Two Decades

 It’s hard to imagine that it has now been 20 years since the terror attacks that devastated our country. The attacks at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania shook our country to its core, but for me, it was really personal, as my dear friend Joyce Carpeneto was one of the nearly 3000 victims that day. And every September 11th, I remember her on my blog.

Joyce was simply one of the nicest people you ever could meet. I worked with her at Tower Records in Greenwich Village in the 1980s and 1990s, and she was an incredibly talented person, working in the Greenwich Village Art Department until she left for General Telecom in 1998. 

Joyce had the terrible misfortune to be on the 83rd floor of the North Tower on September 11, 2001. She and all 12 of her colleagues perished that morning, and nothing was recovered of any them.

Back in 2001, I wrote that a day won't go by that I won't think of her. And that has proven to be true. I wear a beautiful bracelet with her name on it, so she is never far from my heart.

I try to honor my friend every chance I get, but this time of year is the most special. I will be at the 20th anniversary ceremonies at the World Trade Center for the 20th consecutive year, and the following day, I will be at the Tunnel to Towers Reading of the Names of the deceased First Responders at the WTC. I am honored to read the names of 18 heroes who gave their lives for our country, and I will acknowledge Joyce when I conclude.

 

Wherever Joyce is, I know she would be pleased with the way I remember her, but she would also be a little bit "embarrassed." For her, it would be more important that her family and friends enjoy themselves and have fun as opposed to mourning her loss. When I see photos of her, I always smile, and I think of those good times we had together.

Every year, I put up the links to the previous years posts about Joyce, and this year will be no different. Please say a prayer for all those we lost on September 11, 2001, and also for those brave First Responders who we lost as well, and those who continue to suffer because of that terrible morning. They will always be a part of my prayers.

God bless you, Joyce. I was so blessed to call you my friend.

2006: Forever Missed. And Forever Loved.

2007: Never Forget. Ever. 

2008: We Can Be the Ones Who Remember 

2009: The Most Sacred Of All Days 

2010: 3000 

2011: Ten Years After 

2012: 11 Years

2013: No Other Place In The World I Could Be Today 

2014: Always and Forever Family 

2015: I'm The Lucky One 

2016: Joyce and Alice  

2017: Tower Records Forever 

2018: A Great Honor For Me This Year 

2019: 18 

2020: The Years Just Fly By 

Playing Pepper: 2021 Boston Red Sox

I had the pleasure of being a part of group of four Red Sox bloggers who took part in  "Playing Pepper 2021: Boston Red Sox." We were asked six questions concerning the club for 2021 by Daniel Shoptaw, who runs the fine St. Louis Cardinals blog "C70 At The Bat."

Every year Daniel asks bloggers from all 30 teams questions about their teams chances for the upcoming season. This is the eighth straight year I have taken part.

My thanks to Daniel for letting me take part again. Here are the questions and my answers:

 C70: Baseball in 2020 was like nothing we’ve ever seen before. What are your thoughts on that season? Did you like the rule changes? How was following baseball the same or different during the pandemic?

John: Let’s hope we never have another baseball season like 2020! It was beyond bizarre seeing no fans in the stands until the postseason. I understand some of the rule changes that were made for last season but the only one I liked was the DH in the National League. I am fully a proponent of the DH, and I hate to see pitchers hitting. I don’t like ANY of the other changes: starting a runner at second to begin the 10th inning or the 16-team playoff format. Call me a traditionalist with those two things, but starting a runner at second in the tenth is an artificial way to try to end a game. And we nearly had an under .500 team get to the World Series because of the expanded playoffs (Houston). Seven inning doubleheaders? I guess I can live with it for now.

 
C70: When is Chris Sale expected to return and what do you expect from him when he does?

 John: Alex Cora said he isn’t expecting Chris Sale back until after the All-Star Game. The Sox have to be careful with him, and rushing him back makes little sense unless the Sox surprise a lot of people in the standings this year.

C70: Alex Cora is back as manager after a year away. What are your thoughts about his return and how much of an impact will it have on the 2021 season?

John: I believe Alex Cora’s return will have a positive effect on the club, especially with J.D. Martinez and Rafael Devers, who struggled mightily last season. I heard that every player who played under Cora in 2018-19 gave the thumbs up for his return. That’s good enough for me.

C70: There’s been a lot of trade rumors around former Arkansas Razorback Andrew Benintendi. Do you believe he will be traded? Should he be traded? [Note: Every year at least one team does something after I send out questions that invalidates one.  Boston did this last year to me as well!  So everyone just told me what they thought about the trade.]

John: I was sorry to see Andrew Benintendi leave. I understand the trade as his stock had fallen since 2018. Still he’s still a young player and I thought he would bounce back from his injury-riddled 2020 season. I remember seeing Franchy Cordero play in San Diego. I just hope he’s not the second coming of Wily Mo Pena.

C70: What is your expectation for this team this coming season?

John: A lot has to go right for the Red Sox to compete in 2021. I don’t see them making the playoffs but I think they can surprise the naysayers. I’m hoping for a 82-83 win season.

C70: Overall, what sort of grade would you give this organization and why?

 John: Chaim Bloom has a plan, and it will take time to bear fruit. So the fans have to be patient this year. He has improved the farm system, and has brought in some versatile position players. The pitching has the bigger question marks. Hard to give the Sox a grade on this off season until we see how some key players perform.

It's Good To Be Back, And On My 15th Anniversary

 Hello everyone. I am finally back on my blog, after a long absence! My computer went out on me in late October of last year, and it took me a while to getting around to get a new one. And now, finally, I am back! I also decided to take a little break from blogging. But it's good to be back!

I am still doing Facebook Live Trivia Night, but a little more infrequently, now about twice a month. I will return to posting the Q&A back here soon. Our next Trivia Night is this coming Thursday night, March 18th at 8 PM ET.

Today is the 15th anniversary of starting The Mighty Quinn Media Machine, so I thought this would be a good day to re-start. It was always fun to blog, and a friend suggested a few weeks ago that I go back to writing again. So I will be posting a little more frequently.

I hope everyone is doing well, and it's good to be back!

Trivia Will Be Back On October 29

Facebook Live Trivia Night is taking this week off, with the presidential debate happening tonight. Enjoy the circus, we will be back again next Thursday night, October 29th at 8 PM. See you then and have a great week!

Trivia Q&A: October 15

After a two-week absence, Facebook Live Trivia Night returned for its twenty-sixth edition last night. We were in competition with all the political stuff on TV, but we did have a nice turnout of regulars, and my friend Larry Fleisher wound up this week's champion, rolling up 46 points and the victory. Congrats Larry! My sister Nancy and my brother-in-law Jack, celebrating his recent release from Facebook jail, rolled up 42 points and finished second. Have a great week everyone, and see you next Thursday!

 

American Music Trivia

1. In 1997, what famous rapper was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles?

2. What was Elvis Presley's first number 1 single in the US in 1956?

3. What legendary R&B singer was nicknamed "Soul Brother Number 1" and "Mr. Dynamite?"

4. Dave Grohl rose to fame in the early 1990s as a member of what band?

5. What American female pop singer had had the most number 1 singles on the US charts, with 19?

6. In 1998, what American pop singer became the oldest woman, at 52, to have a number 1 single on the US charts?

7. Who was the first country artist to sell over 10 million copies of an album?

 

2000s Trivia

1. What female singer was awarded the title of Top Radio Songs artist of the 2000s by Billboard magazine in 2009?

2. What NFL team won the Super Bowl three times in the 2000s?

3. What classic rock band's 2000 greatest hits album was the top-selling album of the decade?

4. What country launched its first manned mission in October 2003?

5. In 2008, the Republic of Kosovo gained its independence from what European country?

6. Name 2 of the 3 world cities that hosted a Summer Olympics in the decade of the 2000s.

7. What 2009 film was the highest-grossing film at the box office in the US in the 2000s?

The Q Train: 1-2-3-4 Trivia 

1. This is the number of state capitals named after US presidents.

2. Catcher is this number on a baseball team.

3. On a telephone, this number key is associated with the letters D, E and F.

4. Cancer is this number sign of the Zodiac.

5. This is the number of US presidents who have been impeached.

6. In volleyball, this is the number of sets needed to be won to win an entire match.

7. This is the total number of Oscars won by Al Pacino in his career.

8. This is the maximum number of times Friday the 13th can happen in a given year.

9. This is the number of future US presidents who signed the Declaration of Independence.

10. Hall of Fame athletes Ozzie Smith and Oscar Robertson both wore this number.

 

General Knowledge

1. The infamous Salem Witch Trials took place in what US state? ( 1 pt)

2. How many natural satellites does the planet Mercury have? ( 1 pt)

3. "The Lizard King" was what rock legend's nickname?  ( 1 pt)

4. What tennis grand slam title did Briton Andy Murray win 2013? ( 2 pt)

5. What classical composer created "The Moonlight Sonata"? ( 2 pt)

6. The Khmer language is spoken in what Asian country? ( 2 pt)

7. What is Europe's largest nation in area (excluding Russia)? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia

1. The modern pizza was invented in the 18th century in what Italian city? ( 4 points)

2. What actor was banned in China for nearly 20 years after a 1997 film he made about the Dalai Lama, but was allowed back in 2016? ( 5 points)

3. Where in the human body would you find the metacarpus? ( 4 points)

4. Kate Winslet won an Academy Award for Best Actress for what film? ( 3 points)

5. In which South American country were legendary outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid supposedly killed in 1908? ( 4 points)

Answers

American Music Trivia

1. Notorious BIG; 2. Heartbreak Hotel; 3. James Brown; 4. Nirvana; 5. Mariah Carey; 6. Cher; 7. Garth Brooks.

2000s Trivia

1. Beyonce; 2. New England Patriots; 3. The Beatles; 4. China; 5. Serbia; 6. Sydney, Athens and Beijing; 7. Avatar.

The Q Train: 1-2-3-4 Trivia

1. 4; 2. 2; 3. 3; 4. 4; 5. 3; 6. 3; 7. 1; 8. 3; 9. 2; 10. 1.

General Knowledge 

1. Massachusetts; 2. None; 3. Jim Morrison; 4. Wimbledon; 5. Beethoven; 6. Cambodia; 7. Ukraine.

IQ Trivia

1. Naples; 2. Brad Pitt; 3. Hand; 4. The Reader; 5. Bolivia.

Facebook Live Trivia Night Will Return On October 15

Hello Trivia Folks

As most of you know, we had technical difficulties last week and had to end our Facebook Live Trivia Night after just two rounds. Hopefully everything will be fine for our next Trivia Night. But unfortunately, it won't be this week, as I am doing one of my background acting gigs very early on Friday morning, my first gig since last February. But our next Facebook Live Trivia Night WILL be happening next Thursday, October 15th at 8 PM. Looking forward to seeing many of you then. Have a great week!

Trivia Q&A: September 24

We had our twenty-fifth edition of Facebook Live Trivia Night on Thursday night, and a good crowd turned out for it. We had a close race to the finish, but we wound up having a tie between Larry Fleisher and Steve Thomas & Mary Reynolds, both teams had 46 points. Congratulations to both teams on a fine night of Trivia and both entering this week's winners circle. Looking forward to seeing many of you next Thursday night!

 

California Trivia

1. Who was the first US president born in California?

2. What year did the California Gold Rush begin?

3. What is the second largest city in California by population after Los Angeles?

4. Who succeeded Gray Davis as California governor after he was recalled in 2003?

5. Between Mt. Whitney, Mt. Rainier and Mt. McKinley, which is located in California?

6. California is the number one of all states in population. What state is second?

7. The Pony Express ran mail in the 1860s between Missouri and what California city?

Baseball Movies Trivia

1. What future Oscar-winning actor played a catcher with Hodgkin's Disease in the 1973 film "Bang the Drum Slowly?"

2. Gary Cooper played what legendary player in the 1942 film "Pride of the Yankees?"

3. Kelly Leak and Tanner Boyle were two of the main characters in what 1976 baseball film?

4. What future Oscar-winning actress was the lead actress in the 1989 film "Bull Durham?"

5. What hapless team was the centerpiece of the 1988 film "Major League?"

6. Who directed the 1992 film "A League of Their Own?"

7. Name 1 of the 2 actors nominated for acting awards in the 2011 film "Moneyball?"

The Q Train: Science Fiction Film Characters (Name the Film)

1. Peter Venkman (1984)

2. Lando Calrissian ( 1980)

3. Ellen Ripley (1979)

4. Rick Deckard (1982)

5. Snake Plissken ( 1981)

6. Sarah Connor (1984)

7. Dr. Robert Neville (2007)

8. Dr. Emmitt Brown (1985)

9. David Bowman (1968)

10. Robert Scott Carey (1957)

General Knowledge
1. What country has the largest air force in the world? ( 1 pt)

2. How many spikes are on the Statue of Liberty's crown? ( 1 pt)

3. Fresh water, 2% of the earth's surface, is made of oxygen and what other element? ( 1 pt)

4. Between bat, octopus and snake, which animal is almost totally deaf? ( 2 pt)

5. What is the traditional color of the sari that a bride wears at an Indian wedding? ( 2 pt)

6. What was the name of the dog in the comic strip "Garfield?"

7. Tennis players Kim Clijsters and Justin Henin were born in what European country? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia

1. What 19th century historical figure died at the Petersen House? ( 3 points)

2. What science fiction film was set on the fictional moon called Pandora? ( 4 points)

3. Robert Rayford, who died in St. Louis in 1969, is now believed to be the first American to have died from what cause? (4 points)

4. Who is the only active NFL quarterback to have defeated all 32 NFL teams in his career? ( 4 points)

5. What Oscar-winning actor/writer/director had directed both a Frankenstein movie and a Dracula movie, the latter his last film as a director? ( 5 points)

Answers

California Trivia

1. Richard Nixon; 2. 1848; 3. San Diego; 4. Arnold Schwarzenegger; 5. Mt. Whitney; 6. Texas; 7. Sacramento.

Baseball Movies Trivia

1. Robert DeNiro; 2. Lou Gehrig; 3. Bad News Bears; 4. Susan Sarandon; 5. Cleveland Indians; 6. Penny Marshall; 7. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill.

The Q Train: Science Fiction Film Characters

1. Ghostbusters; 2. The Empire Strikes Back; 3. Alien; 4. Blade Runner; 5. Escape From New York; 6. The Terminator; 7. I Am Legend; 8. Back to the Future; 9. 2001: A Space Odyssey; 10. The Incredible Shrinking Man.

General Knowledge
1. USA; 2. Seven; 3. Hydrogen; 4. Octopus; 5. Red; 6. Odie; 7. Belgium.

IQ Trivia

1. Abraham Lincoln; 2. Avatar; 3. AIDS; 4. Drew Brees; 5. Mel Brooks.

Trivia Q&A: September 17

Our twenty-fourth edition of Facebook Live Trivia Night went really well last night, with another fine turnout of folks, with a few I hadn't seen in a little while. It was another close finish, but my sister Maureen Russell was the winner with 50 points, her first ever Trivia title. Congratulations Maureen! Larry Fleisher finished second with 47 points. Looking forward to seeing many of you next Thursday night!

 

Ireland Trivia

1. In what century did Ireland's Potato Famine take place?

2. Larry Mullen Jr. is the drummer for what Irish rock band?
3. To make Irish coffee, what alcohol ingredient would you use?

4. What is the most popular team sport in Ireland?

5. What is Ireland's second largest city in population after Dublin?

6. Which actor who played James Bond was born in Ireland?

7. During which major holiday did the 1916 uprising in Ireland against Great Britain take place?

September Trivia

1. In September 2002, Kelly Clarkson became the first winner on what TV reality show?

2. In September 1991, the name of the Russian city St. Petersburg was restored after it was known by what name since 1924?

3. A lockout began in September 2004 which led to what pro sports league being canceled for one season? 

4. On September 19, 2005, the sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" premiered on what TV network?

5. On September 25, 1980, John Bonham, the drummer of what rock band, died of alcohol asphyxiation?

6. What is the birthstone for the month of September?

7. Name 1 of the 2 US presidents who originally became president in the month of September.

The Q Train: TV Shows Before or After 2010 (When They Started)

1. Homeland

2. Breaking Bad

3. The Americans

4. Modern Family

5. Game of Thrones

6. Shameless

7. Grey's Anatomy

8. The Good Wife

9. American Horror Story

10. Mad Men

General Knowledge

1. Samuel Clemens was the real name of what famous 19th century American? ( 1 pt)

2. What coastal Georgia city is the birthplace of the Girl Scouts? ( 1 pt)

3. Which bill of US currency features a picture of the White House on the back? ( 1 pt)

4. Who played the president of the US in the 2002 film "Love Actually?" ( 2 pt)

5. What American city has the busiest cruise port in the world? ( 2 pt)

6. Between the letters "J", "X" and "W", which is worth the least in a game of Scrabble? ( 2 pt)

7. How many states does the Mississippi River flow through or border? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia

1. What 19th century woman was the first female depicted on an American coin in 1979? ( 4 points)

2. First nominated in 1977, and again in 2016, who holds the record for the longest time between Oscar nominations for portraying the same character? ( 4 points)

3. In 1974, what was the first magazine to sell one billion copies in a single year? ( 5 points)

4. The medical condition known as myopia is better known by what name? ( 4 points)

5. For its 125th anniversary in 2014, what European landmark installed a glass floor 187 feet off the ground? ( 4 points)

Answers

Ireland Trivia

1. 19th Century; 2. U2; 3. Whiskey; 4. Gaelic Football; 5. Cork; 6. Pierce Brosnan; 7. Easter.

September Trivia

1. American Idol; 2. Leningrad; 3. NHL; 4. CBS; 5. Led Zeppelin; 6. Sapphire; 7. Chester A. Arthur and Theodore Roosevelt.

The Q Train: TV Shows Before or After 2010

1. After (2011); 2. Before (2008); 3. After (2013); 4. Before (2009); 5. After (2011); 6. After (2011); 7. Before (2005); 8. Before (2009); 9. After (2011); 10. Before (2007).

General Knowledge
1. Mark Twain; 2. Savannah; 3. $20; 4. Billy Bob Thornton; 5. Miami; 6. W; 7. ten.

 

IQ Trivia

1. Susan B. Anthony; 2. Sylvester Stallone; 3. TV Guide; 4. Nearsightedness; 5. Eiffel Tower.

The Years Just Fly By

It's that time of year again.

 

It has now been 19 years since our city, country and way of life was so viciously attacked on the morning of September 11, 2001. As many of you who read my blog know, my dear friend Joyce Carpeneto was a tragic victim of that terrible attack, as she worked at General Telecom, which was located on the 83rd floor of the North Tower. She and 12 of her colleagues were lost that morning, and nothing was recovered from any of them.

 

Every year I go to the ceremonies at the World Trade Center, as I am proud to represent everyone who knew and loved Joyce. This year will be a little different, as with the coronavirus, there will undoubtedly be fewer people on hand, and those there will be wearing masks and keeping six feet apart. Also this year, the names will not be read on the memorial by the family members, as every name will be taken from the In Memoriam room of the 9/11 Museum and said that way out loud. 

 

But, a couple of days ago, I received a call from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and Matt Memoli, who works for them, asked me if I'd like to read the names of the 9/11 victims at their special reading of the names at Zuccotti Park, which is on Church and Liberty Streets, a short walk from the 9/11 Memorial. I quickly said yes, and I will be reading the names of 24 9/11 victims whose first names begin with the letter S. I am so thrilled and honored to be a part of this. I have wanted to read the names of the 9/11 victims for many years, and I am so grateful to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for allowing me to do so.

In the afternoon, I will be on the Memorial and I will be reading names of First Responders who have died since September 11, 2001. There will be a viral "Calling of the Names" this year, as St. Paul's Chapel, where the names are normally read, will be closed due to the virus. It can be viewed on YouTube starting at 2 PM on Friday. I am once again proud to take part in the "Calling of the Names."

I honor my dear sweet friend Joyce here every year, and I will continue to do so for as long as I live. I was blessed to call her my friend, and I know she is always with me. Below are the previous years posts if you'd like to check them out. Please say a prayer for all the 9/11 victims today, and especially those First Responders who are ill and dying. God bless them all.

 

Here are the previous years posts I put up here:
2006: Forever Missed. And Forever Loved.
2007: Never Forget. Ever.
2008: We Can Be The Ones Who Remember
2009: The Most Sacred Of All Days
2010: 3000
2011: Ten Years After
2012: 11 Years
2013: No Other Place In The World I Could Be Today
2014: Always And Forever Family
2015: I'm The Lucky One
2016: Joyce and Alice
2017: Tower Records Forever
2018: A Great Honor For Me This Year

2019: 18 

Trivia Q&A: September 10

We had another fine night of Facebook Live Trivia Night on Thursday, and it was nice to see a few friends I haven't seen in a while taking part. It really close going into the final round, but Nancy and Jack Sullivan ( who are my sister and brother-in-law) gained their first Trivia Night victory, rolling up 52 points and getting a well-deserved win. See you all again next Thursday night at 8 PM ET!

 

September 11th Trivia

1. On this day in 1789, what man was appointed the first US Secretary of the Treasury?

2. In 1973, the democratically-elected president Salvador Allende, of what South American country, was overthrown in a coup led by General Augusto Pinochet?

3. What MLB player broke Ty Cobb's hit record for a career on this day in 1985?

4. On this date in 1978, Janet Parker, a British medical photographer, became the last recorded person to die from what disease, which the WHO said was eradicated in 1980?

5. What Emmy-winning actor died on this date in 2003 when he fell ill during a rehearsal for his TV series "8 Simple Rules For Dating My Teenage Daughter?"

6. Johnny Unitas, legendary QB for what NFL team from 1956-72 and three-time NFL MVP, died on this day in 2002?

7. Only once in MLB history has a team won the World Series on September 11th, in 1918 due to WWI travel restrictions. What AL team won it?

 

NFL Trivia

1. Which team defeated the Buffalo Bills by one point to win the Super Bowl in 1991?

2. Name 1 of the 2 teams to go 0-16 in an NFL season since 1978.

3. What was the original nickname of the NY Jets from 1960-63?

4. What NFL city was known as "Titletown USA" in the 1960s?

5. Who broke Jim Brown's all-time rushing record for a career in 1984?

6. What NFL running back just missed breaking the NFL record for rushing yards in a season by 9 in 2015?

7. Name 1 of the 2 players that have been named Super Bowl MVP at least 3 times.

 

The Q Train: 21st Century Oscar-Winning Characters Trivia 

1. Abraham Lincoln

2. June Carter Cash

3. Harvey Milk

4. Stephen Hawking

5. Katherine Hepburn

6. King George VI

7. Idi Amin

8. Ray Charles

9. Margaret Thatcher

10. The Joker

 

General Knowledge

1. According to Instagram, what is the most photographed city in the world? ( 1 pt)

2. In the logo for the TV series "The Sopranos", what letter appears as a gun? ( 1 pt)

3. In 2002, what actor co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival? ( 1 pt)

4. What best-selling author sold copies of his first novel "A Time To Kill" out of the trunk of his car? ( 2 pt)

5. After water, what is the most consumed beverage in the world? ( 2 pt)

6. "The Shipwreck Coast" can be found in what country? ( 2 pt)

7. What was the tallest man-made structure for over 43 centuries? ( 3 pt)

 

IQ Trivia

1. What US state borders three states with Ivy League schools, but has no Ivy League school within its borders? ( 4 points)

2. What city has the longest boardwalk in the world? ( 3 points)

3. What 1992 film holds the record for the best-selling soundtrack of all-time, with over 17 million copies sold? ( 4 points)

4. What current magazine was founded by Briton Hadden and Henry Luce in 1923? ( 5 points)

5. The word "boycott" comes from Charles C. Boycott, who was ostracized in 1880 for not reducing rents of his tenants in what European country? ( 4 points)

 

Answers

September 11th Trivia

1. Alexander Hamilton; 2. Chile; 3. Pete Rose; 4. Smallpox; 5. John Ritter; 6. Baltimore Colts; 7. Boston Red Sox.

 

NFL Trivia

1. New York Giants; 2. Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions; 3. Titans; 4. Green Bay; 5. Walter Payton; 6. Adrian Peterson; 7. Tom Brady and Joe Montana.

 

The Q Train: 21st Century Oscar-Winning Characters

1. Daniel Day-Lewis; 2. Reese Witherspoon; 3. Sean Penn; 4. Eddie Redmayne; 5. Cate Blanchett; 6. Colin Firth; 7. Forest Whitaker; 8. Jamie Foxx; 9. Meryl Streep; 10. Heath Ledger.

 

General Knowledge

1. New York City; 2. R; 3. Robert DeNiro; 4. John Grisham; 5. Tea; 6. Australia; 7. Pyramid at Giza.

 

IQ Trivia

1. Vermont; 2. Atlantic City; 3. The Bodyguard; 4. Time; 5. Ireland.

Trivia Q&A: September 3

We had another terrific night of Trivia on Thursday night, our twenty-second edition of Facebook Live Trivia Night. Yes, we have now been doing Trivia on Facebook for an amazing five months! And I think I made a couple of categories a little on the harder side, but I promise you it won't be as difficult next week! Anyway, we had a tight race to the finish, but Sarah Howe emerged the winner, with 46 points. Congratulations to Sarah on her very first win. Looking forward to seeing all of you next Thursday night!

 

Texas Trivia

1. What is the second largest city in Texas in population after Houston?

2. Name 1 of the 2 US presidents born in the state of Texas.

3. What is the longest river in Texas?

4. What are the nicknames of the sports teams at the University of Texas?

5. Which pro sports team from Texas has been in operation the longest?

6. Which soft drink was invented in Waco, Texas in 1885 by Charles Alderton?

7. What Texas city is often called "the live music capital of the world?"

 

21st Century TV Trivia

1. Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons starred in what 21st century sitcom?

2. What 2000s sitcom was set in the fictional town of Star City, California?

3. Ving Rhames starred in a reboot of what 1970s crime drama?

4. What famous TV star provided the voice of the unseen narrator in the TV series "How I Met Your Mother?"

5. As of August 2020, how many seasons has "60 Minutes" been on the air at CBS?

6. In 2018, what Amazon series won the most Emmy Awards with 5?

7. Jesse Pinkman and Hank Schrader were two of the main characters in what 2010s TV series?

The Q Train: Celebrity Real Names Trivia

1. Shawn Carter (singer)

2. Carlos Estevez (actor)

3. Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (singer)

4. Steveland Judkins (singer)

5. Robert Zimmerman (singer)

6. Anna Mae Bullock (singer)

7. Chan Kong-Sang (actor)

8. Thomas Mapother IV (actor)

9. Caryn Johnson (actress)

10. Stefani Germanotta (singer)

General Knowledge

1. How many colors does a Rubik's Cube have? ( 1 pt)

2. What year did the Berlin Wall fall? ( 1 pt)

3. What TV show featured Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Ryan Gosling as kids? ( 1 pt)

4. Who is next in line after the vice-president in terms of presidential succession? ( 2 pt)

5. "Key" and :Kaffir" are what types of fruit? ( 2 pt)

6. "All right ramblers, let's get ramblin'" is a famous line from what Quentin Tarantino film? ( 2 pt)

7. What id the third letter of the Greek alphabet after alpha and beta? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia

1. What family is considered the wealthiest family in the world, worth an estimated $196 billion? ( 4 points)

2. What famous rock band appears at the start of "The Simpsons Movie?" ( 4 points)

3. 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)

4. What pop music duo had a minor hit at the start of their careers under the names "Tom and Jerry?" ( 5 points)

5. What video store chain opened their first store in Dallas, TX in 1985? ( 3 points)

 

Answers

Texas Trivia

1. Dallas; 2. Lyndon Johnson and Dwight D. Eisenhower; 3. Rio Grande; 4. Longhorns; 5. Dallas Cowboys; 6. Dr. Pepper; 7. Austin.

 

21st Century TV Trivia

1. The Big Bang Theory; 2. Malcolm In The Middle; 3. Kojak; 4. Bob Saget; 5. 52; 6. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel; 7. Breaking Bad.

 

The Q Train: Celebrity Real Names Trivia

1. Jay Z; 2. Charlie Sheen; 3. Katy Perry; 4. Stevie Wonder; 5. Bob Dylan; 6. Tina Turner; 7. Jackie Chan; 8. Tom Cruise; 9. Whoopi Goldberg; 10. Lady Gaga.

General Knowledge

1. Six; 2. 1989; 3. All-New Mickey Mouse Club; 4. Speaker of the House; 5. Lime; 6. Reservoir Dogs; 7. Gamma.

IQ Trivia

1. Walton family; 2. Green Day; 3. Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane; 4. Simon and Garfunkel; 5. Blockbuster.

"The Wax Pack: On The Open Road In Search of Baseball's Afterlife"

With this continuing pandemic going on all around the world, I had to find ways to pass the time while in my house. I watched plenty of TV and movies, and read and re-read lots of books. But I received a book to review that I really enjoyed reading, and naturally it was on baseball: "The Wax Pack: On the Open Road In Search of Baseball's Afterlife" (University of Nebraska Publishing) by Brad Balukjian. The book is based on a concept I can relate to, as Balukjian took a pack of baseball cards from 1986 from Topps, and decided to check out the post-baseball lives of the 15 men he unwrapped. I grew up collecting baseball cards, and I thought it sounded like such a great idea. 

But a lot of people in the publishing world weren't so taken with it, as Balukjian was rejected 38 times before he finally found a publisher. Balukjian actually opened the pack of cards thirty years after it first came out, chewed on the gum enclosed inside (which wasn't a pleasant experience) and decided to see what became of the players who were in his pack. The players range from a Hall of Famer (Carlton Fisk), highly decorated pitchers (Dwight Gooden and Rick Sutcliffe), infielders who made their mark (Garry Templeton, Randy Ready, Rance Mulliniks), and guys who never really made it in the game (Jaime Coconower). 

Balkujian starts in California where he lives (he's a writer and a biology teacher at Merritt College in Oakland) and criss-crosses the country to find all the players. (One he could not visit was Al Cowens, who died in 2002.)  He did this in 2015 and drove over 11,000 miles to speak with all his subjects. He would cross 30 states in 48 days. Previously he did nearly a year of research in contacting the 14 former big leaguers, following up with emails and phone calls. He met with all but two (Vince Coleman and Carlton Fisk with the only ones who declined to participate). 

In his interviews with the players, he made it clear that he was more interested in them as people than as ex-ballplayers. Many of them opened up to him about their personal lives, like the divorces they went through and the relationships that broke apart in their lives. Balukjian also retraces his own past, reconnecting with an old girl friend, and is very upfront about his lifelong battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Brad Balukjian has written a very different type of baseball book, one that I found fascinating, especially about how most of these former heroes view their lives after baseball. It was a very enjoyable read, following him on the road, and one very much worth your time to read, whether we are in a pandemic or not.

Trivia Q&A: August 27

We had another great night of Facebook Trivia Night last night, with another terrific finish among four teams separated by just three points going into IQ Trivia. (Three of which were my individual sisters!) But it was the team of Molly Vallon and Brad Cook (two of my old Professor Thom's Trivia regulars) who pulled out the win with 45 points. Congratulations to them on their hard-fought win! See you all again next Thursday night!

 

Purple Trivia

1. The Purple Heart medal features the image of what US president?
2. What Pulitzer Prize winning author wrote the novel "The Color Purple?"

3. The Purple Dragons were a street gang in what animated series?

4. Who wrote and directed the 1985 film "The Purple Rose of Cairo?"

5. In the board game "Clue", what character is represented by the purple token?

6. Prince released the critically acclaimed album "Purple Rain" in what year?
7. Name 1 of the 2 NFL teams that uses purple as its primary uniform color.

Republican Party Trivia

1. Who was the first Republican elected president of the US?

2. What Republican president was born Leslie Lynch King Jr.?

3. What 20th century Republican president served two terms and made an ill fated run for a third term as a third party candidate?

4. Chuck Grassley, of what midwestern state, is the longest serving Republican senator?

5. What onetime US senator was the last Republican who was both an unsuccessful presidential and vice presidential candidate?

6. Who was the last Republican who represented NY state in the US Senate?

7. Who was NY state's last Republican governor?

The Q Train: Solo Beatles Albums Trivia

1. Band On the Run

2. Mind Games

3. Living In the Material World

4. Venus and Mars

5. Walls and Bridges

6. Sentimental Journey

7. All Things Must Pass

8. Double Fantasy

9. Goodnight Vienna

10. Kisses On The Bottom

General Knowledge

1. How many hours time difference is there between London and New York? ( 1 pt)

2. What is the second largest state in the US in land area? ( 1 pt)

3. How many symphonies did Beethoven compose? ( 1 pt)

4. Which of the three Chipmunks wore glasses? ( 2 pt)

5. What is the most common color of M&Ms? ( 2 pt)

6. On which finger do human fingernails grow the fastest? ( 2 pt)

7. What planet is nicknamed "the planet of dreams" due to its color? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia

1. "Where Is Everybody" is the first episode of what classic science fiction series? ( 3 points)

2. What is the name of the anniversary that is celebrated after 70 years of marriage? ( 5 points)

3. The Bank of America is headquartered in what southern US city? ( 4 points)

4. Helen Keller was a co-founding member of what organization in 1920? ( 4 points)

5. What American author has penned 58 novels in his career, with 7 written under the pen name "Richard Bachmann?" ( 4 points)

Answers

Purple Trivia

1. George Washington; 2. Alice Walker; 3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; 4. Woody Allen; 5. Professor Plum; 6. 1984; 7. Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens.

Republican Party Trivia

1. Abraham Lincoln; 2. Gerald Ford; 3. Theodore Roosevelt; 4. Iowa; 5. Bob Dole; 6. Al D'Amato; 7. George Pataki.

The Q Train: Solo Beatles Albums Trivia

1. Paul; 2. John; 3. George; 4. Paul; 5. John; 6. Ringo; 7. George; 8. John; 9. Ringo; 10. Paul.

General Knowledge

1. Five; 2. Texas; 3. Nine; 4. Simon; 5. Brown; 6. Middle; 7. Neptune.

IQ Trivia

1. The Twilight Zone; 2. Platinum; 3. Chalotte, NC; 4. ACLU; 5. Stephen King.

Trivia Q&A: August 20

We had another great night of Trivia on Thursday, our twentieth edition of Facebook Live Trivia Night. It was a close race to the finish, but the team of Team FinniQuinn pulled off the victory, rolling up 48 points. My sister Maureen Russell was second with 46 points. It was the second win for Team FinniQuinn, and my congratulations to Lauren and Michael on yet another victory. Looking forward to seeing many of you next Thursday night!

 

August Trivia 

1. On August 1, 1914, what nation declared war on Russia, beginning WWI? 

2. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at what famous Washington DC landmark?

3. In August 1992, actress Tracey Gold was written out of what 1990s sitcom as she hospitalized for anorexia?

4. MLB players went on strike in August of what year, which led to the cancellation of the World Series?

5. Name 1 of the 3 birthstones associated with the month of August.

6. Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in what US state?

7. Name 2 of the 4 US presidents born after the Civil War and in the month of August.

Democratic Party Trivia

1. Who was the first Democratic president of the 20th century?

2. Patrick Leahy, of what US state, is currently the longest-serving Democratic senator?

3. Which Democrat succeeded George Pataki as governor of New York state?

4. What former US senator is the only Democrat to lose both a presidential and a vice-presidential election?

5. Who was the first Democratic president to be impeached?

6. John Glenn, the former astronaut and Democratic senator, represented what midwest state?

7. What eastern US state was the only one that George McGovern won in his 1972 presidential defeat to Richard Nixon?

The Q Train: US Airports Trivia (Name the City)

1. PHL

2. IAH

3. TPA

4. MSP

5. HNL

6. ORD

7. NEW

8. BWI

9. LAS

10. SAN

General Knowledge

1. The headquarters for Target is located in what US state? ( 1 pt)

2. What military base includes the hangar that is the home of Air Force One? ( 1 pt)

3. What is the second largest city in Japan in population after Tokyo? ( 1 pt)

4. What NBA team did Larry Bird go on to coach after leaving the Boston Celtics? ( 2 pt)

5. The Azore Islands belong to what European country? ( 2 pt)

6. What author wrote the novel "50 Shades of Grey?" ( 2 pt)

7. "The Jesus Tablet" is a nickname for what item? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia

1. What 20th century US president endured two assassination attempts in less than a month? ( 4 points)

2. What character spent a full decade on TV trying to secure a "section 8"? ( 3 points)

3. What North African country has been the largest country in Africa by area since 2011? ( 5 points)

4. Willis Carrier was an engineer who is credited for inventing what modern appliance? ( 4 points)

5. An antiemetic is a drug that is effective against what common problem? ( 4 points)

Answers

August Trivia

1. Germany; 2. Lincoln Memorial; 3. Growing Pains; 4. 1994; 5. Peridot, Sardonyx and Spinel; 6. Indiana; 7. Hoover, LBJ, Clinton and Obama.

 

Democratic Party Trivia

1. Woodrow Wilson; 2. Vermont; 3. Eliot Spitzer; 4. Walter Mondale; 5. Andrew Johnson; 6. Ohio; 7. Massachusetts.

 

The Q Train: US Airports Trivia

1. Philadelphia; 2. Houston; 3. Tampa; 4. Minneapolis-St. Paul; 5. Honolulu; 6. Chicago (O'Hare); 7. New Orleans (Lakefront); 8. Baltimore-Washington; 9. Las Vegas; 10. San Diego.

 

General Knowledge

1. Minnesota; 2. Andrews AFB; 3. Yokohama; 4. Indiana Pacers; 5. Portugal; 6. E.L. James; 7.iPad.

 

IQ Trivia

1. Gerald Ford; 2. Max Klinger; 3. Algeria; 4. Air conditioner; 5.Vomiting/nausea.

Trivia Q&A: August 13

We had another great turnout of folks for Trivia on Thursday night, our nineteenth edition online, and nearly had history made in our short time of doing Facebook Live Trivia Night. Steve Thomas and Mary Reynolds, two of my old Professor Thom's Trivia regulars, had an amazing game going, as they were perfect in the first four rounds. (I mentioned that the "p" word was going, as I didn't want to jinx anything!) But unfortunately, they got 4 of 5 correct in IQ Trivia, so the perfecto was gone. But they wound up the champions for the second time, getting 52 points and the win. Congrats to them both. Larry Fleisher finished second with 49 points. See you all next Thursday night!

 

Woodstock Artists Trivia

1. What rock artist won 8 Grammys awards including Album of the Year, tying Michael Jackson’s record in 2000?

2. What West Coast based band, which never won a Grammy, didn’t reach the Top 10 on the album chart until 1987 with “In The Dark?”

3. John Belushi did a hilarious parody in 1975 on “SNL” of what English singer who appeared at Woodstock?

4. “Quadrophenia” and “Endless Wire” were hit albums for what English rock band?

5. What legendary guitarist played The Star Spangled Banner at his Woodstock appearance?

6. John Sebastian, lead singer of the Lovin Spooonful, had a Top 10 single in 1975 to the theme from what sitcom?

7. What legendary female singer, who died in 1970, played at the festival with her band Kozmic Blues Band?

2010s Movie Trivia

1. Released in 2015, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was given what episodic number?

2. The Coen Brothers remade what classic 1969 western film in 2010? 

3. What action film icon starred in the 2012 film “Looper”, a sci-fi film set in 2074?

4. Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar in 2014 for Best Actor for what film?

5. The 2010 film “The King’s Speech” told the story of what English king?

6. Who was the only actor nominated 3 times in the 2 major acting Oscar categories in the 2010s, winning Best Supporting Actor In 2010?

7. Name 1 of the 2 actresses to be nominated at least 4 times in the 2 major acting Oscar categories in the 2010s?

The Q Train: Classic Movies Cities Trivia

1. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

2. Dirty Harry

3. The Blues Brothers 

4. Moonstruck 

5. Driving Miss Daisy

6. Trading Places 

7. The Town

8. A Streetcar Named Desire

9. Scarface

10. Gran Torino

General Knowledge 

1. What is the heaviest planet in the solar system? ( 1 pt)

2. To what country does the island of Tasmania belong? ( 1 pt)

3. Pope Francis ended the longstanding papal tradition of popes wearing shoes of what color? ( 1 pt)

4. What US president's real name was Hiram? ( 2 pt)

5. Between Sherlock Holmes, Superman and Spiderman, which character has been played by the most actors? ( 2 pt)

6. From 1996-98, Craig Kilborn was the first host of what current TV show? ( 2 pt)

7. Themyscira was the mythical island home of what superhero? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. Who was the top selling British solo singer in the US, having sold over 78 million units in this country? ( 4 points)

2. What US city has more billionaires per capita than any other city in the world? ( 4 points)

3. What Oscar-winning actor is the oldest man to win People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive?" ( 5 points)

4. "Goldeneye" was the first film made by what James Bond actor? ( 3 points)

5. Dixville Notch is a small community in what eastern US state that announces its presidential vote first in the nation just after midnight every four years? ( 4 points)

Answers

Woodstock Artists Trivia

1. Carlos Santana; 2. Grateful Dead; 3. Joe Cocker; 4. The Who; 5. Jimi Hendrix; 6. Welcome Back, Kotter; 7. Janis Joplin. 

2010s Movie Trivia

1. Seven; 2. True Grit; 3. Bruce Willis; 4. The Theory of Everything; 5. George VI; 6. Christian Bale; 7. Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence.

The Q Train: Classic Movies Trivia

1. San Diego; 2. San Francisco; 3. Chicago; 4. New York; 5. Atlanta; 6. Philadelphia; 7. Boston; 8. New Orleans; 9. Miami; 10. Detroit.

General Knowledge

1. Jupiter 2. Australia; 3. Red; 4. US Grant; 5. Sherlock Holmes; 6. The Daily Show; 7. Wonder Woman.

IQ Trivia

1. Elton John; 2. San Francisco; 3. Sean Connery; 4. Pierce Brosnan; 5. New Hampshire.

Trivia Q&A: August 6

We had another fine night of Trivia on Thursday night, our eighteenth so far, and my parents each made an appearance, having just returned from Florida earlier this week. It was another close race to the finish, but Francine Hamilton won her third Facebook Live Trivia Night, with 49 points, just edging out Larry Fleisher, who had 48 points, and Gillian DiPietro's team of "I Wish This Microphone Was a Red October", who had 47 points. Congratulations to Francine, and I'll see you all again next Thursday night!

Red Trivia
1. What author wrote the best-selling novel "The Hunt For Red October?"
2. What actor/director won an Oscar for Best Director for the 1981 film "Reds?"
3. Which MLB team has won the most World Series in their history: the Red Sox or Reds?
4. Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding was a main character in what 1994 Oscar nominated film?
5. What two red card suits in a standard deck of cards are colored red?
6. What pop singer's 2012 album "Red" featured the hit song "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together?"
7. What Asian country's flag has a red circle centered on a green background?

Blue Trivia
1. What 19th century classical composer wrote "The Blue Danube?"
2. "True Blue" was a 1986 album by what pop singer?
3. What was the name of Paul Bunyan's Blue Ox?
4. John Popper was a member of what rock band?
5. "Blue Devils" is the nickname for what teams from what major university?
6. "Big Blue" is a nickname for what major American company?
7. Dennis Franz and Jimmy Smits starred in what 1980s TV crime drama?

The Q Train: Beer Brands Trivia (Name the Country)
1. St. Pauli Girl
2. Labatt's
3. Heineken
4. Yuengling
5. Carlsberg
6. Asahi
7. Guinness
8. Kronenbourg
9. Hoegaarden
10. Foster's

General Knowledge
1. In "E.T.", what candy does Elliott leave a trail of for his alien friend? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the stretch of water between Russia and Alaska called? ( 1 pt)
3. Bruce Jenner won what athletic event at the 1976 Summer Olympics? ( 1 pt)
4. The oldest existing McDonald's restaurant is located in what US state? ( 2 pt)
5. What continent has most landlocked countries? ( 2 pt)
6. Between animal attacks, drowning and falling from heights, which is the number 1 cause of deaths at national parks? ( 2 pt)
7. What European country produces about 75% of the world's olive oil each year? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. Who was the first actor to be nominated for an Oscar in which he portrayed 3 different characters in one film? ( 4 points)
2. What is the only country in Central America with English as its official language? ( 4 points)
3. What South American country had 5 different presidents over a span of 10 days in 2001? ( 5 points)
4. What 19th century US president officially dedicated the Statue of Liberty? ( 4 points)
5. What is the biggest holiday in the US every year in terms of greeting card sales? ( 3 points)

Answers
Red Trivia
1. Tom Clancy; 2. Warren Beatty; 3. Red Sox (9-5); 4. The Shawshank Redemption; 5. Diamonds and Hearts; 6. Taylor Swift; 7. Bangladesh.

Blue Trivia
1. Johann Strauss; 2. Madonna; 3. Babe; 4. Blues Traveler; 5. Duke; 6. IBM; 7. NYPD Blue.

The Q Train: Beer Brands Trivia
1. Germany; 2. Canada; 3. Netherlands; 4. USA; 5. Denmark; 6. Japan; 7. Ireland; 8. France; 9. Belgium; 10. Australia.

General Knowledge
1. Reese's Pieces; 2. Bering Strait; 3. Decathlon; 4. California; 5. Africa; 6. Drowning; 7. Spain.

IQ Trivia
1. Peter Sellers (Dr. Strangelove); 2. Belize; 3. Argentina; 4. Grover Cleveland; 5. Christmas.

Trivia Q&A: July 30

We had another great turnout for our seventeenth edition of "Facebook Live Trivia Night" on Thursday, and thankfully we had another night where everything went smoothly. We had a terrific race to the finish, but night ended in a tie between Larry Fleisher and the team of Molly Vallon and Brad Cook, both teams rolling up 49 points. Congratulations to this week's co-champions! See you all again next Thursday night!

Emmy Awards Trivia
1. Which show has won more Emmy Awards in its history: Saturday Night Live or The Simpsons?
2. What 1990s comedy series has the most Emmy wins among comedy shows, with 37?
3. Name 1 of the 2 actresses who hold the record for the most Emmy wins ever, with 8?
4. What HBO drama series holds the record for most wins by a fictional series, with 38?
5. In 2013, Netflix became the first streaming platform to win a Primetime Emmy Award and what drama series won it?
6. What comedy actor is the only actor to be nominated for portraying the same character on three different shows?
7. What comic legend hosted the Emmys four times in the 1970s, the most times anyone has hosted the awards?

Famous Seconds Trivia
1. What European capital city was the second city to host the Olympic Games in 1900?
2. Who was the second man to walk on the Moon?
3. What is the second smallest state in the US by area?
4. Who was the second vice-president of the US?
5. What was the second James Bond film released in the famous film series?
6. What was the second album released by the pop singer Adele?
7. What was the name of the second wife of King Henry VIII?

The Q Train: Movie Heroes and Villains Trivia (Name the Film)
1. Andy Dufresne
2. Alex Forrest
3. Sarah Connor
4. Tommy DeVito
5. Biff Tannen
6. George Bailey
7. Alonzo Harris
8. Ellen Ripley
9. Travis Bickle
10. Little Bill Daggett

General Knowledge
1. What country has won the most Olympic titles in men's basketball? ( 1 pt)
2. "E" and "O" are worth how many points in Scrabble? ( 1 pt)
3. The Barbary Coast is located along what body of water? ( 1 pt)
4. At an average depth of 62 feet, which is the shallowest of the Great Lakes? ( 2 pt)
5. Coca-Cola's world headquarters is located in what US city? ( 2 pt)
6. What day every year does the Atlantic hurricane season begin? ( 2 pt)
7. In 2013, what pop singer became the first person with 40 million Twitter followers? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What country in Central America, following a civil war in 1948, disbanded its armed forces and is one of the largest countries in the world with no standing army?  ( 4 points)
2. In the film "Miss Congeniality", Gracie Hart joins the Miss United States pageant representing what state? ( 4 points)
3. What was the name of the very first book in the Harry Potter series? ( 3 points)
4. In 2012, the Tower that houses Big Ben in London was renamed what? ( 5 points)
5. "Suicide Is Painless" is the theme song to what 1970s/1980s TV series? ( 4 points)

Answers
Emmy Awards Trivia
1. Saturday Night Live (54-32); 2. Frasier; 3. Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus; 4. Game of Thrones; 5. House of Cards; 6. Kelsey Grammer; 7. Johnny Carson.

Famous Seconds Trivia
1. Paris; 2. Buzz Aldrin; 3. Delaware; 4. Thomas Jefferson; 5. From Russia With Love; 6. 21; 7. Anne Boleyn.

The Q Train: Movie Heroes and Villains Trivia
1. The Shawshank Redemption; 2. Fatal Attraction; 3. The Terminator; 4. Goodfellas; 5. Back to the Future; 6. It's a Wonderful Life; 7. Training Day; 8. Alien; 9. Taxi Driver; 10. Unforgiven.

General Knowledge
1. USA; 2. 1 point; 3. Mediterranean Sea; 4. Lake Erie; 5. Atlanta; 6. June 1; 7. Justin Bieber.

IQ Trivia
1. Costa Rica; 2. New Jersey; 3. Harry Potter and The Philosopher's (or Sorcerer's) Stone; 4. Elizabeth Tower; 5. M*A*S*H".

Trivia Q&A: July 23

We had another terrific night of Trivia on Thursday night, with no freezes and most of the usual suspects playing along. We had a great race to the finish, as three teams were tied for the lead heading into IQ Trivia. But Jen Kilburn and her team pulled out the win, running the table in that final round and ending up with 50 points. Congratulations to them on a fine victory, and I'll see you all again next Thursday night!

Baseball Trivia
1. What NL team has won the most World Series?
2. What Red Sox Hall of Famer got his 3000th hit against the Yankees in 1979?
3. What Yankees player won the most World Series in history with 10?
4. When Barry Bonds broke the single season home run record in 2001, who’s record did he break?
5. The Mets won their last pennant in what year?
6. What NL team did the Yankees defeat to win their last World Series in 2009?
7. What NL team plays their games at Petco Park?

NYC Movies Trivia
1. Gene Hackman won his first Oscar for playing a hardnose NY detective in what 1971 film?
2. “Dog Day Afternoon” was a 1975 film starring Al Pacino as a bank robber who tries to heist a bank in what NYC borough?
3. The 2007 film “American Gangster” was based on a NY drug dealer Frank Lucas and what Oscar-winning actor played Lucas?
4. What 1977 NY-based film did Woody Allen receive his only nomination for Best Actor?
5. In the 2004 film “The Terminal”, what actor starred as an Eastern European immigrant stranded at JFK?
6. What actor won an Oscar for Best Actor playing a struggling NY actor in the 1977 film “The Goodbye Girl”?
7. Between “New York, New York”, “Escape From New York” and “Gangs of New York”, which film wasn’t directed by Martin Scorsese?

The Q Train: Time Difference Trivia (From NYC)
1. Denver, CO
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. Phoenix, AZ
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
5. Hong Kong
6. Honolulu, HI
7. Moscow, Russia
8. Paris, France
9. Sydney, Australia
10. Mexico City, Mexico

General Knowledge
1. Mount St. Helen's is located in what US state? (1 pt)
2. What US state is the largest lobster producer? (1 pt)
3. Between the elephant, the dog and the mouse, which animal has the best sense of smell? ( 2 pt)
4. What private company is the largest employer in the US? (2 pt)
5. The first Winter Olympics were held in 1924 in what country? ( 2 pt)
6. What creature is featured on the Alfa Romeo logo? (2 pt)
7. How many US presidents have died in office? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. According to Greek mythology, who was the first woman on Earth? ( 4 points)
2. Who is the only character in film that has won two different actors an Academy Award? ( 3 points)
3. What branch of the US Armed Forces uses the motto “Semper Paratus,” meaning “Always Ready”? (4 points)
4. What Asian country is the world’s second largest producer of coffee, accounting for 20% of the world’s coffee? (5 points)
5. Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 3” was written for what 19th century historical leader? (4 points)

Answers
Baseball Trivia
1. St. Louis Cardinals; 2. Carl Yastrzemski; 3. Yogi Berra; 4. Mark McGwire; 5. 2015; 6. Philadelphia Phillies; 7. San Diego Padres.

NYC Movies Trivia
1. The French Connection; 2. Brooklyn; 3. Denzel Washington; 4. Annie Hall; 5. Tom Hanks; 6. Richard Dreyfuss; 7. Escape From New York.

The Q Train: Time Difference Trivia
1. 2; 2. 13; 3. 3; 4. 1; 5. 12; 6. 6; 7. 7; 8. 6; 9. 14; 10. 1.

General Knowledge
1. Washington; 2. Maine; 3. Elephant; 4. Walmart; 5. France; 6. Snake; 7. Eight.

IQ Trivia
1. Pandora; 2. Vito Corleone; 3. Coast Guard; 4. Vietnam; 5. Napoleon Bonaparte.

Trivia Q&A: July 16

We had another great turnout for our fifteenth edition of "Facebook Live Trivia Night" on Thursday night, and thankfully no technical glitches of freezes. We had first time winners with Nancy and Jack Sullivan, who are known as Jaknan, and are also my sister and my brother-in-law. They rolled up 51 points and the win. Congrats Nancy and Jack! See you all next Thursday night!

Pop Music Trivia
1. What rock singer played a bar owner in the 1998 English gangster film "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels?"
2. Shawn Corey Carter is the real name of what rap star?
3. What female pop singer starred for three seasons in the reality TV series "Newlyweds?"
4. According to Billboard, who was the top selling album artist of the 1970s in the US?
5. Who replaced David Lee Roth as Van Halen's lead singer in 1986?
6. Andrew Ridgeley was a member of what 1980s pop group?
7. What rock star was killed in a helicopter crash in Wisconsin in 1990?

Space Trivia
1. What is the smallest planet in our solar system?
2. What was the last Apollo mission to the Moon in 1972?
3. Within 5 million, how many miles from the Sun is Earth?
4. On July 20, 1976, Viking I became the first spacecraft to land where?
5. When Voyager I was sent into deep space in 1977, what 1950s rock and roll legend's song was included on it as an example of the sounds of Earth?
6. In 1962, who was the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth?
7. What physicist gained worldwide fame with his best selling book about space, "A Brief History of Time?"

The Q Train: Oscar Winners Film Trivia (Name the Film)
1. Whoopi Goldberg
2. Tommy Lee Jones
3. Helen Mirren
4. William Hurt
5. Charlize Theron
6. George Clooney
7. Robert Duvall
8. Helen Hunt
9. Nicolas Cage
10. Jennifer Hudson

General Knowledge
1. How many squares are there on a standard chess board? ( 1 pt)
2. What foreign city was the home to the first Hard Rock Cafe? ( 1 pt)
3. The world's longest border is between what two countries? ( 1 pt)
4. What soft drink did John Pemberton create in 1886? ( 2 pt)
5. What musician received the Nobel Prize for literature in 2016? ( 2 pt)
6. At over 2300 miles, what is the longest river in the US? ( 2 pt)
7. Which of the original 13 states was the last to ratify the Constitution? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What is the only US state name that can be typed using just one row of the traditional QWERTY keyboard? ( 5 points)
2. In what religion would you find the gods Vishnu and Ganesha? ( 4 points)
3. What place in the US has the most suicides in history occurred at? ( 4 points)
4. What actor made his screen debut playing a corpse in the 1984 film "The Big Chill?" ( 3 points)
5. In the second century BC, what was the first city in the world to reach a population of one million? ( 4 points)

Answers
Pop Music Trivia
1. Sting; 2. Jay Z; 3. Jessica Simpson; 4. Elton John; 5. Sammy Hagar; 6. Wham!; 7. Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Space Trivia
1. Mercury; 2. 17; 3. 93 million; 4. Mars; 5. Chuck Berry; 6. John Glenn; 7. Stephen Hawking.

The Q Train: Oscar Winners Film Trivia
1. Ghost; 2. The Fugitive; 3. The Queen; 4. Kiss of the Spider Woman; 5. Monster; 6. Syriana; 7. Tender Mercies; 8. As Good As It Gets; 9. Leaving Las Vegas; 10. Dreamgirls.

General Knowledge
1. 64; 2. London; 3. US and Canada; 4. Coca-Cola; 5. Bob Dylan; 6. Missouri; 7. Rhode Island.

IQ Trivia
1. Alaska' 2. Hinduism; 3. Golden Gate Bridge; 4. Kevin Costner; 5. Rome.

Trivia Q&A: July 9

We had our fourteenth edition of Facebook Live Trivia Night last night, and unfortunately, we had another freeze late during the IQ Trivia round, so I ended up in my backyard, as darkness was falling with one of my neighborhood cats! We all had a great time otherwise, and Steve Thomas and Mary Reynolds, two of my Trivia regulars from my Professor Thom's days, emerged  victorious with 52 points, on the first Facebook Live Trivia Night, as they just joined the group earlier this week! My congratulations to Steve and Mary, and I'll see you all next Thursday!

France Trivia
1. What is the second most populous city in France after Paris?
2. What French author wrote the classic novel "The Count of Monte Cristo?"
3. Marie Antoinette was the wife of what French king?
4. The Eiffel Tower is more or less than 1000 feet (with its antenna)?
5. What country did France defeat in 1998 to win its first World Cup soccer title?
6. Jean Dujardin was the last French actor or actress to win an Oscar for what 2011 film?
7. What three words make up France's national motto?

July Trivia
1. In July 1971, Doors lead singer Jim Morrison died at the age of 27 in what city?
2. In July 2013, Mohamed Morsi, president of what Middle Eastern country, was overthrown from power by the nation's military?
3. Of the four US presidents who have been assassinated in office, which one was shot in July?
4. What is the birthstone for the month of July?
5. On July 13, 1985, the Live Aid concerts were held simultaneously in what two cities?
6. On July 29, 1982, pro wrestler Jerry Lawler slapped comedian Andy Kaufman in the face in a famous staged event on what network TV show?
7. On Jlu 29, 1981, Prince Charles married Lady Diana before an TV audience of 700 million worldwide at what London church?

The Q Train: Born in New York or New Jersey Trivia
1. Jimmy Fallon
2. Joe Pesci
3. Lady Gaga
4. Peter Dinklage
5. Eddie Murphy
6. Shaquille O'Neal
7. Danny DeVito
8. Robert Downey Jr.
9. John Travolta
10. Michael Jordan

General Knowledge
1. Victoria is the capital of what Canadian province? ( 1 pt)
2. Robert F. Kennedy served as a senator from what state? ( 1 pt)
3. Harpo Productions is a company founded by what famous person? ( 1 pt)
4. What is the most downloaded iPhone application of 2020 so far? ( 2 pt)
5. The IKEA company is now headquartered in what European country? ( 2 pt)
6. What country is the most populous democracy in the world? ( 2 pt)
7. What Midwestern state is the only state whose two-letter postal abbreviation is a preposition? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. Robert Baden-Powell, a British war hero, is widely credited with founding what youth group in July 1907? ( 4 points)
2. In 1986, President Reagan signed a proclamation declaring what flower the national flower of the US? ( 3 points)
3. What recording artists hold the all-time record with 37 top ten albums in Billboard's US charts? ( 4 points)
4. The success of the first vaccine discovered by Jonas Salk was announced in 1955 on the 10th anniversary of who's death? ( 4 points)
5. What European country celebrates "The First Day of Summer" as an annual public holiday every April? ( 5 points)

Answers
France Trivia
1. Marseille; 2. Alexandre Dumas; 3. Louis XVI; 4. More (1063 feet); 5. Brazil; 6. "The Artist;" 7. Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

July Trivia
1. Paris; 2. Egypt; 3. James Garfield; 4. Ruby; 5. London and Philadelphia; 6. "Late Night With David Letterman;" 7. St. Paul's Cathedral.

The Q Train: Born in New York or New Jersey Trivia
1. NY; 2. NJ; 3. NY; 4. NJ; 5. NY; 6. NJ; 7. NJ; 8. NY; 9. NJ; 10. NY.

General Knowledge
1. British Columbia; 2. New York; 3. Oprah Winfrey; 4. Facebook; 5. Netherlands; 6. India; 7. Indiana (IN).

IQ Trivia
1. The Boy Scouts; 2. Rose; 3. The Rolling Stones; 4. FDR; 5. Iceland.

Trivia Q&A: July 2

 We had our thirteenth edition of Facebook Live Trivia Night on Thursday, and another good crowd turned out for it. And it's so nice to see so many of the same people tuning in week after week! And we had another Trivia Night with no interruptions, which is always a good thing. We had a close finish, but Jen Kilburn, who had a perfect score through the first three rounds, held on for the win with 50 points. Congrats to you and your team, Jen! Have a Happy 4th of July weekend, everyone, and I'll see you next Thursday night!

July 4th Trivia
1. Which two US presidents, both signers of the Declaration of Independence, died on July 4, 1826?
2. Which Asian country was granted their independence on July 4, 1946?
3. Ron Kovic, a Vietnam vet and peace activist, was born on July 4, 1946. What actor portrayed him in a movie based on his life?
4. "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland", this author's most famous work, was published on July 4, 1865?
5. Israeli commandos, on July 4, 1976, raided Entebbe Airport in what African country and rescued hostages being held by terrorists?
6. The Battle of Vicksburg was won by the Union during the Civil War on July 4, 1863. What southern state is Vicksburg located in?
7. What playwright, who authored such plays as "The Odd Couple" and "Lost In Yonkers", was born on July 4, 1927?

Canada Trivia
1. What US state has the longest border with Canada?
2. Of Canada's three largest cities, which one is located on an island?
3. At nearly 600,000 square miles, what is Canada's largest province?
4. What is Canada's largest religious denomination?
5. What was the last Canadian city to host an Olympic Games?
6. Who was the last Canadian hockey team to win a Stanley Cup?
7. What eastern Canadian province was the last to join the Canadian confederation in 1949?

The Q Train: Red, White and Blue Flags Trivia (Yes or No)
1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Sweden
4. France
5. Spain
6. Russia
7. Dominican Republic
8. Argentina
9. Cuba
10. Italy

General Knowledge
1. Who named his fast-food chain after his daughter Wendy? ( 1 pt)
2. What city was supposed to host the 2020 Summer Olympics Games before they were postponed? ( 1 pt)
3. How many chambers are there in the human heart? ( 1 pt)
4. What medical condition often causes sufferers to suddenly and unexpectedly fall asleep? ( 2 pt)
5. Before becoming a film star, actress Claire Danes starred on what TV show? ( 2 pt)
6. If you were standing on Mars watching the sunset, what color would the sky around the sun appear? ( 2 pt)
7. What South American country has had the most Miss Universe winners, with 7? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. The world's oldest active volcano is located in what country? ( 4 points)
2. Art Fleming was the original host of what TV game show? ( 3 points)
3. What 20th century artists's work has been stolen more than any other's, with over 500 of his works still listed as missing? ( 5 points)
4. What country was once known as New Holland? ( 4 points)
5. In 1993, what late comedian regularly called the cast of the film "Schindler's List" to "cheer them up?" ( 4 points)

Answers
July 4th Trivia
1. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson; 2. The Philippines; 3. Tom Cruise; 4. Lewis Carroll; 5. Uganda; 6. Mississippi; 7. Neil Simon.

Canada Trivia
1. Alaska; 2. Montreal; 3. Quebec; 4. Roman Catholic; 5. Vancouver; 6. Montreal Canadiens (1993); 7. Newfoundland.

The Q Train: Red, White and Blue Flags Trivia
1. Yes; 2. no; 3. no; 4. yes; 5. no; 6. yes; 7. yes; 8. no; 9. yes; 10. no.

General Knowledge
1. Dave Thomas; 2. Tokyo; 3. four; 4. Narcolepsy; 5. "My So-Called Life;" 6. Blue; 7. Venezuela.

IQ Trivia
1. Italy (Mount Etna); 2. Jeopardy; 3. Pablo Picasso; 4. Australia; 5. Robin Williams.

Trivia Q&A: June 25

Another fine crowd of folks turned out for our twelfth edition of Facebook Live Trivia on Thursday night, as I was celebrating Liverpool's first English title win in 30 years. And by coincidence, we did a round of England Trivia, with the answer to the first question being "Liverpool." (I really didn't plan that, I swear!) We also had another night with no technical problems, so hopefully they are long behind us. Anyway, my pal and longtime Trivia regular Larry Fleisher got the win, rolling up 43 points and gaining his first win on Facebook Live Trivia Night. Congrats, Larry! Have a great week everyone, and I'll see you next Thursday night!

England Trivia
1. What England port city is located on the River Mersey?
2. Speaker's Corner is found in what famous London park?
3. What English city was the home to Lady Godiva?
4. What month of the year is Guy Fawkes Day commemorated in England each year?
5. Former prime minister Tony Blair was a member of what political party?
6. What is the largest city in England by population after London?
7. Who is England's patron saint?

US States Trivia
1. The largest indoor shopping mall in the US is found in what state?
2. The College World Series is played every year in what midwestern state?
3. Ronald Reagan was born in 1911 in what state?
4. What is the only US state to have had the flags of six nations fly over it?
5. The Wright Brothers, Paul Newman and Drew Carey were all born in what state?
6. What state is bordered by 8 other states, the most of an US state?
7. What state is the number one producer of three "Ps": peanuts, pecans and peaches?

The Q Train: Classic TV Cities Trivia
1. Married With Children
2. Breaking Bad
3. Dharma and Greg
4. Dexter
5. Frasier
6. The Wire
7. Billions
8. Ally McBeal
9. Home Improvement
10. Happy Days

General Knowledge
1. Who is the most decorated Olympian of all-time? ( 1 pt)
2. Which Star Wars film contains the oft-quoted line: "Luke, I am your father?" ( 1 pt)
3. Which one has more bones: the average human or the average shark? ( 1 pt)
4. The Galapagos Islands belong to what South American country? ( 2 pt)
5. In 2013, Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater set the NFL record for the longest field goal of how many yards? ( 2 pt)
6. In what Asian country are the majority of the world's eggplants grown? ( 2 pt)
7. What year did the last manned mission to the Moon take place? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. In 2003, who became the youngest actor at 29 to win the Academy Award for Best Actor? ( 4 points)
2. What 1998 comedy film led to the creation of an officially recognized religion? ( 4 points)
3. The first World's Fair was held in what European capital city? ( 4 points)
4. An otoscope is a device used to examine what part of the human body? ( 3 points)
5. Twisted Brown Trucker is the backing band since 1994 for what American musician? ( 5 points)

Answers
England Trivia
1. Liverpool; 2. Hyde Park; 3. Coventry; 4. November; 5. Labour; 6. Birmingham; 7. St. George.

US States Trivia
1. Minnesota; 2. Nebraska; 3. Illinois; 4. Texas; 5. Ohio; 6. Tennessee; 7. Georgia.

The Q Train: Classic TV Cities Trivia
1. Chicago; 2. Albuquerque; 3. San Francisco; 4. Miami; 5. Seattle; 6. Baltimore; 7. New York; 8. Boston; 9. Detroit; 10. Milwaukee.

General Knowledge
1. Michael Phelps; 2. The Empire Strikes Back; 3. Human; 4. Ecuador; 5. 64; 6. China; 7. 1972.

IQ Trivia
1. Adrien Brody; 2. The Big Lebowski; 3. London; 4. eardrum; 5. Kid Rock.

Trivia Q&A: June 18

We had another terrific turnout of Trivia folks for Thursday night's eleventh edition of Facebook Live Trivia Night, and the best news of all is that we had absolutely NO technical problems during the hour! We had a good race to the finish but last night's champions were my cousin Michael and his wife Lauren (aka Team FinniQuinn), who rolled up 40 points and took the night with their first win. Congrats guys!

Mob Movies Trivia
1. Robert DeNiro won his first Academy Award for what mob film?
2. The book "Wiseguy" was the basis for what 1990 mob film?
3. "Kill The Irishman" was a 2011 gangster film about mobster Danny Greene and his rise in the underworld in what US city?
4. In what mob film did Al Pacino portray a low level mobster named Lefty Ruggiero?
5. Martin Scorsese won his first Oscar for directing what mob film?
6. What actor portrayed gangster Frank Lucas in the 2007 film "American Gangster?"
7. Oliver Stone co-wrote what 1983 mob film?

Fathers Trivia
1. What actor/director directed the 2006 film "Flags of Our Fathers?"
2. Which of the Founding Fathers was the founder of the New York Post in 1801?
3. What month of the year is Fathers Day in the UK?
4. What 19th century biologist was known as "the father of evolution?"
5. Gene Hackman was the original first choice to play the father of the family in what beloved 1970s TV series?
6. What actor played the father of the bride in the 1991 film of the same name?
7. "Dance With My Father" was a 2003 song and the last top 40 hit song for what late R&B singer?

The Q Train: Colleges and Universities Trivia (Name the State)
1. Marquette
2. Occidental
3. The Citadel
4. Gonzaga
5. Drexel
6. Morehouse
7. Creighton
8. Wake Forest
9. Quinnipiac
10. Marshall

General Knowledge
1. How many degrees are in a right angle? ( 1 pt)
2. What US state borders both Wyoming and Missouri? ( 1 pt)
3. What is the most frequently transplanted human organ in the US? ( 1 pt)
4. Henry Kissinger served as secretary of state under which two presidents? ( 2 pt)
5. On the TV series "Dallas", what was the name of the ranch the Ewing family lived on? ( 2 pt)
6. Which is the only continent without an active volcano? ( 2 pt)
7. What sport would you make use of a cart called a sulky? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. The Maurice Podoloff Trophy is awarded every year in what team sport? ( 5 points)
2. What was the first US state to join the Union after the Original 13? ( 4 points)
3. What movie star did Egypt ban in June 1956 when she converted to Judaism? ( 4 points)
4. About 90% of the world's licorice is used not for candy but in what non-edible consumer product? ( 4 points)
5. The Allegheny and Monogahela rivers join together to form the Ohio River at what US city? ( 3 points)

Answers
Mob Movies Trivia
1. The Godfather Part II; 2. Goodfellas; 3. Cleveland; 4. Donnie Brasco; 5. The Departed; 6. Denzel Washington; 7. Scarface.

Fathers Trivia
1. Clint Eastwood; 2. Alexander Hamilton; 3. June; 4. Charles Darwin; 5. The Brady Bunch; 6. Steve Martin; 7. Luther Vandross.

The Q Train: Colleges and Universities Trivia
1. Wisconsin; 2. California; 3. South Carolina; 4. Washington; 5. Pennsylvania; 6. Georgia; 7. Nebraska; 8. North Carolina; 9. Connecticut; 10. West Virginia.

General Knowledge
1. 90; 2. Nebraska; 3. kidney; 4. Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford; 5. Southfork; 6. Australia; 7. harness racing.

IQ Trivia
1. Basketball (NBA); 2. Vermont; 3. Marilyn Monroe; 4. cigarettes; 5. Pittsburgh.