Beautiful Flagrance
Brad Miller's head is a basketball, say NBA officials
Yesterday the NBA handed down its final ruling on Rajon Rondo's thwacking of Brad Miller's head in the closing seconds of Tuesday's Game 5 between Boston and Chicago. The verdict: not flagrant. If you haven't seen the play, you can watch it here (at about the 1:15 mark).
They ruled that Rondo didn't wind up (he lunged at Miller from behind), didn't follow through (the rock-solid contact with Miller's huge melon may have had something to do with that), the impact wasn't severe enough (puncturing Miller's cheek with his own tooth, requiring stitches), and was part of a play on the basketball (which was neither in the vicinity nor in the same direction as Rondo's meat-hook swat).
On the very same day, Dwight Howard was suspended for one game for grazing a guy's cheek with his elbow.
Glad to see the NBA has brought integrity back into its officiating and discipline. All I know is this: if none of the Bulls foul Rondo hard in tonight's win-or-go-home Game 6 in Chicago, one of the fans will.
Today's Question
U.S. History
What was the original capital of Virginia?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Idiots are dumber than imbeciles and morons. And I must say, it was lovely receiving emails all day reading nothing but, "Idiot," or "Moron." Real self-esteem booster. :) The terms went out of industry use after people started using them as derogatory terms . . . funny how the folks at MENSA never saw that coming. Here's who knew:
Kyle
Karen H (the H stands for Hay Maker)
Steve J (the J stands for Jab Left, Hook Right)
Congrats on, you know, not being any of those things.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April 29, 2009 question - Dumb and Dumberererest?
Flyover
The Crown Prince of bad ideas
Hey, we need a new picture of Air Force One. Can we get one that makes it look like it's flying into a building in the middle of Manhattan?
That sounds like something you'd overhear on the set of . . . okay, I'm trying to think of a show that wouldn't be insulted by the insinuation that they could think of something that dumb, but it's just not coming to me. Regardless, it wasn't the desperate attempt of a ratings-hungry trash-com, it was straight out of the White House Military Office, complete with orders to NY law enforcement not to tell anybody.
The word fired comes to mind, but it's replaced quickly by waterboarding.
Normally I like to take an unpredictable angle on such stories, but . . . yeah, I got nothing.
Today's Question
Psychology
In the since scrapped psychological IQ classification of mental deficiencies, which rating was the lowest: idiot, imbecile, or moron?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Pigs do sweat, yes. Just not a lot. They don't have enough sweat glands to cool themselves off adequately. They find other ways to keep themselves cool and stinky. Here's who knew:
Kyle
Paul C (the C stands for Cool Sans Sweat)
Nancy K (the K stands for Knows Me Too Well To Trust Her Instincts)
Diannalee
Great job, all of you! Now, don't forget to cover your face when you sneeze, or other people might catch Genius.
The Crown Prince of bad ideas
Hey, we need a new picture of Air Force One. Can we get one that makes it look like it's flying into a building in the middle of Manhattan?
That sounds like something you'd overhear on the set of . . . okay, I'm trying to think of a show that wouldn't be insulted by the insinuation that they could think of something that dumb, but it's just not coming to me. Regardless, it wasn't the desperate attempt of a ratings-hungry trash-com, it was straight out of the White House Military Office, complete with orders to NY law enforcement not to tell anybody.
The word fired comes to mind, but it's replaced quickly by waterboarding.
Normally I like to take an unpredictable angle on such stories, but . . . yeah, I got nothing.
Today's Question
Psychology
In the since scrapped psychological IQ classification of mental deficiencies, which rating was the lowest: idiot, imbecile, or moron?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Pigs do sweat, yes. Just not a lot. They don't have enough sweat glands to cool themselves off adequately. They find other ways to keep themselves cool and stinky. Here's who knew:
Kyle
Paul C (the C stands for Cool Sans Sweat)
Nancy K (the K stands for Knows Me Too Well To Trust Her Instincts)
Diannalee
Great job, all of you! Now, don't forget to cover your face when you sneeze, or other people might catch Genius.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April 28, 2009 question - Oink, Oink, Puke
Sooey!
To oink or not to oink?
Move out of the way, bird flu, you were taking too long. It's the swine's turn, and I think this one has the potential to really get some people some serious sick days.We're talking vomit, diarrhea, fever, chills, cold sweats, dry heaves, and a seriously porky case of the heebie jeebies and/or the willies.
And I love the recommendations they're giving about protecting yourself from swine flu (especially since they don't include staying away from pork). It's stuff like cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough into your elbow. But those are just things you can do to keep other people from catching swine flue from you! Who cares about other people?!? What do you do when someone sneezes on you? Roll around in the mud? Wash your hands in BBQ sauce? Wrap your head in bacon? . . . Mmmm. I'll be right back.
Today's Question
Nature
Do pigs sweat?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Bea Arthur sang (along with Harvey Korman) in the Star Wars Holiday Special. By and large the show proved to be more harmful to humanity than the Swine Flu. Here's who knew: Paul C (the C stands for Christmas On Mos Eisley) and MB (the MB stands for Merry Boba-Fettstivus!). Congrats on your knowledge of cosmic failure (and the handsomest woman ever to grace the silver screen . . . to Bea or not to Bea? There's no question.)
To oink or not to oink?
Move out of the way, bird flu, you were taking too long. It's the swine's turn, and I think this one has the potential to really get some people some serious sick days.We're talking vomit, diarrhea, fever, chills, cold sweats, dry heaves, and a seriously porky case of the heebie jeebies and/or the willies.
And I love the recommendations they're giving about protecting yourself from swine flu (especially since they don't include staying away from pork). It's stuff like cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough into your elbow. But those are just things you can do to keep other people from catching swine flue from you! Who cares about other people?!? What do you do when someone sneezes on you? Roll around in the mud? Wash your hands in BBQ sauce? Wrap your head in bacon? . . . Mmmm. I'll be right back.
Today's Question
Nature
Do pigs sweat?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Bea Arthur sang (along with Harvey Korman) in the Star Wars Holiday Special. By and large the show proved to be more harmful to humanity than the Swine Flu. Here's who knew: Paul C (the C stands for Christmas On Mos Eisley) and MB (the MB stands for Merry Boba-Fettstivus!). Congrats on your knowledge of cosmic failure (and the handsomest woman ever to grace the silver screen . . . to Bea or not to Bea? There's no question.)
Monday, April 27, 2009
April 27, 2009 question - R. I. Bea
Bye Bye, Bea
And then there's death
If you're anything like me, when you heard the news of Bea Arthur's passing, you were very sad, very sad indeed . . . after getting over the initial shock that she was still alive. Was I alone in thinking she had died several years ago?
Yikes. I guess I owe her a trivia question.
Today's Question
Bea Arthur
What Christmas special featured Bea Arthur singing the galactically panned bomb, "Goodnight, but not Goodbye"?
Friday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Not big fans of the Jagiellon Dynasty, huh? The nations of Poland and Lithuania are deeply hurt.
And then there's death
If you're anything like me, when you heard the news of Bea Arthur's passing, you were very sad, very sad indeed . . . after getting over the initial shock that she was still alive. Was I alone in thinking she had died several years ago?
Yikes. I guess I owe her a trivia question.
Today's Question
Bea Arthur
What Christmas special featured Bea Arthur singing the galactically panned bomb, "Goodnight, but not Goodbye"?
Friday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Not big fans of the Jagiellon Dynasty, huh? The nations of Poland and Lithuania are deeply hurt.
Friday, April 24, 2009
April 24, 2009 question - CHI-Jinx
Spoke Too Soon
My kind of losing streak
Since my celebratory email on Monday rejoicing in the glorious weekend of winning, my Chicago teams have won precisely one game. Thank God it's the weekend again (yes, I'm counting today as the weekend in the hopes that words that begin in W's conjure up some wins).
If you look on the bright side, of course, you'll realize that there's more to life than sports. If, however, sports is the best thing you've got going . . . well, I hope you've been rooting for someone other than Chicago. Yikes.
Happy Friday anyway.
Today's Question
History
What two countries were joined under the reign of the Jagiellon Dynasty?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Wow. Either I've asked this question before or you're all just really smart about your folksy guitar bands. Or both. Plenty of you knew that The Byrds were always fronted by Roger McGuinn. Here's who:
Heather M (the M stands for McGenius)
Larry
Steve T (the T stands for Turn, Turn, Turn)
Micaela
Jocelyn
Rock on with your Byrd-loving selves.
My kind of losing streak
Since my celebratory email on Monday rejoicing in the glorious weekend of winning, my Chicago teams have won precisely one game. Thank God it's the weekend again (yes, I'm counting today as the weekend in the hopes that words that begin in W's conjure up some wins).
If you look on the bright side, of course, you'll realize that there's more to life than sports. If, however, sports is the best thing you've got going . . . well, I hope you've been rooting for someone other than Chicago. Yikes.
Happy Friday anyway.
Today's Question
History
What two countries were joined under the reign of the Jagiellon Dynasty?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Wow. Either I've asked this question before or you're all just really smart about your folksy guitar bands. Or both. Plenty of you knew that The Byrds were always fronted by Roger McGuinn. Here's who:
Heather M (the M stands for McGenius)
Larry
Steve T (the T stands for Turn, Turn, Turn)
Micaela
Jocelyn
Rock on with your Byrd-loving selves.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
April 23, 2009 question - Free Bird
When Mascots Attack
Freedom's just another word for "Get that bird out of here."
For the first three minutes or so of the Hawks/Heat playoff game last night, the players didn't seem to mind that a bird of prey was on the loose; that's because they didn't see it. But "Spirit," the Atlanta Hawks real-life mascot was soaring inside the arena, perching itself on top of the scoreboard, touring the game action from above, and finally resting atop one of the backboards. When the players finally realized what was going on, they were scared to death and refused to play until the bird's handler finally got control of the situation.
Atlanta team officials were furious, saying, "This will never happen again. You can't let a natural predator free inside a stadium. I shudder to think what would have happened if Spud Webb were still playing for us."
Today's Question
Music
Although 12 other musicians joined him over the years (1964-1973), Roger McGuinn was the only continuous member of what band?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
I'll first give fact-checking credit to Heidi for knowing that the Moon does in fact get celebrated on the crappiest day of the week (Monday). But she didn't know that Iron is believed to be the primary component of the earth's core. Here's who did:
Steve T (the T stands for Try And Prove It)
Karen H (the H stands for How Do They Know?)
Karen M (the M stands for Magnets. They Put The Entire Earth On A Fridge, And It Stuck)
Kyle
Congrats, all you smarty pantses.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 22, 2009 question - Earth's Belly Button
You Say It's Your Earth Day
It's my Earth Day too.
Earth Day is a day when we can all spend a little more time on Earth and a little less time wasting our energy and affection on other planets. Sure, we don't yet have a day dedicated to the Moon, but we celebrate the Sun every week. And I'm sure we'll commemorate the day of Pluto's death on some kind of annual basis. And sometimes every day feels like it's from Mars.
But today, you're the only planet I care about, Earth. I'm setting aside my love letters to Venus, my Mercurial musings, and any rhyming philosophies about why girls go to Jupiter. As usual, I'm gonna try not to even think about Uranus, but I'll try twice as hard today.
Unfortunately, you're infested with humans, so . . . you're screwed.
Today's Question
Geology
According to geologists, what element comprises the overwhelming majority of the earth's core?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
I suppose it's only fitting that on Earth Day we reveal the anniversary of National Geographic's first publication. Here's who knew: Steve T (the T stands for This Time It's Deja Vu All Over Again), Karen H (the H stands for Have Every Issue), and a special second-guess consolation prize to Diannalee for almost guessing it. :)
It's my Earth Day too.
Earth Day is a day when we can all spend a little more time on Earth and a little less time wasting our energy and affection on other planets. Sure, we don't yet have a day dedicated to the Moon, but we celebrate the Sun every week. And I'm sure we'll commemorate the day of Pluto's death on some kind of annual basis. And sometimes every day feels like it's from Mars.
But today, you're the only planet I care about, Earth. I'm setting aside my love letters to Venus, my Mercurial musings, and any rhyming philosophies about why girls go to Jupiter. As usual, I'm gonna try not to even think about Uranus, but I'll try twice as hard today.
Unfortunately, you're infested with humans, so . . . you're screwed.
Today's Question
Geology
According to geologists, what element comprises the overwhelming majority of the earth's core?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
I suppose it's only fitting that on Earth Day we reveal the anniversary of National Geographic's first publication. Here's who knew: Steve T (the T stands for This Time It's Deja Vu All Over Again), Karen H (the H stands for Have Every Issue), and a special second-guess consolation prize to Diannalee for almost guessing it. :)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
April 21, 2009 - 7-month flashback
Déjà Vu
It still feels like the first time
My wife and I both just received emails from September 22 of last year. Neither had been delayed. We each had received an email identical to the one we got today (though my message had absolutely nothing to do with hers . . . other than the arbitrary date). The main question is . . . why? Why would we each get phantom reproductions of email we had already checked, read, and forgotten about from 9-22-08?
Maybe something happened that day that we need to talk about. Maybe something bad is going to happen that day because of something our future selves will do when we travel back in time later to that time earlier. Maybe there's a reason why I'm typing this at 9:22 in the morning.
Maybe I should just move on to the real question before I scare myself.
Today's Question
This date in history
What magazine still in circulation was first published on September 22, 1888?
Friday's Answer
And the people who knew it
It's a suburb of Boston (Milton, Mass.) that lays claim to the title of windiest city in America. The nickname "Windy City" was actually a really bad marketing gimmick the city of Chicago came up with to lure tourists. They thought the notion of gentle lake breezes would tantalize wind enthusiasts from around the world. You'd think they would have gone with "Breezy City" or something that didn't scream, "Prepare to be blown away." But as anyone with any knowledge of Friends knows, you can't just call yourself breezy. That totally negates the breezy (cf. "The One Where No One's Ready").
Anyway, Steve T (the T stands for The One Where Steve's A Genius) was the sole trivia champion this time. Congrats on your mastery of all things windy!
It still feels like the first time
My wife and I both just received emails from September 22 of last year. Neither had been delayed. We each had received an email identical to the one we got today (though my message had absolutely nothing to do with hers . . . other than the arbitrary date). The main question is . . . why? Why would we each get phantom reproductions of email we had already checked, read, and forgotten about from 9-22-08?
Maybe something happened that day that we need to talk about. Maybe something bad is going to happen that day because of something our future selves will do when we travel back in time later to that time earlier. Maybe there's a reason why I'm typing this at 9:22 in the morning.
Maybe I should just move on to the real question before I scare myself.
Today's Question
This date in history
What magazine still in circulation was first published on September 22, 1888?
Friday's Answer
And the people who knew it
It's a suburb of Boston (Milton, Mass.) that lays claim to the title of windiest city in America. The nickname "Windy City" was actually a really bad marketing gimmick the city of Chicago came up with to lure tourists. They thought the notion of gentle lake breezes would tantalize wind enthusiasts from around the world. You'd think they would have gone with "Breezy City" or something that didn't scream, "Prepare to be blown away." But as anyone with any knowledge of Friends knows, you can't just call yourself breezy. That totally negates the breezy (cf. "The One Where No One's Ready").
Anyway, Steve T (the T stands for The One Where Steve's A Genius) was the sole trivia champion this time. Congrats on your mastery of all things windy!
April 20, 2009 question
Don't be CHI
No, no, wait. Be CHI. CHI is awesome!
It was a great weekend to be a Chicago sports fan. None of the Chicago sports teams lost the entire weekend (unless you count the White Sox loss on Friday . . . but I'm not crying about that). The pinnacle was Saturday, which saw the Bulls win, the Cubs win, the Sox win, and the Hawks win (and new Bears QB Jay Cutler threw out the first pitch and sang the 7th inning stretch at Wrigley). And the weather was nice.
They don't make many days like this in the Windy City, but I'll take 'em when I can get 'em.
And what is Obama smoking? (I don't have a specific gripe, this whole message just seemed way too cheery for a Monday.)
Today's Question
U.S. Cities
According to Forbes.com, the windiest town in the United States is a suburb of what major city?
Friday's Answer
And the people who knew it
The Lorax spoke for the trees. See, trees don't talk . . . the only way to get words to come out of a tree is to cut it down, make paper out of it, and then print or write a message on it. But at that point, it's a little too late to say, "Dude, what are you doing with that saw . . . no, no, NOOOOOO!" Only Paul C (the C stands for Champion Of Seuss Trivia) knew that one. You rule, Paulie.
No, no, wait. Be CHI. CHI is awesome!
It was a great weekend to be a Chicago sports fan. None of the Chicago sports teams lost the entire weekend (unless you count the White Sox loss on Friday . . . but I'm not crying about that). The pinnacle was Saturday, which saw the Bulls win, the Cubs win, the Sox win, and the Hawks win (and new Bears QB Jay Cutler threw out the first pitch and sang the 7th inning stretch at Wrigley). And the weather was nice.
They don't make many days like this in the Windy City, but I'll take 'em when I can get 'em.
And what is Obama smoking? (I don't have a specific gripe, this whole message just seemed way too cheery for a Monday.)
Today's Question
U.S. Cities
According to Forbes.com, the windiest town in the United States is a suburb of what major city?
Friday's Answer
And the people who knew it
The Lorax spoke for the trees. See, trees don't talk . . . the only way to get words to come out of a tree is to cut it down, make paper out of it, and then print or write a message on it. But at that point, it's a little too late to say, "Dude, what are you doing with that saw . . . no, no, NOOOOOO!" Only Paul C (the C stands for Champion Of Seuss Trivia) knew that one. You rule, Paulie.
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 17, 2009 question - Tree Parties
Tea Partied Out
From what I saw, they didn't even dress up.
I've heard altogether too much about these tea parties all around the country. Why was this ever deemed to be good ideas? I know people thought the original one in Boston was effective enough, but at least they did something. Walking around with signs is just not my idea of changing the world. And I really don't care about the numbers. I mean, come on . . . was it really that hard to find people who A) were in for a day off and B) aren't wild about paying taxes?
There's a support group for that. It's called Get in Line.
Today's Question
Literature
In the Dr. Seuss world, who speaks for the trees?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Fred Noonan. That's Fred Noonan, everybody. He was Amelia Earhart's navigator. Commit that to memory. It might show up on the test. I have a feeling we'll do better today.
From what I saw, they didn't even dress up.
I've heard altogether too much about these tea parties all around the country. Why was this ever deemed to be good ideas? I know people thought the original one in Boston was effective enough, but at least they did something. Walking around with signs is just not my idea of changing the world. And I really don't care about the numbers. I mean, come on . . . was it really that hard to find people who A) were in for a day off and B) aren't wild about paying taxes?
There's a support group for that. It's called Get in Line.
Today's Question
Literature
In the Dr. Seuss world, who speaks for the trees?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Fred Noonan. That's Fred Noonan, everybody. He was Amelia Earhart's navigator. Commit that to memory. It might show up on the test. I have a feeling we'll do better today.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
April 16, 2009 question - Get Lost
Lost
Come get found
Do you watch Lost? It's awesome, and it's only getting awesomer. And when the end of the season approaches (the end of the penultimate season, mind you) it tends to get even awesomerer.
And while I'm usually the one asking questions here, today I invite you to ask away with all your Lost-related inquiries, theories, and speculation. I will try to respond in due course, although I can't promise that I'll be able to answer your questions before I flash forward in time. We can also share theories in some kind of forum so as not to annoy the people who choose not to attain self-actualization through discussion of the coolest show of all time.
Today's Question
History
Who disappeared with Amelia Earhart (and no, I won't accept "her navigator" as an answer; I'm looking for a name)?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
The answer may not have been obvious, but it was obverse. Micaela, Steve T (the T stands for Tails, You Lose), and Konrad had no trouble making heads or tails of that answer. If Trivia nation had currency, their heads would be on the big bucks. Congratulations!
Come get found
Do you watch Lost? It's awesome, and it's only getting awesomer. And when the end of the season approaches (the end of the penultimate season, mind you) it tends to get even awesomerer.
And while I'm usually the one asking questions here, today I invite you to ask away with all your Lost-related inquiries, theories, and speculation. I will try to respond in due course, although I can't promise that I'll be able to answer your questions before I flash forward in time. We can also share theories in some kind of forum so as not to annoy the people who choose not to attain self-actualization through discussion of the coolest show of all time.
Today's Question
History
Who disappeared with Amelia Earhart (and no, I won't accept "her navigator" as an answer; I'm looking for a name)?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
The answer may not have been obvious, but it was obverse. Micaela, Steve T (the T stands for Tails, You Lose), and Konrad had no trouble making heads or tails of that answer. If Trivia nation had currency, their heads would be on the big bucks. Congratulations!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 15, 2009 question - Frontal Taxonomy
Taxing Intrusion
Private eyes (clap, clap)
I really don't mind the tax paying. Honestly, I expect the government to need a little help. What I don't like, though, is the fact that the Internal Rigorous Search-party is all up in my business. Before the days of federal income tax and Social Security, personal finances were considered private. I'd say that the single biggest cause of identity theft is the simple fact that we're required by law to make our most private financial information completely public.
But until Uncle Sam decides to add a trivia tax, I'll just keep my complaints between us . . . and the Internets.
Today's Question
Money
In the world of currency (and other two-sided objects as well) the back (or tails) side is referred to as the reverse side; what is the term for the front (or heads) side of a coin or bill?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Fiji and Russia are the only two countries in which you can actually stand on the Antimeridian. A lot of you guessed zero, and only one of you guessed anything else. Unfortunately for a lot of you, anything else was closer (because it was three). Congrats to Nancy K (the K stands for Knows Her Anti From Her Prime) for her solo flight around the trivial globe.
Private eyes (clap, clap)
I really don't mind the tax paying. Honestly, I expect the government to need a little help. What I don't like, though, is the fact that the Internal Rigorous Search-party is all up in my business. Before the days of federal income tax and Social Security, personal finances were considered private. I'd say that the single biggest cause of identity theft is the simple fact that we're required by law to make our most private financial information completely public.
But until Uncle Sam decides to add a trivia tax, I'll just keep my complaints between us . . . and the Internets.
Today's Question
Money
In the world of currency (and other two-sided objects as well) the back (or tails) side is referred to as the reverse side; what is the term for the front (or heads) side of a coin or bill?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Fiji and Russia are the only two countries in which you can actually stand on the Antimeridian. A lot of you guessed zero, and only one of you guessed anything else. Unfortunately for a lot of you, anything else was closer (because it was three). Congrats to Nancy K (the K stands for Knows Her Anti From Her Prime) for her solo flight around the trivial globe.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
April 14, 2009 question - Trivia in the Making
300
Two Sox go Spartan
Hitting 300 home runs in a career is usually pretty special for any baseball player. It doesn't put you into the Hall of Fame by any means, but it does show you're a legitimate slugger with staying power. And when that 300th long ball clears the fence, the day is usually (or, until yesterday, always) yours to savor.
But that all changed after Jermaine Dye of the Chicago White Sox circled the square base path for his 300th time. Before he could finish his congratulatory round of "you're so special" high fives and back slaps, Paul Konerko, the very next batter, repeated the feat, belting his 300th dinger over the generous fences of U.S. Cellular Field.
When two guys in a row do it, hitting 300 doesn't seem all that special for either one. But for the pair, it's as special as special gets. No two teammates have ever both hit their 300th, 400th, or 500th homers in the same game, let alone in precise succession.
I'm not one to spend a lot of time praising White Sox, but congratulations to Dye and Konerko, for forging trivia before our very eyes.
Today's Question
Geography
How many countries (ignoring any Antarctic territories . . . those aren't countries) are intersected on land by the Antimeridian, the Prime Meridian's neglected opposite?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Mercutio uttered those famous words that I've already forgotten, but these trivia winners have vowed never to forget (or they just can't help being that smart):
Kyle
Heather M (the M stands for Mercutio's Last Words)
Karen M (the M stands for My How Dramatically They Die In Romeo And Juliet?)
Congratulations to you all for your
Great knowledge of the Bard and all his works.
Trivia glory is great on its own. Trivia glory in iambic pentameter is as good as it's gonna get. Congrats.
Two Sox go Spartan
Hitting 300 home runs in a career is usually pretty special for any baseball player. It doesn't put you into the Hall of Fame by any means, but it does show you're a legitimate slugger with staying power. And when that 300th long ball clears the fence, the day is usually (or, until yesterday, always) yours to savor.
But that all changed after Jermaine Dye of the Chicago White Sox circled the square base path for his 300th time. Before he could finish his congratulatory round of "you're so special" high fives and back slaps, Paul Konerko, the very next batter, repeated the feat, belting his 300th dinger over the generous fences of U.S. Cellular Field.
When two guys in a row do it, hitting 300 doesn't seem all that special for either one. But for the pair, it's as special as special gets. No two teammates have ever both hit their 300th, 400th, or 500th homers in the same game, let alone in precise succession.
I'm not one to spend a lot of time praising White Sox, but congratulations to Dye and Konerko, for forging trivia before our very eyes.
Today's Question
Geography
How many countries (ignoring any Antarctic territories . . . those aren't countries) are intersected on land by the Antimeridian, the Prime Meridian's neglected opposite?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Mercutio uttered those famous words that I've already forgotten, but these trivia winners have vowed never to forget (or they just can't help being that smart):
Kyle
Heather M (the M stands for Mercutio's Last Words)
Karen M (the M stands for My How Dramatically They Die In Romeo And Juliet?)
Congratulations to you all for your
Great knowledge of the Bard and all his works.
Trivia glory is great on its own. Trivia glory in iambic pentameter is as good as it's gonna get. Congrats.
Monday, April 13, 2009
April 13, 2009 question - Monday's Revenge
Weekendend
Monday's Revenge
Shh. Monday heard what I said about it last week. And boy, is it ticked. Not sure I can escape its wrath, but I'm gonna go ahead and carry on with trivia and then make a break for it. If you don't hear from me tomorrow, form a search party and look for me at the bottom of the ocean. Any ocean. Monday is dastardly like that.
Today's Question
Literature
What Shakespearean character uttered the words, "A plague on both your houses" (or "a' both your houses," depending on where you read or hear it)?
Thursday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Vanna set the record for most on-screen television clapping. But does anyone stop to clap for Vanna? Maybe these people do, since her applause garnered them a little G-L-O-R-Y: Diannalee, Heather M (the M stands for Make Some Noise Up In Here), Karen H (the H stands for Hold Your Applause Until The End), and Heidi. No words could describe how proud I am of all of you, so I will just stand here and clap, Vanna style.
Oh, no, wait. I found the words: pretty darn. But I'll still clap.
Monday's Revenge
Shh. Monday heard what I said about it last week. And boy, is it ticked. Not sure I can escape its wrath, but I'm gonna go ahead and carry on with trivia and then make a break for it. If you don't hear from me tomorrow, form a search party and look for me at the bottom of the ocean. Any ocean. Monday is dastardly like that.
Today's Question
Literature
What Shakespearean character uttered the words, "A plague on both your houses" (or "a' both your houses," depending on where you read or hear it)?
Thursday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Vanna set the record for most on-screen television clapping. But does anyone stop to clap for Vanna? Maybe these people do, since her applause garnered them a little G-L-O-R-Y: Diannalee, Heather M (the M stands for Make Some Noise Up In Here), Karen H (the H stands for Hold Your Applause Until The End), and Heidi. No words could describe how proud I am of all of you, so I will just stand here and clap, Vanna style.
Oh, no, wait. I found the words: pretty darn. But I'll still clap.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9, 2009 question - ECNMZNG
ECNMZNG
Frm hr n t ts cnsnnts nly (nd smtms y)
Frm hr n t ts cnsnnts nly (nd smtms y)
In these troubled economic times, I find it extremely hard to make jokes about our current situation. I'm tempted to joke about changing the national anthem to the theme from Sanford & Son (bonus points if you can remember the name of the song and its composer; we covered this, people) . . . but that would be uncouth. I want to make light of the possibility that the government's last $1.5 trillion check just bounced, and AIG is ticked . . . but that, too, would be noticeably void of couth. I feel compelled to point out that we're so poor, Sally Struthers is asking Ethiopian kids to quit their coffee and adopt us . . . alas, if couth were money, that joke would be America.
So I decided that just this once, making fun of the situation is not the answer. Today, I'm gonna make a difference. Today, I'm going to do my part to trim the fat, tighten the belt (which is so much easier after the fat trimming), and start conserving.
Effective the next paragraph. I'm no longer using vowels.
Thnk bt t: n Whl f Frtn, y mak mny by gssng cnsnnts, bt y py mny t gss vwls. W cn't ffrd t b drppng $200 vry tm w nd vwl, s thts th nd f ll my vwl sg.
Okay, that ain't working. I guess insensitive attempts at humor will have to be my only contribution to the stimuli.
Today's Question
World Records
In 1992, The Guinness Book of World Records credited Vanna White with the honor of being the person who most frequently did what on television?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Jon Heder may have sprung to stardom as Napoleon, but he was paid a mere $1,000 to be that star. I think he's been fairly compensated since. By Nancy K's (the K stands for $1K Seems A Bit Steep) estimation, he got double what he deserved. Her answer of $500 was the closest of anyone. As her prize, I'm breaking out some Dynamite dance moves in her honor. Way to go.
So I decided that just this once, making fun of the situation is not the answer. Today, I'm gonna make a difference. Today, I'm going to do my part to trim the fat, tighten the belt (which is so much easier after the fat trimming), and start conserving.
Effective the next paragraph. I'm no longer using vowels.
Thnk bt t: n Whl f Frtn, y mak mny by gssng cnsnnts, bt y py mny t gss vwls. W cn't ffrd t b drppng $200 vry tm w nd vwl, s thts th nd f ll my vwl sg.
Okay, that ain't working. I guess insensitive attempts at humor will have to be my only contribution to the stimuli.
Today's Question
World Records
In 1992, The Guinness Book of World Records credited Vanna White with the honor of being the person who most frequently did what on television?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Jon Heder may have sprung to stardom as Napoleon, but he was paid a mere $1,000 to be that star. I think he's been fairly compensated since. By Nancy K's (the K stands for $1K Seems A Bit Steep) estimation, he got double what he deserved. Her answer of $500 was the closest of anyone. As her prize, I'm breaking out some Dynamite dance moves in her honor. Way to go.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
April 8, 2009 question - Napoleonic Dynasty
Overboard
What else would you expect from American Idol?
In baseball, you expect extra innings every once in awhile.So of course I wasn't bothered by the extended nature of the Cubs game last night (although I was less than ecstatic about the loss). But in programmed television, the rules are different. They're supposed to end on time. American Idol has achieved a new low in their regular practice of breaking that rule.
Last night's final contestant, Adam Lambert, gave his entire performance after the DVR window. That is to say, he began his performance after the standard three-minute grace period most DVRs record even after the scheduled conclusion of a show. So the people who didn't watch the male version of Cher live last night most likely missed out on his typically must-see performance.
It's unforgivable, inexcusable, and reprehensible. Yet, the world still spins. I'll try to recover.
Today's Question
Entertainment
How much money was actor Jon Heder originally paid to play the title role in Napoleon Dynamite? (Closest guess wins.)
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Nap Lajoie actually became the namesake for his team, changing the Cleveland Bluebirds to the Cleveland Naps. Norris and Karen H (the H stands for How Lucky His Parents Named Him Napoleon Instead Of Richard) both knew that eponymous trivia about the team now known as the Indians.
Congratulations! You both win one free nap. Lajoie it!
And that just may be the worst joke ever. You're welcome.
What else would you expect from American Idol?
In baseball, you expect extra innings every once in awhile.So of course I wasn't bothered by the extended nature of the Cubs game last night (although I was less than ecstatic about the loss). But in programmed television, the rules are different. They're supposed to end on time. American Idol has achieved a new low in their regular practice of breaking that rule.
Last night's final contestant, Adam Lambert, gave his entire performance after the DVR window. That is to say, he began his performance after the standard three-minute grace period most DVRs record even after the scheduled conclusion of a show. So the people who didn't watch the male version of Cher live last night most likely missed out on his typically must-see performance.
It's unforgivable, inexcusable, and reprehensible. Yet, the world still spins. I'll try to recover.
Today's Question
Entertainment
How much money was actor Jon Heder originally paid to play the title role in Napoleon Dynamite? (Closest guess wins.)
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Nap Lajoie actually became the namesake for his team, changing the Cleveland Bluebirds to the Cleveland Naps. Norris and Karen H (the H stands for How Lucky His Parents Named Him Napoleon Instead Of Richard) both knew that eponymous trivia about the team now known as the Indians.
Congratulations! You both win one free nap. Lajoie it!
And that just may be the worst joke ever. You're welcome.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April 7, 2009 question - Go Cubs Go
We're Singing
Go, Cubs, Go
Okay, so I didn't jinx Opening Day. Cubs win 4-2. All is right with the world. But I can't go a whole season without mentioning the Cubs. Or could I? Have I been jinxing every season by talking about the Cubs? I guess we'll never know. Oh, no! Now I've jinxed them by insinuating that the Cubs will never win and thus be able to disprove my jinxing theory!
Superstition is such an unbecoming ubiquity.
Today's Question
Baseball . . . yes, BASEBALL!
To what did the Cleveland Bluebirds change their team name in 1902 after Nap Lajoie became the team's biggest star?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Hippos have 36 teeth, but the handful of really big ones catch your attention. And I want to thank you all for guessing so generally wide of the mark in both directions, which made crowning a winner a mathematical achievement. But, if my tallies are to be believed (and Jessie would be inclined to say they are not, since I overlooked her, yesterday) Diannalee is today's winner. Congratulotamus.
Go, Cubs, Go
Okay, so I didn't jinx Opening Day. Cubs win 4-2. All is right with the world. But I can't go a whole season without mentioning the Cubs. Or could I? Have I been jinxing every season by talking about the Cubs? I guess we'll never know. Oh, no! Now I've jinxed them by insinuating that the Cubs will never win and thus be able to disprove my jinxing theory!
Superstition is such an unbecoming ubiquity.
Today's Question
Baseball . . . yes, BASEBALL!
To what did the Cleveland Bluebirds change their team name in 1902 after Nap Lajoie became the team's biggest star?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Hippos have 36 teeth, but the handful of really big ones catch your attention. And I want to thank you all for guessing so generally wide of the mark in both directions, which made crowning a winner a mathematical achievement. But, if my tallies are to be believed (and Jessie would be inclined to say they are not, since I overlooked her, yesterday) Diannalee is today's winner. Congratulotamus.
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 6, 2009 question - Shining a Light in My Eyes
Somebody Turn That Thing Off
It's too early for sunlight
Monday morning is an interrogation. Monday steals us from the arms of our loving parents, Saturday and Sunday, and locks us in a cold, bare room with nothing but an irritating light that shines as bright as the sun. Because it is the sun.
What do they want to know? What's so important that Monday had to bring me in on trumped up charges of "having work to do," whatever that means? Spare me the torture, Monday. I'll tell you whatever you want to know.
Just take me back home to the weekend. You always do. Why must you keep returning? Go, Monday. Go steal someone else's children.
Stranger danger. Stranger danger!
Today's Question
Animal Kingdom
How many teeth does an adult hippo have?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Google is worth 8 points, but the Y and H in Yahoo give it a whopping 11 Scrabbleriffic tallies. Here's who knew:
Charles (who actually knew the exact point totals)
Maridee
Frislem
Diannalee
Steve T (the T stands for One Point)
Micaela
Nancy K (the K stands for Five Points)
Well done, all of you. May all your word scores be tripled and all your Q words be plentiful.
It's too early for sunlight
Monday morning is an interrogation. Monday steals us from the arms of our loving parents, Saturday and Sunday, and locks us in a cold, bare room with nothing but an irritating light that shines as bright as the sun. Because it is the sun.
What do they want to know? What's so important that Monday had to bring me in on trumped up charges of "having work to do," whatever that means? Spare me the torture, Monday. I'll tell you whatever you want to know.
Just take me back home to the weekend. You always do. Why must you keep returning? Go, Monday. Go steal someone else's children.
Stranger danger. Stranger danger!
Today's Question
Animal Kingdom
How many teeth does an adult hippo have?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Google is worth 8 points, but the Y and H in Yahoo give it a whopping 11 Scrabbleriffic tallies. Here's who knew:
Charles (who actually knew the exact point totals)
Maridee
Frislem
Diannalee
Steve T (the T stands for One Point)
Micaela
Nancy K (the K stands for Five Points)
Well done, all of you. May all your word scores be tripled and all your Q words be plentiful.
Friday, April 3, 2009
April 3, 2009 question - Cutleriffic
It's Friday, I'm in Love
. . . with Jay Cutler
It's April 3. That's supposed to be the time I attempt to get the trivia world all excited about baseball and spring and baseball and flowers and baseball and the Cubs and the Cubs and baseball. But instead the Bears are monopolizing the part of my brain that fantasizes about sporting championships. The Bears now have a quarterback that people generally consider to be good.
Yes, he's been accused of being a whiner. True, he has diabetes management issues. And indeed, he has Blagojevichian hair. But still, he's a legitimate quarterback on a team that hasn't had one since the leather-helmet days. AND they added an all-pro offensive lineman from THE Ohio State University. That's right, we have a quarterback and an emphatic definite article. If that's not reason to celebrate than I don't know . . . no, wait . . . then you don't know what is.
However, since knowing what constitutes celebratory motivation makes for a pretty lame trivia question, I'll move on.
Today's Question
Games
Which search-engine title yields a higher Scrabble score: Yahoo or Google? (without bonus squares)
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Do you want to know? "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," was the A-side (do they call them A-sides?) to "Hey Tonight," both of which were rhapsodized by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Here's who knew:
Frislem
Steve T (the T stands for Tonight . . . Hey!)
Jocelyn
Robbie
Kyle
Congrats, way to go, you're the Obama-diggity.
. . . with Jay Cutler
It's April 3. That's supposed to be the time I attempt to get the trivia world all excited about baseball and spring and baseball and flowers and baseball and the Cubs and the Cubs and baseball. But instead the Bears are monopolizing the part of my brain that fantasizes about sporting championships. The Bears now have a quarterback that people generally consider to be good.
Yes, he's been accused of being a whiner. True, he has diabetes management issues. And indeed, he has Blagojevichian hair. But still, he's a legitimate quarterback on a team that hasn't had one since the leather-helmet days. AND they added an all-pro offensive lineman from THE Ohio State University. That's right, we have a quarterback and an emphatic definite article. If that's not reason to celebrate than I don't know . . . no, wait . . . then you don't know what is.
However, since knowing what constitutes celebratory motivation makes for a pretty lame trivia question, I'll move on.
Today's Question
Games
Which search-engine title yields a higher Scrabble score: Yahoo or Google? (without bonus squares)
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Do you want to know? "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," was the A-side (do they call them A-sides?) to "Hey Tonight," both of which were rhapsodized by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Here's who knew:
Frislem
Steve T (the T stands for Tonight . . . Hey!)
Jocelyn
Robbie
Kyle
Congrats, way to go, you're the Obama-diggity.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 2, 2009 question - Fools Rush Away
What, You're Too Good for April Fools?
Seriously, what's up with that, trivia dude?
Why didn't I pull some kind of trivial April Fools joke? I'll tell you why. Because I may play it silly every once in awhile. Maybe I lay on the sarcasm here and there. I have been known, on occasion, to play tricks and pranks and other assorted high jinks on my very own trivia family (yes, you are all like second cousins and thrice-removed half aunts and uncles to me . . . and, yes, even those of you who are my real-life siblings). So how could I complain about a lack of any relevant inspiration from the current events of the day when the most obvious calendrical muse was staring me right in the face (or at the very least the profile) the entire time?
Because, my friends, trivia may be a lot of things, but it is not the stuff of fools. For the sake of my personal integrity, nay, the sake of trivial integrity, I refused to base an entire day's rant around an observation that derives its very nature from the lack of knowledge. Trivia is the constant search for knowledge, however far removed from the land of the practical. I will not, and I pray none of you will either, compromise that for the sake of a thematic intro.
Also, I totally forgot.
Today's Question
Music
What immortal musical question was asked on the 1971 single that had "Hey Tonight" as its B-side?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
The first Cricket World Cup was played in 1975 and I was genuinely impressed at how close almost all of your guesses were, given the sport's long history. But I'm most impressed by Kyle and Charles who got it exactly right. So on their behalf, I offer up this bonus trivia tidbit. When an umpire makes a call on the basepaths in baseball, his choices are essentially out or safe. In cricket, the options are out or not out. Awesome.
Seriously, what's up with that, trivia dude?
Why didn't I pull some kind of trivial April Fools joke? I'll tell you why. Because I may play it silly every once in awhile. Maybe I lay on the sarcasm here and there. I have been known, on occasion, to play tricks and pranks and other assorted high jinks on my very own trivia family (yes, you are all like second cousins and thrice-removed half aunts and uncles to me . . . and, yes, even those of you who are my real-life siblings). So how could I complain about a lack of any relevant inspiration from the current events of the day when the most obvious calendrical muse was staring me right in the face (or at the very least the profile) the entire time?
Because, my friends, trivia may be a lot of things, but it is not the stuff of fools. For the sake of my personal integrity, nay, the sake of trivial integrity, I refused to base an entire day's rant around an observation that derives its very nature from the lack of knowledge. Trivia is the constant search for knowledge, however far removed from the land of the practical. I will not, and I pray none of you will either, compromise that for the sake of a thematic intro.
Also, I totally forgot.
Today's Question
Music
What immortal musical question was asked on the 1971 single that had "Hey Tonight" as its B-side?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
The first Cricket World Cup was played in 1975 and I was genuinely impressed at how close almost all of your guesses were, given the sport's long history. But I'm most impressed by Kyle and Charles who got it exactly right. So on their behalf, I offer up this bonus trivia tidbit. When an umpire makes a call on the basepaths in baseball, his choices are essentially out or safe. In cricket, the options are out or not out. Awesome.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 1, 2009 question: But Seriously
If I Could Just Get Serious for a Moment
. . . but I can't.
The news just ain't doing it for me today. There's sports stuff to talk about. Or Idol. But overall this day just feels so boring. Maybe it's because Obama left the country and took our mojo with him. I just haven't been this far from Barack since he took office, and I just don't know what to do with myself.
I guess I'll just sit here and cry. Or . . . I could just take comfort in knowing that there doesn't necessarily need to be anything to be distracted from in order for trivia to be a pleasant distraction. So I'll just let the crickets chirp for awhile, and then I'll get on to the question.
Cricket.
Today's Question
Cricket
In what year was the inaugural Cricket World Cup held?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Before he was posthumously doling out awards bearing his name, Joseph Pulitzer fought in the American Civil War and did his fair share of newspaper work. Karen H (the H stands for Honor In Reporting) and Heather M (the M stands for Mudslinging Yellow Journalists) both knew, given some time to think about it. You are both awarded the Pulitzer Prize of Trivia. Kudos.
. . . but I can't.
The news just ain't doing it for me today. There's sports stuff to talk about. Or Idol. But overall this day just feels so boring. Maybe it's because Obama left the country and took our mojo with him. I just haven't been this far from Barack since he took office, and I just don't know what to do with myself.
I guess I'll just sit here and cry. Or . . . I could just take comfort in knowing that there doesn't necessarily need to be anything to be distracted from in order for trivia to be a pleasant distraction. So I'll just let the crickets chirp for awhile, and then I'll get on to the question.
Cricket.
Today's Question
Cricket
In what year was the inaugural Cricket World Cup held?
Yesterday's Answer
And the people who knew it
Before he was posthumously doling out awards bearing his name, Joseph Pulitzer fought in the American Civil War and did his fair share of newspaper work. Karen H (the H stands for Honor In Reporting) and Heather M (the M stands for Mudslinging Yellow Journalists) both knew, given some time to think about it. You are both awarded the Pulitzer Prize of Trivia. Kudos.
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