Musings of a Dead Parrot

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - January 24

2012-01-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Who was the only U.S. president born during World War I? sigh. More presidential trivia? Ok. Reagan's centennial was recently, so someone younger than him but not much. Ford? GHW Bush? I'll guess Ford since I don't think that GHWB is at least 94 years old.
2. What's the only non-contagious disease that children can be vaccinated against? don't think that polio is contagious
3. Why has no one ever seen a full episode of the TV shows MILF Island, Gold Case, The Queen of Jordan, or America's Kids Got Singing? these sound like parody shows that you might have seen on a tv show like Saturday Night Live
4. In the first paragraph of a 1919 Booth Tarkington novel, what family is compared to the Medicis' Lorenzo the Magnificent? The Magnificent Ambersons
5. The Drake Passage lies between what two continents? South America and Antarctica
6. Which 2011 Oscar-hopeful film is based on a West End and Broadway theatrical hit performed using oversized puppets? War Horse
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? "Daydream Believer," Weezer's "Dreamin'", "Fools Rush In," "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding," "Guess I'm Doing Fine," "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got," "Over the Rainbow," "Ramble On," "Winter Wonderland," "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah." The lyrics all reference bluebirds.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What was traditionally located on an Old West town's "Boot Hill"? Gunfighters were buried on Boot Hill if they took, uh, early retirement. It was a cemetery. correct
2. A new study in Nature Geoscience magazine blames toxic algae in Monterey Bay for the real-life event that inspired what classic 1963 thriller? The seabird attacks that inspired Hitchcock's The Birds are now believed to have been caused by leaky septic tanks. Not so scary, then. OR IS IT?!? correct
3. The site of what venerable stadium is now the Citi Field parking lot? The winter of 2008-09 saw the demolition of the Mets' Shea Stadium, storied site of so many heroic--aw, who am I kidding, I'm not a Mets fan. correct
4. What country's southernmost city is Sanya, on Hainan Island? Hainan is the largest island in China, unless we're wink-winking about Taiwan. correct
5. What famed French anthropologist and "father of structuralism" once wrote, "Not a year goes by without my receiving an order for jeans"? Claude Levi-Strauss had a good sense of humor about his name, unlike his fellow structuralist Friedrich Wrangler. correct
6. The Welsh tourist village of Portmeirion hosts an annual "Six of One" convention for fans of what cult TV show? Portmeirion is where the puzzling Patrick McGoohan series The Prisoner filmed its exteriors. ("Six of One" is a reference to the title character's only appellation, Number 6.) ah, rats. People have said what a great show this was, but I still have never watched it.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these brands? Apple, Boost Mobile, Bounty, H&R Block, Honda Civic, Raid, Sara Lee, Winston. Each used or uses a slogan that's been critized by language snobs as suspect in grammar or usage. Respectively, if you're curious: "Think different," "Where you at?", "The quick picker upper," "You got people," "To each their own," "Kills bugs dead," "Nobody doesn't like Sara Lee," and "Tastes good, like a cigarette should." Come on, Winston, don't you know it should be "AS a cigarette should?" Apparently? Oh, never mind. correct! Almost got full marks this week.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - January 17

2012-01-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What was traditionally located on an Old West town's "Boot Hill"? the town graveyard
2. A new study in Nature Geoscience magazine blames toxic algae in Monterey Bay for the real-life event that inspired what classic 1963 thriller? 1963 thriller --> The Birds
3. The site of what venerable stadium is now the Citi Field parking lot? Citi Field --> NY Mets --> Shea Stadium
4. What country's southernmost city is Sanya, on Hainan Island? Hainan Island --> China
5. What famed French anthropologist and "father of structuralism" once wrote, "Not a year goes by without my receiving an order for jeans"? jeans ---> Claude Levi-Strauss
6. The Welsh tourist village of Portmeirion hosts an annual "Six of One" convention for fans of what cult TV show? Six of One --> Lost?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these brands? Apple, Boost Mobile, Bounty, H&R Block, Honda Civic, Raid, Sara Lee, Winston. not evident at first glance. what common characteristics do brands have? logo, slogan, sponsorship. After some thought and research, I have a guess. They all have had gramatically incorrect slogans. Winston most famously offered "Winston tastes good like a cigarette should" when it should be "as a cigarette should." Boost Mobile - "Where you at?" H&R Block - "You got people." Honda Civic - "To each their own." Apple - "Think different." Yes, I like this answer.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Madonna's upcoming feature-length directorial debut, W.E., is named for what famous pair of lovers? The movie is about American divorcee Wallis Simpson (the W.) and King Edward VIII (the E.) Madonna's not just the director, she's also the British dialect coach for all her hours. really would have helped to have others to brainstorm with
2. A calyx made of sepals is the bottommost part of what? The sepals are those green not-petals at the base of a flower. correct
3. What famed rock bassist retired in 1992 to open a chain of restaurants called Sticky Fingers Cafe? Sticky Fingers is a Stones album, and this is what bassist Bill Wyman is doing with his retirement. That's right, he quit the biggest rock band in the history of the world to serve fish and chips to tourists. correct
4. In what country were boxer Manny Pacquiao and quarterback Tim Tebow both born? The Philippines (where Tebow's dad was a missionary). You know, I think we had a Manny Pacquiao question not long ago, but I couldn't resist the Tebow connection. Have a blessed day. correct
5. What position have Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli filled since 2005? They are the judges on TV's Dancing with the "Stars." Sorry, autocorrect just added the sarcastic quotes. I thought it might be a reality show, but had no idea which one
6. P. D. James's new murder mystery Death Comes to Pemberley is an unasked-for sequel to what classic novel? Pemberley is the Derbyshire estate of Mr. Darcy, the "Prejudice" of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Wait, unless he's "Pride." a correct guess!
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. presidents and no others? Jefferson, Madison, Garfield, Wilson, and Eisenhower? They were all university presidents. (Eisenhower, you may or may not have been aware, headed up Columbia between World War II and his political career.) Also, I believe they all faced lots of trouble from the crazy pranksters in Delta House! correct

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - January 10

2012-01-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Madonna's upcoming feature-length directorial debut, W.E., is named for what famous pair of lovers? are W and E the initials of the lovers? is this a couple from literature or antiquity? It's not coming to me.
2. A calyx made of sepals is the bottommost part of what? a flower
3. What famed rock bassist retired in 1992 to open a chain of restaurants called Sticky Fingers Cafe? Sticky Fingers --> Rolling Stones --> Bill Wyman
4. In what country were boxer Manny Pacquiao and quarterback Tim Tebow both born? Philippines
5. What position have Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli filled since 2005? I do not recognize any of these people. Why 2005? Is that significant? Is this an appointed position like Poet Laureate? Or have they been hosts or coaches of some kind on a show that I don't watch like Top Chef or any of the dancing shows?
6. P. D. James's new murder mystery Death Comes to Pemberley is an unasked-for sequel to what classic novel? Pemberley sounds like something from an Austen novel. Pride and Prejudice?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. presidents and no others? Jefferson, Madison, Garfield, Wilson, and Eisenhower? I believe that all served as college presidents or president-equivalent. Virginia (Jefferson and Madison); Princeton (Wilson); Columbia (Eisenhower). Garfield served as principal of Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (later named Hiram College).

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What 1980s movie protagonist is accidentally dubbed "Pierre Cardin" in the French translation of his film debut? In the original version, he's called "Calvin Klein," but changing it to a French designer makes the joke work for the American-designer-hating French. This is Back to the Future's Marty McFly. correct. Thanks, Alan and Harmony!
2. Which calendar month is observed as Black History Month in the U.S. and Canada? February--the shortest, coldest month, as Chris Rock once observed. correct
3. What has s, p, d, and f subshells? Those are the orbitals in which electrons are arranged around the atom, in one popular model. correct
4. What country is named for the "Lion Mountains" that Pedro de Cintra mapped around its harbor in 1462? Pedro de Cintra was Portuguese, so I'm not sure why the country he named has the weird Spanish-Italianate name of "Sierra Leone." correct
5. What married couple won 2011 CMT Music Awards for Male *and* Female Videos of the Year? Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, or as country fans call the celebrity megacouple, Blakanda Lambelton.
6. What English clergyman and economist published An Essay on the Principle of Population anonymously in 1798? This is the tract in which Malthusian worries about population growth were first argued by, well, Thomas Malthus. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV series and mini-series? The Beverly Hillbiliies, Davy Crockett, Firefly, Gilligan's Island, Have Gun Will Travel, The Rebel. Each show's theme song is explicitly entitled a "Ballad": "The Ballad of Serenity," "The Ballad of Paladin," etc. ok, but I think my answer is correct too. If I was submitting my answers for scoring, I would argue the point.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - January 3

2012-01-05T17:40:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What 1980s movie protagonist is accidentally dubbed "Pierre Cardin" in the French translation of his film debut? With help from friends Alan and Harmony, my guess is Marty McFly (or as he is known to his mother in 1955, Calvin Klein)
2. Which calendar month is observed as Black History Month in the U.S. and Canada? I *think* it is February
3. What has s, p, d, and f subshells? electrons
4. What country is named for the "Lion Mountains" that Pedro de Cintra mapped around its harbor in 1462? Sierra Leone
5. What married couple won 2011 CMT Music Awards for Male *and* Female Videos of the Year? Trisha Yearwood and her husband. Travis Tritt?
6. What English clergyman and economist published An Essay on the Principle of Population anonymously in 1798? Population ---> Malthus?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV series and mini-series? The Beverly Hillbillies, Davy Crockett, Firefly, Gilligan's Island, Have Gun Will Travel, The Rebel. Some iconic theme songs among these shows. I think I found a common thread. Each theme song was written or co-written by one of the shows creators.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What's the American version of the 1997 Swedish TV hit Expedition Robinson called? It's a Robinson Crusoe/Swiss Family Robinson reference. Here in the (dumber) rest of the world, we call it Survivor. correct
2. What type of dog, encompassing 28 different breeds, was so named because it was bred to burrow in the earth? "Terrier" comes from "terra," get it? correct
3. What length of time is the life of a current U.S. patent, as well as the span of a marriage celebrating the "china anniversary"? Patents, unlike most marriages, last twenty years. I was within 15% of the correct answer
4. The Marco Polo Club is the appropriately named frequent-flyer program of what Hong Kong-based airline? In Polo's day, northern China was called Cathay. Hong Kong's flag carrier is Cathay Pacific. correct
5. What 1969 musical title figure is told he's "really made the grade, and the papers want to know whose shirts you wear"? Ground control to Major Tom! History does not record whether the good Major wore Gant or Van Heusen or what. when you read "musical title figure," don't you think of a stage production or a musical on the big screen? Well, I did.
6. What modern-day nation was once ruled by Merovingians and Carolingians? France may not have had the longest-lasting dynasties, but it did have the ones with the longest names. Take that, Plantagenets. correct on a semi-guess
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these entertaining people? Roy Acuff, Melvin Belli, Clark Gable, Benny Goodman, Michael Jackson, Steve McQueen, Roy Rogers, Mack Sennett? Each is sometimes referred to as "the King of" his respective field: Country, Torts, Hollywood, Swing, Pop, Cool, Cowboys, and Comedy. I hope to see my own name on that list someday due to my (IMHO) world-class level of macrame expertise. correct

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - December 27

2011-12-28T15:25:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What's the American version of the 1997 Swedish TV hit Expedition Robinson called? sounds like Survivor
2. What type of dog, encompassing 28 different breeds, was so named because it was bred to burrow in the earth? Terrier (digging in the terroir)?
3. What length of time is the life of a current U.S. patent, as well as the span of a marriage celebrating the "china anniversary"? 17 years?
4. The Marco Polo Club is the appropriately named frequent-flyer program of what Hong Kong-based airline? Cathay Pacific
5. What 1969 musical title figure is told he's "really made the grade, and the papers want to know whose shirts you wear"? Tommy?
6. What modern-day nation was once ruled by Merovingians and Carolingians? Lots of guessing this week. France?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these entertaining people? Roy Acuff, Melvin Belli, Clark Gable, Benny Goodman, Michael Jackson, Steve McQueen, Roy Rogers, Mack Sennett? Q7 is easier than the other questions this week. They are all King of one thing or another. Country Music, Torts, Hollywood, Swing, Pop, Cool, the Cowboys, Comedy

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What South African region takes its name from the fact that Vasco da Gama first sighted it on December 25, 1497? This is the province of Natal, whose name ("birth") is the Portuguese word for Christmas. correct
2. What traditional holiday item often includes a succade made of citron? "Succade" is candied fruit--citron peel is often used to make those suspiciously radioactive-looking yellow and red and green chunks in your fruitcake. I think that the next fruitcake I eat will be my first
3. In 1906, what American author wrote, "In a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest"? This is the penultimate line of "The Gift of the Magi," by O. Henry. correct
4. How many candles are there in a Kwanzaa kinara? Seven! Here's how to remember: "Kwanzaa" has one letter fewer than "Hanukkah." But then you half to remember how to spell Kwanzaa and Hanukkah without the extra 'C' and... can't really say much about this bit of arcana
5. Dr. Christmas Jones, a nuclear physicist who wears a D-cup, is a "Bond girl" from which 007 film? She was played by Denise Richards (a real life nuclear physicist!) in The World Is Not Enough. Yeah, I know, all those Brosnan ones run together for me too. a real life nuclear physicist? I don't think so. Not much of an actress either. This role won her the Razzie for Worst Supporting Actress.
6. In the Roman calendar, December 25 was Brumalia. What's the scientific name for the occasion marked by Brumalia? "Bruma" means "short," and Brumalia marked the shortest day of the year. We call it the winter solstice. (By "we" I mean owners of New Age bookstores.) correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these Christmas-y songs? "The Christmas Song," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Silver Bells," "White Christmas" and, in part, "Sleigh Ride" and "Winter Wonderland"? These are all Christmas songs by Jewish composers! Gotta give the market what it wants, I guess. In the case of the last two, I was only able to confirm the Jewish-ness of one member of the two-man songwriting team. Christmas Time In Hell and Mr. Hankey The Christmas Poo were also written by a Jewish composer

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - December 20

2011-12-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What South African region takes its name from the fact that Vasco da Gama first sighted it on December 25, 1497? El Salvador. Oh wait, other part of the world. Natal? for the birth of baby Jesus?
2. What traditional holiday item often includes a succade made of citron? tough questions this week. What is a succade? Citron is lemon. Not a hanukkah candle which are not scented.
3. In 1906, what American author wrote, "In a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest"? O Henry
4. How many candles are there in a Kwanzaa kinara? kinara like menorah? 8 candles unless you also count the shamus in which case 9.
5. Dr. Christmas Jones, a nuclear physicist who wears a D-cup, is a "Bond girl" from which 007 film? No idea, but I can guess. Probably one of the Bond movies with Dalton, Brosnon or Craig, none of which I have seen. Tomorrow Never Dies.
6. In the Roman calendar, December 25 was Brumalia. What's the scientific name for the occasion marked by Brumalia? Scientific name? solstice?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these Christmas-y songs? "The Christmas Song," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Silver Bells," "White Christmas" and, in part, "Sleigh Ride" and "Winter Wonderland"? "In part" is a good clue to start with. According to wikipedia, Sleigh Ride was started during a heat wave in 1946 then completed in February 1948. Written in summer?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. British newspaper columnist Benjamin Mee wrote a 2008 book about his unusual experience in Dartmoor, England, where he bought what? He bought a zoo! The new Matt Damon movie is (loosely) based on his memoir. correct
2. Which U.S. state's quarter shows a map of a territory containing not just that state but also thirteen others? The Louisiana state quarter includes a map of the entire Louisiana Purchase. In hindsight, this question should have said "at least part of thirteen others," now that I think about it. We here at Tuesday Trivia regret the error. always so obvious after you know the answer
3. Which Olympic sport uses the smallest ball? Even when golf comes back to the Summer Olympics in 2016, table tennis will still have a smaller ball. correct
4. What band is releasing a new beer, an India pale ale called MMMhop? Hanson, of late-'90s "MMMBop" fame. Apparently the beer will have notes of caramel, light roast, and desperation. correct
5. It was proved in 1964 that 0, 1, and what other number are the only perfect squares in the Fibonacci sequence? You had to do quite a few additions before you got to the thirteenth Fibonacci number: 144. maybe as a memory exercise, I should memorize Fibonacci numbers. No sure I would get to #13 though.
6. Where do 4,000 tourists travel every year to see the 887 world-famous "moai"? The moai are the 20- to 30-ft. statues that allow Easter Island to sell lots more t-shirts and snow-globes than it would otherwise. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these works of art? Cassatt's Mother and Child, Degas's The Ballet Rehearsal, Manet's A Bar at the Folies-Bergere, Escher's Three Spheres, Fuseli's The Nightmare, Van Eyck's Arnolfini Wedding, Velazquez's Las Meninas, Vermeer's Woman with a Pearl Necklace. These classic works all feature a mirror--a topologically impossible one, in the case of the Manet painting. (We accepted "reflection" as well.) correct

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - December 13

2011-12-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. British newspaper columnist Benjamin Mee wrote a 2008 book about his unusual experience in Dartmoor, England, where he bought what? a zoo? is this what the new movie is about?
2. Which U.S. state's quarter shows a map of a territory containing not just that state but also thirteen others? Delaware for 1st state?
3. Which Olympic sport uses the smallest ball? table tennis. I think this is the correct answer even if you consider golf an Olympic sport since it will be an event in 2016
4. What band is releasing a new beer, an India pale ale called MMMhop? Hanson
5. It was proved in 1964 that 0, 1, and what other number are the only perfect squares in the Fibonacci sequence? a great question for Alex (who sometimes read this blog). I don't know the Fibonacci numbers so a total guess - 9
6. Where do 4,000 tourists travel every year to see the 887 world-famous "moai"? Easter Island
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these works of art? Cassatt's Mother and Child, Degas's The Ballet Rehearsal, Manet's A Bar at the Folies-Bergere, Escher's Three Spheres, Fuseli's The Nightmare, Van Eyck's Arnolfini Wedding, Velazquez's Las Meninas, Vermeer's Woman with a Pearl Necklace. I know several of these well. They all contain mirrors or reflected images.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. HBO's In Treatment and Showtime's Homeland are both based on TV series from what foreign--but not European--country? Israel! Interestingly, Sha Na Na was also based on an Israeli TV hit, Rosh Sha Na Na. There, that is the worst joke in the history of Tuesday Trivia. KJ will have to atone for that joke
2. How many basic positions of the feet are there in classical ballet? Only five! Scientists believe this is why ballet is so boring. correct
3. What war is referred to by its other participants as the "6/25 Upheaval," the "Fatherland Liberation War," and the "War to Resist U.S. Aggression"? That's what the Korean War is called in South Korea (it began on June 25, 1950), North Korea, and China, respectively. In the U.S., of course, it's called "That War from M*A*S*H." Korea was a police action, not a war
4. According to a once-popular myth, oysters could only be eaten in months containing what letter in their names? 'R', based on a mistaken belief that shellfish were poisonous during the summer. In fact, only spoiled-on-a-hot-day shellfish is poisonous, as you might have guessed. correct
5. What river is dammed by the Hoover Dam? The mighty Colorado. correct
6. What Broadway hit was named for a fanciful figure painted by Marc Chagall on a mural at the Moscow State Yiddish Theater in 1920? Chagall's mural features the original Fiddler on the Roof. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these songs? "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down," "A Better Man," "Crush on You," "Earth Angel," "Hotel California," "(I'm) Stranded," "Indian Reservation," "It's Too Soon to Know," "Lies," "My Boyfriend's Back." All were recorded by bands who shared their names with North American pro sports teams. To wit: the Mavericks, Thunder, Jets, Penguins, Eagles, Saints, Raiders, Orioles, Knickerbockers, and Angels. got it!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - December 6

2011-12-12T16:04:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. HBO's In Treatment and Showtime's Homeland are both based on TV series from what foreign--but not European--country? I don't know either of these shows since I don't have pay cable. Australia?
2. How many basic positions of the feet are there in classical ballet? 5
3. What war is referred to by its other participants as the "6/25 Upheaval," the "Fatherland Liberation War," and the "War to Resist U.S. Aggression"? "Participants" plural? The Iraq War started in March, not June. Resist US Aggression sounds Western Hemisphere-ish, like Cuba. Spanish-American War?
4. According to a once-popular myth, oysters could only be eaten in months containing what letter in their names? "R"
5. What river is dammed by the Hoover Dam? Colorado
6. What Broadway hit was named for a fanciful figure painted by Marc Chagall on a mural at the Moscow State Yiddish Theater in 1920? Fiddler on the Roof
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these songs? "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down," "A Better Man," "Crush on You," "Earth Angel," "Hotel California," "(I'm) Stranded," "Indian Reservation," "It's Too Soon to Know," "Lies," "My Boyfriend's Back." All were recorded by bands whose names are sports nicknames - Eagles, Saints, Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Mavericks, etc.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What annual sports event is nicknamed "the Frozen Four"? The NCAA hockey championships. Get it? Like the Final Four? Only on ice? And no one ever watches or makes office brackets? correct
2. What is the national fruit of China, despite its close association in the West with a different nationality? The kiwifruit got its new name in the 1950s as a marketing gimmick. Before that, it was the "Chinese gooseberry." correct
3. Who was the first U.S. president voted for by women nationwide, leading critics of suffrage to claim that his good looks had won him the election? You know who's hot? Warren G. Harding. Coolidge, Harding - who can tell the difference?
4. What organization uses an E-meter in its auditing? Would you rather be audited by the IRS or the Church of Scientology? It's a tough call. correct
5. What Iberian dance, mentioned in a Queen song, also provided the original title for Maurice Ravel's Bolero? Scaramouche, Scaramouche, can you do the fandango? It's a dance about buying movie tickets on the Internet. correct
6. Besides white, what color is on every national flag of Central America? Most have red, but ALL have blue. I had a 50-50 shot at this and missed. MM22 knew it.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these actors? Roberto Benigni, Kate Capshaw, Johnny Depp, Hugh Grant, Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Lee, Rebecca Pidgeon, Meg Ryan. All have played booksellers in the movies! For completists, the films are Life Is Beautiful, The Love Letter, The Ninth Gate, Notting Hill, 84 Charing Cross Road, Hugo, State and Main, and You've Got Mail. Why are all these movies post-1985? Didn't movie bookstores exist before the mid-'80s? (Don't say Dorothy Malone in The Big Sleep. She didn't own the shop, she was just filling in. Ditto for Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face.) If Jennifer Aniston was on the list, I definitely would have guessed that they were waitresses. She has played a lot of them. But I don't know the booksellers very well.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - November 29

2011-11-29T14:19:00.001-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What annual sports event is nicknamed "the Frozen Four"? NCAA hockey championships
2. What is the national fruit of China, despite its close association in the West with a different nationality? my guess - kiwi (aka Chinese gooseberry)
3. Who was the first U.S. president voted for by women nationwide, leading critics of suffrage to claim that his good looks had won him the election? I believe that women got the right to vote in 1920. I think that Coolidge won that year.
4. What organization uses an E-meter in its auditing? Church of Scientology (thanks for the Scientology education, South Park)
5. What Iberian dance, mentioned in a Queen song, also provided the original title for Maurice Ravel's Bolero? Scaramouche, Scaramouche will you do the fandango
6. Besides white, what color is on every national flag of Central America? Mexico's colors are white, red and green. I seem to recall Costa Rica is red, white and blue. I'll say red.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these actors? Roberto Benigni, Kate Capshaw, Johnny Depp, Hugh Grant, Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Lee, Rebecca Pidgeon, Meg Ryan.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What common household item was made of "All-Cotton Elastic" when Oscar Schwidetzky invented it in 1918? This is how the "ACE bandage" got its acronymic name. dadgummit. I know that KJ loves acronyms and I still did not pick up on the clue.
2. James Sullivan's 2008 book The Hardest Working Man tells, according to its subtitle, "How" what man "Saved Soul the America"? Sullivan's book is about the famous concert James Brown gave in Boston the night of the Martin Luther King assassination. correct
3. What's the only U.S. state to have a chronic vog problem? Vog is a portmanteau word, like smog--it means "volcanic fog." In the U.S., only the Big Island of Hawaii has vog issues. I thought vog might be an animal or an alien race like the bad poetry-writing Vogons
4. What two actors share the same first name *and* share the screen in three Coen brothers films: Barton Fink, The Big Lebowski, and O Brother Where Are Thou? These are two Johns: Goodman and Turturro. Say what you like about the tenets of Tuesday Trivia, at least it's an ethos. correct
5. What is the last part of Lewis Carroll's Cheshire Cat to disappear? His smile goes last. correct
6. Thanks to the efforts of five different tennis champions, what country has won 11 of the last 19 men's singles titles at the French Open? Thanks to Sergi Bruguera, Carlos Moya, Albert Costa, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and now Rafael Nadal, Spain has a chokehold on the French Open. Not literally, of course. That's a misconduct penalty. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these countries, and no others? Bolivia, Brunei, Eritrea, Kuwait, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Samoa, Vatican City, and--probably most famously--Israel? These are all the world's countries that are officially the "State of" their short names: the Plurinational State of Bolivia, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the State of Israel, and so on. I was in a State of Cluelessness on this Q7

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - November 22

2011-11-23T20:58:00.001-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What common household item was made of "All-Cotton Elastic" when Oscar Schwidetzky invented it in 1918? Q tips
2. James Sullivan's 2008 book The Hardest Working Man tells, according to its subtitle, "How" what man "Saved Soul the America"? James Brown!
3. What's the only U.S. state to have a chronic vog problem? what the heck is vog?
4. What two actors share the same first name *and* share the screen in three Coen brothers films: Barton Fink, The Big Lebowski, and O Brother Where Are Thou? John Goodman and John Turturro
5. What is the last part of Lewis Carroll's Cheshire Cat to disappear? his teeth/grin
6. Thanks to the efforts of five different tennis champions, what country has won 11 of the last 19 men's singles titles at the French Open? Spain (I think)
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these countries, and no others? Bolivia, Brunei, Eritrea, Kuwait, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Samoa, Vatican City, and--probably most famously--Israel?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Quetzaltenango, also called "Xela," is the second largest city in what country? The quetzal is the national symbol--and currency--of Guatemala.   correct
2. Who are Blanche Devereaux, Rose Nylund, Dorothy Zbornak, and Sophia Petrillo? They are "The Golden Girls." For those not familiar, this is a fanciful television comedy about four retired women living together in Florida, not one of whom is Jewish. correct
3. What obvious physical trait demonstrates that Curious George, the "curious little monkey," probably isn't a monkey at all, but some type of ape? Monkeys generally have tails, unlike apes (and unlike George). Maybe the Man with the Yellow Hat, evil colonialist that he is, chopped off George's tail when he stole him from paradise. correct
4. What opera's title object protects Tamino and Pamina from the ordeals of fire and water in the Temple of Sarastro? If you were facing terrible fiery and watery ordeals, wouldn't you want a flute to help out? What if it was a MAGIC flute? NOW how much would you pay?   correct
5. What up-and-coming movie star was taunted with the nickname "Baking Soda Boy" by clever classmates as a child? Pity poor Armie Hammer (of The Social Network and J. Edgar fame) for having a name that sounded much like a popular brand of baking soda. It's so sad when incredibly good-looking heirs to a bajillion-dollar petroleum fortunes have to face that kind of cruel bullying. never heard of this guy until now.   Armand Hammer's great grandson? Maybe he and Balthazar Getty should work together.
6. After his 1947 death, Congressman Andrew Volstead donated to the Minnesota Historical Society the seven boxes of hate mail he had received over what issue? Volstead's namesake act introduced America to the gangsteriffic wonders of Prohibition. correct
7. What is the unusual significance of this group of songs, listed in this order? Albert King's "Born Under a Bad Sign," the Young Rascals' "Good Lovin'," the Black Kids' "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You," XTC's "Senses Working Overtime," Jonathan Richman's "Roadrunner," the Beatles' "You Never Give Me Your Money," the Who's "Slip Kid," Public Enemy's "Shut 'Em Down," Stevie Wonder's "Do Yourself a Favor." All these songs contain count-offs--in increasing order of length. In other words, "Born Under a Bad Sign" begins with a "one-two," "Good Lovin'" begins "One! Two! Three!" and so on up through the "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10" in the Stevie Wonder song. I couldn't find a good candidate for eleven--can anyone help? correct

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - November 15

2011-11-17T13:13:00.001-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Quetzaltenango, also called "Xela," is the second largest city in what country? Guatemala?
2. Who are Blanche Devereaux, Rose Nylund, Dorothy Zbornak, and Sophia Petrillo? the Golden Girls
3. What obvious physical trait demonstrates that Curious George, the "curious little monkey," probably isn't a monkey at all, but some type of ape? I don't think CG has a tail which would qualify him as an ape vs. monkey
4. What opera's title object protects Tamino and Pamina from the ordeals of fire and water in the Temple of Sarastro? the Magic Flute
5. What up-and-coming movie star was taunted with the nickname "Baking Soda Boy" by clever classmates as a child? current up-and-coming movie star? Someone named Armand like Arm and Hammer baking soda? Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate with a chemical formula of NaCO2 (I think). Don't see a name in that formula.
6. After his 1947 death, Congressman Andrew Volstead donated to the Minnesota Historical Society the seven boxes of hate mail he had received over what issue? what would motivate people to send boxes of hate mail to a congressman in the pre-internet era? Prohibition
7. What is the unusual significance of this group of songs, listed in this order? Albert King's "Born Under a Bad Sign," the Young Rascals' "Good Lovin'," the Black Kids' "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You," XTC's "Senses Working Overtime," Jonathan Richman's "Roadrunner," the Beatles' "You Never Give Me Your Money," the Who's "Slip Kid," Public Enemy's "Shut 'Em Down," Stevie Wonder's "Do Yourself a Favor." I believe that each song's lyrics count up from 1. Example - XTC - "1 2 3 4 5, Senses working overtime." Then Beatles - "1 2 3 4 5 6 7, all good children go to heaven."

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What snack's latest varieties are Coconut (just green, white, and brown) and Pretzel (all the regular colors except yellow, for some reason)? These are the latest additions to the M&M empire, now desperate to seem as edgy as its hip-hop namesake. correct
2. What Indian dynasty took its name from the fact that it originated in the southwestern part of Genghis Khan's empire? The Moghul Empire was named, in a roundabout way, for the Mongol one. correct
3. What software product saw its market share fall below 50% last week, for the first time since 1998? Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser. If you got this wrong and/or have no idea what I'm talking about...you are probably using Internet Explorer. correct
4. When it debuted on Broadway in 2003, what musical's cast included Sesame Street puppeteers John Tartaglia and Stephanie D'Abruzzo? Avenue Q, despite show-stopping numbers like "The Internet Is for Porn" and "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist," was staffed largely by Sesame Street veterans during its Broadway run. correct
5. What architectural term provides the most popular state/provincial nickname for both Manitoba and Pennsylvania? If you get the Keystone Province and the Keystone State confused, just remember: Manitobans are the ones who HAVEN'T been rioting this past week in defense of institutional pedophilia. correct
6. What artist borrowed some of his most famous lyrics from a Marcus Garvey speech that included the sentence, "We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because whilst others might free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind"? More people have probably come across these thoughts in Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" than ever saw them in the Garvey text. now I can hear Bob Marley singing those lines
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Marie Antoinette, Lord Carnarvon, Kurt Cobain, William Henry Harrison, Margaux Hemingway, Robert Kennedy, Pedro Martinez, Sal Mineo, Michael Vick, Lindsey Vonn. In a late nod to Halloween, all are alleged victims of famous "curses": respectively, the Hope Diamond, Tutankhamen's Curse, the "27 Club," the Tippecanoe Curse, the Hemingway Curse, the Kennedy Curse, the Curse of the Bambino, the Rebel Without a Cause Curse, the Madden Curse, and the Sports Illustrated cover jinx. These are, of course, all real things that have been proven by science. BEWARE! curses, foiled again

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - November 8

2011-11-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What snack's latest varieties are Coconut (just green, white, and brown) and Pretzel (all the regular colors except yellow, for some reason)? what snack comes in multiple colors and lots of flavors? Life savers? Tootsie pops? Starburst? How about M&Ms!
2. What Indian dynasty took its name from the fact that it originated in the southwestern part of Genghis Khan's empire? Only Indian dynasty I can name is the Moghul dynasty
3. What software product saw its market share fall below 50% last week, for the first time since 1998? Internet Explorer
4. When it debuted on Broadway in 2003, what musical's cast included Sesame Street puppeteers John Tartaglia and Stephanie D'Abruzzo? Avenue Q
5. What architectural term provides the most popular state/provincial nickname for both Manitoba and Pennsylvania? keystone
6. What artist borrowed some of his most famous lyrics from a Marcus Garvey speech that included the sentence, "We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because whilst others might free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind"? John Lennon?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Marie Antoinette, Lord Carnarvon, Kurt Cobain, William Henry Harrison, Margaux Hemingway, Robert Kennedy, Pedro Martinez, Sal Mineo, Michael Vick, Lindsey Vonn. Sal Mineo was a model for a painting that is now in the Guggenheim. There is a painting of Pedro Martinez in the National Portrait Gallery. Lindsey Vonn, Michael Vick, Margeaux Hemingway must have modeled for paintings. I'm not finding any other common threads so far.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What very American sports company has been run by three men with the not-so-American surname of "France"? The France family has run NASCAR since Bill France, Sr. co-founded it in 1937. Although, for a brief period after 9/11, they did patriotically change their surname to "Freedom Surname." correct
2. The recent mystery novel New York to Dallas is the first entry in J. D. Robb's bestselling series not to have what word in the title? These are the "In Death" books. "J. D. Robb" is actually a pseudonym for the bajillion-selling Nora Roberts. death, murder. Put that in a book title and sell millions.
3. What kind of animal was Bert, the mascot of the 1950s "Duck and Cover" nuclear safety campaign? He was a turtle. Nice hard shell--no good in a nuclear first strike, sadly. a turtle? as in "slow as a . . ."?
4. In 1873, pharmacist Charles Henry Phillips invented an antacid composed of the hydroxide of what metal? This is Phillips Milk of Magnesia, so the salt in question is magnesium hydroxide. correct
5. Last month, the season premiere of a Georgia-set TV series smashed a basic-cable TV ratings record held by another series about a Georgia-born title character. Name both series. The Walking Dead destroyed The Closer's record among the coveted 18-49 demographic. Who like zombies more than lady cops, I guess. correct on both
6. The bulk of the Italo-Abyssinian Wars were fought in what modern-day country? Abyssinia is Ethiopia today. Well, except for the little bit that's Eritrea, but whatever. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these movies? Almost Famous, The Aviator, The Book of Eli, The Debt, The Hangover, Lolita, Marmaduke, Natural Born Killers, Risky Business, The Terminator. All these movies' original posters featured a main character or two in sunglasses. You had to mention the poster in particular--obviously, "sunglasses" are a pretty obvious link between Risky Business and The Terminator, but they're ubiquitous in the movies and not big plot points in some of those listed here. I apologize to anyone who rented Marmaduke in an attempt to research this question. correct!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - November 1

2011-11-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

Happy All Saints Day! The favorite holiday of New Orleans' NFL team and its fans.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What very American sports company has been run by three men with the not-so-American surname of "France"? The Frances run NASCAR
2. The recent mystery novel New York to Dallas is the first entry in J. D. Robb's bestselling series not to have what word in the title? completely unfamiliar with his work so a guess - "murder"
3. What kind of animal was Bert, the mascot of the 1950s "Duck and Cover" nuclear safety campaign? Gaah. Paul Paquet just had a question about this on triviahalloffame.com. I got the answer correct but do not remember what kind of animal Bert was. Don't think it was a duck. A bear?
4. In 1873, pharmacist Charles Henry Phillips invented an antacid composed of the hydroxide of what metal? milk of magnesia --> magnesium
5. Last month, the season premiere of a Georgia-set TV series smashed a basic-cable TV ratings record held by another series about a Georgia-born title character. Name both series. The Walking Dead is the show from last month. Set in and around Atlanta. The Closer's Brenda Johnson sounds like she is from Georgia and I seem to recall that it is the most popular basic-cable show.
6. The bulk of the Italo-Abyssinian Wars were fought in what modern-day country? Ethiopia
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these movies? Almost Famous, The Aviator, The Book of Eli, The Debt, The Hangover, Lolita, Marmaduke, Natural Born Killers, Risky Business, The Terminator. I generally don't like movie Q7s because the answer requires an intimate knowledge of a specific scene, or the credits or some other minute detail. But this one is pretty easy - sunglasses on the movie poster.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. According to the ubiquitous t-shirts in the film Napoleon Dynamite, whom should you "vote for"? For Pedro! All your wildest dreams will come true. correct
2. In what Normandy city would you find the Musee de la Tapisserie, home to one of the most famous pieces of artwork in history? The Bayeux Tapestry, a famous depiction of the Norman Conquest, is probably the only reason people go to the tapestry museum in Bayeux, France. correct
3. A lavalier is a portable type of what electronic device? It's one of those little wireless microphones you see people wearing on TV. It's named for a lavalier, a type of pendant necklace. I thought it might be named for Mike Lavalliere, former catcher for the St Louis Cardinals.
4. What U.S. athlete was called "La Gazzella Negra" by the hometown crowds watching her great Olympic success? That means "the Black Gazelle" in Italian, and the American hero of the 1960 Rome Olympics was the great Wilma Rudolph. correct
5. Elvis and the Spinners both had hits singing about what action, which Aerosmith declared "hard on the knees"? Falling in love (is hard on the knees). The Spinners and Elvis songs are "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" and "Can't Help Falling in Love." correct (it was my best guess)
6. Of the eight nations whose names end with the letter 'Y', name the only two that aren't at least partly in Europe. The other two are in South America: Uruguay and Paraguay. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Roberto Bolano, Albert Brooks, Anthony Burgess, John Dos Passos, Newt Gingrich, Mark Twain, Gore Vidal. They are the respective authors of 2666, 2030, 1985, 1919, 1945, 1601, and 1876: all books named for Rush albums. No, wait, that's not right. Books named for years. correct!!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - October 25

2011-10-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. According to the ubiquitous t-shirts in the film Napoleon Dynamite, whom should you "vote for"? Vote For Pedro!
2. In what Normandy city would you find the Musee de la Tapisserie, home to one of the most famous pieces of artwork in history? Bayeaux
3. A lavalier is a portable type of what electronic device? "lava" = wash? portable washer?
4. What U.S. athlete was called "La Gazzella Negra" by the hometown crowds watching her great Olympic success? this is in reference to the 1960 Rome Olympics. I believe that the great American female sprinter then was Wilma Rudolph. Wyomia Tyus was also a sprinter in the 1960s but I think she came a bit later in the decade. Of course I may have reversed these two.
5. Elvis and the Spinners both had hits singing about what action, which Aerosmith declared "hard on the knees"? The songs I remember by the Spinners - Rubberband Man; One Of A Kind Love Affair; (I Never Knew Love Before) Then Came You. Falling in love? That seems too general. Step on my blue suede shoes?
6. Of the eight nations whose names end with the letter 'Y', name the only two that aren't at least partly in Europe. Paraguay and Uruguay. I started in Africa before moving to the Western Hemisphere. Then the answers became clear.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Roberto Bolano, Albert Brooks, Anthony Burgess, John Dos Passos, Newt Gingrich, Mark Twain, Gore Vidal. They are all authors who have published books whose title includes a year - 2666, 2030, 1985, One Man's Initiation - 1917, 1945, 1601, 1876.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What author lent his name to the literary maxim that a loaded gun in a story must eventually be fired? This little bit of inevitable of foreshadowing is called "Chekhov's Gun," for Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. Or possibly for the helsman of the starship Enterprise, I'm not sure. I was thrown off because The Method Gun is a re-creation of A Streetcar Named Desire but without the characters Blanche, Stella, Stanley or Mitch. The Method Gun does include a gun hanging in a bird cage.
2. Who's the only player to have a number retired by two different NFL franchises: the Eagles and the Packers? The year after his death, Reggie White was so honored by the two teams he played for during the bulk of his career. correct
3. According to the title of the most famous song by the late Gil Scott-Heron, what can we expect of the revolution? It will not be televised. Or, if televised, at least, it will air on NBC so no one will actually see it. correct
4. What's the unusual vocation of Joe Wurzelbacher, said to be considering a run for Ohio's 9th congressional district? Back in 2008, we knew him as "Joe the Plumber." Local newspapers reported that Joe was actually never a licensed plumber, so it might be more accurate to call him a plumber's helper. correct
5. What is the smallest number that's equal to its own absolute value? A number's absolute value is its distance from zero on a number line: |4| = 4 , and |-4| = 4 as well. Zero is therefore the smallest number that's its own absolute value. correct
6. What country sits to the north of the Gulf of Aden, home to many Somali pirates? The gulf is named for the seaport of Aden, which is one of the largest cities in Yemen. Neither is named for Aidan Quinn. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these TV shows? Breaking Bad, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Chuck, Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Futurama, Lost, Roseanne, SpongeBob SquarePants. A character on each show holds a "McJob"--that is, he or she works fast food. correct!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - October 18

2011-10-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What author lent his name to the literary maxim that a loaded gun in a story must eventually be fired? I just saw the play The Method Gun where this maxim played a central role. Tennessee Williams?
2. Who's the only player to have a number retired by two different NFL franchises: the Eagles and the Packers? the only player I can think of who played for both franchises and accomplished enough to have his number retired is Reggie White
3. According to the title of the most famous song by the late Gil Scott-Heron, what can we expect of the revolution? it will not be televised
4. What's the unusual vocation of Joe Wurzelbacher, said to be considering a run for Ohio's 9th congressional district? plumber
5. What is the smallest number that's equal to its own absolute value? Not sure if 0 is considered the absolute value of 0, but that is my guess. However if absolute values only apply to whole numbers, the answer could be 1. If however you can do absolute values of fractions, you would not be able to pick the smallest fraction. Which leads back to the original answer of 0.
6. What country sits to the north of the Gulf of Aden, home to many Somali pirates? the Arabian Peninsula is just north of the Horn of Africa. I think that Yemen is the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these TV shows? Breaking Bad, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Chuck, Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Futurama, Lost, Roseanne, SpongeBob SquarePants. I think they all feature characters that worked at a fast food restaurant at some point during the run. I know about Breaking Bad, Lost and SpongeBob for sure. The other shows also seem to fit this hypothesis.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Who got his most famous nickname after Frank Galluccio attacked him with a knife in 1917 at a Brooklyn nightclub? Frank's was the knife that turned Al Capone into "Scarface." correct
2. What world airline uses the callsign "SHAMROCK"? The national airline of Ireland is Aer Lingus. correct
3. Frito-Lay is now selling "Cheesy Poofs" at Wal-Mart to celebrate the 15th anniversary of what? I'm having a hard time believing that South Park turned 15 this year, but it did. correct
4. What's the only type of radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum that has a shorter wavelength than X-rays? Gamma rays, also the kind that can turn you into the Hulk when you are searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have. Alpha, beta, gamma rays. Would omega rays be even shorter?
5. Which Las Vegas casino has a $9 million lion habitat in its lobby? I was hoping you could guess this one even if, unlike me, you didn't spend the weekend there this summer. That's the MGM Grand, whose namesake studio was long represented by Leo the lion. Makes perfect sense. There may be a hotel in Ohio with a lion in its lobby, but that would not have been intentional. http://bit.ly/qZKw6u
6. What 85-year-old recently became the oldest artist by far ever to top the Billboard album chart? Tony Bennett has almost two decades on the previous record holder, Love and Death-era Bob Dylan. correct
7. Among non-European countries, what unusual distinction is shared by these and no others? Canada, Costa Rica, East Timor, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Liberia, Sout Africa, South Korea, USA. Did "Liberia" make this one easier? These are the countries that have been led by Nobel Peace Prize winners. Liberia's Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won her prize earlier this month. correct. Easiest Q7 in a while.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - October 11

2011-10-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Who got his most famous nickname after Frank Galluccio attacked him with a knife in 1917 at a Brooklyn nightclub? Scarface
2. What world airline uses the callsign "SHAMROCK"? Aer Lingus
3. Frito-Lay is now selling "Cheesy Poofs" at Wal-Mart to celebrate the 15th anniversary of what? South Park. I love cheesy poofs, You love cheesy poofs. If we didn't eat cheesy poofs, We'd be lame.
4. What's the only type of radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum that has a shorter wavelength than X-rays? Infrared?
5. Which Las Vegas casino has a $9 million lion habitat in its lobby? Luxor?
6. What 85-year-old recently became the oldest artist by far ever to top the Billboard album chart? A question I was going to ask at O'Briens on my next quiz. You might think it would be Cher, but it is Tony Bennett.
7. Among non-European countries, what unusual distinction is shared by these and no others? Canada, Costa Rica, East Timor, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Liberia, Sout Africa, South Korea, USA. East Timor, Egypt and Israel definitely are giveaways. The only non-European countries with Nobel Peace Prize winners.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What was the day job of Francis Scott Key at the time he wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner"? He was a lawyer. In fact, the only reason Key was around to watch the Battle of Fort McHenry is because he'd been invited aboard a British ship that night to negotiate some prisoner releases. As you know if you've ever tried to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner," he may actually have been a better lawyer than he was a poet.
2. What film franchise followed the character Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh? Those are the Lethal Weapon partners. Murtaugh is the guy who is getting too old for this. Riggs is the slightly unhinged one who thinks that the Jews started every war in world history. correct
3. What island's official language is Kalaallisut? Kalaallit Nunaat is the official name of the island you probably call Greenland. correct
4. What recently became the first college football team to top the AP poll 100 times? The Oklahoma Sooners had their 100th #1 week last month sometime. correct. Boomer Sooner!
5. What novel's second sentence is, "Some years ago--never mind how long precisely--having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail a little and see the watery part of the world"? The first sentence is "Call me Ishmael," so this is...Marley and Me. No, wait. It's Moby-Dick. good call, Alex. you picked up on the clue which was to figure out the opening sentence
6. What is the only dwarf planet of the inner solar system? Ceres, the largest asteroid in the belt between Mars and Jupiter, is so big that it's now classified as a dwarf planet, just like Pluto and company. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these albums? Tori Amos's Little Earthquakes, Arcade Fire's Funeral, Elvis Costello's Trust, Bob Dylan's Desire, Field Mob's Light Poles and Pine Trees, the Grateful Dead's Shakedown Street, Roxy Music's Avalon, Sinatra's Come Fly with Me, James Taylor's Gorilla, Kim Wilde's Select. Each includes a song that shares its name with a country. Respectively: China, Haiti, Luxembourg, Mozambique, Georgia, France, India, Brazil, Mexico, and Cambodia. correct. Fine with me to include more Arcade Fire in future Q7s

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - October 4

2011-10-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What was the day job of Francis Scott Key at the time he wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner"? Wasn't he a POW? That's not really a day job though. Maybe he wrote jingles for radio ads.
2. What film franchise followed the character Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh? Lethal Weapon
3. What island's official language is Kalaallisut? Greenland
4. What recently became the first college football team to top the AP poll 100 times? Oklahoma. Boomer Sooner!
5. What novel's second sentence is, "Some years ago--never mind how long precisely--having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail a little and see the watery part of the world"? sounds like something Robinson Crusoe or Gulliver might say. I'll go with Gulliver.
6. What is the only dwarf planet of the inner solar system? Pluto or Eris? but they are really in the outer solar system
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these albums? Tori Amos's Little Earthquakes, Arcade Fire's Funeral, Elvis Costello's Trust, Bob Dylan's Desire, Field Mob's Light Poles and Pine Trees, the Grateful Dead's Shakedown Street, Roxy Music's Avalon, Sinatra's Come Fly with Me, James Taylor's Gorilla, Kim Wilde's Select. All have a song that is the name of a country - China, Haiti, Luxembourg, Mozambique, France, India, Isle of Capri?, Mexico, Cambodia.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. In the United States, what are Leavenworth, Lewisburg, and Lompoc? They're all prisons--U.S. federal penitentiaries, to be precise. We also would have accepted "the pokey." Lompoc can become Lompokey.
2. What did Alfred Butts first call "Alph" and "Criss-Cross" when he invented it in 1948? Scrabble! We also would have accepted "the pokey," because that's a funny answer to just about any question. I would like this as a quiz question if it read "what game did Alfred Butts . . . " That makes it about the level of difficulty of a Final Jeopardy clue.
3. What major U.S. company that went out of business in December 1991 shares its name with a new ABC TV series? Pan Am, a TV show about how awesome it used to be to fly Pan Am. Until time travel is invented: most pointless product placement ever! correct
4. What industry was decimated in 2006 by a syndrome called colony collapse disorder? Beekeeping. Colony collapse disorder, whose cause is still not well understood, has killed about 34% of American bees a year since then. correct
5. The world's largest sperm bank has just announced it will no longer accept donations from men with what easily apparent physical characteristic? Redheads! This seems a little drastic to me. Can't they just discount the redheaded sperm and put it at the back of the store so you're tempted to buy a lot of other, more expensive sperm on the way back there? correct
6. Joe Sumner, the bassist for the band Fiction Plane, is the son of what musician? His dad is fellow bassist Gordon Sumner, better known as Sting. Sad postscript: the bee for which Sting is named died last year due to colony collapse disorder. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these people, both real and fictional? George Bailey, Lewis Carroll, Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Stephen Colbert, Holly Hunter, Jane Lynch, Yao Ming, Nico, the Wife of Bath, Brian Wilson. All are deaf in one ear. I said, ALL ARE DEAF IN ONE EAR! correct!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - September 27

2011-09-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. In the United States, what are Leavenworth, Lewisburg, and Lompoc? I believe they are/were US military forts or military bases
2. What did Alfred Butts first call "Alph" and "Criss-Cross" when he invented it in 1948? an additional clue would help. Is it a game? A consumer product? Electronic device? Something military?
3. What major U.S. company that went out of business in December 1991 shares its name with a new ABC TV series? Pan Am. I live 2 blocks from Sony Pictures Studio and there is a 20 foot high ad on the wall of one of the buildings for this show.
4. What industry was decimated in 2006 by a syndrome called colony collapse disorder? beekeeping
5. The world's largest sperm bank has just announced it will no longer accept donations from men with what easily apparent physical characteristic? I don't tend to pay attention to sperm bank news so this will be a guess. Easily apparent ---> red hair? Are gingers unpopular among people looking for sperm donors?
6. Joe Sumner, the bassist for the band Fiction Plane, is the son of what musician? Gordon Sumner, aka Sting
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these people, both real and fictional? George Bailey, Lewis Carroll, Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Stephen Colbert, Holly Hunter, Jane Lynch, Yao Ming, Nico, the Wife of Bath, Brian Wilson. This really is an unusual distinction - each is deaf in one ear.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What two U.S. states' most populous cities share the same name? Lots of guesses for various Kansas Citys and Charlestons, but the correct answer is Maine and Oregon, both Portlands. correct
2. What kind of body tissue can be either "yellow" (fatty) or "red" (where blood cells are produced)? There are two kinds of marrow in your bones, if you haven't looked lately. correct
3. Cameron Crowe's new film Twenty is a documentary about what rock band, both a reference to the band's first album and the number of years since its release? It's been twenty years since Pearl Jam recorded Ten. Unfortunately, it's also been over ten years since they turned into a terrible jam band... correct
4. Before 1993, what was divided into a "Prince of Wales" half and a "Clarence Campbell" half? The NHL used to have frillier, more confusing names for its conferences. correct
5. In Rudyard Kipling's poem, what is Gunga Din's job with the British army? He was a water-carrier, or "bhishti." Also some light typing, filing. correct
6. What famous woman, who died in Cambridgeshire in 1536, was the youngest daughter of Columbus's patrons Ferdinand and Isabella? That's where Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, got the "of Aragon" part of her name. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these movies? Contempt, Fahrenheit 451, The Magnificent Ambersons, The Naked City, Nashville, She's Gotta Have It. In a very weird device you don't see much anymore, they all have somebody reading the credits OUT LOUD. I am sure that they are all worthy, but if you had to have actually seen the movies to know the answer I was not going to get this Q7.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - September 20

2011-09-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What two U.S. states' most populous cities share the same name? Oregon and Maine (Portland)
2. What kind of body tissue can be either "yellow" (fatty) or "red" (where blood cells are produced)? bone marrow?
3. Cameron Crowe's new film Twenty is a documentary about what rock band, both a reference to the band's first album and the number of years since its release? Pearl Jam. I appreciate music questions that don't involve hip hop or rap.
4. Before 1993, what was divided into a "Prince of Wales" half and a "Clarence Campbell" half? the NHL
5. In Rudyard Kipling's poem, what is Gunga Din's job with the British army? he was the water boy
6. What famous woman, who died in Cambridgeshire in 1536, was the youngest daughter of Columbus's patrons Ferdinand and Isabella? was this one of Henry VIII's wives? Catherine of Aragon perhaps
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these movies? Contempt, Fahrenheit 451, The Magnificent Ambersons, The Naked City, Nashville, She's Gotta Have It. All classic movies made by strong directors but I don't know that I have seen any of them.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. On a Risk game board, which continent is made up entirely of territories that share their names with actual countries? A toughie! The answer is South America, which is divided into Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela. The other continents are full of iffy regions like Alberta, Scandinavia, North Africa, Kamchatka, and Eastern Australia. it was a toughie. I had the correct hemisphere
2. According to one recent listing, Bodoni, Garamond, and Univers are among the top ten most popular what? They are typefaces or fonts. (The ubiquitous Helvetica tops the list.) correct
3. The title of what hit 1970s TV show, if translated into French, becomes the town where a hit 2000s TV show, True Blood, is set? You didn't know True Blood was set in La Femme Bionique? No, just kidding. The town is called Bon Temps, which means "Good Times." Dyno-mite! Though "Jours Heureux" would have been good too.
4. What color wax is used to seal both Maker's Mark bourbon and Babybel cheeses? The red wax is each brand's trademark look, though I'm informed that both may come in other colors to mark special products or occasions. correct
5. What 444-day event from 20th-century history ended with the signing of the Algiers Accords? The Iran hostage crisis of 1979-80 lasted 444 days. And gave us Nightline! correct
6. What has a stem called a "stipe" and gills called "lamella" on the underside of its "pileus," or top? That's a mushroom (or, if you're a glass-half-empty type, a toadstool). correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these world cities? Dublin, Jakarta, Liverpool, Lubeck, Manila, Maputo, Mobile, San Francisco, Tampa, Tokyo. All these cities sit on namesake bays. Not on the dock of the bay--just on the bay itself. I'm still trying to locate Cheddar Bay, the place where Red Lobster's delicious all-you-can-eat biscuits come from. This was a bay-sic, relatively gettable Q7.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - September 13

2011-09-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS

1. On a Risk game board, which continent is made up entirely of territories that share their names with actual countries? I think I played Risk once or twice. Not enough to remember the board that well. The easiest continent to represent in this way would be North America which could be comprised of Canada, US, Mexico
2. According to one recent listing, Bodoni, Garamond, and Univers are among the top ten most popular what? type fonts
3. The title of what hit 1970s TV show, if translated into French, becomes the town where a hit 2000s TV show, True Blood, is set? I am not a fan of questions about tv shows on pay cable channels that most people don't have. A guess - Happy Days. I don't think it would be Laverne and Shirley.
4. What color wax is used to seal both Maker's Mark bourbon and Babybel cheeses? red
5. What 444-day event from 20th-century history ended with the signing of the Algiers Accords? 444 days --> the Iranian hostage crisis
6. What has a stem called a "stipe" and gills called "lamella" on the underside of its "pileus," or top? stem and gills ---> mushroom
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these world cities? Dublin, Jakarta, Liverpool, Lubeck, Manila, Maputo, Mobile, San Francisco, Tampa, Tokyo.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS

1. In 1993, who became the only pro football coach ever named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year? Don Shula is the winningest coach in NFL history. Sadly, his steakhouses are only okay. his memory has faded. The Dolphins have been so mediocre since he retired. One playoff appearance in the last 10 years. Maybe he should do more commercials like Dennie Green.
2. What late movie director set much of his oeuvre in the fictional suburb of Shermer, Illinois? Ferris Bueller, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles...all the John Hughes classics are Shermer-based. correct
3. Which U.S. presidential surname is also a top ten name for baby girls at the moment, according to the Social Security Administration? Please stop naming your baby girls Fillmore or Nixon! Only Madison is socially acceptable. correct
4. What nation, Europe's 10th largest by area today, was actually Europe's largest country for much of the 16th and 17th centuries? At its largest extent, Poland was over a million square kilometers, over three times its present size. correct
5. What are you doing if you're using an "orange stick"? Your nails, presumably. Or, possibly, beating an Orange Julius employee. I don't understand this answer. Is that an emery board? The only thing I use on my nails is a set of clippers.
6. The Chordettes and Lil Wayne both recorded hit odes to what sweet treat? Lollipop, lollipop, oooh lolly lolly lollipop. Lil Wayne should move on to oreos or twinkies to see what song they inspire
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these writers? Dante, Heine, Hugo, Carlo Levi, Ovid, Pushkin, Sappho, Thucydides. All were sent into exile at some point. Sort of like James Frey did after Oprah exiled him. nailed it

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - September 6

2011-09-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. In 1993, who became the only pro football coach ever named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year? Bill Walsh was my first thought but he moved to Stanford in 1992. Next would be Bill Parcells.
2. What late movie director set much of his oeuvre in the fictional suburb of Shermer, Illinois? John Hughes
3. Which U.S. presidential surname is also a top ten name for baby girls at the moment, according to the Social Security Administration? Madison
4. What nation, Europe's 10th largest by area today, was actually Europe's largest country for much of the 16th and 17th centuries? I remember on old maps that Poland used to dominate eastern Europe
5. What are you doing if you're using an "orange stick"? Is that what they call the sticks used by airline workers who direct planes into and out of gates?
6. The Chordettes and Lil Wayne both recorded hit odes to what sweet treat? No idea so I will guess everyone's favorite crossword triple layer treat - oreo. I am mostly useless on the rap/hip hop questions.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these writers? Dante, Heine, Hugo, Carlo Levi, Ovid, Pushkin, Sappho, Thucydides. I think they were all exiled. I started with Dante because I know that he was exiled from Florence. The others appear to have been vanquished from one location or another as well.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Green Bay (of "Packers" fame) is an inlet of which Great Lake? Wisconsin's east coast lies on Lake Michigan. correct
2. Which two major U.S. movie releases of 2011 are both adapted from, of all things, Belgian comics? Why are Belgian cartoonists taking over our tentpole movies? This summer saw the unfortunate return of the Smurfs, and this Christmas there's a billion-dollar Tintin movie for some reason. Also, why do I keep asking Smurf questions on Tuesday Trivia? Note to self... correct although not quite fair to ask about movies not yet released
3. The pigment called "sepia" comes from what kind of animal? The brownish ink called sepia originally came from cephalopod ink--specifically cuttlefish, but we accepted "squid" also, because wtf is a cuttlefish? a good question. I was thinking of some aquatic animal and should have hit on a cephalopod
4. London's Ticketshare giveaway for the 2012 Olympics will allow lucky schoolchildren to see any sport but one. Which one? Shooting is apparently the non family-friendly Olympic sport, but that's only because nude Jell-o Twister won't be an exhibition sport until 2016. another good question. But what about modern pentathlon that includes shooting?
5. On reality TV, Duff Goldman is the "ace" and Buddy Valastro the "boss" of what food? Cake. Let's compare America's BMI over the decades to its number of television shows about cake and then start arguing correlation and causation. correct (with unintended assistance)
6. What title was held by Grand Princes of the Rurik dynasty, beginning in 1547? They were the first Tsars of Russia. You probably remember all those Tea Party protests complaining about why Russia needed all those czars. makes sense now. In fact I should have remembered that shah means king. Tsar is prince.
7. What unusual (for celebrities) distinction is shared by these celebrities? Antonio Banderas, Kirk Cameron, Harry Connick Jr., Sam Elliott, Ed Harris, Michael J. Fox, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Keith Urban, Denzel Washington. All are married to older women. Should I have left off Ashton or not? I'm fairly certain I did the right thing. Semi-interesting factoid

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 30

2011-08-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Green Bay (of "Packers" fame) is an inlet of which Great Lake? Superior or Michigan? I think Lake Michigan
2. Which two major U.S. movie releases of 2011 are both adapted from, of all things, Belgian comics? The Smurfs for sure. Was Tintin a movie this year?
3. The pigment called "sepia" comes from what kind of animal? does it come from some insect? or shellfish or snail?
4. London's Ticketshare giveaway for the 2012 Olympics will allow lucky schoolchildren to see any sport but one. Which one? a guess - boxing
5. On reality TV, Duff Goldman is the "ace" and Buddy Valastro the "boss" of what food? full disclosure - I think I saw this in a newspaper ad yesterday. cake
6. What title was held by Grand Princes of the Rurik dynasty, beginning in 1547? lots of guessing this week. No idea of the Rurik dynasty. But perhaps it was middle eastern and they were called shahs. What other names are alternatives to prince?
7. What unusual (for celebrities) distinction is shared by these celebrities? Antonio Banderas, Kirk Cameron, Harry Connick Jr., Sam Elliott, Ed Harris, Michael J. Fox, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Keith Urban, Denzel Washington. The inclusion of Keith Urban makes this more intriguing. Probably not about actors and roles since he is not an actor. Something in their personal lives perhaps though I cannot identify anything yet.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. According to the title of their hit 1976 song, what will AC/DC do for you "dirt cheap"? Dirty deeds. Their prices have come way down since they started outsourcing to Southeast Asia. correct
2. What dictator has referred to his U.N. opposition as "backward Berbers"? Berbers are North African nomads. You know who hates Berbers? Moammar Gaddafi. correct
3. New Yorkers call the Brooklyn neighborhood between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges by the name of what Disney title character? Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass lies Dumbo. It's an acronym, you see. now I do. A more gettable question might have been "Dumbo is an acronym for a neighborhood in Brooklyn. What does it stand for?"
4. What objects are often candled to ensure quality? Candling is holding eggs up to a light source to check on the yolk and, uh, whatever else is going on in there. No idea. an interesting factoid
5. Herod Agrippa narrated part of the second book in Robert Graves's mega-selling 1934-35 "autobiography" of what historical figure? These are Graves's well-loved books about the Roman empire: I, Claudius and its sequel I, Still Totally Claudius. You may also have read Leonard Nimoy's tribute, I Am Not Claudius. correct
6. The title character of TV's Fresh Prince of Bel Air moved to Bel Air from what American city? He was West Philadelphia, born and raised. If I'm not mistaken, the playground was where he spent most of his days. meh
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these companies? Ameritrade, Amway, Broadcom, HDNet, Home Depot, Little Caesars, Microsoft, Quicken Loans. The (or a) founder of each company currently owns a pro sports team or two. Curse you Wayne Huizenga for divesting yourself of all your crappy teams! Otherwise Blockbuster Video would have been on the list. correct. more sports please

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 24

2011-08-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. According to the title of their hit 1976 song, what will AC/DC do for you "dirt cheap"? dirty deeds
2. What dictator has referred to his U.N. opposition as "backward Berbers"? Ghaddafi?
3. New Yorkers call the Brooklyn neighborhood between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges by the name of what Disney title character? Dumbo? Bambi? Mulan? Herbie the Love Bug? I am sure that I will slap my head when I learn the answer.
4. What objects are often candled to ensure quality? candle is a verb? I'll guess books
5. Herod Agrippa narrated part of the second book in Robert Graves's mega-selling 1934-35 "autobiography" of what historical figure? I, Claudius
6. The title character of TV's Fresh Prince of Bel Air moved to Bel Air from what American city? no idea. Never watched the show.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these companies? Ameritrade, Amway, Broadcom, HDNet, Home Depot, Little Caesars, Microsoft, Quicken Loans. I knew that there was a sports connection. The CEO or former CEO/executive of each of these companies owns a pro sports team. Microsoft - Paul Allen owns the Portland Trailblazers and the Seattle Seahawks. Amway - Rich Devos owns Orlando Magic. Quicken Loans - Dan Gilbert owns the Cleveland Cavaliers. Broadcom - Henry Samueli owns the Anaheim Ducks. And so on.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What are you most likely doing if you're using one of the fine products of the Scantron Corporation? Scantron makes those computer-read bubble answer sheets, so you're probably taking a test. correct
2. What song was the the only certified U.S. gold single ever released either by America, Europe, or Asia? The biggest U.S. hit by either of the three was America's "A Horse with No Name." "Heat of the Moment" and "Carrie" just can't compare. Fun fact: this question has a different answer in the U.K., where "The Final Countdown" was certified gold, but "A Horse with No Name" wasn't. correct
3. According to Dr. Martin Luther King, what does the long "arc of the moral universe" bend towards? It bends towards justice, we can only hope. correct
4. What world capital's name probably comes from the Sinhalese word for "mango trees," altered by early Portuguese settlers in honor of a famous explorer? Colombo, Sri Lanka may or may not have been named for Columbus. But--one more thing, ma'am--it certainly wasn't named for Columbo. correct
5. Name one of the three NBA players with championship rings whose sons have also won NBA titles. Rick Barry and Bill Walton, if you are not old like me, are now best known as the fathers of Brent Barry and Luke Walton. Bonus points if you knew the harder third guy: Matt Guokas. correct
6. What scientist famously saved the life of Joseph Meister, a nine-year-old Parisian boy bitten by a dog on July 4, 1885? That was Louis Pasteur's first use of his not-yet-fully-tested rabies vaccine. Meister survived, and spent the rest of his life as a caretaker at Pasteur's Paris institute. don't know why I thought Pasteur was from an earlier era. I certainly did not recall that he developed a rabies vaccine
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these movies? Any Given Sunday, The Big Chill, Dangerous Minds, Empire Records, E.T., Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Return of the King, Sea of Love, The Thin Red Line. In each movie, a well-known actor filmed a role that was left on the cutting room floor. In order, if you're curious: Jim Caviezel, Kevin Costner, Andy Garcia, Tobey Maguire, Harrison Ford, Ellen Pompeo, Danny Glover, Christopher Lee, Lorraine Bracco, and Bill Pullman (among a handful of other "names" shafted by director Terrence Malick). yawn. I'm not curious.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 16

2011-08-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What are you most likely doing if you're using one of the fine products of the Scantron Corporation? taking a test
2. What song was the the only certified U.S. gold single ever released either by America, Europe, or Asia? I would guess Horse With No Name (America) or Heat of the Moment (Asia). I'll go with America
3. According to Dr. Martin Luther King, what does the long "arc of the moral universe" bend towards? justice?
4. What world capital's name probably comes from the Sinhalese word for "mango trees," altered by early Portuguese settlers in honor of a famous explorer? Colombo, Sri Lanka
5. Name one of the three NBA players with championship rings whose sons have also won NBA titles. Bill Walton and Luke Walton come to mind first. Did Jellybean Bryant (Kobe's dad) win a title too?
6. What scientist famously saved the life of Joseph Meister, a nine-year-old Parisian boy bitten by a dog on July 4, 1885? this sounds like a scientist who created a cure for rabies. But I don't know who that is. French scientists from that era - Curie, Coulomb. When was Lavoisier active?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these movies? Any Given Sunday, The Big Chill, Dangerous Minds, Empire Records, E.T., Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Return of the King, Sea of Love, The Thin Red Line.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What two words did the Wicked Witch of the West sky-write over the Emerald City in the film The Wizard of Oz? "Mission Accomplished." Oops, no, that can't be right. "Surrender Dorothy." correct
2. Traditionally, what would a Native American do with a "calumet"? Calumet, besides being a brand of baking powder, is also a word for "peace pipe." So I guess you'd smoke it. my answer would be correct if you used the peace pipe as a weapon
3. The so-called Kepler's Star, of October 1604, was the last what to have been observed in our galaxy? Kepler's Star, aka SN 1604, was the Milky Way's last known supernova. correct
4. "Enid Strict" was the real name of what popular character who made "her" TV debut in 1986? I think I saw every Saturday Night Live "Church Lady" sketch, and I *still* didn't know she had a "real" name. correct
5. Who got his musical start playing at clubs like the Black 400 and the Maple Leaf in Sedalia, Missouri in the 1890s? Scott Joplin evidently named his famous "Maple Leaf Rag" after his onetime stomping grounds. correct
6. What former world nation dissolved in the so-called Velvet Divorce? Czechoslovakia, which overthrew its communist leadership in the so-called Velvet Revolution, split into two separate countries in a Velvet Divorce. All you little Czechs and Slovakians need to know is that mommy and daddy can't be together anymore, but they still love you very much. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these people and things? Andre Agassi, California surfing culture, The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care, the Erector Set, HarvardConnection.com, Grace Kelly, Hugh Laurie, Operation Torch, organic farming and the Spanish constitution? This is maybe the weirdest Question Seven lineup on record. All those people and things were the creations or products of a onetime Olympic athlete. Yes: Benjamin Spock, General Patton, the Winklevoss twins, Grace Kelly's dad, Juan Carlos I of Spain, and all the rest once competed in the Olympic games. Dr. Spock was even a gold medalist! (Rowing, 1924.) this is an eclectic group. can you identify a creator for California surf culture and organic farming?

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 9

2011-08-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What two words did the Wicked Witch of the West sky-write over the Emerald City in the film The Wizard of Oz? Was it "Tastes Great" or "Less Filling"? I remember now. Surrender Dorothy!
2. Traditionally, what would a Native American do with a "calumet"? could be a weapon. Tomahawk?
3. The so-called Kepler's Star, of October 1604, was the last what to have been observed in our galaxy? nova or supernova
4. "Enid Strict" was the real name of what popular character who made "her" TV debut in 1986? Enid Strict = the Church Lady played by Dana Carvey
5. Who got his musical start playing at clubs like the Black 400 and the Maple Leaf in Sedalia, Missouri in the 1890s? I asked a similar question at O'Brien's recently - Scott Joplin
6. What former world nation dissolved in the so-called Velvet Divorce? Czechoslovakia?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these people and things? Andre Agassi, California surfing culture, The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care, the Erector Set, HarvardConnection.com, Grace Kelly, Hugh Laurie, Operation Torch, organic farming and the Spanish constitution? An intriguing list! This group would fit the clues for a $100K Pyramid category. Things that . . . .

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What country was the site of the deaths of both Che Guevara and (probably) Butch Cassidy? "Kid, the next time I say, 'Let's go someplace like Bolivia,' let's GO someplace like Bolivia!" correct
2. What two-word phrase can refer to a Lucky Charms marshmallow, James Cameron's "Heart of the Ocean," or the world's largest almond grower? "Blue Diamond" can be all of the above. correct
3. Name two members of major league baseball's 3,000-hit club that aren't in the Hall of Fame. Two little tricks here that shouldn't have posed much of a problem to even casual sports fans: first, Pete "I never bet on the Reds TO LOSE!" Rose isn't in the Hall of Fame, and neither is the club's only active member, Derek Jeter, who hit #3,000 last month. The other two possible answers are recent retirees Craig Biggio and Rafael Palmeiro. correct. Alex and I covered all four.
4. The singer of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" is serving time in California despite having committed his crime in what other state? He shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die. Unless he was referring to Janet Reno, that means the answer is Nevada. correct
5. What chemical element has a Greek name that was translated, when it appears in the Bible, as "Lucifer"? "Lucifer" means "light-bringer" in Latin. The direct Greek translation: phosphorus. correct
6. Italy's Cascata delle Marmore, created by the ancient Romans, is the world's tallest artificial what? It's a 541-foot waterfall. Good job, ancient Rome! I was on the right track with aqueduct. Are there many tall artificial waterfall candidates? I only think of them at the guard gate entrances to master planned communities. Or Donald Trump golf courses.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these occupations, among others? Architect, baker, barber, farmer, handyman, painter, poet, reporter, shoemaker, tailor. These are the occupations (and names, in most cases!) of some of the smurfiest Smurfs in the Smurf village. (There were plenty of other career-identified Smurfs, granted, but Barber, Finance, and Editor Smurf didn't get as much face time as the guys I chose.) the next time I watch anything featuring a Smurf will be the first time. Good one, Foggy Brume!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 2

2011-08-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What country was the site of the deaths of both Che Guevara and (probably) Butch Cassidy? Bolivia
2. What two-word phrase can refer to a Lucky Charms marshmallow, James Cameron's "Heart of the Ocean," or the world's largest almond grower? blue diamond
3. Name two members of major league baseball's 3,000-hit club that aren't in the Hall of Fame. Derek Jeter and Pete Rose
4. The singer of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" is serving time in California despite having committed his crime in what other state? "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die" --> Nevada
5. What chemical element has a Greek name that was translated, when it appears in the Bible, as "Lucifer"? Lucifer--> phosphorous?
6. Italy's Cascata delle Marmore, created by the ancient Romans, is the world's tallest artificial what? aqueduct?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these occupations, among others? Architect, baker, barber, farmer, handyman, painter, poet, reporter, shoemaker, tailor. "Among others"? Then perhaps it is not such an unusual distinction

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What word for a tying goal in soccer was also a TV character played by Edward Woodward? This question is for people who are old enough to remember The Equalizer or young enough to actually follow soccer. I apologize to those of you in the middle. correct
2. By area, what's the largest landlocked U.S. state? Montana is almost 25,000 square miles bigger than the runner-up, New Mexico. correct
3. Currently, the most popular names for British baby boys and girls both begin with the same four letters and are both characters in Shakespearean comedies--As You Like It and Twelfth Night, respectively. What are they? Oliver and Olivia. I kid you not: Oliver is currently the most popular name for British baby boys. They will all be beaten up by the American boys they meet, since our #1 name is currently "Spike." correct
4. What nation's largest cruise ship collided with and sank the Andrea Doria in 1956? It was called the Stockholm, because it was Swedish. guess I forgot this because I was in sympathy with my captors
5. What African primate, closely related to the baboon, is often called the world's most colorful mammal? You may remember it from such weirdly colored body parts as "red nose" and "blue buttocks." It's the mandrill. correct
6. Who's the only actor that played one of the gang of boys in both The Goonies and Stand By Me? Corey Feldman. If only he'd been one of the "Explorers" as well. That would be the trifecta! one of these days I should watch The Goonies. A cultural touchstone that I missed.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these albums? Arctic Monkeys' Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not, The Beatles' Abbey Road, David Bowie's Young Americans, Jay-Z's The Blueprint, Keith Richards's Talk Is Cheap, Frank Sinatra's In the Wee Small Hours, The Smiths' Louder than Bombs, Van Halen's 1984. On their album covers, someone is smoking. Yes kids, you can smoke and live to be 150 like Keith Richards. nailed it

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - July 26

2011-07-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What word for a tying goal in soccer was also a TV character played by Edward Woodward? The Equalizer
2. By area, what's the largest landlocked U.S. state? Montana
3. Currently, the most popular names for British baby boys and girls both begin with the same four letters and are both characters in Shakespearean comedies--As You Like It and Twelfth Night, respectively. What are they? Twelfth Night ---> Olivia, Oliver
4. What nation's largest cruise ship collided with and sank the Andrea Doria in 1956? US? UK?
5. What African primate, closely related to the baboon, is often called the world's most colorful mammal? mandrill?
6. Who's the only actor that played one of the gang of boys in both The Goonies and Stand By Me? Choose from among Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and the other kid. I think River Phoenix was a Goonie.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these albums? Arctic Monkeys' Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not, The Beatles' Abbey Road, David Bowie's Young Americans, Jay-Z's The Blueprint, Keith Richards's Talk Is Cheap, Frank Sinatra's In the Wee Small Hours, The Smiths' Louder than Bombs, Van Halen's 1984. Thank you, wikipedia. Cigarettes on the album cover.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What name is shared by the animal companions of both Bill Sikes in Oliver Twist and Woody in the Toy Story film? One menaces orphans, the other performs daring frontier rescues. But both are named Bullseye. Also the name of a famous putter by Acushnet. I used one for many years. Still have it.
2. What kind of grain are Cheerios made from? The 'O' originally stood for "oats." correct
3. How many men are raising the flag over Iwo Jima in the famed news photo? Six. The oft-repeated story that the Iwo Jima memorial sculpture features a miraculous thirteenth hand (God's?) is in fact an urban legend. I was within 17% of the correct answer
4. In March, who replaced Justin Bieber ("Baby") as the singer of YouTube's most-disliked video ever? Yet another addition to Rebecca Black's already-impressive musical resume! correct
5. What sport's number 7 player is referred to as the scrum-half? "Scrum" is a rugby term. However, I'm informed that the scrum-half is only #7 in "rugby league"--in the more common form of the sport, rugby union, the scrum-half is #9. But I'm sure you already knew that, assuming you are not American. I think any answer containing rugby should be credited as correct
6. What specific field is often learned with the help of the mnemonic SOH-CAH-TOA? That mystical phrase has helped millions of high schoolers remember how to calculate the sine, cosine, and tangent ratios in trigonometry. Maybe I learned trig the hard way. I don't recall this mnenomic. But it does bring back memories.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. states, and no others? Arkansas, California, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia. These are all the states to have former governors elected to the presidency. (I left out territorial governors like Andrew Jackson in Florida or William Henry Harrison in Indiana.) As a rule, I am kind of tired of presidential trivia. But this is a pretty good question. Alternately could ask the 10 states whose former governors were elected to the presidency. Or ask How many states have had their governors or former governors elected president.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - July 19

2011-07-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What name is shared by the animal companions of both Bill Sikes in Oliver Twist and Woody in the Toy Story film? Must be the name of Woody's horse which I do not recall. I could look it up, but that violates the spirit of KJTT, doesn't it.
2. What kind of grain are Cheerios made from? Oats. Oat flour in fact. I eat a lot of Cheerios.
3. How many men are raising the flag over Iwo Jima in the famed news photo? A common question and I can't remember the answer. 5?
4. In March, who replaced Justin Bieber ("Baby") as the singer of YouTube's most-disliked video ever? Rebecca Black
5. What sport's number 7 player is referred to as the scrum-half? scrum --> rugby
6. What specific field is often learned with the help of the mnemonic SOH-CAH-TOA? no idea, but anatomy or medicine uses a lot of mnemonics
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. states, and no others? Arkansas, California, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia. I thought of "Technical" schools. I know of Cal Tech, MIT, NJIT, Tennessee Tech, Texas Tech, Virginia Tech. But there is also Oregon Tech and Louisiana Tech.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What musical choice was offered by Doris Day in 1954 and again by ABBA in the first line of their hit "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do"? "Love me or leave me." Doris Day and ABBA are apparently not going to take your crap.
2. What did French politician Andre Maginot and shortstop Mario Mendoza both have named for them? They both have namesake lines. I have often dreamed of having a conga line named after me. correct
3. Multiple examples of which of the so-called "six simple machines" can be combined to form a block and tackle? The six simple machines are the level, wheel and axle, inclined plane, screw, wedge...and pulley. A block and tackle is a series of pulleys. correct. When I read this originally I thought he was looking for multiple machines. It would have been clearer if he had just asked, "which of the so-called "six simple machines" can be combined to form a block and tackle?"
4. Jesus's Twelve Apostles included two pairs of brothers. Name one brother from each pair. The two pairs of brother are Simon Peter and Andrew, and James and John. woo hoo!
5. Donna Karan has been called "the Queen of" which New York thoroughfare, also known as "Fashion Avenue"? Seventh Avenue is signed as "Fashion Avenue" through the Garment District. Saks should change its label to to Seventh Avenue. Fifth Avenue is slumming.
6. Who's the only person to have appeared on the face of U.S. paper money who was never eligible to run for president? Alexander Hamilton, on the ten, was born in the Caribbean, and was therefore Constitutionally unable to run for president. Also being killed by Aaron Burr didn't help. this question generated a lot of good discussion. Thanks to all! I learned some interesting facts.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV series? Arrested Development, Batman: The Animated Series, Freaks and Geeks, Laugh-In, The Simpsons, Soap, Solid Gold, The Twilight Zone. Like all my favorite TV shows, these series all featured ventriloquists. "No, they didn't." Yes they did. "They didn't." You be quiet. not sure that I like this question since the references cover sitcom characters, variety show skits and a specific Twilight Zone episode.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - July 12

2011-07-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What musical choice was offered by Doris Day in 1954 and again by ABBA in the first line of their hit "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do"? In Que Sera, Doris Day asks her mother "what will I be? Will I be pretty? Will I be rich?" She also asks later whether she will have rainbows. I remember this from The Man Who Knew Too Much. Could either be the correct answer?
2. What did French politician Andre Maginot and shortstop Mario Mendoza both have named for them? Lines
3. Multiple examples of which of the so-called "six simple machines" can be combined to form a block and tackle? pulley and lever. A good quiz question would be what are the six simple machines
4. Jesus's Twelve Apostles included two pairs of brothers. Name one brother from each pair. we were just asked almost the exact same question at Pub Quiz. Of course, I don't remember the answer! Shoot. I have a 4 in 12 chance of being right. I'll guess Simon Peter and James.
5. Donna Karan has been called "the Queen of" which New York thoroughfare, also known as "Fashion Avenue"? 5th Avenue
6. Who's the only person to have appeared on the face of U.S. paper money who was never eligible to run for president? trying to think of non-presidents on paper money. Benjamin Franklin - definitely American. Were Alexander Hamilton or Salmon P Chase born outside the US?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV series? Arrested Development, Batman: The Animated Series, Freaks and Geeks, Laugh-In, The Simpsons, Soap, Solid Gold, The Twilight Zone. Some quality tv shows. Not seeing a pattern yet.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Eighty-five percent of the population of the Horn of Africa lives in which of the region's four countries? The Horn of Africa--that pointy bit at right--is made of Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, and the one that actually has people: Ethiopia. when I am tired, I confuse Capes and Horns
2. What psychedelic 1960s rock group sometimes performed, due to legal battles over their band name, as The Melvilles? Moby Grape. Get it? Moby? Melville? correct
3. The only two one-word quotes on the AFI's list of 100 movie quotes are from Citizen Kane and The Graduate, respectively. Name them. "Rosebud" and "Plastics." I'm picturing a plastic sled now... correct
4. What was unique about the "Buffalo Soldiers" of the 19th-century U.S. army? These cavalry divisions were the first all-black regiments in the peacetime army. The last original Buffalo Soldier died just six years ago, at the impressive age of 111. correct (mostly). I thought that perhaps the Indians were part of the regiment. In fact, the Indians gave the solidiers their name because they fought as fiercely as buffaloes.
5. The "LPG gas" sometimes used to power vehicles is a mixture of what two simple alkanes? "Liquefied petroleum gas" is just a mixture of propane and butane. KJ said "simple alkanes." Methane is the simplest so I just started there.
6. The Potato Sack is a suite of games designed to promote what 2011 video game release? You know what game franchise is surprisingly potato-centric? Portal. This is Portal 2. I still don't understand the connection. Why is Portal potato-centric?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous duos? Hope and Crosby, Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O, Laurel and Hardy, Lunt and Fontanne, Morgan and Stanley, Axl Rose and Slash, John Smith and Pocahontas, Watson and Crick. I thought this would be especially appropriate for the Fourth of July week: these are all partnerships in which one member was American-born and the other British-born. correct!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - July 5

2011-07-07T14:36:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Eighty-five percent of the population of the Horn of Africa lives in which of the region's four countries? South Africa
2. What psychedelic 1960s rock group sometimes performed, due to legal battles over their band name, as The Melvilles? Psychedelic? Melvilles --> Moby Dick --> Moby Grape
3. The only two one-word quotes on the AFI's list of 100 movie quotes are from Citizen Kane and The Graduate, respectively. Name them. Rosebud and Plastics
4. What was unique about the "Buffalo Soldiers" of the 19th-century U.S. army? I think they were all black. Or were they Indians? or both?
5. The "LPG gas" sometimes used to power vehicles is a mixture of what two simple alkanes? methane and ethane. I guess propane is a possibility
6. The Potato Sack is a suite of games designed to promote what 2011 video game release? I know nothing about video games. LA Noire is the only recent release I have heard of.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous duos? Hope and Crosby, Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O, Laurel and Hardy, Lunt and Fontanne, Morgan and Stanley, Axl Rose and Slash, John Smith and Pocahontas, Watson and Crick. This one is pretty easy. One of the pair was born in the US and the other in Britain.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What NBA team was the last stop in the careers of both Pete Maravich and Shaquille O'Neal? The Boston Celtics were the elephant graveyard of Shaq and co. correct
2. What cancelled historical event, to have been led by Captain Richard F. Gordon, has lent its name to a They Might Be Giants album and an upcoming horror film? Apollo 18 was cancelled due to lack of funding--or, if you believe the trailer for the forthcoming horror movie, due to aliens or ghosts or alien ghosts or something. correct
3. In the U.S., what are selected via "voir dire"? "Voir dire" comes from the Latin for "to tell the truth," and the terms has come to refer to the process of jury selection. correct.
4. What large U.S. metropolitan area deposits 90% of its human burials in above-ground vaults, a higher percentage than any other world city? These are the famous "cities of the dead" in New Orleans, Louisiana--though, contrary to popular belief, the practice is more attributable to the traditions of the city's French and Spanish founders than flooding issues. correct
5. What involuntary movement of the orbicularis oculi muscle do adult humans perform over 15,000 times per day? You blink a lot. Unless you are Sir Michael Caine. (YouTube it if you don't know what I'm talking about.) correct
6. What TV and movie actor published the memoir Just One More Thing: Stories from My Life in 2006? "Just one more thing" was the Columbo-era catchphrase of the late great Peter Falk. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these historical figures? Julius Caesar, Thomas Chatterton, Cleopatra, James Cook, Lady Jane Grey, Leonardo da Vinci, Jean-Paul Marat, Montezuma, Horatio Nelson, Socrates. All these people's deaths were depicted in famous paintings. You could also add Elvis, I guess, if you count the "King Is Dead" acrylic canvas I produced in my 10th-grade art class. Brad nailed it. Nice job!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - June 28

2011-06-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What NBA team was the last stop in the careers of both Pete Maravich and Shaquille O'Neal? Enough with the Shaq trivia please. KJ recently asked about the oldest active player in the NBA and now this. I think Shaq was a Celtic at the end of the season. But what do I know. I pay no attention to the NBA. Are the playoffs over yet?
2. What cancelled historical event, to have been led by Captain Richard F. Gordon, has lent its name to a They Might Be Giants album and an upcoming horror film? How could it be an historical event if it was cancelled? Maybe the Apollo program? Apollo 18? Would have been led by a Captain. The new Transformers movie is called Dark of the Moon. But I would not call Transformers a horror film.
3. In the U.S., what are selected via "voir dire"? Juries. This is eerily prescient. I report to court tomorrow for jury selection.
4. What large U.S. metropolitan area deposits 90% of its human burials in above-ground vaults, a higher percentage than any other world city? New Orleans
5. What involuntary movement of the orbicularis oculi muscle do adult humans perform over 15,000 times per day? blink
6. What TV and movie actor published the memoir Just One More Thing: Stories from My Life in 2006? the late Peter Falk. Serpentine!
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these historical figures? Julius Caesar, Thomas Chatterton, Cleopatra, James Cook, Lady Jane Grey, Leonardo da Vinci, Jean-Paul Marat, Montezuma, Horatio Nelson, Socrates. I know several of these folks to be left-handed. Others may have been portrayed in art works as left-handed.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What short-lived TV series titled almost half its episodes with rhyming pairs like "Beers and Weirs," "Tests and Breasts," and "Noshing and Moshing"? The title did it too: Freaks and Geeks. correct
2. The world "ball speed record," once held by jai alai, has since been reclaimed by players of what much more popular sport? Jai alai players can hurl the ball as fast as 188mph, but golf long drive champion Jason Zuback recently whacked a golf ball at 204mph, the current record. Take that weird Basque sports! my golf shots might not reach a speed that would get a ticket on an interstate
3. The drug levonorgestrel is marketed as "Plan B," under the assumption that "Plan A" is what? Plan B is an emergency (i.e. after-the-fact) contraceptive, so I guess Plan A would have been "regular birth control" or "a condom" or "staying home alone on a Saturday night and watching Cold Case reruns." correct
4. In the Bible, what kind of bird saved Elijah's life but was singularly unhelpful to Noah? Elijah in the wilderness was fed by ravens--the same kind of bird that just flew "to and fro" when Noah sent it out from the ark to see if the flood was over. correct
5. What now-independent island took its former name from the Portuguese for "beautiful island"? Taiwan. I guess "Formosa" means "beautifully formed," and isn't just a mimosa made with formaldehyde instead of champagne, as I once believed. this is a good question. Final Jeopardy worthy.
6. What rock frontman was born May 10, 1960--appropriately enough, just nine days after Francis Gary Powers was shot down over Russia? Powers was shot down in a U2 plane the same month Bono was born. By all accounts, this is just a coincidence. correct
7. What unusual (and fairly specific) distinction is shared by all these movies? The Barefoot Contessa, The Brothers McMullen, Frankenstein (1931), Great Expectations (1946), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Night of the Living Dead, Plan 9 from Outer Space, Saving Private Ryan, Under the Volcano, Volver. These are all movies that begin in a cemetery. What other great cemetery first scenes did I miss? I guess you could also do a follow-up list of movies that END in cemeteries. Like The Third Man and Spider-Man, but not the third Spider-Man. How about this question - can I leave it in a cemetery?

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - June 21

2011-06-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What short-lived TV series titled almost half its episodes with rhyming pairs like "Beers and Weirs," "Tests and Breasts," and "Noshing and Moshing"? I think "rhyming pairs" is the important clue. Freaks and Geeks
2. The world "ball speed record," once held by jai alai, has since been reclaimed by players of what much more popular sport? tennis
3. The drug levonorgestrel is marketed as "Plan B," under the assumption that "Plan A" is what? contraception
4. In the Bible, what kind of bird saved Elijah's life but was singularly unhelpful to Noah? unhelpful to Noah? I think he sent a raven to look for dry land but the bird was unsuccessful
5. What now-independent island took its former name from the Portuguese for "beautiful island"? Macau?
6. What rock frontman was born May 10, 1960--appropriately enough, just nine days after Francis Gary Powers was shot down over Russia? Francis Gary Powers flew the U2 spy plane --> Bono
7. What unusual (and fairly specific) distinction is shared by all these movies? The Barefoot Contessa, The Brothers McMullen, Frankenstein (1931), Great Expectations (1946), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Night of the Living Dead, Plan 9 from Outer Space, Saving Private Ryan, Under the Volcano, Volver. I don't like questions about specific details of shows or books or movies. But I'll do some research and see if I can spot a pattern somewhere.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Which sea of the Pacific Ocean is home, appropriately enough, to the Great Barrier Reef? There is a surprising amount of coral in the Coral Sea. correct
2. The only two Vietnam films on the AFI list of the 100 greatest movies are both narrated by actors with what last name? Charlie Sheen's narration of Platoon was probably a bit of an homage to Martin Sheen's narration of Apocalypse Now. Promising young actor, Charlie Sheen...whatever happened to that guy? As a few readers pointed out, there's a goof in this question. The Deer Hunter, a very good Vietnam film, is on the AFI list as well, and I completely missed it. correct
3. In computer science, what does the letter 'C' stand for in both ASCII and BASIC? Both are _c_odes. correct
4. What TV channel has hired Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg as its "Chief Shark Officer" for 2011? "Shark Week" is, of course, a big part of the Discovery Channel brand. It's important to note that Samberg's office is largely ceremonial; he can still be overruled by their Executive Shark Officer and Shark-in-Chief. correct
5. What kind of seed is missing from "unseeded" rye breads? Well, technically, lots of seeds, I guess. Pumpkin seeds, mustard seeds, etc. But the PURPOSE of the term is to distinguish between caraway-laden rye bread and its caraway-free cousin. correct
6. How many consultations could you afford with Lucy Van Pelt ("Psychiatric help, the doctor is in") for the cost of just one with Encyclopedia Brown ("No case too small")? Encyclopedia Brown charged a quarter (absent expenses), Lucy just a nickel. So Idaville's smartest boy is five times pricier than his Peanuts equivalent. Some of this may be due to inflation, but I blame the Bugs Meany-related physical risks that Lucy never had to dealt with. A quarter. Encyclopedia Brown would charge at least a dollar if the stories were being kept current.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Charlie Chaplin, Dom DiMaggio, Marcel Dionne, Stephen Douglas, Hadrian, Fiorello LaGuardia, Bruce Lee, Annie Oakley, Edith Piaf, Martin Van Buren. All were nicknamed the "Little" something by fans and/or detractors. Specifically and respectively: the Little Tramp, the Little Professor, Little Beaver, the Little Giant, the Little Greek, the Little Flower, the Little Dragon, Little Miss Sure Shot, the Little Sparrow, and the Little Magician. I guess I could have added Napoleon or Kim Jones, but I thought they might be too easy. (Wait for it.) Particularly Li'l Kim. correct!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - June 14

2011-06-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Which sea of the Pacific Ocean is home, appropriately enough, to the Great Barrier Reef? Coral Sea
2. The only two Vietnam films on the AFI list of the 100 greatest movies are both narrated by actors with what last name? Sheen (Martin and Charlie)
3. In computer science, what does the letter 'C' stand for in both ASCII and BASIC? code. would not expect that it would be computing or computer
4. What TV channel has hired Saturday Night Live's Andy Samberg as its "Chief Shark Officer" for 2011? Shark Week --> Discovery Channel
5. What kind of seed is missing from "unseeded" rye breads? carraway seeds
6. How many consultations could you afford with Lucy Van Pelt ("Psychiatric help, the doctor is in") for the cost of just one with Encyclopedia Brown ("No case too small")? Lucy charged a nickel (5 cents please). Encyclopedia Brown - a dollar? I'll say 20 sessions.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Charlie Chaplin, Dom DiMaggio, Marcel Dionne, Stephen Douglas, Hadrian, Fiorello LaGuardia, Bruce Lee, Annie Oakley, Edith Piaf, Martin Van Buren. Not very tough this week. "Little" nicknames - Little Tramp, Little Professor, Little Beaver, Little Giant, ? for Hadrian, Little Flower, Little Dragon, Little Sure Shot, Little Sparrow, Little Magician.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What U.S. city is represented by a professional baseball and football team each named for a different bird? Baltimore: Orioles and Ravens. Follow-up question for no credit: what city is represented by different birds in the NFL and NBA? correct; Toronto (raptors and bluejays)
2. The upcoming book Yossarian Slept Here is a memoir by the daughter of what American author? Yossarian is the lead character of Catch-22, by Joseph Heller. correct
3. The "nine-banded" is the most widespread species of what Western Hemisphere mammal, the only surviving member of order Cingulata? The nine-banded armadillo ranges from Uruguay up to Nebraska. And it's headed north! Look out New England. correct!
4. Who did the media nickname "Lady Lindy" in 1928? "Lindy" was Charles Lindbergh; once Amelia Earhart made it across the Atlantic, she was "Lady Lindy." correct
5. In the 2007 film Juno, what was the title character's phone shaped like? "Can you hold on a second? I'm on my hamburger phone. BECAUSE I'M SO PRECIOUS AND QUIRKY IN EVERY WAY." I really need to watch this movie
6. What mountain range lent its name to the highest mountain ranges in both Australia and New Zealand? The Southern Alps and the Australian Alps were both named for...the Appalachians. Wait, that can't be right. correct
7. What unusual (and fairly specific) distinction is shared by these famous folks? Robert Evans, Frank Gifford, Dan Hicks, Les Moonves, Mike Nichols, Garry Trudeau, Alexandra Wentworth. All are or were married to TV morning show hosts--to wit, Phyllis George, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hannah Storm, Julie Chen, Diane Sawyer, Jane Pauley, and George Stephanopoulos. We also accepted some slightly vaguer answers, like "married to TV hosts," because we're nice like that. hey I was correct on a Q7! first one in a while

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - June 7

2011-06-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What U.S. city is represented by a professional baseball and football team each named for a different bird? Baltimore (Orioles and Ravens)
2. The upcoming book Yossarian Slept Here is a memoir by the daughter of what American author? Joseph Heller
3. The "nine-banded" is the most widespread species of what Western Hemisphere mammal, the only surviving member of order Cingulata? banded makes me think of birds or reptiles. What mammal would be banded? armadillo?
4. Who did the media nickname "Lady Lindy" in 1928? Amelia Earhart? Nellie Bly?
5. In the 2007 film Juno, what was the title character's phone shaped like? no idea
6. What mountain range lent its name to the highest mountain ranges in both Australia and New Zealand? Alps
7. What unusual (and fairly specific) distinction is shared by these famous folks? Robert Evans, Frank Gifford, Dan Hicks, Les Moonves, Mike Nichols, Garry Trudeau, Alexandra Wentworth. All spouses are newscasters or media personalities. All morning show hosts, I believe. Phyllis George, Kathie Lee Gifford, Hannah Storm, Julie Chen, Diane Sawyer, Jane Pauley, George Stephanopolous.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What annual late-summer event is sometimes referred to using three punctuation marks--close parenthesis, apostrophe, open parenthesis--which resemble its famous symbol? I guess )'( looks a little like the titular effigy at Burning Man. If, you know, you're TOTALLY high. I guess I am not totally high.
2. According to the title of a 2006 film, what follows "the pledge" and "the turn"? Those are the three parts of a magic trick, according to The Prestige. I didn't know until recently that these aren't actual magic terms, just made-up ones for the story. um, ok
3. What are the two largest--and closest--members of the "Local Group"? The Local Group is part of your address: it's the galactic cluster where we live. At the center of it are the Milky Way and its nearest neigbor, the Andromeda Galaxy. Interesting factoid. Glad to learn that I live in the Local Group. Should I update my address?
4. What did Pope Urban II begin with his famous sermon at the 1095 Council of Clermont? He called for a serious of counter-productive, costly military campaigns to take back Jerusalem from the Turks. In other words: the Crusades. correct
5. What amusement park ride lent its name, during the 1980s, to a Dire Straits single and a Springsteen album? Tunnel of Love. Do they even have Tunnels of Love anymore? I think they might only exist in movies and TV, like gorilla suits and (see below) architects. correct
6. What poem's last word is "outgrabe"? "And the mome raths outgrabe," whatever that means, according to the first and last stanzas of Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky." correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV shows? According to Jim, The Brady Bunch, Clarissa Explains It All, Family Ties, Fraggle Rock, How I Met Your Mother, The Invaders, The O.C., Once and Again, One Day at a Time. Each show has an architect character. I think architects are, like, ten times more common on TV than in real life. Even if you don't count the fake ones, like Art Vandelay. I knew that Mike Brady was an architect, but I would never have guessed that. Good one, Kmac!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - May 31

2011-06-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What annual late-summer event is sometimes referred to using three punctuation marks--close parenthesis, apostrophe, open parenthesis--which resemble its famous symbol? This is what KJ described - )'(. Late summer makes me think of an event in September. A sporting event? US Open tennis?
2. According to the title of a 2006 film, what follows "the pledge" and "the turn"? I have no idea what this refers to.
3. What are the two largest--and closest--members of the "Local Group"? I have no idea what this refers to.
4. What did Pope Urban II begin with his famous sermon at the 1095 Council of Clermont? the Crusades? This seems too early to be the Inquisition.
5. What amusement park ride lent its name, during the 1980s, to a Dire Straits single and a Springsteen album? Tunnel of Love
6. What poem's last word is "outgrabe"? Jabberwocky
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV shows? According to Jim, The Brady Bunch, Clarissa Explains It All, Family Ties, Fraggle Rock, How I Met Your Mother, The Invaders, The O.C., Once and Again, One Day at a Time.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What can be made Montreal-style (with egg and poached in honey-water) or New York-style (preferably using Brookyln water, supposedly superior)? Those are two varieties of bagel. I've never had the Montreal kind but...egg? Really? correct
2. Last fall, Reggie Bush became the first person in history to voluntarily return what? His Heisman, as a result of an NCAA investigation into his eligibility. Also, some overdue library books. correct
3. To streamline meetings at his local church, what American general published an influential 1876 book on parliamentary procedure? Nobody remembers Brigadier General Henry Robert's bravery in combat, but everyone loves his Rules of Order! I like this question. A good one.
4. What 2011 film features a doubles match against two tennis players portrayed, in cameos, by former SNL cast members Melanie Hutsell and Nancy Carell? Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph are also SNL vets, of course--the movie is Bridesmaids. correct
5. What name is shared, coincidentally, by Canada's equivalent of the Grammy Awards, and by the beach that Canadian forces took on D-Day? They're both called Juno. What is up with you and Juno, Canada? Still jealous that we got Alaska? correct
6. Green Lantern's power ring has historically been vulnerable to objects of what color? Yellow, which wouldn't be so bad except that all his enemies knew about it, so they were always attacking him with giant lemons and stuff. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets would be his least favorite college team. And every team from Pittsburgh.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these nations and no others? Albania, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Zambia, and probably Zimbabwe. Those are all the countries with an eagle on their flags. (The Zimbabwe flag has an 11th-century statue of a bird that's probably based on an eagle.) I just checked and the "Team Zissou" flag from Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic doesn't have an eagle, in case you were wondering. But it does have an octopus.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - May 24

2011-05-24T13:45:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What can be made Montreal-style (with egg and poached in honey-water) or New York-style (preferably using Brookyln water, supposedly superior)? bagels
2. Last fall, Reggie Bush became the first person in history to voluntarily return what? the Heisman Trophy. Reggie Bush that season was one of the most exciting players I have seen in college. He deserved that award.
3. To streamline meetings at his local church, what American general published an influential 1876 book on parliamentary procedure? 1876---> Custer?
4. What 2011 film features a doubles match against two tennis players portrayed, in cameos, by former SNL cast members Melanie Hutsell and Nancy Carell? Gotta be Bridesmaids with the other SNL performers like Kristen Wiig in it
5. What name is shared, coincidentally, by Canada's equivalent of the Grammy Awards, and by the beach that Canadian forces took on D-Day? Juno
6. Green Lantern's power ring has historically been vulnerable to objects of what color? I am out of my league on any comic book or video game question. A total guess - blue. No, red!
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these nations and no others? Albania, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Zambia, and probably Zimbabwe. What an fine collection of countries. Zimbabwe probably? What could be uncertain about Zimbabwe to say probably?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What animal is the only pinniped with tusks? Pinnipeds are seals, and the only tusked seal, as you might have heard, is the walrus. Goo goo ga joob. correct
2. Who was the mother of Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton? All are the violet-eyed offspring of the late, great Elizabeth Taylor. Pour a forty out on the curb for Liz, y'all. correct
3. What TV series was adapted from a book subtitled, "A Town, a Team, and a Dream"? The late, great Friday Night Lights. Pour a forty out on the curb for East Dillon, Texas, y'all. correct
4. What can be found to the left and right of the singer of the song "Stuck in the Middle with You"? There are clowns to the left of him, and jokers to the right. So you understand his dilemma, right? correct
5. What first name is shared by both the namesake founders of Carnegie Mellon University? Andrew Carnegie and Andrew Mellon, who founded the university by touching fists and chanting, "Andrew twins activate, form of...a university!" correct
6. What was officially called the "Anti-Fascist Protective Rampart" by its 1961 builders? For some reason, the decadent capitalist name, "Berlin Wall," caught on instead. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these literary characters? Captain Ahab, Bilbo Baggins, Mother Courage, Huck Finn, Ethan Frome, Sherlock Holmes, Lord Jim, Philip Marlowe, Silas Marner, Napoleon the pig. All were described as pipe smokers, which means they all died of lung cancer...but looked great doing it! Brad was on the money. Nice!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - May 17

2011-05-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What animal is the only pinniped with tusks? seals are pinnipeds. walrus?
2. Who was the mother of Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton? Wilding, Todd, Burton? Elizabeth Taylor
3. What TV series was adapted from a book subtitled, "A Town, a Team, and a Dream"? Sounds like Friday Night Lights
4. What can be found to the left and right of the singer of the song "Stuck in the Middle with You"? clown is to the left of me, joker's to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you. RIP Gerry Rafferty.
5. What first name is shared by both the namesake founders of Carnegie Mellon University? Andrew
6. What was officially called the "Anti-Fascist Protective Rampart" by its 1961 builders? the Berlin Wall
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these literary characters? Captain Ahab, Bilbo Baggins, Mother Courage, Huck Finn, Ethan Frome, Sherlock Holmes, Lord Jim, Philip Marlowe, Silas Marner, Napoleon the pig. With such an eclectic group, one would think this could be gettable.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. In what mountain range was the Borscht Belt found? These Jewish summer resorts and their famous rapid-fire comics were found in the Catskills of New York. correct
2. What was anciently known as "hydrargyrum," meaning "water-silver"? That's where we get the chemical symbol "Hg," for mercury. correct
3. Krist Novoselic plays bass on what band's new song "I Should Have Known," marking his first on-album collaboration with them? This is Novoselic's first studio-LP reunion with former Nirvana bandmate Dave Grohl, on the new Foo Fighters record. it was a guess, but it was correct
4. What two cities hosted the first non-U.S. expansion teams in both the NBA and the MLS? Toronto and Vancouver got the first Canadian franchises in both leagues--whether or not you count the Toronto Huskies, the only Canadian team in the NBA forerunner Basketball Association of America (1946-47). correct
5. What 1991 film's iconic catchphrase became "Sayonara, baby," in its Spanish-language versions? In Spanish, Ah-nuld's "Hasta la vista, baby" just didn't have that same exotic ring. The film is Terminator 2. correct
6. What was the better-known name for the "Whitechapel killer"? The still-unidentified perpetrator of the "Whitechapel murders" has been nicknamed Jack the Ripper. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these famous people? John Belushi, David Carradine, Coco Chanel, Janis Joplin, Robert Kennedy, President John Tyler, Oscar Wilde, Tennessee Williams. All died in hotels. I was very disappointed to learn that Howard Hughes died not in his hotel hideaway, but (allegedly) on board a private plane en route to seeking medical care. Alan Keith Carver nailed it. Nice work!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - May 10

2011-05-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. In what mountain range was the Borscht Belt found? Catskills
2. What was anciently known as "hydrargyrum," meaning "water-silver"? mercury
3. Krist Novoselic plays bass on what band's new song "I Should Have Known," marking his first on-album collaboration with them? Have no idea what he has done since Nirvana and have never heard "I Should Have Known." Foo Fighters since that is Dave Grohl's band?
4. What two cities hosted the first non-U.S. expansion teams in both the NBA and the MLS? Toronto, Vancouver
5. What 1991 film's iconic catchphrase became "Sayonara, baby," in its Spanish-language versions? Terminator 2
6. What was the better-known name for the "Whitechapel killer"? Jack the Ripper
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these famous people? John Belushi, David Carradine, Coco Chanel, Janis Joplin, Robert Kennedy, President John Tyler, Oscar Wilde, Tennessee Williams. There are some unusual deaths among this group but nothing that appears to be consistent. No patterns yet.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. The Iowa state quarter depicts the childhood schoolhouse of what painter? Grant "American Gothic" Wood is by far Iowa's greatest gift to the art world. (But only because the Etch-a-Sketch is actually made by the Ohio Art Company, not the Iowa Art Company. I always get that confused.) correct
2. What two Broadway megahits of the 1970s were both adapted into films that added a new song called "Sandy"? I think most people remembered "Grease" first, but the title character of "Annie" serenades a Sandy as well--her mutt, in this case. A YouTube mashup switching up the two songs might be fun. correct
3. What country borders both of the world's two most voluminous lakes? The Caspian Sea and Lake Baikal hold more water than any other lake on Earth, and both have Russian shores. I will call this correct
4. By what full name do we remember the famous American woman born Thelma Catherine Ryan, whose father gave her her lifelong nickname the day after her March 16, 1912 birth? Pat Nixon got her nickname from St. Patrick's Day. Wow, if she'd been born a few weeks early, we might have had a First Lady named "Mardi Gras." good get, Jelly Troll Morton!
5. What was demoted thanks to the January 2005 discovery of the larger "Eris"? Eris is the larger-than-Pluto "dwarf planet" that finally got Pluto officially kicked out of the planet club. correct
6. What New Mexico city is home to a professional baseball team appropriately called the Invaders? This one comes courtesy of my dental hygienist, who was talking New Mexico semipro ball last time she cleaned my teeth, for some reason. According to her, the Roswell Invaders wear lime-green uniforms with an "alien grey" mascot in the middle of the big 'R', which sounds completely awesome to me. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these TV series? Charmed, The Daily Show, The Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy, Murphy Brown, Soap, and 30 Rock, as well as (in part) Friends, The Good Wife, and Sesame Street? All were created by women--which isn't as unheard-of as it used to be, but still sadly uncommon. In hindsight, I wish I'd included The Nanny in this list, because Fran Drescher has been under-utilized in Tuesday Trivia up until now. ok, I guess

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - May 2

2011-05-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. The Iowa state quarter depicts the childhood schoolhouse of what painter? Grant Wood
2. What two Broadway megahits of the 1970s were both adapted into films that added a new song called "Sandy"? Annie and Grease
3. What country borders both of the world's two most voluminous lakes? I think Lake Baikal is the world's most voluminous lake. Black Sea too? So that would be Russia. Or Ukraine. A good question.
4. By what full name do we remember the famous American woman born Thelma Catherine Ryan, whose father gave her her lifelong nickname the day after her March 16, 1912 birth? A good Irish name. But this is a convoluted question. KJ asks for the full name then gives a full name and alludes to a well-known nickname. Is the nickname the full name he wants? It will probably be evident when I learn the answer. Fenway opened in 1912. The Titanic sank in 1912. Neither seems relevant.
5. What was demoted thanks to the January 2005 discovery of the larger "Eris"? Pluto. My Very Evil Mother Just Served Us Nothing.
6. What New Mexico city is home to a professional baseball team appropriately called the Invaders? Invaders --> Roswell
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these TV series? Charmed, The Daily Show, The Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy, Murphy Brown, Soap, and 30 Rock, as well as (in part) Friends, The Good Wife, and Sesame Street? What an eclectic collection.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What much-in-the-news figure set a school high jump record at St. Andrew's School in her native Berkshire? This was the first claim to fame for a young Kate Middleton, who is probably a little peeved right now about Osama bin Laden stealing her news cycle. correct
2. Hepatic coma is a life-threatening medical condition caused by the failure of what organ? "Hepatic" means "of the liver." I like to try to order "hepatic wurst" at delis. correct
3. Of the 4,100 or so ascents that have been made of Mount Everest, almost half were by climbers from what nation? The Nepalese vastly outnumber all other summiteers, because most expeditions are accompanied by knowledgeable local Sherpas. for some reason, I did not even think of the sherpas. But I guess you have to count them. Couldn't climb Everest without them.
4. In 1991, what American actor founded a theater company in his Michigan hometown called "The Purple Rose"? Jeff Daniels, who named the theater after the Woody Allen hit in which he starred, The Purple Rose of Cairo. correct
5. What TV show aired 95 times between September 14, 2009 and its high-profile cancellation on February 9, 2010? The number of shows was the tipoff that this fiasco was a daily one. RIP The Jay Leno Show. I thought of a different daily show
6. What's the more famous day job of Filipino congressman Manny Pacquiao? He's also one of the best boxers in the history of the sport, the first ever to win a match in eight different weight divisions. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these world cities? Beijing, Bern, Boston, Brussels, Havana, Lhasa, Manchester, Naples, Weimar. These cities have a dog breed (as recognized by the American Kennel Club, which monitors such things) named for them--the Pekingese, the Bernese mountain dog, the Boston terrier, and so forth. correct!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - April 26

2011-04-28T23:09:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What much-in-the-news figure set a school high jump record at St. Andrew's School in her native Berkshire? Kate Middleton
2. Hepatic coma is a life-threatening medical condition caused by the failure of what organ? Liver?
3. Of the 4,100 or so ascents that have been made of Mount Everest, almost half were by climbers from what nation? US? or UK? Would think US because there are more climbers.
4. In 1991, what American actor founded a theater company in his Michigan hometown called "The Purple Rose"? The Purple Rose of Cairo starred Jeff Daniels. Maybe Jeff Daniels.
5. What TV show aired 95 times between September 14, 2009 and its high-profile cancellation on February 9, 2010? The Tonight Show starring Conan O'Brien
6. What's the more famous day job of Filipino congressman Manny Pacquiao? he is a boxing world champ. Not sure of the weight class.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these world cities? Beijing, Bern, Boston, Brussels, Havana, Lhasa, Manchester, Naples, Weimar. I think this might have something to do with dog breeds - Bernese mountain dog, Boston terrier, Havanese, Lhasa apso, weimaraner

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What's the only player position that has the same name in three of the four principal North American professional sports? If baseball teams only had a center, it would have been 4-for-4. correct
2. The word "surrender" entered English from which other language? French. Yes, this is a decades-old late-night-monologue joke masquerading as a trivia question. Your point? correct (with a hint from Alex who would know a bit about the French language)
3. How often does water flow underground, according to the Talking Heads, and will you ever feel this loved, according to Keith Urban? Both these songs are called "Once in a Lifetime." correct
4. What last name is shared by two of the actors who have played the Doctor on TV's Doctor Who? The Fourth and Sixth Doctors were both named Baker--Tom and Colin, respectively. When a Twelfth Doctor gets cast, I guess you could call them a Baker's dozen. ok
5. After the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961, what did President Kennedy have installed in place of the White House bowling alley? There was no permanent "situation room" in the White House until 1961. Before then, the president had to go over to Wolf Blitzer's situation room in case of emergency. correct
6. The genetic bone disease pycnodysostosis is also called the "syndrome" of which French artist? This condition, which leads to unusually dense, brittle bones and short stature, was most famously suffered by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these performers? Adrienne Barbeau, Paul Bettany, Bud Cort, Jamie Lee Curtis, Wentworth Miller, Julianne Moore, Amy Poehler, Kevin Spacey, Robert Vaughn, Sigourney Weaver. Thanks to Tuesday Trivia veteran James Callan for suggesting this one: each actor has voiced a computer in the movies. (Respectively: The Thing, Iron Man, Electric Dreams, Escape from New York, Stealth, Eagle Eye, Monsters vs. Aliens, Moon, Demon Seed, and Wall-E.) meh. Haven't seen enough of the movies to know. If KJ had said Phil Hendrie, it would have been a big help. I know that he was INTELLIGENCE in Team America.

Ken Jennings Tuiesday Trivia - April 19

2011-04-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What's the only player position that has the same name in three of the four principal North American professional sports? center (no center in baseball however)
2. The word "surrender" entered English from which other language? I work with a guy named Surendra. Could surrender come from Hindi?
3. How often does water flow underground, according to the Talking Heads, and will you ever feel this loved, according to Keith Urban? Same as it ever was - once in a lifetime
4. What last name is shared by two of the actors who have played the Doctor on TV's Doctor Who? no idea. I could not even tell you one actor who has been Dr Who
5. After the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961, what did President Kennedy have installed in place of the White House bowling alley? a guess - the White House situation room
6. The genetic bone disease pycnodysostosis is also called the "syndrome" of which French artist? Henri Toulouse Lautrec
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these performers? Adrienne Barbeau, Paul Bettany, Bud Cort, Jamie Lee Curtis, Wentworth Miller, Julianne Moore, Amy Poehler, Kevin Spacey, Robert Vaughn, Sigourney Weaver.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What current TV hit has the same title as its original 1970s version, except that the final character has been changed from a letter to a numeral? There's a subtle difference between Hawaii Five-O and Hawaii Five-0. In some fonts. Alex, I think you asked this question near the start of the new tv season when I still remembered that 5-0 was a tv show.
2. As doctors measure (using intra-articular space), what is the largest joint in the human body? The knee is your biggest joint, unless you rolled them REALLY BIG in college. would like to see comparison of joint size - knee vs. ankle vs. hip, etc. to get a sense of comparative size
3. Two world nations border 14 neighbors each. What third country borders *both* of those nations--and no others? China and Russia are the most-neighbored nations on Earth, and Mongolia is sandwiched between them. correct
4. What was originally called the "Pluto platter" when it was first sold in 1955? You know what, "Pluto platter" is actually a better name than "Frisbee." There, I said it. correct
5. What kind of animal did the witch Circe turn Odysseus's crew into? Have you seen the little piggies, crawling in the dirt? kine, swine, ovine. All those farm animals sometimes run together for me
6. Who's the longest-ago major-party U.S. presidential candidate still living? Boy am I glad George McGovern didn't die this week! He's both the oldest and longest-ago U.S. presidential candidate. Older than Carter, older than Bush, older than anybody. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? Counting Crows' "Mr. Jones," Cream's "White Room," Kermit the Frog's "It's Not Easy Being Green," Alanis Morissette's "Hand in My Pocket," Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," Radiohead's "Karma Police," Simon and Garfunkel's "America," Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner." None of them rhyme! Not even once, as far I as could tell. Boy, it was hard putting together a list of these that wasn't entirely 90s college radio. Apparently the early 90s was a Golden Age of unrhyming rock songs. I Write The Songs would not have fit here. Still I had a hard time recognizing the pattern.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - April 12

2011-04-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What current TV hit has the same title as its original 1970s version, except that the final character has been changed from a letter to a numeral? what tv show is a remake of something from the 1970s? All I can recall from the 1970s are Norman Lear comedies, Garry Marshall comedies and MTM and its spinoffs.
2. As doctors measure (using intra-articular space), what is the largest joint in the human body? hip?
3. Two world nations border 14 neighbors each. What third country borders *both* of those nations--and no others? Mongolia
4. What was originally called the "Pluto platter" when it was first sold in 1955? frisbee
5. What kind of animal did the witch Circe turn Odysseus's crew into? sheep
6. Who's the longest-ago major-party U.S. presidential candidate still living? I think that George McGovern is still alive. He is over 90.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? Counting Crows' "Mr. Jones," Cream's "White Room," Kermit the Frog's "It's Not Easy Being Green," Alanis Morissette's "Hand in My Pocket," Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," Radiohead's "Karma Police," Simon and Garfunkel's "America," Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner."

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Thanks to her recent TV success, who has her first Top Ten hit in eight years with "On the Floor"? Replacing S-Co on American Idol was a canny career move for J-Lo. correct
2. U.S. consumption of what vegetable doubled in the 1990s, thanks to the 1986 debut of its "baby" variety? Baby carrots were a windfall for the carrot industry, even after a scandalized America discovered that baby carrots are just adult carrots shaved down with some kind of carrot lathe. correct
3. What 2011 buzzword also names a 1969 Paul Newman racing movie, a 1981 Santana single, and a best-selling Jack Welch management book from 2005? WINNING! If you routinely answer every question on this quiz "WINNING!" (I'm looking at you, Charlie Sheen!) you finally got one right this week. winning? not me
4. On May 8, 1657, who refused the British crown? That was Oliver Cromwell--within a few years he was missing the part of his body on which he would have worn said crown, so it turned out to be mostly moot. coincidentally, this came up as an answer on Jeopardy tonight
5. What sporting event was first held in 1967, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American purchase of its territory? The Senate bought Alaska from the Russians in 1867--this is the Iditarod dogsled race. correct
6. By one common definition, what number is a "whole number" but not a "counting number"? The whole numbers are often said to start at zero, but the counting numbers start with one. The TV show NUMB3RS, on other hand, often started with a suspiciously math-themed crime. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these literary figures? Frankie Addams (The Member of the Wedding), Amir (The Kite Runner), Benjamin (Genesis), Cathy Linton (Wuthering Heights), Inigo Montoya (The Princess Bride), Smerdyakov (The Brothers Karamazov), Snow White, Oliver Twist, Voldemort (Harry Potter), the Wicked Witch of the East (Wicked). All these characters' mothers died in childbirth with them. The list of real famous names with the same sad medical incident in their pasts is quite short, so this must always have been more common on the page than in real life. correct

Ken Jennings Tuesdat Trivia - April 5

2011-04-10T20:03:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Thanks to her recent TV success, who has her first Top Ten hit in eight years with "On the Floor"? wracked my brain thinking of recent TV success. KJ sometimes defines "recently" to mean within the last 5 years. Maybe Gwyneth Paltrow on Glee? Has Britney Spears been on tv? Then I thought of JLo
2. U.S. consumption of what vegetable doubled in the 1990s, thanks to the 1986 debut of its "baby" variety? carrot
3. What 2011 buzzword also names a 1969 Paul Newman racing movie, a 1981 Santana single, and a best-selling Jack Welch management book from 2005? buzzwords - tea party, shut down, tsumani. None of those sound like a racing movie, single or best selling management book.
4. On May 8, 1657, who refused the British crown? David Beckham. Other than smart answers, I have no idea.
5. What sporting event was first held in 1967, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American purchase of its territory? 1867 - Alaska. Iditarod.
6. By one common definition, what number is a "whole number" but not a "counting number"? Zero?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these literary figures? Frankie Addams (The Member of the Wedding), Amir (The Kite Runner), Benjamin (Genesis), Cathy Linton (Wuthering Heights), Inigo Montoya (The Princess Bride), Smerdyakov (The Brothers Karamazov), Snow White, Oliver Twist, Voldemort (Harry Potter), the Wicked Witch of the East (Wicked). Mother dies in childbirth?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What hobby are you enjoying if you're using a fixer bath solution of sodium thiosulfate to remove excess quantities of silver halide? You're a photographer...who for some reason hasn't gone digital yet but still prefers tinkering in a darkroom. correct
2. What two classic American "muscle cars" both debuted in 1964 and were both named for types of horses? The Mustang is a horse, of course, of course--and so is a Charger. correct
3. Income tax day in the U.S. will be delayed this year because the District of Columbia, on April 15, has a legal holiday celebrating the 139th anniversary of what event? This question suggested by my tax preparer--no kidding. The unfortunate math error was mine and not hers. D.C. celebrates Emancipation Day every April, but this year is the 149th anniversary of President Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, not the 139th. correct
4. Who is the only member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to have died while still legally a minor? When Ritchie "La Bamba" Valens died in the same tragic 1959 plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper, he was, amazingly, only seventeen years old. correct
5. Of what early Saturday Night Live performers did writer Michael O'Donoghue famously sniff, "I won't write for felt"? The Muppets were regular performers on the first season of SNL--and credited above the show's human regulars. correct
6. What is South America's smallest Spanish-speaking nation, both in area and population? Uruguay is larger than Guyana and Suriname--but natives of those countries speak British and Dutch, respectively. not correct. Bolivia is much bigger than I thought.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. presidents, and no others? Jefferson, Madison, Jackson, Lincoln, Grant, McKinley, F.D.R., and Nixon? This was meant to be an easy one--presidents that had more than one vice president. I inadvertently made it a little harder by leaving off Grover Cleveland--though I guess you could rationalize that Cleveland officially counts as two different presidents (22nd and 24th!), each of which only had one vice president. And if you buy that explanation, I have this theory about how the Emancipation Proclamation *really* took effect not in 1862 but in 1872... Alex got this even with KJ's (acknowledged) mistake.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - March 29

2011-03-29T21:07:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What hobby are you enjoying if you're using a fixer bath solution of sodium thiosulfate to remove excess quantities of silver halide? fixer bath, silver halide --> photography
2. What two classic American "muscle cars" both debuted in 1964 and were both named for types of horses? Mustang and Charger
3. Income tax day in the U.S. will be delayed this year because the District of Columbia, on April 15, has a legal holiday celebrating the 139th anniversary of what event? I think he means 149th anniversary of Emancipation Day. I knew this because yesterday I checked the IRS website to see if there is an extension of the tax deadline. Because of Emancipation Day, the tax deadline is April 18th. woo hoo!
4. Who is the only member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to have died while still legally a minor? I think Richie Valens was only 17 when Buddy Holly's plane crashed. Is he in the HoF?
5. Of what early Saturday Night Live performers did writer Michael O'Donoghue famously sniff, "I won't write for felt"? the early SNL episodes featured skits with the Muppets
6. What is South America's smallest Spanish-speaking nation, both in area and population? My guess - Bolivia
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. presidents, and no others? Jefferson, Madison, Jackson, Lincoln, Grant, McKinley, F.D.R., and Nixon?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What is the more familiar name of Bart Howard's classic cabaret song "In Other Words," which the Apollo 10 crew played for Mission Control in May 1969? "Fly Me to Moon" was actually called "In Other Words" by its composer, who clearly didn't predict the advent of the space program. correct
2. Name one recent hit TV show and one recent hit movie that both center on the reality-bending adventures that interrupt a commercial air flight between Sydney and Los Angeles. One plane crashes; the other gets to LAX just fine. The answers are Lost and Inception, of course. 1/2 correct. I had no recollection of the plane scene in Inception.
3. In early February 1940, a retired Vermont schoolteacher named Ida May Fuller was the first person to receive what in the mail? It was the very first Social Security check. Someday, maybe the person who ends up getting the LAST Social Security check will also be a trivia answer! correct
4. What is Michelangelo's David holding in his left hand? A sling, ready for any Goliath-smiting action. Does this mean the second king of Israel was left-handed? Discuss. so what if he was left-handed? Discuss. correct
5. Where are you, most probably, if you see people greeting each other with a "shaka" sign? The shaka sign is that hand-wiggling thing you do with your finer and thumb extended, so you are probably in Hawaii. If not, you are hanging out with some really annoying "haoles" who probably call everyone "brah." ah yes. Pronounced "shake-a" not "shock-a" as I thought.
6. What's the more common name for the extinct smilodon? You probably call it a "sabre-toothed cat" or "sabre-tooth tiger" if your knowledge of the species comes not from paleontology but from The Flintstones. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these world nations, and no others? Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Sweden, and the U.K. These are the world nations whose *capital* has hosted an Olympic Games. China, incidentally, is the only new addition to this list in the thirty years from 1988-2018. I think that Alex was on to this.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - March 22

2011-03-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What is the more familiar name of Bart Howard's classic cabaret song "In Other Words," which the Apollo 10 crew played for Mission Control in May 1969? Fly Me To The Moon
2. Name one recent hit TV show and one recent hit movie that both center on the reality-bending adventures that interrupt a commercial air flight between Sydney and Los Angeles. tv show is Lost. Movie - ??
3. In early February 1940, a retired Vermont schoolteacher named Ida May Fuller was the first person to receive what in the mail? A social security check
4. What is Michelangelo's David holding in his left hand? he has something over his shoulder. A sling?
5. Where are you, most probably, if you see people greeting each other with a "shaka" sign? shaka like shaka zulu? Kenya?
6. What's the more common name for the extinct smilodon? A guess - saber toothed tiger
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these world nations, and no others? Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Sweden, and the U.K. Interesting that there are no countries in Africa or South America. All Northern Hemisphere countries.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What U.S. state has the largest state flower, with diameters up to 32 inches? Sunflowers can get up to almost three feet wide, so this is the Sunflower State, Kansas. Louisiana and Mississippi postcards sometimes claim that their state flower, the magnolia, is the largest, but the biggest sunflowers are literally twice the size of the biggest magnolias. Quit lying, Mississippi and Louisiana! correct
2. Hal Needham and Yakima Canutt are among the most famous examples of what Hollywood profession? Both were at the top of the stunt performer field. Canutt did that famous slide under the horses in Stagecoach; Needham made Smokey and the Bandit II. Question for discussion: which accomplishment was more painful? correct
3. Before this week's NFL lockout, which was the most recent of the big four North American professional sports organizations to order a lockout? The NHL lockout of 2004 was the most recent. Unless you're Canadian, you probably remember how the public met this drastic announcement with an acute sense of...uh, complete apathy. correct
4. What end product is produced by "tatting"? No points for those who guessed "a tattoo." Tatting is a way of making lace. correct
5. What TV show's protagonist is a veteran of the King County, Georgia Sheriff Department, and a veteran of the Cynthiana, Kentucky Police Department in the original comics? Unlike his TV predecessor Barney Fife, Southern sheriff's deputy Rick Grames, on The Walking Dead, has brains. Wait, I said it wrong. Brraaaaaains. correct
6. What ancient city was also known as Ilium? Homer's Iliad was named for its setting, the city of Troy. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these bands? Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Backstreet Boys, Hall & Oates (sorta), INXS, Judas Priest, Kool & the Gang, the New Pornographers, 'N Sync, Poison, and the Ramones. As C.F. Turner, A.J. McLean, G.E. Smith, J.D. Fortune, K.K. Downing, J.T. Taylor, A.C. Newman, J.C. Chasez, C.C. DeVille, and C.J. Ramone could tell you, these are all bands with members who go by their initials. This list took me a while to put together...who did I forget? Alex's answer was cryptic but now I understand. J.K. Rowling on lead guitar.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - March 15

2011-03-15T22:32:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What U.S. state has the largest state flower, with diameters up to 32 inches? Kansas, the Sunflower State
2. Hal Needham and Yakima Canutt are among the most famous examples of what Hollywood profession? stuntmen?
3. Before this week's NFL lockout, which was the most recent of the big four North American professional sports organizations to order a lockout? I asked this at the O'Brien's Quiz recently. NHL
4. What end product is produced by "tatting"? a cruciverbalist word - lace
5. What TV show's protagonist is a veteran of the King County, Georgia Sheriff Department, and a veteran of the Cynthiana, Kentucky Police Department in the original comics? Would not have an answer except for the comics reference - The Walking Dead
6. What ancient city was also known as Ilium? Troy
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these bands? Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Backstreet Boys, Hall & Oates (sorta), INXS, Judas Priest, Kool & the Gang, the New Pornographers, 'N Sync, Poison, and the Ramones.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What animal is pictured on the cover of the Black-Eyed Peas' 2003 album, but not the White Stripes' 2003 album? The records are Elephunk and Elephant, respectively. Elephunk features an elephant; but Elephant, sadly, features almost no elephunk. correct
2. A whopping 2,350 miles of the Tropic of Capricon runs through what nation? For pretty much half the length it crosses land, the Tropic of Capricorn is crossing Australia. at least I had the Southern Hemisphere correct. I discounted Australia because I don't think of it as a country. But he asked "what nation." That would have been a clue if I had noticed.
3. What author never got to live in his dream house, a mansion just north of San Francisco called "Wolf House" that burned down in 1913? Today the ruins of Wolf House are a highlight of Jack London State Park. correct
4. Who traveled the country on the "Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television" tour? Conan O'Brien is no longer prohibited by NBC from being funny, though it appears the network may still be exercising that restriction on Jay Leno. ah yes. I think I missed the Team Coco question too.
5. What website, one of the U.S's 100 most-visited, has a lot of users currently worried about outages due to its Libyan domain name? I had no idea until last week that the ".ly" in URL-shortening website "bit.ly" stood for "Libya." correct
6. What U.S. military slogan was originally half of a couplet, paired with the line "To hell with Spain?" At the personal request of King Juan Carlos I of Espana, we now cut it off at "Remember the Maine." correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these movies? Annie Hall, Better Off Dead, Cat Ballou, Enchanted, Holiday Inn, Jurassic Park, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Run Lola Run, Vertigo. All have cartoon segments--and not in the credits, some actual part of each movie switches to animation. (Better Off Dead is the only one with *Clay*mation, however.) Good one, Kmac and Alex!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - March 8

2011-03-09T17:17:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What animal is pictured on the cover of the Black-Eyed Peas' 2003 album, but not the White Stripes' 2003 album? no idea of the BEP album, but the White Stripes had an album called Elephant
2. A whopping 2,350 miles of the Tropic of Capricorn runs through what nation? Is Capricorn Northern or Southern Hemisphere? That is the question. I think that it is Southern. Brazil? Not too many broad countries in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. What author never got to live in his dream house, a mansion just north of San Francisco called "Wolf House" that burned down in 1913? Wolf House North of SF --> Jack London
4. Who traveled the country on the "Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television" tour? George Carlin? because he could not say the 7 words?
5. What website, one of the U.S's 100 most-visited, has a lot of users currently worried about outages due to its Libyan domain name? Libyan domain name? I don't know the Libya two character code - li, lb, ly, la, ln. bit.ly??
6. What U.S. military slogan was originally half of a couplet, paired with the line "To hell with Spain?" "Remember the Maine"
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these movies? Annie Hall, Better Off Dead, Cat Ballou, Enchanted, Holiday Inn, Jurassic Park, Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Run Lola Run, Vertigo. Large wooden rabbits. Or dinosaurs.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. The title of what classic 1954 novel is the literal English translation of the name of the demon Beelzebub? Beelzebub is the "Lord of the Flies." Michael Flatley is "Lord of the Dance." I always get those two confused... I did not know this but really like it. A good question.
2. What comedian has said in interviews that her left earlobe has been measured as a quarter-inch longer than her right one? Carol Burnett, presumably the horrifically disfiguring result of her lifelong signature ear-tug sign-off. correct
3. A 2001 rule change designed to make the game more exciting means that regulation table tennis matches are now played to how many points? Ping-Pongers used to play to 21--now games only go to 11. The resulting flurry of excitement is why Ping-Pong is now on prime time ESPN instead of "the Ocho." missed it by that much
4. Name *two* Best Picture Oscar-winning films co-starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. The King's Speech is the easy one, but the two doughy Commonwealthers had previously co-starred in Shakespeare in Love as well. correct
5. What are also called "Roentgen rays" in German-speaking countries? Wilhelm Roentgen invented X-rays. Well, no, he probably discovered them. Maybe a German would claim he invented them. correct
6. Who is the only currently serving U.S. governor who was also serving in that office more than thirty-five years ago? Jerry Brown. See, even Jerry "Moonbeam" Brown seems to have electable gravitas when the guy he's succeeding is Arnold Schwarzeneggar! correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these world nations--and no others that I can find? Finland, Guinea, Honduras, Mexico, Oman, Panama, Thailand, Venezuela. These countries all have namesake gulfs: the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Finland, and so on. I know Iran will be angry I left it off the list, but hey, if they want to change their name back to Persia, I will reconsider. You mean Bothnia is not a country? This is another really good question. Could be used at a quiz. Name three countries that also have a namesake gulf.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - March 1

2011-03-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. The title of what classic 1954 novel is the literal English translation of the name of the demon Beelzebub? I am thinking of books with a title of "The " When did Malamud write The Natural? There certainly is a devil-like tempter in that book.
2. What comedian has said in interviews that her left earlobe has been measured as a quarter-inch longer than her right one? longer earlobe --> tugging on ear --> Carol Burnett
3. A 2001 rule change designed to make the game more exciting means that regulation table tennis matches are now played to how many points? I think it is 12
4. Name *two* Best Picture Oscar-winning films co-starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. an odd way to ask the question. The King's Speech and Shakespeare in Love (?). SIL was also a Miramax/Weinstein movie.
5. What are also called "Roentgen rays" in German-speaking countries? X rays
6. Who is the only currently serving U.S. governor who was also serving in that office more than thirty-five years ago? my governor, Jerry Brown
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these world nations--and no others that I can find? Finland, Guinea, Honduras, Mexico, Oman, Panama, Thailand, Venezuela.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. The tail of a comet always points in which direction? Away from the sun; it's the solar wind that "blows" ions away from the comet's nucleus. It's true that some comets have two or three tails, because dust and gases are affected differently by solar wind, but the principal tail (the only one whose direction is so predictably and satisfyingly straight!) always points directly away from the sun. correct
2. Before Santana plays "Black Magic Woman" in concert, the band often reminds the crowd that it's a cover of a song by what other band? It's a Fleetwood Mac song...something that, weirdly, I only learned for the first time last week. (Yes, yes, Watson has known that for years. I've heard it all before.) ok
3. What U.S. state borders two other states whose two-letter postal abbreviations are reversals of each other, like Minnesota (MN) and New Mexico (NM) are? Mississippi borders both Alabama (AL) and Louisiana (LA). correct
4. What 1517 document has a full title that ends with the phrase "on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences"? This was Martin Luther's "Ninety-Five Theses," which--contrary to popular belief--he never actually nailed onto a church door. (He used a Post-It.) correct. I was always amused to read the quote from a high school essay that said that Luther nailed 95 Protestants to the church door.
5. Who is still officially the "Eternal President" of his nation, despite having died in 1994? Kim Il-Sung is still officially president of North Korea, which is presumably why his nation is still doing as spectacularly as it was back when he was corporeally running the show. correct
6. What company made headlines last week by claiming to own a trademark on the word "footlong"? Subway tried to keep a midwestern store chain from using the word "footlong." I want this legal battle settled in the most sensible way possible: a cage match between that "Jared" guy and actor Ron Jeremy. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these American novels? Pat Conroy's The Lords of Discipline, Jonathan Franzen's Freedom, John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, John Updike's Rabbit Run, Tom Wolfe's I Am Charlotte Simmons. The sport of basketball is a crucial plot element in each. You know, there are surprisingly few great basketball novels. I was trying to make this list longer than six and had no luck. (Jim Carroll's The Basketball Diaries is obviously not optimal for these purposes.) Kmac scores again from downtown!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - February 22

2011-02-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. The tail of a comet always points in which direction? what is KJ looking for? Up? Down? Left? Right? How do you describe direction in 3 dimension space? Comets are portrayed with the head toward the sun and the tail pointing away from the sun.
2. Before Santana plays "Black Magic Woman" in concert, the band often reminds the crowd that it's a cover of a song by what other band? She's Not There is a cover of a song by the Zombies. But I did not know that Black Magic Woman was a cover. Maybe Blood, Sweat and Tears?
3. What U.S. state borders two other states whose two-letter postal abbreviations are reversals of each other, like Minnesota (MN) and New Mexico (NM) are? Alabama (AL) and Louisiana (LA) both border Mississippi
4. What 1517 document has a full title that ends with the phrase "on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences"? 1517 document? Has to be Martin Luther's 95 Theses. I can't think of another document from that era.
5. Who is still officially the "Eternal President" of his nation, despite having died in 1994? Kim Il Sung?
6. What company made headlines last week by claiming to own a trademark on the word "footlong"? Subway
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these American novels? Pat Conroy's The Lords of Discipline, Jonathan Franzen's Freedom, John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, John Updike's Rabbit Run, Tom Wolfe's I Am Charlotte Simmons.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What is the Russian word for "truth"? In a journalistic irony to make even the Fox News marketing team blush, the Russian word for "truth" is "Pravda." Da, Comrade Alex.
2. What popular product has its origins in a "non-expanding recreational foam" invented by Parker Brothers in 1969? Nerf is as acronym--who knew? correct
3. Who is the author of current and upcoming songwriting memoirs called Finishing the Hat and Look, I Made a Hat? These are quotes from Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George. correct
4. What country has the world's longest total set of land borders with other countries, slightly ahead of Russia? China has longer borders than Russia. I was surprised too. correct
5. Who is the oldest active player in the NBA? Shaq is about six months older than runners-up Kurt Thomas and Grant Hill. Luckily he has the age-defying powers of his genie character in his classic movie Kazaam. Jason Kidd is a year younger than Shaq.
6. The second law of thermodynamics states that what quantity, symbolized by the letter S, can only increase in a closed system? Entropy is like a bicycle: it doesn't go backwards. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? Badfinger's "Without You," The Band's "Sleeping," Cameo's "Word Up," Exile's "Kiss You All Over," Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love," Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," The Pixies' "Here Comes Your Man," Restless Heart's "The Bluest Eyes in Texas," Roxy Music's "More Than This." These songs were all memorably used as karaoke numbers in the movies. If you're interested, the films are: Bridget Jones's Diary, The Brothers Bloom, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Wild Hogs, The Cable Guy, Rush Hour 2, Up in the Air, (500) Days of Summer, Boys Don't Cry, and Lost in Translation. good one, Alex

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - February 15

2011-02-18T16:17:00.000-08:00

Long week. Tuesday became Friday very quickly. Busy working for company whose name and logo were prominently displayed on Jeopardy this week.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What is the Russian word for "truth"? A guess - Tass
2. What popular product has its origins in a "non-expanding recreational foam" invented by Parker Brothers in 1969? Nerf balls. If I find one around a house or apartment, I still reflexively pick it up and pretend to shoot baskets or throw a football. I think that I have non-expanding recreational foam in my DNA.
3. Who is the author of current and upcoming songwriting memoirs called Finishing the Hat and Look, I Made a Hat? Songwriter ---> have to guess Stephen Sondheim even though I don't understand the hat reference. Otherwise, Randy Newman? You can leave your hat on.
4. What country has the world's longest total set of land borders with other countries, slightly ahead of Russia? The US has 3000 miles of borders on the north 1500 or so on the south and another 1000 miles or more with Alaska. China has extensive borders on the north, west and south too. On a map, China seems to have more border length especially on the south and with Manchuria.
5. Who is the oldest active player in the NBA? Are Alonzo Mourning or Dikembe Mutombo still in the league? If not, Jason Kidd has been around a long time. I don't pay attention to the NBA.
6. The second law of thermodynamics states that what quantity, symbolized by the letter S, can only increase in a closed system? Entropy?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? Badfinger's "Without You," The Band's "Sleeping," Cameo's "Word Up," Exile's "Kiss You All Over," Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody to Love," Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," The Pixies' "Here Comes Your Man," Restless Heart's "The Bluest Eyes in Texas," Roxy Music's "More Than This." Seems evident that this involves cover versions. Each has been covered by others. Maybe songs sung by characters in Oscar nominated movies? If this relates to music videos, I give up now.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Dancer Rene Elizondo, Jr., achieved his greatest fame by doing what with his hands on the September 1993 cover of Rolling Stone? Preserving Janet Jackson's modesty (a quantity more in evidence in 1993) by, er, inventing the "hand-bra." Mr. Elizondo was also married to her at the time, so that's all right then. I had no memory of this but others did.
2. What world leader was affectionately nicknamed "Matiba"? It's been pointed out that I made a Xhosa spelling error here: Nelson Mandela's clan name is actully spelled "Madiba." That's what I get from taking all my current events knowledge from rugby movies starring Matt Damon. A lucky guess.
3. Standard DVDs are read by a red laser, but high-definition optical discs are read by a laser of what color? It's Blu-Ray, not Yello-Ray or Fuschi-Ray. That's because the laser is blue. correct
4. What tennis player made headlines by defeating Margaret Court in the "Mothers' Day Massacre" of 1973? This was Bobby Riggs' first attempt at a tennis "Batle of the Sexes" before his more famous showdown against Billie Jean King. correct
5. What does a lepidopterologist study? Lepidopterans are butterflies and moths. correct
6. Most of the fighting of the Crimean War took place in what modern-day country? The Crimea, a peninsula on the Black Sea, is now part of Ukraine. The Ukraine did make my final list of choices.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these fictional characters, listed in this order? Gregory House M.D., Paul Bunyan, Fred Flintstone, Radar O'Reilly, Mulan, Voldemort, the Lone Ranger, Zeus, Ace Ventura, Cosmo Kramer, Superman, Oliver Wendell Douglas. These twelve fictional folks each owned pets: respectively, a rat, an ox, a tiger, a rabbit, a dragon, a snake, a horse, a ram, a monkey, a rooster, a dog, and a pig. In other words, the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac! The iffiest member of this list is almost certainly Zeus. The ram Aries is referred to as a pet of Zeus in many modern retellings of the Golden Fleece myth, but I have no idea if that's ancient notion or not. Excellent get by Kmac and friend.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - February 8

2011-02-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Dancer Rene Elizondo, Jr., achieved his greatest fame by doing what with his hands on the September 1993 cover of Rolling Stone? is this a photo that is iconic? I don't recall anything about this. For example, I don't think anyone else was on the cover with Demi Moore.
2. What world leader was affectionately nicknamed "Matiba"? affectionately? Not too many world leaders are regarded that way. Nelson Mandela?
3. Standard DVDs are read by a red laser, but high-definition optical discs are read by a laser of what color? blue (must be where blueray comes from)
4. What tennis player made headlines by defeating Margaret Court in the "Mothers' Day Massacre" of 1973? Bobby Riggs
5. What does a lepidopterologist study? butterflies
6. Most of the fighting of the Crimean War took place in what modern-day country? Armenia? Ukraine? Russia?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these fictional characters, listed in this order? Gregory House M.D., Paul Bunyan, Fred Flintstone, Radar O'Reilly, Mulan, Voldemort, the Lone Ranger, Zeus, Ace Ventura, Cosmo Kramer, Superman, Oliver Wendell Douglas. What an eclectic group. Oliver Wendell Douglas is the name of Eddie Albert's character on Green Acres. In order? Is this a Simpsons or Family Guy question? Or do their initials correspond to something else in order?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What country's ten-centavo piece features the Southern Cross on one side and Emperor Pedro I on the other? When Pedro I was Emperor of Brazil, he was also the King of Portugal--an honor shared by no other Brazilian ever, except, I believe, Pele. guess I need to learn more South American history
2. Many Disney animated films have had straight-to-video sequels, but name either of the (non-Pixar) two that have had *theatrical* sequels released. Among the "canonical" Disney animated films, only Fantasia and The Rescuers have had canonical sequels. But I realized after the fact that a few of the cheapo Winnie-the-Pooh sequels were theatrical, so we counted that answer as well. Fantasia - correct. But the Rescuers? What an obscure lousy answer.
3. What unit of geologic time can be divided into between three and six smaller units called periods? Epochs form periods, but periods combine to form eras. a good question. I mixed up epochs and eras.
4. Since 2009, who has been the owner of the Shanghai Sharks? When this Chinese Basketball Association team was struggling in 2009, its former superstar Yao Ming bought them out. correct
5. What well-known American senator of the 1950s has a name that becomes that of a different senator of his era--an ideological rival, though from a neighboring state--if you remove the first word of his full name? Let's just say that Minnesota's Eugene Joseph McCarthy preferred it when people didn't drop his first name. a lucky guess
6. What TV duo of the 1990s was featured in a reference book called the "Ensucklopedia"? Beavis and Butt-head are chronicled in the Ensucklopedia, huh huh. Huh. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these countries and no others? Armenia, Cyprus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Malta, Spain, and Syria? These are all the countries mentioned in the Bible (King James Version, if you're curious). After going back and forth, I decided not to include Jordan, which appears hundreds of times as a biblical river, but never as a namesake nation or region. If you say so. No mention of the United States?

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - February 1

2011-02-01T21:59:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What country's ten-centavo piece features the Southern Cross on one side and Emperor Pedro I on the other? is this a South American country? Chile?
2. Many Disney animated films have had straight-to-video sequels, but name either of the (non-Pixar) two that have had *theatrical* sequels released. Fantasia comes to mind right away. Tron doesn't count as animated, does it?
3. What unit of geologic time can be divided into between three and six smaller units called periods? a guess - Epochs
4. Since 2009, who has been the owner of the Shanghai Sharks? no idea what sport, but it has to be Yao Ming
5. What well-known American senator of the 1950s has a name that becomes that of a different senator of his era--an ideological rival, though from a neighboring state--if you remove the first word of his full name? well-known senator of the 1950s --> Joe McCarthy? He would definitely have ideological rivals.
6. What TV duo of the 1990s was featured in a reference book called the "Ensucklopedia"? sure sounds like Beavis and Butthead
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these countries and no others? Armenia, Cyprus, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Malta, Spain, and Syria? Lot of Mediterranean countries plus Armenia, Ethiopia and India.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What kind of geographic feature can have a "calving face"? Calving is the production of icebergs from glaciers, ice shelves, and the like. correct
2. Hip-hop star Wiz Khalifa dedicated his recent hit "Black and Yellow" to the sports teams of what city, his hometown? The Steelers' black-and-gold scheme has been adopted by every other Pittsburgh team, a uniform uniformity unique to that city. correct
3. Gabrielle Giffords' survival of the recent shooting in Arizona means that the last sitting U.S. Congressman to be assassinated is still Leo Ryan, killed on November 18, 1978 as part of what tragic news story? Ryan was killed in Guyana by members of the Peoples Temple on the day of the Jonestown Massacre. I believe he's still the only member of Congress assassinated while in office. correct
4. The largest cathedral in New Orleans shares its name with what other large U.S. city? The oldest cathedral in the Americans is named for Saint Louis. wrong Saint. maybe a good question - what is the largest city in the US that is named for a Saint. Or that begins Saint "blank." I think we had a Fort question a while back. Name the most populous Fort city.
5. What company announced last week that its products would now be available in a new, larger size: the "Trenta"? The Trenta already available at some Starbucks is twice as large as the Venti. correct
6. What late TV star's wife once joked that his headstone would read "Here Lies Mr. C. -- Who Used to Be Mr. B."? Tom Bosley, who played Mr. Cunningham on TV's Happy Days, passed away last October. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these films? Chaplin, Contact, The Day of the Locust, Elephant, The King's Speech, Pearl Harbor, The Rocketeer, Zelig. These are all movies that feature documentary footage of Hitler. If, like me, you tend to review movies based on how much documentary footage of Hitler they contain, this is an important list. good one, Kmac! With the inclusion of Zelig, you would think that the answer had something to do with characters in history. But I have not seen any of the other movies to recognize the pattern of Hitler archival footage.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - January 25

2011-01-25T16:17:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What kind of geographic feature can have a "calving face"? icebergs
2. Hip-hop star Wiz Khalifa dedicated his recent hit "Black and Yellow" to the sports teams of what city, his hometown? I cringed when I read "hip hop star." However it's a sports question. Pittsburgh
3. Gabrielle Giffords' survival of the recent shooting in Arizona means that the last sitting U.S. Congressman to be assassinated is still Leo Ryan, killed on November 18, 1978 as part of what tragic news story? Jonestown massacre
4. The largest cathedral in New Orleans shares its name with what other large U.S. city? St. Paul?
5. What company announced last week that its products would now be available in a new, larger size: the "Trenta"? Starbucks
6. What late TV star's wife once joked that his headstone would read "Here Lies Mr. C. -- Who Used to Be Mr. B."? Tom Bosley, aka Howard Cunningham or Mr. C. Aayyyyy.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these films? Chaplin, Contact, The Day of the Locust, Elephant, The King's Speech, Pearl Harbor, The Rocketeer, Zelig.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Who is the only Catholic saint to have been excommunicated by the church? I had read that Joan of Arc was the only recipient of this, surely God's most dramatic flip-flop. But I'm informed that a recently canonized Australian named Mary McKillop also makes the cut. Interesting that Joan of Arc was not beatified until 500 years after her death. Took a while to build up a good PR campaign.
2. Instead of the standard "IV," how is the number 4 typically represented in Roman numerals on clock faces? It's usually "IIII," for reasons that no one is really clear on. correct. maybe the story about James V not wanting I to stand before his is apocrophal
3. The house in which Bob Dylan recorded his "Basement Tapes" famously had siding of what color? Dylan and his backup band called the house "Big Pink" due to its siding, which is why The Band's debut album is called Music from Big Pink. correct
4. What one-named celebrity recently "wrote" her first novel, titled A Shore Thing? Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi from Jersey Shore...and it's now a bestseller! Well done, America. correct
5. What is far and away the world's largest archipelagic (island) nation, at over 735,000 square miles? Indonesia is more than three times bigger than the next runner-up, Madagascar. (Australia doesn't count because of its continent-ness, but if it did, it would be much, much bigger than either.) correct
6. What word in the title of a recent hit film is a computer term referring to outdated systems that nevertheless stay in use? The subtitle of Tron: Legacy is (among other things) a computer-ese joke about "legacy" systems. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. states, listed in this order? Delaware, Ohio, Hawaii, New York, New York, Texas, the District of Columbia, Colorado, Iowa, Washington. These are the home states of the people who currently lead the line of presidential succession in the U.S.: Vice President Biden first, then Speaker of the House John Boehner, than President Pro Tempore of the Senate Daniel Inouye, and so on down through the cabinet. I was on the right track, just did not do the research to get the correct answer.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - January 18

2011-01-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Who is the only Catholic saint to have been excommunicated by the church? Did the excommunication come before or after the sainthood? Who would have done something so heinous as to be excommunicated? Someone from the Reformation like Martin Luther or Henry VIII? I like this question, but no one comes to mind immediately.
2. Instead of the standard "IV," how is the number 4 typically represented in Roman numerals on clock faces? Must be IIII. Are there any other possible answers?
3. The house in which Bob Dylan recorded his "Basement Tapes" famously had siding of what color? The Band recorded the Basement Tapes with Dylan. Is this the reference from the album by The Band about the Big Pink?
4. What one-named celebrity recently "wrote" her first novel, titled A Shore Thing? Snookie
5. What is far and away the world's largest archipelagic (island) nation, at over 735,000 square miles? archipelagic island nation? Indonesia occupies a lot of islands, including some big ones.
6. What word in the title of a recent hit film is a computer term referring to outdated systems that nevertheless stay in use? The spirit of KJ TT says that you are not supposed to do research for Q1-6. But I am really tempted here. Kludge? Legacy? I wonder if this is another of those terms that he claims are common jargon but which I have never heard . . .Strike that last part. I just went the Arclight and realized that Tron: Legacy fits. If at first you don't succeed, tron, tron again.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. states, listed in this order? Delaware, Ohio, Hawaii, New York, New York, Texas, the District of Columbia, Colorado, Iowa, Washington. An eccentric grouping. NY listed twice. Includes Delaware and DC which make me think of something related to politics.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. The Barents and Beaufort Seas are part of which ocean? Located north of Russia and Canada, respectively, these two seas are part of the Arctic Ocean. correct
2. What singer has had two of his biggest hits legislatively proposed as new state songs for Colorado and West Virginia, respectively? The late John Denver, with the songs "Rocky Mountain High" and "Take Me Home Country Roads." I wonder if my native Washington State ever thought of switching over to "Leaving on a Jet Plane" in honor of Boeing. correct
3. What term for a chemical alkane usually refers to kerosene in the United Kingdom, but to a kind of wax in the U.S.? The Brits call kerosene "paraffin," which presumably means that wax lips in that country taste REALLY gross. correct
4. What annual event was informally dubbed, in its 2005 incarnation, the "Sidney Crosby Sweepstakes"? Current Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby was the NHL's hottest prospect that year; his sweepstakes was the draft lottery. (We accepted any hockey draft-related answer.) correct
5. In 1820, a British smuggler named Johnstone offered, for 40,000 pounds, to build a submarine and rescue what man from the South Atlantic? Johnstone offered the French to get Napoleon away from his exile on St. Helena, but the scheme never came to fruition. Good one, Alex
6. What Oscar-winning film originated in a 1976 script called "The Cut-Whore Killings"? By the time it finally got made over a decade later, it had been renamed Unforgiven, since movies without "Whore" in the title tend to have greatest commercial success. Ah, yes. The "other" movie besides LA Confidential about cut-whores and killings.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these famous people? Gary Cooper, Xavier Cugat, Marcel Duchamp, Dave Eggers, Federico Fellini, Fred Gwynne, Hugh Hefner, Emmett Kelly, Martin Landau, John Updike. A toughie: all these luminaries were aspiring cartoonists before they achieved fame in other fields. it is so tough that it is not even that interesting to know

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - January 11 (1/11/11)

2011-01-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. The Barents and Beaufort Seas are part of which ocean? Arctic Ocean
2. What singer has had two of his biggest hits legislatively proposed as new state songs for Colorado and West Virginia, respectively? John Denver (probably Rocky Mountain High and Take Me Home, Country Roads)
3. What term for a chemical alkane usually refers to kerosene in the United Kingdom, but to a kind of wax in the U.S.? paraffin
4. What annual event was informally dubbed, in its 2005 incarnation, the "Sidney Crosby Sweepstakes"? is he referring to the NHL draft? or the season results that determined which team would win the Sidney Crosby sweepstakes?
5. In 1820, a British smuggler named Johnstone offered, for 40,000 pounds, to build a submarine and rescue what man from the South Atlantic? who was stranded or captured in the South Atlantic in 1820? Some Brit named Falkland?
6. What Oscar-winning film originated in a 1976 script called "The Cut-Whore Killings"? Sure sounds like LA Confidential. It was not the best picture (I am still bitter that Titanic beat it), but I believe that Brian Helgeland deservedly won for his terrific script.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these famous people? Gary Cooper, Xavier Cugat, Marcel Duchamp, Dave Eggers, Federico Fellini, Fred Gwynne, Hugh Hefner, Emmett Kelly, Martin Landau, John Updike. Seeing Hef on that list makes me think of something related to spouses.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. The animal that's called an ermine in the winter when it has white fur is, during the rest of the year, known as what? It's a stoat, a kind of weasel. I guess if I sold furs, I wouldn't advertise "weasel coat" either. correct
2. What author had hit movies made of his first seven novels, until 1997's The Partner broke the streak? John Grisham. America's bizarre box office fascination with improbable Southern legal thrillers ended with the 2003 film Runaway Jury. But producers are developing The Partner as we speak, so Grisham's streak might soon be up to eight straight. correct
3. Where would you find the fictional couple that some fans call "Kurt Coblaine"? Kurt and Blaine are the still-just-friends that America has fallen in love with on TV's Glee. correct
4. What communications technology takes its name from an epithet for King Harald I of Denmark? Bluetooth devices borrow that name from Harald Bluetooth, the tenth-century Danish king who, quite frankly, should have flossed more often. good one, Alex
5. Who's the only artist ever to have three Billboard #1 singles with questions for titles--in 1986, 1987, and 1988? "How Will I Know?" wondered Whitney Houston to herself. "Didn't We Almost Have It All? Where Do Broken Hearts Go?" well done, Kmac
6. How many articles does the U.S. Constitution have? Seven. If you have to memorize one for a school project, pick VII. It's short. Don't know why I thought there were 8. Guess I should re-read the Constitution, especially the articles.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these athletes? Ernie Banks, Chauncey Billups, Steve Garvey, Glenn Hall, Gordie Howe, Reggie Jackson, Bob Lilly, and Jerry West. Fans called them all "Mister" something: Mr. Cub, Mr. Big Shot, Mr. Clean, Mr. Goalie, Mr. Hockey, Mr. October, Mr. Cowboy, and Mr. Clutch, respectively. correct

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - January 4

2011-01-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. The animal that's called an ermine in the winter when it has white fur is, during the rest of the year, known as what? stoat?
2. What author had hit movies made of his first seven novels, until 1997's The Partner broke the streak? John Grisham
3. Where would you find the fictional couple that some fans call "Kurt Coblaine"? Glee (gay couple Kurt and Blaine)
4. What communications technology takes its name from an epithet for King Harald I of Denmark? I like this question even if I am not sure of the answer. Skype? Twitter?
5. Who's the only artist ever to have three Billboard #1 singles with questions for titles--in 1986, 1987, and 1988? Trying to think of songs that begin "who, what, where, when, why, how." Who would have hit #1 three straight years in the 80s - Madonna? Prince?
6. How many articles does the U.S. Constitution have? I seem to recall 8 articles (followed by 27 amendments)
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these athletes? Ernie Banks, Chauncey Billups, Steve Garvey, Glenn Hall, Gordie Howe, Reggie Jackson, Bob Lilly, and Jerry West. They all seem to have nicknames that fit a pattern - Mr Cub, Mr Big Shot, Mr Clean, Mr Goalie, Mr Hockey, Mr October, Mr Cowboy, Mr Clutch

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS

1. What busy airport is home to the Tom Bradley International Terminal? The late Bradley was mayor of Los Angeles from 1973 to 1993. His namesake terminal is at LAX. correct
2. The title of what 1970 move refers to two Mozart piano compositions, two Chopin compositions, and a Bach fugue? Apologies for the typo: that obviously should have been "1970 movie," not "1970 move. The only 1970 moves I can think of were from James Brown and Bobby Fischer. These compositions are the "Five Easy Pieces" played by Jack Nicholson when he's not ordering chicken salad sandwiches at diners, hold the chicken. BETWEEN YOUR KNEEEEES!
3. Google made headlines this month by leaving what venerable keyboard key off its new notebook computers? CAPS LOCK may be going the way of the dodo. Wait a second, how am I supposed to type BETWEEN YOUR KNEEEES! from now on? I think KJ should accept Function keys since they are omitted too. Caps Lock may not even be a 100% correct answer. Reportedly, Chrome OS will let you to revert back to a Caps Lock key in its settings tool.
4. What TV star attended Northwestern University in real life, though his TV character of the same name is a Dartmouth grad? "Stephen Colbert" has a much more impressive resume than Stephen Colbert does. correct
5. What insect performs its most notable function using a substance called "luciferin"? The name "Lucifer" means "morning star," and lent its name to the stuff that fireflies use to glow. "morning star"? Shoudn't that be "light bearer"?
6. Of what building did Shah Jahan write, "Should a sinner make his way to this mansion, / All his past sins are to be washed away"? Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his dead wife. Uh, the one in India, not Atlantic City. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? "The Weight" by The Band, "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" by James Brown, "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen, "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay, "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" by Bing Crosby, "Desolation Row" by Bob Dylan, "Your Love" by Nicki Minaj, "Who Am I Living For?" by Kate Perry, "Man on the Moon" by R.E.M., "Bullet the Blue Sky" by U2. These are all songs that name-check Bible characters. Respectively, to save you some Googling: Luke, Noah, David, Peter, Jonah, Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve, Esther, Moses, and Jacob. Actually, now that I think about it, "The Weight" is a pretty iffy addition. But hey, it does take place in Nazareth. correct!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - December 28

2010-12-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What busy airport is home to the Tom Bradley International Terminal? LAX
2. The title of what 1970 move refers to two Mozart piano compositions, two Chopin compositions, and a Bach fugue? move? or movie?
3. Google made headlines this month by leaving what venerable keyboard key off its new notebook computers? I recall hearing that they were eliminating function keys
4. What TV star attended Northwestern University in real life, though his TV character of the same name is a Dartmouth grad? Trying to think of actors whose character has the same name. Jim Belushi, but I don't think his show is still on. Stephen Colbert?
5. What insect performs its most notable function using a substance called "luciferin"? luciferin sounds diabolical. Spiders?
6. Of what building did Shah Jahan write, "Should a sinner make his way to this mansion, / All his past sins are to be washed away"? Shah Jahan --> Taj Mahal
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? "The Weight" by The Band, "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" by James Brown, "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen, "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay, "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" by Bing Crosby, "Desolation Row" by Bob Dylan, "Your Love" by Nicki Minaj, "Who Am I Living For?" by Kate Perry, "Man on the Moon" by R.E.M., "Bullet the Blue Sky" by U2. Biblical references in the lyrics - Moses and Luke, Noah, David, St Peter, Jonah and Noah, etc.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. How many tiny reindeer pull Santa's sleigh, in the poem that begins "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"? Eight tiny reindeer--Rudolph was a later addition. correct
2. What sitcom featured a character with the very festive full name of "Christmas Noelle Snow"? Chrissy Snow, Suzanne Somers's character on Three's Company, was saddled with that wintry nightmare of a name, for which at least three different explanations were given on the show.
3. Which of the three traditional gifts brought by the three wise men has the highest market value today? Frankincense and myrrh, being nothing but tree sap with vaguely aromatic/ medicinal properties, retail for just a few dollars an ounce. Gold is about a hundred times more valuable. correct
4. Rod Carew was a Minnesota Twin, but who are the only *real* twins name-checked in Adam Sandler's "Hanukkah Song"? Ann Landers and her sister Dear Abby. (Harrison Ford's a quarter Jewish--not too shabby!) correct
5. Most commercial Advent calendars begin on what date? The actual dates of Advent move around, since the period officially begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, but the eponymous calendars typically just start on December 1. gonna remember to use this for the holiday quiz next year
6. "Christmas disease" is another name for the 'B' type of what disease, most famously suffered by Alexei Romanov? Hemophilia B was named for Stephen Christmas, the first patient in which it was identified. correct
7. What unusual distinction is held by these countries in this order, and no others? Spain, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia. These are the (modern-day) sources of the four "ethnic" dances in the second act of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker: a Spanish dance, an Arabian dance, a Chinese dance, and a Russian dance. When I first came up with this question, I thought there were a few more countries on this list, but it turns out the list just SEEMED longer when I took my four-ear-old daughter to The Nutcracker a couple weeks ago. I can probably work this into the quiz next December too

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - December 21

2010-12-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. How many tiny reindeer pull Santa's sleigh, in the poem that begins "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"? a miniature sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer
2. What sitcom featured a character with the very festive full name of "Christmas Noelle Snow"? Christmas ---> Chris ---> Everybody Hates Chris perhaps
3. Which of the three traditional gifts brought by the three wise men has the highest market value today? gold, frankincense, myrrh. We know gold's value is over $1000/pound. No idea on the others. Where would you find a market for frankincense or myrrh to establish a price? It's simplest to guess gold.
4. Rod Carew was a Minnesota Twin, but who are the only *real* twins name-checked in Adam Sandler's "Hanukkah Song"? we've got Ann Landers and her sister Dear Abby
5. Most commercial Advent calendars begin on what date? A great question for this time of year. Sadly, I have no idea. I don't even know how many windows an Advent calendar contains. Trader Joes used to stock advent calendars but I have not seen them recently.
6. "Christmas disease" is another name for the 'B' type of what disease, most famously suffered by Alexei Romanov? Alexei Romanov - is he the Tsar's son who was a hemophiliac?
7. What unusual distinction is held by these countries in this order, and no others? Spain, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. The late scientist Rosalind Franklin has sometimes been called the "Dark Lady of" what molecule? Rosalind Franklin provided the crucial (and unsung) piece of evidence that led to Watson and Crick's discovery of the double-helix model of DNA. It turns out that if you're a 1950s scientist who wants recognition for your work, it helps not to be (a) Jewish and (b) a woman. Why is she called the Dark Lady? For working in the shadows? That might have been a helpful clue.
2. Who was the only artist to have a Billboard #1 single during every year of the 1990s, the only time an artist has every accomplished this during an entire decade? Mariah Carey is the only person to achieve this on the Hot 100 in the rock era...and the first person period to do it since the 1920s! But even Mariah needed a little luck: if her 1993 hit "Hero" hadn't stayed at #1 for the first two weeks of January 1994, she would have had a gap that year. correct
3. America's most visited national park is named for what mountain range? Great Smoky Mountains National Park, amazingly, gets almost as many visitors as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite put together! correct
4. What famed political dynasty is currently led by the former Sonia Maino of Lusiana, Italy? The Congress Party of India is currently led by Rajiv Gandhi's widow, the Italian-born Sonia Gandhi...and her foreign birthplace is the only reason she isn't prime minister right now. (We accepted either "Nehru" or "Gandhi," if you're curious.) this is the fun fact that I learned from this week's KJTT
5. The top four most highly-paid players in major league baseball today all play for what team? The New York Yankees. (A-Rod, Sabathia, Jeter, Teixeira.) If you got this wrong, you are probably not American, but you are probably okay with that. correct
6. In what country did the popular melted-cheese dishes of fondue and raclette originate? Both are Swiss. Bonus question: what will the Jennings family be eating on Christmas Eve this year? Answer: raclette. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these films? Fahrenheit 451, Kick-Ass, Minority Report, Return of the Jedi, Sleeper, Thunderball. JET PACKS! JET PACKS! JET PACKS! Rarely do I resort to all caps for the answer of a Question Seven, but c'mon, who doesn't love movies with jet packs? Q7s about specific details in movies are really difficult

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - December 14

2010-12-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. The late scientist Rosalind Franklin has sometimes been called the"Dark Lady of" what molecule? I don't know Rosalind Franklin or what she studied. Was she a physicist? Biologist? Astronomer?
2. Who was the only artist to have a Billboard #1 single during every year of the 1990s, the only time an artist has every accomplished this during an entire decade? the successful artists throughout the decade seem to be females - Mariah Carey, Madonna, Christina Aguilera. I'll guess Mariah Carey
3. America's most visited national park is named for what mountain range? Great Smokey Mountains
4. What famed political dynasty is currently led by the former Sonia Maino of Lusiana, Italy? In what country does this political dynasty exist? Political dynasty - I think of the Bushes, Perons, etc. Does Sonia Maino lead the Medicis? Or the Borgias? Or the Guggenheims or Rockefellers?
5. The top four most highly-paid players in major league baseball today all play for what team? NY Yankees - ARod, Texiera, Sabathia, one other
6. In what country did the popular melted-cheese dishes of fondue and raclette originate? Switzerland
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these films? Fahrenheit 451, Kick-Ass, Minority Report, Return of the Jedi, Sleeper, Thunderball.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What TV series has featured eight regular characters named Thomas, including James Frain as Thomas Cromwell, Sam Neill as Thomas Wolsey, and Hans Matheson as Thomas Cranmer? If you're like me, you might remember some of these names from a ninth-grade Western Civ class. If you're not like me and get Showtime, you might remember them from various seasons of The Tudors.
2. What kind of consumer product was long made from the "Manilkara chicle" tree of Central America? Chicle is the (now-replaced-by-synethics) stuff that makes chewing gum chewy. correct
3. What 2010 film was based on the best-selling book Between a Rock and a Hard Place? It's one of those VERY LITERAL titles: this was Aron Ralston's book about being trapped under a boulder while hiking in Canyonlands National Park, and the subsequent James Franco movie is called 127 Hours. I have heard of this movie, but have not paid enough attention to the releases this year to think of it.
4. What European country has a higher population density by far than any other nation on earth? Tiny Monaco is more than twice as dense as runner-up Singapore, with a whopping 43,000 people per square mile. (The Vatican was a good guess, but not many of its denizens live
on-site apparently. It's dense, but like a tenth as dense as Monaco.) correct
5. What controversial 1988 novel is named for an alleged text allowing prayers to be offered to three pagan goddesses: Allat, Uzza, and Manat? Those are the so-called "satanic verses" that, in some legends, the devil tempted Muhammad to include in the Qur'an. (plz no Tuesday Trivia fatwa thx!) correct
6. What are Zener cards used to test for? ESP or telepathy. These are those cards you see at the beginning of Ghostbusters, with the circle, wavy lines, etc. I guess my Spidey sense is not well developed since I did not think of this.
7. What unusual distinction do these famous people have in common? Salmon Chase, Terry Chimes, Bob Cousy, Barry Gibb, Dick LeBeau, Michael Palin. Okay, this is a little goofy, but try to follow along: these people all have the *same initials* as the group to which they most famously belonged. To wit: Supreme Court, The Clash, Boston Celtics, Bee Gees, Detroit Lions, Monty Python. Clever. I like this question even if I did not see the pattern until now. In contrast to some other Q7s, this really is a "unique distinction."

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - December 7

2010-12-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What TV series has featured eight regular characters named Thomas, including James Frain as Thomas Cromwell, Sam Neill as Thomas Wolsey, and Hans Matheson as Thomas Cranmer? is it a current show? Law and Order?
2. What kind of consumer product was long made from the "Manilkara chicle" tree of Central America? chicle --> chewing gum
3. What 2010 film was based on the best-selling book Between a Rock and a Hard Place? I did not know that movies were made based on anything other than fairy tales, comic books, graphic novels and other movies.
4. What European country has a higher population density by far than any other nation on earth? Vatican is not a country, right? Based on the number of high rises I saw, I would guess Monaco.
5. What controversial 1988 novel is named for an alleged text allowing prayers to be offered to three pagan goddesses: Allat, Uzza, and Manat? a guess - The Satanic Verses
6. What are Zener cards used to test for? I think those are used to test for allergies
7. What unusual distinction do these famous people have in common? Salmon Chase, Terry Chimes, Bob Cousy, Barry Gibb, Dick LeBeau, Michael Palin. Each was a member of a well known team of people. But I cannot find a more distinct connection. I had not previously heard of Terry Chimes, but he preceded Topper Headon in The Clash.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. In the last year, Lady Gaga and Beyonce have collaborated on two hits both named for what kind of device? "Telephone" and "Video Phone" are two songs that are both about telephones. "Smooth Operator" and Lionel Richie's "Hello" are two songs that are NOT about telephones.
2. Scientists recently discovered that the human lungs are home to one of the five types of what structure, found in great numbers (as many as ten thousand) elsewhere in the body? Your lungs have tastebuds in them! Just the bitterness-tasting kind, for some reason. Maybe that is part of the attraction of smoking. If so, the tastebuds in my lungs will be forever unsatisfied.
3. "Dirty Harry" Callahan is a cop in what city's police department? San Francisco, as you might remember from watching Zodiac if you're too young to remember the Dirty Harry movies. correct
4. What's the maximum number of sharp (or flat) symbols that can make up a key signature in music? Seven sharps (C#) and seven flats (Cb) are possible, though they're not used much, since there are similar enharmonic ways to represent the same key.
5. Jammu is the southwesternnmost part of what disputed region? The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir comprises much of the Kashmiri territory disputed with Pakistan. close enough
6. What former British prime minister headed his family's namesake publishing house in the 1970s, after he left office? The venerable Macmillan Publishers was founded by the same family that later produced British PM Harold Macmillan. I think they also had something to do with the TV series McMillan & Wife. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these TV series? Desperate Housewives, I Dream of Jeannie, Monty Python's Flying Circus, My Three Sons, The Nanny, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, The Partridge Family, The Rosie O'Donnell Show. They all have animated title sequences. I'd like to see that Partridge Family peacock hanging out with the animated Barbara Eden, Rosie O'Donnell, and Fran Drescher from their respective shows. Especially if they then all got stomped on by a big Terry Gilliam foot. correct. I too would love to see the Terry Gilliam foot stomp especially if accompanied by a Splat.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - November 30

2010-12-03T22:36:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. In the last year, Lady Gaga and Beyonce have collaborated on two hits both named for what kind of device? I concede on any questions about Beyonce or Lady Gaga. Device? How about an iPod.
2. Scientists recently discovered that the human lungs are home to one of the five types of what structure, found in great numbers (as many as ten thousand) elsewhere in the body? Structure? What is he talking about? A Frame?
3. "Dirty Harry" Callahan is a cop in what city's police department? San Francisco
4. What's the maximum number of sharp (or flat) symbols that can make up a key signature in music? I also concede on any questions about musical notation.
5. Jammu is the southwesternnmost part of what disputed region? A guess - Kashmir.
6. What former British prime minister headed his family's namesake publishing house in the 1970s, after he left office? Harold Macmillan
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these TV series? Desperate Housewives, I Dream of Jeannie, Monty Python's Flying Circus, My Three Sons, The Nanny, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, The Partridge Family, The Rosie O'Donnell Show. I am of course intrigued by the inclusion of Monty Python. But I would not need that clue to guess an answer. The opening credits for all are some form of animation.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What modern country was called the "jewel in the crown" of the British Empire? British India was the figurative jewel in Victoria's crown. correct
2. A month ago in Saitama, the last Japanese factory closed that was still producing what electronics product that debuted in 1979? Sony Walkmen had a good run, but they're no longer being made...in Japan, anyway. Believer it or not, some Chinese factories still make them for other markets. Hey, Sony kept making Betamax products until 2002. correct
3. The Freedonia Gazette was the longtime fan magazine devoted to what comedy team? Freedonia is the tiny nation where the movie Duck Soup takes place ("the land of the spree and the home of the knave") so the answer is the Marx Brothers. correct
4. Before 1913, the U.S. Department of Labor was a part of what other Cabinet-level department? It was briefly the Department of Commerce and Labor. But you know how commerce and labor NEVER end up getting along... correct
5. The "Up Your Nose with a Rubber Hose" Game was a board game released in 1976 as a tie-in with what TV series? Masterpiece Theater. No, wait. Welcome Back, Kotter. I always get those confused. correct
6. What's the only currently married couple in which both partners have won all four events in tennis's Grand Slam? The Andre Agassi-Steffi Graf marriage is also a pretty solid mixed doubles team. MUCH better than Pete Sampras-Bridgette Wilson. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these birds, and no others? Bird of paradise, crane, crow, dove, eagle, peafowl, swan, and toucan. They'are all found in the night sky: these are the only birds that are also constellations. (Well, real-life birds. There's a phoenix up there as well.) A toucan constellation?

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - November 23

2010-11-26T22:06:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What modern country was called the "jewel in the crown" of the British Empire? India
2. A month ago in Saitama, the last Japanese factory closed that was still producing what electronics product that debuted in 1979? Sony Walkman
3. The Freedonia Gazette was the longtime fan magazine devoted to what comedy team? Marx Brothers
4. Before 1913, the U.S. Department of Labor was a part of what other Cabinet-level department? Dept of Commerce?
5. The "Up Your Nose with a Rubber Hose" Game was a board game released in 1976 as a tie-in with what TV series? Welcome Back Kotter
6. What's the only currently married couple in which both partners have won all four events in tennis's Grand Slam? Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these birds, and no others? Bird of paradise, crane, crow, dove, eagle, peafowl, swan, and toucan. A guess - the male and female of the species have different names (e.g., cob vs. pen, peacock vs. peahen).

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Since Switzerland joined the United Nations in 2002, what has become the only nonmember "permanent observer" state of the U.N.? The Vatican is still not a U.N. member, but it likes to watch. I am never certain what term to use to accurately describe the Vatican. Is it a state?
2. What product has recently advertised itself by coining new words like "Peanutopolis," "Satisfectellent," and "Hungerectomy"? Remember those ugly new words in the Snickers font in their ads? Would you want to eat something that was "Satisfectellent"? Ugh. It's feculent AND repellent! correct
3. What major North American sports team is planning a 2012 move from its current city to New York City, which will make it the first team to play in Brooklyn since the Dodgers moved? The New Jersey Nets are planning on becoming the New York Nets soon. correct
4. What substance was once classified into a "yellow" variety, actually a fossil resin, and a "gray" variety, actually a precious oil from sperm whales? The ancients thought that ambergris was literally "gray amber," a darker version of regular yellow amber. The ancients may have figured out trigonometry and stuff, but sometimes they could be just as dumb as we are. I guess that amber is correct. But I also learned from this question that amber is not the same as ambergris.
5. The Los Angeles Police Department retired its badge number 714 to honor the 1982 death of what TV actor? Jack Webb wore badge 714 as Joe Friday on Dragnet. correct
6. The Greek island of Patmos is home to a much-visited cave in which, according to tradition, what religious figure once lived? The Book of Revelation was supposedly written on Patmos, by none other than St. John, the apostle. We went through a lot of religious figures in trying to guess an answer but St John was not one of the possibilities I thought of. Guess I needed more clues.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these music acts and no others? Jimmy Buffett, the Grateful Dead, B. B. King, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and now Pearl Jam? These are all the artists with their very own satellite radio station. Are there really Sirius or XM subscribers that want to hear 24 hours of Pearl Jam a day? Think how much weed you'd have to smoke to actually like the later albums. KMac got this. Was I misled in expecting to see Dylan on the list - http://www.xmradio.com/bobdylan/ ?

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - November 16

2010-11-16T12:23:00.001-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Since Switzerland joined the United Nations in 2002, what has become the only nonmember "permanent observer" state of the U.N.? The Palestinian Authority?
2. What product has recently advertised itself by coining new words like "Peanutopolis," "Satisfectellent," and "Hungerectomy"? peanuts, satisfies, hunger ---> Snickers
3. What major North American sports team is planning a 2012 move from its current city to New York City, which will make it the first team to play in Brooklyn since the Dodgers moved? the NJ Nets
4. What substance was once classified into a "yellow" variety, actually a fossil resin, and a "gray" variety, actually a precious oil from sperm whales? fossil resin ---> amber
5. The Los Angeles Police Department retired its badge number 714 to honor the 1982 death of what TV actor? Jack Webb
6. The Greek island of Patmos is home to a much-visited cave in which, according to tradition, what religious figure once lived? don't know that I have heard of this before. Mohammad? Jesus? Abraham?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these music acts and no others? Jimmy Buffett, the Grateful Dead, B. B. King, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and now Pearl Jam? does this relate to awards? What has Pearl Jam done lately to be added to this list?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What hero of the 2010 World Cup died last month in Oberhausen, Germany? Paul the amazing match-predicting octopus died at the ripe old (for octopi) age of two. He is survived by his American counterpart, Arnie the Point-Shaving Squid. correct
2. In the Rolling Stones song "Satisfaction," what type of product does the singer watch a TV commercial for? Well, the spokesperson tells Mick "how white (his) shirts could be," so I assume it's either detergent or bleach. I guess this is trivia. Even though I love music I am singularly uninterested in knowing the answer to this question
3. How many hours' difference is there between Pacific Standard Time and Atlantic Standard Time? A (very) little trick here: Atlantic Standard Time isn't the Eastern Seaboard time zone; that's Eastern Stanedard Time, of course. Atlantic Standard Time is one more zone eastward, mostly Newfoundland and some Caribbean islands, so it's four hours east of Pacific time. correct
4. What TV series recently replaced the "Welcome to" text in its credits with the phrase "Badly Titled"? Cougar Town flirted with changing its title to equally terrible alternatives like "The Cul de Sac" and "Neighborhooding" before deciding to stick with the cougar that brung 'em. Yawn
5. Five years of whose journal are often published under the title The Voyage of the Beagle? A young Charles Darwin was the naturalist aboard the HMS Beagle. correct
6. A recent study of ten thousand Facebook status updates revealed that what day of the year is the single least likely day for a relationship to break up? Christmas is the safest day of the year for relationships, but the run-up to Christmas is, along with the week after Valentine's Day, the the most popular season of the year for breakups. I think a more interesting question would have been the day of the year that is the likeliest for a break up
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. presidents, and no others? Arthur, Cleveland, Garfield, Grant, Benjamin Harrison, Hayes, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Taft? Not a hard one this week: these are all the presidents who wore facial hair in office. I'm not counting Bush 41's muttonchops, since it turns out those only existed in a dream I had once. Alex named that tune in one note

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - November 9

2010-11-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What hero of the 2000 World Cup died last month in Oberhausen, Germany? Paul The Octopus who Has Merely Become More Powerful Than You Could Possibly Imagine
2. In the Rolling Stones song "Satisfaction," what type of product does the singer watch a TV commercial for?
3. How many hours' difference is there between Pacific Standard Time and Atlantic Standard Time? 4 hours. Atlantic is one hour east of Eastern
4. What TV series recently replaced the "Welcome to" text in its credits with the phrase "Badly Titled"? South Park? Or is this The Simpsons episode where Banksy did the opening credits?
5. Five years of whose journal are often published under the title The Voyage of the Beagle? Snoopy. No wait. Charles Darwin
6. A recent study of ten thousand Facebook status updates revealed that what day of the year is the single least likely day for a relationship to break up? holidays can be stressful for a relationship so the days around holidays like Valentine's Day, Xmas, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day, etc. might be more common for breakups. How about a nice non-stressful day like St. Patrick's Day.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. presidents, and no others? Arthur, Cleveland, Garfield, Grant, Benjamin Harrison, Hayes, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Taft? I'll admit that I am kind of bored with presidential trivia. Interesting that Benjamin Harrison is included but not William Henry and Teddy Roosevelt but not FDR.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What does a "tasseomancer" read? The dregs at the bottom of a cup--most commonly tea leaves. "Tasse" is a French word for cup, as you might recall from the word "demitasse." correct
2. What music star's debut was a 2001 Christian pop album self-titled with her birth name, which she then changed to avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson? Lots of guesses here for Jennifer Hudson, which I hadn't considered but is a great guess. The real Christian-pop veteran is none other than Katy Perry, nee "Katy Hudson." others thought as I did
3. "The Rise and Fall of" what public figure are being told in a new documentary titled Client 9? Former New York governor/prostitute connoisseur Eliot Spitzer. correct
4. What one river flows through the canyons for which two different U.S. national parks are named? The Colorado River forms the Grand Canyon, of course, but it also forms much of Canyonlands National Park in Utah. correct
5. Last month, the U.S. Senate voted to have the FCC regulate, for the first time, the volume of what? TV commercials will be getting quieter. Geico will be replacing their caveman with a librarian. correct
6. What *two* 1980 biopics reach their emotional climax with the protagonist bellowing, "I am not an animal!", despite both having animals in the titles? Weirdly, they're both black and white as well, a rarity in 1980. The movies are Raging Bull and The Elephant Man. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these athletes in the four major North American sports associations, and no others? Barry Bonds, Billy Burch, Wilt Chamberlain, Eddie Collins, LeBron James, Moses Malone, and Alex Rodriguez? These are all the athletes who switched teams while they were still a reigning league MVP. I had originally planned to include Wayne Gretzky, which I thought would make the question easier...only to discover that the year of The Trade was the one year Lemieux edged him out as MVP. Ah well. correct

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - November 2

2010-11-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What does a "tasseomancer" read? tea leaves. Does "tasse" mean tea? Is that the origin for the company Tazo?
2. What music star's debut was a 2001 Christian pop album self-titled with her birth name, which she then changed to avoid confusion with actress Kate Hudson? Jennifer Hudson? did her career begin as early as 2001?
3. "The Rise and Fall of" what public figure are being told in a new documentary titled Client 9? Client 9 ---> Eliot Spitzer
4. What one river flows through the canyons for which two different U.S. national parks are named? Colorado? Grand Canyon and Canyonlands?
5. Last month, the U.S. Senate voted to have the FCC regulate, for the first time, the volume of what? it's the volume of either broadcast commercials or tv broadcasts. People have complained about being blasted when the volume changes from show to ad or vice versa
6. What *two* 1980 biopics reach their emotional climax with the protagonist bellowing, "I am not an animal!", despite both having animals in the titles? one I know - The Elephant Man. is the other Raging Bull? that came out in 1980
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these athletes in the four major North American sports associations, and no others? Barry Bonds, Billy Burch, Wilt Chamberlain, Eddie Collins, LeBron James, Moses Malone, and Alex Rodriguez? Is it a clue that there are no football players? Each of them notably jumped teams. Each has been successful and won awards, though not all have won championships (not yet, LeBron). Here is a potential pattern - win the MVP in the year before changing teams.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What national capital is the oldest European-founded city in the Western Hemisphere? Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, founded by Christopher Columbus's brother in 1496. In hindsight, that was a pretty tough question...kudos if you knew it. Correct. Kudos to me. But this was not hard.
2. What actress wrote a 1987 memoir subtitled "How I Went to Africa with Bogart, Bacall and Huston and Almost Lost My Mind"? Lindsay Lohan, weirdly. No, this a book called The Making of The African Queen, by Katharine Hepburn. correct
3. Kali is the consort of which Hindu god? Kali, the death goddess, spends a lot of time, as you might expect, hanging out with the destroyer god, Shiva. good get, Alex
4. Now that the Texas Rangers are in the World Series, name either of the two remaining major league teams that have never played in one. Residents of either Washington feel this one particularly keenly: the Mariners and the Nationals are the only teams with such a sad resume. correct
5. The annual Orionid and Eta Aquariid meteor showers owe their existence to what well-known astronomical body? Meteor showers are caused by the Earth passing through the tail of a comet, and in the case of these two showers, Halley's Comet is the culprit. I was thinking asteroids. I guess I should have thought of comets.
6. A person can be described as "tow-headed" if they are very what? Tow is an old-timey word for flax, so a towhead has very blond hair. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these albums? The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, Diamond Dogs by David Bowie, Hotel California by the Eagles, Like Water for Chocolate by Common, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel by Mariah Carey, Please by Pet Shop Boys, Seal II by Seal, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles, Solitude Standing by Suzanne Vega, A Song for You by the Carpenters. Each includes a "reprise" in its tracklist--in other words, the same song twice. correct

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - October 26

2010-10-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What national capital is the oldest European-founded city in the Western Hemisphere? Santo Domingo, DR
2. What actress wrote a 1987 memoir subtitled "How I Went to Africa with Bogart, Bacall and Huston and Almost Lost My Mind"? I would guess a reference to the African Queen. Katherine Hepburn
3. Kali is the consort of which Hindu god? Vishnu? Shiva? Rama?
4. Now that the Texas Rangers are in the World Series, name either of the two remaining major league teams that have never played in one. Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals and the Seattle Mariners
5. The annual Orionid and Eta Aquariid meteor showers owe their existence to what well-known astronomical body? Kuiper Belt?
6. A person can be described as "tow-headed" if they are very what? blond
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these albums? The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, Diamond Dogs by David Bowie, Hotel California by the Eagles, Like Water for Chocolate by Common, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel by Mariah Carey, Please by Pet Shop Boys, Seal II by Seal, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles, Solitude Standing by Suzanne Vega, A Song for You by the Carpenters. I am first going to look at the songs on each album. Previously he did artists who performed songs whose titles included opposites. After a perusal of the tracklists, they all seem to include one song that is a reprise of another. That's kind of a weak "unusual distinction."

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What three numbers make up the smallest "Pythagorean triple"? A "Pythagorean triple" is a trio of whole numbers that can represent the side lengths of a right triangle. If you're already confused/bored by that sentence, you may not know or care that the answer is 3, 4, and 5.
2. What's the only country in the world that includes territory where drivers drive on the right *and* some territory where drivers drive on the left? Hong Kongers still drive on the left, even after the colony's re-absorption into right-driving China. In hindsight, I could have easily phrased this better to avoid countries like the U.S. or Britain that may still control other-side-driving territories overseas. But since the question specified "the only country," China is clearly the best answer. correct
3. What does a "wildcatter" spend his days looking for? Not wildcats! You are thinking of Kim from 24. A "wildcatter" drills for oil. correct
4. What English entrepreneur, who made his millions by inventing "penny packets" of garden seeds, donated a gold trophy in 1927 to encourage his fellow golfers to play at the same level as top Americans? The Ryder Cup is named after garden-seed millionaire Samuel Ryder. correct
5. What identical song title appears shortly before "My Best Friend" on Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow LP, and shortly before "You're My Best Friend" on Queen's Greatest Hits? Thanks to my dad, for pointing out the "Somebody to Love" coincidence that led to this question. correct
6. Of whose death did Robert E. Lee say, "I have lost my right arm"? It was a reference to Stonewall Jackson, who lost his *left* arm shortly before his 1863 death. Did you see what General Lee did there, with that "arm" thing? Clever. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these movies? The Born Losers, First Blood, In the Heat of the Night, Love Story, Pitch Black, A Shot in the Dark, The Silence of the Lambs, and True Grit. These are all movies that weren't named after their protagonist, but had sequels that were: respectively Billy Jack, Rambo, They Call Me Mr. Tibbs, Oliver's Story, The Chronicles of Riddick, Inspector Clouseau, Hannibal, and Rooster Cogburn. Yes, I'm considering the terrible Alan Arkin Inspector Clouseau movie a sequel. Who's going to remember it if I don't? close enough. correct

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - October 19

2010-10-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What three numbers make up the smallest "Pythagorean triple"? I assume that a Pythagorean triple are three whole numbers that represent the length of the legs and hypotenuse of a right triangle. If so, the smallest would be 3, 4, 5.
2. What's the only country in the world that includes territory where drivers drive on the right *and* some territory where drivers drive on the left? a guess - China. You might drive on the right in most of the country but on the left in Hong Kong.
3. What does a "wildcatter" spend his days looking for? oil. As I would hear it in Oklahoma, wildcatters are in the "awl bidness."
4. What English entrepreneur, who made his millions by inventing "penny packets" of garden seeds, donated a gold trophy in 1927 to encourage his fellow golfers to play at the same level as top Americans? Samuel Ryder
5. What identical song title appears shortly before "My Best Friend" on Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow LP, and shortly before "You're My Best Friend" on Queen's Greatest Hits? As I was working through possibilities, I hit on the answer - Somebody To Love. I was going to be really surprised if it was Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, I Want to Ride My Bicycle or Fat Bottomed Girls.
6. Of whose death did Robert E. Lee say, "I have lost my right arm"? RELee would say this about a fellow soldier, wouldn't he? I can only think of one other confederate general - Stonewall Jackson.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these movies? The Born Losers, First Blood, In the Heat of the Night, Love Story, Pitch Black, A Shot in the Dark, The Silence of the Lambs, and True Grit. This does not seem as hard as I thought it might be. They are all movies with sequels whose titles are different from the prequel (most include the character name) - Billy Jack, Rambo, They Call Me Mr. Tibbs, Oliver's Story, The Chronicles of Riddick, The Pink Panther, Hannibal, Rooster Cogburn

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What passion does a "railbird" enjoy? Lots of people mixed up "railfans" and "railbirds"; "railfans" are the weirdos who stalk trains. "Railbirds" merely lose their family's hard-earned income betting on horse racing. correct
2. What unusual item was worn by both Werner Klemperer and Burgess Meredith in their most familiar TV roles? Colonel Klink and the Penguin both wore a monocle. Maybe they also both liked to wear silky women's underwear, but we can't accept that answer without proof, sorry. correct
3. Which U.S. senate candidate has released a video to explain that he was *not* named for his father's favorite author, as has been claimed? Rand Paul isn't named after Ayn Rand, sorry. Do nerd libertarians named their children "Heinlein"? correct
4. What profession made Louis Sullivan and Louis Kahn famous? They were architects, like Mike Brady, only better. correct
5. One "astronomical unit," or AU, is defined as the distance between the Earth and what? Between us and the Sun...well, our average distance from the Sun. correct
6. Who played Elvis Presley's mother in Blue Hawaii and Laurence Harvey's mother in The Manchurian Candidate, despite being only a few years older than both? I hope Angela Lansbury didn't take it personally. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these countries, listed in this order? Rwanda, Peru, the U.S., China, Mongolia, Mongolia, China, Brazil, China, and Zambia. These are the respective sources of the world's ten longest rivers: the Nile, the Amazon, and so on. (Obviously there's some wiggle room here since no two lists of river length and origin agree. I used the World Almanac's "longest rivers" list and defined a river's "source" as its farthest headwaters, not its most abundant ones.) My, that was tough. It was a top 10 list, but not one that I recognized. I did not know for example that the Nile headwaters are in Rwanda. I also did not realize that 5 of the 10 longest rivers are mostly in Asia.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - October 12

2010-10-13T09:50:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What passion does a "railbird" enjoy? a railbird could refer to the fans who stand at the rail and watch horses train and race. We also refer to the fans who watch college football practice as railbirds.
2. What unusual item was worn by both Werner Klemperer and Burgess Meredith in their most familiar TV roles? Mr. Peanut too. A monacle.
3. Which U.S. senate candidate has released a video to explain that he was *not* named for his father's favorite author, as has been claimed? Rand Paul (reference to Ayn Rand)
4. What profession made Louis Sullivan and Louis Kahn famous? architecture
5. One "astronomical unit," or AU, is defined as the distance between the Earth and what? This seems to be most logically the average distance between the Earth and the Sun
6. Who played Elvis Presley's mother in Blue Hawaii and Laurence Harvey's mother in The Manchurian Candidate, despite being only a few years older than both? Angela Lansbury
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these countries, listed in this order? Rwanda, Peru, the U.S., China, Mongolia, Mongolia, China, Brazil, China, and Zambia. Why are China and Mongolia listed multiple times?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What hit 2010 film was based on a book called The Accidental Billionaires? Which was (very loosely!) based on reality. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and company are the accidental billionaires in question in The Social Network. correct
2. What small Asian lake lent its name to one of the most influential scientists in history? A non-Asian scientist, which made this a little trickier than usual. Galileo Galilei's family name was a reference to the Sea of Galilee, of Jesus-lived-there fame. once I searched outside of East Asia, I found this answer.
3. If her husband had won his election, what still-living woman would have become the first foreign-born American First Lady since John Quincy Adams' wife? Ketchup bajillionaire Theresa Heinz Kerry is without a doubt the most powerful American ever to have been born in Mozambique.
4. According to legend, what famous and much-feared object was forged on the isle of Avalon? King Arthur is buried on Avalon, ergo this is his sword Excalibur. correct
5. What artist set a record in 2009 by having all seven songs on his debut EP chart on Billboard's Hot 100? Justin Bieber accomplished this amazing feat. What? It is amazing. How many Hot 100 hits did YOU have before your voice changed? correct
6. What U.S. government agency can be reached toll-free at 1-800-829-1040? The "1040" part is easier than the other seven digits; this is the IRS. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these TV series? Castle, Louie, M*A*S*H, Maverick, The Odd Couple, Roseanne, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The West Wing. Each featured (or features) a regular poker game. So did Celebrity Poker Showdown, but I thought that might make the question a LITTLE too easy. Shoot. This required that you actually had to have watched a bunch of episodes to identify the poker game pattern. Internet research was not going to help. But my incorrect answer might be a good starting point for another Q7.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - October 6

2010-10-05T17:20:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What hit 2010 film was based on a book called The Accidental Billionaires? The Social Network
2. What small Asian lake lent its name to one of the most influential scientists in history? am I looking for an Asian scientist? influential may mean that this person has something named after him, like a constant or a law.
3. If her husband had won his election, what still-living woman would have become the first foreign-born American First Lady since John Quincy Adams' wife? let's review the recent losers - John McCain, John Kerry, Al Gore, Bob Dole, GHWB, Michael Dukakis, Walter Mondale. Whose wife was not born in the US? Gad, no idea. Kitty Dukakis? What's-her-name Heinz? No way Cindy McCain or Tipper Gore are foreign born unless they are Canadian.
4. According to legend, what famous and much-feared object was forged on the isle of Avalon? Excalibur (the Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the whitest shimmering samite, held aloft Excalibur, thereby signifying that I, Arthur, am the true born kind of Britain. Look, strange women lying around in ponds is no basis for a system of government.)
5. What artist set a record in 2009 by having all seven songs on his debut EP chart on Billboard's Hot 100? I was trying to think of a rapper or hip hop guy when this answer came to me - Justin Bieber.
6. What U.S. government agency can be reached toll-free at 1-800-829-1040? IRS
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these TV series? Castle, Louie, M*A*S*H, Maverick, The Odd Couple, Roseanne, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The West Wing. Characters whose names are based on real people? I found the following Richard Edgar Castle where Edgar is from Edgar Allan Poe; Benjamin Franklin Pierce (MASH); Doc Holliday (Maverick); Jerry Garcia Conner (Roseanne); Samuel Clemens (Star Trek TNG); Katarina Witt (West Wing). But I can't find anyone who fits this theme for Louie or The Odd Couple.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Where on your body would you wear brogues, Bluchers, or Balmorals? On your feet, one would hope, since they're all varieties of shoe. correct
2. What's the only U.S. metropolis to have over half its population--a whopping 60.6%--made up of foreign-born residents? Miami is far and away the most foreign-born big American city. L.A., for example, is in third, and it's barely above 40%. Honolulu (my guess) is around 20%. Miami, Los Angeles, NYC, Houston, SF - these are port of entry cities. Interesting that Miami has so many more foreign born residents than the others.
3. What was the real first name shared by two icons of 1950s childhood: Dr. Seuss and Beaver Cleaver? Theodore Seuss Geisel and Theodore Cleaver. Did they ever meet? Who knows. correct
4. Name any one of the three movie soundtracks to be the year's top-selling album during the 1990s. The Bodyguard, The Lion King, and Titanic. Boy, a tripel play of the big hits from each of those respective albums would be like an instant time-machine trip to any crappy Gen-Y high school dance. correct
5. What famous quote is the first half of a 1964 couplet that ends, "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see"? "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," the most famous bit of verse by noted modern American poet M. Ali. correct
6. The president of France is, by law, also the "co-prince" of what other nation? Nicholas Sarkozy is, in addition to his day job, co-prince of tiny Andorra, by treaties that date back to 1278! The bishop of the Catalan diocese of Urgell also gets to be a "co-prince." I wonder if there's a tidy little paycheck associated with co-princedom, or if they get to sleep with their choice of co-princesses. correct.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these films? Donnie Darko, Gas Food Lodging, Good Will Hunting, Grand Hotel, Mo' Better Blues, Say Anything..., The Royal Tenenbaums, Young Guns. Not a particularly hard one this week: these are all movies that co-starred famous pairs of siblings. Actually, one of these movies has *two* pairs of siblings in big roles--do you know which one? Answer is at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100168/ , if you can't figure it out. correct!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - September 28

2010-09-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Where on your body would you wear brogues, Bluchers, or Balmorals? these are shoes. most people wear them on their feet.
2. What's the only U.S. metropolis to have over half its population--a whopping 60.6%--made up of foreign-born residents? a guess - Honolulu (as we learned at the quiz a few weeks ago, also the only state capital that contains over half of its state's population)
3. What was the real first name shared by two icons of 1950s childhood: Dr. Seuss and Beaver Cleaver? Theodore
4. Name any one of the three movie soundtracks to be the year's top-selling album during the 1990s. The Bodyguard. If the question is best selling soundtrack, I always answer The Bodyguard.
5. What famous quote is the first half of a 1964 couplet that ends, "Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see"? Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
6. The president of France is, by law, also the "co-prince" of what other nation? Andorra?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these films? Donnie Darko, Gas Food Lodging, Good Will Hunting, Grand Hotel, Mo' Better Blues, Say Anything..., The Royal Tenenbaums, Young Guns. This has to something with siblings appearing together - Gyllenhals, Ione Skye and Donovan Leitch, Afflecks, Barrymores, Lees (Spike and his sister Joie), Cusacks, Wilsons, Estevez/Sheen. If that is correct, this was a pretty easy Q7.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What brief title is shared by an 1895 verse often voted as Britain's favorite poem, and a Bread song that went to #1 in the U.K. but not Stateside? That title would be "If." "If a picture paints a thousand words, then why can't I paint you?" as Kipling once asked. correct
2. According to one contemporary source, whose famous last words may actually have been "I think it the duty of every good officer to obey any orders given him by his Commander-in-Chief"? That's how one British officer wrote down the last words of Nathan Hale. I'm glad the rewrite desk turned that into "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Shoot. I tried to think of military men involved in mutiny or insubordination. Did not think of spies.
3. In July 1997, who was murdered in Miami and buried in Milan, a funeral watched by millions of viewers worldwide? Gianni Versace, the slain fashion designer. correct
4. Who was the final player chosen in the inaugural draft of the Israel Baseball League in 2007, by a team manager who argued, "It's been 41 years between starts for him"? Legendary Yom Kippur-observing hurler Sandy Koufax, who was by then 71 and working on 14,875 days' rest. correct
5. What's the only Best Picture-winning film based directly on newspaper articles, a series of New York Sun pieces that prefix the film's title with the word "Crime"? On the Waterfront was based on a series of exposes called "Crime on the Waterfront." Out of Africa was NOT based on a series of exposes called "Crime out of Africa." correct
6. What is made up of units called nucleotides? DNA...or RNA. Any NA, really. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these world leaders, past and present? Australia's Julia Gillard, Canada's John A. MacDonald, Germany's Adolf Hitler, Greece's George Papandreou, Ireland's Eamon de Valera, and Israel's Shimon Peres. Each was born outside the country he or she eventually led. Secretly born in KENYA, most likely! correct

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - September 21

2010-09-21T11:16:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What brief title is shared by an 1895 verse often voted as Britain's favorite poem, and a Bread song that went to #1 in the U.K. but not Stateside? 1895 ---> Kipling ---> If
2. According to one contemporary source, whose famous last words may actually have been "I think it the duty of every good officer to obey any orders given him by his Commander-in-Chief"? someone who did not obey orders given him by the CIC. Douglas MacArthur? Fletcher Christian? Commander-in-Chief does not sound like 18th century Brit-speak so I will guess MacArthur.
3. In July 1997, who was murdered in Miami and buried in Milan, a funeral watched by millions of viewers worldwide? Gianni Versace
4. Who was the final player chosen in the inaugural draft of the Israel Baseball League in 2007, by a team manager who argued, "It's been 41 years between starts for him"? Sandy Koufax
5. What's the only Best Picture-winning film based directly on newspaper articles, a series of New York Sun pieces that prefix the film's title with the word "Crime"? I worked for a while on this one. The NY Sun is not a contemporary paper. So I thought back to movies from the 30s, 40s and 50s. This is my best guess (Crime) On The Waterfront.
6. What is made up of units called nucleotides? strands of DNA
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these world leaders, past and present? Australia's Julia Gillard, Canada's John A. MacDonald, Germany's Adolf Hitler, Greece's George Papandreou, Ireland's Eamon de Valera, and Israel's Shimon Peres. One common thread (assuming that KJ means Papandreou the grandson) - each was born outside the country that he/she led/leads.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What 2010 film borrowed its title from a 1979 rockumentary, but fixed a spelling error in the title? I was a big fan of The Kids Are All Right, the recent unconventional-family dramedy with Annnete Bening and Julianne Moore. The title, of course, is a nod to the Who song and film, which I thought was just alright. correct
2. What part of the body is described with the word "vermiform"? Vermiform means worm-shaped, and is the official way to refer to your vermiform appendix. I just realized that I used a very similar question last March--oops. I think that might be the first accidental repeat in Tuesday Trivia history. Alex remembered that KJ had asked this before
3. At the time of the U.S. Civil War, what was by far the most populous city in the Confederacy? In 1860, New Orleans had almost 170,000 residents, making it more than four times as large as Charleston or Richmond. correct
4. What TV show again had the highest average Nielsen rating during the 2009-10 season for the sixth time, beating All in the Family's record of five straight Nielsen-leading seasons? American Idol, of course. Norman Lear would be rolling over in his grave, except that he's still alive. correct
5. Stephen Dedalus is the "Telemachus" figure in what influential 1922 novel? Telemachus was the son of Odysseus in Greek myth, and Stephen Dedalus was the protagonist of James Joyce's first novel. If you knew either of these facts, I hoped you'd figure out that this question referred to Ulysses. correct
6. What object appears in the official symbols of both Freemasonry and Rand McNally? A compass--not the magnetic-north-pointy kind, oddly enough, but the circle-drawing kind. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Fred Astaire, David Beckham, Mariah Carey, Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante, Liberace, Dolly Parton, Troy Polamalu, Keith Richards, and Bruce Springsteen. All sought career protection--and loads of publicity, more importantly--by having some iconic part of their body insured, whether their hair or legs or fingers or voicebox or, uh, elsewhere. good get, Alex

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - September 14

2010-09-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What 2010 film borrowed its title from a 1979 rockumentary, but fixed a spelling error in the title? 1979 rockumentary ---> The Kids Are Alright. Man do I dig Keith Moon's drumming.
2. What part of the body is described with the word "vermiform"? vermiform is related to worms. Intestine? Colon?
3. At the time of the U.S. Civil War, what was by far the most populous city in the Confederacy? a question that has been asked several times at Obrien's Pub Quiz. New Orleans.
4. What TV show again had the highest average Nielsen rating during the 2009-10 season for the sixth time, beating All in the Family's record of five straight Nielsen-leading seasons? American Idol. Ugh.
5. Stephen Dedalus is the "Telemachus" figure in what influential 1922 novel? Ulysses
6. What object appears in the official symbols of both Freemasonry and Rand McNally? a compass?
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these famous people? Fred Astaire, David Beckham, Mariah Carey, Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante, Liberace, Dolly Parton, Troy Polamalu, Keith Richards, and Bruce Springsteen. With Alex's hint, I have a guess. They have each insured a part of their body with Troy Polamalu's hair the most recent example.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What is the largest Mediterranean island, both in terms of area and population? Sicily is slightly more expansive, but vastly more populous, than runner-up Sardinia. correct
2. Name one of the two letters of the alphabet whose fingerspelling sign requires movement in the American Manual Alphabet. You need a little wrist action to do both 'J' and 'Z'.
3. What metal is typically found in both sterling silver and bronze? The non-silver part of sterling silver is almost always copper, which also makes up most of bronze. correct
4. What title character of three hit films had the legal middle name "Danger"? Austin Danger Powers, his birth certificate says. Time to turn to a friend or co-worker and break out that hilarious Austin Powers impression you perfected back in '97. It's *just as hilarious* today, trust me! correct
5. The AP Athlete of the Year award has only gone to a non-American man twice in the last fifty years, both times to a Canadian athlete. Name the two Canadian winners, both of whom came home from a highly anticipated Olympic appearance without a medal. Wow, that is one long question. The lengths I go to appease my equal-time-seeking Canadian fanbase! The honorees were Wayne Gretzky (of course) and Ben Johnson (remember him?) correct
6. What's the only name shared by one of the original Care Bears and Disney's original Seven Dwarfs? There is a Grumpy Bear, but no Sleepy Bear (that's "Bedtime Bear"), Happy Bear (that's "Cheer Bear") or Sneezy Bear (that's "Coke-Sniffing Bear"). At least it wasn't Doc Bear.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? The Beatles' "Paperback Writer," Leonard Cohen's "Famous Blue Raincoat," Elvis Costello's "Jacksons, Monk, and Rowe," Eminem's "Stan," John Mayer's "3 x 5," Morrissey's "Will Never Marry," Nas's "One Love," William Shatner's "That's Me Trying," and Michelle Shocked's "Anchorage." An easy one this week, for those who like music or are cheating, cheating Google monkeys. These are "epistolary songs"--their lyrics take the form of letters. Sincerely yours, Ken Jennings. Yes, it was that easy.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - September 7

2010-09-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What is the largest Mediterranean island, both in terms of area and population? Crete, Sardinia or Sicily? I think it is Sicily
2. Name one of the two letters of the alphabet whose fingerspelling sign requires movement in the American Manual Alphabet. A complete guess - W
3. What metal is typically found in both sterling silver and bronze? bronze = tin + copper. I think that sterling silver has a little copper in it.
4. What title character of three hit films had the legal middle name "Danger"? Austin Powers
5. The AP Athlete of the Year award has only gone to a non-American man twice in the last fifty years, both times to a Canadian athlete. Name the two Canadian winners, both of whom came home from a highly anticipated Olympic appearance without a medal. Without a medal? One would have to be Wayne Gretzky. The greatest Canadian pro athlete ever. He had to have won AP Athlete of the Year sometime. I guess the other is Ben Johnson. Note the wording "came home without a medal." He won gold then had it stripped.
6. What's the only name shared by one of the original Care Bears and Disney's original Seven Dwarfs? jiminy cricket. Care Bears? KJ, this is weak. I would prefer to boycott this question. But I'll give it a shot based on one of these most likely answers - Happy or Bashful.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these songs? The Beatles' "Paperback Writer," Leonard Cohen's "Famous Blue Raincoat," Elvis Costello's "Jacksons, Monk, and Rowe," Eminem's "Stan," John Mayer's "3 x 5," Morrissey's "Will Never Marry," Nas's "One Love," William Shatner's "That's Me Trying," and Michelle Shocked's "Anchorage." Paperback Writer, Famous Blue Raincoat, Anchorage are all written as letters from one person to another. Is it that easy?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Both U.S. presidents who shared what first name were born in the Carolinas? Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson were two of our three Carolinan presidents. Andrew Jackson was so old-school that historians still aren't sure if he was born in North Carolina or South Carolina! True fact, it just *sounds* like a fat joke. But "Old Hickory" was no William Howard Taft; he was actually rather gaunt. correct
2. What rock band's fans have been called "Distiples"? Distiples = Michael Stipe fans = R.E.M. May also = "you wore a lot of eyeliner back around 1987." maybe this question would have been better asked around 1987.
3. What organization is currently led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I? He's the current Archbishop of Constantinople, making him the religious leader of over 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. Sort of weird that he's the first "Bartholomew" ever to hold the office. It must take guts to say, after two millennia of patriarch names, "Screw it, I'm going with Bartholomew." I am going to consider this correct.
4. What letter of the alphabet appears on Arthur Dimmesdale's tombstone, at the end of an 1850 novel? Dimmesdale is the conflicted boyfriend guy in The Scarlet Letter, so he got a big "A" on his tombstone. correct
5. "Sherlock Bones" was the most common entry in the two-year contest to name what TV ad mascot? McGruff the Crime Dog was named by contest. Take a bite out of crime! I think this is not a very interesting question without the additional information that "Sherlock Bones" was not selected as the mascot's name.
6. What objects have been predicted to emit Hawking radiation? Black holes. correct
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. All these celebs have daughters who are out lesbians. Although I think Chastity Bono has legally been "Chaz Bono" for a couple months now, so we accepted just about any answer about LGBT kids. correct

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 31

2010-08-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

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.

The Richard Pryor Show

2010-08-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

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.

Word Association - watch more funny videos

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 25

2010-08-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 17

2010-08-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 10

2010-08-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - August 3

2010-08-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

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

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - July 27

2010-07-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Acura is the luxury division of what major automaker? Honda
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? 10/6 or 6/10. Is that a reference to the White Rabbit who was late? The Mad Hatter?
3. Most of the bats used in major league baseball games--over 60%--are manufactured in what U.S. state? Louisville Slugger --> Kentucky
4. What Russian statesman under Catherine the Great had a battleship named for him that was the site of a famous 1905 mutiny? so that is how the Potemkin got its name
5. What word is used for the four major divisions--frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal--of the brain's cerebral cortex? lobe? is that the word he is looking for?
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? can't be a Russian republic since they did not exist in 1974. Could be Turkey. But only half of Turkey is in Asia. What about Israel? Doesn't Israel compete in Eurovision?
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. This seems to be pretty easy given the inclusion of Brando, O'Connor and Sartre. They all refused awards. Brooks - American Music Award. Le Duc Tho - Nobel Peace Prize. Hawking - knighthood. Sargent - knighthood. And so on.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. The website for what 2010 film contained nothing but the image of an endlessly spinning toy top for the first four months of its on-line life? A few guesses of Toy Story 3 here...but only from people who have yet to see Inception, in which Leonardo DiCaprio's character is never without his trademark top. correct
2. What nation will be the site of the Winter Olympics for the first time in 2014, when the city of Sochi plays host? Sochi is in southern Russia, near the disputed Georgian border. correct
3. What word for an animal in family Talpidae is also a unit of measurement: 6.022 x 10 to the 23rd particles of some substance? The members of family Talpidae are all moles. Interestingly, our color "taupe" comes from the same root as Talpidae, and means "mole-colored." On second thought, the etymology of the word "taupe" probably can't be described with the word "interestingly." Never mind. correct
4. What novelist had hits with the recent sequels Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men? These are recent sequels to Wicked, a reimagining of Oz by Gregory Maguire. Who? A dead CS Lewis was a more intriguing answer.
5. What profession has appeared in more Monty Python sketches than any other, with 51 appearances to its credit? There's a policeman in a record 51 sketches. Actually, I have no idea if this true or not; I didn't count them myself. I'm choosing to believe the A&E release of Monty Python's Flying Circus on DVD. I request corroboration please. Or at least clarification. Is the inspector from the Hygiene Squad who confronts the owner of the Whizzo Chocolate Company considered a policeman?
6. Which modern country is, by treaty, the successor state to the defunct Ottoman Empire? Modern-day Turkey was the center of the historical Ottoman Empire. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these musical artists? Aaliyah, the Beach Boys, Black Sabbath, Blur, Brooks & Dunn, Dave Matthews Band, Cole Porter, the Hives, Pink Floyd, Three Dog Night. All these artists are well-known for songs with opposite-pair titles. To wit: "Back and Forth," "Heroes and Villains," "Heaven and Hell," "Girls & Boys," "Lost and Found," "You and Me," "Night and Day," "Supply & Demand," "Us and Them," and "Black and White."

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - July 20

2010-07-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. The website for what 2010 film contained nothing but the image of an endlessly spinning toy top for the first four months of its on-line life? Inception. After watching it this weekend, one of my first thoughts was "Bad guys are always terrible shots." Another thought was don't let Dileep drive the bus.
2. What nation will be the site of the Winter Olympics for the first time in 2014, when the city of Sochi plays host? Russia
3. What word for an animal in family Talpidae is also a unit of measurement: 6.022 x 10 to the 23rd particles of some substance? mole
4. What novelist had hits with the recent sequels Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men? Is CS Lewis still writing? Otherwise, I don't know who is penning what appear to be sequels to The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
5. What profession has appeared in more Monty Python sketches than any other, with 51 appearances to its credit? You mean somebody has inventoried this information? A lovely question. I can think of shopkeepers, religious figures, military men, policemen. But I think the most common profession would be newscaster/talk show host/announcer/tv personality.

"Hello. Tonight on 'Face the Press' we're going to examine two different views of contemporary things. On my left is the Minister for Home Affairs who is wearing a striking organza dress in pink tulle, with matching pearls and a diamante collar necklace. The shoes are in brushed pigskin with gold clasps, by Maxwell of Bond Street. The hair is by Roger, and the whole ensemble is crowned by a spectacular display of Christmas orchids. And on my right - putting the case against the Government - is a small patch of brown liquid..."

6. Which modern country is, by treaty, the successor state to the defunct Ottoman Empire? Turkey
7. What unusual distinction is shared by all these musical artists? Aaliyah, the Beach Boys, Black Sabbath, Blur, Brooks & Dunn, Dave Matthews Band, Cole Porter, the Hives, Pink Floyd, Three Dog Night.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What U.S. president's first inaugural address produced the most famous maxim ever coined on "phobophobia"? A little knowledge of psychology (or etymology) will tell you that phobophobia is the fear of fear itself, famously warned against by Franklin Roosevelt in 1932. correct
2. The orange "smile" icon below the Amazon.com logo connects what two letters in the company's name? They have everything from "A" to "z," get it? Alex knew this. Nice
3. Chang and Eng Bunker died in North Carolina in 1874. In what modern-day country were they born, in 1811? Chang and Eng (or Eng and Chang...not sure how they decided on billing) were the original Siamese twins, born therefore in modern-day Thailand. correct
4. Who is the last surviving member of TV's four "Golden Girls"? Betty White is funnier than ever at 88. Unfortunately, Estelle Getty is also as funny as she ever was, and she's been dead for over two years. (I'm kidding, Estelle Getty fans!) correct
5. What Greek wrote the important treatise "On Floating Bodies," and supposedly discovered one important principle of buoyancy while taking a bath? Aristophanes supposedly yelled "Eureka!" after realizing that water displacement could be used to calculate volume. Actually, that probably never happened, but it's more interesting than any other water displacement story in history. I think KJ means Archimedes. I'm going to consider this correct unless KJ has uncovered evidence that someone else did Archimedes' work.
6. What musical star took her stage name from the word for "birch tree" in her native language? The Icelandic word for "birch" is "Bjork," apparently a not-uncommon name there. correct
7. What is the significance of these ten nations, listed in this order? Cuba, Syria, Slovenia, New Zealand, China, Australia, Tajikistan, Venezuela, Tuvalu, Dominica. Cuba has one star on its flag, Syria has two, Slovenia has three, and so on up until ten. Hugo Chavez added an eighth star to the Venezuelan flag in 2006, making this trivia question possible. Thanks, Hugo Chavez! Well done, Dave!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - July 13

2010-07-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What U.S. president's first inaugural address produced the most famous maxim ever coined on "phobophobia"? Phobophobia --> fear of fears --> FDR
2. The orange "smile" icon below the Amazon.com logo connects what two letters in the company's name? The picture that I have in my mind has a smile reaching from the first A to c in com.
3. Chang and Eng Bunker died in North Carolina in 1874. In what modern-day country were they born, in 1811? Siamese twins --> Thailand today
4. Who is the last surviving member of TV's four "Golden Girls"? Betty White
5. What Greek wrote the important treatise "On Floating Bodies," and supposedly discovered one important principle of buoyancy while taking a bath? Archimedes. Eureka!
6. What musical star took her stage name from the word for "birch tree" in her native language? Bjork?
7. What is the significance of these ten nations, listed in this order? Cuba, Syria, Slovenia, New Zealand, China, Australia, Tajikistan, Venezuela, Tuvalu, Dominica.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. Lisbeth Salander is well-known for having what tattooed on her shoulder? She's that "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" you've heard so much about. (Assuming you're a fan of Swedish crime novels.) correct
2. Who was the only person ever civilly executed by the State of Israel? Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, hanged in 1962, was Israel's one and only use of capital punishment. correct
3. What #1 hit rock ballad of 1973 was used, without permission, as the theme of the Christian Democratic Union Party during their successful 2005 German election campaign? The Rolling Stones were never asked about Angela Merkel's appropriation of their song "Angie." I wonder if Helen Reddy would have let her use "Angie Baby." Angie hit #1? I don't remember that from listening to Casey Kasem in 1973.
4. "A Piece of Work" is the subtitle of a new documentary about what comedienne? Joan Rivers--the title is a pun referring to Rivers's personality AND her oft-tinkered-with face. I was at the movies last night to see a different film and noticed a title that looked familiar. Then I remembered KJTT and realized that Joan Rivers was the correct answer.
5. What process are you performing if you're filling up canopic jars? Canopic jars held the organs of Egyptian mummies, so you're probably performing some kind of mummification or ritual burial. Or I guess you could have stolen some canopic jars from a museum and used them for your own fiendish purposes--putting up summer preserves, maybe. correct
6. Which two Bay Area professional sports teams started out decades ago as Philadelphia sports teams? The Oakland A's and the Golden State Warriors were once the Philadelphia Athletics and Philadelphia Warriors, respectively. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV series? Baretta, Fantasy Island, L.A. Law, Nip/Tuck, Peter Gunn, Picket Fences, The Prisoner, Seinfeld, Twin Peaks, The Wild Wild West. All these shows featured a little person (or "midget," in the case of the older, non-PC ones) in a recurring role. KMac hits the mark again. But I do not remember the little person(s) on LA Law and Seinfeld.

4th of July musical tribute

2010-07-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

I am two days late, but wanted to post one of my favorite American tunes. It is called American Tune. Not a song to which one will launch fireworks. Just a lovely, honest statement about resiliency (tired, battered, confused, forsaken, misused, with shattered dreams. But I'm all right) without being treacly sweet. In addition, it may be the finest use of the phrase "bon vivant" by a songwriter.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - July 6

2010-07-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. Lisbeth Salander is well-known for having what tattooed on her shoulder? Is this a character from Stieg Larson's novel? Is she the girl with the dragon tattoo?
2. Who was the only person ever civilly executed by the State of Israel? I can think of two candidates - Adolph Eichmann and the guy who assassinated Shimon Peres. I'll go with Eichmann.
3. What #1 hit rock ballad of 1973 was used, without permission, as the theme of the Christian Democratic Union Party during their successful 2005 German election campaign? Rock ballad from 1973? geez, give us a clue to help guess. What would appeal to a German Christian Democratic Union Party member? Stairway to Heaven?
4. "A Piece of Work" is the subtitle of a new documentary about what comedienne? Is this a catchphrase? If so, I don't recognize to whom it belongs. Of the comediennes I can think of, this sounds like Roseanne Barr. I can hear her saying something like that.
5. What process are you performing if you're filling up canopic jars? you see canopic jars at the Getty Villa. I think they were used in Egyptian burials. So you would be preparing to bury someone.
6. Which two Bay Area professional sports teams started out decades ago as Philadelphia sports teams? Oakland (nee Philadelphia by way of Kansas City) A's. Golden State (nee Philadelphia) Warriors.
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these TV series? Baretta, Fantasy Island, L.A. Law, Nip/Tuck, Peter Gunn, Picket Fences, The Prisoner, Seinfeld, Twin Peaks, The Wild Wild West.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. What musical instrument is also called the "lepatata" in the Tswana and Sesotho languages? In other South African languages, it called a vuvuzela, which is Zulu for "BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!" correct
2. Bret Easton Ellis's first novel and its recent sequel are both named for works by what singer-songwriter? The two books are Less Than Zero and Imperial Bedrooms, but Elvis Costello doesn't see a cent. correct
3. In what part of his body would you find a man's cervix? Guys, you didn't know you had a cervix? What about "cervical vertebrae," does that ring a bell? Your cervix is the back of your neck--in fact, the female cervix is so named only because it's the "neck," so to speak, of the uterus. this question misled me. I took it to mean that a man had a cervix in a place where a woman did not. Turned out that women just have two cervices.
4. What nation joined the "Group of Seven" in 1997 to form the G8? Russia is the newest member, which means it still has to serve coffee to all the others at meetings. Don't rub it in, Canada and Italy! correct
5. Who was the only Olympian god in Greek mythology to have the same name as his Roman counterpart? No matter where you go, Apollo is Apollo is Apollo. Otherwise, Apollo Creed would have had to box under a different name in Rome. As I suspected, the Jeopardy guys knew this.
6. What legendary American entertainer merged his business with that of rival James Bailey in 1881? P. T. Barnum at least got to keep his name first on the company letterhead. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these legendary writers? Maxwell Anderson, Raymond Chandler, Ed McBain, Dorothy Parker, Robert Sherwood, John Steinbeck, Thornton Wilder. It's odd how many first-rate literary minds of the century (Steinbeck, Wilder, Dorothy Parker) also wrote screenplays for Alfred Hitchcock, perhaps the least writer-friendly director in the annals of Hollywood. correct!

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - June 29

2010-06-29T08:45:00.001-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What musical instrument is also called the "lepatata" in the Tswana and Sesotho languages? The vuvuzela. Is that a vuvuzela in your pants or are you just loud and annoying?
2. Bret Easton Ellis's first novel and its recent sequel are both named for works by what singer-songwriter? I don't know the recent sequel. But Bret Easton Ellis wrote Less Than Zero --> Elvis Costello
3. In what part of his body would you find a man's cervix? Is this a trick question? A woman's cervix is part of the body through which a baby is delivered.
4. What nation joined the "Group of Seven" in 1997 to form the G8? I think that is when they added Russia
5. Who was the only Olympian god in Greek mythology to have the same name as his Roman counterpart? No idea. But at least I know it was a male god. That narrows it down. The Jeopardy guys at the pub quiz would probably know this but I don't. I was surfing cable tv recently and saw a rerun of the original Star Trek. A total guess based on that episode - Adonis.
6. What legendary American entertainer merged his business with that of rival James Bailey in 1881? Phineas Taylor Barnum
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these legendary writers? Maxwell Anderson, Raymond Chandler, Ed McBain, Dorothy Parker, Robert Sherwood, John Steinbeck, Thornton Wilder. KJ does like his superlatives. Raymond Chandler legendary? A fine writer, but he was no Bryce Dallas Howard. Thanks to wikipedia, I see one thread - penning screenplays for Hitchcock. Anderson - The Wrong Man. Chandler - Strangers On A Train. McBain - The Birds. Parker - Saboteur. Sherwood - Rebecca. Steinbeck - Lifeboat. Wilder - Shadow Of A Doubt.

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. The early edition of a newspaper is nicknamed for what breed of dog? It's the "bulldog edition," though no one's really sure why. One theory is that the nickname suggests the fierce competition between publishers of morning newspapers. professional argot. really needed a clue to help guess.
2. Of the 32 teams in this year's World Cup, what's the only one that's not also a member of the United Nations? I admit that this was a bit of a trick question. No, it's not North Korea; both Koreas have been U.N. members since 1991. The only non-U.N. side in the World Cup is the only non-independent nation represented: England. as discussed in the comments, this question should have been more precisely worded.
3. Henry Winkler is the godfather of what Hollywood leading lady? Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of his Happy Days co-star Ron Howard. Aaaayyyy! leading lady? Sandra Bullock is a leading lady. Angelina Jolie is a leading lady. Bryce Dallas Howard is maybe Double A, not major league.
4. What river is navigated by the seven boats known as "Maid of the Mist"? Those are the tourist boats that approach the namesake falls of the Niagara River. correct
5. What kind of animal--the only cephalapod with an external shell--lent its name to the principal setting of a classic French novel of 1869? The nautilus, whose chambered airtight innards suggested to Jules Verne the name of Captain Nemo's submarine. correct
6. Kaiser Wilhelm, the German emperor during the First World War, was the first grandchild of what famous woman? He was Queen Victoria's oldest grandchild, making the demonization of "Kaiser Bill" in Britain during the war a little ironic. correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. states, listed in this order? Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Alabama, Arizona, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois. These are the home states of the nine winners of American Idol. Too hard? Maybe so. Not too hard for Kmac.

Ken Jennings Tuesday Trivia - June 22

2010-06-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. The early edition of a newspaper is nicknamed for what breed of dog? this sounds like real trivia. Probably a one word dog breed, not German shepherd or cocker spaniel. How about a beagle.
2. Of the 32 teams in this year's World Cup, what's the only one that's not also a member of the United Nations? North Korea, dear leader
3. Henry Winkler is the godfather of what Hollywood leading lady? Erin Moran? But I would not characterize her as one of Hollywood's leading ladies. Maybe he was friends with John Voight and became Angelina Jolie's godfather.
4. What river is navigated by the seven boats known as "Maid of the Mist?? Niagara River
5. What kind of animal--the only cephalapod with an external shell--lent its name to the principal setting of a classic French novel of 1869? cephalapods are mollusks like octopi and squids. French novelists --> Zola, Hugo, Jules Verne! Nautilus (a cephalapod?) --> 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea
6. Kaiser Wilhelm, the German emperor during the First World War, was the first grandchild of what famous woman? Seems to me that I have heard this before. Queen Victoria
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these U.S. states, listed in this order? Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Alabama, Arizona, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois. Did KJ mess this up? Alabama is listed twice. Is one supposed to be Arkansas? Is this a sports question? Or a river/miles of shoreline question?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS
1. According to the Social Security Administration, what first name set a record in 2008 by jumping from the #12,535th most popular baby name all the way up to #2,409? "Barack" made the biggest jump in Social Security history. (It's taking all I can do not to make some "white names can't jump" joke here...) correct
2. Who did Carl Denham bring back from Skull Island? King Kong. Spoilers: he was happier on Skull Island. correct
3. What Austrian physicist proposed his namesake "effect" in his 1842 treatise "On the Colored Lights of the Binary Stars and Some Other Stars of the Heavens"? That was Christian Doppler--the Doppler effect or shift occurs when motion changes the frequency of a light or sound wave, as with the colors of starlight or (more likely) as the sound of ambulance siren approaches your apartment. correct
4. The chemical symbols for bromine and barium appear prominently in the logo of what TV series? So it's got to have "Br" and "Ba" in it, and it has to be aabout chemistry...got it! The Brady Banch! No wait. It's Breaking Bad. correct
5. Outside of the U.K., what's the world's largest island where English is the official language? Okay, this question got horribly misphrased somewhere along the line, so we disallowed it. No matter what you wrote ("Staten Island," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "38") you got credit. I think the correct answer is technically Canada's Baffin Island as phrased here, but--just to show you how badly I garbled the phrasing, the intended answer was actually Jamaica! correct enough
6. What's the more common name for the historical event that the Lakota called "the Battle of Greasy Grass Creek"? The Battle of Little Big Horn, aka "Custer's Last Stand." How did he stand at all, what with all that greasy grass around? correct
7. What unusual distinction is shared by these pop acts? All-4-One, Cascada, Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, Janis Joplin, Pet Shop Boys, Helen Reddy, Social Distortion. All scored big hits with covers of country songs. I actually like the Pet Shop Boys version of "Always on My Mind" as much as I like the Willie Nelson one which, yes, makes me a total philistine. Wait a minute. Me And Bobby McGee is not a country song. Ray Price? Country. Kris Kristofferson? Not country.