Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - May 27
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What color is the bullseye in the middle of a competitive archery target? this gets asked regularly at trivia nights and I still do not remember for sure. Red?
2. What large lake on the border of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is named for the emperor who founded a 4th-century Roman dynasty? Lake Como? Lake Lugano? I'll go with Lake Lugano
3. "Ionization" is the name of the phase transition in which matter in what phase changes to matter in what other phase? solid to liquid? or liquid to gas? I seem to recall that ionization energy is the energy required to move an electron from one orbital to another. But that does not seem relevant here. I'll guess liquid to gas.
4. What musical acronym was used for the U.S. government program set up in 2009 to help "underwater" homeowners avoid foreclosure? I don't remember this. HARP?
5. Who died of a heart attack on November 29, 1924, leaving a work named Turandot unfinished? Puccini?
6. In China, oolong is a type of what? tea. It is tea everywhere else too, isn't it?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these holidays and observances, and no others? New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, the vernal equinox, Halloween, Thanksgiving (arguably), and Christmas. Is this a popular culture question? Movies about holidays? #1 songs? or something about the dates and how they appear on a digital display?
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What country's current president, Michael Martelly, became famous there in the 1990s as Sweet Micky, a popular "compas" musician? Compas is the national music of Haiti. KJ misspelled the president's name. It is Michel, not Michael. I certainly would have guessed differently had I known the true name.
2. What television actor, best known for a 1960s role, released his own fragrance line last year, "Eau My"? George Takei never said "Oh, my" as Sulu on Star Trek, but it's become his Howard Stern Show catchphrase. This phrase has not yet entered my cultural consciousness. I don't watch or listen to Howard Stern.
3. What word for a halogen salt can also refer to a boring cliche, because it was once a common ingredient in sedatives? Potassium bromide was once used as a sedative, so "bromides" today are expressions so trite they'll put your audience to sleep. correct
4. Or, gules, vert, and purpure are among the colors used in what art form and field of study? Heraldry has its own colors, called "tincture." Or is golden, gules is red, vert is green, and purpure is purple. I only wanted 2 see U laughing in the purpure rain. heraldry? bleah question
5. The chorus of Mack Rice's biggest hit song, later made famous by Wilson Pickett, incidentally includes the name of what future astronaut? The chorus of "Mustang Sally" repeats the phrase "Ride, Sally, Ride," accidentally name-checking the future astronaut. correct
6. What best-selling 2012 novel begins with the disappearance of Amy Dunne from her new hometown, North Carthage, Missouri? Amy is the title missing person in Gillian Flynn's mega-selling thriller Gone Girl, soon to be a major motion picture. never heard of the book or the author.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Eubie Blake, Gordon Brown, Tim Daly, Langston Hughes, Hugh Laurie, Paul McCartney, Tim McCarver, David Niven, Dan Quayle, Strom Thurmond. Each went by his middle name, because his real first name was "James." Probably the only time you'll ever see Tim Daly and Langston Hughes's names together. correct!
1. What color is the bullseye in the middle of a competitive archery target? this gets asked regularly at trivia nights and I still do not remember for sure. Red?
2. What large lake on the border of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is named for the emperor who founded a 4th-century Roman dynasty? Lake Como? Lake Lugano? I'll go with Lake Lugano
3. "Ionization" is the name of the phase transition in which matter in what phase changes to matter in what other phase? solid to liquid? or liquid to gas? I seem to recall that ionization energy is the energy required to move an electron from one orbital to another. But that does not seem relevant here. I'll guess liquid to gas.
4. What musical acronym was used for the U.S. government program set up in 2009 to help "underwater" homeowners avoid foreclosure? I don't remember this. HARP?
5. Who died of a heart attack on November 29, 1924, leaving a work named Turandot unfinished? Puccini?
6. In China, oolong is a type of what? tea. It is tea everywhere else too, isn't it?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these holidays and observances, and no others? New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, the vernal equinox, Halloween, Thanksgiving (arguably), and Christmas. Is this a popular culture question? Movies about holidays? #1 songs? or something about the dates and how they appear on a digital display?
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What country's current president, Michael Martelly, became famous there in the 1990s as Sweet Micky, a popular "compas" musician? Compas is the national music of Haiti. KJ misspelled the president's name. It is Michel, not Michael. I certainly would have guessed differently had I known the true name.
2. What television actor, best known for a 1960s role, released his own fragrance line last year, "Eau My"? George Takei never said "Oh, my" as Sulu on Star Trek, but it's become his Howard Stern Show catchphrase. This phrase has not yet entered my cultural consciousness. I don't watch or listen to Howard Stern.
3. What word for a halogen salt can also refer to a boring cliche, because it was once a common ingredient in sedatives? Potassium bromide was once used as a sedative, so "bromides" today are expressions so trite they'll put your audience to sleep. correct
4. Or, gules, vert, and purpure are among the colors used in what art form and field of study? Heraldry has its own colors, called "tincture." Or is golden, gules is red, vert is green, and purpure is purple. I only wanted 2 see U laughing in the purpure rain. heraldry? bleah question
5. The chorus of Mack Rice's biggest hit song, later made famous by Wilson Pickett, incidentally includes the name of what future astronaut? The chorus of "Mustang Sally" repeats the phrase "Ride, Sally, Ride," accidentally name-checking the future astronaut. correct
6. What best-selling 2012 novel begins with the disappearance of Amy Dunne from her new hometown, North Carthage, Missouri? Amy is the title missing person in Gillian Flynn's mega-selling thriller Gone Girl, soon to be a major motion picture. never heard of the book or the author.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Eubie Blake, Gordon Brown, Tim Daly, Langston Hughes, Hugh Laurie, Paul McCartney, Tim McCarver, David Niven, Dan Quayle, Strom Thurmond. Each went by his middle name, because his real first name was "James." Probably the only time you'll ever see Tim Daly and Langston Hughes's names together. correct!
Monday, May 26, 2014
Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - May 20
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What country's current president, Michael Martelly, became famous there in the 1990s as Sweet Micky, a popular "compas" musician? Ireland?
2. What television actor, best known for a 1960s role, released his own fragrance line last year, "Eau My"? "Oh my!" has been most associated with Dick Enberg, a sports announcer. Don't think that he would be characterized as a tv actor.
3. What word for a halogen salt can also refer to a boring cliche, because it was once a common ingredient in sedatives? bromide
4. Or, gules, vert, and purpure are among the colors used in what art form and field of study? these are French words. Art form and field of study? Maybe something like ceramics given the fame of crafts from Limoges and Sevres?
5. The chorus of Mack Rice's biggest hit song, later made famous by Wilson Pickett, incidentally includes the name of what future astronaut? Mustang Sally - ride, Sally Ride
6. What best-selling 2012 novel begins with the disappearance of Amy Dunne from her new hometown, North Carthage, Missouri? No idea. 50 Shades of Grey?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Eubie Blake, Gordon Brown, Tim Daly, Langston Hughes, Hugh Laurie, Paul McCartney, Tim McCarver, David Niven, Dan Quayle, Strom Thurmond. The given first name of each of them is James.
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What popular ornamental garden shrub is named for the shape of its flowers, from Greek words for "water vessel"? "Hydrangea" comes from the same watery Greek root as "hydrant" and words like that. Hail Hydrangea. Alex picked up on the "hydro" clue.
2. In March, what two actors became the first father-and-son team ever to win Razzies for their appearance in the same movie? Will and Jaden Smith, for their unforgettable work in...uh. Hold on. I genuinely just had to Google this, no lie. After Earth. correct
3. Last weekend, Adam Scott of Australia had the chance to take over the world #1 ranking in what sport from its injured holder? Scott was one of three golfers who could have taken over Tiger Woods's #1 spot...but none of them performed quite well enough at the Players Championship. But this week, Scott was able to pass Woods without even picking up a club. correct
4. The River Liffey is a minor waterway, only 75 miles long, but it's well-known for passing through what national capital? Dublin. Riverrun. correct
5. After a 105-year-run, McCall's magazine ceased publication in 2002 after a year of being renamed for what TV personality, its new editorial director? McCall's was briefly named "Rosie" during its ignominious final year. really?
6. The Crimean War began in 1853 when what power, no longer found on maps, attacked Russia? Before the British or French were even on the board, the Russians were fighting the Ottoman Empire over the Crimea. Ottoman Empire bites me again. I should just study more about it.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. presidents, and no others? Taylor, Pierce, Buchanan, Benjamin Harrison, Wilson, Truman, Eisenhower, Ford, Carter, Clinton. These are the only presidents from their respective home state. (Not "state of birth"--Obama was born in Hawaii (ALLEGEDLY!!!) but his state of residence when he ran for the presidency was Illinois, so he doesn't make the list.) although I am rather bored with presidential trivia, this is a good question
1. What country's current president, Michael Martelly, became famous there in the 1990s as Sweet Micky, a popular "compas" musician? Ireland?
2. What television actor, best known for a 1960s role, released his own fragrance line last year, "Eau My"? "Oh my!" has been most associated with Dick Enberg, a sports announcer. Don't think that he would be characterized as a tv actor.
3. What word for a halogen salt can also refer to a boring cliche, because it was once a common ingredient in sedatives? bromide
4. Or, gules, vert, and purpure are among the colors used in what art form and field of study? these are French words. Art form and field of study? Maybe something like ceramics given the fame of crafts from Limoges and Sevres?
5. The chorus of Mack Rice's biggest hit song, later made famous by Wilson Pickett, incidentally includes the name of what future astronaut? Mustang Sally - ride, Sally Ride
6. What best-selling 2012 novel begins with the disappearance of Amy Dunne from her new hometown, North Carthage, Missouri? No idea. 50 Shades of Grey?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Eubie Blake, Gordon Brown, Tim Daly, Langston Hughes, Hugh Laurie, Paul McCartney, Tim McCarver, David Niven, Dan Quayle, Strom Thurmond. The given first name of each of them is James.
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What popular ornamental garden shrub is named for the shape of its flowers, from Greek words for "water vessel"? "Hydrangea" comes from the same watery Greek root as "hydrant" and words like that. Hail Hydrangea. Alex picked up on the "hydro" clue.
2. In March, what two actors became the first father-and-son team ever to win Razzies for their appearance in the same movie? Will and Jaden Smith, for their unforgettable work in...uh. Hold on. I genuinely just had to Google this, no lie. After Earth. correct
3. Last weekend, Adam Scott of Australia had the chance to take over the world #1 ranking in what sport from its injured holder? Scott was one of three golfers who could have taken over Tiger Woods's #1 spot...but none of them performed quite well enough at the Players Championship. But this week, Scott was able to pass Woods without even picking up a club. correct
4. The River Liffey is a minor waterway, only 75 miles long, but it's well-known for passing through what national capital? Dublin. Riverrun. correct
5. After a 105-year-run, McCall's magazine ceased publication in 2002 after a year of being renamed for what TV personality, its new editorial director? McCall's was briefly named "Rosie" during its ignominious final year. really?
6. The Crimean War began in 1853 when what power, no longer found on maps, attacked Russia? Before the British or French were even on the board, the Russians were fighting the Ottoman Empire over the Crimea. Ottoman Empire bites me again. I should just study more about it.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. presidents, and no others? Taylor, Pierce, Buchanan, Benjamin Harrison, Wilson, Truman, Eisenhower, Ford, Carter, Clinton. These are the only presidents from their respective home state. (Not "state of birth"--Obama was born in Hawaii (ALLEGEDLY!!!) but his state of residence when he ran for the presidency was Illinois, so he doesn't make the list.) although I am rather bored with presidential trivia, this is a good question
Friday, May 16, 2014
Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - May 13
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What popular ornamental garden shrub is named for the shape of its flowers, from Greek words for "water vessel"? no idea. several clues but none are helpful to me. Shape? Greek words for water vessel? I'll guess azalea just because the time of year makes me think of azaleas.
2. In March, what two actors became the first father-and-son team ever to win Razzies for their appearance in the same movie? Will and Jaden Smith?
3. Last weekend, Adam Scott of Australia had the chance to take over the world #1 ranking in what sport from its injured holder? golf
4. The River Liffey is a minor waterway, only 75 miles long, but it's well-known for passing through what national capital? Dublin
5. After a 105-year-run, McCall's magazine ceased publication in 2002 after a year of being renamed for what TV personality, its new editorial director? Oprah
6. The Crimean War began in 1853 when what power, no longer found on maps, attacked Russia? Prussia?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. presidents, and no others? Taylor, Pierce, Buchanan, Benjamin Harrison, Wilson, Truman, Eisenhower, Ford, Carter, Clinton. Another tough Q7. Nothing coming to me so far.
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Ninety-five percent of the world's opals come from what country? Opal is the national gemstone of Australia. correct
2. Since 2000, "Alpha" has been the official callsign for what piece of equipment, though the Russians originally lobbied for "Beta"? The International Space Station--which, in the eyes of the Russian "Mir" team, was decidedly not the first of its kind. that's a pretty big "piece of equipment"
3. The last two hosts of CBS's The Late Late Show have had what first name? Craig Ferguson and Craig ("I host shows before they get popular and good") Kilborn share a first name. correct
4. Who was the first author buried in Westminster Abbey's "Poets' Corner," though his work is more closely associated with a different cathedral? Geoffrey Chaucer most famously wrote some tales about a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral, but he's not buried there. not correct, but this is a really good question
5. Until the plate was retired for 2014, what was the only U.S. state to name-check a rock song on its official license plate? Alabama's plates said "Sweet Home Alabama" for eight years. Skynyrd shout-out! Alex got this one. I guess that I have not seen an Alabama license plate in a while to be reminded of what may be the best rock song about a state.
6. Hip, mansard, and gambrel are common styles for what part of a structure? The roof. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these teams in the four major North American sports organizations, and no others? The Baltimore Orioles, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Twins, New York Jets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Phoenix Coyotes. All these teams once went by a name that's now used by a DIFFERENT team in their organization: the Baltimore Orioles were once the "Milwaukee Brewers," the Nuggets were once the "Rockets," and so on. wow, that was really tough. I knew that the Orioles were formerly the St Louis Browns. But also the Milwaukee Brewers?!? The Yankees were the Highlanders. But also they were the Baltimore Orioles?!?
1. What popular ornamental garden shrub is named for the shape of its flowers, from Greek words for "water vessel"? no idea. several clues but none are helpful to me. Shape? Greek words for water vessel? I'll guess azalea just because the time of year makes me think of azaleas.
2. In March, what two actors became the first father-and-son team ever to win Razzies for their appearance in the same movie? Will and Jaden Smith?
3. Last weekend, Adam Scott of Australia had the chance to take over the world #1 ranking in what sport from its injured holder? golf
4. The River Liffey is a minor waterway, only 75 miles long, but it's well-known for passing through what national capital? Dublin
5. After a 105-year-run, McCall's magazine ceased publication in 2002 after a year of being renamed for what TV personality, its new editorial director? Oprah
6. The Crimean War began in 1853 when what power, no longer found on maps, attacked Russia? Prussia?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. presidents, and no others? Taylor, Pierce, Buchanan, Benjamin Harrison, Wilson, Truman, Eisenhower, Ford, Carter, Clinton. Another tough Q7. Nothing coming to me so far.
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Ninety-five percent of the world's opals come from what country? Opal is the national gemstone of Australia. correct
2. Since 2000, "Alpha" has been the official callsign for what piece of equipment, though the Russians originally lobbied for "Beta"? The International Space Station--which, in the eyes of the Russian "Mir" team, was decidedly not the first of its kind. that's a pretty big "piece of equipment"
3. The last two hosts of CBS's The Late Late Show have had what first name? Craig Ferguson and Craig ("I host shows before they get popular and good") Kilborn share a first name. correct
4. Who was the first author buried in Westminster Abbey's "Poets' Corner," though his work is more closely associated with a different cathedral? Geoffrey Chaucer most famously wrote some tales about a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral, but he's not buried there. not correct, but this is a really good question
5. Until the plate was retired for 2014, what was the only U.S. state to name-check a rock song on its official license plate? Alabama's plates said "Sweet Home Alabama" for eight years. Skynyrd shout-out! Alex got this one. I guess that I have not seen an Alabama license plate in a while to be reminded of what may be the best rock song about a state.
6. Hip, mansard, and gambrel are common styles for what part of a structure? The roof. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these teams in the four major North American sports organizations, and no others? The Baltimore Orioles, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Twins, New York Jets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Phoenix Coyotes. All these teams once went by a name that's now used by a DIFFERENT team in their organization: the Baltimore Orioles were once the "Milwaukee Brewers," the Nuggets were once the "Rockets," and so on. wow, that was really tough. I knew that the Orioles were formerly the St Louis Browns. But also the Milwaukee Brewers?!? The Yankees were the Highlanders. But also they were the Baltimore Orioles?!?
Friday, May 09, 2014
Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - May 6
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Ninety-five percent of the world's opals come from what country? when I hear "opals," I think of one country. Australia.
2. Since 2000, "Alpha" has been the official callsign for what piece of equipment, though the Russians originally lobbied for "Beta"? the Red Phone?
3. The last two hosts of CBS's The Late Late Show have had what first name? Craig (Ferguson and Kilborn)
4. Who was the first author buried in Westminster Abbey's "Poets' Corner," though his work is more closely associated with a different cathedral? the Cathedral of Heaven, John Milton? Wordsworth wrote about Tintern Abbey, but that is not a cathedral. Dryden? Donne? Perhaps Victor Hugo who of course is associated with Notre Dame.
5. Until the plate was retired for 2014, what was the only U.S. state to name-check a rock song on its official license plate? I think another clue would really help. Trying to think of rock songs that are associated with a state. The Beach Boys, "California Girls." The Pretenders from My City Was Gone - "way to go, Ohio." Bruce Springsteen - "Jungleland."
6. Hip, mansard, and gambrel are common styles for what part of a structure? roof
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these teams in the four major North American sports organizations, and no others? The Baltimore Orioles, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Twins, New York Jets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Phoenix Coyotes. This is tough. Nothing apparent yet. I have considered ownership, stadiums, franchise history, mascots, logos. The Nuggets are the only NBA team. The Jets are the only NFL team. What could be unique about them?
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What geographic name comes from Sanskrit words meaning "abode of snow"? "Himalaya" --personified in ancient Hindu myth as the mountain-god Himavat. correct
2. What possession do the Beatles sing about buying for their girl in two #1 hits of 1964, "Can't Buy Me Love" and "I Feel Fine"? I'll buy you a diamond ring, my friend. correct
3. Five of the six men who raised the famous flag over Iwo Jima were members of which branch of the U.S. Armed Forces? Marines. (The sixth was Navy--the Marines had to have someone to drop them off at the island, I guess.) correct
4. Florin and Guilder, the two countries in The Princess Bride, are also names for types of what? Those are medieval coins or currencies. In fact, the Dutch guilder is still the currency of the Caribbean islands of Curacao and Sint Maarten. correct
5. Protium is the only stable isotope in the known universe that does not contain what type of sub-atomic particle? Protium is regular old one-proton hydrogen, the most abundant thing in the universe. It's also the only stable atom with no neutron: just one proton and one electron. I guess "stable" implies that it is not an ion. I should have gotten this.
6. The lyric drama form called zarzuela originated in what country? Zarzuela originated during the baroque period in Spain. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV shows? Breaking Bad, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek, Desperate Housewives, Dexter, How I Met Your Mother, Inspector Morse, Lost, The L Word, Rescue Me, Roseanne, and (maybe) The Sopranos. A major character died (or at least was revealed to have died) in the final episode. The Sopranos was meant to be a helpful hint, as many fans assume that [SPOILERS] Tony Soprano's death is depicted in the show's ambiguous final seconds. correct
1. Ninety-five percent of the world's opals come from what country? when I hear "opals," I think of one country. Australia.
2. Since 2000, "Alpha" has been the official callsign for what piece of equipment, though the Russians originally lobbied for "Beta"? the Red Phone?
3. The last two hosts of CBS's The Late Late Show have had what first name? Craig (Ferguson and Kilborn)
4. Who was the first author buried in Westminster Abbey's "Poets' Corner," though his work is more closely associated with a different cathedral? the Cathedral of Heaven, John Milton? Wordsworth wrote about Tintern Abbey, but that is not a cathedral. Dryden? Donne? Perhaps Victor Hugo who of course is associated with Notre Dame.
5. Until the plate was retired for 2014, what was the only U.S. state to name-check a rock song on its official license plate? I think another clue would really help. Trying to think of rock songs that are associated with a state. The Beach Boys, "California Girls." The Pretenders from My City Was Gone - "way to go, Ohio." Bruce Springsteen - "Jungleland."
6. Hip, mansard, and gambrel are common styles for what part of a structure? roof
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these teams in the four major North American sports organizations, and no others? The Baltimore Orioles, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Twins, New York Jets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Phoenix Coyotes. This is tough. Nothing apparent yet. I have considered ownership, stadiums, franchise history, mascots, logos. The Nuggets are the only NBA team. The Jets are the only NFL team. What could be unique about them?
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What geographic name comes from Sanskrit words meaning "abode of snow"? "Himalaya" --personified in ancient Hindu myth as the mountain-god Himavat. correct
2. What possession do the Beatles sing about buying for their girl in two #1 hits of 1964, "Can't Buy Me Love" and "I Feel Fine"? I'll buy you a diamond ring, my friend. correct
3. Five of the six men who raised the famous flag over Iwo Jima were members of which branch of the U.S. Armed Forces? Marines. (The sixth was Navy--the Marines had to have someone to drop them off at the island, I guess.) correct
4. Florin and Guilder, the two countries in The Princess Bride, are also names for types of what? Those are medieval coins or currencies. In fact, the Dutch guilder is still the currency of the Caribbean islands of Curacao and Sint Maarten. correct
5. Protium is the only stable isotope in the known universe that does not contain what type of sub-atomic particle? Protium is regular old one-proton hydrogen, the most abundant thing in the universe. It's also the only stable atom with no neutron: just one proton and one electron. I guess "stable" implies that it is not an ion. I should have gotten this.
6. The lyric drama form called zarzuela originated in what country? Zarzuela originated during the baroque period in Spain. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV shows? Breaking Bad, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek, Desperate Housewives, Dexter, How I Met Your Mother, Inspector Morse, Lost, The L Word, Rescue Me, Roseanne, and (maybe) The Sopranos. A major character died (or at least was revealed to have died) in the final episode. The Sopranos was meant to be a helpful hint, as many fans assume that [SPOILERS] Tony Soprano's death is depicted in the show's ambiguous final seconds. correct
Saturday, May 03, 2014
Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - April 29
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What geographic name comes from Sanskrit words meaning "abode of snow"? Himalaya?
2. What possession do the Beatles sing about buying for their girl in two #1 hits of 1964, "Can't Buy Me Love" and "I Feel Fine"? a diamond ring
3. Five of the six men who raised the famous flag over Iwo Jima were members of which branch of the U.S. Armed Forces? Marines
4. Florin and Guilder, the two countries in The Princess Bride, are also names for types of what? currency/money
5. Protium is the only stable isotope in the known universe that does not contain what type of sub-atomic particle? electron?
6. The lyric drama form called zarzuela originated in what country? Spain?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV shows? Breaking Bad, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek, Desperate Housewives, Dexter, How I Met Your Mother, Inspector Morse, Lost, The L Word, Rescue Me, Roseanne, and (maybe) The Sopranos. Is this as simple as "someone dies in the final episode or is revealed to have died"?
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What's the more common name for the biblical practice of lapidation, experienced by Naboth in 1 Kings 21 and Stephen in Acts 6? Naboth and Stephen were victims of stoning. Everybody must get stoned. jewelers work with stones. duh. this was gettable.
2. Which historic county of England has a white rose on its flag? In the War of the Roses, the white rose represented the House of York, and it's still found on the flag of Yorkshire. Lancaster was represented by the red rose, York the white rose.
3. Because the Packers were playing the Steelers, Super Bowl XLV, in 2011, was the first Super Bowl in at least four decades not to feature what? Six NFL teams, from cold-weather cities, don't have cheerleaders: the Bears, the Giants, the Steelers, the Browns, the Packers and the Lions. really? I did not know that
4. There are two world heads of state who were also prime ministers of their respective countries before beginning their current term as president. Name either one. To satisfy a pesky constitutional requirement, Vladimir Putin got demoted to Prime Minister of Russia between his two terms as president. (We also accepted Mahinda Rajapaksa, president of Sri Lanka, but now we KNOW you're cheating.) correct
5. A medical therapy called CPAP is used to help patients do what? Breathe. A CPAP machine is one of those continuous air pumps often prescribed for sleep apnea. correct
6. The world's three largest luxury automakers are all headquartered in what country? Germany. The order changes from time to time, but in recent years, the list has gone BMW, Audi, Mercedes. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? "Long Black Veil" by The Band, "Golden Hours" by Brian Eno, "Grey Seal" by Elton John, "Little Green" by Joni Mitchell, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" by Willie Nelson, "White" by Frank Ocean, "Computer Blue" by Prince, "Orange Crush" by REM, "Pink Thing" by XTC, and (sort of) "Blackbird" by the Beatles. Obviously they each have a color in the title, but they're also each found on an album with a *different* color in its title. Respectively: Music from Big Pink, Another Green World, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Blue, Red Headed Stranger, Channel Orange, Purple Rain, Green, Oranges and Lemons, and "The White Album" (which is called The Beatles, strictly speaking). This list took a while to put together...did I miss any good candidates? correct!
1. What geographic name comes from Sanskrit words meaning "abode of snow"? Himalaya?
2. What possession do the Beatles sing about buying for their girl in two #1 hits of 1964, "Can't Buy Me Love" and "I Feel Fine"? a diamond ring
3. Five of the six men who raised the famous flag over Iwo Jima were members of which branch of the U.S. Armed Forces? Marines
4. Florin and Guilder, the two countries in The Princess Bride, are also names for types of what? currency/money
5. Protium is the only stable isotope in the known universe that does not contain what type of sub-atomic particle? electron?
6. The lyric drama form called zarzuela originated in what country? Spain?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV shows? Breaking Bad, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek, Desperate Housewives, Dexter, How I Met Your Mother, Inspector Morse, Lost, The L Word, Rescue Me, Roseanne, and (maybe) The Sopranos. Is this as simple as "someone dies in the final episode or is revealed to have died"?
LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What's the more common name for the biblical practice of lapidation, experienced by Naboth in 1 Kings 21 and Stephen in Acts 6? Naboth and Stephen were victims of stoning. Everybody must get stoned. jewelers work with stones. duh. this was gettable.
2. Which historic county of England has a white rose on its flag? In the War of the Roses, the white rose represented the House of York, and it's still found on the flag of Yorkshire. Lancaster was represented by the red rose, York the white rose.
3. Because the Packers were playing the Steelers, Super Bowl XLV, in 2011, was the first Super Bowl in at least four decades not to feature what? Six NFL teams, from cold-weather cities, don't have cheerleaders: the Bears, the Giants, the Steelers, the Browns, the Packers and the Lions. really? I did not know that
4. There are two world heads of state who were also prime ministers of their respective countries before beginning their current term as president. Name either one. To satisfy a pesky constitutional requirement, Vladimir Putin got demoted to Prime Minister of Russia between his two terms as president. (We also accepted Mahinda Rajapaksa, president of Sri Lanka, but now we KNOW you're cheating.) correct
5. A medical therapy called CPAP is used to help patients do what? Breathe. A CPAP machine is one of those continuous air pumps often prescribed for sleep apnea. correct
6. The world's three largest luxury automakers are all headquartered in what country? Germany. The order changes from time to time, but in recent years, the list has gone BMW, Audi, Mercedes. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? "Long Black Veil" by The Band, "Golden Hours" by Brian Eno, "Grey Seal" by Elton John, "Little Green" by Joni Mitchell, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" by Willie Nelson, "White" by Frank Ocean, "Computer Blue" by Prince, "Orange Crush" by REM, "Pink Thing" by XTC, and (sort of) "Blackbird" by the Beatles. Obviously they each have a color in the title, but they're also each found on an album with a *different* color in its title. Respectively: Music from Big Pink, Another Green World, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Blue, Red Headed Stranger, Channel Orange, Purple Rain, Green, Oranges and Lemons, and "The White Album" (which is called The Beatles, strictly speaking). This list took a while to put together...did I miss any good candidates? correct!
