We had a terrific turnout on Tuesday night, with 18 teams in, and a very raucous Trivia crowd at that. Everybody was really into it, and the scores reflected that. We had a four-way tie going into the IQ Trivia round, and I don't believe that has ever happened before. But the team of Admiral Crunch pulled out the victory, as they got 4 of 5 correct in the round to win it all, with 46 points. Congrats to them on their first ever Tuesday Night Trivia victory.
Second place went to DIMSUM with 43 points, and third place went to Mike Pence's Gay Wet Dream (who jumped over a whole bunch of teams by also getting 4 of 5 correct at the end) with 39 points.
Best Team Name: You May Run Like Mays, But You Hit Like Shit
Current Events
1. What man was listed number one on the recent controversial list ESPN the Magazine published "The Dominant 20", the most dominant athletes of the last 20 years?
2. Charles Lazarus, who founded what retail chain in 1948 and remained as CEO until 1994, died last Thursday at the age of 94?
3. President Trump named former UN ambassador John Bolton to what cabinet position last Friday?
4. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, president of what South American country, resigned last week over a corruption scandal, and is the third president from that country to resign?
5. What comedienne cursed out Jimmy Kimmel on his late night TV show last week when he brought up Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton to her?
6. The US Postal Service released a stamp honoring what legendary children's TV host last Friday?
7. Wayne Huizenga, an entrepreneur who owned Blockbuster Video, died last week at the age of 80. He also owned three pro sports teams in three different sports, all based in what US city?
MLB Trivia
1. How many teams did Babe Ruth play for his storied MLB career? a. 1; b. 2; c. 3; d. 4.
2. Who did the New York Yankees defeat in 2009 to win their last World Series? a. Atlanta Braves; b. Philadelphia Phillies; c. New York Mets; d. Chicago Cubs.
3. How many teams currently play their home games in Canada? a. 0; b. 1; c. 2; d. 3.
4. Who was the last man to bat .400 in an MLB season? a. Joe DiMaggio; b. Tony Gwynn; c. Ichiro Suzuki; d. Ted Williams.
5. Which of the following teams have never won a World Series? a. Colorado Rockies; b. Arizona Diamondbacks; c. Toronto Blue Jays; d. Kansas City Royals.
6. Who is the only player to have his number retired throughtout MLB? a. Babe Ruth; b. Jackie Robinson; c. Roberto Clemente; d. Ty Cobb.
7. Who is the only team to come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a postseason series in 7 games? a. Atlanta Braves; b. New York Mets; c. Chicago Cubs; d. Boston Red Sox.
The Q Train: Current TV Characters Trivia
1. Olivia Pope
2. Dana Scully
3. Jay Pritchett
4. Lt. Olivia Benson
5. Bobby Axelrod
6. Frank Reagan
7. Howard Silk
8. Sheldon Cooper
9. Elzabeth Jennings
10. Jon Snow
General Knowledge
1. What US state is known as the Volunteer State? ( 1 pt)
2. What two countries share the longest undefended border? ( 1 pt)
3. For what month is emerald the birthstone? ( 1 pt)
4. What is the most used letter in the English language? (2 pt)
5. Since 1998, William Shatner has been the TV spokesman for what website? ( 2 pt)
6. What US cabinet department oversees the US Park Service? ( 2 pt)
7. What reality TV star holds the record for the most liked post ever on Instagram earlier this year? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. Mt. Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe, is located in what country? ( 4 points)
2. What 1950s Oscar-winning actress was the first actress ever to appear on a US postage stamp? ( 4 points)
3. What does the letter "E" stand for in the name of the family restaurant Chuck E. Cheese? ( 5 points)
4. What rock star won his only Grammy in 1992 with the song "I Do It For You" from the film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves?" ( 3 points)
5. The popular drink ouzo can only be produced in Greece and what other country? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Tiger Woods; 2. Toys "R' Us; 3. National Security Adviser; 4. Peru; 5. Roseanne Barr; 6. Mister Rogers; 7. Miami.
MLB Trivia
1. c; 2. b; 3. b; 4. d; 5. a; 6. b; 7. d.
The Q Train: Current TV Characters Trivia
1. Scandal; 2. The X-Files; 3. Modern Family; 4. Law & Order SVU; 5. Billions; 6. Blue Bloods; 7. Counterpart; 8. The Big Bang Theory; 9. The Americans; 10. Game of Thrones.
General Knowledge
1. Tennessee; 2. Us and Canada; 3. May; 4. E; 5. Priceline; 6. Dept. of the Interior; 7. Kylie Jenner.
IQ Trivia
1. Russia; 2. Grace Kelly; 3. Entertainment; 4. Bryan Adams; 5. Cyprus.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Monday, March 26, 2018
Spring Is Here As We Honor Opening Day
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What US state is known as the Volunteer State?"
I look forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday night for another great night of Trivia Q&A!
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Trivia Q&A: March 20
We had 12 teams in on Tuesday night, on the night before another storm hits New York (and really glad we moved Trivia over from Wednesday, as I doubt we'd be able to do it tonight!). I was also suffering from a lousy head cold last night, but fortunately got through the night unscathed!
We had another one of those "fantastic finishes" to the end, with four teams at the top with just two points between them. But it was the team of Snocos, who ran the table in the IQ Trivia round (the only team who did so), and wound up with 52 points and their first ever win. They were also one of those rare teams that was in first place the entire night and got the win. Congratulations guys!
Second place went to Yay For Spring with 49 points, and third place went to Dimlet with 47 points.
Best Team Name: Sister Jean's Trivia Team to the Sweet 16
Current Events
1. What nation expelled 23 diplomats from Russia last week and severed high level contacts after the nation's leader believed the Russians poisoned a former spy?
2. What airline issued an apology last week after a French bulldog puppy was put in an overhead bin and died during a flight last Monday?
3. Louise Slaughter, a Congresswoman representing what US state for 31 years, died last week after she recently suffered a head injury in her Washington DC home?
4. Jeff Flake, the retiring US senator from what US state, last week hinted he might challenge President Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2020?
5. The rep for what Oscar-winning actor denied published reports that the actor was moving himself and his family to Australia to "escape" from President Trump?
6. Tom Benson, a businessman and NFL team owner, died last Thursday at the age of 90. What team did he own, one that won its first and only Super Bowl in 2010?
7. What pop singer is currently embroiled in a legal battle over her purchase of a Los Angeles convent in 2015, and a nun in the fight over it collapsed and died last week at a court appearance about the dispute?
March Trivia
1. The birthstone for March is: a. garnet; b. amethyst; c. aquamarine; d. diamond.
2. Which of the following events always occurs in March? a. Black Month Month; b. Women's History Month; c. Daytona 500; d. National Poetry Month.
3. What happened to Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 BC? a. He crossed the Rubicon River; b. He was elected "Pontiflex Maximus"; d. He was murdered.
4. On March 27, 1964, what was the big news story in Alaska? a. Alaska becomes the 49th state; b. an 8.3 earthquake rattled the state; c. Alaska Pipeline was completed; d. Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred.
5. How many national holidays are there in March? a. none; b. 1; c. 2; d. 3.
6. In March 1976, Patty Hearst was convicted on which charge? a. kidnapping; b. drug possession; d. conspiracy to overthrow the government.
7. What year did the NCAA March Madness tournament expand to the 64-team format? a. 1979; b. 1985; c. 1990; d. 1996.
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. The novel "Dr. Zhivago" chronicles life in Russia during the first half of the 20th century.
2. Zachary Taylor was the first US president to die in office.
3. The state of Florida is located in two different time zones.
4. Painter Cassius Coolidge is best known for his paintings of dogs playing poker.
5. In Robert Lewis Stevenson's book, the first names of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are actually Thomas and Robert.
6. The month of December has consistently shown to have the highest suicide rate.
7. Iron is the most used metal in the world today.
8. Hamlet commits suicide in Shakespeare's famous play.
9. India has the most post offices in the world.
10. North Dakota is the only US state that borders three Canadian provinces.
General Knowledge
1. Fashion tradition says that white shouldn't be worn afterr what holiday? ( 1 pt)
2. What actor played Walter White on the hit AMC series "Breaking Bad?" ( 1 pt)
3. Fireworks were invented in what country? ( 1 pt)
4. In what southern state did the first Walmart open in 1962? ( 2 pt)
5. What state has the most shark attacks per year? ( 2 pt)
6. What iconic 1970s rock band first came together as backup musicians for Linda Ronstadt? ( 2 pt)
7. What video game company was originally founded as a producer of playing cards? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. George Clooney won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2005 for what film? ( 3 points)
2. What is the southernmost capital city in the world? ( 5 points)
3. What New England university is named for the first Jewish US Supreme Court justice? ( 4 points)
4. Mark and David Knopfler were brothers who formed what 1980s rock band? ( 4 points)
5. What is the longest river in the world that doesn't have any bridges crossing it? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. United Kingdom; 2. United; 3. New York; 4. Arizona; 5. Matt Damon; 6. New Orleans Saints; 7. Katy Perry.
March Trivia
1. c; 2. b; 3. d; 4. b; 5. a; 6. c; 7. b.
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. True; 2. false, William Henry Harrison; 3. true; 4. true; 5. false, Henry and Edward; 6. false, June; 7. true; 8. false, stabbed to death; 9. true; 10. false, Montana.
General Knowledge
1. Labor Day; 2. Bryan Cranston; 3. China; 4. Arkansas; 5. Florida; 6. The Eagles; 7. Nintendo.
IQ Trivia
1. "Syriana;" 2. Wellington, NZ; 3. Brandeis; 4. Dire Straits; 5. Amazon.
We had another one of those "fantastic finishes" to the end, with four teams at the top with just two points between them. But it was the team of Snocos, who ran the table in the IQ Trivia round (the only team who did so), and wound up with 52 points and their first ever win. They were also one of those rare teams that was in first place the entire night and got the win. Congratulations guys!
Second place went to Yay For Spring with 49 points, and third place went to Dimlet with 47 points.
Best Team Name: Sister Jean's Trivia Team to the Sweet 16
Current Events
1. What nation expelled 23 diplomats from Russia last week and severed high level contacts after the nation's leader believed the Russians poisoned a former spy?
2. What airline issued an apology last week after a French bulldog puppy was put in an overhead bin and died during a flight last Monday?
3. Louise Slaughter, a Congresswoman representing what US state for 31 years, died last week after she recently suffered a head injury in her Washington DC home?
4. Jeff Flake, the retiring US senator from what US state, last week hinted he might challenge President Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2020?
5. The rep for what Oscar-winning actor denied published reports that the actor was moving himself and his family to Australia to "escape" from President Trump?
6. Tom Benson, a businessman and NFL team owner, died last Thursday at the age of 90. What team did he own, one that won its first and only Super Bowl in 2010?
7. What pop singer is currently embroiled in a legal battle over her purchase of a Los Angeles convent in 2015, and a nun in the fight over it collapsed and died last week at a court appearance about the dispute?
March Trivia
1. The birthstone for March is: a. garnet; b. amethyst; c. aquamarine; d. diamond.
2. Which of the following events always occurs in March? a. Black Month Month; b. Women's History Month; c. Daytona 500; d. National Poetry Month.
3. What happened to Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 BC? a. He crossed the Rubicon River; b. He was elected "Pontiflex Maximus"; d. He was murdered.
4. On March 27, 1964, what was the big news story in Alaska? a. Alaska becomes the 49th state; b. an 8.3 earthquake rattled the state; c. Alaska Pipeline was completed; d. Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred.
5. How many national holidays are there in March? a. none; b. 1; c. 2; d. 3.
6. In March 1976, Patty Hearst was convicted on which charge? a. kidnapping; b. drug possession; d. conspiracy to overthrow the government.
7. What year did the NCAA March Madness tournament expand to the 64-team format? a. 1979; b. 1985; c. 1990; d. 1996.
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. The novel "Dr. Zhivago" chronicles life in Russia during the first half of the 20th century.
2. Zachary Taylor was the first US president to die in office.
3. The state of Florida is located in two different time zones.
4. Painter Cassius Coolidge is best known for his paintings of dogs playing poker.
5. In Robert Lewis Stevenson's book, the first names of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are actually Thomas and Robert.
6. The month of December has consistently shown to have the highest suicide rate.
7. Iron is the most used metal in the world today.
8. Hamlet commits suicide in Shakespeare's famous play.
9. India has the most post offices in the world.
10. North Dakota is the only US state that borders three Canadian provinces.
General Knowledge
1. Fashion tradition says that white shouldn't be worn afterr what holiday? ( 1 pt)
2. What actor played Walter White on the hit AMC series "Breaking Bad?" ( 1 pt)
3. Fireworks were invented in what country? ( 1 pt)
4. In what southern state did the first Walmart open in 1962? ( 2 pt)
5. What state has the most shark attacks per year? ( 2 pt)
6. What iconic 1970s rock band first came together as backup musicians for Linda Ronstadt? ( 2 pt)
7. What video game company was originally founded as a producer of playing cards? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. George Clooney won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2005 for what film? ( 3 points)
2. What is the southernmost capital city in the world? ( 5 points)
3. What New England university is named for the first Jewish US Supreme Court justice? ( 4 points)
4. Mark and David Knopfler were brothers who formed what 1980s rock band? ( 4 points)
5. What is the longest river in the world that doesn't have any bridges crossing it? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. United Kingdom; 2. United; 3. New York; 4. Arizona; 5. Matt Damon; 6. New Orleans Saints; 7. Katy Perry.
March Trivia
1. c; 2. b; 3. d; 4. b; 5. a; 6. c; 7. b.
The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. True; 2. false, William Henry Harrison; 3. true; 4. true; 5. false, Henry and Edward; 6. false, June; 7. true; 8. false, stabbed to death; 9. true; 10. false, Montana.
General Knowledge
1. Labor Day; 2. Bryan Cranston; 3. China; 4. Arkansas; 5. Florida; 6. The Eagles; 7. Nintendo.
IQ Trivia
1. "Syriana;" 2. Wellington, NZ; 3. Brandeis; 4. Dire Straits; 5. Amazon.
Monday, March 19, 2018
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Month of March Trivia
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Fashion tradition says that white shouldn't be worn after what holiday?"
I look forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday night for a great night of Trivia Q&A!
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Trivia Q&A: March 13
We had 13 teams in for Trivia on Tuesday night, and we had another close race to the finish. The top four teams were separated by just two points going into IQ Trivia, so it was anyone's Trivia Night to win. But it was Diminished (Ken from DIMS flying solo again), who ran the table in the final round and wound up winning the night with 50 points. Congrats to him on another great win. Second place went to Free Lappland with 42 points, and Dublin Our Usual Score (who won for Best Team Name) finished third with 41 points.
Current Events
1. Sir Roger Bannister, a distinguished British neurologist, died last week at the age of 88. But he gained immortality in 1954 by being the first man to accomplish what athletic feat?
2. What southern US state's Senate recently approved a bill to keep Daylight Savings Time going throughout the year, joining two other states that don't observe the time changes?
3. The US Holocaust Museum retracted an award it gave to Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of what Asian nation, for failing to condemn her military's campaign against the country's Muslims?
4. The creator of what 2000s TV series announced last week that he is planning a prequel film to be shot later this year?
5. What retail chain is making preparations for a liquidation of its bankrupt US operations after failing to find a buyer or reaching a debt restructuring deal with lenders?
6. What ABC personality called Vice President Pence and apologized to him after she made recent comments mocking his Christian faith?
7. What soft drink company announced they will produce their first ever alcoholic beverage, to be sold only in Japan?
Ireland Trivia
1. Which Irish saint is said to have explored America 1000 years before Columbus? a. Finbar; b. Patrick; c. Thomas; d. Brendan.
2. What is Ireland's second largest city after Dublin in population? a. Cork; b. Limerick; c. Galway; d. Waterford.
3. In terms of fan attendance, what is Ireland's most popular team sport? a. soccer; b. Gaelic football; c. hurling; d. rugby.
4. Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. are members of what Irish rock band? a. The Pogues; b. Black 47; c. U2; d. Thin Lizzy.
5. During which major holiday did the 1916 uprising in Ireland against Great Britain take place? a. Christmas; b. Easter; c. New Year's; d. Queen's Birthday.
6. What movie, set in Ireland, won an Oscar in 1992 for Neil Jordan's screenplay? a. In the Name of the Father; b. Far and Away; c. The Commitments; d. The Crying Game.
7. Which Irish-born actor played James Bond? a. Sean Connery; b. Timothy Dalton; c. Daniel Craig; d. Pierce Brosnan.
The Q Train: 10-100 Trivia
1. On the TV series "Seinfeld", George Costanza wanted to give his first-born son this number for a first name.
2. Pearl Jam and LL Cool J both had this number for an album title.
3. LeBron James wore this number when he played for the Miami Heat.
4. This is the atomic number of helium.
5. In the Book of Revelation, there were this many "Horsemen of the Apocalypse."
6. In baseball, this many innings have to be played at minimum for a game to be official.
7. Gemini is this number sign of the Zodiac.
8. This number of judges sit on the US Supreme Court.
9. An octogon has this number of sides.
10. The only players in soccer and hockey who can wear this number are goalkeepers.
General Knowledge
1. What city does Ron Burgundy, in the film "Anchorman", remind to "stay classy?" ( 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. Between the letters "J", "X" and "W", which tile is worth the least in a game of Scrabble? ( 2 pt)
5. In 2014, what actress from the TV show "Glee" released an album called "Louder?" ( 2 pt)
6. What American city has the busiest cruise port in the world? ( 2 pt)
7. The earth's lowest elevation on dry land is on the shore of what body of water? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The medical condition known as myopia is better known by what name? ( 3 points)
2. What soap opera, which left the air in 2009, holds the record as the longest-running scripted program in the history of American broadcasting, 72 years? ( 5 points)
3. According to Netflix, what film starring Sandra Bullock is their most rented DVD of all-time? ( 4 points)
4. For its 125th anniversary in 2014, what European landmark installed a glass floor 187 feet off the ground? ( 4 points)
5. "How the Solar System Was Won" was the working title for what classic 1968 sci-fi film? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Ran the mile in under four minutes; 2. Florida; 3. Myanmar; 4. "The Sopranos;" 5. Toys 'R' Us; 6. Joy Behar; 7. Coca-Cola.
Ireland Trivia
1. d; 2. a; 3. b; 4. c; 5. b; 6. d; 7. d.
The Q Train: 10-100 Trivia
1. 7; 2. 10; 3. 6; 4. 2; 5. 4; 6. 5; 7. 3; 8. 9; 9. 8; 10. 1.
General Knowledge
1. San Diego; 2. Savannah; 3. $20 bill; 4. W; 5. Lea Michelle; 6. Miami; 7. Dead Sea.
IQ Trivia
1. Nearsightedness; 2. "The Guiding Light;" 3. "The Blind Side"; 4. Eiffel Tower; 5. "2001: A Space Odyssey."
Current Events
1. Sir Roger Bannister, a distinguished British neurologist, died last week at the age of 88. But he gained immortality in 1954 by being the first man to accomplish what athletic feat?
2. What southern US state's Senate recently approved a bill to keep Daylight Savings Time going throughout the year, joining two other states that don't observe the time changes?
3. The US Holocaust Museum retracted an award it gave to Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of what Asian nation, for failing to condemn her military's campaign against the country's Muslims?
4. The creator of what 2000s TV series announced last week that he is planning a prequel film to be shot later this year?
5. What retail chain is making preparations for a liquidation of its bankrupt US operations after failing to find a buyer or reaching a debt restructuring deal with lenders?
6. What ABC personality called Vice President Pence and apologized to him after she made recent comments mocking his Christian faith?
7. What soft drink company announced they will produce their first ever alcoholic beverage, to be sold only in Japan?
Ireland Trivia
1. Which Irish saint is said to have explored America 1000 years before Columbus? a. Finbar; b. Patrick; c. Thomas; d. Brendan.
2. What is Ireland's second largest city after Dublin in population? a. Cork; b. Limerick; c. Galway; d. Waterford.
3. In terms of fan attendance, what is Ireland's most popular team sport? a. soccer; b. Gaelic football; c. hurling; d. rugby.
4. Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. are members of what Irish rock band? a. The Pogues; b. Black 47; c. U2; d. Thin Lizzy.
5. During which major holiday did the 1916 uprising in Ireland against Great Britain take place? a. Christmas; b. Easter; c. New Year's; d. Queen's Birthday.
6. What movie, set in Ireland, won an Oscar in 1992 for Neil Jordan's screenplay? a. In the Name of the Father; b. Far and Away; c. The Commitments; d. The Crying Game.
7. Which Irish-born actor played James Bond? a. Sean Connery; b. Timothy Dalton; c. Daniel Craig; d. Pierce Brosnan.
The Q Train: 10-100 Trivia
1. On the TV series "Seinfeld", George Costanza wanted to give his first-born son this number for a first name.
2. Pearl Jam and LL Cool J both had this number for an album title.
3. LeBron James wore this number when he played for the Miami Heat.
4. This is the atomic number of helium.
5. In the Book of Revelation, there were this many "Horsemen of the Apocalypse."
6. In baseball, this many innings have to be played at minimum for a game to be official.
7. Gemini is this number sign of the Zodiac.
8. This number of judges sit on the US Supreme Court.
9. An octogon has this number of sides.
10. The only players in soccer and hockey who can wear this number are goalkeepers.
General Knowledge
1. What city does Ron Burgundy, in the film "Anchorman", remind to "stay classy?" ( 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. Between the letters "J", "X" and "W", which tile is worth the least in a game of Scrabble? ( 2 pt)
5. In 2014, what actress from the TV show "Glee" released an album called "Louder?" ( 2 pt)
6. What American city has the busiest cruise port in the world? ( 2 pt)
7. The earth's lowest elevation on dry land is on the shore of what body of water? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The medical condition known as myopia is better known by what name? ( 3 points)
2. What soap opera, which left the air in 2009, holds the record as the longest-running scripted program in the history of American broadcasting, 72 years? ( 5 points)
3. According to Netflix, what film starring Sandra Bullock is their most rented DVD of all-time? ( 4 points)
4. For its 125th anniversary in 2014, what European landmark installed a glass floor 187 feet off the ground? ( 4 points)
5. "How the Solar System Was Won" was the working title for what classic 1968 sci-fi film? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Ran the mile in under four minutes; 2. Florida; 3. Myanmar; 4. "The Sopranos;" 5. Toys 'R' Us; 6. Joy Behar; 7. Coca-Cola.
Ireland Trivia
1. d; 2. a; 3. b; 4. c; 5. b; 6. d; 7. d.
The Q Train: 10-100 Trivia
1. 7; 2. 10; 3. 6; 4. 2; 5. 4; 6. 5; 7. 3; 8. 9; 9. 8; 10. 1.
General Knowledge
1. San Diego; 2. Savannah; 3. $20 bill; 4. W; 5. Lea Michelle; 6. Miami; 7. Dead Sea.
IQ Trivia
1. Nearsightedness; 2. "The Guiding Light;" 3. "The Blind Side"; 4. Eiffel Tower; 5. "2001: A Space Odyssey."
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Happy Anniversary...To Me
I don't write too much about the Red Sox these days, just on occasion. I dedicate most of the blog today to my Trivia Night, and that is always fun to do.
I want to thank all of you for the ongoing support here, and wish all of you readers the best always.
Monday, March 12, 2018
Celebrating the Emerald Isle Tomorrow
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What coastal Georgia city is the birthplace to the Girl Scouts?"
I look forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday night for another terrific night of Trivia!
Wednesday, March 07, 2018
Trivia Q&A: March 6
We had 12 teams in at Professor Thom's on the night before the storm for Trivia. We had three teams running neck-and-neck going into IQ Trivia, and an unusual five teams tied for fourth heading into that round, so it was anybody's night to win. But the team of You Pick Something that emerged victorious, running the table in the final round, and winning with 48 points. Congrats once again to Bob and Cato on another terrific win.
Second place was actually a tie between the teams of #Bud Lights Matter and Dimwit (Ken from DIMS solo last night), both had 44 points. I asked a tie-breaker question: "As of 2017, what is the population of the state of Florida?" Dimwit was closest to the answer (it was 20,980,000), and took second.
Best Team Name: Mighty Quinnter Weather Advisory
Current Events
1. What midwestern state was ranked number 1 in the US by a recent ranking in US News and World Report as the best state to live in through their strong infrastructure, health care and education?
2. What singer/actress revealed last week she cloned her dog twice for $50,000, in an interview with Variety magazine?
3. What rock superstar stormed off stage during a concert in Las Vegas last Thursday when fans who were invited on stage during one of his signature songs became unruly?
4. What actor, who has never won an Oscar, won his second Razzie award last weekend for Worst Actor in 2017 for the attempted reboot of the "Mummy" franchise?
5. Teachers from what US remained on strike this past week after the raises they negotiated with the governor was cut by the state Senate?
6. What sports star became the first person to win both a sporting championship and an Oscar last Sunday when his film won Best Animated Short Film?
7. Russ Solomon, who founded what Sacramento, CA-based retail chain giant that became a worldwide phenomenon but was liquidated in 2006, died last Sunday at the age of 92?
Florida Trivia
1. What is the largest city in Florida by population?
2. What country ceded Florida to the United States in 1819?
3. As of 2017, where in the top 10 is Florida ranked in overall population by state?
4. Ybor City is a neighborhood in what Florida city famous for its production of cigars?
5. What Florida city is the oldest European settlement in North America?
6. What is the largest island by area in the Florida keys?
7. What drink was first developed at the University of Florida in the 1960s?
The Q Train: 10-100 Trivia
1. Andrew Jackson appears on this US denomination bill.
2. This is the minimum age for a person to become a US Senator.
3. The number of thieves in the fictional adventure tale of Ali Baba.
4. The distance between home and first base in baseball is this number feet.
5. Capricorn is this number sign of the Zodiac.
6. The national speed limit in the UK is this number in MPH.
7. Wilt Chamberlain scored this record number of points in a 1962 NBA game.
8. The book of Genesis in the Bible contains this number of chapters.
9. The interstate highway number that connects New York and San Francisco.
10. The game of Chinese checkers contains this total number of pieces.
General Knowledge
1. What fast-food restaurant once had the slogan "Have it your way?" ( 1 pt)
2. Mark Cuban is the principal owner of what NBA team? ( 1 pt)
3. What is the most common pet in America today, with a total of 139 million owned? ( 1 pt)
4. The busiest airport in the world is found in what American city? ( 2 pt)
5. What country is the greatest exporter of coffee? ( 2 pt)
6. How many US states have a coastline that touches the Gulf of Mexico? ( 2 pt)
7. The flag of the European Union contains how many stars? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The only royal palace in the United States is located in what state? ( 3 points)
2. In terms of GDP, what world capital city is the richest city in the world? ( 5 points)
3. The tiny country of Liechtenstein has a total of nine Olympic medals in its history, and they are all in what winter sport? ( 4 points)
4. What 20th century US president is the only one to graduate from the US Naval Academy? ( 4 points)
5. The highest paid athlete in the world in 2016 earned $88 million playing what sport? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Iowa; 2. Barbra Streisand; 3. Elton John; 4. Tom Cruise; 5. West Virginia; 6. Kobe Bryant; 7. Tower Records.
Florida Trivia
1. Jacksonville; 2. Spain; 3. third; 4. Tampa; 5. St. Augustine; 6. Key Largo; 7. Gatorade.
The Q Train: 10-100 Trivia
1. 20; 2. 30; 3. 40; 4. 90; 5. 10; 6. 70; 7. 100; 8. 50; 9. 80; 10. 60.
General Knowledge
1. Burger King; 2. Dallas Mavericks; 3. fish; 4. Atlanta; 5. Brazil; 6. five; 7. twelve.
IQ Trivia
1. Hawaii; 2. Tokyo; 3. Alpine skiing; 4. Jimmy Carter; 5. soccer (Cristiano Ronaldo).
Second place was actually a tie between the teams of #Bud Lights Matter and Dimwit (Ken from DIMS solo last night), both had 44 points. I asked a tie-breaker question: "As of 2017, what is the population of the state of Florida?" Dimwit was closest to the answer (it was 20,980,000), and took second.
Best Team Name: Mighty Quinnter Weather Advisory
Current Events
1. What midwestern state was ranked number 1 in the US by a recent ranking in US News and World Report as the best state to live in through their strong infrastructure, health care and education?
2. What singer/actress revealed last week she cloned her dog twice for $50,000, in an interview with Variety magazine?
3. What rock superstar stormed off stage during a concert in Las Vegas last Thursday when fans who were invited on stage during one of his signature songs became unruly?
4. What actor, who has never won an Oscar, won his second Razzie award last weekend for Worst Actor in 2017 for the attempted reboot of the "Mummy" franchise?
5. Teachers from what US remained on strike this past week after the raises they negotiated with the governor was cut by the state Senate?
6. What sports star became the first person to win both a sporting championship and an Oscar last Sunday when his film won Best Animated Short Film?
7. Russ Solomon, who founded what Sacramento, CA-based retail chain giant that became a worldwide phenomenon but was liquidated in 2006, died last Sunday at the age of 92?
Florida Trivia
1. What is the largest city in Florida by population?
2. What country ceded Florida to the United States in 1819?
3. As of 2017, where in the top 10 is Florida ranked in overall population by state?
4. Ybor City is a neighborhood in what Florida city famous for its production of cigars?
5. What Florida city is the oldest European settlement in North America?
6. What is the largest island by area in the Florida keys?
7. What drink was first developed at the University of Florida in the 1960s?
The Q Train: 10-100 Trivia
1. Andrew Jackson appears on this US denomination bill.
2. This is the minimum age for a person to become a US Senator.
3. The number of thieves in the fictional adventure tale of Ali Baba.
4. The distance between home and first base in baseball is this number feet.
5. Capricorn is this number sign of the Zodiac.
6. The national speed limit in the UK is this number in MPH.
7. Wilt Chamberlain scored this record number of points in a 1962 NBA game.
8. The book of Genesis in the Bible contains this number of chapters.
9. The interstate highway number that connects New York and San Francisco.
10. The game of Chinese checkers contains this total number of pieces.
General Knowledge
1. What fast-food restaurant once had the slogan "Have it your way?" ( 1 pt)
2. Mark Cuban is the principal owner of what NBA team? ( 1 pt)
3. What is the most common pet in America today, with a total of 139 million owned? ( 1 pt)
4. The busiest airport in the world is found in what American city? ( 2 pt)
5. What country is the greatest exporter of coffee? ( 2 pt)
6. How many US states have a coastline that touches the Gulf of Mexico? ( 2 pt)
7. The flag of the European Union contains how many stars? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The only royal palace in the United States is located in what state? ( 3 points)
2. In terms of GDP, what world capital city is the richest city in the world? ( 5 points)
3. The tiny country of Liechtenstein has a total of nine Olympic medals in its history, and they are all in what winter sport? ( 4 points)
4. What 20th century US president is the only one to graduate from the US Naval Academy? ( 4 points)
5. The highest paid athlete in the world in 2016 earned $88 million playing what sport? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Iowa; 2. Barbra Streisand; 3. Elton John; 4. Tom Cruise; 5. West Virginia; 6. Kobe Bryant; 7. Tower Records.
Florida Trivia
1. Jacksonville; 2. Spain; 3. third; 4. Tampa; 5. St. Augustine; 6. Key Largo; 7. Gatorade.
The Q Train: 10-100 Trivia
1. 20; 2. 30; 3. 40; 4. 90; 5. 10; 6. 70; 7. 100; 8. 50; 9. 80; 10. 60.
General Knowledge
1. Burger King; 2. Dallas Mavericks; 3. fish; 4. Atlanta; 5. Brazil; 6. five; 7. twelve.
IQ Trivia
1. Hawaii; 2. Tokyo; 3. Alpine skiing; 4. Jimmy Carter; 5. soccer (Cristiano Ronaldo).
Tuesday, March 06, 2018
Playing Pepper 2018: Boston Red Sox
I had the pleasure of being a part of group of five Red Sox bloggers who took part in "Playing Pepper 2018: Boston Red Sox." We were asked six questions concerning the club for 2016 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 fifth straight year I have taken part.
My thanks to Daniel for letting me take part again. Here are the questions and my answers:
C70: What are your thoughts on the offseason? Did the club improve over the winter?
John: The Red Sox improved where their biggest need was, and that was a power bat in the person of J.D. Martinez. The Red Sox needed him, and he needed the Red Sox, so that deal was going to get done. They also filled an infield need with the return of Eduardo Nunez, who will see plenty of time at second base with Dustin Pedroia’s knee injury keeping him out the first two months of 2018. Even with Pedroia’s return, Nunez will get plenty of playing time around the infield. The Sox have a strong bullpen, but will be without Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright to start the year, but this will give Brian Johnson an opportunity to move up on the Red Sox pitching depth chart. Overall, I think the Sox will top their 2017 total of 93 wins, especially with two of their rivals clearly takes steps downwards this winter (Tampa Bay and Baltimore).
But as big an addition as Martinez is, the addition of Alex Cora as the new manager is probably even bigger. Cora has been a widely respected baseball man going back to his days as a middle infielder with the Dodgers and then the Red Sox. (I remember back in his Sox days that Peter Gammons always called Cora one of the smartest players in the game and would manage a team in MLB one day.) The Sox moved on from John Farrell after five years at the helm of the club, and left with three division titles, a World Series title and two last place finishes. Cora will be under the microscope as soon as the bell rings for the start of the season. The Red Sox are expected to win, so Cora walks in with huge expectations in his first MLB managerial gig. He’s played in Boston before, so he knows exactly what he’s getting himself into.
C70: It’s David Price’s third year with the club. What are your expectations for him this season?
John: I fully expect a strong bounce back year for David Price. He was strong coming out of the pen late last year, and he has a lot to prove to the club, as well as the fans. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a Cy Young-caliber season in 2018. He and Chris Sale will be a devastating 1-2 punch in the rotation this year.
C70: What’s one thing people may overlook (either positively or negatively) about this team?
John: The strong tandem behind the plate. Christian Vazquez opened a few eyes with his strong arm and defense, and continues the handle the staff very well. He showed a bit of a stick last season, and he maybe on the verge of taking over the number one catching position. Sandy Leon had a bit of a fluke year with the bat in 2016 and came down to earth in 2017, but continues to throw out runners well above league average. The wild card in this whole thing is Blake Swihart. He’s out of options, and the Sox have to decide what to do with him. I hope they carry him and use him as a utility player, and use him behind the plate on occasion. He’s off to a good start this spring, which makes the brass’ decision even tougher.
C70: Who is the one key player, the guy that must have a good year for the Red Sox to do well?
John: Tough question. On offense, I would say that is Mookie Betts. He is now the heart and soul of the Red Sox offense, and his numbers were slightly below his near-MVP season of 2016 last year, and I expect him to have a season closer to what he did two years ago. Pitching-wise, I would say that is Craig Kimbrel. He was simply outstanding in 2017, but whenever you have a closer struggling through a miserable season, that can mean big trouble. I don’t expect a big regression for him in 2018, but we’ll see if he can match what he did last season.
C70: What’s your projection for 2018? Where does the team wind up overall?
John: I would love to see the Red Sox finally eclipse the 100-win mark in the regular season for the first time since 1946. I think that is possible, but I see them around 97 for 2018, with another AL East title. Can they get to the World Series? Houston looks as good as they did in 2017, so it will be tough.
C70: What’s one question I should have asked and what’s the answer to it?
John: What? No questions about the “Behemoths to the South?” You know, “The Little Engine That Could”, New York Yankees. Sure, they are a concern, with another banger in the middle of their order in Giancarlo Stanton. But I am still of the opinion that pitching and defense wins championships, and I think the Red Sox are still better than New York in both departments. It will be a dogfight all year between the two rivals, and expect both teams in the 2018 postseason.
Every year Daniel asks bloggers from all 30 teams questions about their teams chances for the upcoming season. This is the fifth straight year I have taken part.
My thanks to Daniel for letting me take part again. Here are the questions and my answers:
C70: What are your thoughts on the offseason? Did the club improve over the winter?
John: The Red Sox improved where their biggest need was, and that was a power bat in the person of J.D. Martinez. The Red Sox needed him, and he needed the Red Sox, so that deal was going to get done. They also filled an infield need with the return of Eduardo Nunez, who will see plenty of time at second base with Dustin Pedroia’s knee injury keeping him out the first two months of 2018. Even with Pedroia’s return, Nunez will get plenty of playing time around the infield. The Sox have a strong bullpen, but will be without Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright to start the year, but this will give Brian Johnson an opportunity to move up on the Red Sox pitching depth chart. Overall, I think the Sox will top their 2017 total of 93 wins, especially with two of their rivals clearly takes steps downwards this winter (Tampa Bay and Baltimore).
But as big an addition as Martinez is, the addition of Alex Cora as the new manager is probably even bigger. Cora has been a widely respected baseball man going back to his days as a middle infielder with the Dodgers and then the Red Sox. (I remember back in his Sox days that Peter Gammons always called Cora one of the smartest players in the game and would manage a team in MLB one day.) The Sox moved on from John Farrell after five years at the helm of the club, and left with three division titles, a World Series title and two last place finishes. Cora will be under the microscope as soon as the bell rings for the start of the season. The Red Sox are expected to win, so Cora walks in with huge expectations in his first MLB managerial gig. He’s played in Boston before, so he knows exactly what he’s getting himself into.
C70: It’s David Price’s third year with the club. What are your expectations for him this season?
John: I fully expect a strong bounce back year for David Price. He was strong coming out of the pen late last year, and he has a lot to prove to the club, as well as the fans. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a Cy Young-caliber season in 2018. He and Chris Sale will be a devastating 1-2 punch in the rotation this year.
C70: What’s one thing people may overlook (either positively or negatively) about this team?
John: The strong tandem behind the plate. Christian Vazquez opened a few eyes with his strong arm and defense, and continues the handle the staff very well. He showed a bit of a stick last season, and he maybe on the verge of taking over the number one catching position. Sandy Leon had a bit of a fluke year with the bat in 2016 and came down to earth in 2017, but continues to throw out runners well above league average. The wild card in this whole thing is Blake Swihart. He’s out of options, and the Sox have to decide what to do with him. I hope they carry him and use him as a utility player, and use him behind the plate on occasion. He’s off to a good start this spring, which makes the brass’ decision even tougher.
C70: Who is the one key player, the guy that must have a good year for the Red Sox to do well?
John: Tough question. On offense, I would say that is Mookie Betts. He is now the heart and soul of the Red Sox offense, and his numbers were slightly below his near-MVP season of 2016 last year, and I expect him to have a season closer to what he did two years ago. Pitching-wise, I would say that is Craig Kimbrel. He was simply outstanding in 2017, but whenever you have a closer struggling through a miserable season, that can mean big trouble. I don’t expect a big regression for him in 2018, but we’ll see if he can match what he did last season.
C70: What’s your projection for 2018? Where does the team wind up overall?
John: I would love to see the Red Sox finally eclipse the 100-win mark in the regular season for the first time since 1946. I think that is possible, but I see them around 97 for 2018, with another AL East title. Can they get to the World Series? Houston looks as good as they did in 2017, so it will be tough.
C70: What’s one question I should have asked and what’s the answer to it?
John: What? No questions about the “Behemoths to the South?” You know, “The Little Engine That Could”, New York Yankees. Sure, they are a concern, with another banger in the middle of their order in Giancarlo Stanton. But I am still of the opinion that pitching and defense wins championships, and I think the Red Sox are still better than New York in both departments. It will be a dogfight all year between the two rivals, and expect both teams in the 2018 postseason.
Monday, March 05, 2018
Sunshine State Trivia On Tuesday
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What fast-food restaurant once had the slogan 'Have it your way'"?
I look forward to seeing many of you for a great night of Trivia on Tuesday night!
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