We Salute Great Americans of Music

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, October 1st at 8:30 PM, with "American Pop Music Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions about some of the great Americans who have left their mark on pop music, mostly from recent years. The Q Train lightning round will be "US Cities & States Above or Below 1 Million Trivia.” I will give you the names of 10 US cities and states and you will tell me if they have a population above or below 1 million as of 2019.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What two countries fought the Hundred Years War?"

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

Trivia Q&A: September 24

We had seven teams in for Trivia on Tuesday night. The number of teams was still on the light side, but many folks were on each team, so the crowd overall was a bit bigger. It was another winning night for our friends from DIMS, who rolled up 50 points and another victory, after falling out of first last week. Congrats to Ken, Michael and Darek on another fine win.

Second place went to Delaware's My Pants with 35 points, and third place went to In Town For the General Assembly, But Really For the Nachos with 32 points (and there also won for Best Team Name).

Current Events
1. 49,000 workers went on strike at what auto manufacturer last week after negotiations over pay, health care and job security broke down?
2. What eastern US state became the second state to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes last week?
3. What rock legend recently revealed at the age of 75, he has been battling prostate cancer the last three years but recently received a clean bill of health?
4. What actor, who has played an astronaut on film, conducted a 20-minute interview with astronaut Nick Hague on the ISS last week?
5. Michelle Grisham, the governor of what western US state, unveiled a plan last week to make tuition at the state's public colleges and universities free for all state residents?
6. Kodi Lee, a blind man with autism, was announced the winner on what reality TV show last week?
7. What southeast Asian country's parliament is considering passing new laws that will disallow unmarried people to have sex in the country?

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

The Q Train: 21st Century TV Networks Trivia
1. Buffy, the Vampire Slayer
2. Person of Interest
3. The West Wing
4. The Walking Dead
5. The Wire
6. South Park
7. The Shield
8. Homeland
9. Prison Break
10. Battlestar Galactica

General Knowledge
1. The first "Real Housewives" show was set in what California county? ( 1 pt)
2. What gas accounts for 91% of the sun's mass? ( 1 pt)
3. "There's a jungle cat in the bathroom" is a famous line from what what 2009 film? ( 1 pt)
4. What is the most common blood type among humans? (2 pt)
5. Who was the heaviest US president, at just over 350 pounds? ( 2 pt)
6. What was the most recent year there were three different popes? ( 2 pt)
7. Which day of the week is the most productive in the US? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What 1987 film was Timothy Dalton's first role as James Bond? ( 3 points)
2. What Disney Channel heroine fought crime with her sidekick Ron Stoppable? ( 4 points)
3. In what US state would you find the Sandia, Capitan and Sangre de Cristo mountains? ( 5 points)
4. What rock 'n' roll legend won a 1991 Best Male Vocalist Grammy despite having died three years earlier? ( 4 points)
5. "Shock Treatment" was the sequel film to what 1975 cult classic movie? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. General Motors; 2. New York; 3. Rod Stewart; 4. Brad Pitt; 5. New Mexico; 6. "America's Got Talent;" 7. Indonesia.

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

The Q Train: 21st Century TV Networks Trivia
1. WB; 2. CBS; 3. NBC; 4. AMC; 5. HBO; 6. Comedy Central; 7. F/X; 8. Showtime; 9. Fox; 10. SyFy.

General Knowledge
1. Orange; 2. Hydrogen; 3. "The Hangover;" 4. O positive; 5. William Howard Taft; 6. 1978; 7. Tuesday.

IQ Trivia
1. "The Living Daylights;" 2. Kim Possible; 3. New Mexico; 4. Roy Orbison; 5. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

TV's Biggest Night Takes Center Stage

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, September 24th at 8:30 PM, with "Emmy Awards Trivia" as the Special Category, in honor of the Emmys happening last night. It will be seven questions connected to television's biggest night down through the years.The Q Train lightning round will be "21st Century TV Show Networks Trivia." I will test your knowledge on what TV network many of your favorite shows were broadcast on over the past 20 years. Every answer will be a different TV network.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The first 'Real Housewives' show was set in what California county?"

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

Trivia Q&A: September 17

We had 8 teams in for Trivia on Tuesday night, and a close race between three teams into the final rounds. BTW, the Q Train lightning round of "Member of Congress or Porn Star?" was a success, as the scores were pretty good. (I guess people know their politicians and adult film stars!) The team of 9/17-Happy Constitution Day! Happy Birthday Julie Goldberg! (which also won for Best Team Name) pulled out a close victory, with 45 points. They got 4 of 5 correct in the IQ Trivia round, to jump from second place to victory. Congratulations to Julie on the win, and on her birthday!

Second place ended in a tie between two of the best regular teams, DIMS and B Team, both with 43 points. We broke the tie with "What is the population of the nation of Spain as of 2019?" DIMS was closest to the answer (just over 47 million) and got second place, with B Team taking third.

Current Events
1. Mark Sanford, a former governor and congressman from what southern state, announced he will challenge President Trump for the 2020 Republican presidential nomination?
2. What Hall of Fame pitcher was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Trump earlier this week?
3. The US Patent and Trademark Office denied what sports superstar's attempt to trademark the phrase "Taco Tuesday" last week?
4. Actress Felicity Huffman was given how long in prison last week for her role in the college admission scandal, sparking outrage over light it is?
5. Thieves stole a solid gold toilet worth about $1.25 million from the birthplace of what British leader last Saturday, causing significant damage and flooding to the building?
6. A multiple drone attack by members of the Houthi Movement on two major oil facilities forced what Middle Eastern country to cut more than half its oil production?
7. What legendary producer became the oldest person ever to win an Emmy award at the age of 97 last Saturday, producing the live "All In The Family" and "The Jeffersons" special for ABC?

September Trivia
1. In September 2002, Kelly Clarkson became the first winner on what TV reality show?
2. In September 1991, the name of the Russian city St. Petersburg was restored after it was known by what name since 1924?
3. A lockout began in September 2004 which led to what professional sports league being canceled for one full season?
4. On September 19, 2005, the sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" premiered on what TV network?
5. On September 25, 1980, John Bonham, what rock band's drummer, died of alcohol asphyxiation?
6. What is the birthstone for the month of September?
7. Name 1 of the 2 US presidents who originally became president in the month of September.

The Q Train: Members of Congress or Porn Star Trivia
1. Aleska Diamond
2. Josh Harder
3. Andy Biggs
4. Madison Young
5. Jessie Andrews
6. Mike Rounds
7. Gianna Michaels
8. Virginia Foxx
9. Brendon Miller
10. Harley Rouda

General Knowledge
1. Samuel Clemens was the real name of what famous 19th century American? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the generation name given to those born from 1977-1995? ( 1 pt)
3. Who played the President of the US in the 2002 film "Love Actually?" ( 1 pt)
4. A 20-year study in 2013 concluded that what color car is most likely to be in an auto accident? ( 2 pt)
5. Queen Letizia is the current monarch of what European country? ( 2 pt)
6. Between Kim, Lee and Park, which is the most common surname in South Korea? ( 2 pt)
7. How many states does the Mississippi River flow through or border? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What ancient wonder was the tallest structure in the world for 3800 years? ( 3 points)
2. What 19th century woman was the first female depicted on an American coin in 1979? ( 4 points)
3. Who is the only person to succeed in winning the presidency after having lost an election as a vice-presidential candidate? ( 4 points)
4. First nominated in 1977, and then again in 2016, who holds the record for the longest time between Oscar nominations for portraying the same character? ( 4 points)
5. In 1974, what was the first magazine to sell 1 billion copies in a single year? ( 5 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. South Carolina; 2. Mariano Rivera; 3. LeBron James; 4. 14 days; 5. Winston Churchill; 6. Saudi Arabia; 7. Norman Lear.

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

The Q Train: Member of Congress or Porn Star Trivia
1. Porn star; 2. Congress (Rep, CA); 3. Congress (Rep, AZ); 4. Porn star; 5. Porn star; 6. Congress (Sen, SD); 7. Porn star; 8. Congress (Rep, NC); 9. Porn star; 10. Congress (Rep, CA).

General Knowledge
1. Mark Twain; 2. Millennials (Generation Y); 3. Billy Bob Thornton; 4. black; 5. Spain; 6. Kim; 7. ten.

IQ Trivia
1. The Great Pyramid of Giza; 2. Susan B. Anthony; 3. Franklin D.Roosevelt: 4. Sylvester Stallone; 5. TV Guide.

A Fun Lightning Round This Week

Trivia will be happening on Tuesday night, September 17th at 8:30 PM, with "September Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions connected to the month of September in history, pop culture and other areas. The Q Train lightning round is: "Member of Congress or Porn Star Trivia." I will give you the names of ten people, and you have to tell me whether they are currently a member of Congress or a currently star of adult films. BTW, 5 of them will be Congressional members (House or Senate) and 5 will be porn stars. You decide.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Samuel Clemens was the real name of what famous 19th century American?"

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

18

It has been incredibly 18 years since the attacks on the World Trade Center occurred on September 11, 2001. In many ways it feels like it was nearly a lifetime ago, and in some ways it feels like it was only yesterday.

Children who were born on that day can now drive, vote, serve in the military and legally drink. That sentence makes me feel really old.

A day doesn't go by that I don't think of that terrible day, and the wonderful friend I lost that day, Joyce Carpeneto. As readers here know, I remember her and all the 9/11 victims every September 11th on this blog with a post connected to Joyce. I have done it every year since I started the blog in 2006. And I always put up links to the previous remembrances if you'd like to go back and check them out.

For the 18th consecutive year, I will be at the ceremonies to remember Joyce and all the 9/11 victims. It is a sacred day for me, and I will there every year that I am alive and able to be there. It is also comforting to meet up with friends who have the same shared experience I do. I will also be at the "Calling the Names" ceremony at St. Paul's Chapel on Wednesday afternoon, and I will be once again honored to read some names of the 9/11 First Responders who have died in the last 18 years.

Please do say a prayer today for all those lost 18 years ago today, as well as all victims of terrorism.

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

Trivia Q&A: September 10

We had seven teams in for Trivia on Tuesday night, and a rather lively crowd in as well. We had a close three team race heading to the finish, but the guys from DIMS pulled it out, as they won by just two points. They wound up with 42 points, and my congratulations to them on another hard-fought win.

1 Top 2 Bottoms finished second with 40 points, and Bolton Gets Whacked finished in third place with 33 points.

Best Team Name: Ooh, Look at Me, I Got a Haircut (somebody noticed!)

Current Events
1. NBC announced that what comic legend will host "Saturday Night Live" this coming December, the first time he has hosted the show in 35 years?
2. An Oklahoma judge ordered what company and its subsidiaries to pay $572 million, more than double than any other drug manufacturer, for its role in the state's opioid crisis?
3. What midwestern state became the first state to ban flavored e-cigarettes last week?
4. What company is paying $170 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the FTC and NY state after being accused of violating privacy laws by collecting data of children under 13 and targeting them in ads?
5. Jessi Combs, a star on what Discovery Channel series, was killed recently when she attempted to break her own land speed record when her vehicle crashed?
6. Bianca Andreescu defeated Serena Williams to win the Women’s US Open last Saturday and became the first person from what country to win a Grand Slam title?
7. Disney sold its 80% stake in the YES network to the Yankees, Sinclair Broadcasting and what technology company for $3.4 billion recently?

21st Century TV Trivia
1. Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons starred in what 21st century sitcom?
2. What 2000s sitcom was set in the fictional town of Star City, California?
3. Ving Rhames starred in a 2005 reboot of what 1970s crime drama series?
4. What famous TV star provided the voice of the unseen narrator in the TV series "How I Met Your Mother?"
5. As of August 2019, how many seasons has "60 Minutes" been on the air at CBS?
6. In 2018, what Amazon series won the most Emmy Awards, with 5?
7. Jesse Pinkman and Hank Schrader were two of the main characters in what 2010s TV series?

The Q Train: Celebrity Real Names Trivia
1. Shawn Carter (singer)
2. Carlos Estevez (actor)
3. Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson (singer)
4. Steveland Judkins (singer)
5. Robert Zimmerman (singer)
6. Anna Mae Bullock (singer)
7. Chan Kong-Sang (actor)
8. Thomas Mapother IV (actor)
9. Caryn Johnson ( actress)
10. Stefani Germanotta (singer)

General Knowledge
1. What country has the largest air force in the world? ( 1 pt)
2. "There's no crying in baseball" is a famous line from what 1992 film? ( 1 pt)
3. What body of water separates Alaska from Russia? ( 1 pt)
4. What year did the Berlin Wall fall? ( 2 pt)
5. What chemical element has the symbol "K"? ( 2 pt)
6. Who is next in line after the vice-president in terms of presidential succession? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the third letter of the Greek alphabet after alpha and beta? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What was the highest value of US currency ever put into circulation? ( 4 points)
2. What family is considered the wealthiest family in the world, worth an estimated $152 billion? ( 5 points)
3. What famous band appears at the start of "The Simpsons Movie?" ( 3 points)
4. Who is the only active NFL quarterback who has defeated all 32 NFL teams in his career? ( 4 points)
5. Based on US box office, who is the highest-grossing star of 2019 so far? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Eddie Murphy; 2. Johnson and Johnson; 3. Michigan ; 4. Google; 5. "MythBusters;" 6. Canada; 7. Amazon.

21st Century TV Trivia
1. "The Big Band Theory;" 2. "Malcolm In The Middle;" 3. "Kojak;" 4. Bob Saget; 5. 51; 6. "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel;" 7. "Breaking Bad."

The Q Train: Celebrity Real Names Trivia
1. Jay-Z; 2. Charlie Sheen; 3. Katy Perry; 4. Stevie Wonder; 5. Bob Dylan; 6. Tina Turner; 7. Jackie Chan; 8. Tom Cruise; 9. Whoopi Goldberg; 10. Lady Gaga.

General Knowledge
1. USA; 2. "A League of Their Own;" 3. Bering Sea; 4. 1989; 5. potassium; 6. Speaker of the House; 7. gamma.

IQ Trivia
1. $10,000; 2. The Walton family; 3. Green Day; 4. Drew Brees; 5. Samuel L. Jackson.

Let's Give This Another Try

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, September 10th at 8:30 PM, with "21st Century TV Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions about TV shows of all kinds since 2001. The Q Train lightning round will be "Celebrity Real Names Trivia." I will give you the names of ten current celebrities and their field of expertise, and you have to tell me the name they are better known by.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What country has the largest air force in the world?"

I hope to see many of you for another great night of Trivia on Tuesday night!

No Trivia Last Night, See You Next Tuesday

Well, Trivia didn't happen last night, as Professor Thom's was a ghost town on the day after another major holiday. I had a sneaky feeling the Labor Day might do this, it has happened a few times in the past. So what we will do is roll everything over to next week, with the same special categories as we would have done last night. Hopefully we'll have a good turnout next Tuesday.

Have a great week everyone, and I hope to see many of you on September 10th at 8:30 PM for another edition of Tuesday Night Trivia!

So You Think You Know Recent TV?

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, September 3rd at 8:30 PM, with "21st Century TV Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions about TV shows of all kinds since 2001. The Q Train lightning round will be "Celebrity Real Names Trivia." I will give you the names of ten current celebrities and their field of expertise, and you have to tell me the name they are better known by.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What country has the largest air force in the world?"

It's the day after Labor Day on Tuesday, so I hope to see many of you for another great night of Trivia!