Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Trivia Q&A: March 26

We had 13 teams in for Trivia on Tuesday night, another fine and rather spirited group as well. It was a rather tight race throughout the evening, with the top five teams separated by just five points heading into General Knowledge. But it was the team of The Microphone Reminds Me of My Brother Jack took charge, having a perfect General Knowledge round, and also got 4 of 5 correct in IQ Trivia, and got the win with 45 points. Congrats to Bob and Cato on another terrific win.

Second place went to Tittlers and Shitters with 39 points. Third place was a tie at 37 points between DIMS and Oh Shake Weight. (The guys from DIMS graciously passed on the tie breaker and allowed Oh Shake Weight to take the pitcher of beer for third place.)

Best Team Name: Hard Brexxxit

Current Events
1. Rep. Devin Nunes, of what US state, announced a lawsuit of $250 million against Twitter, alleging anti-conservative bias of the social media site?
2. Karen Uhlenbeck became the first woman to ever win the Abel Prize last week, which is one of the most prestigious awards in what field?
3. Last week in an interview, Eric Roth, who wrote the screenplay to what Oscar-winning 1990s film, revealed he wrote a sequel to the film in 2001, but it was scrapped due to the 9/11 attacks?
4. The New York Mets announced last week that they will rename 126th Street, which runs right next to their ballpark Citi Field, after what baseball legend later this year?
5. Last Thursday, Jimmy Carter passed what president as the oldest living US president in history, at 94 years and 172 days?
6. MillerCoors filed a false advertising lawsuit last Thursday against what competitor company, over billboards they posted in Colorado that said "Coors Light uses corn syrup. We don't."?
7. What female singer faced a heavy backlash last week after an interview with the Times of London where she downplayed the accusations of 2 men who detailed the abuse they claimed to have suffered at Michael Jackson's hands?

MLB Trivia
1. What National League team has won the most World Series? a. Giants; b. Cardinals; c. Dodgers; d. Pirates.
2. Which Red Sox Hall of Famer got his 3000th hit against the Yankees in 1979? a. Carl Yastrzemski; b. Wade Boggs; c. Jim Rice; d. Ted Williams.
3. What Yankees player won the most World Series in history with 10? a. Lou Gehrig; b. Babe Ruth; c. Yogi Berra; d. Joe DiMaggio.
4. When Barry Bonds broke the single season home run record in 2001, who's record did he break? a. Babe Ruth; b. Hank Aaron; c. Roger Maris; d. Mark McGwire.
5. The Mets won their last NL pennant in what year? a. 1986; b. 2015; c. 2000; d. 2006.
6. What NL team did the Yankees defeat to win their last World Series in 2009? a. Mets; b. Dodgers; c. Phillies; d. Braves.
7. What NL team plays their home games in Petco Park? a. Giants; b. Phillies; c. Tigers; d. Padres.

The Q Train: Film Franchises Trivia
1. Raiders of the Lost Ark
2. X-Men
3. The Terminator
4. Ace Ventura
5. Harry Potter
6. The Godfather
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
8. Jurassic Park
9. The Hunger Games
10. Die Hard

General Knowledge
1. Mount St. Helens is located in what US state? ( 1 pt)
2. The 1973 film "Mean Streets" was the first collaboration between Robert DeNiro and what director? ( 1 pt)
3. Between the elephant, the dog and the mouse, which animal has the best sense of smell? ( 1 pt)
4. The first Winter Olympics were held in 1924 in what country? ( 2 pt)
5. What US state is largest lobster producer? ( 2 pt)
6. The original "Blade Runner" was set in what year? ( 2 pt)
7. How many US presidents have died in office? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What Oscar-nominated director's first film was the low-budget science fiction, box-office flop "THX 1138?" ( 4 points)
2. According to Greek mythology, who was the first woman on Earth? ( 3 points)
3. What Asian country is the world's second-largest producer of coffee, accounting for nearly 20% of the world's coffee? ( 5 points)
4. In 1996, what late rock singer released the first ever internet-only, downloadable single in music history called "Telling Lies?" ( 4 points)
5. Beethoven's "Symphony No. 3" was written for what 19th century historical leader? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. California; 2. mathematics; 3. "Forrest Gump;" 4. Tom Seaver; 5. George HW Bush; 7. Barbra Streisand.

MLB Trivia
1. b; 2. a; 3. c; 4. d; 5. b; 6. c; 7. d.

The Q Train: Film Franchises Trivia
1. 4; 2. 7; 3. 5; 4. 2; 5. 8; 6. 3; 7. 5; 8. 5; 9. 4; 10. 5. (Note: There was some confusion about number 5 "Harry Potter", as there were two "spinoff" films that weren't originally counted, so I tossed out the question and gave everyone the point.)

General Knowledge
1. Washington; 2. Martin Scorsese; 3. elephant; 4. France; 5. Maine; 6. 2019; 7. eight.

IQ Trivia
1. George Lucas; 2. Pandora; 3. Vietnam; 4. David Bowie; 5. Napoleon Bonaparte.

Monday, March 25, 2019

We Celebrate The National Pastime On Tuesday

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, March 26th at 8:30 PM, with "Major League Baseball Trivia" as the Special Category, in honor of the official opening of the 2019 MLB season this Thursday. It will be seven questions, mostly of the recent variety, and for those of you not big hardball fans, it will be multiple choice.

The Q Train lightning round will be "Film Franchises Trivia." I will give you the names of ten famous movies that were the start of a film franchise, and you have to tell me how many total films were made in that series. (For example: if one of the films was "Back to the Future" , the answer would be 3. BTW, "Back to the Future" will not be one of the ten films.)

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Mount St. Helens is located in what US state?"

We continue to get good crowds at Professor Thom's the last few weeks, and I thank you all for that. So please get in early to get a good seat or table this Tuesday night. See you then!

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Trivia Q&A: March 19

We had another terrific crowd in for Trivia on Tuesday night, as 15 teams took part in the festivities. We had a close race between five teams, and two of those teams were separated by the slimmest of margins, just one point, going into IQ Trivia. But the boys from DIMS held on and won, getting 43 points and their third consecutive victory. Congrats to Ken and Darek on another job well done.

We had a rare occurrence on Tuesday night, as the top four teams finished exactly one point behind the other. Second place went to Too Many Countries with 42 points, and third place went to Reality Kings with 41 points. (Fourth place went to White Van, Free Candy with 40 points.)

Best Team Name: I Want to Go Camping. I Hear the Sex Is In Tents.

Current Events
1. What midwestern city was chosen by the DNC for the Democratic National Convention in 2020?
2. After weeks of protests, the president of what North African country announced he won't run for a 5th term, but also postponed next month's election?
3. The governor of what US state signed an executive order blocking any executions in his state while he's governor?
4. Francesco Cali, the boss of what New York Mafia crime family, was shot dead outside his Staten Island home last week?
5. Over 1,000 people are feared dead after a cyclone struck what southern African nation this past weekend?
6. The USPS announced last week they would be honoring the 50th anniversary of what TV show this year with a set of 16 stamps from the show's characters?
7. What state's Senate passed a bill last week that would drop President Trump or any other presidential candidate in 2020 who doesn't release their tax returns for the previous 5 years from the state's general or primary ballot?

March Trivia
1. How many national holidays occur in the month of March?
2. In March 1964, the highest registered earthquake, at 9.2 on the Richter scale, occurred in the US in what state?
3. Which two Zodiac signs are associated with the month of March?
4. In March 1998, what movie became the first film to gross over $1 billion worldwide?
5. In March 1997, what rap star was shot to death at a stoplight in Los Angeles?
6. What actor declined his Best Actor Academy Award in March 1973?
7. What celebrity appeared on "The Late Show With David Letterman" in March 1994 and went on a profanity-laced tirade, and it was the most censored talk show appearance in history?

The Q Train: Country Nicknames Trivia
1. The Gift of the Nile
2. The Celestial Empire
3. Land of the Incas
4. The Hermit Kingdom
5. Graveyard of Empires
6. The Hexagon
7. The Rainbow Nation
8. The Land of Hope and Glory
9. Land of a Thousand Lakes
10. The Boot

General Knowledge
1. "The Best a Man Can Get" is what company's slogan? ( 1 pt)
2. What African nation was formerly known as Southern Rhodesia? ( 1 pt)
3. "That Thing You Do" was a 1996 film and the first one directed by what actor? ( 1 pt)
4. What name did blues legend B.B. King give to his guitars? ( 2 pt)
5. What is the fastest growing fingernail? ( 2 pt)
6. Who became the first female Secretary of State in 1997? ( 2 pt)
7. The Janka Scale is used to measure the hardness of what? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What is the only film nominated for at least 11 Academy Awards to win every nomination? ( 3 points)
2. The eggbeater and the flamingo are two popular moves in what competitive sport? ( 4 points)
3. What American rock band released the first digitally downloadable song, one that was left off their 1994 album "Get a Grip?" ( 4 points)
4. Time magazine picked what 1990s show in 2000 as "the best TV show of the 20th century?" ( 4 points)
5. Who was the first president to be born a US citizen? ( 5 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Milwaukee; 2. Algeria; 3. California; 4. Gambino; 5. Mozambique; 6. "Sesame Street;" 7. Washington.

March Trivia
1. None; 2. Alaska; 3. Pisces and Aries; 4. "Titanic;" 5. Notorious BIG; 6. Marlon Brando; 7. Madonna.

The Q Train: Countries Nicknames Trivia
1. Egypt; 2. China; 3. Peru; 4. North Korea; 5. Afghanistan; 6. France; 7. South Africa; 8. England; 9. Finland; 10. Italy.

General Knowledge
1. Gillette; 2. Zimbabwe; 3. Tom Hanks; 4. Lucille; 5. middle finger; 6. Madeleine Albright; 7. wood.

IQ Trivia
1. "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King;" 2. synchronized swimming; 3. Aerosmith; 4. "The Simpsons;" 5. Martin Van Buren.

Monday, March 18, 2019

Lots of Great Stuff Happened In March

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, March 19th at 8:30 PM, with "March Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions connected to the month of March in history and pop culture. The Q Train lightning round will be "Country Nicknames Trivia." I will give you the nicknames of ten countries from around the world and you have to tell me the nation I'm talking about.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"'The Best a Man Can Get' is what company's slogan?"

We had a huge turnout last week, and hopefully that's a sign of things to come on Trivia Night. So I suggest you get in a bit early on Tuesday night so you can get a good table or seat. Hope to see many of you this Tuesday!

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

"Playing Pepper 2019: Boston Red Sox"

I had the pleasure of being a part of group of four Red Sox bloggers who took part in  "Playing Pepper 2019: 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 sixth 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? What was good, what was bad, what else should they have done?

John: I think the offseason went well. The Sox immediately resigned two of the bigger free agents they had, two who were critical to their postseason success in 2018: Steve Pearce and Nate Eovaldi. The offense is coming back almost to a man, one of 2018’s best. Joe Kelly departed to LA as a free agent, and that was expected, as was Craig Kimbrel leaving. Kelly was dynamite in the postseason but struggled in the second half, so I thought the Sox were right to let him walk. Kimbrel’s numbers in the regular season weren’t as dominant as in previous years, and everyone saw him struggle in the postseason. He wasn’t worthy of the six year deal he wanted, so good luck to him on his next team.

C70: How has the afterglow of this championship been different than the last three?

John: All four championships in this century have had a different feel to them. 2004 was the team finally getting the elusive title and will always be the best remembered one, especially the way the Red Sox did it. 2007 was one where the Sox led from start to finish during the season and reinforced that 2004 was no fluke. 2013 has been the most unexpected one, after the Bobby Valentine disaster and the Boston Marathon bombing that April. This one from 2018 comes from the best Red Sox team of all time, and the best MLB team of the 21st century so far. They are so loaded that a repeat title isn’t just possible, it’s almost expected in 2019.

C70: Mookie Betts had an incredible 2018. Can he reach those levels again this season?

John: I don’t see why not. Mookie is a perfectionist and expects bigger and better from himself in 2019. He moves out of the leadoff spot this year, so we’ll see if his power numbers increase.

C70: What is your general outlook for 2019? Where will they finish in the division?

John: I see the Red Sox taking the division again, winning at least 100 games in 2018. The Yankees maybe the “sexy pick” to win the AL East, but as I said last year, the team that pitches better will win it. And I’m sure many pundits will pick New York over the Sox. And it seems like whenever that happens in recent years, the Red Sox surprise everyone.

C70: What’s the biggest question for this team going into the season and what’s the answer to it?

John: Two big questions: who will play second base and who will be the closer. Dustin Pedroia appears to be healthy and ready to go. If he runs into any problems, the Sox have Brock Holt and Eduardo Nunez, who the Sox will use as the two utility players, to back him up. Closer is up for grabs. I’m not sure about Matt Barnes, as you never know which pitcher shows up when he pitches. Alex Cora says he has an idea of what he’ll do, and might even go with matchups instead of one solid closer. I have total faith in Cora, and know he’ll make the right decision.
 
C70: What do you expect will give you the most joy watching this team on a regular basis this season?

John: Listening to announcers call the Red Sox “the defending World Series Champions” all year, especially from their rivals in the Bronx!!

Trivia Q&A: March 12

We had the biggest crowd of the year in for Trivia on Tuesday night, 19 teams taking part in a full bar, which was great to see.  We had a tight race heading into General Knowledge, with five teams separated by just three points, but the boys from DIMS made their move, pulling away from the pack with a perfect round, and wound up winning the night with 49 points. Congrats to Ken and Darek on their second straight win.

We had a tie for second place between Crotch to Butt and Too Many Movies both with 42 points. We broke the tie with this question: "What is the population of the state of Wyoming as of 2018?" Too Many Movies was closest with their guess, and took second place. (The answer is 579,315.)

Best Team Name: Blowing a Horse to Completion

Current Events
1. What Oscar-winning director was mentioned in recent reports that he was campaigning to have streaming service be excluded from the Oscars and wants them eligible for the Emmy Awards instead?
2. According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, what 21-year-old woman was recently named the World's Youngest Self-Made Billionaire?
3. Sen. Martha McSally, of what western US state, revealed in a Senate hearing on military sexual assault last week that she was "preyed upon and then raped" when she served in the Air Force?
4. The last surviving store of what former retail giant, which once had 9,000 stores, is in Bend, Oregon, as the next-to-last store in Australia closed last week?
5. The NY Yankees have agreed to buy back the YES Network, who broadcast their cable games, for $3.4 billion from what entertainment conglomerate?
6. Carmine "The Snake" Persico, the imprisoned boss of what New York Mafia crime family, died last week at the age of 85?
7. What TV series pulled out of circulation an episode that featured the voice of Michael Jackson after the documentary "Leaving Neverland" aired last week which exposed his alleged pedophilia?

Ireland Trivia
1. The Uprising in 1916 in Ireland was on the day after which Christian holiday?
2. What 1998 Oscar-winning war movie was partially filmed in Ireland?
3. What is the second-largest city in population in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin?
4. What actor who portrayed James Bond was born in Ireland?
5. What are the three colors of the Irish flag?
6. What is Ireland's most popular spectator sport?
7. Phil Lynott was the lead singer of what Irish rock band?

The Q Train: Movie Presidents Trivia
1. Air Force One (1997)
2. The American President (1995)
3. Independence Day (1996)
4. Deep Impact (1998)
5. Nixon (1995)
6. Love Actually (2003)
7. Lincoln (2012)
8. Dr. Strangelove (1964)
9. White House Down (2013)
10. Mars Attacks! (1996)

General Knowledge
1. AuctionWeb was the original name of what popular website? (1 pt)
2. The southernmost point in Canada in is what province? ( 1 pt)
3. Between thunderstorms, blizzards and squirrels, which is the most frquent cause of power outages in the US? ( 1 pt)
4. The 1976 film "Family Plot" was the final movie by what director? ( 2 pt)
5. 90% of the Earth's ozone exists in what layer of the atmosphere? ( 2 pt)
6. What was the first US state to allow women the right to vote? ( 2 pt)
7. What was the final "Star Trek" film featuring "The Next Generation" cast? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. The Hope Diamond is currently located in what museum? ( 4 points)
2. Colin Hanks' documentary "All Things Must Pass" tells about "the rise and fall" of what iconic record store chain? ( 3 points)
3. During World War II, a 13th century copy of the Magna Carta was kept in what secure American location? ( 4 points)
4. What late actress was a co-writer of the 1992 film "Lethal Weapon 3"? ( 4 points)
5. What fast food chain was founded in Ohio by Forrest and LeRoy Raffel in 1964? ( 5 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Steven Spielberg; 2. Kylie Jenner; 3. Arizona; 4. Blockbuster Video; 5. Disney; 6. Colombo; 7. "The Simpsons."

Ireland Trivia
1. Easter; 2. "Saving Private Ryan;" 3. Cork; 4. Pierce Brosnan; 5. Green, white and orange; 6. Gaelic football; 7. Thin Lizzy.

The Q Train: Movie Presidents Trivia
1. Harrison Ford; 2. Michael Douglas; 3. Bill Pullman; 4. Morgan Freeman; 5. Anthony Hopkins; 6. Billy Bob Thornton; 7. Daniel Day-Lewis; 8. Peter Sellers; 9. Jamie Foxx; 10. Jack Nicholson.

General Knowledge
1. eBay; 2. Ontario; 3. squirrels; 4. Alfred Hitchcock; 5. stratosphere; 6. Wyoming; 7. "Nemesis".

IQ Trivia
1. Smithsonian Institution; 2. Tower Records; 3. Fort Knox; 4. Carrie Fisher; 5. Arby's.

Monday, March 11, 2019

Wearin' Some Green on Tuesday

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, March 12th at 8:30 PM, with the Special Category "Ireland Trivia", in honor of St. Patrick's Day coming up next weekend. It will be seven questions concerning the Emerald Isle in history and pop culture. The Q Train lightning round is "Movie Presidents Trivia." I will give you the names of ten movies and the year they came out that include actors who played the president of the United States in that film. You have to tell me the actor who played the Chief Executive.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"AuctionWeb was the original name of what popular website?"

Looking forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday night for another great night of Trivia!

Wednesday, March 06, 2019

Trivia Q&A: March 5

We had 13 teams in for Trivia on a cold Tuesday night in New York, and a crowd that was definitely into the Trivia. It was nice to see my old friend Alex Maloney back at Trivia Night after a long absence. We had a logjam of teams jockeying for first place through the first three rounds, and it was still very tight entering into IQ Trivia, with the top four teams just two points apart. But it was Diminished coming away with the win, as they were the only ones to get 4 of 5 correct in that final round, and wound up with 41 points and the victory. Congratulations to Ken, who flew solo last night and entered the winner's circle.

We had a tie for second place between Quizlamic State and Dumbs with 34 points, and we broke the tie with this question: "What is the current population of the region of Tuscany?" The answer was 3.7 million, and Quizlamic State was closer to the answer and wound up with second place.

Best Team Name: Robert Kraft Mac & Sleaze

Current Events
1. MLB on Fox recently conducted a fan vote about major league ballparks, and which AL venue was voted number one?
2. What performer became the first person in history to win a Golden Globe, BAFTA, Grammy and an Oscar in the same year?
3. What European country surpassed Italy to become the world's healthiest country, according to the 2019 edition of the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index?
4. What legendary NBA player said last week he is putting up four of his NBA title rings up for auction among other memorabilia, as he will send proceeds to benefit his foundation?
5. What western US state was selected number one for the 7th time since 2008 as the "Happiest US state" in the Gallup National Health and Well Being Index?
6. Which Beatles album was certified 24X Platinum last week, and now is the third-best selling album of all studio LPs of all-time?
7. What American billionaire lost over $58 million on paper after shares of Weight Watchers, which she owns 8% of, lost 36% in trading last Wednesday?

New York City Trivia
1. What famous concert hall was restored in the 1980s after Isaac Stern and a group of music lovers fought to save it?
2. What New York City building and tourist attraction was the headquarters of Lex Luthor in the movie "Superman?"
3. How many World's Fairs have taken place in New York City since 1900?
4. Todt Hill, the highest point on the East Coast of the US south of Maine, is located in what NYC borough?
5. What current member of the US Supreme Court graduated from James Madison HS in Brooklyn?
6. Manhattan's East and West Sides are primarily divided by what street?
7. The Triboro Bridge connects Manhattan with which two other NYC boroughs?

The Q Train: Current TV Trivia (Name the Network)
1. American Horror Story
2. Game of Thrones
3. Brooklyn Nine Nine
4. Empire
5. The Walking Dead
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. Billions
8. Madam Secretary
9. Counterpart
10. Jane the Virgin

General Knowledge
1. Tuscany is a region in what country? ( 1 pt)
2. Between peanut butter, chocolate and peppermint, which should never be fed to doge because of an ingredient that is poisonous to them? ( 1 pt)
3. Which Beatles member was barefoot in the famous "Abbey Road" crosswalk photo? ( 1 pt)
4. "We're in danger of flunking most heinously tomorrow" is a famous line from what 1989 comedy film? ( 2 pt)
5. Dick Button won back-to-back Winter Olympics gold medals in what sport? ( 2 pt)
6. What famous singer is the subject of U2's song "Angel of Harlem?"
7. A skyscaper known as "The Gherkin" can be found in what city? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. Who is the world's highest paid magician, having earned $61.5 million in 2017? ( 4 points)
2. Where on the human body is the opisthenar found? ( 5 points)
3. What ailment are you suffering from if you are diagnosed with mal der mer? ( 3 points)
4. What 2002 film is the highest grossing romantic comedy in the US of all-time? ( 4 points)
5. What late 19th century US president had 6 states added to the Union during his presidency, the most of any president? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Fenway Park; 2. Lady Gaga; 3. Spain; 4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; 5. Hawaii; 6. The White Album; 7. Oprah Winfrey.

New York City Trivia
1. Carnegie Hall; 2. Grand Central Station; 3. Two (1939 & 1964); 4. Staten Island; 5. Ruth Bader Ginsburg; 6. 5th Avenue; 7. Queens and The Bronx.

The Q Train: Current TV Trivia (Name the Network)
1. FX; 2. HBO; 3. NBC; 4. Fox; 5. AMC; 6. ABC; 7. Showtime; 8. CBS; 9. Starz; 10. CW.

General Knowledge
1. Italy; 2. chocolate; 3. Paul McCartney; 4. "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure;" 5. figure skating; 6. Billie Holiday; 7. London.

IQ Trivia
1. David Copperfield; 2. Back of the hand; 3. seasickness; 4. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding;" 5. Benjamin Harrison.

Monday, March 04, 2019

Trivia From The Big Town On Tuesday

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, March 5th at 8:30 PM, with "New York City Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions connected to our fair city in pop culture and history. The Q Train lightning round will be "Current TV Trivia." I will give you the names of ten TV shows that are currently in production, and you have to tell me which network (either the over the air or cable networks) they air on.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Tuscany is a region in what country?"

We've got some really good crowds the past couple of weeks, so get in early on Tuesday to get a good seat or table. Hope to see many of you then!