2. Is the Great Wall of China the longest wall in the world?
3. Has Coca-Cola always been a brown a color?
4. Was America the first country to use postcards?
5. Do goldfish suffer from motion sickness?
6. Do any words in the English language rhyme with the word "month"?
7. Is horseradish sauce of German origin?
8. Does tea have more caffeine than soda or coffee?
9. Does a mouse have more bones than a human?
10. Has Steve Martin, who hosted the Oscars, ever been nominated for an Academy Award?
General Knowledge
1. How many colors does a Rubik's Cube have? ( 1 pt)
2. What TV show featured Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Ryan Gosling as kids? ( 1 pt)
3. "All right ramblers, let's get ramblin'" is a famous line from what Quentin Tarantino film? ( 1 pt)
4. "Key and "Kaffir" are what types of fruit? ( 2 pt)
5. How many times did Edward Norton portray the Incredible Hulk on screen? ( 2 pt)
6. What civilization invented the wheel? ( 2 pt)
7. What gift are you supposed to get your spouse for your 35th wedding anniversary? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What two actor friends, best known for co-starring in a hit 2001 musical and then a revival of "The Odd Couple", returned to Broadway together in 2014's "It's Only a Play?" ( 4 points)
2. What early 19th century US president was the first president born a citizen of the US? ( 4 points)
3. What pop music duo had a minor hit at the start of their careers under the names "Tom and Jerry?" ( 4 points)
4. Michael Jackson once allegedly offered $50,000 for the bones of what person? ( 3 points)
5. The first Blockbuster Video store opened in 1985 in what southern US city? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. New Orleans; 2. Cuba Gooding Jr; 3. "Mrs. Doubtfire"; 4. Chicago; 5. "The Price Is Right;" 6. Venezuela; 7. Lady Gaga.
World Series Trivia
1. a; 2. d; 3. b; 4. c; 5. a; 6. c; 7. b.
The Q Train: Yes or No Trivia
1. No; 2. Yes; 3. Yes; 4. No, Austria; 5. Yes; 6. No; 7. Yes; 8. No; 9. Yes; 10. No.
General Knowledge
1. Six; 2. "All-New Mickey Mouse Club;" 3. "Reservoir Dogs;" 4. lime; 5. once; 6. Sumerians; 7. Coral.
IQ Trivia
1. Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane; 2. Martin Van Buren; 3. Simon and Garfunkel; 4. The Elephant Man; 5. Dallas, TX.
Third place went to Bill Taylor Can F**k with 33 points.
Best Team Name: Premature Speculation
Current Events
1. A Hard Rock hotel under construction collapsed in what southern city last week, killing three people and injuring a dozen others?
2. What actor pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual misconduct last week and prosecutors say 12 women will be called to testify against him?
3. What 1993 Robin Williams film is being adapted into a musical, and will debut on Broadway next April?
4. What city's public school teachers walked out on strike last Thursday?
5. A contestant on what game show won $263,000 in prizes last week, setting a new record for a long time TV staple?
6. The UN General Assembly voted to let what country onto the Human Rights Council last week, despite its history of human rights abuses over the years?
7. What Pop singer invited a fan on stage during a concert in Las Vegas last week and she jumped into his arms but the pair lost their balance and fell off the stage unhurt?
World Series Trivia
1. With the Nationals in their first World Series in 2019, what team is now the only one never to have appeared in a World Series? a. Mariners; b. Rays; c. Rockies; d. Diamondbacks.
2. What MLB Hall of Famer holds the record for the most World Series home runs in a career with 18? a. Joe DiMaggio; b. Reggie Jackson; c. Babe Ruth; d. Mickey Mantle.
3. What AL team did the Chicago Cubs defeat to win their first World Series in 108 years in 2016? a. Royals; b. Indians; c. Tigers; d. Red Sox.
4. How many times have the Red Sox won the World Series in the 21st century? a. 2; b. 3; c. 4; d. 5.
5. What AL team did the Mets defeat to win the 1969 World Series? a. Orioles; b. Red Sox; c. A's; d. Royals.
6. What Yankees Hall of Famer holds the record for playing in the most World Series, with 10? a. Babe Ruth; b. Joe DiMaggio; c. Yogi Berra; d. Lou Gehrig.
7. What NL team has won the most World Series? a. Giants; b. Cardinals; c. Dodgers; d. Pirates.
The Q Train: Yes or No Trivia
1. Did Led Zeppelin ever win a Grammy Award?
2. Is the Great Wall of China the longest wall in the world?
3. Has Coca-Cola always been a brown a color?
4. Was America the first country to use postcards?
5. Do goldfish suffer from motion sickness?
6. Do any words in the English language rhyme with the word "month"?
7. Is horseradish sauce of German origin?
8. Does tea have more caffeine than soda or coffee?
9. Does a mouse have more bones than a human?
10. Has Steve Martin, who hosted the Oscars, ever been nominated for an Academy Award?
General Knowledge
1. How many colors does a Rubik's Cube have? ( 1 pt)
2. What TV show featured Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Ryan Gosling as kids? ( 1 pt)
3. "All right ramblers, let's get ramblin'" is a famous line from what Quentin Tarantino film? ( 1 pt)
4. "Key and "Kaffir" are what types of fruit? ( 2 pt)
5. How many times did Edward Norton portray the Incredible Hulk on screen? ( 2 pt)
6. What civilization invented the wheel? ( 2 pt)
7. What gift are you supposed to get your spouse for your 35th wedding anniversary? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What two actor friends, best known for co-starring in a hit 2001 musical and then a revival of "The Odd Couple", returned to Broadway together in 2014's "It's Only a Play?" ( 4 points)
2. What early 19th century US president was the first president born a citizen of the US? ( 4 points)
3. What pop music duo had a minor hit at the start of their careers under the names "Tom and Jerry?" ( 4 points)
4. Michael Jackson once allegedly offered $50,000 for the bones of what person? ( 3 points)
5. The first Blockbuster Video store opened in 1985 in what southern US city? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. New Orleans; 2. Cuba Gooding Jr; 3. "Mrs. Doubtfire"; 4. Chicago; 5. "The Price Is Right;" 6. Venezuela; 7. Lady Gaga.
World Series Trivia
1. a; 2. d; 3. b; 4. c; 5. a; 6. c; 7. b.
The Q Train: Yes or No Trivia
1. No; 2. Yes; 3. Yes; 4. No, Austria; 5. Yes; 6. No; 7. Yes; 8. No; 9. Yes; 10. No.
General Knowledge
1. Six; 2. "All-New Mickey Mouse Club;" 3. "Reservoir Dogs;" 4. lime; 5. once; 6. Sumerians; 7. Coral.
IQ Trivia
1. Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane; 2. Martin Van Buren; 3. Simon and Garfunkel; 4. The Elephant Man; 5. Dallas, TX.
Monday, October 21, 2019
It's Fall Classic Time Again
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"How many colors does a Rubik's Cube have?"
Looking forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night for another great night of Trivia Q&A!
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Trivia Q&A: October 15
We had in seven teams on Tuesday night, and a two-team horse race through the night between the teams of DIMS and Effervescence. The latter team led throughout the evening, and was ahead by three points after the The Q Train lightning round. But the boys from DIMS pulled it out in IQ Trivia, getting 4 of 5 correct and 48 points and the night's victory. Congrats to Ken and Michael on their fourth consecutive win.
Second place went to Effervescence with 42 points and thirs place went to Sandy Sucks Big Dick with 39 points.
Current Events
1. The TV show "South Park" just began its 23rd season and was just banned by what country?
2. Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya became the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours last Saturday in what European capital city?
3. Lenin Moreno, the president of what South American country, moved his government from the capital city to a port city due to massive protests over an end to government fuel subsidies?
4. Astronomers announced last week that they have discovered 20 new moons around what planet?
5. What country allowed women into sports stadiums with men for the first time in 40 years last week, in a segregated section for a World Cup soccer qualifying match?
6. Abiy Ahmed, prime minister of what African country, won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his work at ending a 20-year border dispute with a neighboring country?
7. Russian Alexei Leonov died last Friday at the age of 85. In 1965, he became the first person to accomplish what feat?
October Trivia
1. In October 2006, the TV series "Dexter" premiered on what cable network?
2. In October 1967, who became the first African-American justice of the US Supreme Court?
3. What country successfully tested a nuclear weapon in October 1952, becoming the world's third nuclear power after the US and USSR?
4. In October 1992, pop singer Sinead O'Connor famously tore up a photo of who on "Saturday Night Live", leading her to be banned from the show?
5. Jennifer Lopez joined the cast of what Fox TV show in October 1991?
6. In October 1977, Ronnie Van Zant and Stece Gaines, members of what rock band, were among those killed in a plane crash in Louisiana?
7. In October 1881, the famous "Gunfight at the OK Corral" took place in the town of Tombstone, in what is now what US state?
The Q Train: US and World Athletes Trivia
1. Russell Westbrook
2. Connor McDavid
3. Karolina Pliskova
4. Pete Alonso
5. Jin-Young Ko
6. Simone Biles
7. Mohammed Salah
8. Kyler Murray
9. Zach Apple
10. Usian Bolt
General Knowledge
1. "Walk the Line" was the biopic of what musical legend? ( 1 pt)
2. What woodwind instrument does an orchestra traditionally tune to? ( 1 pt)
3. What type of poem always has five lines? ( 1 pt)
4. What is the brightest planet in the solar system? (2 pt)
5. In a standard deck of cards, what is the only king without a mustache? ( 2 pt)
6. In 2014, an original copy of what superhero's first appearance in comics sold for $3.2 million on eBay? ( 2 pt)
7. The book "Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family" was the basis for what film? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The Nostromo was the name of the spaceship in what classic 1979 science film? ( 3 points)
2. What retail company trademarked the color "1837 Blue?" ( 4 points)
3. The first baseball game is believed to be played in 1846 in what New Jersey city? ( 4 points)
4. What famous 19th century scientist invented the rolling office chair? ( 4 points)
5. What two pins are left standing in a "Woolworth split" in bowling? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. China; 2. Vienna; 3. Ecuador; 4. Saturn; 5. Iran; 6. Ethiopia; 7. Walk in space.
October Trivia
1. Showtime; 2. Thurgood Marshall; 3. UK; 4. Pope John Paul II; 5. "In Living Color;" 6. Lynyrd Skynyrd; 7. Arizona.
The Q Train: US and World Athletes Trivia
1. Basketball; 2. hockey; 3. tennis; 4. baseball; 5. golf; 6. gymnastics; 7. soccer; 8. football; 9. swimming; 10. track and field.
General Knowledge
1. Johnny Cash; 2. oboe; 3. limerick; 4. Venus; 5. King of Hearts; 6. Superman; 7. "Goodfellas."
IQ Trivia
1. "Alien;" 2. Tiffany's; 3. Hoboken; 4. Charles Darwin; 5. 5 and 10.
Second place went to Effervescence with 42 points and thirs place went to Sandy Sucks Big Dick with 39 points.
Current Events
1. The TV show "South Park" just began its 23rd season and was just banned by what country?
2. Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya became the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours last Saturday in what European capital city?
3. Lenin Moreno, the president of what South American country, moved his government from the capital city to a port city due to massive protests over an end to government fuel subsidies?
4. Astronomers announced last week that they have discovered 20 new moons around what planet?
5. What country allowed women into sports stadiums with men for the first time in 40 years last week, in a segregated section for a World Cup soccer qualifying match?
6. Abiy Ahmed, prime minister of what African country, won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his work at ending a 20-year border dispute with a neighboring country?
7. Russian Alexei Leonov died last Friday at the age of 85. In 1965, he became the first person to accomplish what feat?
October Trivia
1. In October 2006, the TV series "Dexter" premiered on what cable network?
2. In October 1967, who became the first African-American justice of the US Supreme Court?
3. What country successfully tested a nuclear weapon in October 1952, becoming the world's third nuclear power after the US and USSR?
4. In October 1992, pop singer Sinead O'Connor famously tore up a photo of who on "Saturday Night Live", leading her to be banned from the show?
5. Jennifer Lopez joined the cast of what Fox TV show in October 1991?
6. In October 1977, Ronnie Van Zant and Stece Gaines, members of what rock band, were among those killed in a plane crash in Louisiana?
7. In October 1881, the famous "Gunfight at the OK Corral" took place in the town of Tombstone, in what is now what US state?
The Q Train: US and World Athletes Trivia
1. Russell Westbrook
2. Connor McDavid
3. Karolina Pliskova
4. Pete Alonso
5. Jin-Young Ko
6. Simone Biles
7. Mohammed Salah
8. Kyler Murray
9. Zach Apple
10. Usian Bolt
General Knowledge
1. "Walk the Line" was the biopic of what musical legend? ( 1 pt)
2. What woodwind instrument does an orchestra traditionally tune to? ( 1 pt)
3. What type of poem always has five lines? ( 1 pt)
4. What is the brightest planet in the solar system? (2 pt)
5. In a standard deck of cards, what is the only king without a mustache? ( 2 pt)
6. In 2014, an original copy of what superhero's first appearance in comics sold for $3.2 million on eBay? ( 2 pt)
7. The book "Wiseguy: Life in a Mafia Family" was the basis for what film? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The Nostromo was the name of the spaceship in what classic 1979 science film? ( 3 points)
2. What retail company trademarked the color "1837 Blue?" ( 4 points)
3. The first baseball game is believed to be played in 1846 in what New Jersey city? ( 4 points)
4. What famous 19th century scientist invented the rolling office chair? ( 4 points)
5. What two pins are left standing in a "Woolworth split" in bowling? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. China; 2. Vienna; 3. Ecuador; 4. Saturn; 5. Iran; 6. Ethiopia; 7. Walk in space.
October Trivia
1. Showtime; 2. Thurgood Marshall; 3. UK; 4. Pope John Paul II; 5. "In Living Color;" 6. Lynyrd Skynyrd; 7. Arizona.
The Q Train: US and World Athletes Trivia
1. Basketball; 2. hockey; 3. tennis; 4. baseball; 5. golf; 6. gymnastics; 7. soccer; 8. football; 9. swimming; 10. track and field.
General Knowledge
1. Johnny Cash; 2. oboe; 3. limerick; 4. Venus; 5. King of Hearts; 6. Superman; 7. "Goodfellas."
IQ Trivia
1. "Alien;" 2. Tiffany's; 3. Hoboken; 4. Charles Darwin; 5. 5 and 10.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Know Your Athletes This Week
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"'Walk the Line' was the biopic of what musical legend?"
I look forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night!
Wednesday, October 09, 2019
Trivia Q&A: October 8
We had 10 teams in for Trivia on Tuesday night, and it was a good turnout despite the Yom Kippur holiday beginning last night. It was good to see an old Trivia regular, Brad Cook, in last night. Brad was one of my first regulars when I returned to Professor Thom's in 2017. He was back in NYC from London for a short vacation. We had a tight four-team race for the first three rounds, but the guys from DIMS had a great General Knowledge round, and pulled away with 46 points and the win. Congrats to Ken and Michael on another great victory.
Second place went to Impeach This with 31 points, and we had a tie for third place between the teams of Office Hours and Spicy Meatballs with 29 points. The tie-breaker question was "What is the current population of the nation of Brazil?" Spicy Meatballs was closest to the answer (211,457,000) and won third place, but graciously gave the pitcher of beer to Office Hours.
Best Team Name: Goddammit, I'm Whistleblower 2: What the Hell Do I Have to Do to Get Myself Impeached and End This Nightmare?
Current Events
1. What American rock band's lead singer entered rehab last week, and the group was forced to cancel the remainder of its 2019 tour?
2. What state's governor signed a law last week allowing college athletes to make money from endorsements and hire agents?
3. Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid all pulled what medication from their shelves last week over fears of a possible link to cancer?
4. Chris Collins, a representative from what eastern US state, resigned his House seat ahead of a guilty plea for insider trading last week?
5. Two women are suing what actor for sexual exploitation after alleging the actor used a now-defunct acting to school to prey on the young women?
6. What rock singer, who has been suffering from many health problems and is currently performing mostly in a chair in his "Not Dead Yet" tour, took a nasty fall on stage last week but managed to complete the show?
7. What Oscar-winning actor is being sued by his former assistant for $12 million for "years of gender discrimination and harassment?
Italy Trivia
1. In 1890, Italian Giuseppe Airoldi is credited for inventing what, something you see in newspapers every day?
2. Venice's international airport is named for what Italian traveler and explorer?
3. What has the nation of Italy done more: won soccer's World Cup or hosted the Olympic Games?
4. What two independent states are located within the nation of Italy?
5. What is Italy's second largest city in population after Rome?
6. Christopher Columbus was born in what Italian city?
7. Who was the last Italian-born actor or actress to win an acting Academy Award?
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. The US once had a Native American Vice-President.
2. The restaurant chain Subway was co-founded by a nuclear physicist.
3. The term "WiFi" stands for "Wireless Fidelity."
4. Alaska is the least populous US state.
5. The harmonica is the world's best-selling musical instrument.
6. Cher was the first person to have a number one film and album in the same week.
7. Warren Buffet once referred to himself as the "Osama bin Laden of capitalism."
8. The Beatsie Boys won the first Rap Grammy Award in 1989.
9. You can say the "F word" a maximum of 3 times in a PG-13 rated film before it becomes an R rated one.
10. South Sudan is the world's newest country, established in 2011.
General Knowledge
1. What is a half-man, half-horse called in Greek mythology? ( 1 pt)
2. At 15% of total usage, what country watches the most YouTube? ( 1 pt)
3. The PBS series "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" was filmed in what eastern US city? ( 1 pt)
4. What country produces the most tomatoes? ( 2 pt)
5. What science fiction author wrote the novel "Fahrenheit 451?" ( 2 pt)
6. What actress voiced the character "Tigress" in the "Kung Fu Panda" films? ( 2 pt)
7. Of the five senses, which one responds the fastest? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What 20th century US president is the only one buried in Washington, DC? ( 5 points)
2. What is the most popular breakfast cereal in America, generating $436 million in revenue in 2018? ( 4 points)
3. Which "Indiana Jones" film was a prequel? ( 3 points)
4. What is the most common American street name that comes from the name of a tree, with nearly 7,000 streets with that name? (4 points)
5. What was the only South American country to send troops to Europe to fight in WWII? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Metallica; 2. California; 3. Zantac; 4. New York; 5. James Franco; 6. Phil Collins; 7. Robert DeNiro.
Italy Trivia
1. Crossword puzzle; 2. Marco Polo; 3. Won World Cup (4-3); 4. Vatican City and San Marino; 5. Milan; 6. Genoa; 7. Robert Benigni.
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. True (Charles Curtis); 2. true; 3. false, it stands for nothing; 4. false, Wyoming; 5. true; 6. false, Jennifer Lopez; 7. true; 8. false, The Fresh Prince & DJ Jazzy Jeff; 9. false, once maximum; 10. true.
General Knowledge
1. Centaur; 2. USA; 3. Pittsburgh; 4. China; 5. Ray Bradbury; 6. Angelina Jolie; 7. hearing.
IQ Trivia
1. Woodrow Wilson; 2. Cheerios; 3. "Indiana Jones and Temple of Doom;" 4. Oak; 5. Brazil.
Second place went to Impeach This with 31 points, and we had a tie for third place between the teams of Office Hours and Spicy Meatballs with 29 points. The tie-breaker question was "What is the current population of the nation of Brazil?" Spicy Meatballs was closest to the answer (211,457,000) and won third place, but graciously gave the pitcher of beer to Office Hours.
Best Team Name: Goddammit, I'm Whistleblower 2: What the Hell Do I Have to Do to Get Myself Impeached and End This Nightmare?
Current Events
1. What American rock band's lead singer entered rehab last week, and the group was forced to cancel the remainder of its 2019 tour?
2. What state's governor signed a law last week allowing college athletes to make money from endorsements and hire agents?
3. Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid all pulled what medication from their shelves last week over fears of a possible link to cancer?
4. Chris Collins, a representative from what eastern US state, resigned his House seat ahead of a guilty plea for insider trading last week?
5. Two women are suing what actor for sexual exploitation after alleging the actor used a now-defunct acting to school to prey on the young women?
6. What rock singer, who has been suffering from many health problems and is currently performing mostly in a chair in his "Not Dead Yet" tour, took a nasty fall on stage last week but managed to complete the show?
7. What Oscar-winning actor is being sued by his former assistant for $12 million for "years of gender discrimination and harassment?
Italy Trivia
1. In 1890, Italian Giuseppe Airoldi is credited for inventing what, something you see in newspapers every day?
2. Venice's international airport is named for what Italian traveler and explorer?
3. What has the nation of Italy done more: won soccer's World Cup or hosted the Olympic Games?
4. What two independent states are located within the nation of Italy?
5. What is Italy's second largest city in population after Rome?
6. Christopher Columbus was born in what Italian city?
7. Who was the last Italian-born actor or actress to win an acting Academy Award?
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. The US once had a Native American Vice-President.
2. The restaurant chain Subway was co-founded by a nuclear physicist.
3. The term "WiFi" stands for "Wireless Fidelity."
4. Alaska is the least populous US state.
5. The harmonica is the world's best-selling musical instrument.
6. Cher was the first person to have a number one film and album in the same week.
7. Warren Buffet once referred to himself as the "Osama bin Laden of capitalism."
8. The Beatsie Boys won the first Rap Grammy Award in 1989.
9. You can say the "F word" a maximum of 3 times in a PG-13 rated film before it becomes an R rated one.
10. South Sudan is the world's newest country, established in 2011.
General Knowledge
1. What is a half-man, half-horse called in Greek mythology? ( 1 pt)
2. At 15% of total usage, what country watches the most YouTube? ( 1 pt)
3. The PBS series "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" was filmed in what eastern US city? ( 1 pt)
4. What country produces the most tomatoes? ( 2 pt)
5. What science fiction author wrote the novel "Fahrenheit 451?" ( 2 pt)
6. What actress voiced the character "Tigress" in the "Kung Fu Panda" films? ( 2 pt)
7. Of the five senses, which one responds the fastest? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What 20th century US president is the only one buried in Washington, DC? ( 5 points)
2. What is the most popular breakfast cereal in America, generating $436 million in revenue in 2018? ( 4 points)
3. Which "Indiana Jones" film was a prequel? ( 3 points)
4. What is the most common American street name that comes from the name of a tree, with nearly 7,000 streets with that name? (4 points)
5. What was the only South American country to send troops to Europe to fight in WWII? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Metallica; 2. California; 3. Zantac; 4. New York; 5. James Franco; 6. Phil Collins; 7. Robert DeNiro.
Italy Trivia
1. Crossword puzzle; 2. Marco Polo; 3. Won World Cup (4-3); 4. Vatican City and San Marino; 5. Milan; 6. Genoa; 7. Robert Benigni.
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. True (Charles Curtis); 2. true; 3. false, it stands for nothing; 4. false, Wyoming; 5. true; 6. false, Jennifer Lopez; 7. true; 8. false, The Fresh Prince & DJ Jazzy Jeff; 9. false, once maximum; 10. true.
General Knowledge
1. Centaur; 2. USA; 3. Pittsburgh; 4. China; 5. Ray Bradbury; 6. Angelina Jolie; 7. hearing.
IQ Trivia
1. Woodrow Wilson; 2. Cheerios; 3. "Indiana Jones and Temple of Doom;" 4. Oak; 5. Brazil.
Monday, October 07, 2019
Italy & Italian Culture Up This Week
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"At 15% of total usage, what country watches the most YouTube?"
I hope to see many of you this Tuesday night for another great night of Trivia!
Friday, October 04, 2019
"Homegrown"
Speier is a well-respected writer who brings his insights about the Sox during home games on NESN. He had also followed their farm system closely over the years, so he is well-versed to bring the story of the Sox' young talent to the book. It all begins with the 2011 MLB draft, with the signings of several key players who would be at the heart of the 2018 champions: Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr, and Matt Barnes.
The Sox were also reaching a crossroads. The 2011 season was a colossal flop (no need to rehash it here), with Terry Francona's "dismissal", and the very forgettable Bobby Valentine Era about to start. 2012 would be a total disaster, and the team needed new blood, and from the ground up. A five-year plan to rebuild was underway, and it would garner not one but two titles.
Speier does a great job putting it together. He goes into some of the conversations he had with scouts, minor league officials and interviews with MLB officials. He gives former GM Ben Cherington and former manager John Farrell their due as well. They were, of course, a huge part of the 2013 championship club, but neither was around for the 2018 one. Speier goes into some interesting detail about Farrell's 2017 dismissal. (That's what I liked most about "Homegrown", lots of inside stuff that the average fan wasn't made aware of.)
I found the section about Mookie Betts' first go-around in Boston in 2014 the most interesting. Seems like he rubbed a few veterans the wrond way with breaking some "unwritten clubhouse rules" as was told in no uncertain terms to cut it out. (Mookie was later relived to be back in AAA when the Sox sent him down after he struggled in July.)
There's plenty to like in "Homegrown". Of course, it ends with the Red Sox winning the 2018 World Series, the "Next Great Red Sox Team" had arrived. But with the great uncertainty facing the club going into this winter, 2018 will almost seem like years ago. But it is certainly worth reading Alex Speier's tome, as it will bring back fond memories of one baseball's all-time great teams, and how they reached the Promised Land.
Wednesday, October 02, 2019
Trivia Q&A: October 1
We had 11 teams in for Trivia on Tuesday night, and it's good to see the crowds begin to increase again. It started off an unusual night, as all the teams were logjammed after two rounds, with the difference of only three points from the top to bottom teams. And history was made at the end, as we had a three-way tie for first for the first time in about 10 years. So we broke the tie with the following question: "How much money did Jeopardy champion Ken Jennings win on his 74 wins on the show?" The answer was $2,520,700, and the guys from DIMS were closest with their answer, so they finished first. Congrats to Ken, Michael and Darek on their win. (It was a come from behind win for them, as they never led after any round going into IQ Trivia.)
Second place went to Shut Up and Danc(er) and third place went to A.I.D.S., both with 44 points.
Best Team Name: Whistle Blow-Jobbers
Current Events
1. What country is facing the prospect of being banned from the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after the World Anti-Doping Agency gave it three weeks to explain inconsistencies in data from its laboratories?
2. What actor's voice will be the first celebrity to be available on Amazon's Alexa and his voice will come in two versions: explicit and non-explicit?
3. What TV show made history last week becoming the longest running prime-time live action series in US TV history?
4. What two female pop singers were named the halftime performers at next February's Super Bowl in Miami?
5. What Middle Eastern city was struck by two earthquakes last week, the second a 5.8 magnitude quake?
6. For the third straight season, what AL home run hitter was the most popular player jersey among fans in 2019?
7. The co-creators of what 1990s TV show will make over $100 million each after the show will be streaming on Netflix starting in 2021?
American Pop Music Trivia
1. What was Madonna’s first number 1 US Billboard hit single?
2. What pop duo reunited in 1981 for “The Concert in Central Park”, attracting over 500,000 fans?
3. What Prince single was his first Billboard pop number 1 single?
4. What pop singer’s 2013 world tour was called “The Mrs. Carter Show?”
5. As of 2019, who is the only artist in music history to have released 7 albums to have achieved diamond status (10 million plus in sales) in the US?
6. Gwen Stefani was co-founder and lead singer of what pop group?
7. What American musician won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016?
The Q Train: US Cities & States Above or Below 1 Million Trivia
1. San Antonio, TX
2. Rhode Island
3. Detroit, MI
4. Idaho
5. Dallas, TX
6. Delaware
7. Washington, DC
8. South Dakota
9. San Jose, CA
10. Maine
General Knowledge
1. What two countries fought the Hundred Years War? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the term for a Jedi apprentice? ( 1 pt)
3. Who played Captain Hook in the 1991 film "Hook?" ( 1 pt)
4. Who was the first woman to host an American late night talk show? ( 2 pt)
5. What is the name of the killer in the "Saw" films? ( 2 pt)
6. Between Big Mac, Quarter Pounder and Double Cheeseburger, which is the most popular item ordered through McDonald's delivery service? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What was the name of the computer that competed won on "Jeopardy" in 2011? ( 3 points)
2. What Oscar-winning actor/writer/director has directed both a Frankenstein and a Dracula movie, the latter his last film as a director? ( 4 points)
3. What African nation did Emmerson Mnangagwa become just the third president of, via a 2017 coup? ( 4 points)
4. In 1902, what New York City building was the first escalator installed in, a building still in use today? ( 5 points)
5. What embarrassing fate befalls Bill Paxton in "True Lies", Adam Sandler in "Billy Madison" and Bradley Cooper in "A Star Is Born?" ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Russia; 2. Samuel L. Jackson; 3. "Law and Order: SVU;" 4. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira; 5. Istanbul; 6. Aaron Judge; 7. “Seinfeld.”
American Pop Music Trivia
1. “Like a Virgin;” 2. Simon & Garfunkel; 3. “When Doves Cry;” 4. Beyoncé; 5. Garth Brooks; 6. No Doubt; 7. Bob Dylan.
The Q Train: US Cities & States Above or Below 1 Million
1. Above (1.56 million); 2. Above (1.08 million); 3. Below (662,000); 4. Above (1.79 million); 5. Above (1.3 million); 6. Below (975,000); 7. Below (713,000); 8. Below (892,000); 9. Above (1.03 million); 10. Above (1.32 million).
General Knowledge
1. England and France; 2. Padawan; 3. Dustin Hoffman; 4. Joan Rivers; 5. Jigsaw; 6. Double Cheeseburger; 7. Aluminum.
IQ Trivia
1. Watson; 2. Mel Brooks; 3. Zimbabwe; 4. Macy's; 5. Wet their pants.
Second place went to Shut Up and Danc(er) and third place went to A.I.D.S., both with 44 points.
Best Team Name: Whistle Blow-Jobbers
Current Events
1. What country is facing the prospect of being banned from the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after the World Anti-Doping Agency gave it three weeks to explain inconsistencies in data from its laboratories?
2. What actor's voice will be the first celebrity to be available on Amazon's Alexa and his voice will come in two versions: explicit and non-explicit?
3. What TV show made history last week becoming the longest running prime-time live action series in US TV history?
4. What two female pop singers were named the halftime performers at next February's Super Bowl in Miami?
5. What Middle Eastern city was struck by two earthquakes last week, the second a 5.8 magnitude quake?
6. For the third straight season, what AL home run hitter was the most popular player jersey among fans in 2019?
7. The co-creators of what 1990s TV show will make over $100 million each after the show will be streaming on Netflix starting in 2021?
American Pop Music Trivia
1. What was Madonna’s first number 1 US Billboard hit single?
2. What pop duo reunited in 1981 for “The Concert in Central Park”, attracting over 500,000 fans?
3. What Prince single was his first Billboard pop number 1 single?
4. What pop singer’s 2013 world tour was called “The Mrs. Carter Show?”
5. As of 2019, who is the only artist in music history to have released 7 albums to have achieved diamond status (10 million plus in sales) in the US?
6. Gwen Stefani was co-founder and lead singer of what pop group?
7. What American musician won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016?
The Q Train: US Cities & States Above or Below 1 Million Trivia
1. San Antonio, TX
2. Rhode Island
3. Detroit, MI
4. Idaho
5. Dallas, TX
6. Delaware
7. Washington, DC
8. South Dakota
9. San Jose, CA
10. Maine
General Knowledge
1. What two countries fought the Hundred Years War? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the term for a Jedi apprentice? ( 1 pt)
3. Who played Captain Hook in the 1991 film "Hook?" ( 1 pt)
4. Who was the first woman to host an American late night talk show? ( 2 pt)
5. What is the name of the killer in the "Saw" films? ( 2 pt)
6. Between Big Mac, Quarter Pounder and Double Cheeseburger, which is the most popular item ordered through McDonald's delivery service? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What was the name of the computer that competed won on "Jeopardy" in 2011? ( 3 points)
2. What Oscar-winning actor/writer/director has directed both a Frankenstein and a Dracula movie, the latter his last film as a director? ( 4 points)
3. What African nation did Emmerson Mnangagwa become just the third president of, via a 2017 coup? ( 4 points)
4. In 1902, what New York City building was the first escalator installed in, a building still in use today? ( 5 points)
5. What embarrassing fate befalls Bill Paxton in "True Lies", Adam Sandler in "Billy Madison" and Bradley Cooper in "A Star Is Born?" ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Russia; 2. Samuel L. Jackson; 3. "Law and Order: SVU;" 4. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira; 5. Istanbul; 6. Aaron Judge; 7. “Seinfeld.”
American Pop Music Trivia
1. “Like a Virgin;” 2. Simon & Garfunkel; 3. “When Doves Cry;” 4. Beyoncé; 5. Garth Brooks; 6. No Doubt; 7. Bob Dylan.
The Q Train: US Cities & States Above or Below 1 Million
1. Above (1.56 million); 2. Above (1.08 million); 3. Below (662,000); 4. Above (1.79 million); 5. Above (1.3 million); 6. Below (975,000); 7. Below (713,000); 8. Below (892,000); 9. Above (1.03 million); 10. Above (1.32 million).
General Knowledge
1. England and France; 2. Padawan; 3. Dustin Hoffman; 4. Joan Rivers; 5. Jigsaw; 6. Double Cheeseburger; 7. Aluminum.
IQ Trivia
1. Watson; 2. Mel Brooks; 3. Zimbabwe; 4. Macy's; 5. Wet their pants.