Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 31
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Both U.S. presidents who shared what first name were born in the Carolinas? Thought about this in the line at the grocery store. There have only been two Andrews. Jackson is from the south. Not sure about Johnson. But I'll guess the two Andrews.
2. What rock band's fans have been called "Distiples"? Cannot determine where "dist" might come in. The name of the lead singer? District? Distribution? Is this Jesus and Mary Chain?
3. What organization is currently led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I? Is this the Greek or Eastern Orthodox Church?
4. What letter of the alphabet appears on Arthur Dimmesdale's tombstone, at the end of an 1850 novel? An "A" (don't know if it is scarlet)
5. "Sherlock Bones" was the most common entry in the two-year contest to name what TV ad mascot? Why did he say mascot and not TV ad character? I am not sure what he is looking for. Something that is advertising a product or something that is promoting a tv show or network. Does PBS's Mystery have a mascot? House? Bones? Is this an ad for Milkbone dog biscuits? Not sure what context to take to guess an answer.
6. What objects have been predicted to emit Hawking radiation? I think that this answer is black holes.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these famous people? Dick Cheney, Cher, Richard Gephardt, Alan Keyes, Stephen King, Marie Osmond, Ally Sheedy, Cybill Shepherd. Not so hard this week. Each has a child (I believe a daughter in each case) who has come out as gay.
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Who became a star in 2009 despite eventually finishing in second place to a London dance troupe called "Diversity"? "Diversity" may have won Britain's Got Talent, but Susan Boyle can cry herself (and her cats) to sleep on a mountain of money. correct
2. This summer, who wanted--and got--Mario Chalmers' number 6? Mario Chalmers is a two-year veteran point guard for the Miami Heat--but what LeBron James wants, including his old uniform number, LeBron James gets. Correct. Not sure if Lebron threw in any cash or the monetary equivalent in chalk.
3. Julia Gillard is what nation's first female Prime Minister? Australia, though Gillard may head a coalition government after a deadlocked national election. correct
4. What inventor became rich in the 1800s making muskets with interchangeable parts, after almost going broke defending patents to his more famous invention? The cotton gin made Eli Whitney famous, but muskets made him rich. Did not know this. I needed a little better clue to get it.
5. Who celebrated her 100th birthday last month at a party hosted by James Cameron and his wife Suzy Amis? Gloria Stuart, aka that old lady who lied about her diamond in Titanic. correct
6. Belarus and Lesotho are, respectively, the world's northernmost and southernmost countries that are what? Populated by Belarussians and Lesothans. No, just kidding. They're landlocked countries. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these letters of the alphabet, and no others? D, G, L, P, R, S, X, and sort of U? These are the only letters of our alphabet that aren't also used for the corresponding letter of the Greek alphabet. 'U' makes the cut halfway, because its Greek equivalent, the upsilon, looks like a Y in uppercase, but a 'u' in lowercase. somewhat confusing because the Greek alphabet has an X and a P. But they do not represent X and P from the English alphabet.
1. Both U.S. presidents who shared what first name were born in the Carolinas? Thought about this in the line at the grocery store. There have only been two Andrews. Jackson is from the south. Not sure about Johnson. But I'll guess the two Andrews.
2. What rock band's fans have been called "Distiples"? Cannot determine where "dist" might come in. The name of the lead singer? District? Distribution? Is this Jesus and Mary Chain?
3. What organization is currently led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I? Is this the Greek or Eastern Orthodox Church?
4. What letter of the alphabet appears on Arthur Dimmesdale's tombstone, at the end of an 1850 novel? An "A" (don't know if it is scarlet)
5. "Sherlock Bones" was the most common entry in the two-year contest to name what TV ad mascot? Why did he say mascot and not TV ad character? I am not sure what he is looking for. Something that is advertising a product or something that is promoting a tv show or network. Does PBS's Mystery have a mascot? House? Bones? Is this an ad for Milkbone dog biscuits? Not sure what context to take to guess an answer.
6. What objects have been predicted to emit Hawking radiation? I think that this answer is black holes.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these famous people? Dick Cheney, Cher, Richard Gephardt, Alan Keyes, Stephen King, Marie Osmond, Ally Sheedy, Cybill Shepherd. Not so hard this week. Each has a child (I believe a daughter in each case) who has come out as gay.
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Who became a star in 2009 despite eventually finishing in second place to a London dance troupe called "Diversity"? "Diversity" may have won Britain's Got Talent, but Susan Boyle can cry herself (and her cats) to sleep on a mountain of money. correct
2. This summer, who wanted--and got--Mario Chalmers' number 6? Mario Chalmers is a two-year veteran point guard for the Miami Heat--but what LeBron James wants, including his old uniform number, LeBron James gets. Correct. Not sure if Lebron threw in any cash or the monetary equivalent in chalk.
3. Julia Gillard is what nation's first female Prime Minister? Australia, though Gillard may head a coalition government after a deadlocked national election. correct
4. What inventor became rich in the 1800s making muskets with interchangeable parts, after almost going broke defending patents to his more famous invention? The cotton gin made Eli Whitney famous, but muskets made him rich. Did not know this. I needed a little better clue to get it.
5. Who celebrated her 100th birthday last month at a party hosted by James Cameron and his wife Suzy Amis? Gloria Stuart, aka that old lady who lied about her diamond in Titanic. correct
6. Belarus and Lesotho are, respectively, the world's northernmost and southernmost countries that are what? Populated by Belarussians and Lesothans. No, just kidding. They're landlocked countries. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these letters of the alphabet, and no others? D, G, L, P, R, S, X, and sort of U? These are the only letters of our alphabet that aren't also used for the corresponding letter of the Greek alphabet. 'U' makes the cut halfway, because its Greek equivalent, the upsilon, looks like a Y in uppercase, but a 'u' in lowercase. somewhat confusing because the Greek alphabet has an X and a P. But they do not represent X and P from the English alphabet.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Richard Pryor Show
If you blinked during 1977, you missed the four episodes of the Richard Pryor Show. Not surprising since NBC scheduled him opposite Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley.
A couple of sketches from those shows give you a lot to think about.
First Black US President
Black Death Metal - the heavy metal band that hates its white fans
I have to include as well the classic Job Interview sketch from SNL.
A couple of sketches from those shows give you a lot to think about.
First Black US President
Black Death Metal - the heavy metal band that hates its white fans
I have to include as well the classic Job Interview sketch from SNL.
Word Association - watch more funny videos
Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 25
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Who became a star in 2009 despite eventually finishing in second place to a London dance troupe called "Diversity"? must be Susan Boyle. I don't think she won British Idol or Britain's Got Talent or whatever show she was on.
2. This summer, who wanted--and got--Mario Chalmers' number 6? Mario Chalmers is an NBA player. Who changed teams and would want a new number? Lebron
3. Julia Gillard is what nation's first female Prime Minister? Australia
4. What inventor became rich in the 1800s making muskets with interchangeable parts, after almost going broke defending patents to his more famous invention? Remington?
5. Who celebrated her 100th birthday last month at a party hosted by James Cameron and his wife Suzy Amis? Gloria Stuart. As we learned at the Oscar quiz, she is not even the oldest living Oscar winner. Luise Rainer is a few months older.
6. Belarus and Lesotho are, respectively, the world's northernmost and southernmost countries that are what? landlocked
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these letters of the alphabet, and no others? D, G, L, P, R, S, X, and sort of U? "sort of U" Is that a clue?
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What peninsula lent its name to a English verb meaning "to break up a region into smaller units"? There are five or six more countries in the Balkans today than there were twenty years ago, which is appropriate, given the meaning of "balkanization." correct
2. Who served as king for thirteen years between Philip II and Philip III of Macedon? Alexander the Great was the father and son of these Philips. We also accepted "Colin Farrell." correct
3. In its 35th and latest season, what TV show earned its 126th Emmy nomination, surpassing E.R. for the all-time record? Saturday Night Live is the new all-time champ. Don Pardo, tell them what they've won! SNL. Man, how did I miss this.
4. What interest is signaled by someone displaying the popular bumper sticker reading simply "26.2" on their car? That's the length of a marathon. Presumably these drivers only use their cars for distances 27 miles and up. correct
5. Tiny Monroeville, Alabama will receive over 30,000 tourists this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of what novel? Monroeville, Alabama was the basis for Harper Lee's fictional "Maycomb" in To Kill a Mockingbird. correct
6. What kind of male animal is called a "blackback" until it's roughly eleven years old? You're a "blackback" until you turn into a "silverback." These are gorillas. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these American cities and, as far as I can tell, no others? Hollywood, Kansas City, L.A., Miami Beach, Tucson. There are, according to my research, the only U.S. cities mentioned in Beatles songs. (Respectively: "Honey Pie," "Kansas City," "Blue Jay Way," "Back in the U.S.S.R.," and "Get Back.") Did I miss any? Rain, South Carolina and Blackbird, Oregon don't count. I thought this might be book or song titles. But I never connected it to Beatles songs.
1. Who became a star in 2009 despite eventually finishing in second place to a London dance troupe called "Diversity"? must be Susan Boyle. I don't think she won British Idol or Britain's Got Talent or whatever show she was on.
2. This summer, who wanted--and got--Mario Chalmers' number 6? Mario Chalmers is an NBA player. Who changed teams and would want a new number? Lebron
3. Julia Gillard is what nation's first female Prime Minister? Australia
4. What inventor became rich in the 1800s making muskets with interchangeable parts, after almost going broke defending patents to his more famous invention? Remington?
5. Who celebrated her 100th birthday last month at a party hosted by James Cameron and his wife Suzy Amis? Gloria Stuart. As we learned at the Oscar quiz, she is not even the oldest living Oscar winner. Luise Rainer is a few months older.
6. Belarus and Lesotho are, respectively, the world's northernmost and southernmost countries that are what? landlocked
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these letters of the alphabet, and no others? D, G, L, P, R, S, X, and sort of U? "sort of U" Is that a clue?
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What peninsula lent its name to a English verb meaning "to break up a region into smaller units"? There are five or six more countries in the Balkans today than there were twenty years ago, which is appropriate, given the meaning of "balkanization." correct
2. Who served as king for thirteen years between Philip II and Philip III of Macedon? Alexander the Great was the father and son of these Philips. We also accepted "Colin Farrell." correct
3. In its 35th and latest season, what TV show earned its 126th Emmy nomination, surpassing E.R. for the all-time record? Saturday Night Live is the new all-time champ. Don Pardo, tell them what they've won! SNL. Man, how did I miss this.
4. What interest is signaled by someone displaying the popular bumper sticker reading simply "26.2" on their car? That's the length of a marathon. Presumably these drivers only use their cars for distances 27 miles and up. correct
5. Tiny Monroeville, Alabama will receive over 30,000 tourists this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of what novel? Monroeville, Alabama was the basis for Harper Lee's fictional "Maycomb" in To Kill a Mockingbird. correct
6. What kind of male animal is called a "blackback" until it's roughly eleven years old? You're a "blackback" until you turn into a "silverback." These are gorillas. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these American cities and, as far as I can tell, no others? Hollywood, Kansas City, L.A., Miami Beach, Tucson. There are, according to my research, the only U.S. cities mentioned in Beatles songs. (Respectively: "Honey Pie," "Kansas City," "Blue Jay Way," "Back in the U.S.S.R.," and "Get Back.") Did I miss any? Rain, South Carolina and Blackbird, Oregon don't count. I thought this might be book or song titles. But I never connected it to Beatles songs.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 17
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What peninsula lent its name to a English verb meaning "to break up a region into smaller units"? Balkan
2. Who served as king for thirteen years between Philip II and Philip III of Macedon? I only know one other king of Macedon - Alexander the Great.
3. In its 35th and latest season, what TV show earned its 126th Emmy nomination, surpassing E.R. for the all-time record? started in 1975 (assuming that it has one season per year). Hmm. I think that 60 minutes began earlier. Late 60s. The Tonight Show, much earlier. Are we talking prime time Emmys? Or is daytime included? Here is a possibility - Masterpiece Theater. It has certainly been on the air for many years.
4. What interest is signaled by someone displaying the popular bumper sticker reading simply "26.2" on their car? marathon running
5. Tiny Monroeville, Alabama will receive over 30,000 tourists this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of what novel? To Kill A Mockingbird
6. What kind of male animal is called a "blackback" until it's roughly eleven years old? this makes me think of an animal with a long lifespan. One that would might be developing at 11 years old, like an ape, tortoise or elephant. Could blackbacks be the younger version of silverback gorillas?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these American cities and, as far as I can tell, no others? Hollywood, Kansas City, L.A., Miami Beach, Tucson. Is this Hollywood, CA or FL? Kansas City, MO or KS? Or does it not matter?
LAST WEEK's ANSWERS
1. The Giant's Causeway is a formation of 40,000 basalt columns at the northern end of what island? The Giant's Causeway is the most popular tourist destination in Northern Ireland. correct
2. What number, expressed in Roman numerals, also spells the name of a letter of the Greek alphabet? I had in mind eleven (XI) since xi is a Greek letter, but decided to accept 1,005 as well, since in the Middle Ages MV would have been spelled like the Greek letter "mu." correct
3. Name the two characters--one literary, one historical--that have both been played on screen by Charles Laughton *and* Anthony Hopkins. Laughton's two most famous roles--Captain Bligh and Quasimodo--have both been interpreted by Hopkins as well. Laughton never played Hannibal Lecter, but he did play a 16th-century serial killer named Henry VIII. correct!
4. What simple sugar is the right-handed stereoisomer of glucose? That's how dextrose got its name: "sinistr-" = left and "dextr-" - right. So right-handed was a clue. I missed that. And this occurred during the week when I celebrated National Lefthanders Day.
5. By what name do we better know the Schtroumpfs, created in 1958 by the Belgian cartoonist Peyo? The Schtroumpfs were the Schtroumpfiest bunch of Schtroumps the Belgians had ever Schtroumpfed! Ugh, that's annoying. We call them "Smufs." correct
6. In 1901, what famous woman said, "I can say what most conductors can't say: I never run my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger"? This particular railroad was Underground; the speaker was Harriet Tubman. 1901 is many years removed from the 1860s. I did not even think of that.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these teams from the four major North American sports leagues and (as far as I can tell) no others? Angels, Clippers, Cubs, Dodgers, Flyers, New York Giants, Jets, Knicks, Lakers, Oilers, Packers, Raiders, New York Rangers, Redskins, Stars, Yankeees. That's a list of all sports franchises that somehow make do without a costumed mascot pumping up the crowd. Sports fans: was my list pretty close? I had to build it from scratch and sometimes Internet info isn't 100% up-to-date. KMac pegged a tough one.
1. What peninsula lent its name to a English verb meaning "to break up a region into smaller units"? Balkan
2. Who served as king for thirteen years between Philip II and Philip III of Macedon? I only know one other king of Macedon - Alexander the Great.
3. In its 35th and latest season, what TV show earned its 126th Emmy nomination, surpassing E.R. for the all-time record? started in 1975 (assuming that it has one season per year). Hmm. I think that 60 minutes began earlier. Late 60s. The Tonight Show, much earlier. Are we talking prime time Emmys? Or is daytime included? Here is a possibility - Masterpiece Theater. It has certainly been on the air for many years.
4. What interest is signaled by someone displaying the popular bumper sticker reading simply "26.2" on their car? marathon running
5. Tiny Monroeville, Alabama will receive over 30,000 tourists this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of what novel? To Kill A Mockingbird
6. What kind of male animal is called a "blackback" until it's roughly eleven years old? this makes me think of an animal with a long lifespan. One that would might be developing at 11 years old, like an ape, tortoise or elephant. Could blackbacks be the younger version of silverback gorillas?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these American cities and, as far as I can tell, no others? Hollywood, Kansas City, L.A., Miami Beach, Tucson. Is this Hollywood, CA or FL? Kansas City, MO or KS? Or does it not matter?
LAST WEEK's ANSWERS
1. The Giant's Causeway is a formation of 40,000 basalt columns at the northern end of what island? The Giant's Causeway is the most popular tourist destination in Northern Ireland. correct
2. What number, expressed in Roman numerals, also spells the name of a letter of the Greek alphabet? I had in mind eleven (XI) since xi is a Greek letter, but decided to accept 1,005 as well, since in the Middle Ages MV would have been spelled like the Greek letter "mu." correct
3. Name the two characters--one literary, one historical--that have both been played on screen by Charles Laughton *and* Anthony Hopkins. Laughton's two most famous roles--Captain Bligh and Quasimodo--have both been interpreted by Hopkins as well. Laughton never played Hannibal Lecter, but he did play a 16th-century serial killer named Henry VIII. correct!
4. What simple sugar is the right-handed stereoisomer of glucose? That's how dextrose got its name: "sinistr-" = left and "dextr-" - right. So right-handed was a clue. I missed that. And this occurred during the week when I celebrated National Lefthanders Day.
5. By what name do we better know the Schtroumpfs, created in 1958 by the Belgian cartoonist Peyo? The Schtroumpfs were the Schtroumpfiest bunch of Schtroumps the Belgians had ever Schtroumpfed! Ugh, that's annoying. We call them "Smufs." correct
6. In 1901, what famous woman said, "I can say what most conductors can't say: I never run my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger"? This particular railroad was Underground; the speaker was Harriet Tubman. 1901 is many years removed from the 1860s. I did not even think of that.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these teams from the four major North American sports leagues and (as far as I can tell) no others? Angels, Clippers, Cubs, Dodgers, Flyers, New York Giants, Jets, Knicks, Lakers, Oilers, Packers, Raiders, New York Rangers, Redskins, Stars, Yankeees. That's a list of all sports franchises that somehow make do without a costumed mascot pumping up the crowd. Sports fans: was my list pretty close? I had to build it from scratch and sometimes Internet info isn't 100% up-to-date. KMac pegged a tough one.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 10
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. The Giant's Causeway is a formation of 40,000 basalt columns at the northern end of what island? Ireland. I've been to Giant's Causeway. Similar formations to Devil's Postpile near Mammoth.
2. What number, expressed in Roman numerals, also spells the name of a letter of the Greek alphabet? Had to think about this a bit. 11 - XI.
3. Name the two characters--one literary, one historical--that have both been played on screen by Charles Laughton *and* Anthony Hopkins. Both have been Captain Bligh. That must be the historical character. Literary? Laughton played the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Hopkins too?
4. What simple sugar is the right-handed stereoisomer of glucose? simple sugar --> sucrose?
5. By what name do we better know the Schtroumpfs, created in 1958 by the Belgian cartoonist Peyo? I may be wrong, but I seem to recall that the Smurfs have a Belgian heritage.
6. In 1901, what famous woman said, "I can say what most conductors can't say: I never run my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger"? 1901 would be too early to be an aviatrix like Amelia Earhart. Maybe Nellie Bly?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these teams from the four major North American sports leagues and (as far as I can tell) no others? Angels, Clippers, Cubs, Dodgers, Flyers, New York Giants, Jets, Knicks, Lakers, Oilers, Packers, Raiders, New York Rangers, Redskins, Stars, Yankees. Let's do a little reorganizing and see if that helps. MLB - Angels, Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees. NBA - Clippers, Knicks, Lakers. NFL - Giants, Jets, Packers, Raiders, Redskins. NHL - Flyers, Oilers, Rangers, Stars. The inclusion of the Clippers ensures that this question has nothing to do with winning championships.
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Who made history by winning the Indy Japan 300 in April 2008? This was Danica Patrick's first and only Indy car win. correct
2. Who wrote 1653's Treatise of an Arithmetic Triangle, describing a pattern in which every number is the sum of the two above it? Blaise Pascal wasn't the first to describe this pattern, but today we know it by his name: Pascal's triangle. I had typed Pascal first and then had a 2nd thought.
3. Ras Hafun, the easternmost point of Africa, is found in which country? Ras Hafun is that pointy part at the end of Somalia--if you can even call Somalia a country these days. correct
4. What Chicago-based nonprofit changed its name last month, leading musician Victor Willis to issue a statement on the situation? Victor Willis was the original lead singer of the Village People, and he wanted people to know that (a) he wouldn't be changing the title of his biggest hit from "YMCA" to "the Y," and (b) he's still alive! Did not know that the national Y is based in Chicago. For some reason, I thought it would be somewhere like Springfield, MA.
5. In the comic strip Peanuts, what is the usually posted price of "Psychiatric Help" at Lucy's booth? Five cents. The doctor is in. correct
6. What's the name for the type of tower in which you might find a muezzin? It's a minaret. We didn't accept "mosque" (or "community center," heh) because that's the building, not the tower. fair enough
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these movies? Babe, Big Momma's House 2, Eyes Wide Shut, The Fellowship of the Ring, Horse Feathers, Sex and the City, WarGames, Watchmen. In each of these movies, a secret password is "hacked," whether by computer shenanigans, a lucky guess, talking sheep, Chico Marx being an idiot, or other means. Eyes Wide Shut - fidelio. Fellowship of the Ring - friend. WarGames - Joshua. Ok I understand now.
1. The Giant's Causeway is a formation of 40,000 basalt columns at the northern end of what island? Ireland. I've been to Giant's Causeway. Similar formations to Devil's Postpile near Mammoth.
2. What number, expressed in Roman numerals, also spells the name of a letter of the Greek alphabet? Had to think about this a bit. 11 - XI.
3. Name the two characters--one literary, one historical--that have both been played on screen by Charles Laughton *and* Anthony Hopkins. Both have been Captain Bligh. That must be the historical character. Literary? Laughton played the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Hopkins too?
4. What simple sugar is the right-handed stereoisomer of glucose? simple sugar --> sucrose?
5. By what name do we better know the Schtroumpfs, created in 1958 by the Belgian cartoonist Peyo? I may be wrong, but I seem to recall that the Smurfs have a Belgian heritage.
6. In 1901, what famous woman said, "I can say what most conductors can't say: I never run my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger"? 1901 would be too early to be an aviatrix like Amelia Earhart. Maybe Nellie Bly?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these teams from the four major North American sports leagues and (as far as I can tell) no others? Angels, Clippers, Cubs, Dodgers, Flyers, New York Giants, Jets, Knicks, Lakers, Oilers, Packers, Raiders, New York Rangers, Redskins, Stars, Yankees. Let's do a little reorganizing and see if that helps. MLB - Angels, Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees. NBA - Clippers, Knicks, Lakers. NFL - Giants, Jets, Packers, Raiders, Redskins. NHL - Flyers, Oilers, Rangers, Stars. The inclusion of the Clippers ensures that this question has nothing to do with winning championships.
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Who made history by winning the Indy Japan 300 in April 2008? This was Danica Patrick's first and only Indy car win. correct
2. Who wrote 1653's Treatise of an Arithmetic Triangle, describing a pattern in which every number is the sum of the two above it? Blaise Pascal wasn't the first to describe this pattern, but today we know it by his name: Pascal's triangle. I had typed Pascal first and then had a 2nd thought.
3. Ras Hafun, the easternmost point of Africa, is found in which country? Ras Hafun is that pointy part at the end of Somalia--if you can even call Somalia a country these days. correct
4. What Chicago-based nonprofit changed its name last month, leading musician Victor Willis to issue a statement on the situation? Victor Willis was the original lead singer of the Village People, and he wanted people to know that (a) he wouldn't be changing the title of his biggest hit from "YMCA" to "the Y," and (b) he's still alive! Did not know that the national Y is based in Chicago. For some reason, I thought it would be somewhere like Springfield, MA.
5. In the comic strip Peanuts, what is the usually posted price of "Psychiatric Help" at Lucy's booth? Five cents. The doctor is in. correct
6. What's the name for the type of tower in which you might find a muezzin? It's a minaret. We didn't accept "mosque" (or "community center," heh) because that's the building, not the tower. fair enough
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these movies? Babe, Big Momma's House 2, Eyes Wide Shut, The Fellowship of the Ring, Horse Feathers, Sex and the City, WarGames, Watchmen. In each of these movies, a secret password is "hacked," whether by computer shenanigans, a lucky guess, talking sheep, Chico Marx being an idiot, or other means. Eyes Wide Shut - fidelio. Fellowship of the Ring - friend. WarGames - Joshua. Ok I understand now.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 3
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Who made history by winning the Indy Japan 300 in April 2008? Danica Patrick
2. Who wrote 1653's Treatise of an Arithmetic Triangle, describing a pattern in which every number is the sum of the two above it? are these Fibonacci numbers?
3. Ras Hafun, the easternmost point of Africa, is found in which country? I believe that it is Somalia (though it may not be accurate to call it a country at this time)
4. What Chicago-based nonprofit changed its name last month, leading musician Victor Willis to issue a statement on the situation? The Victor Willis clue is not helpful. ACORN?
5. In the comic strip Peanuts, what is the usually posted price of "Psychiatric Help" at Lucy's booth? "5 cents, please"
6. What's the name for the type of tower in which you might find a muezzin? muezzin can be found in mosques. I believe they make the call to prayer.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these movies? Babe, Big Momma's House 2, Eyes Wide Shut, The Fellowship of the Ring, Horse Feathers, Sex and the City, WarGames, Watchmen
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Acura is the luxury division of what major automaker? Acura is owned by Honda, which is why its 'A' logo is essentially a squished version of the Honda 'H'. correct
2. Which Lewis Carroll character is honored by fans one day a year: on June 10 in the U.K., and October 6 in America? These days are 10/6 on their respective sides of the Atlantic, a nod to the character whose trademark hat reads "In This Style 10/6": the Mad Hatter. I was walking by a costume shop on Pico in Santa Monica and saw this hat in the window.
3. Most of the bats used in major league baseball games--over 60%--are manufactured in what U.S. state? Sixty percent of major leaguers still use Louisville Slugger bats--made, of course, in Louisville, Kentucky. correct
4. What Russian statesman under Catherine the Great had a battleship named for him that was the site of a famous 1905 mutiny? The battleship Potemkin (of movie fame) was named for Grigory Potemkin, the nobleman for whom fraudulent "Potemkin villages" were also named. correct
5. What word is used for the four major divisions--frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal--of the brain's cerebral cortex? These are your brain's four lobes. Your ears' two lobes don't have fancy names, sorry. correct
6. Despite being part of Asia, what nation has been disallowed from the Asian Games since 1974 and has competed in the Eurovision song contest since 1973? For political reasons, Israel is usually grouped with Europe in international competition, even though it's part of Asia. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Garth Brooks, Marlon Brando, Stephen Hawking, Le Duc Tho, Sinclair Lewis, Sinead O'Connor, John Singer Sargent, Jean-Paul Sartre. Each famously turned down some kind of award or honor...Garth Brooks turned down a knighthood, for example, while Stephen Hawking turned down an American Music Award. Unless Wikipedia got that backwards. correct
1. Who made history by winning the Indy Japan 300 in April 2008? Danica Patrick
2. Who wrote 1653's Treatise of an Arithmetic Triangle, describing a pattern in which every number is the sum of the two above it? are these Fibonacci numbers?
3. Ras Hafun, the easternmost point of Africa, is found in which country? I believe that it is Somalia (though it may not be accurate to call it a country at this time)
4. What Chicago-based nonprofit changed its name last month, leading musician Victor Willis to issue a statement on the situation? The Victor Willis clue is not helpful. ACORN?
5. In the comic strip Peanuts, what is the usually posted price of "Psychiatric Help" at Lucy's booth? "5 cents, please"
6. What's the name for the type of tower in which you might find a muezzin? muezzin can be found in mosques. I believe they make the call to prayer.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these movies? Babe, Big Momma's House 2, Eyes Wide Shut, The Fellowship of the Ring, Horse Feathers, Sex and the City, WarGames, Watchmen
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Acura is the luxury division of what major automaker? Acura is owned by Honda, which is why its 'A' logo is essentially a squished version of the Honda 'H'. correct
2. Which Lewis Carroll character is honored by fans one day a year: on June 10 in the U.K., and October 6 in America? These days are 10/6 on their respective sides of the Atlantic, a nod to the character whose trademark hat reads "In This Style 10/6": the Mad Hatter. I was walking by a costume shop on Pico in Santa Monica and saw this hat in the window.
3. Most of the bats used in major league baseball games--over 60%--are manufactured in what U.S. state? Sixty percent of major leaguers still use Louisville Slugger bats--made, of course, in Louisville, Kentucky. correct
4. What Russian statesman under Catherine the Great had a battleship named for him that was the site of a famous 1905 mutiny? The battleship Potemkin (of movie fame) was named for Grigory Potemkin, the nobleman for whom fraudulent "Potemkin villages" were also named. correct
5. What word is used for the four major divisions--frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal--of the brain's cerebral cortex? These are your brain's four lobes. Your ears' two lobes don't have fancy names, sorry. correct
6. Despite being part of Asia, what nation has been disallowed from the Asian Games since 1974 and has competed in the Eurovision song contest since 1973? For political reasons, Israel is usually grouped with Europe in international competition, even though it's part of Asia. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Garth Brooks, Marlon Brando, Stephen Hawking, Le Duc Tho, Sinclair Lewis, Sinead O'Connor, John Singer Sargent, Jean-Paul Sartre. Each famously turned down some kind of award or honor...Garth Brooks turned down a knighthood, for example, while Stephen Hawking turned down an American Music Award. Unless Wikipedia got that backwards. correct
