We had a similar size crowd to last week, but I was pleasantly surprised by my acting buddy Arik who came in and took part in the Trivia Night for the first time.
The team of Just XXX won the night, as they got a perfect score in IQ Trivia and won the night with 49 points. They were three points ahead of Maybe Carlos Danger Should Have Stuck To Trivia, who finished second with 46 points. Third place was won by Taco Tuesdays with 35 points.
Current Events
1. Bob Filner, mayor of what California city, last week rejected calls by his political allies to step down after he was hit by a number of sexual harassment charges by employees and constituents?
2. What Pacific island country was hit by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake last Sunday?
3. What rap star got into a scuffle with paparazzi at LAX last Friday, and accused them of provoking him, saying "so I'll have to pay you, like $250,000"?
4. What political drama series made Emmy history last week as the first online series to be nominated for Best Drama Series among its nine nominations?
5. What Canadian rock band, who were recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, were honored by their native country with being featured on a postage stamp?
6. 23 students died and dozens more fell ill at a primary school in what Asian country after eating a meal contaminated with pesticide?
7. NYC Public Advocate Bill deBlasio says he wants to prevent what Middle Eastern country's national airline from landing at JFK Airport because they bar Israelis from flying on their airline?
1980s Trivia
1. When the Fox network debuted in October 1986, who hosted their first show, a talk show called "The Late Show?"
2. What world leader was assassinated during a parade in his country on October 6, 1981?
3. Meryl Streep won an Academy Award in 1982 for Best Actress for what film?
4. What R&B legend was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987?
5. In what year was the San Francisco earthquake, registering 7.1 on the Richter scale, strike the city, killing 63 people?
6. Andrew Ridgeley was a member of 1980s pop group?
7. What Super Bowl championship team had a rap hit in the mid-1980s called "The Super Bowl Shuffle?"
Country of Their Birth Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Kate Beckinsale
2. James Cameron
3. Salma Hayek
4. Lucy Lawless
5. Gene Simmons
6. Pierce Brosnan
7. Hugh Jackman
8. Dave Matthews
9. Eddie Van Halen
10. Juliette Binoche
General Knowledge
1. Gymnast Nadia Comaneci represented what country in the 1976 Summer Olympics? ( 1 pt)
2. Who was nicknamed "The Maid of Orleans?" ( 1 pt)
3. The largest national park in the US is found in what state? ( 1 pt)
4. 1960s singer Tiny Tim was known for playing what instrument? ( 2 pt)
5. Anne Boleyn was what number wife of King Henry VIII? ( 2 pt)
6. How many sheets of paper are there in a quire? ( 2 pt)
7. Where in the body is the occipital bone found? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. "Tender Is The Night" is the last completed novel by what American author? ( 4 points)
2. Betty Rizzo, Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsen were all characters from what 1970s film? ( 3 points)
3. What Oscar-winning actor was born Krishna Pandit Bhanji in 1943? ( 4 points)
4. "Is This Real Life?" was a 2011 book telling "The Untold Story of" what English rock group? ( 5 points)
5. What world leader used to take an immense Bedouin tent wherever he went, which Central Park refused to let him erect there in 2009? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. San Diego; 2. New Zealand; 3. Kanye West; 4. "House of Cards;" 5. Rush; 6. India; 7. Saudi Arabia.
1980s Trivia
1. Joan Rivers; 2. Anwar Sadat; 3. "Sophie's Choice;" 4. Aretha Franklin; 5. 1989; 6. Wham!; 7. Chicago Bears.
Country of Their Birth Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. England; 2. Canada; 3. Mexico; 4. New Zealand; 5. Israel; 6. Ireland; 7. Australia; 8. South Africa; 9. Netherlands; 10. France.
General Knowledge
1. Romania; 2. Joan of Arc; 3. Alaska; 4. ukulele; 5. two; 6. 25; 7. head (brain).
IQ Trivia
1. F. Scott Fitzgerald; 2. "Grease;" 3. Ben Kingsley; 4. Queen; 5. Moammar Khadafy.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Back When We Were Young and Foolish
The Q Train lightning round will be "Country Of Their Birth Trivia." I will give you the names of ten current celebrities, and you have to tell which country they were born in. They will all be foreign-born, so the USA will not be any of the answers.
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Anne Boleyn was what number wife of King Henry VIII?"
We get going at 8 PM at The Mad Hatter. The crowds have picked up a bit in recent weeks, and that makes our Trivia Night all the better. I hope to see many of you on Tuesday night for a great night of Trivia Q&A!
And In The Role of Dave Kingman...
It was a feast-or-famine night for Mike Napoli on Sunday night.
He belted two home runs, including the game-winning blast in the bottom of the 11th to give the Red Sox a huge 8-7 win over the Yankees in yet another Sunday night marathon at Fenway.
Napoli also struck out three times, once with two men in scoring position. He also came up in the 8th inning with the bases loaded and one out and score at 7-7. He promptly banged into a 6-4-3 double play.
Napoli has been fanning at a Red Sox-record pace, and may actually reach 200 by season end.
He hit a big three-run home run earlier, so that will make most fans forget the whiffs.
Lost in the series win was the fact that David Ortiz stole his 4th base of 2013. Wheels Ortiz has four thefts? Wow.
The Sox took the three-game series from New York, and it puts the Yankees deep in 4th place, 7 back. The win keeps the Red Sox 1 1/2 games up on Tampa Bay, who blow into Boston tonight for a huge four-game series.
The Sox are now 60-40, and on a pace to win 97 games.
(With thanks to my buddy Jere of A Red Sox Fan From Pinstripe Territory, who had the pleasure of being at Fenway last night and posted a few pictures on his blog about it today, including the above one.)
Friday, July 19, 2013
Thanks For 2004, D-Lowe
Another One of the 25 has called it a career, as Derek Lowe officially retired this week, after 17 seasons in MLB.
I had the pleasure of being at Fenway for his no-hitter over Tampa Bay on April 27, 2002. I will never forget how electric Fenway Park was for that ninth inning, which included a great grab in center field by Rickey Henderson. (Remember him in a Red Sox uniform?) The park just exploded when the last out was made. It was one of my favorite memories in any baseball park.
Lowe will forever be remembered by Sox fans as the first pitcher to ever win the clinching game in all three postseason series. He won in relief to wrap up the ALDS (when David Ortiz won it with a home run in the tenth inning), pitched six brilliant innings in Game 7 of the ALCS to wrap up the greatest postseason comeback of all-time, and pitched seven equally terrific innings in Game 4 of the World Series.
And of course, how could you forget he was part of one of the best trades in Red Sox history, coming from Seattle with Jason Varitek for the infamous Heathcliffe Slocumb in July 1997?
He was released by the Texas Rangers earlier this season.
Lowe's retirement means there are only three players from The 25 of 2004 still active in MLB: David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis and Bronson Arroyo.
Enjoy your retirement, D-Lowe. And thanks for 2004.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Trivia Q&A: July 16
The night was hot, but we had a pretty good crowd in on Tuesday, slightly down from last week, with the All-Star Game on in the background.
We had some high scores for the Baseball All-Stars Trivia and General Knowledge (it will be a bit tougher next week), but it was a difficult IQ Trivia, as only two teams got as many as 2 of the 5 correct.
First place went to The Too Colorful Cheating Devices Yelling Out Answers with 41 points. Good job by Counselor Tice. Second place was a tie, and we broke it with "How many All-Star Games has the NL won in history?" The answer was 43, and the team of Temple University Is In Cleveland, who guessed 42, wound up in second place with 37 points. Third place went to Polls Show Weiner In Front (who also won for Best Team Name), also finishing with 37 points.
Current Events
1. What rock superstar set a new record at Fenway Park last Tuesday for the largest attendance at a music show there, breaking his 2009 record?
2. What Latin American country surpassed the US as the "Fattest Country In The World" for 2013, according to a UN study?
3. What pop singer apologized to Bill Clinton last Friday after the singer was seen on a video spraying water on the former president's picture and yelling obscenities at it in a restaurant?
4. Jean-Claude Juncker resigned as prime minister of what small European country following a scandal involving the country's secret service?
5. Cory Monteith, a 31-year-old singer and star of what TV series, was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room on Saturday?
6. What famous author was unmasked recently as the writer of the crime novel "The Cuckoo's Calling" under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith?
7. What actress was named a new co-host on the ABC weekeday talk show "The View" yesterday, beginning in September, replacing Barbara Walters?
Which Came First Trivia
1. a. Charles Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; b. The Stock Market crashes and the Great Depression begins.
2. a. Bernard Madoff is arrested for running a Ponzi scheme; b. Barack Obama is elected 44th US president.
3. a. Saigon falls and Vietnam reunifies; b. Richard Nixon resigns and Gerald Ford becomes president.
4. a. American Civil War ends; b. Canada becomes an independent nation.
5. a. The Watergate break-in occurs; b. "The Godfather" film is first released.
6. a. The Berlin Wall comes down; b. Iraq invades Kuwait.
7. a. Bill Clinton is elected president for the first time; b. The World Series is canceled for the first time by a strike.
Baseball All-Stars Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Reggie Jackson
2. Mike Piazza
3. Cal Ripken Jr.
4. Jackie Robinson
5. Willie Mays
6. Mike Trout
7. Stan Musial
8. Roberto Clemente
9. Tony Gwynn
10. Carl Yastrzemski
General Knowledge
1. Temple University is located in what major US city? ( 1 pt)
2. The circumference of a circle is equal to how many degrees? ( 1 pt)
3. Who was the second vice-president of the US? ( 1 pt)
4. How many states border the Gulf of Mexico? ( 2 pt)
5. What William Golding novel is about a group of school children stranded on a desert island? ( 2 pt)
6. What monarch was overthrown during the French Revolution? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the symbol for lead on the Periodic table? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What Central American country has the largest population, as of 2009? ( 4 points)
2. With what team sport did the term "hat trick" originate in 1858? ( 5 points)
3. Before the Empire State Building was completed, what was the tallest building in New York City? ( 4 points)
4. According to Neighborhoodscout.com, the three most dangerous neighborhoods in the US are found in what city? ( 4 points)
5. For what country did George Harrison stage two charity benefit concerts in 1971? ( 3 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Paul McCartney; 2. Mexico; 3. Justin Bieber; 4. Luxembourg; 5. "Glee;" 6. J.K. Rowling; 7. Jenny McCarthy.
Which Came First Trivia
1. a; 2. b; 3. b; 4. a; 5. b; 6. a; 7. a.
Baseball All-Stars Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. AL; 2. NL; 3. AL; 4. NL; 5. NL; 6. AL; 7. NL; 8. NL; 9. NL; 10. AL.
General Knowledge
1. Philadelphia; 2. 360; 3. Thomas Jefferson; 4. five; 5. "Lord of the Flies;" 6. Louis XVI; 7. Pb.
IQ Trivia
1. Guatemala; 2. cricket; 3. Chrysler Building; 4. Detroit; 5. Bangladesh.
We had some high scores for the Baseball All-Stars Trivia and General Knowledge (it will be a bit tougher next week), but it was a difficult IQ Trivia, as only two teams got as many as 2 of the 5 correct.
First place went to The Too Colorful Cheating Devices Yelling Out Answers with 41 points. Good job by Counselor Tice. Second place was a tie, and we broke it with "How many All-Star Games has the NL won in history?" The answer was 43, and the team of Temple University Is In Cleveland, who guessed 42, wound up in second place with 37 points. Third place went to Polls Show Weiner In Front (who also won for Best Team Name), also finishing with 37 points.
Current Events
1. What rock superstar set a new record at Fenway Park last Tuesday for the largest attendance at a music show there, breaking his 2009 record?
2. What Latin American country surpassed the US as the "Fattest Country In The World" for 2013, according to a UN study?
3. What pop singer apologized to Bill Clinton last Friday after the singer was seen on a video spraying water on the former president's picture and yelling obscenities at it in a restaurant?
4. Jean-Claude Juncker resigned as prime minister of what small European country following a scandal involving the country's secret service?
5. Cory Monteith, a 31-year-old singer and star of what TV series, was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room on Saturday?
6. What famous author was unmasked recently as the writer of the crime novel "The Cuckoo's Calling" under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith?
7. What actress was named a new co-host on the ABC weekeday talk show "The View" yesterday, beginning in September, replacing Barbara Walters?
Which Came First Trivia
1. a. Charles Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; b. The Stock Market crashes and the Great Depression begins.
2. a. Bernard Madoff is arrested for running a Ponzi scheme; b. Barack Obama is elected 44th US president.
3. a. Saigon falls and Vietnam reunifies; b. Richard Nixon resigns and Gerald Ford becomes president.
4. a. American Civil War ends; b. Canada becomes an independent nation.
5. a. The Watergate break-in occurs; b. "The Godfather" film is first released.
6. a. The Berlin Wall comes down; b. Iraq invades Kuwait.
7. a. Bill Clinton is elected president for the first time; b. The World Series is canceled for the first time by a strike.
Baseball All-Stars Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Reggie Jackson
2. Mike Piazza
3. Cal Ripken Jr.
4. Jackie Robinson
5. Willie Mays
6. Mike Trout
7. Stan Musial
8. Roberto Clemente
9. Tony Gwynn
10. Carl Yastrzemski
General Knowledge
1. Temple University is located in what major US city? ( 1 pt)
2. The circumference of a circle is equal to how many degrees? ( 1 pt)
3. Who was the second vice-president of the US? ( 1 pt)
4. How many states border the Gulf of Mexico? ( 2 pt)
5. What William Golding novel is about a group of school children stranded on a desert island? ( 2 pt)
6. What monarch was overthrown during the French Revolution? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the symbol for lead on the Periodic table? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What Central American country has the largest population, as of 2009? ( 4 points)
2. With what team sport did the term "hat trick" originate in 1858? ( 5 points)
3. Before the Empire State Building was completed, what was the tallest building in New York City? ( 4 points)
4. According to Neighborhoodscout.com, the three most dangerous neighborhoods in the US are found in what city? ( 4 points)
5. For what country did George Harrison stage two charity benefit concerts in 1971? ( 3 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Paul McCartney; 2. Mexico; 3. Justin Bieber; 4. Luxembourg; 5. "Glee;" 6. J.K. Rowling; 7. Jenny McCarthy.
Which Came First Trivia
1. a; 2. b; 3. b; 4. a; 5. b; 6. a; 7. a.
Baseball All-Stars Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. AL; 2. NL; 3. AL; 4. NL; 5. NL; 6. AL; 7. NL; 8. NL; 9. NL; 10. AL.
General Knowledge
1. Philadelphia; 2. 360; 3. Thomas Jefferson; 4. five; 5. "Lord of the Flies;" 6. Louis XVI; 7. Pb.
IQ Trivia
1. Guatemala; 2. cricket; 3. Chrysler Building; 4. Detroit; 5. Bangladesh.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Still Not a Household Face
Jimmy Fallon recently had a pretty cool segment on his show. He sent out the National League All-Star starter and Mets phenom Matt Harvey to Bryant Park in Manhattan and asked Mets fans questions about...Matt Harvey.
Here's a clip with the hilarity that ensued.
Here's a clip with the hilarity that ensued.
Monday, July 15, 2013
The Stars Come Out On Tuesday Night
This Tuesday night, July 16th at 8 PM, the Special Category at Trivia Night at The Mad Hatter will be "Which Came First Trivia." I will give you two events from history, and you have to tell me which one happened first.
The Q Train lightning round will be "Baseball All-Stars Trivia," in honor of MLB's All-Star Game, that will happening on Tuesday night while we are doing Trivia. I will give you the names of ten famous players from MLB history, and you have to tell which of the two leagues they played in the All-Star Game for. (There won't be any who played for both.)
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Temple University is located in what major US city?"
We get going at 8 PM tomorrow night. Always remember we have both beer and drink specials going on while Trivia is happening. Trivia Night has definitely picked up over the last two weeks, and that's great to see. Let's keep it going folks! Hope to see many of you tomorrow night.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
58-39
A show of hands from all of you who thought the Red Sox would have 58 wins and be 2 1/2 games up in first place at the All-Star Break.
Not many went up, right?
The Sox finish at the break 58-39, after 97 games, with a .598 winning percentage, best in the AL. They need just 11 wins to match last year's total, and may get that by the trading deadline, July 31.
Does the 2012 season look like it happened a lifetime ago?
The Sox ended the west coast trip at 5-5 (just as I had hoped they would) with two losses in the final two games in Oakland. They won the first, lost three straight, then won four in a row, and then completed it with two losses, the last one a tough 3-2 defeat in 11 innings.
They go into the break with the league's best record, and the third best record in MLB. They have a 2 1/2 game lead on Tampa Bay, 4 1/2 over Baltimore, and 6 over New York.
The .598 winning percentage translates to 97 wins over the course of the season. If the Red Sox go 32-33 over the final 65 games they will still end up 90-72. (The same record they had in 2011. But that was a lifetime ago too, right?)
John Farrell is without question the leading candidate for the AL's Manager of the Year.
Now the Sox take a four-day break and return to Fenway to open up a seven-game homestand with New York and Tampa Bay. The first 97 games were a blast. Let's see if they can keep it going.
Not many went up, right?
The Sox finish at the break 58-39, after 97 games, with a .598 winning percentage, best in the AL. They need just 11 wins to match last year's total, and may get that by the trading deadline, July 31.
Does the 2012 season look like it happened a lifetime ago?
The Sox ended the west coast trip at 5-5 (just as I had hoped they would) with two losses in the final two games in Oakland. They won the first, lost three straight, then won four in a row, and then completed it with two losses, the last one a tough 3-2 defeat in 11 innings.
They go into the break with the league's best record, and the third best record in MLB. They have a 2 1/2 game lead on Tampa Bay, 4 1/2 over Baltimore, and 6 over New York.
The .598 winning percentage translates to 97 wins over the course of the season. If the Red Sox go 32-33 over the final 65 games they will still end up 90-72. (The same record they had in 2011. But that was a lifetime ago too, right?)
John Farrell is without question the leading candidate for the AL's Manager of the Year.
Now the Sox take a four-day break and return to Fenway to open up a seven-game homestand with New York and Tampa Bay. The first 97 games were a blast. Let's see if they can keep it going.
Friday, July 12, 2013
No Foolin' Around From This Steven Wright
And yesterday's hero was Steven Wright (not the bearded guy, the unbearded one), who came out of the pen with the Sox down 7-4 in the 4th inning and held Seattle to absolutely nothing through the ninth inning. Wright was recalled from Pawtucket a couple of days ago and allowed the Mariners just three hits in 5 2/3 innings, and gave the rest of the bullpen a much needed rest.
Wright got the win as Daniel Nava singled in a run in the 10th to break a 7-7 tie. Koji Uehara, who did not win the final vote for the last All-Star position yesterday (no big deal, let him go home and rest), got the Mariners 1-2-3, and the Sox took 3 of 4 in Seattle.The win means that the Sox will be in first place when the All-Star break begins on Monday, no matter what happens in Oakland this weekend.
The Sox have now taken 4 of the first 7 games on the west coast, and need just one win in Oakland to have at least a .500 swing out there. After the loss on Monday to begin the Seattle series, I didn't think that would happen. Silly me.
So, why did I put up a picture of the comedian Steven Wright in this post? Because he's a Sox fan and I'm a big fan of his. And he came to one of my Trivia Nights a few years back.
So there.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
"Any Given Monday"
That means the athlete has some kind of serious problem, and it usually means he'll be out for a while if he needs to see the best-known sports surgeon in the country. And anybody who is anybody in the sports world in recent years has seen Dr. Andrews at one time or another.
Dr. Andrews has now written a book called "Any Given Monday: Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them For Athletes, Parents and Coaches- Based On My Life In Sports."
It chronicles not just his 40 years as being the physician to the sports stars, but it also gives suggestions and advice to young athletes pursuing just about every contact sport you can possibly think of: from the ones with high rates of injury like football, baseball and hockey, to ones of lesser risks like golf and swimming.
Dr. Andrews also talks about the high rate of serious injury in cheerleading. You learn something new every day!
The good doctor also devotes time in his book to debunking some commonly held sports myths, such as "no pain, no gain", and how Tommy John surgery will improve pitching performance. He also points out the higher risk for female athletes for knee injuries in noncontact sports, as opposed to their male counterparts.
There's a lot of interesting, as well as useful information in "Any Given Monday" that will benefit not just the younger athletes, but those who have been battling problems in their particular field.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
The Big Bats Right The Ship
I had a bad feeling after Saturday's meltdown in Anaheim that a lousy losing streak might be rearing its ugly head, especially with the Red Sox on the west coast for 8 more games.
They lost the next two, and didn't hit much when it counted in either game. And they got off to a really lousy start in Seattle last night, as Allen Webster got tagged for 7 runs in 2 1/3 innings. He's probably on his way back to Pawtucket.
But the offense came alive last night, as five different players hit home runs (David Ortiz, Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Dustin Pedroia, and in his first game back from AAA, Jackie Bradley, Jr.). The Sox got 11 runs on 16 hits, and beat the fourth-place Mariners, 11-8.
And the bullpen was stellar last night, allowing just 1 run in 6 2/3 innings, scattering 5 hits. Andrew Bailey looked good especially, allowing just one hit in 1 2/3 innings. And Koji Uehara returned to his usual 1-2-3 ninth inning save.
It was such a good night for the Red Sox that even David Ortiz, yes "Wheels" Ortiz, stole second base, standing up.
It was a big win for the Red Sox, and they still have a shot at what I thought was a legit goal for this trip: win 5 of 10. They have to take 3 of the next 5, but that is not beyond the realm of possibility.
Tampa Bay won last night, but Baltimore and New York both lost. The Sox remain 3 1/2 up on the Rays, 5 1/2 on the O's and 6 on the Yankees.
They lost the next two, and didn't hit much when it counted in either game. And they got off to a really lousy start in Seattle last night, as Allen Webster got tagged for 7 runs in 2 1/3 innings. He's probably on his way back to Pawtucket.
But the offense came alive last night, as five different players hit home runs (David Ortiz, Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Dustin Pedroia, and in his first game back from AAA, Jackie Bradley, Jr.). The Sox got 11 runs on 16 hits, and beat the fourth-place Mariners, 11-8.
And the bullpen was stellar last night, allowing just 1 run in 6 2/3 innings, scattering 5 hits. Andrew Bailey looked good especially, allowing just one hit in 1 2/3 innings. And Koji Uehara returned to his usual 1-2-3 ninth inning save.
It was such a good night for the Red Sox that even David Ortiz, yes "Wheels" Ortiz, stole second base, standing up.
It was a big win for the Red Sox, and they still have a shot at what I thought was a legit goal for this trip: win 5 of 10. They have to take 3 of the next 5, but that is not beyond the realm of possibility.
Tampa Bay won last night, but Baltimore and New York both lost. The Sox remain 3 1/2 up on the Rays, 5 1/2 on the O's and 6 on the Yankees.
Trivia Q&A: July 9
We had another nice turnout on Tuesday, even better than last week's. It looks like Trivia Night at The Mad Hatter is growing by the week, and that is good to see. It was equally good to see some new faces I have not seen before as well.
We had a rare occurrence on this night: three teams tied for first going into IQ Trivia. But the team of July Is Spitz Your Weiner Month (who also won for Best Team Name), ran the table and got all five right and wound up winning the night with 49 points.
Second place went to Girls Night Out with 45 points, and Insert Spitzer Joke Here finished third with 42 points.
Let's keep it going folks, and get yet another great turnout for Trivia next week!
Current Events
1. What actress/singer was recently paid $1.4 million to sing "Happy Birthday" to the president of Turkmenistan, who has been called one of the most repressive leaders in the world?
2. Fortune magazine ranked what oil giant as its "Most Profitable Corporation In The World" for 2013, as it earned a $44.9 billion profit last year?
3. What central American country passed a same-sex marriage bill last week and will become the 6th Latin American country to have it should the bill be signed?
4. Last Friday, the Vatican declared Pope John Paul II and which other 20th century pope canonized as saints?
5. A coalition of activists are calling for what company to drop Alec Baldwin as their spokesman following his homophobic Twitter rant recently?
6. What rapper recently had criminal charges filed against him for injuring an ex-girlfriend and destroying property in LA during an altercation?
7. A referee and a player got into a fight during an amateur soccer match in what country, which resulted in the player being stabbed to death and the ref was killed by a crowd of the player's friends?
Pop Music Trivia
1. Name 1 of the 2 bands that Eric Burdon was the lead singer of.
2. Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker were what 1960s rock group?
3. Billie Joe Armstrong is the lead singer of what rock band?
4. What hard rock band has the most gold records of any American group in pop history, with 24?
5. What female pop singer has had more number one songs than any individual female artist in pop history?
6. What musical group was founded by high school friends Big Boi and Dre?
7. "Double Fantasy" was the 1980 comeback album by what rock singer?
New York City Places Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Willets Point
2. Co-Op City
3. Red Hook
4. Snug Harbor
5. Gerritsen Beach
6. Fort Totten
7. Pelham Bay Park
8. Fort Wadsworth
9. Sunset Park
10. Morningside Heights
General Knowledge
1. The Foreign Legion is usually associated with what country? (1 pt)
2. Who was the only actor to appear in every episode of the TV series "M*A*S*H?" ( 1 pt)
3. In what country does most of the novel "Heidi" take place? ( 1 pt)
4. Between Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Quebec, which Canadian province does not share a land border with the US? ( 2 pt)
5. What is the currency unit of Vatican City? ( 2 pt)
6. To the closest foot, how many feet are there in 10 meters? ( 2 pt)
7. Mount Kilimanjaro is found in what African country? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The Costa Brava is a coastal region in the northeastern section of what country? ( 3 points)
2. What is the second largest city in the United Kingdom by population, after London? ( 4 points)
3. What former US president suffered a stroke and later died in the Speaker's Room in the Capitol Building in Washington DC? ( 4 points)
4. The intersection of Bullion Boulevard and Gold Vault Road is found in what US state? ( 4 points)
5. Ellen Church and seven other San Francisco nurses became the pioneers of what profession when they were hired by the BAT in 1930? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Jennifer Lopez; 2. Exxon Mobile; 3. Costa Rica; 4. Pope John XXIII; 5. Capitol One; 6. 50 Cent; 7. Brazil.
Pop Music Trivia
1. The Animals and War; 2. Cream; 3. Green Day; 4. Kiss; 5. Mariah Carey; 6. Outkast; 7. John Lennon.
New York City Places Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Queens; 2. The Bronx; 3. Brooklyn; 4. Staten Island; 5. Brooklyn; 6. Queens; 7. The Bronx; 8. Staten Island; 9. Brooklyn; 10. Manhattan.
General Knowledge
1. France; 2. Alan Alda; 3. Switzerland; 4. Newfoundland; 5. euro; 6. 33 (32.8); 7. Tanzania.
IQ Trivia
1. Spain; 2. Birmingham; 3. John Quincy Adams; 4. Kentucky; 5. flight attendants.
We had a rare occurrence on this night: three teams tied for first going into IQ Trivia. But the team of July Is Spitz Your Weiner Month (who also won for Best Team Name), ran the table and got all five right and wound up winning the night with 49 points.
Second place went to Girls Night Out with 45 points, and Insert Spitzer Joke Here finished third with 42 points.
Let's keep it going folks, and get yet another great turnout for Trivia next week!
Current Events
1. What actress/singer was recently paid $1.4 million to sing "Happy Birthday" to the president of Turkmenistan, who has been called one of the most repressive leaders in the world?
2. Fortune magazine ranked what oil giant as its "Most Profitable Corporation In The World" for 2013, as it earned a $44.9 billion profit last year?
3. What central American country passed a same-sex marriage bill last week and will become the 6th Latin American country to have it should the bill be signed?
4. Last Friday, the Vatican declared Pope John Paul II and which other 20th century pope canonized as saints?
5. A coalition of activists are calling for what company to drop Alec Baldwin as their spokesman following his homophobic Twitter rant recently?
6. What rapper recently had criminal charges filed against him for injuring an ex-girlfriend and destroying property in LA during an altercation?
7. A referee and a player got into a fight during an amateur soccer match in what country, which resulted in the player being stabbed to death and the ref was killed by a crowd of the player's friends?
Pop Music Trivia
1. Name 1 of the 2 bands that Eric Burdon was the lead singer of.
2. Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker were what 1960s rock group?
3. Billie Joe Armstrong is the lead singer of what rock band?
4. What hard rock band has the most gold records of any American group in pop history, with 24?
5. What female pop singer has had more number one songs than any individual female artist in pop history?
6. What musical group was founded by high school friends Big Boi and Dre?
7. "Double Fantasy" was the 1980 comeback album by what rock singer?
New York City Places Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Willets Point
2. Co-Op City
3. Red Hook
4. Snug Harbor
5. Gerritsen Beach
6. Fort Totten
7. Pelham Bay Park
8. Fort Wadsworth
9. Sunset Park
10. Morningside Heights
General Knowledge
1. The Foreign Legion is usually associated with what country? (1 pt)
2. Who was the only actor to appear in every episode of the TV series "M*A*S*H?" ( 1 pt)
3. In what country does most of the novel "Heidi" take place? ( 1 pt)
4. Between Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Quebec, which Canadian province does not share a land border with the US? ( 2 pt)
5. What is the currency unit of Vatican City? ( 2 pt)
6. To the closest foot, how many feet are there in 10 meters? ( 2 pt)
7. Mount Kilimanjaro is found in what African country? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The Costa Brava is a coastal region in the northeastern section of what country? ( 3 points)
2. What is the second largest city in the United Kingdom by population, after London? ( 4 points)
3. What former US president suffered a stroke and later died in the Speaker's Room in the Capitol Building in Washington DC? ( 4 points)
4. The intersection of Bullion Boulevard and Gold Vault Road is found in what US state? ( 4 points)
5. Ellen Church and seven other San Francisco nurses became the pioneers of what profession when they were hired by the BAT in 1930? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Jennifer Lopez; 2. Exxon Mobile; 3. Costa Rica; 4. Pope John XXIII; 5. Capitol One; 6. 50 Cent; 7. Brazil.
Pop Music Trivia
1. The Animals and War; 2. Cream; 3. Green Day; 4. Kiss; 5. Mariah Carey; 6. Outkast; 7. John Lennon.
New York City Places Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Queens; 2. The Bronx; 3. Brooklyn; 4. Staten Island; 5. Brooklyn; 6. Queens; 7. The Bronx; 8. Staten Island; 9. Brooklyn; 10. Manhattan.
General Knowledge
1. France; 2. Alan Alda; 3. Switzerland; 4. Newfoundland; 5. euro; 6. 33 (32.8); 7. Tanzania.
IQ Trivia
1. Spain; 2. Birmingham; 3. John Quincy Adams; 4. Kentucky; 5. flight attendants.
Monday, July 08, 2013
A Test of Your 5 Boroughs Knowledge On Tuesday
This Tuesday night, July 9th at 8 PM, Trivia will return to The Mad Hatter with "Pop Music Trivia," seven questions about the world of popular music. It's always a category everyone seems to like.
The Q Train lightning round will be "New York City Places Trivia." I will give you ten specific areas of our great city, and you have to tell me which of the five boroughs that place is located in.
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What is the currency unit of Vatican City?"
We get going at 8 PM. The Mad Hatter is at 360 3rd Avenue (between 26th and 27th Streets). We had a better turnout last week, and I hope we continue to get more folks in as we go along. It's important for our future at The Mad Hatter that we continue to bring people out for Trivia Night. Hope to see many of you tomorrow night.
Sunday, July 07, 2013
Late Night Horror Show
I just hate it when the Red Sox give games away.
7-3 lead, two outs and two on in the ninth. And they lose in 11 innings, 9-7 to the Angels.
Observations from this crapfest:
The bullpen worries me big time. Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa have been great overall, but I fear they will be burned out by September, especially Uehara, who is 38. Andrew Miller has also been very good, but he left last night's game with an ankle injury, and it didn't look good as he had to helped from the field. Andrew Bailey was terrific last night, but can you really count on him? The Sox have to upgrade the pen, even more than the rotation.
Even if Brandon Snyder made a perfect throw to Dustin Pedroia in the 9th inning, it appeared Josh Hamilton had the play beat. If he throws to first, he had a far better chance to get Howie Kendrick, a slower runner.
Snyder had only played third base once in MLB before the Sox called him up. And the just-recalled Brock Holt and the just sent down Jonathan Diaz are middle infielders, not third basemen. The third base shuffle finally caught up to the Red Sox last night. It's time to bring back Will Middlebrooks from Pawtucket.
Lost in all this is the fact the Red Sox left runners everywhere. 14 left on base, and they didn't get a man on base in extra innings. This game should have been a laugher.
It's important the Sox come out with a win on Sunday night. Losing a game like this can wreck a team and a season, especially with eight more games left on the West Coast. This loss has to be put as far in the rear view mirror as possible, and not be remembered should things start going south.
Now we truly see what the 2013 Red Sox are made of, after the worst loss of the season.
7-3 lead, two outs and two on in the ninth. And they lose in 11 innings, 9-7 to the Angels.
Observations from this crapfest:
The bullpen worries me big time. Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa have been great overall, but I fear they will be burned out by September, especially Uehara, who is 38. Andrew Miller has also been very good, but he left last night's game with an ankle injury, and it didn't look good as he had to helped from the field. Andrew Bailey was terrific last night, but can you really count on him? The Sox have to upgrade the pen, even more than the rotation.
Even if Brandon Snyder made a perfect throw to Dustin Pedroia in the 9th inning, it appeared Josh Hamilton had the play beat. If he throws to first, he had a far better chance to get Howie Kendrick, a slower runner.
Snyder had only played third base once in MLB before the Sox called him up. And the just-recalled Brock Holt and the just sent down Jonathan Diaz are middle infielders, not third basemen. The third base shuffle finally caught up to the Red Sox last night. It's time to bring back Will Middlebrooks from Pawtucket.
Lost in all this is the fact the Red Sox left runners everywhere. 14 left on base, and they didn't get a man on base in extra innings. This game should have been a laugher.
It's important the Sox come out with a win on Sunday night. Losing a game like this can wreck a team and a season, especially with eight more games left on the West Coast. This loss has to be put as far in the rear view mirror as possible, and not be remembered should things start going south.
Now we truly see what the 2013 Red Sox are made of, after the worst loss of the season.
Friday, July 05, 2013
First Of Many More Wins To Come
Congratulations to Allen Webster on his first MLB victory yesterday at Fenway in the Red Sox 8-2 win over the Padres, completing a sweep. It was a memorable one for him, as he got it on the 4th of July, and the first of many more to come. He's got "stud starter" written all over him.
Even Andrew Bailey looked good, throwing a 1-2-3 seventh inning.
The Red Sox took 8 of 9 on the just-completed homestand over Colorado, Toronto and San Diego, and now head out west for the first time, with 10 games in Anaheim, Seattle and Oakland. They leave Boston up by 4 1/2 games over Baltimore, 6 over New York, and 6 1/2 over Tampa Bay.
The Sox also have the AL's best record at 53-34, and just a half-game behind the Pittsburgh Pirates for MLB's best record. (The Pirates have the best record?)
Thursday, July 04, 2013
I Think This Jonny Gomes Signing Is Working Out Fine
When you are mentioned with Bernie Carbo in Red Sox history, that's always a good thing.
You can now say that about Jonny Gomes, as he tied the legendary Carbo for the Red Sox record for pinch-hit home runs in a season, as he blasted his third of 2012 last night, a game-winning shot in the ninth to give the Sox a 2-1 win over the Padres at Fenway.
It was the second time Gomes has won a game for the Sox at Fenway with a pinch-hit HR in the ninth. It was also the 8th time this season the Red Sox have won a game at Fenway in the ninth inning or later. (I don't use that "W" term that has come into the vogue the last few years, as it is a misnomer that never should have entered the lexicon.)
Jon Lester pitched his best game in a month, pitching 7 solid innings after a rocky first inning. Koji Uehara pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.
And speaking of Bernie Carbo, it wasn't one of the three pinch-hit homers he hit in 1977, but you may remember his most famous one, early in this clip:
The Red Sox enter the July 4th holiday in first place by 3 1/2 over Baltimore, 6 over New York, and 6 1/2 over Tampa Bay. They are 52-34. Pretty amazing.
You can now say that about Jonny Gomes, as he tied the legendary Carbo for the Red Sox record for pinch-hit home runs in a season, as he blasted his third of 2012 last night, a game-winning shot in the ninth to give the Sox a 2-1 win over the Padres at Fenway.
It was the second time Gomes has won a game for the Sox at Fenway with a pinch-hit HR in the ninth. It was also the 8th time this season the Red Sox have won a game at Fenway in the ninth inning or later. (I don't use that "W" term that has come into the vogue the last few years, as it is a misnomer that never should have entered the lexicon.)
Jon Lester pitched his best game in a month, pitching 7 solid innings after a rocky first inning. Koji Uehara pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.
And speaking of Bernie Carbo, it wasn't one of the three pinch-hit homers he hit in 1977, but you may remember his most famous one, early in this clip:
The Red Sox enter the July 4th holiday in first place by 3 1/2 over Baltimore, 6 over New York, and 6 1/2 over Tampa Bay. They are 52-34. Pretty amazing.
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Trivia Q&A: July 2
I was pleasantly surprised to see a nicer turnout than the past weeks at The Mad Hatter on Tuesday, and it included one of my oldest friends, Renee, who brought out a number of friends to the bar. My thanks to Renee for such a nice surprise. (And a Happy Birthday to you on Wednesday!)
I did something tonight that I had never done before: all the answers for True or False Trivia were all "true." With that, no team got more than 7 correct (or five wrong). I had always wanted to do that. Thanks for indulging me, everyone!
The first place winners on the night were Better Late Than Never, who wound up winning the night with 44 points. Congrats to Pian, Charles and Jonathan on their win. Second place went to Tan Dori Girls (And One Boy) with 40 points, and third place went to After Telling Me To Shut Up The Bleep Up, Brian Cashman Cleared Me To Play Trivia (who also won Best Team Name) with 35 points.
Next week we move back to front part of the bar, so come in early and get a prime table at The Mad Hatter.
Current Events
1. What actor went on another Twitter rant last week, after a reporter wrote his wife was tweeting during James Gandolfini's funeral?
2. The US Senate unanimously voted to name a new bridge on Interstate 70 over the Mississippi River after what famous St. Louis sports legend last Friday?
3. What eastern European country, which was formally part of Yugoslavia, became the 28th country to join the European Union on Monday?
4. The transit workers of what US city went on strike this past Monday, the first strike since 1997 there?
5. Kevin Rudd became the prime minister for the second time, of what country last week?
6. In what country did former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden allegedly apply for political asylum on Monday?
7. Former MTV video host Kennedy claims in a new book that what NBA superstar tried to win her virginity in a game of dice back in the 1990s, but she won the game anyway?
July 4th Trivia
1. What 19th century US president is the only one besides Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to die on July 4th?
2. In 1872 on this date, who was the only US president born on the July 4th?
3. In 1976, Israeli commandos raided a hijacked Air France airliner in what African country, rescuing all but four of the passengers and crew?
4. In 1881, Tuskegee University opened in what US state?
5. On this day in 1855, "Leaves of Grass," the most famous book published by what poet, was released in Brooklyn?
6. In 1976, what British punk band made their debut in Sheffield, England as an opening act for The Sex Pistols?
7. George Steinbrenner was born on this day in 1930. How many World Series did the Yankees win with him as an owner?
True or False Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. On average, vegetarians live longer than meateaters.
2. "Justin Bieber" is Googled more than "Jesus Christ."
3. Clint Eastwood was once offered the role of James Bond.
4. It costs the US Mint 2 cents to make one penny.
5. Human yawns are contagious to dogs.
6. The US Supreme Court once ruled that tomatoes are legally a vegetable.
7. George Washington grew marijuana in his Mount Vernon garden.
8. One in five people in Singapore are millionaires.
9. The word "set" has the most definitions of any word in the English language.
10. Adolf Hitler was once nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
General Knowledge
1. In what year did the Pilgrims land in America? ( 1 pt)
2. The fraternity of Lambda Lambda Lambda was featured in what 1984 film? ( 1 pt)
3. What number do all the clockface numbers add up to? (1 pt)
4. How many colors are on a standard Rubik's Cube? (2 pt)
5. What number is the Roman numeral "M" with a bar (line) on top of the M? ( 2 pt)
6. Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of what other metal? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the national sport of Taiwan? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world, is located in what country? ( 4 points)
2. What is the only continent that does not have a landlocked country? ( 3 points)
3. The Kiel Canal, which connects the North Sea and Baltic sea, is the world's busiest waterway and is located in what country? ( 4 points)
4. What man appeared on the cover of Time magazine on January 5, 1931 as "The Man of the Year" wearing his customary dhoti? ( 5 points)
5. Who is the only villain to appear in all three of Christopher Nolan's Batman movies? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Alec Baldwin; 2. Stan Musial; 3. Croatia; 4. San Francisco; 5. Australia; 6. Russia; 7. Michael Jordan.
July 4th Trivia
1. James Monroe; 2. Calvin Coolidge; 3. Uganda; 4. Alabama; 5. Walt Whitman; 6. The Clash; 7. seven.
True or False Trivia ("The Q Train")
1-10. All answers were "true."
General Knowledge
1. 1620; 2. "Revenge of the Nerds;" 3. 78; 4. six; 5. one million; 6. copper; 7. baseball.
IQ Trivia
1. Canada; 2. North America; 3. Germany; 4. Mahatma Gandhi; 5. The Scarecrow.
I did something tonight that I had never done before: all the answers for True or False Trivia were all "true." With that, no team got more than 7 correct (or five wrong). I had always wanted to do that. Thanks for indulging me, everyone!
The first place winners on the night were Better Late Than Never, who wound up winning the night with 44 points. Congrats to Pian, Charles and Jonathan on their win. Second place went to Tan Dori Girls (And One Boy) with 40 points, and third place went to After Telling Me To Shut Up The Bleep Up, Brian Cashman Cleared Me To Play Trivia (who also won Best Team Name) with 35 points.
Next week we move back to front part of the bar, so come in early and get a prime table at The Mad Hatter.
Current Events
1. What actor went on another Twitter rant last week, after a reporter wrote his wife was tweeting during James Gandolfini's funeral?
2. The US Senate unanimously voted to name a new bridge on Interstate 70 over the Mississippi River after what famous St. Louis sports legend last Friday?
3. What eastern European country, which was formally part of Yugoslavia, became the 28th country to join the European Union on Monday?
4. The transit workers of what US city went on strike this past Monday, the first strike since 1997 there?
5. Kevin Rudd became the prime minister for the second time, of what country last week?
6. In what country did former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden allegedly apply for political asylum on Monday?
7. Former MTV video host Kennedy claims in a new book that what NBA superstar tried to win her virginity in a game of dice back in the 1990s, but she won the game anyway?
July 4th Trivia
1. What 19th century US president is the only one besides Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to die on July 4th?
2. In 1872 on this date, who was the only US president born on the July 4th?
3. In 1976, Israeli commandos raided a hijacked Air France airliner in what African country, rescuing all but four of the passengers and crew?
4. In 1881, Tuskegee University opened in what US state?
5. On this day in 1855, "Leaves of Grass," the most famous book published by what poet, was released in Brooklyn?
6. In 1976, what British punk band made their debut in Sheffield, England as an opening act for The Sex Pistols?
7. George Steinbrenner was born on this day in 1930. How many World Series did the Yankees win with him as an owner?
True or False Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. On average, vegetarians live longer than meateaters.
2. "Justin Bieber" is Googled more than "Jesus Christ."
3. Clint Eastwood was once offered the role of James Bond.
4. It costs the US Mint 2 cents to make one penny.
5. Human yawns are contagious to dogs.
6. The US Supreme Court once ruled that tomatoes are legally a vegetable.
7. George Washington grew marijuana in his Mount Vernon garden.
8. One in five people in Singapore are millionaires.
9. The word "set" has the most definitions of any word in the English language.
10. Adolf Hitler was once nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
General Knowledge
1. In what year did the Pilgrims land in America? ( 1 pt)
2. The fraternity of Lambda Lambda Lambda was featured in what 1984 film? ( 1 pt)
3. What number do all the clockface numbers add up to? (1 pt)
4. How many colors are on a standard Rubik's Cube? (2 pt)
5. What number is the Roman numeral "M" with a bar (line) on top of the M? ( 2 pt)
6. Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of what other metal? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the national sport of Taiwan? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world, is located in what country? ( 4 points)
2. What is the only continent that does not have a landlocked country? ( 3 points)
3. The Kiel Canal, which connects the North Sea and Baltic sea, is the world's busiest waterway and is located in what country? ( 4 points)
4. What man appeared on the cover of Time magazine on January 5, 1931 as "The Man of the Year" wearing his customary dhoti? ( 5 points)
5. Who is the only villain to appear in all three of Christopher Nolan's Batman movies? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Alec Baldwin; 2. Stan Musial; 3. Croatia; 4. San Francisco; 5. Australia; 6. Russia; 7. Michael Jordan.
July 4th Trivia
1. James Monroe; 2. Calvin Coolidge; 3. Uganda; 4. Alabama; 5. Walt Whitman; 6. The Clash; 7. seven.
True or False Trivia ("The Q Train")
1-10. All answers were "true."
General Knowledge
1. 1620; 2. "Revenge of the Nerds;" 3. 78; 4. six; 5. one million; 6. copper; 7. baseball.
IQ Trivia
1. Canada; 2. North America; 3. Germany; 4. Mahatma Gandhi; 5. The Scarecrow.
Monday, July 01, 2013
Celebrate Your Independence With Trivia
This Tuesday night, July 2nd at 8 PM, the Special Category for Trivia Night at The Mad Hatter on 3rd Avenue and E. 26th Street will be "July 4th Trivia." I will ask you seven questions connected with July 4th in history.
The Q Train lightning round will be "True or False Trivia."
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The fraternity of Lambda Lambda Lambda was featured in what 1984 film?"
I hope to see many of you on Tuesday night at The Mad Hatter as we celebrate our independence with Trivia!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
No June Swoon As The Sox Win Their Fiftieth
Well, Koji Uehara won't be perfect as a closer this season.
He gave up a game-tying home run to the incredibly-hot Jose Bautista in the ninth inning today, but the Sox salvaged the game in the bottom of the ninth on Jays' first baseman Josh Thole's error, and gained a 5-4 win.
I guessing nobody was happier than Koji, who grabbed the vulture win. (Although I saw Andrew Bailey warming up in the bottom of the ninth, so my thoughts were either win this now, or the Sox will be splitting this series. Thank goodness Bailey wasn't needed.)
The Sox took 3 of 4 from the Jays, but it is pretty evident that they need to bolster not only the rotation, but the bullpen. Uehara has done a nice job as closer so far, but how long he will go is an open question. He's pitched in 4 of the last 5 games, and he's 38-years-old.
June ends with the Red Sox at 50-34. It is the AL's best record with three months to play.
He gave up a game-tying home run to the incredibly-hot Jose Bautista in the ninth inning today, but the Sox salvaged the game in the bottom of the ninth on Jays' first baseman Josh Thole's error, and gained a 5-4 win.
I guessing nobody was happier than Koji, who grabbed the vulture win. (Although I saw Andrew Bailey warming up in the bottom of the ninth, so my thoughts were either win this now, or the Sox will be splitting this series. Thank goodness Bailey wasn't needed.)
The Sox took 3 of 4 from the Jays, but it is pretty evident that they need to bolster not only the rotation, but the bullpen. Uehara has done a nice job as closer so far, but how long he will go is an open question. He's pitched in 4 of the last 5 games, and he's 38-years-old.
June ends with the Red Sox at 50-34. It is the AL's best record with three months to play.
Friday, June 28, 2013
It Was Koji Time, After The Nightmare On Bailey Street
The Red Sox beat the Blue Jays for the second straight night on Friday as they opened up the second half of 2013, but not without seeing an early 5-0 lead disappear.
Allen Webster looked like he was on the road to his first MLB win, but ran out of gas by the sixth inning. He continues to impress, and will be a big time pitcher in the near future. Toronto scored three in the fifth, and another in the sixth. The Sox still had a 5-4 lead, and John farrell made a fateful decision: he brought in the much-maligned Andrew Bailey to start the 7th.
And he looked good to start the inning. Struck out Jose Reyes and Jose Bautista. Looked very much like the old All-Star closer. But then he gave up a bomb into the center field seats to Edwin Encarnacion, and was booed lustily as he exited the field, and Andrew Miller got the last out.
The Sox bailed him out by grabbing two in the bottom of the seventh, as Jonny Gomes' pinch-hit single with the bases loaded put the Sox in front to stay.
Koji Uehara got his third straight save, and they have all been 1-2-3 innings as well. Yep, the ninth has been Koji Time!
What about Bailey? The guy is simply snake bit. I can't see Farrell using him in another close game until he gets his head together. He's going to have to pitch in low pressure situations until he can be trusted again.
Everybody below the Sox lost except the Orioles lost (they beat the Yankees). The Sox still have a 3 1/2 game lead, with the best recortd in the AL at 49-33.
(With thanks to my friend Jeff, who referred to the top of 7th inning tonight as "The latest installment of Nightmare On Bailey Street.")
Allen Webster looked like he was on the road to his first MLB win, but ran out of gas by the sixth inning. He continues to impress, and will be a big time pitcher in the near future. Toronto scored three in the fifth, and another in the sixth. The Sox still had a 5-4 lead, and John farrell made a fateful decision: he brought in the much-maligned Andrew Bailey to start the 7th.
And he looked good to start the inning. Struck out Jose Reyes and Jose Bautista. Looked very much like the old All-Star closer. But then he gave up a bomb into the center field seats to Edwin Encarnacion, and was booed lustily as he exited the field, and Andrew Miller got the last out.
The Sox bailed him out by grabbing two in the bottom of the seventh, as Jonny Gomes' pinch-hit single with the bases loaded put the Sox in front to stay.
Koji Uehara got his third straight save, and they have all been 1-2-3 innings as well. Yep, the ninth has been Koji Time!
What about Bailey? The guy is simply snake bit. I can't see Farrell using him in another close game until he gets his head together. He's going to have to pitch in low pressure situations until he can be trusted again.
Everybody below the Sox lost except the Orioles lost (they beat the Yankees). The Sox still have a 3 1/2 game lead, with the best recortd in the AL at 49-33.
(With thanks to my friend Jeff, who referred to the top of 7th inning tonight as "The latest installment of Nightmare On Bailey Street.")
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Returning to the Riv
The Red Sox most reliable pitcher these days is John Lackey. Yes, you read that correctly.
Lackey pitched another beauty yesterday, striking out 12 and allowing the Colorado Rockies just two runs in seven innings. It was his fifth win of the season, and he really should have a few more if the pen hadn't let him down. Koji Uehara pitched a brisk 1-2-3 ninth as the Sox swept the two-game series, 5-3.
It was Uehara's second save and first as the Red Sox' acknowledged closer.
The Sox are now up by 3 1/2 over New York and Baltimore, and start a four-game series with the cooled-off Torornto Blue Jays tonight at Fenway.
And speaking of the Yankees, lots of high drama happening between the club and its' nine-figure pariah, Alex Rodriguez. I won't go into it here too much, but it is all over money that could be paid out by insurance if he doesn't play, and a looming suspension from MLB over PEDs. My friend Lisa isn't buying any of it, and lays out her reasons why. An interesting read from one of the better Yankee fans I know.
It just makes me thank God the Red Sox never completed that trade with Texas in 2003.
Tonight will be an interesting night, as I will be returning to one of my old haunts to watch the Red Sox-Blue Jays game: The Riviera in the West Village. I have not been there since the day the Red Sox raised their 2004 World Series championship flag on April 11, 2005. I moved over to other places since then, but these days I rarely watch the Red Sox away from home any more. I was at the Riv for one of the darker days in Red Sox history, Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. But I was also there for The 2004 Comeback, and the World Series title that followed it. It will be good to catch up with some old friends and remember the good times we had there, like in the photo included here. (It is originally from the "Four Days In October" ESPN documentary. That's me in a still shot after the Sox won Game 5 of the ALCS, although in the documentary it shown after Game 7. No matter.)
Lackey pitched another beauty yesterday, striking out 12 and allowing the Colorado Rockies just two runs in seven innings. It was his fifth win of the season, and he really should have a few more if the pen hadn't let him down. Koji Uehara pitched a brisk 1-2-3 ninth as the Sox swept the two-game series, 5-3.
It was Uehara's second save and first as the Red Sox' acknowledged closer.
The Sox are now up by 3 1/2 over New York and Baltimore, and start a four-game series with the cooled-off Torornto Blue Jays tonight at Fenway.
And speaking of the Yankees, lots of high drama happening between the club and its' nine-figure pariah, Alex Rodriguez. I won't go into it here too much, but it is all over money that could be paid out by insurance if he doesn't play, and a looming suspension from MLB over PEDs. My friend Lisa isn't buying any of it, and lays out her reasons why. An interesting read from one of the better Yankee fans I know.
It just makes me thank God the Red Sox never completed that trade with Texas in 2003.
Tonight will be an interesting night, as I will be returning to one of my old haunts to watch the Red Sox-Blue Jays game: The Riviera in the West Village. I have not been there since the day the Red Sox raised their 2004 World Series championship flag on April 11, 2005. I moved over to other places since then, but these days I rarely watch the Red Sox away from home any more. I was at the Riv for one of the darker days in Red Sox history, Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. But I was also there for The 2004 Comeback, and the World Series title that followed it. It will be good to catch up with some old friends and remember the good times we had there, like in the photo included here. (It is originally from the "Four Days In October" ESPN documentary. That's me in a still shot after the Sox won Game 5 of the ALCS, although in the documentary it shown after Game 7. No matter.)
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Trivia Q&A: June 25
It was a pleasure to see my loyalest regulars in for Trivia on Tuesday at The Mad Hatter. The team of You're All Invited to Eddie's Lululemon Party wound up winning the night with 47 points, second place went to One More Day Til Summer with 43 points, and third place went to One For All, All For One, No Matter What Rob Says with 40 points.
Current Events
1. What rap star is planning to launch a cable music channel called "Revolt TV", looking to fill the gap left by MTV after they stopped playing videos years ago?
2. Two people were killed last Saturday when a Stearman biplane crashed between two runaways at an air show in what Midwest state?
3.What rapper caused some controversy last week when he claims to have accidentally stepped on an American flag while shooting a video in New Orleans?
4. What actor recently came out on Twitter and ripped his own upcoming film, a sequel he feels contains to high a level of violence?
5. Flash floods in what Asian country left more than 1,000 people dead this past weekend?
6. Which American automaker is recalling more than 2.7 million Jeeps over concerns that fuel tanks' location contributes to fires after accidents?
7. What pop singer was banned for life from the Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving facility last week for failure to pay fees and bad behavior?
Mob Movies and TV Trivia
1. Who played undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone in the 1997 film "Donnie Brasco?"
2. "Would you kiss me if I wear a hat?" was a famous line said by Al Pacino in what film?
3. "Billy Bats" was a gangster murdered in what famous film?
4. What 1995 gangster film broke the record for the most "F" words in a single film?
5. "Boardwalk Empire" is set in the 1920s in what US city?
6. What Emmy-nominated actor was once murdered by Tony Soprano on the porch of a house in "The Sopranos?"
7. James Gandolfini played a gangster/stuntman that was thrown down a flight of stairs by John Travolta in what 1995 film?
World Capitals Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Vilnius
2. Quito
3. Dhaka
4. Mogadishu
5. Addis Ababa
6. Kampala
7. Bucharest
8. Nairobi
9. Phnom Penh
10. Tallinn
General Knowledge
1. In which city did the St. Valentine's Day Massacre take place? ( 1 pt)
2. Hilton Head Island is found in what US state? ( 1 pt)
3. "Yield" signs in the US in 1971 were changed from yellow to what two colors? ( 1 pt)
4. Which organization has a logo that consists of a lit candle wrapped in barbed wire? ( 2 pt)
5. Ag is the symbol for what element on the Periodic Table? ( 2 pt)
6. What famous person was imprisoned on Robben Island for over 20 years? ( 2 pt)
7. Which bone is the most frequently broken bone in the human body? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. Interpol is headquartered in what French city? ( 4 points)
2. Borneo is an island divided between three Asian countries: Brunei, Indonesia and what other? ( 4 points)
3. If your hobby is lepidoptery, what do you collect? ( 3 points)
4. What 1984 film is the only movie in IMDB's user ratings that can be rated from 1 to 11, instead of the usual 1 to 10? ( 5 points)
5. The Pyrenees are a range of mountains that forms a natural border between which two countries? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Sean P. Diddy Combs; 2. Ohio; 3. Lil Wayne; 4. Jim Carrey; 5. India; 6. Chrysler; 7. Justin Bieber.
Mob Movies and TV Trivia
1. Johnny Depp; 2. "Scarface;" 3. "Goodfellas;" 4. "Casino;" 5. Atlantic City; 6. Steve Buscemi; 7. "Get Shorty."
World Capitals Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Lithuania; 2. Ecuador; 3. Bangladesh; $. Somalia; 5. Ethiopia; 6. Uganda; 7. Romania; 8. Kenya; 9. Cambodia; 10. Estonia.
General Knowledge
1. Chicago; 2. South Carolina; 3. red and white; 4. Amnesty International; 5. silver; 6. Nelson Mandela; 7. collarbone.
IQ Trivia
1. Lyon; 2. Malaysia; 3. butterflies; 4. "This Is Spinal Tap;" 5. Spain and France.
Current Events
1. What rap star is planning to launch a cable music channel called "Revolt TV", looking to fill the gap left by MTV after they stopped playing videos years ago?
2. Two people were killed last Saturday when a Stearman biplane crashed between two runaways at an air show in what Midwest state?
3.What rapper caused some controversy last week when he claims to have accidentally stepped on an American flag while shooting a video in New Orleans?
4. What actor recently came out on Twitter and ripped his own upcoming film, a sequel he feels contains to high a level of violence?
5. Flash floods in what Asian country left more than 1,000 people dead this past weekend?
6. Which American automaker is recalling more than 2.7 million Jeeps over concerns that fuel tanks' location contributes to fires after accidents?
7. What pop singer was banned for life from the Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving facility last week for failure to pay fees and bad behavior?
Mob Movies and TV Trivia
1. Who played undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone in the 1997 film "Donnie Brasco?"
2. "Would you kiss me if I wear a hat?" was a famous line said by Al Pacino in what film?
3. "Billy Bats" was a gangster murdered in what famous film?
4. What 1995 gangster film broke the record for the most "F" words in a single film?
5. "Boardwalk Empire" is set in the 1920s in what US city?
6. What Emmy-nominated actor was once murdered by Tony Soprano on the porch of a house in "The Sopranos?"
7. James Gandolfini played a gangster/stuntman that was thrown down a flight of stairs by John Travolta in what 1995 film?
World Capitals Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Vilnius
2. Quito
3. Dhaka
4. Mogadishu
5. Addis Ababa
6. Kampala
7. Bucharest
8. Nairobi
9. Phnom Penh
10. Tallinn
General Knowledge
1. In which city did the St. Valentine's Day Massacre take place? ( 1 pt)
2. Hilton Head Island is found in what US state? ( 1 pt)
3. "Yield" signs in the US in 1971 were changed from yellow to what two colors? ( 1 pt)
4. Which organization has a logo that consists of a lit candle wrapped in barbed wire? ( 2 pt)
5. Ag is the symbol for what element on the Periodic Table? ( 2 pt)
6. What famous person was imprisoned on Robben Island for over 20 years? ( 2 pt)
7. Which bone is the most frequently broken bone in the human body? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. Interpol is headquartered in what French city? ( 4 points)
2. Borneo is an island divided between three Asian countries: Brunei, Indonesia and what other? ( 4 points)
3. If your hobby is lepidoptery, what do you collect? ( 3 points)
4. What 1984 film is the only movie in IMDB's user ratings that can be rated from 1 to 11, instead of the usual 1 to 10? ( 5 points)
5. The Pyrenees are a range of mountains that forms a natural border between which two countries? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Sean P. Diddy Combs; 2. Ohio; 3. Lil Wayne; 4. Jim Carrey; 5. India; 6. Chrysler; 7. Justin Bieber.
Mob Movies and TV Trivia
1. Johnny Depp; 2. "Scarface;" 3. "Goodfellas;" 4. "Casino;" 5. Atlantic City; 6. Steve Buscemi; 7. "Get Shorty."
World Capitals Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Lithuania; 2. Ecuador; 3. Bangladesh; $. Somalia; 5. Ethiopia; 6. Uganda; 7. Romania; 8. Kenya; 9. Cambodia; 10. Estonia.
General Knowledge
1. Chicago; 2. South Carolina; 3. red and white; 4. Amnesty International; 5. silver; 6. Nelson Mandela; 7. collarbone.
IQ Trivia
1. Lyon; 2. Malaysia; 3. butterflies; 4. "This Is Spinal Tap;" 5. Spain and France.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Honoring a Legend
The world was shocked last week at the sudden passing of the great actor James Gandolfini, at the age of 51. So in honor of his great career, we will have "Mob Movies and TV Trivia" as the Special Category this Tuesday at The Mad Hatter for Trivia Night. It will be seven questions on all kinds of mobsters and gangsters from TV and movies through the years.
The Q Train lightning round will be "World Capitals Trivia." I will give you the names of ten world capital cities and you tell the country they are a part of. Don't worry, I don't plan on using any really obscure places like islands in the Pacific.
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Which organization has a logo that consists of a lit candle wrapped in barbed wire?"
We'll get going at 8 PM on Tuesday night. The Mad Hatter is located at 360 3rd Avenue, between E. 26th and 27th Streets. There will be beer and shot specials throughout the Trivia Night. Looking forward to seeing many of you for another great night of Trivia Q&A!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Bring On The Robots
Once again, umpires become the story of an MLB game. And not for good reasons.
MLB umpiring incompetence was on display in the Red Sox 7-5 loss to the Tigers on Sunday, as Daniel Nava clearly caught a fly ball to right to start the eighth inning, and dropped it in the transfer to his hand. But the second base ump (can't remember his name, nor do I want to) ruled it a drop and Detroit had a man on second. (The umps got together and STILL couldn't get the call right.) John Farrell rightly went bananas and was tossed for the first time as Red Sox manager.
(There was a similar play in the Mets game today as well, as Ben Revere also allegedly dropped a fly ball that looked to me he caught. And it led to a big Mets inning, too.)
The Tigers went on to score three runs, and the win. Can't say this incompetence cost the Sox the game (the bullpen was clearly more to blame), but they sure didn't help. As my friend Allan at Joy of Sox sometimes says, "Bring on the robots." (I'm now more convinced than ever that instant replay is not only needed, it's a necessity. And let the robots make the calls. They couldn't be any worse.)
I can't watch ANY MLB game these days without shaking my head over the lousy umpiring, especially the home plate. It's putrid, and MLB does nothing about it. And it hurst the sport.
The pitching continues to be a worry. Felix Doubront, coming off his best start of his career, was awful, allowing three runs in five innings, and could easily have given up more.
Jon Lester got a gift win on Friday, and Clay Buchholz' next start has been pushed back even further. Right now, the most reliable starter is John Lackey. (Yes, I just wrote that. Believe it.)
The bullpen has been really erratic lately. After today's latest debacle, Andrew Bailey's next appearance will probably be in garbage time. The bullpen ERA is now 25th in MLB and the Sox relievers are 28th in walks allowed.
Despite this gloom and doom and losing 3 of 4 in Detroit, the Sox are still two games up over Baltimore, 2 1/2 in front of New York, with Tampa Bay and the hard-charging Blue Jays both five back.
A four-cornered fight looks like it is now a five-cornered one. (Does that even exist?).
MLB umpiring incompetence was on display in the Red Sox 7-5 loss to the Tigers on Sunday, as Daniel Nava clearly caught a fly ball to right to start the eighth inning, and dropped it in the transfer to his hand. But the second base ump (can't remember his name, nor do I want to) ruled it a drop and Detroit had a man on second. (The umps got together and STILL couldn't get the call right.) John Farrell rightly went bananas and was tossed for the first time as Red Sox manager.
(There was a similar play in the Mets game today as well, as Ben Revere also allegedly dropped a fly ball that looked to me he caught. And it led to a big Mets inning, too.)
The Tigers went on to score three runs, and the win. Can't say this incompetence cost the Sox the game (the bullpen was clearly more to blame), but they sure didn't help. As my friend Allan at Joy of Sox sometimes says, "Bring on the robots." (I'm now more convinced than ever that instant replay is not only needed, it's a necessity. And let the robots make the calls. They couldn't be any worse.)
I can't watch ANY MLB game these days without shaking my head over the lousy umpiring, especially the home plate. It's putrid, and MLB does nothing about it. And it hurst the sport.
The pitching continues to be a worry. Felix Doubront, coming off his best start of his career, was awful, allowing three runs in five innings, and could easily have given up more.
Jon Lester got a gift win on Friday, and Clay Buchholz' next start has been pushed back even further. Right now, the most reliable starter is John Lackey. (Yes, I just wrote that. Believe it.)
The bullpen has been really erratic lately. After today's latest debacle, Andrew Bailey's next appearance will probably be in garbage time. The bullpen ERA is now 25th in MLB and the Sox relievers are 28th in walks allowed.
Despite this gloom and doom and losing 3 of 4 in Detroit, the Sox are still two games up over Baltimore, 2 1/2 in front of New York, with Tampa Bay and the hard-charging Blue Jays both five back.
A four-cornered fight looks like it is now a five-cornered one. (Does that even exist?).
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Can We Officially Call The Bailey Trade a Bust Now?
Another outing for Andrew Bailey, another home run given up.
This time it was a game-winning home run to Jhonny Peralta of the Tigers, to a flush a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth and make it a 4-3 loss.
Bailey has given up a whopping six home runs this season. In his two all-star seasons in Oakland, he allowed six home runs total.
John Farrell wants to show confidence in this guy, but Bailey isn't rewarding him. Every outing is an adventure, and now I don't see how you can keep in the closer role any longer.
Koji Uehara closed for the Orioles a few years back. Junichi Tazawa is another internal candidate to get the ninth.
Bailey no longer deserves it.
I'm only glad I didn't witness the latest Bailey disaster, as I went to the Brooklyn Cyclones opener at MCU Park tonight, and got the bad news on my iPhone as I was on the subway heading home.
UPDATE: Right after tonight's game, John Farrell announced that Bailey is out as closer, and the Sox will "pursue other options." Stay tuned.
This time it was a game-winning home run to Jhonny Peralta of the Tigers, to a flush a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth and make it a 4-3 loss.
Bailey has given up a whopping six home runs this season. In his two all-star seasons in Oakland, he allowed six home runs total.
John Farrell wants to show confidence in this guy, but Bailey isn't rewarding him. Every outing is an adventure, and now I don't see how you can keep in the closer role any longer.
Koji Uehara closed for the Orioles a few years back. Junichi Tazawa is another internal candidate to get the ninth.
Bailey no longer deserves it.
I'm only glad I didn't witness the latest Bailey disaster, as I went to the Brooklyn Cyclones opener at MCU Park tonight, and got the bad news on my iPhone as I was on the subway heading home.
UPDATE: Right after tonight's game, John Farrell announced that Bailey is out as closer, and the Sox will "pursue other options." Stay tuned.
Oh, Those Wacky Brits
I found this clip from my friend Jim on YouTube earlier this week.
A group from the UK called "The Exploding Heads" took the Red Sox-Yankees Opening Day game from earlier this season and put their own unique spin on it by placing their own commentary over select scenes from the Red Sox 8-2 win.
Ichiro Suzuki is "Joseph Gordon Levitt" and the umpires are "FBI agents." Too funny.
So, rounders fans, it's "NY vs. another team to be confirmed":
A group from the UK called "The Exploding Heads" took the Red Sox-Yankees Opening Day game from earlier this season and put their own unique spin on it by placing their own commentary over select scenes from the Red Sox 8-2 win.
Ichiro Suzuki is "Joseph Gordon Levitt" and the umpires are "FBI agents." Too funny.
So, rounders fans, it's "NY vs. another team to be confirmed":
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Mostly Stuff To Like On Tuesday
Here's some of the good stuff that happened to the Red Sox on Tuesday:
Felix Doubront pitched probably his best game ever in a Red Sox uniform, going 8 innings and allowing just three hits and no walks. He retired the last 17 hitters he faced. Like to see more of this Doubront in the future.
Jonny Gomes got another clutch hit: a two-run game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth to win Game 2.
Alfredo Aceves was good yet again, going five innings and allowing just one run before the rain showed up in Game 1. And he earned another ticket on the Pawtucket shuttle after the game.
Four solid innings from the pen after the rain delay ended in Game 1. Junichi Tazawa, Andrew Miller, Koji Uehara and Craig Breslow scattered three hits and allowed no runs.
Jose Iglesias just keeps on hitting. His current streak is at 18 games, the longest in MLB right now. He's hitting an amazing .435, in just 92 at-bats.
The Red Sox have the best record in the AL with the sweep over Tampa Bay on Tuesday. They are 44-29, lead Baltimore by 2 1/2, New York by 4, and TB by 7.
And some not so good:
Andrew Bailey coughed up another one, giving up a game-tying HR to Kelly Johnson in the ninth on his second pitch. He took away what should have been a well-earned win for Felix Doubront, and got the vulture win on Gomes' home run. Bailey continues to be a monumental disappointment.
Both Clay Buchholz and David Ross were put on the DL. Buchholz may not be on long, as he last pitched on June 7th. But Ross was placed on the 7 day concussion DL, as he has another recurrence of the concussion symptoms. Ryan Larvarnway was brought back up.
Trivia Q&A: June 18
It was nice to see a few old friends back in The Mad Hatter for Trivia I had not seen in some time. Great to see Joe, Gillian, Amy, John and a few others. It was another small crowd but an energetic one.
The night was won by When the Mets Win Tuesday Night Trivia, Then They Can Celebrate with 41 points. Second place was taken by We Should Have Taken The Q Train with 34 points. We had a tie for third place, and the tie-breaker was won by Between Kim and Kanye: Two Shitty Releases (which also won for Best Team Name), who had 31 points.
Current Events
1. A fire in what US state last week destroyed more than 360 homes and is now considered the worst forest fire in the state's history?
2. MLB announced last Wednesday that the 2014 regular season will begin with a two-game series in late March between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in what foreign country, the first regular season games played there?
3. What Hollywood superstar actor was heavily criticized last week for praising Walmart "as a role model" and "improved women's lives around the world"?
4. Hassan Rouhani was elected president of what Middle eastern country last Saturday?
5. What Oscar-winning producer/director won his first ever Emmy award at the Daytime Emmy awards this past Sunday night?
6. What Asian country will send out the last telegram this coming July 14, 144 years after Samuel Morse invented and sent the first telegram?
7. What world leader denied this week he stole New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's Super Bowl ring when they met in 2005, but he says he will reimburse Kraft for a new ring?
Sports Movie Trivia
1. "Miracle" was a 2004 film starring Kurt Russell about a team in what sport?
2. "Pride of the Yankees" was a 1942 film about what legendary Yankees player?
3. What Oscar-winning actor was the star of the 1977 comedy film "Slap Shot?"
4. What future Oscar-winning actor played a dying baseball player in the 1974 film "Bang the Drum Slowly?"
5. "Invincible" was a 2006 film that starred Mark Wahlberg as a bartender who eventually becomes a player for what NFL team?
6. What Oscar-winning actor portrayed heavyweight champion James Braddock in the 2005 film "Cinderella Man?"
7. Name 2 of the 3 sports films that have won the Best Picture Oscar.
Country Nicknames Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Land of the Rising Sun
2. The Hexagon
3. The Red Dragon
4. Land of Fire and Ice
5. Graveyard of Empires
6. Land of the Incas
7. The Hermit Kingdom
8. India's Teardrop
9. The Boot
10. The Rainbow Nation
General Knowledge
1. The ancient city of Mecca is found in what country? ( 1 pt)
2. Which of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles denied knowing him three times? ( 1 pt)
3. "I Am a Rock" and "Cecilia" were hit songs for what 1960s rock act? ( 1 pt)
4. The city of Honolulu is located on which one of the Hawaiian Islands? ( 2 pt)
5. "Pb" is the chemical symbol for what element? ( 2 pt)
6. What 19th century European composer created the Brandenburg concertos? ( 2 pt)
7. What explorer first reached the South Pole in 1911? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The cocktail Buck's Fizz is made up of two parts orange juice and one part what alcoholic ingredient? ( 4 points)
2. What island was Napoleon Bonaparte exiled to by the British, where he spent the last six years of his life? ( 4 points)
3. King Albert II is the current reigning monarch of what country since 1993? ( 4 points)
4. The first successful flyby of another planet in the solar system, in December 1962, was of which planet? ( 3 points)
5. "Lost in the Funhouse" was a 2001 biography of what late comedian? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Colorado; 2. Australia; 3. Tom Cruise; 4. Iran; 5. George Lucas; 6. India; 7. Vladimir Putin.
Sports Movie Trivia
1. Hockey; 2. Lou Gehrig; 3. Paul Newman; 4. Robert DeNiro; 5. Philadelphia Eagles; 6. Russell Crowe; 7. Rocky, Chariots of Fire and Million Dollar Baby.
Country Nicknames Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Japan; 2. France; 3. China; 4. Iceland; 5. Afghanistan; 6. Peru; 7. North Korea; 8. Sri Lanka; 9. Italy; 10. South Africa.
General Knowledge
1. Saudi Arabia; 2. Peter; 3. Simon and Garfunkel; 4. Oahu; 5. lead; 6. Johann S. Bach; 7. Roald Amundsen.
IQ Trivia
1. Champagne; 2. St. Helena; 3. Belgium; 4. Venus; 5. Andy Kaufman.
The night was won by When the Mets Win Tuesday Night Trivia, Then They Can Celebrate with 41 points. Second place was taken by We Should Have Taken The Q Train with 34 points. We had a tie for third place, and the tie-breaker was won by Between Kim and Kanye: Two Shitty Releases (which also won for Best Team Name), who had 31 points.
Current Events
1. A fire in what US state last week destroyed more than 360 homes and is now considered the worst forest fire in the state's history?
2. MLB announced last Wednesday that the 2014 regular season will begin with a two-game series in late March between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in what foreign country, the first regular season games played there?
3. What Hollywood superstar actor was heavily criticized last week for praising Walmart "as a role model" and "improved women's lives around the world"?
4. Hassan Rouhani was elected president of what Middle eastern country last Saturday?
5. What Oscar-winning producer/director won his first ever Emmy award at the Daytime Emmy awards this past Sunday night?
6. What Asian country will send out the last telegram this coming July 14, 144 years after Samuel Morse invented and sent the first telegram?
7. What world leader denied this week he stole New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's Super Bowl ring when they met in 2005, but he says he will reimburse Kraft for a new ring?
Sports Movie Trivia
1. "Miracle" was a 2004 film starring Kurt Russell about a team in what sport?
2. "Pride of the Yankees" was a 1942 film about what legendary Yankees player?
3. What Oscar-winning actor was the star of the 1977 comedy film "Slap Shot?"
4. What future Oscar-winning actor played a dying baseball player in the 1974 film "Bang the Drum Slowly?"
5. "Invincible" was a 2006 film that starred Mark Wahlberg as a bartender who eventually becomes a player for what NFL team?
6. What Oscar-winning actor portrayed heavyweight champion James Braddock in the 2005 film "Cinderella Man?"
7. Name 2 of the 3 sports films that have won the Best Picture Oscar.
Country Nicknames Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Land of the Rising Sun
2. The Hexagon
3. The Red Dragon
4. Land of Fire and Ice
5. Graveyard of Empires
6. Land of the Incas
7. The Hermit Kingdom
8. India's Teardrop
9. The Boot
10. The Rainbow Nation
General Knowledge
1. The ancient city of Mecca is found in what country? ( 1 pt)
2. Which of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles denied knowing him three times? ( 1 pt)
3. "I Am a Rock" and "Cecilia" were hit songs for what 1960s rock act? ( 1 pt)
4. The city of Honolulu is located on which one of the Hawaiian Islands? ( 2 pt)
5. "Pb" is the chemical symbol for what element? ( 2 pt)
6. What 19th century European composer created the Brandenburg concertos? ( 2 pt)
7. What explorer first reached the South Pole in 1911? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The cocktail Buck's Fizz is made up of two parts orange juice and one part what alcoholic ingredient? ( 4 points)
2. What island was Napoleon Bonaparte exiled to by the British, where he spent the last six years of his life? ( 4 points)
3. King Albert II is the current reigning monarch of what country since 1993? ( 4 points)
4. The first successful flyby of another planet in the solar system, in December 1962, was of which planet? ( 3 points)
5. "Lost in the Funhouse" was a 2001 biography of what late comedian? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Colorado; 2. Australia; 3. Tom Cruise; 4. Iran; 5. George Lucas; 6. India; 7. Vladimir Putin.
Sports Movie Trivia
1. Hockey; 2. Lou Gehrig; 3. Paul Newman; 4. Robert DeNiro; 5. Philadelphia Eagles; 6. Russell Crowe; 7. Rocky, Chariots of Fire and Million Dollar Baby.
Country Nicknames Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Japan; 2. France; 3. China; 4. Iceland; 5. Afghanistan; 6. Peru; 7. North Korea; 8. Sri Lanka; 9. Italy; 10. South Africa.
General Knowledge
1. Saudi Arabia; 2. Peter; 3. Simon and Garfunkel; 4. Oahu; 5. lead; 6. Johann S. Bach; 7. Roald Amundsen.
IQ Trivia
1. Champagne; 2. St. Helena; 3. Belgium; 4. Venus; 5. Andy Kaufman.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
I Don't Disagree With Costas
Bob Costas caused a bit of an uproar with Mets fans on Sunday when he reported on the Mets four-run ninth inning, capped by Kirk Nieuwenhuis' three-run game-winning home run.
He was a bit over the top with his "ongoing decline of western civilization" crack, but he wasn't wrong about saying the Mets had just acted "like they won the 7th game of the World Series."
As my loyal readers know, I have ranted for years on this blog about those silly, stupid home plate "celebrations" every time a team wins a home game in the bottom of the ninth or later. Everyone seems obligated to act like wild idiots every time they win an ordinary regular season game in their last home at-bat.
I believe that was Costas' contention. Back in 2010, I thought the horrific leg injury that Kendrys Morales of the Angels suffered at home after hitting a game-winning (I don't use that made up term "walkoff" any more, as it's a misnomer) home run would finally put a stop to the abject lunacy, as it cost him over a year and a half of his career. I clearly didn't.
The "celebrations" are getting wilder and stupider. Pies in the face, Gatorade buckets, punching teammates, ripping off jerseys. (If no one remembers Morales, then no one will remember Chris Coghlan, who tried to "pie" a teammate being interviewed on TV after a marlins win in 2010. Coghlan fell in the attempt and blew out his knee, missing the remainder of the season.) Come on, guys, it's a regular season game. Act like you've been there before, as a wise old NFL coach once said.
Mets fans took exception to Costas' comments, as they took it to mean that a team as bad as the Mets have no right to celebrate the win. The fact is is that EVERY MLB team does this silliness, no matter where they are in the standings. To me, it seems as if they are all in competition with each other to see who can act crazier after an ordinary regular season win.
I promise you there will be another serious injury in these dumb pig piles, it's just a matter of when, not if. (I always hold my breath when the Red Sox are involved in of these moronic things. I'd be REALLY angry if one of theirs got hurt in this needless nonsense.)
Nobody remembers Kendrys Morales. or Chris Coghlan. MLB will only put a halt to it when a major star gets injured in one of them. Count on it.
Monday, June 17, 2013
A Lost Weekend In Baltimore
The Red Sox dropped three out of four to the Orioles this past weekend. And it wasn't for the idiotic base running of Alexei Casilla on Saturday, it could have been a sweep.
Jon Lester got hammered again on Sunday, and he is now experiencing a rapid decline. I'm still wondering if he's covering up an injury. I'm just glad I missed it, as I was at a Father's Day celebration, and only got my info off my iPhone.
Clay Buchholz maybe heading for the DL with shoulder problems. Boy, when you can't count on your top two starters, you've got real problems.
Looks like Mike Napoli will play tomorrow, as he missed most of the past weekend with an undisclosed illness. And Mike Carp's tight hamstring may only have been a cramp, and he appears to be available for the doubleheader tomorrow against Tampa Bay.
The Sox lead Baltimore by 1 1/2 games, New York by 3, and Tampa Bay by 5.
The off day couldn't have come at a better time.
Jon Lester got hammered again on Sunday, and he is now experiencing a rapid decline. I'm still wondering if he's covering up an injury. I'm just glad I missed it, as I was at a Father's Day celebration, and only got my info off my iPhone.
Clay Buchholz maybe heading for the DL with shoulder problems. Boy, when you can't count on your top two starters, you've got real problems.
Looks like Mike Napoli will play tomorrow, as he missed most of the past weekend with an undisclosed illness. And Mike Carp's tight hamstring may only have been a cramp, and he appears to be available for the doubleheader tomorrow against Tampa Bay.
The Sox lead Baltimore by 1 1/2 games, New York by 3, and Tampa Bay by 5.
The off day couldn't have come at a better time.
Sports Films Featured This Week
Tuesday Night Trivia at The Mad Hatter this week will feature "Sports Movies Trivia," seven questions about films that featured some type of sports in it. (Sorry, there will be NO chess questions.)
The Q Train lightning round will be "Country Nicknames Trivia." I will give you the popular nicknames of ten countries, and you have to tell me which nation I'm talking about.
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The city of Honolulu is located on which of the Hawaiian islands?"
We'll get going at 8 PM on Tuesday night.
I really hope to see more of you on Tuesday. I hate having to write this, but it's been disappointing the last few weeks to see just a handful of teams at The Mad Hatter. I certainly understand that "real life" interferes with Trivia Night, and that schedules change, priorities change. For many of you, Trivia Night may not be an every week thing, and just a fun night out every once in a while. At the other place, I saw many of the same faces every week, and that was so great to see. You all have supported me and my Trivia so wonderfully in the past, and right now we are in a bar that really enjoys having us there. Michael and his staff have treated me with such respect, and I enjoy doing Trivia at The Mad Hatter so much.
But when I see just a few teams in, it can be a bit disheartening. The bar does have to do a little more in terms of promoting the night to get more folks in, as I have also done, and have to continue doing. It would be great to see more of you in the coming weeks. If any of you have any feedback for me, please do drop me a line at my email: jbq1462@hotmail.com.
I hope we can get the number of teams up a bit in the coming weeks, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Have To Wake Up Bat
It's been a tough week for the Red Sox so far. They've lost 3 of the last 4, and the bats have gone rather silent since the 14-inning game at St. Pete last Monday.
They've had the number one offense in the AL in June, leading in batting average, among other categories. But they've scored just 9 runs over the last four games.
Chris Tillman threw a dandy at the Sox last night at Camden Yards and the Red Sox were shut out, 2-0. As Connie Mack famously said, "Good pitching stops good hitting." They could manage just three hits last night.
This isn't the kind of game that worries me much. The good thing was the performance of Ryan Dempster, who went 7 2/3 innings, allowing just 2 runs. It was exactly what the overworked pen needed last night.
The loss cut the Sox lead over Baltimore to 1 1/2 games in the AL East. The Orioles have been a real thorn in the Sox' side in recent years: Baltimore has won 17 of the last 23 meetings with the Sox, going back to the beginning of 2012.
Yes, the bats need to wake up. Is Pedro Cerrano (or Jobu) available?
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
I'm Officially Worried About Jon Lester
On a night when the Red Sox needed a lot of innings out of Lester, they didn't get it. (I'm still trying to figure out how they won that insane game on Monday night.) Lester has now given up four or more runs in 4 of his last 5 starts, losing three and getting two no-decisions. Command seems to be a big problem, as he's walked 18 in those last five starts, including a whopping 7 last night.
It's bringing back bad memories of 2012, a season I have done my best to forget. (Was there even a baseball season in 2012?) He's now 6-3, with an ERA that's just gone over 4.00 (4.12). That 6-0 start seems like a long time ago.
The best part about last night was the work of Jose De La Torre, who was brought up from Pawtucket when Clayton Mortensen went on the DL with a hip injury. The rookie saved the bullpen, as he went 3 1/3 innings and allowed just one run. The Sox don't have another off day until Monday, so the pen needed a day off after the marathon on Monday.
De La Torre returns to Pawtucket today, and the three-ring circus known as Alfredo Aceves comes up to make the start in tonight's finale in St. Pete.
The Red Sox continue to lead the AL East by 2 over New York, Baltimore by 2 1/2, and Tampa Bay by 4.
Trivia Q&A: June 11
The team of Get Thee Behind Me, Bill Belichick (the Best Team Name winner) wound up winning the night in Trivia at The Mad Hatter on Tuesday, getting 4 of the 5 correct in IQ Trivia and finishing with 50 points. Nice job by Dave and Larry on their win.
Second place was actually a tie between the teams of The Cheating Devices and I Don't Know What Happened Last Week, both with 41 points. We broke the tie with asking "How Many feet is the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in the UAE?" I Don't Know What Happened Last Week was closest and won second place. (The answer was 2,722 feet.)
Current Events
1. The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development recently selected what far away nation as "the world's happiest country" for the third straight year?
2. A glove worn by what legendary Hall of Fame baseball during the 1955 World Series was sold at auction for $373,000?
3. Rafael Nadal won the men's singles title at the French Open on Sunday, and now holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles at any major. How many times has he won the French Open?
4. Which New England state became the 17th state in the US to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana?
5. What world leader and his wife went on live TV in their country last week to announce that they are divorcing after 30 years of marriage?
6. Officials in eight counties in what western state are considering forming a new state, over opposition to the state's new gun control laws and oil and gas regulations?
7. Edward Snowden, who claims to be the source of the leaks about the government's monitoring and collection of phone and Internet records, fled the US and is now seeking asylum where?
2012 Pop Culture Trivia
1. Who was named Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2012?
2. What late singer was the top Google search for 2012?
3. What prolific author did the Hollywood Reporter choose as number one on its list of the 25 most powerful authors in Hollywood for 2012?
4. What film set a new record last November by grossing over $500 million worldwide, becoming the highest grossing "R" rated comedy of all-time?
5. What 80-year-old magazine ceased publication last December 31st, and went to an all-digital format?
6. Michael Phelps set a new record for most lifetime Olympic gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics, with how many in total?
7. People magazine named what pop singer as its "Most Beautiful Woman In The World" for 2012?
1-10 Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Pennsylvania is this number US state.
2. In a famous "Seinfeld" episode, George Costanza wanted to give his first-born son this number as a first name.
3. All spiders have this many legs.
4. Daniel Day-Lewis has won this number of Oscars in his career.
5. The pitcher in baseball is represented by this number.
6. Capricorn is this number sign of the Zodiac.
7. This is the number of sides in a pentagon.
8. This is the number of US presidents who have been assassinated in history.
9. The Star of David has this number of points.
10. MLB immortals Ted Williams and Roger Maris wore this number.
General Knowledge
1. The White House is located on what Washington D.C. street? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the capital of the state of Kansas? ( 1 pt)
3. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" is the opening line of what Charles Dickens novel? ( 1 pt)
4. When Charles Lindbergh flew solo across the Atlantic in 1927, what city did he land in? ( 2 pt)
5. Jack Lord starred in what 1970s TV crime drama? ( 2 pt)
6. The lowest point in the Us, nearly 300 feet below sea level, is found in what state? ( 2 pt)
7. National Arbor Day is celebrated in the US in what month? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The Senator George Mitchell Peace Bridge is located in what country? ( 3 points)
2. The Big Dipper and the North Star are on the flag of what US state? ( 4 points)
3. Janet Guthrie made history in 1977 as the first female participant in what annual American event? ( 4 points)
4. When the Chrysler Building opened in NYC in 1930, what structure did it eclipse as the world's tallest man made structure? ( 5 points)
5. What actor has starred in a $500 million-grossing movie (internationally) in each of the last six years? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Australia; 2. Jackie Robinson; 3. eight; 4. Vermont; 5. Vladimir Putin; 6. Colorado; 7. Hong Kong.
2012 Pop Culture Trivia
1. Barack Obama; 2. Whitney Houston; 3. Stephen King; 4. "Ted;" 5. Newsweek; 6. eighteen; 7. Beyonce Knowles.
1-10 Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. two; 2. seven; 3. eight; 4. three; 5. one; 6. ten; 7. five; 8. four; 9. six; 10. nine.
General Knowledge
1. Pennsylvania Avenue; 2. Topeka; 3. "A Tale of Two Cities;" 4. Paris; 5. "Hawaii Five-O"; 6. California; 7. April.
IQ Trivia
1. Ireland; 2. Alaska; 3. Indianapolis 500; 4. Eiffel Tower; 5. Robert Downey Jr.
Second place was actually a tie between the teams of The Cheating Devices and I Don't Know What Happened Last Week, both with 41 points. We broke the tie with asking "How Many feet is the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in the UAE?" I Don't Know What Happened Last Week was closest and won second place. (The answer was 2,722 feet.)
Current Events
1. The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development recently selected what far away nation as "the world's happiest country" for the third straight year?
2. A glove worn by what legendary Hall of Fame baseball during the 1955 World Series was sold at auction for $373,000?
3. Rafael Nadal won the men's singles title at the French Open on Sunday, and now holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles at any major. How many times has he won the French Open?
4. Which New England state became the 17th state in the US to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana?
5. What world leader and his wife went on live TV in their country last week to announce that they are divorcing after 30 years of marriage?
6. Officials in eight counties in what western state are considering forming a new state, over opposition to the state's new gun control laws and oil and gas regulations?
7. Edward Snowden, who claims to be the source of the leaks about the government's monitoring and collection of phone and Internet records, fled the US and is now seeking asylum where?
2012 Pop Culture Trivia
1. Who was named Time magazine's Person of the Year for 2012?
2. What late singer was the top Google search for 2012?
3. What prolific author did the Hollywood Reporter choose as number one on its list of the 25 most powerful authors in Hollywood for 2012?
4. What film set a new record last November by grossing over $500 million worldwide, becoming the highest grossing "R" rated comedy of all-time?
5. What 80-year-old magazine ceased publication last December 31st, and went to an all-digital format?
6. Michael Phelps set a new record for most lifetime Olympic gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics, with how many in total?
7. People magazine named what pop singer as its "Most Beautiful Woman In The World" for 2012?
1-10 Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Pennsylvania is this number US state.
2. In a famous "Seinfeld" episode, George Costanza wanted to give his first-born son this number as a first name.
3. All spiders have this many legs.
4. Daniel Day-Lewis has won this number of Oscars in his career.
5. The pitcher in baseball is represented by this number.
6. Capricorn is this number sign of the Zodiac.
7. This is the number of sides in a pentagon.
8. This is the number of US presidents who have been assassinated in history.
9. The Star of David has this number of points.
10. MLB immortals Ted Williams and Roger Maris wore this number.
General Knowledge
1. The White House is located on what Washington D.C. street? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the capital of the state of Kansas? ( 1 pt)
3. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" is the opening line of what Charles Dickens novel? ( 1 pt)
4. When Charles Lindbergh flew solo across the Atlantic in 1927, what city did he land in? ( 2 pt)
5. Jack Lord starred in what 1970s TV crime drama? ( 2 pt)
6. The lowest point in the Us, nearly 300 feet below sea level, is found in what state? ( 2 pt)
7. National Arbor Day is celebrated in the US in what month? ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. The Senator George Mitchell Peace Bridge is located in what country? ( 3 points)
2. The Big Dipper and the North Star are on the flag of what US state? ( 4 points)
3. Janet Guthrie made history in 1977 as the first female participant in what annual American event? ( 4 points)
4. When the Chrysler Building opened in NYC in 1930, what structure did it eclipse as the world's tallest man made structure? ( 5 points)
5. What actor has starred in a $500 million-grossing movie (internationally) in each of the last six years? ( 4 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Australia; 2. Jackie Robinson; 3. eight; 4. Vermont; 5. Vladimir Putin; 6. Colorado; 7. Hong Kong.
2012 Pop Culture Trivia
1. Barack Obama; 2. Whitney Houston; 3. Stephen King; 4. "Ted;" 5. Newsweek; 6. eighteen; 7. Beyonce Knowles.
1-10 Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. two; 2. seven; 3. eight; 4. three; 5. one; 6. ten; 7. five; 8. four; 9. six; 10. nine.
General Knowledge
1. Pennsylvania Avenue; 2. Topeka; 3. "A Tale of Two Cities;" 4. Paris; 5. "Hawaii Five-O"; 6. California; 7. April.
IQ Trivia
1. Ireland; 2. Alaska; 3. Indianapolis 500; 4. Eiffel Tower; 5. Robert Downey Jr.
Monday, June 10, 2013
So, How Much Of 2012 Do You Remember?
The Q Train lightning round will be "1-10 Trivia." I will ask you ten questions, and the answer to each will be a number from 1-10, and each answer will be a different number.
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Jack Lord starred in what 1970s TV crime drama series?"
We get going at 8 PM on Tuesday night. The Mad Hatter is located at 3rd Avenue and E. 26th Street. Tables are available if you'd like one, and please call 212-696-2122 on Tuesday if you'd like one during Trivia Night. I look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow night!
Sunday, June 09, 2013
Splitsville
The Red Sox left runners everywhere in Game 1 of the doubleheader against the LA Angels yesterday and paid the price: a 9-5 loss in which a two-out, ninth inning rally brought in 3 runs, but the hole was far too deep to crawl out of.
I was visiting a friend yesterday afternoon, so I DVR'd the game, and made sure I left my iPhone in my pocket and didn't check anything for any reason. I got home and put the game on, fast-forwarded through the stoppages and other assorted nonsense, and in an hour I was done. It was the second time I've ever done this, as I did it last year for a game I was away. I think I'll stop doing it, as I recall seeing a Red Sox loss in that one, too.
Clay Buchholz was terrific yet again in Game 2, and is making a strong case for the AL Cy Young Award, going 6 2/3 innings before leaving the game with a stiff neck. The Sox won easily, 7-2.
Buchholz is now 9-0, with an MLB-leading 1.71 ERA. (His ERA actually went up in Game 2, as he allowed 2 earned runs.)
David Ortiz hit a blast I thought would bring down rain in the sixth inning. Once again, the Red Sox were leaving runners everywhere early, but this time they were actually scoring runs, and it didn't come back to bite them.
New York's win in Seattle keeps the Red Sox lead in the AL East at 1 1/2 games. Tampa Bay (who the Sox play next when they hit the road after today's finale with the Angels) are 3 back, and Baltimore (where the Sox go after they are done with TB) are 3 1/2 back.
I was visiting a friend yesterday afternoon, so I DVR'd the game, and made sure I left my iPhone in my pocket and didn't check anything for any reason. I got home and put the game on, fast-forwarded through the stoppages and other assorted nonsense, and in an hour I was done. It was the second time I've ever done this, as I did it last year for a game I was away. I think I'll stop doing it, as I recall seeing a Red Sox loss in that one, too.
Clay Buchholz was terrific yet again in Game 2, and is making a strong case for the AL Cy Young Award, going 6 2/3 innings before leaving the game with a stiff neck. The Sox won easily, 7-2.
Buchholz is now 9-0, with an MLB-leading 1.71 ERA. (His ERA actually went up in Game 2, as he allowed 2 earned runs.)
David Ortiz hit a blast I thought would bring down rain in the sixth inning. Once again, the Red Sox were leaving runners everywhere early, but this time they were actually scoring runs, and it didn't come back to bite them.
New York's win in Seattle keeps the Red Sox lead in the AL East at 1 1/2 games. Tampa Bay (who the Sox play next when they hit the road after today's finale with the Angels) are 3 back, and Baltimore (where the Sox go after they are done with TB) are 3 1/2 back.
Friday, June 07, 2013
You Don't Intentionally Walk Someone In Front Of A Guy Wearing A "Famous As F**k" Shirt
You want to intentionally walk Dustin Pedroia in front of David Ortiz in a tie game in the ninth inning? You pay the piper, Ron Washington.
And he did as Big Papi sent a line shot into the Texas bullpen to give the Red Sox a 6-3 win. It was the 10th time in his Red Sox career he has won a game in the bottom of the ninth or later at Fenway with a home run.
It was a frustrating night for the first eight innings, as the Red Sox left runners everywhere. It looked like another one-run loss was looming, until the Sox tied it in the 7th, as Mike Napoli beat out a DP ball at first with the bases loaded. Jacoby Ellsbury and Jonny Gomes both had 4 hits. (Gomes hit the first pitch of the ninth inning to start the finish.)
Jon Lester struggled again, going six innings and allowed all three Texas runs. The pen was stellar again, shutting the Rangers out the rest of the way before Papi's heroics gave the Sox the series win.
My buddy Jere over at A Red Sox Fan From Pinstripe Territory has an interesting clip on his blog about the misuse of the word "walkoff" (which I have never liked) from last night's game. (And thanks to him for the use of his pic of Papi and his "Famous" shirt.)
Thursday, June 06, 2013
The Best of A-Rod
My friend Adam sent me these clips the other day. I call this "A-Rod's Greatest Hits." Why post this? Because it's always fun goofing on A-Rod. As a lengthy suspension looms, enjoy some of his finer moments in and out of pinstripes:
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Save Some Runs For Tomorrow!
I was busy doing Trivia last night at The Mad Hatter, but it seemed like every time I looked up at one of the TVs that had the Red Sox-Rangers game on, the boys from Boston had men on and were scoring runs.
The Sox scored in every inning but the eighth (and as Allan at Joy of Sox points out, they would have been the 7th team in AL history to have done so had they tallied in the 8th), and the only pitcher to shut them down was none other than David Murphy, who pitched the 8th to spare the Texas pen. (He even struck out Mike Carp looking, who was then ejected for arguing the call.)
Everybody had their hitting shoes on in the 17-5 rout.
Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his first MLB home run, a shot over the bullpens.
David Ortiz went 2-for-5, including a two-run triple, his first three-bagger in two years.
Daniel Nava had three hits and scored four times.
Stephen Drew had four hits and scored three times and hit a home run.
Carp and Jarrod Saltalamacchia also hit home runs. (Carp's blast carried Nelson Cruz into the Red Sox bullpen.)
It was a fun night, and just as importantly, Ryan Dempster pitched a second straight solid outing, going seven and allowing three runs. My mother always said when the Mets were scoring a lot of runs, "save some for tomorrow!" Sorry, mom, it doesn't work that way. It would be nice to be like the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions when the first day of winnings can be carried over to the next day, but MLB hasn't figured out how to do that yet.
The Sox scored in every inning but the eighth (and as Allan at Joy of Sox points out, they would have been the 7th team in AL history to have done so had they tallied in the 8th), and the only pitcher to shut them down was none other than David Murphy, who pitched the 8th to spare the Texas pen. (He even struck out Mike Carp looking, who was then ejected for arguing the call.)
Everybody had their hitting shoes on in the 17-5 rout.
Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his first MLB home run, a shot over the bullpens.
David Ortiz went 2-for-5, including a two-run triple, his first three-bagger in two years.
Daniel Nava had three hits and scored four times.
Stephen Drew had four hits and scored three times and hit a home run.
Carp and Jarrod Saltalamacchia also hit home runs. (Carp's blast carried Nelson Cruz into the Red Sox bullpen.)
It was a fun night, and just as importantly, Ryan Dempster pitched a second straight solid outing, going seven and allowing three runs. My mother always said when the Mets were scoring a lot of runs, "save some for tomorrow!" Sorry, mom, it doesn't work that way. It would be nice to be like the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions when the first day of winnings can be carried over to the next day, but MLB hasn't figured out how to do that yet.
Trivia Q&A: June 4
Trivia Night at The Mad Hatter on Tuesday got off to an inauspicious start, as we had problems with the power next to where I announce the Trivia from, and it looked like we might not get started at all, but fortunately, we moved over slightly to another power source and got going, nearly a half hour late. But everyone had a good time, nonetheless.
But everything went smoothly after that, and we had a first-place tie between the teams of Quiz In My Pants and Let's Go Senators!, both with 41 points. We broke the tie with "How many Billboard number one albums did the Beatles have?" The answer was 19, and Quiz In My Pants was closest, and won the night. Congrats to my buddy Dave, won the night solo, not an easier thing to do!
Third place went to The Wind Sweepin' Down The Plain with 34 points.
Best Team Name: My Answer Sheet Is Chafing Me
Current Events
1. What New England state became the fourth in the US to allow doctor-assisted suicide last week?
2. Yuichiro Miura, an 80-year-old man from Japan, recently became the oldest person ever to accomplish what feat?
3. What Oscar-winning actor recently appeared to doze off during an interview for his upcoming film but later claimed he was "a beta tester for Google Eyelids" and "updating my Facebook page?"
4.The Writers Guild of America recently selected what HBO drama series as their "Best Written Series of All-Time" in their Top 101 poll?
5. A billboard of a teapot posted by what retailer was removed after it supposedly looked like Adolf Hitler, but not before they sold out online?
6. What Hollywood superstar actor exited starring in the upcoming biopic of gangster Whitey Bulger last week due to a salary dispute, as he was asked to take just half of his usual $20 million salary but refused?
7. Why was 13-year-old Arvind Mahankali in the news last week?
Pop Music Trivia
1. In 1987, who was the first female artist to debut on the Billboard album chart at number one?
2. What female singer founded the Lilith Fair music festival?
3. What rock star played the final concerts at Giants Stadium in 2009 before it was torn down?
4. Madonna won the MTV Best Female Video in 1987 for which song?
5. What hit Michael Jackson song has Eddie Van Halen on lead guitar?
6. "Come Away With Me" was the 2002 debut album of what female singer?
7. What musical act has had the most Billboard number one albums in history?
True or False Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Prostitution is not and has never been illegal in Canada.
2. Texas has the most ghost towns of any state in America.
3. The Washington Monument was originally modeled after the obelisks built by the Egyptian empire.
4. John D. Rockefeller co-founded US Steel.
5. New Zealand was the first nation to grant women the right to vote.
6. Bananas originated on the continent of Asia.
7. Isaac Stern is famous for playing the piano.
8. Abraham Lincoln was the first US president born in a log cabin.
9. Panama hats are actually manufactured in Panama.
10. The country of Belize does not have a coastline on the Pacific Ocean.
General Knowledge
1. Columbia is the capital of what US state? ( 1 pt)
2. Joe Lieberman was the running mate of what unsuccessful presidential candidate? ( 1 pt)
3. The nation of Persia is today known by what name? ( 1 pt)
4. "Duty, Honor, Country" is the slogan of which of the American service academies? ( 2 pt)
5. What country produces 85% of the world's maple syrup? ( 2 pt)
6. The Jacques Cartier Bridge is located in what North American city? ( 2 pt)
7. What female pop singer is often referred to by the nickname "The Bajan Queen?" ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What English poet's 1823 work "Don Juan" is credited with introducing the phrase "truth is stranger than fiction?" ( 4 points)
2. What country's currency was the drachma before being replaced by the euro? ( 3 points)
3. The only two saddle joints in the human body are found where? ( 4 points)
4. "A Study In Scarlet" was the first full length novel of what literary character? ( 4 points)
5. "Remember the Raisin" was a battle cry from what 19th century American conflict? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Vermont; 2. Climb Mount Everest; 3. Morgan Freeman; 4. "The Sopranos"; 5. J.C. Penney; 6. Johnny Depp; 7. Won the National Spelling Bee.
Pop Music Trivia
1. Whitney Houston; 2. Sarah MacLachlan; 3. Bruce Springsteen; 4. "Papa Don't Preach;" 5. "Beat It;" 6. Norah Jones; 7. The Beatles (19).
True or False Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. true; 2. false, Oregon; 3. true; 4. false, Standard Oil; 5. true; 6. true; 7. false, violin; 8. false, Andrew Jackson; 9. false, Ecuador; 10. true.
General Knowledge
1. South Carolina; 2. Al Gore; 3. Iran; 4. US Military Academy at West Point; 5. Canada; 6. Montreal; 7. Rhianna.
IQ Trivia
1. Lord Byron; 2. Greece; 3. thumbs; 4. Sherlock Holmes; 5. The War of 1812.
But everything went smoothly after that, and we had a first-place tie between the teams of Quiz In My Pants and Let's Go Senators!, both with 41 points. We broke the tie with "How many Billboard number one albums did the Beatles have?" The answer was 19, and Quiz In My Pants was closest, and won the night. Congrats to my buddy Dave, won the night solo, not an easier thing to do!
Third place went to The Wind Sweepin' Down The Plain with 34 points.
Best Team Name: My Answer Sheet Is Chafing Me
Current Events
1. What New England state became the fourth in the US to allow doctor-assisted suicide last week?
2. Yuichiro Miura, an 80-year-old man from Japan, recently became the oldest person ever to accomplish what feat?
3. What Oscar-winning actor recently appeared to doze off during an interview for his upcoming film but later claimed he was "a beta tester for Google Eyelids" and "updating my Facebook page?"
4.The Writers Guild of America recently selected what HBO drama series as their "Best Written Series of All-Time" in their Top 101 poll?
5. A billboard of a teapot posted by what retailer was removed after it supposedly looked like Adolf Hitler, but not before they sold out online?
6. What Hollywood superstar actor exited starring in the upcoming biopic of gangster Whitey Bulger last week due to a salary dispute, as he was asked to take just half of his usual $20 million salary but refused?
7. Why was 13-year-old Arvind Mahankali in the news last week?
Pop Music Trivia
1. In 1987, who was the first female artist to debut on the Billboard album chart at number one?
2. What female singer founded the Lilith Fair music festival?
3. What rock star played the final concerts at Giants Stadium in 2009 before it was torn down?
4. Madonna won the MTV Best Female Video in 1987 for which song?
5. What hit Michael Jackson song has Eddie Van Halen on lead guitar?
6. "Come Away With Me" was the 2002 debut album of what female singer?
7. What musical act has had the most Billboard number one albums in history?
True or False Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. Prostitution is not and has never been illegal in Canada.
2. Texas has the most ghost towns of any state in America.
3. The Washington Monument was originally modeled after the obelisks built by the Egyptian empire.
4. John D. Rockefeller co-founded US Steel.
5. New Zealand was the first nation to grant women the right to vote.
6. Bananas originated on the continent of Asia.
7. Isaac Stern is famous for playing the piano.
8. Abraham Lincoln was the first US president born in a log cabin.
9. Panama hats are actually manufactured in Panama.
10. The country of Belize does not have a coastline on the Pacific Ocean.
General Knowledge
1. Columbia is the capital of what US state? ( 1 pt)
2. Joe Lieberman was the running mate of what unsuccessful presidential candidate? ( 1 pt)
3. The nation of Persia is today known by what name? ( 1 pt)
4. "Duty, Honor, Country" is the slogan of which of the American service academies? ( 2 pt)
5. What country produces 85% of the world's maple syrup? ( 2 pt)
6. The Jacques Cartier Bridge is located in what North American city? ( 2 pt)
7. What female pop singer is often referred to by the nickname "The Bajan Queen?" ( 3 pt)
IQ Trivia
1. What English poet's 1823 work "Don Juan" is credited with introducing the phrase "truth is stranger than fiction?" ( 4 points)
2. What country's currency was the drachma before being replaced by the euro? ( 3 points)
3. The only two saddle joints in the human body are found where? ( 4 points)
4. "A Study In Scarlet" was the first full length novel of what literary character? ( 4 points)
5. "Remember the Raisin" was a battle cry from what 19th century American conflict? ( 5 points)
Answers
Current Events
1. Vermont; 2. Climb Mount Everest; 3. Morgan Freeman; 4. "The Sopranos"; 5. J.C. Penney; 6. Johnny Depp; 7. Won the National Spelling Bee.
Pop Music Trivia
1. Whitney Houston; 2. Sarah MacLachlan; 3. Bruce Springsteen; 4. "Papa Don't Preach;" 5. "Beat It;" 6. Norah Jones; 7. The Beatles (19).
True or False Trivia ("The Q Train")
1. true; 2. false, Oregon; 3. true; 4. false, Standard Oil; 5. true; 6. true; 7. false, violin; 8. false, Andrew Jackson; 9. false, Ecuador; 10. true.
General Knowledge
1. South Carolina; 2. Al Gore; 3. Iran; 4. US Military Academy at West Point; 5. Canada; 6. Montreal; 7. Rhianna.
IQ Trivia
1. Lord Byron; 2. Greece; 3. thumbs; 4. Sherlock Holmes; 5. The War of 1812.
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
"Instant Baseball: The Baseball Instagrams of Brad Mangin"
Brad Mangin is a baseball photographer, and he spent the entire 2012 MLB season taking pictures around the game. But with modern technology, he did something very different. He took a season's worth of pictures using an Apple iPhone 4.
It is probably the first "instagram" book of baseball. And it's called "Instant Baseball: The Baseball Instagrams of Brad Mangin."
And he's taken some amazing shots, over 240 in all. He began in spring training, and went all the way to the San Francisco Giants World Series victory parade. he's taken photos of everything imaginable around the game (although the majority of his shots were taken at AT&T Park and the Oakland Coliseum, as he is based in the Bay Area): rain delays, victory celebrations, batters in the on deck circle, fans in the stands, superstars as well as fringe players, and players waiting for the game to start.
Mr. Mangin has put together a terrific baseball book based on the technology of today. Whether you are a shutterbug, a baseball fan, or a shutterbug who likes baseball, I'm sure you like Mr. Mangin's effort.
Monday, June 03, 2013
The Large Father Does The Bat Flip & Skies Open Up
David Ortiz hit a majestic home run last night at Yankee Stadium that literally brought down buckets of rain in the 6th inning. And gave it the bat flip for good measure.
It gave the Sox a 3-0 rain-shortened win, and won the second series of the year between the two teams in the Bronx.
Let's see A-Rod top this:
With thanks to my friend Adam, who found this ESPN clip and sent it to me.
It gave the Sox a 3-0 rain-shortened win, and won the second series of the year between the two teams in the Bronx.
Let's see A-Rod top this:
With thanks to my friend Adam, who found this ESPN clip and sent it to me.
Trivia Makes Its Triumphant Return Tomorrow
After a week's vacation so The Mad Hatter could do some necessary renovations, Tuesday Night Trivia will return tomorrow, June 4th at 8 PM with "Pop Music Trivia" as the Special category. It will be seven questions about popular music down through the years.
The Q Train lightning round will be "True or False Trivia."
The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"'Duty, Honor, Country' is the slogan of which of the American service academies?"
We get going at 8 PM tomorrow night. I look forward to getting back in the saddle again, and I hope many of you can join us for a great night of Trivia Q&A!
Sunday, June 02, 2013
Napoli & Nava Blast Off In The Bronx
Last night's Red Sox 11-1 wipeout of the Yankees in New York guarantees one thing: the Red Sox leave New York in first place on Sunday night, no matter what happens in the finale tonight.
Mike Napoli's third inning grand slam ultimately gave the Sox the win, and Daniel Nava, who had four hits, put it on ice in 8th with a three-run shot. The Sox poured it on in the 9th with three more, including a bomb hit by Stephen Drew. Jackie Bradley had three hits as well.
The unlikely outfield combo of Nava, Bradley and Mike Carp were just what the Sox needed: they had nine hits and five RBI. (And Carp made his first ever start in RF.)
Nice outing by Felix Doubront, as he went six innings and struck out six.
I wasn't buying the hype that this weekend was the latest "war to end all wars" when it comes to the Red Sox-Yankees games, as the AL East is clearly a four-cornered fight to the finish, as the Sox will battle it out with New York, Baltimore and Tampa Bay all summer. Everybody behind the Red Sox won on Friday, and they all lost on Saturday. So that means the Red Sox lead New York by 2, Baltimore by 2 1/2 and Tampa Bay by 3.
It's going to be a long, close summer, and I'm betting the team in fourth place in the AL East on Labor Day will be no more than 6 or 7 games back. The teams all have over 100 games to go. I don't think any of the teams will pull away and hide. Don't believe the hype.
Mike Napoli's third inning grand slam ultimately gave the Sox the win, and Daniel Nava, who had four hits, put it on ice in 8th with a three-run shot. The Sox poured it on in the 9th with three more, including a bomb hit by Stephen Drew. Jackie Bradley had three hits as well.
The unlikely outfield combo of Nava, Bradley and Mike Carp were just what the Sox needed: they had nine hits and five RBI. (And Carp made his first ever start in RF.)
Nice outing by Felix Doubront, as he went six innings and struck out six.
I wasn't buying the hype that this weekend was the latest "war to end all wars" when it comes to the Red Sox-Yankees games, as the AL East is clearly a four-cornered fight to the finish, as the Sox will battle it out with New York, Baltimore and Tampa Bay all summer. Everybody behind the Red Sox won on Friday, and they all lost on Saturday. So that means the Red Sox lead New York by 2, Baltimore by 2 1/2 and Tampa Bay by 3.
It's going to be a long, close summer, and I'm betting the team in fourth place in the AL East on Labor Day will be no more than 6 or 7 games back. The teams all have over 100 games to go. I don't think any of the teams will pull away and hide. Don't believe the hype.
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