Musings of a Dead Parrot

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. In the titles of #1 hits, what did Andy Gibb and Tommy Paige both want to be, and Wham! and Vertical Horizon both offer you? I think that KJ has an unhealthy knowledge of Wham songs. I recall Andy Gibb's song was something like I Just Want to be Your Everything.
2. Except for Novak Djokovic's Australian Open win in 2008, the last four years of men's Grand Slam titles have all been won by players from what two countries? Switzerland (Federer) and Spain (Nadel)
3. What popular stationery item is packaged using the tartan of the Wallace clan? scotch tape
4. What hit comedy of 2009 was recently released on DVD with a free Cinnabon coupon included? Cinnabon --> mall food --> Paul Blart, Mall CoP
5. What famous item, worn from around 1699 to 1703 in French history and literature, was actually made of a much more comfortable material: black velvet cloth? is this a reference to the Man In the Iron Mask?
6. What South American capital city was named for August 15, 1537, the Catholic feast day on which it was founded? Asunción sounds like a Catholic holiday
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these mammals in this order, and (as far as I can tell) no others? Monkeys, mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, chimpanzees, guinea pigs, humans, and cats? I think Alex has it - animals in space.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. First and second place ribbons are traditionally red and blue, respectively. What color ribbon is awarded for third place? Third-place ribbons are white. You know, I've long thought this quiz could use more county-fair trivia. correct
2. What unusual former occupation is shared by the current mayors of Sacramento and Detroit? Kevin Johnson and Dave Bing are both former NBA players. My home city could follow suit, as James Donaldson is currently running to be mayor of Seattle. correct
3. What Best Picture-winning film was sarcastically called "Kevin's Gate" for much of its troubled production? The "Heaven's Gate" joke is a reference to Kevin Costner's Dances with Wolves. correct
4. What product did three New Yorkers named Bradley, Voorhees, and Day team up to manufacture in 1876? Their company, BVD, produced underwear. I spent quite a while trying to find the first names of these three entrepreneurs, but to no avail. Internet underwear history FAIL! Maybe they all just had the one name, like Cher or Madonna. correct
5. What was repaired this month for the final time, since it's due to be replaced in 2014 by the JWST? The James Webb Space Telescope will replace the just-repaired Hubble. correct
6. In much of the world, motorcycle helmet laws are written to exempt male members of what religion? Sikhs are generally allowed to go helmet-less, since helmets don't fit over their turbans. Couldn't you just wear a huge, turban-shaped helmet OVER your turban? I smell a can't-miss moneymaking idea here. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV series? Heroes, How to Boil Water, Kitchen Confidential, Once and Again, The Shield, thirtysomething, Trapper John M.D., The Waltons. Each featured a female cast member with a stereotypically male first name. The respective gender-benders are named Hayden, Jack, James, Evan, Glenn, Mel, Christopher, and Michael. That never occurred to me. Pretty good question this time, at least better than the ridiculous Q7s from past weeks.