Happy 2019 To You All

This is my 113th and final post for 2019 here at the Mighty Quinn Media Machine. I want to thank you all for making it another successful year. I didn't post very much about the Red Sox this year, as I have concentrated more on Trivia here. But the Red Sox winning a fourth title in 15 years certainly made this a year to remember!

I may return to writing about the Sox more in 2019. We'll see what happens. But I do want to wish all of you a terrific New Year with much health and luck to you all. Trivia Night is currently on a holiday vacation, and will return to Professor Thom's on Tuesday night, January 8th at 8:30 PM.

Be safe on this night, and be well everyone! See you for Trivia in 2019!

Trivia Q&A: December 18

Our final Trivia Night for 2018 brought out another big crowd, with 15 teams taking part. We had a close race all night, and as we got to IQ Trivia, the top five teams were separated by just four points. But the team of Rock You Like a Candy Cane, who were in first place (or tied for it) all evening, got four of five correct to get the victory with 45 points. They were first time winners, and congratulations to them for winning our last Trivia Night of the Year.

For the fourth straight week, we had to break some kind of tie, and it was for second place this week. It was between The Artist Formerly Known As Boobs and Redimption, both finished with 39 points. The tie-breaker question was: "How many pizzas were bought on Super Bowl Sunday of 2018?" The answer is 12.5 million,  and the Artist Formerly Known As Boobs was closest and finished second.

Best Team Name: I'm On a Whiskey Diet, I've Lost 3 Days Already

This is our final Trivia Night of 2018, as we will be taking the next two weeks off, as Christmas Day and New Year's Day both fall on a Tuesday. Trivia Night will return on Tuesday, January 8th at 8:30 PM. Thanks to all of you who made 2018 such a great year, and I'll see you in three weeks. Enjoy the holidays!

Current Events
1. What sports team was selected "Sportsperson of the Year" for 2018 by Sports Illustrated last week?
2. What musical romantic drama received four nominations, the most for the 2019 SAG Awards last week, including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress?
3. What late 1950s male singer returned to the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart for the first time since 1969 with his seasonal hit "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" last week?
4. What singer became the first female to be inducted into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame for the second time, first with her band in 1998 and as a solo artist in 2019?
5. Eliza Dushku, an actress who appeared on what current CBS TV series, won a &9.5 million settlement from the network after she accused one of her co-stars of sexual harassment?
6. What American city, which had previously hosted the Olympics, was chosen last Friday by the USOC to bid for a future Winter Olympics hosting?
7. Ryan Zinke, who held what position in President Trump's cabinet, will be stepping down at the end of this year?

Christmas Trivia
1. What legendary actor narrates the 1966 classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas?"
2. What beloved Christmas character was created by an advertising man from Montgomery Ward department store in 1939?
3. From what European country does Santa Claus receive the most letters in the world?
4. What Christmas song, which would go to be the best-selling song of all-time, debuted in the 1942 film "Holiday Inn?"
5. In 1981, Bob and Doug McKenzie of "SCTV Network" released their own version of what classic Christmas song?
6. What Oscar-winning actor played Scrooge in the 1992 film "The Muppet Christmas Carol?"
7. The TNT Network broadcasts what 1983 Christmas movie in a 24-hour marathon every Christmas Day?
8. (Bonus) What are 2 of the 3 main rituals of the holiday of Festivus?

The Q Train: 2018 Events Trivia
1. The Phildelphia Eagles win their first ever Super Bowl.
2. First Lady Barbara Bush dies at the age of 92.
3. Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle.
4. France wins soccer's World Cup for the second time.
5. President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet in Singapore.
6. "The Shape of Water" wins Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
7. Brett Kavanaugh is confirmed to the Supreme Court.
8. Sen, John McCain dies at the age of 81.
9. "Game of Thrones" wins the Emmy Award for Best Drama Series.
10. Alabama defeats Georgia, 26-23, to win the College Football National Championship.

General Knowledge
1. Who was the King of England during the American Revolutionary War? ( 1 pt)
2. What western state has the highest alcohol consumption per capita of any US state? ( 1 pt)
3. What day of the year do Americans consume 67% more pizza than any other day? ( 1 pt)
4. What Supreme Court justice has currently been on the Court the longest? ( 2 pt)
5. What planet has the longest day? ( 2 pt)
6. What nation has the second-largest economy in the world? ( 2 pt)
7. Elton John appeared as himself in what 2017 action film? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What R&B band was the only American act to take part in the charity supergroup Band Aid in 1984? ( 5 points)
2. What was the last TV series to lead the yearly Nielsen ratings in its final season, which was 1998? ( 4 points)
3. Bodega Bay was the setting for what classic Alfred Hitchcock film? ( 4 points)
4. Who was the first woman to direct a film that grossed at least $100 million at the US box office? ( 4 points)
5. The founder of what fast food chain returned to high school and earned his GED in 1993 because he no longer wanted to be a "successful dropout?" ( 3 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Golden State Warriors; 2. "A Star Is Born;" 3. Dean Martin; 4. Stevie Nicks; 5. "Bull;" 6. Salt Lake City; 7. Secretary of the Interior.

Christmas Trivia
1. Boris Karloff; 2. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer; 3. France; 4. "White Christmas;" 5. "The 12 Days of Christmas;" 6. Michael Caine; 7. "A Christmas Story;" 8. The Festivus pole, the airing of grievances and the feats of strength.

The Q Train: 2018 Events Trivia
1. February; 2. April; 3. May; 4. July; 5. June; 6. March; 7. October; 8. August; 9. September; 10. January.

General Knowledge
1. George III; 2. Nevada; 3. Super Bowl Sunday; 4. Clarence Thomas; 5. Venus; 6. China; 7. "Kingsman: The Golden Circle."

IQ Trivia
1. Kool and the Gang; 2. "Seinfeld;" 3. "The Birds;" 4. Penny Marshall; 5. Wendy's (Dave Thomas).

Christmas Wraps Trivia For 2018

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, December 18th at 8:30 PM, with "Christmas Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions about that special holiday, with a special bonus question at the end. The Q Train lightning round will be "2018 Events Trivia." It will be 10 events that happened in this year coming to a close, and you have to tell me what month of the year it occurred in. And every answer will be a different month.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Who was King of England during the American Revolutionary War?"

We've had some big crowds this month for Trivia, so I would suggest getting in a bit early on Tuesday, as the best seats and tables will go quickly!

This will be our final Trivia Night of 2018, as both Christmas Day and New Year's Day fall on a Tuesday, so we will be taking those days off. We will be back on January 8th at 8:30 PM for our first Trivia Night of 2019. See you on this Tuesday for a great night of Trivia!

Trivia Q&A: December 11

We had a big crowd in for Trivia on Tuesday night, as there was also a party going on on the main floor of Professor Thom's, so that made it nearly standing-room only when we started. 14 teams took part, and we had a great race to get to IQ Trivia, as the top five only had seven points between them. But, lo and behold, we had yet another tie to deal with this week, the third straight time, and it involved the same team all three weeks. And it was that very team, Is "Shutdown" The Name of a Porn Star, Because Trump Isn't Pulling Out, who got the win. (The top two teams both finished with 45 points.) They answered the tie-breaker question "How many square miles is the Arctic Ocean?" closer than Brass Balls. (It is 5.427 million miles, by the way.) Congratulations to Peter and his crew for getting the win.

Third place went to DIMS with 40 points. BTW, next week will be our final Trivia Night of 2018, as since Christmas Day and New Year's Day both fall on a Tuesday, we will be taking those two weeks off. The first Trivia Night of 2019 will be happening on Tuesday night, January 8th at 8:30 PM.

Best Team Name: Diarrhea of Anne Frank

Current Events
1. The NHL announced last week that they will be expanding to 32 teams in 2021 with the addition of what West Coast city as the 32nd team?
2. What actor/comedian was chosen to host this February's Academy Awards for the first time but stepped down after some controversial tweets from 7 years ago were revealed?
3. What Ivy League school is being sued by 17 women claiming its associated hospitals covered up a doctor's sexual abuse of patients for over 20 years?
4. Pete Shelley, the lead singer of what 1970s punk rock band, died of a heart attack last week at the age of 63?
5. Netflix will pay about $100 million for the rights to continue streaming what 1990s/2000s sitcom through the end of 2019?
6. President Trump nominated State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert to what position last Friday?
7. What rap star received eight Grammy nominations, the most of any artist, as the awards for 2018 were announced last Friday?

December Trivia
1. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to move from the back of a bus in what southern city, igniting a boycott and the civil rights movement?
2. On December 3, 1979, 11 fans were killed during a stampede before a concert by what rock band at Cincinnati's Riverfront Coliseum?
3. If you were born on December 22nd, what Zodiac sign were you born under?
4. On December 5, 1933, Prohibition formally ended in the US with the passage of what number Constitutional amendment?
5. On December 5, 2008, O.J. Simpson was sentenced to 33 years in prison for robbing a pair of memorabilia dealers in what US city?
6. What former "Saturday Night Live" star died of a drug overdose on December 18, 1997?
7. What Beatles single was released on December 26, 1963 in the US and would go on to be their first US number 1 single?

The Q Train: Celebrity Real Names Trivia
1. Natalie Portman
2. Tina Fey
3. Elton John
4. Elvis Costello
5. Brad Pitt
6. Jamie Foxx
7. Jack Black
8. Reese Witherspoon
9. Helen Mirren
10. Meghan Markle

General Knowledge
1. The title song to the 1978 film "Grease" was sung by what legendary American pop singer? ( 1 pt)
2. "You had me at hello" was a famous line from what 1996 film? ( 1 pt)
3. What is the coldest country in the world during winter? ( 1 pt)
4. What is the shallowest ocean in the world? (2 pt)
5. What is the heaviest internal organ in the world? ( 2 pt)
6. What basketball move was banned by the NCAA in 1967 but was reinstated in 1976? ( 2 pt)
7. What is Canada's official summer sport? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What musician is also the only solo songwriter ever to have covers of his songs top the Billboard pop, country, R&B and adult contemporary charts? ( 4 points)
2. What Broadway musical set the all-time record of 12 Tony Award wins in 2001? ( 4 points)
3. Scott Lang is the real name of what comic book superhero? ( 3 points)
4. James Hoban designed what famous early 19th century American landmark? ( 5 points)
5. Which is the longest of all the Star Wars films in terms of total screen time? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Seattle; 2. Kevin Hart; 3. Columbia; 4. The Buzzcocks; 5. "Friends;" 6. UN ambassador; 7. Kendrick Lamar.

December Trivia
1. Montgomery, AL; 2. The Who; 3. Capricorn; 4. 21; 5. Las Vegas; 6. Chris Farley; 7. "I Want to Hold Your Hand."

The Q Train: Celebrity Real Names Trivia
1. No (Neta-Lee Hershlag); 2. yes; 3. no (Reginald Dwight); 4. no (Declan MacManus); 5. yes; 6. no (Eric Bishop); 7. yes; 8. yes; 9. no (Ilyena Mirinoff); 10. yes.

General Knowledge
1. Frankie Valli; 2. "Jerry Maguire;" 3. Russia; 4. Arctic; 5. liver; 6. slam dunk; 7. lacrosse.

IQ Trivia
1. Bob Dylan; 2. "The Producers;" 3. Ant-Man; 4. The White House; 5. "The Last Jedi" (2:33).

The Final Month Trivia

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday, December 11th at 8:30 PM, with "December Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions connected to the month of December in history and pop culture. (There won't be any Christmas questions in this round. That's for another time.) The Q Train lightning round will be "Celebrity Real Names Trivia." I will give you the names of ten current celebrities and you have to tell me if they go by their real names or not.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The title song to the 1978 film 'Grease' was sung by what legendary American pop singer?"

We've had some great crowds the last few weeks for Trivia, so get in early to get a good seat or table! Looking forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night!

Trivia Q&A: December 4

We had a great crowd of 18 teams in for Trivia on Tuesday night, and it's great to see the crowds increase as we approach the holidays. We had a close race between the top 5 teams going into IQ Trivia, with them separated by just 5 points. But our friends from DIMS held on for the victory, getting 4 of 5 right in the final round to get the win with 46 points. Congrats to Ken, Michael and Darek. Second place was a tie between PVD and The Dow Is Going Down Like Pence Is On Trump with 39 points, and we broke it with: "How many total Supreme Court judges have the US had in its history?" PVD was closest to the answer, which was 114, so they got second place.

Best Team Name: Boyz II Men II Ass II Mouth

Current Events
1. The US Postal Service announced last week they will release a stamp next year for the 200th birthday of what American author and poet?
2. Stephen Hellenburg, the creator of what hit children's cartoon series, died last week of ALS at the age of 57?
3. Magnus Carlsen, from what European country, successfully defended his world chess championship against American Fabiano Curuana after three weeks and a day of tiebreakers?
4. What female TV star was named 2018's highest paid TV host by Forbes magazine, earning $147 million this year?
5. What former five-time world boxing champion was hit with hefty penalties by the SEC last week for failing to disclose money he was paid to promote investments in cryptocurrencies?
6. A new study from the University of Turin determined that what 1939 film classic edged out "Star Wars" as the "Most Influential Film of All-Time"?
7. What female pop singer's video "Thank U, Next" broke YouTube's record for the most views in its first 24 hours of release, garnering over 46 million views?

21st Century Music Trivia
1. "Songs For A Minor" was the 2001 debut album for what female R&B artist?
2. "Say It Right" was a number one hit in over 20 different music charts worldwide in 2006 for what artist?
3. "Who I Am" is a 2012 memoir written by what legendary rock guitarist?
4. What female pop singer was killed in a 2001 plane crash in The Bahamas?
5. What legendary rock star had a worldwide hit album in 2018 called "Egypt Station?"
6. Who was the headline act of this past February's Super Bowl?
7. Name 2 of the 4 artists who have won the most Grammy Awards in the decade of the 2000s.

The Q Train: 21st Century Oscar Winners
1. Octavia Spencer
2. Gary Oldman
3. Ron Howard
4. Mahershala Ali
5. Adrien Brody
6. Kathryn Bigelow
7. Nicole Kidman
8. Viola Davis
9. Tim Robbins
10. Jennifer Lawrence

General Knowledge
1. Which Spice Girl was Victoria Beckham? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the most widely spoken language in Switzerland? ( 1 pt)
3. "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" won how many Oscars in 2003? ( 1 pt)
4. What NHL team has won the most Stanley Cup titles? ( 2 pt)
5. What three colors appear on the flag of Ireland? ( 2 pt)
6. What Italian town is the setting for Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet?" ( 2 pt)
7. Your glabella is found where on the human body? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. Who is the most charitable billionaire in the US, having given away more than $46 billion since 2000? ( 4 points)
2. What late rock star once had his own Internet service provider, the first artist-created ISP in 1998? ( 5 points)
3. The Economist ranked what Asian city as "the safest city in the world" in 2017 on things like vioent crime, police engagement and cybersecurity? ( 4 points)
4. When Sandra Day O'Connor retired from the Supreme Court in 2005, what current judge succeeded her to the Court? ( 3 points)
5. What 1990s presidential candidate once did an endorsement for viagra? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Walt Whitman; 2. "SpongeBob SquarePants"; 3. Norway; 4. Judge Judy; 5. Floyd Mayweather; 6. "The Wizard of Oz;" 7. Ariana Grande.

21st Century Music Trivia
1. Alicia Keys; 2. Nelly Furtado; 3. Pete Townshend; 4. Aaliyah; 5. Paul McCartney; 6. Justin Timberlake; 7. Beyonce (16), Alison Krauss (16), U2 (15), Kanye West (14).

The Q Train: 21st Century Oscar Winners
1. The Help; 2. Darkest Hour; 3. A Beautiful Mind; 4. Moonlight; 5. The Pianist; 6. The Hurt Locker; 7. The Hours; 8. Fences; 9. Mustic River; 10. Silver Linings Playbook.

General Knowledge
1. Posh Spice; 2. German; 3. Eleven; 4. Montreal Canadiens (24); 5. Green, white and orange; 6. Verona; 7. Between the eyebrows.

IQ Trivia
1. Warren Buffett; 2. David Bowie; 3. Tokyo; 4. Samuel Alito; 5. Bob Dole.

Recent Music & Movie Trivia This Week

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, December 4th at 8:30 PM, with "21st Century Music Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions about popular music that occurred from 2001 until today. The Q Train lightning round will be "21st Century Oscar Winners Trivia." I will give you the names of ten people who have won Oscars from 2001 on, and they can be actors, actresses and directors. You tell me the film they won their recent Oscar for.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Which Spice Girl was Victoria Beckham?"

I look forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday for a great night of Trivia!

Trivia Q&A: November 27

We had 13 teams in for Trivia on Tuesday night, and another good crowd that was really into the Trivia. The boys from DIMS were leading from the second round on, but the team of Buckeyes, More Like...Ugh, Screw 'Em had a perfect IQ Round and caught them, as both teams were tied at 46 points. So we had a tie-breaker question of "As of 2017, what is the population of Montpelier, Vermont?" (It is based on one of the IQ questions.) The Buckeyes guessed closest to the answer (which is 7,484). So they came away the champions for this week. Congrats to Peter and his crew. Third place went to SMID with 39 points.

Best Team Name: The Fall of Romaine Empire

Current Events
1. What Beatles album returned to the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart last week shortly after the 50th anniversary reissue?
2. What rap star received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last week, and thanked himself while referring to himself as a "bad MFer?"
3. What retail store is considering shutting hundreds of its stores at shopping malls across the US due to slumping sales?
4. Fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana issued an apology to the people of what country after calling people there "ignorant dirty smelling Mafia" and the country of the poop emoji"?
5. Sources revealed last week that what famous man, who died last year, had his closest aides put his sex tapes and intimate photos in a casket and dumped it into the Pacific Ocean just before he died?
6. The president of what country announced last weekend that his nation will return 26 artworks to the west African nation of Benin that were taken during the colonial era?
7. What film sequel debuted this past weekend, grossing $56 million at the box office to become the number one film in the US?

November Trivia
1. On November 8, 1971, Led Zeppelin released what album, one of the best-selling ones of all-time, which includes the classic "Stairway to Heaven"?
2.  What is the traditional gemstone for the month of November?
3. On November 7, 1989, Douglas Wilder became the first African-American elected governor in US history, in what southern state?
4. On November 13, 1927, what NYC tunnel that connects to NJ was first opened to traffic and was the first underwater tunnel built in the US?
5. "November Rain" was a 1992 hit song for what rock band?
6. If you were born on November 7th, what would your birth sign be?
7. On November 18, 1992, an episode of what comedy series called "The Contest" aired, and was later named the number one comedy episode of all-time by TV Guide?

The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait led to the Iran-Iraq War.
2. In Dante's "Inferno", the deepest ring of Hell is reserved for those guilty of treachery.
3. The first feature film produced entirely with computer-generated imagery was "Toy Story."
4. The African Elephant is the largest carnivore on land.
5. The modern Caesar salad originated in Mexico.
6. Tug-of-war was once an Olympic sport.
7. The Rose Bowl football game is annually the largest single-day spectator-attended sporting event in the US.
8. Andromeda is the closest star to Earth.
9. Tom Marvolo Riddle is Harry Potter's archenemy.
10. A penny dropped from a tall building can reach sufficient velocity to kill a pedestrian below.

General Knowledge
1. What artist painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? ( 1 pt)
2. What planet has the most moons? ( 1 pt)
3. Which Constitutional amendment gave women the right to vote? ( 1 pt)
4. In which US state is the Sundance Film Festival held? ( 2 pt)
5. How many years are in a semicentennial? ( 2 pt)
6. What was the highest-grossing movie in US history before "Titanic" was released in 1997? ( 2 pt)
7. What ancient Greek is generally called "The Father of History?" ( 2 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. "Nothing Lasts Forever", a 1979 thriller novel by Roderick Thorp, was adapted into what very successful 1988 action thriller film? ( 4 points)
2. What is the only US state capital city without a McDonald's restaurant? ( 5 points)
3. Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to accomplish what feat in 1963? ( 4 points)
4. Millennium Park is the most popular tourist attraction in what US city? ( 3 points)
5. Stillwater was the name of the fictional band featured in what 2000 rock movie? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. White Album; 2. Snoop Dogg; 3. The Gap; 4. China; 5. Hugh Hefner; 6. France; 7. "Creed II."

November Trivia
1. Led Zeppelin IV; 2. Topaz; 3. Virginia; 4. Holland Tunnel; 5. Guns "N" Roses; 6. Scorpio; 7. Seinfeld.

The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. false, Gulf War; 2. true; 3. true; 4. false, Kodiak bear; 5. true; 6. true; 7. false, Indy 500; 8. false, the sun; 9. true; 10. false.

General Knowledge
1. Michelangelo; 2. Jupiter; 3. 19th amendment; 4. Utah; 5. 50; 6. "Jurassic Park;" 7. Herodotus.

IQ Trivia
1. "Die Hard;" 2. Montpelier, VT; 3. Fly in space; 4. Chicago; 5. "Almost Famous."

Lots of Cool Stuff Happened in November

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, November 27th at 8:30 PM, with "November Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions connected to the month of November in some way, shape or form. The Q Train lightning round will be "True or False Trivia."

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What artist painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?"

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday, and I'm looking forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night for another great night of Trivia!

"Power Ball: Anatomy of a Modern Baseball Game"

Rob Neyer is a well-known name around the world of baseball writing, and has been for over 20 years. He's worked for ESPN, Fox Sports and the legendary Bill James. He has written six previous books on the world of baseball, but his seventh takes what was essentially a meaningless game between the Houston Astros and the Oakland A's in September of 2017 and discusses baseball along all different facets of the game, both on and off the field. It's called "Power Ball: Anatomy of a Modern Baseball Game" (HarperCollins Publishers).

Neyer has been at the forefront of the sabermetrics revolution from the beginning, and if you are one of his disciples, you certainly won't be disappointed by his book.  However, this shouldn't turn off those who feel that sabermetrics is "ruining the baseball experience." Neyer uses what was a come-from-behind 9-8 win by the A's to explain how we got where we are in MLB in 2018, even naming the titles of each chapter starting with the "Visitors First" and ending with the "Home Ninth."

Neyer has always courted controversy with his opinions, and his employers at ESPN once suspended him for his outspokeness. And he goes through the minefield of subjects like race and sexual orientation in this book, and isn't shy about those subjects in relation to baseball. But he hits just about every subject in baseball in regard to the newer on the field issues, everything from the explosion of the shift (and how it was around along before Ted Williams came along), the subject of lousy teams "tanking", and the new phenomenon of "launch angles" (I'm still lost on that subject.

In reading the book, you feel as if you are sitting in the stands at the Oakland Coliseum enjoying a game while you and Neyer are having a beer and talking baseball. He has a breezy syle, and every "half-inning" leads to a new subject regarding the game we love. Neyer hits everything from juiced balls, pitch framing, to Jose Altuve's height (or lack of it).

"Power Ball: Anatomy of a Modern Baseball Game" is an enjoyable read from one of America's best baseball writers and minds. It wasn't a memorable game in the long run, but Rob Neyer made it so.

Trivia Q&A: November 20

We had 9 teams in for our pre-Thanksgiving Trivia Night, but the bar was filled with folks really into the Trivia. Most teams were of the larger variety and it was a fun night. It was a roller coaster night as different teams had the lead, but the boys from DIMS wound up winning night, getting 40 points. They finished outside the top five last week, but came back this week with a vengence. Congratulations to Ken and Michael on their victory.

Second place went to Quiz Me Like One of Your French Girls with 35 points, and The Pale Aliens finished third with 30 points.

Best Team Name: We're Keeping the Pen!

Current Events
1. A petition at Change.org, signed by over 37,000 people, are pressuring what pop group to drop out as the halftime act this coming February's Super Bowl?
2. Jeff Rohrer, an NFL linebacker who played for what team in the 1980s, became the first current or former player to enter a same-sex marriage last week?
3. What American pop singer's company bought out her British partner's 50% share in her clothing label after he was accused of sexual harassment and bullying?
4. William Goldman, an Academy Award-winning screenwriter, died last week at the age of 87. Name 1 of the 2 1970s films he won Oscars for (one a western and one political).
5. Kim Porter, a singer and former girlfriend of what rapper and music mogul, was found dead in her California home last week.
6. A submarine belonging to what South American country that had been missing for one year with 44 crewmen aboard was found last week?
7. What billionaire politician is giving $1.8 billion to his alma mater, Johns Hopkins University, believed to be the largest donation ever to an academic institution?

Thanksgiving Trivia
1. What US president issued the "Thanksgiving Proclamation" making the last Thursday in November the holiday?
2. The first Thanksgiving celebration in America took place in what is now what state?
3. What folk singer recorded "Alice's Restaurant", about a memorable Thanksgiving Day in his life?
4. What midwestern state is the largest producer in the US of turkeys?
5. Canada celebrates its Thanksgiving Day in what month?
6. The first Thanksgiving celebration in America laster how many days?
7. What West African country celebrates Thanksgiving every November?

The Q Train: 21st Century Events Trivia
1. The Columbia space shuttle burns up upon Earth re-entry, killing all astronauts aboard.
2. General Motors declares bankruptcy.
3. The Red Sox win their first World Series in 86 years.
4. The first iPod is introduced by Apple.
5. US Supreme Court allows same-sex marriage.
6. Seal Team Six kills Osama Bin Laden.
7. Al Gore wins the Nobel Peace Prize.
8. Twitter was founded in March of this year.
9. Hurricane Sandy devastates the northeastern US.
10. The first iPad is introduced by Apple.

General Knowledge
1. Mario Lopez starred in what 1990s TV show? ( 1 pt)
2. What does the "H" stand for in George H.W. Bush's name? ( 1 pt)
3. What was the name of Madonna's controversial 1992 book? ( 1 pt)
4. What country is the most popular foireign destination for US travelers? ( 2 pt)
5. "Consider that a divorce" is a famous line from what Arnold Schwarzenegger film? ( 2 pt)
6. Tomatoes are the most popular fruit worldwide. What fruit is second? ( 2 pt)
7. The Great Sand Dunes are located in what western US state? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. Bruce Springsteen appeared as himself in what 2000 feature film? ( 4 points)
2. Between WWI and WWII, what was by far the world's most populous country never to officially join the League of Nations? ( 4 points)
3. "Salvator Mundi", the world's most expensive painting sold for $450 million in 2017, was made by what artist? ( 3 points)
4. What is the most common food allergy among adults in the US? ( 4 points)
5. What female was the most Googled celebrity for both 2016 and 2017? ( 5 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Maroon 5; 2. Dallas Cowboys; 3. Beyonce; 4. "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President's Men;" 5.Sean "Diddy" Combs;" 6. Argentina; 7. Michael Bloomberg.

Thanksgiving Trivia
1. Abraham Lincoln; 2. Massachusetts; 3. Arlo Guthrie; 4. Minnesota; 5. October; 6. three; 7. Liberia.

The Q Train: 21st Century Events Trivia
1. 2003; 2. 2009; 3. 2004; 4. 2001; 5. 2015; 6. 2011; 7. 2007; 8. 2006; 9. 2012; 10. 2010.

General Knowledge
1. "Saved By The Bell;" 2. Herbert; 3. "Sex"; 4. Canada; 5. "Total Recall;" 6. bananas; 7. Colorado.

IQ Trivia
1. "High Fidelity;" 2. USA; 3. Leonardo DaVinci; 4. shellfish; 5. Meghan Markle.

We Give Thanks This Tuesday

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, November 20th at 8:30 PM, with "Thanksgiving Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions connected to this very American holiday. The Q Train lightning round will be "21st Century Events Trivia." I will give you ten events that occurred from 2001-2018 in all different categories and you have to tell me what year it occurred in. Every answer will be a different year.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Mario Lopez starred in what 1990s TV show?"

I look forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night for a great night of Trivia Q&A!

Trivia Q&A: November 13

We had 10 teams in for Trivia on a blustery night in New York, and we had an unusual occurrence after the fourth round. Going into IQ Trivia, we had the first seven teams all separated by one point each. The top team had 30 points, second place had 29, third place had 28, all the way down to the seventh place team with 24 points. I've never seen anything like that before, and it meant it was quite the horse race heading into the final round.

The team of The Pub Quiz MC Is Hot (who was in fourth place) had the best IQ round, and finished the night with 42 points and the win. Congrats to them. Second place went to Hey, Did Anything Happen While We Were Gone? finished with 38 points, and we had a tie for third between War-Burgers and My Computer's Got Miley Virus. It Has Stopped Twerking. (who also won for Best Team Name) with 37 points. We broke the tie with the following question: How many total points did Michael Jordan score in his NBA career? The answer was 32,292 and Miley Virus was closest on their guess and got third place.

Current Events
1. Later this month, an auction of over 100 items belonging to what 20th century president will be held in Boston that will include a cardigan sweater, bomber jacket and many candid photos?
2. Jared Polis, a congressman from what western state, became the country's first openly gay male elected governor last week?
3. What British Emmy-nominated actor was named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2018?
4. The travel site "The Points Guy" revealed their annual Best Airports In America and picked Sky Harbor Airport, located in what city, as the best for the third straight year?
5. A report from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation said that what western European country will pass Japan in having the world's longest life expectancy by 2040 (85.8 years)?
6. What US state's voters last week voted to ban greyhound racing there, a state that has 11 of the nation's 17 greyhound tracks there?
7. What music icon will be receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom later this week, and it's just the third musician to receive the honor posthumously?

2010s In Entertainment Trivia
1. In 2014, Jimmy Fallon succeeded who as host of "The Tonight Show?"
2. In December 2013, what female pop singer released her 5th solo album with no advance notice and only available digitally through the iTunes store?
3. What American actor won an Academy Award for Best Actor for "Dallas Buyers Club" in 2014?
4. What medical TV drama ended its eight-year network run in 2012 with an episode entitled "Everybody Dies?"
5. What animated Disney film surpassed "Iron Man 3" in the final weeks of 2013 to become the top-grossing film of that year?
6. In 2012, the Academy Award for Best Picture went to what mainly silent movie?
7. At the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, who appeared to make an entrance at the festivities by parachuting from a helicopter?

The Q Train: Who's Older Trivia
1. Oprah Winfrey or Bill Gates
2. Kanye West or Jay Z
3. David Ortiz or Tom Brady
4. George W. Bush or Bill Clinton
5. Jimmy Fallon or Jimmy Kimmel
6. Emma Stone or Jennifer Lawrence
7. Lady Gaga or Adele
8. Harvey Weinstein or Kevin Spacey
9. Mookie Betts or Mike Trout
10. Mel Brooks or Betty White

General Knowledge
1. The movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" took place in what city? ( 1 pt)
2. What does the "E" stand for in ESPN? ( 1 pt)
3. Julia Roberts called off her 1991 wedding to what TV and movie actor? ( 1 pt)
4. Michael Jordan is the primary owner of what NBA team? ( 2 pt)
5. What legendary 20th century American famously said "I shall return?" ( 2 pt)
6. What is the most common eye color in the world? ( 2 pt)
7. What dog breed provides at least 70% of all guide dogs for the blind in the US? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. With more than 140 million followers, what female singer and actress has the most followers on Instagram? ( 4 points)
2. What 1960s horror film was the first feature film to show a toilet flushing on-screen? ( 4 points)
3. What Olympic sport includes Chocktaw Turns and Charlotte Spirals? ( 3 points)
4. Praia do Cassino is the longest beach in the world and found in what country? ( 4 points)
5. What eastern US state has the most golf courses per square mile? ( 5 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. John F. Kennedy; 2. Colorado; 3. Idris Elba; 4. Phoenix; 5. Spain; 6. Florida; 7. Elvis Presley.

2010s In Entertainment Trivia
1. Jay Leno; 2. Beyonce; 3. Matthew McConaughey; 4. "House;" 5. "Frozen;" 6. "The Artist;" 7. Queen Elizabeth II.

The Q Train: Who's Older Trivia
1. Winfrey (64-63); 2. Jay Z (49-41); 3. Ortiz (43-41); 4. Bush (both 72); 5. Kimmel (51-44); 6. Stone (30-28); 7. Gaga (32-30); 8. Weinstein (66-59); 9. Trout (27-26); 10. White (96-92).

General Knowledge
1. Chicago; 2. Entertainment; 3. Kiefer Sutherland; 4. Charlotte Hornets; 5. Douglas MacArthur; 6. brown; 7. Labrador.

IQ Trivia
1. Selena Gomez; 2. "Psycho;" 3. figure skating; 4. Brazil; 5. Rhode Island.

It's Been A Great Decade For Entertainment

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, November 13th at 8:30 PM, with "2010s In Entertainment Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions about events in movies, TV and music that occurred in this decade. The Q Train lightning round will be "Who's Older Trivia." I will give you ten sets of two current celebrities and you have to tell me who is the older of the two.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The movie 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' took place in what city?"

We've had some terrific crowds in the last two weeks since we returned from hiatus, and I hope we can continue to build on that. I look forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday night!

Trivia Q&A: November 6

We had a terrific turnout of Trivia players last night at Professor Thom's on Election Night, as 15 teams turned out. The scores for the first two rounds were on the lower side, and I was thinking that it might be a night where I made the Trivia a little too hard. But the scores were stronger than I would have thought for US Senators Trivia (people know their senators!) and the last two rounds as well. It was a two-team race for the first three rounds, but we had two other teams that had great rounds at the end to make it very close. Ken and Michael from DIMS held on in IQ Trivia to grab the win with 47 points.

Second place went to The Wife Beto O'Rourkes with 44 points (they were one of the team that put up a late charge to the finish) and third place went to Tide Pod Racing with 44 points (they also came on strong at the end).

Best Team Name: Erection Night In America

Current Events
1. Whitey Bulger, the notorious Boston mobster who was serving a life sentence for murder, was found dead in his prison cell, located in what US state?
2. D.J. Durkin, the head coach of what eastern college football team, was fired a day after being reinstalled from suspension after one of his players died during practice and because of the toxic culture around the team?
3. What car company is offering buyouts to a third of its US white collar staff as the company transitions to self driving vehicles and other new technologies?
4. Salesforce Tower, the tallest building in what major US city, was lit up on Halloween to depict the Eye of Sauron, the symbol of the Dark Lord adopted in "The Lord of the Rings?"
5. Todd Latourette, an actor on what current TV series, admitted that he actually cut off his right arm and pretended to be a wounded vet in order to further his acting career?
6. What Hollywood actress is being sued by an EMT who says she attacked her last June as the EMT was responding to a disturbance at her home?
7. Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, was acquitted by what Asian country's Supreme Court, setting off protests by Islamists?

US Elections Trivia
1. Since 1948, what president won by the largest percentage of electoral votes?
2. What Democrat challenged President Jimmy Carter for the 1980 presidential nomination but failed to win?
3. Besides FDR, who is the only other man who has been on four winning presidential tickets?
4. Who did Ed Koch defeat in a runoff primary election for New York City mayor in 1977 and later in the general election when he ran on the Liberal line?
5. What is the earliest possible day that Election Day can be held in November?
6. What number constitutional amendment set the minimum voting age at 18 for federal elections in 1971?
7. How many times has New York senator Chuck Schumer been elected to the US Senate?

The Q Train: US Senators Trivia
1. Missouri
2. Iowa
3. Illinois
4. Connecticut
5. Alabama
6. Texas
7. Florida
8. Alaska
9. New Jersey
10. Pennsylvania

General Knowledge
1. In what state is the Kennedy Space Center located? ( 1 pt)
2. Who holds the record for hosting the most games show episodes in US TV history? ( 1 pt)
3. What was Whoopi Goldberg's first feature film? ( 1 pt)
4. Between Emma, Olivia and Isabella, which was the most popular girls' name in the US in 2017? ( 2 pt)
5. Easter Island is a territory of what South American country? ( 2 pt)
6. What US-based airline has the largest fleet of planes in the world? ( 2 pt)
7. What was the first pizza company to offer online ordering in 1994? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. In reference to his hit 2004 album, what country star's fanbase is often called "No Shoes Nation?" ( 4 points)
2. By what name is the painting "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1" better known? ( 4 points)
3. Vin Diesel recorded one line more than 1,000 times for what movie? ( 3 points)
4. What Asian country has the largest population of people living abroad? ( 4 points)
5. Because of his father's job, who was the only vice-president not born in one of the 13 colonies or 50 states? ( 5 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. West Virginia; 2. University of Maryland; 3. General Motors; 4. San Francisco; 5. "Better Call Saul;" 6. Heather Locklear; 7. Pakistan.

US Elections Trivia
1. Ronald Reagan (1984); 2. Teddy Kennedy; 3. Richard Nixon; 4. Mario Cuomo; 5. November 2nd; 6. 26; 4. four.

The Q Train: US Senators Trivia
1. 1D, 1R; 2. 2R; 3. 2D; 4. 2D; 5. 1D, 1R; 6. 2R; 7. 1D, 1R; 8. 2R; 9. 2D; 10. 1D, 1R.

General Knowledge
1. Florida; 2. Alex Trebek; 3. "The Color Purple;" 4. Emma; 5. Chile; 6. American Airlines; 7. Pizza Hut.

IQ Trivia
1. Kenny Chesney; 2. Whistler's Mother; 3. "Guardians of the Galaxy;" 4. India; 5. Al Gore.

It's All About Elections On Tuesday

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, November 6th at 8:30 PM, and the Special Category will be "US Election Trivia," in honor of Tuesday being Election Day. It will be seven questions connected to elections in America in one way, shape or form. The Q Train lightning round will be "US Senators Trivia." I will give you the names of ten US states, and you have to tell me the current breakdown of that state in the Senate. It can be "2 Democrats", "2 Republicans" or "1 Democrat and 1 Republican." And it will be BEFORE this Election Day. (And any states with Independents won't be included.)

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"In what state is the Kennedy Space Center located?"

We had a great turnout last week for Trivia after our long hiatus, and I hope we can build on that. And remember to vote before you come out to Trivia on Tuesday night!

Trivia Q&A: October 30

Our first Trivia Night in four weeks brought out a nice crowd of 13 teams, many of whom were regulars who were glad Trivia Night was back. It was so great to be back in the Trivia hosting saddle again, and we had a largely two-team race all night, and they were tied going into the final round of IQ Trivia. But it was the guys from DIMS who emerged with the victory, getting 42 points. Congrats to Ken, Michael and Darek on their win.

Second place went to Ready to Go with 38 points, and third place went to I Think It;s Cool the Chinese Made a Whole Language Out of Tattoo Symbols with 31 points.

Best Team Name: Where There's a Will There's a Fenway

Current Events
1. What company announced recently that they were increasing employees' minimum wage to $15 per hour after it came out that a number of employees were reliant on federal assistance programs?
2. Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad were both recently awarded what Nobel Prize?
3. Mike Sorrentino, who starred on what reality TV show, was sentenced to 8 months in prison for tax evasion?
4. What nation recently became the first G7 country to legalize marijuana sales for all adults nationwide?
5. Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, died recently at the age of 76. What NFL team was he the principle owner of?
6. What controversial female rock singer recently announced that she had converted to Islam, and adopted the name Shudada Davitt?
7. The Boston Red Sox defeated the LA Dodgers, 5-1 on Sunday to win the World Series 4 games to 1. How many total World Series have the Red Sox won in their history?

Halloween Trivia
1. Jack o'lanterns originated in what European country?
2. What midwestern US state produces the most pumpkins yearly?
3. In "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", who does Linus mistake for the Great Pumpkin?
4. According to Candystore.com, what was the most popular Halloween candy in 2017?
5. Between Christmas, Halloween and Valentine's Day, which holiday to Americans spend the most money per year on candy sales?
6. In the movie "ET", what Halloween costume does ET wear?
7. What Michael Jackson song was adapted by director John Landis into a highly successful Halloween themed music video?

The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. Director Tim Burton's first choice for the title role of Beetlejuice was Sammy Davis Jr.
2. The book "My Friend Flicka" was once banned from many school libraries because it used the word "bitch" to describe a female dog.
3. Neil Armstrong set foot on the Moon with his right foot first.
4. Ronald Reagan received one electoral vote in the 1976 presidential election.
5. North Dakota is the only US state that borders three Canadian provinces.
6. At the 2010 Grammys, Taylor Swift won more Grammys than Elvis Presley did in his entire career.
7. December has consistently shown to have the highest suicide rate of any month.
8. More shoplifters are caught on Sunday than any other day of the week.
9. Antarctica is the windiest and driest of the seven continents.
10. The Maurice J. Tobin Bridge is located in Tampa, Florida.

General Knowledge
1. How many US states begin with the letter A? ( 1 pt)
2. Who was the second woman appointed to the US Supreme Court? ( 1 pt)
3. What NBA player has scored the most overall points in history? ( 1 pt)
4. Jennifer Lopez started her career on what TV series? ( 2 pt)
5. The island of Aruba belongs to what European country? ( 2 pt)
6. Sapphire is the gemstone for people born in what month? ( 2 pt)
7. In the Bible, the first five books of the Old Testament are known collectively as what? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1.What politician was invited to be in the Spice Girls' 1996 video "Wannabe", but respectively declined the offer? ( 3 points)
2. What major US city banned burials within the city limits in 1900, and today has only two cemeteries within the entire city? ( 5 points)
3. The largest private residence in the US, the Biltmore Estate, is located in what southern US state? ( 4 points)
4. What 1982 science fiction film was disqualified from the Academy Awards because at the time it used special computer effects? ( 4 points)
5. What is the only US airport that flies directly to all six major continents? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Amazon; 2. Peace Prize; 3. "Jersey Shore;" 4. Canada; 5. Seattle Seahawks; 6. Sinead O'Connor; 7. nine.

Halloween Trivia
1. Ireland; 2. Illinois; 3. Snoopy; 4. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups; 5. Halloween; 6. ghost; 7. "Thriller."

The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. true; 2. true; 3. false, left; 4. true; 5. false, Montana; 6. true; 7. false, June; 8. false, Wednesday; 9. true; 10. false, Boston.

General Knowledge
1. Four (AL, AK, AZ, AR); 2. Ruth Bader Ginsburg; 3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; 4. "In Living Color;" 5. Netherlands; 6. September; 7. The Torah.

IQ Trivia
1. Tony Blair; 2. San Francisco; 3. North Carolina; 4. Tron; 5. Chicago O'Hare.

The Fourth In My Lifetime

I never, ever thought I'd write the title of this post.

The 2018 Red Sox staked a claim as one of baseball history's greatest teams with a five-game World Series steamrolling of the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-1 on Sunday night.

It was an amazing October. They beat the other two teams that won 100 or more games in the American League this season, and many oddsmakers had the Sox as underdogs in both series. (Really?)  It was simply a joy to see the Sox dispatch the Yankees in four games (their destruction and humiliation in Game 3 was particularly satisfying), and then taking out the Dodgers (who will always be called traitors in my home borough of Brooklyn) as easily as they did.

Steve Pearce, the journeyman infielder who was picked up from Toronto with little fanfare back in June, was voted as World Series MVP for his three clutch home runs he hit in the final two games. (He joins Donn Clendenon from the 1969 Mets as the only two MVPs who played for two different teams in the same season.) David Price was simply magnificent in the World Series, winning his two starts and becoming the first Sox pitcher since Luis Tiant to win three consecutive postseason starts. (I particularly enjoyed his session with the media after the World Series win, basically telling them all to shove it up their collective asses. Good for you, David.)

It was a World Series when the big Red Sox stars didn't have big numbers. Mookie Betts hit .217 with just a Game 5 HR; Xander Bogaerts hit .136; Jackie Bradley his .231; J.D. Martinez had just the one HR in Game 5. The team hit a collective .222 for the Series (and of course that was mostly due to the lack of hitting in the 18-inning Game 3 and the first six innings of Game 4).

The story of the Series is the Red Sox pitching, as the Dodgers hit a meager .180 in the Series. Price was the king of the hill, with a 1.98 ERA and 10 Ks. Joe Kelly was simply magnificent, as he pitched in every game, and in six innings did not allow a run, allowing just 4 hits and striking out 10. But the performance that will go down in Red Sox lore will be that of Nathan Eovaldi. After two superb innings in the first two games, he came into Game 3 in the 12th inning, and should have been the winning pitcher after two innings (Ian Kinsler is hereby forgiven), but wound up going 6 magnificent frames, until giving up Max Muncy's game-winning home run in the 18th. He was so appreciated that the players and staff gave him a standing ovation in the clubhouse after the loss. That speaks volumes, and when I heard that story, I knew the Sox were winning this series.

And win it they did. A magnificent comeback in Game 4 from 4-0 down, and Steve Pearce's first inning statement home run in Game 5 meant the Sox were on their way. Chris Sale sure wasn't fooling around, as he struck out the side in the ninth (how brilliant was it that Manny Machado was the last out) to give the Red Sox their fourth title in 15 years, and the ninth in their glorious history. Alex Cora, who pushed all the right buttons in this Series, became the third Red Sox manager of the last four to win the World Series in his first year as Sox skipper. (I can't remember the name of the guy who didn't win.)

For me personally, I can barely put it into words what it means to me to see the Red Sox win a fourth championship in this century. I became a Red Sox fan in 1977, and for years it was rammed into our collective heads but various media dingbats (I don't have to name them, you know who they are) that as Red Sox fans, we were living under some moronic "curse" and that we'd never see our team win a championship. As a fan, I just want to see our team competitive and in the running to win a title, and they have done that year in and year out since John Henry and Tom Werner took the reigns of the club in 2001. As Red Sox fans, we are one of the few fan bases that can say we've seen our team win it now four times in our collective memories. And I don't take that for granted, and I don't expect the Red Sox to win it all every year. I will enjoy and savor this victory over this winter, and for the rest of my life.

119 wins for 2018. The Red Sox made history in 2018, and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart for giving us all such a grand and glorious year.

Now if only the Minnesota Vikings can win me a Super Bowl before I die...

Trivia Returns Tomorrow Night

That was an exciting five-game World Series win for the Red Sox last night, their fourth in fifteen years. And you also know what that means: Trivia Night is back tomorrow night! I'm so glad to be returning after four weeks, as our last Trivia Night was October 2nd. The Special category this week is "Halloween Trivia", seven questions connected to the holiday in one way, shape or form. The Q Train lightning round will be "True or False Trivia."

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"How many US states begin with the letter A?"

We get going at 8:30 PM at Professor Thom's tomorrow night, and I look forward to seeing many of you for a great night of Trivia!

Fourth Time In Fifteen Years

Before the Year of Our Lord 2004, it was drummed into all of our heads that the Boston Red Sox were under some kind of "curse", and we would never see them win a World Series, and all they would do is break our hearts, time and time again.

The media made up some nonsense called "the Curse of the Bambino" and that we as Red Sox would live our lives rooting for a team that would never win it all. (I won't bore you with all the reasons it was all BS, as that's not the point of what I'm writing about.)

Tonight, the Red Sox go for their fourth championship in 15 years, as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at Fenway Park.

It's truly a Golden Age to be a Red Sox fan. I take none of this for granted. I am one of those rare baseball fans who can they have seen their team win the World Series three times, and it could be an even rarer one who can say they have seen four titles. I am enjoying this great postseason ride they are on, and that's what I want as a baseball fan, to see a competitive team year in and year out. Some years we win, some we don't.

It seems like a lifetime ago that the Sox lost the World Series back in 1986. It was the most heartbreaking of ways to lose, and it stuck with me for years, as I would have the occasional dream that Game 6 was replayed and the Red Sox would win. But I always knew I'd see the Red Sox win it all in my lifetime. And 2004 will forever remain the greatest season in Red Sox history for many fans. They made history in the ALCS, that may never be duplicated. (Consider that since that great comeback, only one team has come from 0-3 down in a seven game series and even won Game 4. And that is the Cubs in 2017, before losing Game 5 to LA.) And who they stuck the choker tag on 2004 (no names, you know who they are) will make it the sweetest part of all.

The Red Sox have a terrific, mostly young team, that has solid pitching, great hitting, very good defense, and enough team speed to dominate the American League and win 108 games. It was simply a dream year, where the Yankees were hardly any factor at all (they briefly were in first place in early July, but the Sox passed them shortly afterwards and left them in the dust). Alex Cora has proved himself to be a terrific manager, as he seems to push the right buttons at the right time. He hasn't been without criticism (remember when he'd give some of the big bats a day to rest when it seemed like they were most needed in the lineup?) but he has a plan and stuck with it.

I am as excited as any other Red Sox fan to see my team back in the World Series for the first time in five years. It's where we want to be at this team every October. But it won't happen every October, so savor and enjoy this series everyone. This series doesn't have the overall excitement and anticipation of 2004, but no World Series the Sox have been in since has that. But I will be watching the games with friends who've been fans of the team as long as I have been, remembering those good times we shared in other postseasons.

I'll root, root, root for the home team tonight, and hope to see them lifting up the championship trophy sometime next week. It would be the fourth time in my lifetime if it happens. And I'll will never stop be grateful that I witnessed it once in my lifetime.

The Sox in six. Let the games begin.

The Trivia Hiatus Continues

That was an exciting five game ALCS win for the Red Sox this past week, and they will be moving on to the 2018 World Series on Tuesday night. But that also means that Trivia Night will be called off for the third consecutive week. Professor Thom's has been jammed with Red Sox fans for the previous two series, and surely will be for every game of the World Series. So, our Trivia Night will continue its hiatus as the Sox keep on playing. And should the Series reach a Game 6, that will mean that Trivia would also be off for the following Tuesday night, October 30th as well. But we will see what happens. I miss all of you guys and hosting Trivia Night. I'll be set and ready to go whenever the next free Tuesday happens, and again, I will keep you all informed at the Facebook group, here on my blog, and by email. Enjoy the week everyone, and Go Red Sox!

Trivia Postponed Again

The Red Sox moving on to the ALCS means that our Trivia Night is off once again this Tuesday night, October 16th. Game 3 will be played starting at 5:10 PM, and it will be followed by the Celtics' opening night game against Philly at 8 PM, so that means that Professor Thom's will be busy and crowded all night long, so Trivia just won't be possible. I'm sorry we have to pass again. I will keep you all posted about the following Tuesday when we know exactly what is happening. Have a great week everyone!

"Baseball Cop"

Eddie Dominguez was a distinguished member of the Boston Police Department for many years, before he left to join a newly-former group of four investigators who would look over Major League Baseball in the wake of the congressional hearings in 2005 about steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in the game. And that's the basis of Dominguez' new book "Baseball Cop: The Dark Side of America's National Pastime." (Hachette Books, written with Teri Thompson and Christian Red.)

The DOI (Department of Investigations) would investigate all facets of MLB's dark underbelly: gambling, cover-ups, human trafficking and lot more besides PED users. Dominguez was a decorated detective in the Boston PD, as well as a member of an FBI task force. He is also an immigrant from Cuba, as well as a longtime Red Sox fan, with a stellar record and very well respected in the law enforcement community.

Dominguez had worked for the Sox from 1999-2005 as a resident security agent. And in the book, Dominguez says that a close friend of David Ortiz, a man he calls "Monga", a frequent visitor in the Red Sox clubhouse, placed bets on baseball and against the Red Sox. Dominguez and his team thought the situation so serious that a meeting was called in the Red Sox clubhouse involving Ortiz, Terry Francona and the chief of MLB security. Monga was banned from the Red Sox clubhouse. (Ortiz denied he ever had Monga place bets for him, although Dominguez makes no direct allegations about it to Big Papi.)

Dominguez writes about the agents who rip off young Cuban players with dreams of playing in MLB, but the meat of "Baseball Cop" is the "Biogenesis" scandal that rocked the game. Commissioner Rob Manfred was intent on "getting" Alex Rodriguez. He eventually got a 162-game suspension after an original 211-game ban. Dominguez lays out the entire scandal, from small "fishes" like Felix Pie (who escaped punishment), to Ryan Braun (whose 65-game ban was ridiculously light in his opinion).

The main take away from "Baseball Cop" is that MLB still has some serious drug problems among the players, and that the mandates from George Mitchell's controversial report of 2007 have basically been totally ignored. The players are still cheating, it's just they are finding new ways to get around the drug tests. The book is a compelling read, and will explode any myths that the "Steroid Era" is long past us.

Trivia Is Off This Week

The Red Sox split the first two games of their ALDS series this weekend, so that means that there will indeed be a Game 4 in their series this Tuesday night, so Trivia will NOT be happening this coming week. The Red Sox fans take over Professor Thom's during playoff games, and moving upstairs just isn't a possibility. So we will be taking this coming week off from Trivia. I will keep everyone posted with all developments as they become official in regard to our Trivia Night, with posts here and at the Facebook group. It's a week-by-week thing and we are at the hands of how the Red Sox do this month. I hope to see you all again soon!

Let The Games Begin

It's been an amazing 2018 for the Red Sox.

I haven't written much about the Red Sox here, as I've dedicated my blog mostly to my Trivia Night. But for Sox followers, it was a season to savor: a third consecutive AL Eastern Division title, a team record 108 wins, and a an ALDS date with the archrivals.

I'll be honest: I was hoping the Red Sox would play the Oakland A's in the first round. The first obvious reason is that the Sox would have been heavy favorites over Oakland. But I really never wanted to see the Sox play New York again in the postseason, and for 14 years, it didn't happen. The 2003 and 2004 postseason clashes literally took years off my life, and I don't think I could deal with that again.

Well, it is what it is.

All I can say before this latest War to End All Wars starts is that the team that pitches better will win it. The Sox pitchers have to keep the Yankees in the ballpark. We all know that New York set a new MLB record for home runs in a season, but you can put that off to the side as the postseason begins. They've got firepower for sure. And it's up to Chris Sale to come off his long rehab and set the tone for this series tonight. The Red Sox twice put him on the DL this summer, and the conspiracy theorists believe they did it just because of Sale's lousy September and October in 2017. I doubt there's any truth to that, as Sale is a fierce competitor as there is. He wouldn't have been shut down if he didn't want to do it.

And then there's David Price. He's pitched well at Fenway in his career against the Yankees, but this is the postseason, and he's struggled mightily come October. The pressure will squarely be on his shoulders, and that will go double should the Red Sox drop Game 1.

Rick Porcello is scheduled to pitch Game 3 at Yankee Stadium on Monday night, and Nate Eovaldi, who has been great against New York in his two starts against them this year, would go if there's a need for a Game 4 on Tuesday. (I won't go position-by-position here, as you can find that in your local newspaper, which is obviously hyping this series to moon.)

This is one of those series the Sox may have to play almost perfect ball to win. They need to score early, and the bullpen, which has scared even the toughest of fans this season, must be solid. The real key to this series is on how far the starters can go in each start, and if Alex Cora needs to go to the pen early, the Sox could be in some deep trouble.

Here is the complete 25-man roster for the Red Sox in this series:
Pitchers (11): RHP Matt Barnes, RHP Ryan Brasier, RHP Nathan Eovaldi, RHP Joe Kelly, RHP Craig Kimbrel, RHP Rick Porcello, LHP David Price, LHP Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP Chris Sale, RHP Brandon Workman, RHP Steven Wright.
Catchers: (3): Sandy Leon, Blake Swihart, Christian Vázquez.
Infielders: (7): SS Xander Bogaerts, 3B Rafael Devers, UTIL Brock Holt, 2B Ian Kinsler, 1B Mitch Moreland, 3B-2B Eduardo Núñez, 1B Steve Pearce.
Outfielders (4): LF Andrew Benintendi, RF-CF Mookie Betts, CF Jackie Bradley Jr., RF-LF-DH J.D. Martinez.

There's no question that all the pressure in this series is on the Red Sox. Two consecutive first-round bomb outs the last two years led to the hiring of Alex Cora, and he has done a superb job in his first year at the Red Sox helm. The 108 wins goes into the bank, but it is now a new season. I won't make any predictions in this series, as almost anything can happen in a short series. I'm optimistic this could be the beginnings of a great postseason, but we will see.

A Special Announcement About Trivia For October

As many of you know, the Red Sox are about to begin their quest for a World Series championship, and it will begin with the ALDS on Friday. And what that means is that it could adversely affect our Trivia Night. Professor Thom's is a big time Boston sports bar, and it will bring out swarms of Sox fans to every postseason game. If the ALDS goes to a 4th game this coming Tuesday night, Trivia will NOT be happening. We can't move upstairs, as the bar will need the Loft for the overflow of fans, and we can't switch to another night unfortunately. We could know the situation for next week by Saturday night, as if the Sox split the first two games, Trivia will definitely be off, as there will definitely be a Game 4 on Tuesday. However, if the Sox sweep the series in three games, Trivia WILL be happening, as next Tuesday night would free the bar. I will be posting here on Sunday morning what the situation is at that time. I will post a Sneak Peek question and the two Special Categories if Trivia will still be a possibility of happening by Sunday morning at the Facebook group, and here at the blog.

We will take this a week at a time. If the Red Sox move on to the ALCS, Trivia would DEFINITELY be off for October 16th, as that night would be Game 3 of the ALCS. And if they move on to the World Series, Game 1 would be Tuesday, October 23rd, and a Game 6 would be on Tuesday, October 30th. And we couldn't do Trivia on either of those nights as well.

So, we are currently at the mercy of the Boston Red Sox. How they do in the month of October will definitely affect our Trivia Nights. I will keep you all posted at the Facebook group, as well on the Trivia email list, and here at my blog. I hope to see you all again soon. And Go Red Sox!!

Trivia Q&A: October 2

We had a bit of a rowdy crowd in for Trivia on Tuesday night, as 16 teams took part and everyone seemed to enjoy the night. It was also great to see a couple of old friends back that I hadn't seen in a while, former Trivia regular Rob surprised me as he came in with his friend Marie, and my old friend Larry came in, as he's a baseball writer and had a off night. Thanks to both of you for coming out.

It was another night that the boys from DIMS won the night, as they led from the second round on. The October Trivia turned about to be a tough round, as most of the scores were on the lower side. But most folks rebounded in the IQ Trivia round, with DIMS taking the night with 48 points. Congrats to Ken, Darek and Michael on their victory.

Second place went to Too Far Overboard with 42 points, and third place went to Get Your Lindsay Lohands Off Me! (who also won for Best Team Name) with 41 points.

Current Events
1. A 1956 Ford Thunderbird owned by what legendary late actress will be put up for auction in Los Angeles in November, and is expected to be sold for $500,000?
2. Stefan Lofven, the prime minister of what European country, received a no-confidence vote by the nation's parliament, and was thus ousted as the country's leader?
3. What US state's senate voted to "declare an emergency" to preserve the state's 20 native languages last Wednesday?
4. More than 800 people were killed when a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck what Asian country and caused a devastating tsunami?
5. What Oscar-winning actor/director just completed 30 days in rehab last week for alcohol addiction, and this was the third stint in rehab?
6. Marty Balin, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and singer and guitarist for what 1960s rock band, died last Thirsday at the age of 76?
7. What controversial actress was punched in the face after accusing refugee parents in Moscow of trafficking their kids and shared video of it on social media?

 October Trivia
1. October 18th marks the anniversary of the American flag being raised over what newly acquired territory in 1867?
2. In the ancient Roman calendar, what number month is October?
3. "The October Revolution" took place in what country in the early 20th century?
4. Name 1 of the 2 gemstones associated with the month of October.
5. What superstar rock band's second album in 1981 was entitled "October"?
6. "The October Surprise" conspiracy theory refers to an alleged plot to influence the outcome of a presidential back in what year?
7. In October 1975, Muhammad Ali famously fought the "Thrilla In Manila" against what former heavyweight champion?

The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. More US presidents have been born in October than any other month.
2. Indira Gandhi, India's prime minister in the early 1980s, was the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi.
3. Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" is still the best selling album all-time in the US.
4. The wreck of the Titanic was discovered in 1985 by a team led by Dr. Robert Ballard.
5. The first Summer Olympics in Asia were held in Seoul, South Korea in 1988.
6. If you cry in space, the tears just stick to your face.
7. Approximately 25% of all human bones are in the feet.
8. A heptagon is a shape with seven sides.
9. The US has the most post offices in the world.
10. Coal mining is the most dangerous job in the world as of 2017.

General Knowledge
1. The first modern Olympics were held in 1896 in what country? ( 1 pt)
2. The infamous Salem Witch Trials took place in what US state? ( 1 pt)
3. The Great Red Spot is located where? ( 1 pt)
4. What classical composer created the "Moonlight Sonata"? ( 2 pt)
5. A icosagon is a shape with how many sides? ( 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. Who is the only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice? ( 5 points)
3. In 2004, who became the oldest director to win an Oscar for Best Director? ( 3 points)
4. Braunau am Inn, Austria is the birthplace for what famous person? ( 4 points)
5. 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? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Marilyn Monroe; 2. Sweden; 3. Alaska; 4. Indonesia; 5. Ben Affleck; 6. Jefferson Airplane; 7. Lindsay Lohan.

October Trivia
1. Alaska; 2. eight; 3. Russia; 4. Opal and Tourmaline; 5. U2; 6. 1980; 7. Joe Frazier.

The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. True; 2. false, they were unrelated; 3. false, The Eagles Greatest Hits is now number one; 4. true; 5. false, Tokyo (1964); 6. true; 7. true; 8. true; 9. false, India; 10. false, logging is most dangerous.

General Knowledge
1. Greece; 2. Massachusetts; 3. Jupiter; 4. Beethoven; 5. 20; 6. Cambodia; 7. Ukraine.

IQ Trivia
1. Naples; 2. Marie Curie; 3. Clint Eastwood; 4. Adolf Hitler; 5. Brad Pitt.

October Trivia Up This Week

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, October 2nd at 8:30 PM, with "October Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions connected to the month of October in some way, shape or form. The Q Train lightning round will be "True or False Trivia."

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 in what country?"

I will also be making a special announcement about Trivia over the next few weeks tomorrow night.

Looking forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night for yet another great night of Trivia Q&A!

Trivia Q&A: September 25

The rainy weather kept the crowds down last night at Professor Thom's last night, as 8 teams took part in the Trivia. I made two errors last night, as it was pointed out to me that in the "Classic Novels of the 20th Century" round, I listed "Angela's Ashes" as one of the choices, but that is actually a memoir and not a novel, but we kept it in anyway. (Don't know how that slipped by me!) And the other was the question about the "island nation" in General Knowledge round and the answer was Bermuda, but it was pointed out that technically Bermuda is not a nation or sovereign state but an island territory of the UK. So because the question was a bit vague, I tossed it out and gave everyone three points for the question. The Mighty Quinn regrets the errors!

It was another night for the guys from DIMS, as they led throughout the night, and went into the winners circle with 44 points. Second place went to Iron Bank with 36 points, and third place went to Return of the Djoubooties! (Nice job, Jack, Joel and Glenn!) with 34 points.

Best Team Name: Our Best Player is on a Hinge Date

I'll have a special announcement coming next week about the Trivia Nights coming in October, as the Red Sox postseason may interfere with our Trivia Night. See you next week!

Current Events
1. Eliud Kipchoge set a new world record for the marathon last week with a 2:01:39 win at the marathon in what European capital city?
2. What TV show won the Best Drama Series for the third straight year at last week's Emmy Awards?
3. What American pop group was selected to headline the halftime show at Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta this coming February?
4. An independent investigation released last week revealed numerous incidents of workplace misconduct within what NBA organization and the team's owner agreed to contribute $10 million to various women's causes?
5. Kimberly Thompson, former drummer for what R&B female singer, filed a restraining order against the singer, claiming that she "practices extreme witchcraft" and harasses her with "magic spells of sexual molestation"?
6. What nation successfully landed two hopping rovers on an asteroid called Ryugu last Friday?
7. Michael Ketterer, who finished fifth overall this season on what network reality series, was arrested the day after the show's finale on a charge of domestic violence against his wife?

2000s TV Trivia
1. What 2000s TV sitcom was set in the fictional town of Point Place, WI?
2. What was the name of the American president Martin Sheen portrayed on the TV series "The West Wing?"
3. Before his star turn as Walter White, what 2000s sitcom did Bryan Cranston star in?
4. What 2000s TV character was estimated to have "killed" over 260 people personally during the run of the show he appeared on?
5. What TV series' 2004 finale was the single most watched entertainment telecast in the decade of the 2000s?
6. What movie actor was famously murdered on the TV series "The Sopranos" by Tony Soprano with a 12-gauge shotgun in 2004?
7. Ending in 2010, what TV drama was the longest-running crime drama and the second-longest running drama series in the history of American TV?

The Q Train: Classic Novels of the 20th Century
1. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone (J.K. Rowling)
2. The Color Purple (Alice Walker)
3. Angela's Ashes (Frank McCourt)
4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey)
5. 1984 (George Orwell)
6. Beloved (Toni Morrison)
7. To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
8. The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
9. The Godfather (Mario Puzo)
10. The Shining (Stephen King)

General Knowledge
1. Charlie Sheen was fired in 2011 from what TV show after his infamous meltdown? ( 1 pt)
2. In 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics relocated and became what NBA team? ( 1 pt)
3. What 2013 sequel film was subtitled "Catching Fire?" ( 1 pt)
4. On what modern continent did the Tyrannosaurus Rex live? ( 2 pt)
5. What is the largest country in Africa in area? ( 2 pt)
6. The Queen's Gambit is one of the oldest openings in what game? ( 2 pt)
7. According to Expatistan.com, as of September 2018, what island nation has the highest cost of living in the world? (3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What is the only majority Roman Catholic country in Asia? ( 4 points)
2. The tallest man-made structure in North America can be found in what US state? ( 5 points)
3. What year in the mid-21st Century will Halley's Comet make its next appearance? ( 4 points)
4. Who is the only artist to win an Oscar for a theme song to a James Bond film? ( 3 points)
5. What legendary Oscar-winning actor was infamously shot in the back by Bruce Dern in the 1972 film "The Cowboys", which Dern received death threats in real life for having done so? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Berlin; 2. "Game of Thrones;" 3. Maroon 5; 4. Dallas Mavericks; 5. Beyonce; 6. Japan; 7. "America's Got Talent."

2000s TV Trivia
1. "That '70s Show;" 2. Josiah Bartlet; 3. "Malcolm in the Middle;" 4. Jack Bauer; 5. "Friends;" 6. Steve Buscemi; 7. "Law and Order."

The Q Train: Classic Novels of the 20th Century
1. 1990s (1997); 2. 1980s (1982); 3. 1990s (1996); 4. 1960s (1962); 5. 1940s (1948); 6. 1980s (1987); 7. 1960s (1960); 8. 1920s (1925); 9. 1960s (1969); 10. 1970s (1977).

General Knowledge
1. "Two and a Half Men;" 2. Oklahoma City Thunder; 3. "The Hunger Games;" 4. North America; 5. Algeria; 6. chess; 7. Bermuda.

IQ Trivia
1. The Philippines; 2. North Dakota;  3. 2061; 4. Adele; 5. John Wayne.

20th Century Novels & 21st Century TV This Week

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, September 25th at 8:30 PM, with "2000s TV Trivia" as the Special Category. We did "1990s TV Trivia" last week and that went really well, so let's move up another decade! I will ask you seven questions connected to TV from the first decade of the 21st Century. The Q Train lightning round will be "20th Century Novels Trivia." I will give you the names of ten very well-known novels of the last century and their authors, and you have to tell me in what decade it was originally published.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Charlie Sheen was fired in 2011 from what from what TV show after his infamous meltdown?"

I look forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night for another great edition of Trivia!

Trivia Q&A: September 18

We had a nice turnout last night for Trivia, as 15 teams turned out on a night there was also a Red Sox-Yankees game on, so that brought out more folks, many of whom joined in on the Trivia. It was a close fight to the finish, with the top four teams divided by just three points. But the team of If You Can't Drink & Drive, Why Do You Need a Driver's License to Buy Beer? held on and won with 47 points. (They also pulled off the double, also winning Best Team Name.) Congratulations to Travis and his team on their first ever Trivia Night victory.

DIMS finished in second place with 45 points, and third place went to Trump University Office of Financial Aid with 44 points.

Current Events
1. Ron DeSantis, a Republican Congressman, resigned from Congress last week so he focus on his campaign for governor of what US state?
2. Nia Franklin of what US state was named Miss America 2019 last week?
3. Jeff Fager, the executive producer of what longtime network program, was fired by CBS after allegations of inappropriately touching people and enabling a culture of harassment?
4. What Oscar-nominated actor/musician was ranked number 1 on the Hollywood Reporter's list of Top Actors chart, based on data from social media outlets?
5. Jair Bolsonaro, a candidate for president in what South American country, was attacked and stabbed recently while campaigning and survived the attack?
6. What sci-fi movie reboot grossed over $24 million at the box office this past weekend to become the number 1 film in the US?
7. What rock superstar earned his first number 1 album in over 36 years on the Billboard 200 Chart with his newest album released earlier this month?

1990s TV Trivia
1. "Bad Boys" is the theme song to what reality-based 1990s TV show?
2. "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" was the original name of what 1990s TV sitcom?
3. "Rugrats", "Doug" and what other hit show all premiered on Nickelodeon on the same day in 1991?
4. Walter Skinner was one of the main characters in what 1990s Fox drama series?
5. "The Drew Carey Show" was set in what American city?
6. On "The Simpsons", who shot Mr. Burns?
7. What comedy series debuted in the 1990s and ran for the longest number of TV seasons?

The Q Train: Famous US Immigrants
1. Dave Matthews
2. Rhianna
3. Rupert Murdoch
4. Mariano Rivera
5. Irving Berlin
6. Alex Trebek
7. Albert Einstein
8. Arnold Schwarzenegger
9. Gloria Estefan
10. Patrick Ewing

General Knowledge
1. What sign of the Zodiac comes last alphabetically? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the first element on the Periodic Table? ( 1 pt)
3. In 1995, what was the first ever Pixar film? ( 1 pt)
4. Liev Schreiber stars on what current Showtime TV series? ( 2 pt)
5. What country has the largest Muslim population? ( 2 pt)
6. What is the windiest planet in the solar system? ( 2 pt)
7. In 2017, what South American country became the first country to legalize recreational marijuana? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What 2004 film is the highest grossing religious film of all-time? ( 4 points)
2. In 2001, what artist wore the infamous swan dress to the Academy Awards ceremony? ( 4 points)
3. At the end of 2017, who topped the list of Forbes for the richest person in the world? ( 3 points)
4. What 20th Century US president is the only one to have a Ph.D.? ( 4 points)
5. First introduced in 1984, what is the top-selling video game of all-time? ( 5 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Florida; 2. New York; 3. "60 Minutes;" 4. Will Smith; 5. Brazil; 6. "The Predator;" 7. Paul McCartney.

1990s TV Trivia
1. "Cops;" 2. "Saved By the Bell;" 3. "Ren & Stimpy;" 4. "The X-Files;" 5. Cleveland; 6. Maggie Simpson; 7. "Frasier" (11).

The Q Train: Famous US Immigrants
1. South Africa; 2. Barbados; 3. Australia; 4. Panama; 5. Russia; 6. Canada; 7. Germany; 8. Austria; 9. Cuba; 10. Jamaica.

General Knowledge
1. Virgo; 2. hydrogen; 3. "Toy Story;" 4. "Ray Donovan;" 5. Indonesia; 6. Neptune; 7. Uruguay.

IQ Trivia
1. "The Passion of the Christ;" 2. Bjork; 3. Jeff Bezos; 4. Woodrow Wilson; 7. Tetris.