Trivia Q&A: September 25

The rainy weather kept the crowds down last night at Professor Thom's last night, as 8 teams took part in the Trivia. I made two errors last night, as it was pointed out to me that in the "Classic Novels of the 20th Century" round, I listed "Angela's Ashes" as one of the choices, but that is actually a memoir and not a novel, but we kept it in anyway. (Don't know how that slipped by me!) And the other was the question about the "island nation" in General Knowledge round and the answer was Bermuda, but it was pointed out that technically Bermuda is not a nation or sovereign state but an island territory of the UK. So because the question was a bit vague, I tossed it out and gave everyone three points for the question. The Mighty Quinn regrets the errors!

It was another night for the guys from DIMS, as they led throughout the night, and went into the winners circle with 44 points. Second place went to Iron Bank with 36 points, and third place went to Return of the Djoubooties! (Nice job, Jack, Joel and Glenn!) with 34 points.

Best Team Name: Our Best Player is on a Hinge Date

I'll have a special announcement coming next week about the Trivia Nights coming in October, as the Red Sox postseason may interfere with our Trivia Night. See you next week!

Current Events
1. Eliud Kipchoge set a new world record for the marathon last week with a 2:01:39 win at the marathon in what European capital city?
2. What TV show won the Best Drama Series for the third straight year at last week's Emmy Awards?
3. What American pop group was selected to headline the halftime show at Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta this coming February?
4. An independent investigation released last week revealed numerous incidents of workplace misconduct within what NBA organization and the team's owner agreed to contribute $10 million to various women's causes?
5. Kimberly Thompson, former drummer for what R&B female singer, filed a restraining order against the singer, claiming that she "practices extreme witchcraft" and harasses her with "magic spells of sexual molestation"?
6. What nation successfully landed two hopping rovers on an asteroid called Ryugu last Friday?
7. Michael Ketterer, who finished fifth overall this season on what network reality series, was arrested the day after the show's finale on a charge of domestic violence against his wife?

2000s TV Trivia
1. What 2000s TV sitcom was set in the fictional town of Point Place, WI?
2. What was the name of the American president Martin Sheen portrayed on the TV series "The West Wing?"
3. Before his star turn as Walter White, what 2000s sitcom did Bryan Cranston star in?
4. What 2000s TV character was estimated to have "killed" over 260 people personally during the run of the show he appeared on?
5. What TV series' 2004 finale was the single most watched entertainment telecast in the decade of the 2000s?
6. What movie actor was famously murdered on the TV series "The Sopranos" by Tony Soprano with a 12-gauge shotgun in 2004?
7. Ending in 2010, what TV drama was the longest-running crime drama and the second-longest running drama series in the history of American TV?

The Q Train: Classic Novels of the 20th Century
1. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone (J.K. Rowling)
2. The Color Purple (Alice Walker)
3. Angela's Ashes (Frank McCourt)
4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey)
5. 1984 (George Orwell)
6. Beloved (Toni Morrison)
7. To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
8. The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
9. The Godfather (Mario Puzo)
10. The Shining (Stephen King)

General Knowledge
1. Charlie Sheen was fired in 2011 from what TV show after his infamous meltdown? ( 1 pt)
2. In 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics relocated and became what NBA team? ( 1 pt)
3. What 2013 sequel film was subtitled "Catching Fire?" ( 1 pt)
4. On what modern continent did the Tyrannosaurus Rex live? ( 2 pt)
5. What is the largest country in Africa in area? ( 2 pt)
6. The Queen's Gambit is one of the oldest openings in what game? ( 2 pt)
7. According to Expatistan.com, as of September 2018, what island nation has the highest cost of living in the world? (3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What is the only majority Roman Catholic country in Asia? ( 4 points)
2. The tallest man-made structure in North America can be found in what US state? ( 5 points)
3. What year in the mid-21st Century will Halley's Comet make its next appearance? ( 4 points)
4. Who is the only artist to win an Oscar for a theme song to a James Bond film? ( 3 points)
5. What legendary Oscar-winning actor was infamously shot in the back by Bruce Dern in the 1972 film "The Cowboys", which Dern received death threats in real life for having done so? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Berlin; 2. "Game of Thrones;" 3. Maroon 5; 4. Dallas Mavericks; 5. Beyonce; 6. Japan; 7. "America's Got Talent."

2000s TV Trivia
1. "That '70s Show;" 2. Josiah Bartlet; 3. "Malcolm in the Middle;" 4. Jack Bauer; 5. "Friends;" 6. Steve Buscemi; 7. "Law and Order."

The Q Train: Classic Novels of the 20th Century
1. 1990s (1997); 2. 1980s (1982); 3. 1990s (1996); 4. 1960s (1962); 5. 1940s (1948); 6. 1980s (1987); 7. 1960s (1960); 8. 1920s (1925); 9. 1960s (1969); 10. 1970s (1977).

General Knowledge
1. "Two and a Half Men;" 2. Oklahoma City Thunder; 3. "The Hunger Games;" 4. North America; 5. Algeria; 6. chess; 7. Bermuda.

IQ Trivia
1. The Philippines; 2. North Dakota;  3. 2061; 4. Adele; 5. John Wayne.

20th Century Novels & 21st Century TV This Week

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, September 25th at 8:30 PM, with "2000s TV Trivia" as the Special Category. We did "1990s TV Trivia" last week and that went really well, so let's move up another decade! I will ask you seven questions connected to TV from the first decade of the 21st Century. The Q Train lightning round will be "20th Century Novels Trivia." I will give you the names of ten very well-known novels of the last century and their authors, and you have to tell me in what decade it was originally published.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Charlie Sheen was fired in 2011 from what from what TV show after his infamous meltdown?"

I look forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night for another great edition of Trivia!

Trivia Q&A: September 18

We had a nice turnout last night for Trivia, as 15 teams turned out on a night there was also a Red Sox-Yankees game on, so that brought out more folks, many of whom joined in on the Trivia. It was a close fight to the finish, with the top four teams divided by just three points. But the team of If You Can't Drink & Drive, Why Do You Need a Driver's License to Buy Beer? held on and won with 47 points. (They also pulled off the double, also winning Best Team Name.) Congratulations to Travis and his team on their first ever Trivia Night victory.

DIMS finished in second place with 45 points, and third place went to Trump University Office of Financial Aid with 44 points.

Current Events
1. Ron DeSantis, a Republican Congressman, resigned from Congress last week so he focus on his campaign for governor of what US state?
2. Nia Franklin of what US state was named Miss America 2019 last week?
3. Jeff Fager, the executive producer of what longtime network program, was fired by CBS after allegations of inappropriately touching people and enabling a culture of harassment?
4. What Oscar-nominated actor/musician was ranked number 1 on the Hollywood Reporter's list of Top Actors chart, based on data from social media outlets?
5. Jair Bolsonaro, a candidate for president in what South American country, was attacked and stabbed recently while campaigning and survived the attack?
6. What sci-fi movie reboot grossed over $24 million at the box office this past weekend to become the number 1 film in the US?
7. What rock superstar earned his first number 1 album in over 36 years on the Billboard 200 Chart with his newest album released earlier this month?

1990s TV Trivia
1. "Bad Boys" is the theme song to what reality-based 1990s TV show?
2. "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" was the original name of what 1990s TV sitcom?
3. "Rugrats", "Doug" and what other hit show all premiered on Nickelodeon on the same day in 1991?
4. Walter Skinner was one of the main characters in what 1990s Fox drama series?
5. "The Drew Carey Show" was set in what American city?
6. On "The Simpsons", who shot Mr. Burns?
7. What comedy series debuted in the 1990s and ran for the longest number of TV seasons?

The Q Train: Famous US Immigrants
1. Dave Matthews
2. Rhianna
3. Rupert Murdoch
4. Mariano Rivera
5. Irving Berlin
6. Alex Trebek
7. Albert Einstein
8. Arnold Schwarzenegger
9. Gloria Estefan
10. Patrick Ewing

General Knowledge
1. What sign of the Zodiac comes last alphabetically? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the first element on the Periodic Table? ( 1 pt)
3. In 1995, what was the first ever Pixar film? ( 1 pt)
4. Liev Schreiber stars on what current Showtime TV series? ( 2 pt)
5. What country has the largest Muslim population? ( 2 pt)
6. What is the windiest planet in the solar system? ( 2 pt)
7. In 2017, what South American country became the first country to legalize recreational marijuana? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What 2004 film is the highest grossing religious film of all-time? ( 4 points)
2. In 2001, what artist wore the infamous swan dress to the Academy Awards ceremony? ( 4 points)
3. At the end of 2017, who topped the list of Forbes for the richest person in the world? ( 3 points)
4. What 20th Century US president is the only one to have a Ph.D.? ( 4 points)
5. First introduced in 1984, what is the top-selling video game of all-time? ( 5 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Florida; 2. New York; 3. "60 Minutes;" 4. Will Smith; 5. Brazil; 6. "The Predator;" 7. Paul McCartney.

1990s TV Trivia
1. "Cops;" 2. "Saved By the Bell;" 3. "Ren & Stimpy;" 4. "The X-Files;" 5. Cleveland; 6. Maggie Simpson; 7. "Frasier" (11).

The Q Train: Famous US Immigrants
1. South Africa; 2. Barbados; 3. Australia; 4. Panama; 5. Russia; 6. Canada; 7. Germany; 8. Austria; 9. Cuba; 10. Jamaica.

General Knowledge
1. Virgo; 2. hydrogen; 3. "Toy Story;" 4. "Ray Donovan;" 5. Indonesia; 6. Neptune; 7. Uruguay.

IQ Trivia
1. "The Passion of the Christ;" 2. Bjork; 3. Jeff Bezos; 4. Woodrow Wilson; 7. Tetris.

Back to the 1990s on TV This Week

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, September 18th at 8:30 PM, with "1990s TV Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions connected to TV shows that aired during the final decade of the 20th Century. The Q Train lightning round will be "Famous US Immigrants Trivia." I will give you the names of ten famous people who immigrated to our great nation over the years, and you have to tell me what country they were originally born in.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What sign of the Zodiac come last alphabetically?"

It's been great seeing the crowds go up as the summer winds down, so make sure you get in early enough to get a prime seat or table. Looking forward to seeing many of you for Trivia this Tuesday night!

"The Presidents and the Pastime"

I recently finished reading a very exhaustive account of the relationship between the White House and Major League Baseball called "The President and the Pastime: The History of Baseball & the White House" (University of Nebraska Press) by Curt Smith, who was a long time White House speechwriter.

Smith begins with baseball's roots at Revolutionary War, and goes up to President Donald Trump's college baseball career. We find that Abraham Lincoln was a fan of "town ball", one of baseball's many ancestors. Beginning in the 20th century with Theodore Roosevelt (who was more of a football fan than a baseball fan), each US president gets a chapter in the book, with some fascinating facts about our Chief Executives and their connections to baseball.

Woodrow Wilson was a big baseball fan, and his chapter includes his steering the game through World War I, and ends with his suffering strokes near the end of his second term, and baseball became his refuge as his life was coming to an end. Franklin D. Roosevelt, who is on the book's cover, arguably saved the game while America entered World War II, and I was never aware of the campaign to get him enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Richard Nixon was a devoted baseball fan who drew up his "Dream Teams" of MLB rosters from early and modern baseball. John F. Kennedy loved the Red Sox, and Ronald Reagan did recreations of baseball games as a young announcer back in the early 1930s. MLB was a passion not only of Jimmy Carter but also his mother Lillian, and George W. Bush's longtime love of the game, from his part-ownership of the Texas Rangers to throwing a perfect strike at the 2001 World Series, shortly after the 9/11 attacks.

The book is centered on the Washington teams, from the two Senators franchises to the current Nationals club. Smith also intersects baseball history with the history of the United States, and what all the presidents dealt with in their time in office. I found a few minor errors in the book, such as Smith wrote that President Bush threw his World Series first pitch to Jorge Posada of the Yankees, which was not true. (It was caught by backup Yankees catcher Todd Greene.)

"The President and the Pastime" is overall a very good book from a person with a interesting angle in Washington D.C. Smith also gives his thoughts on how the game can be improved, and I'm with him on most of them. It was overall an enjoyable read about when the highest office in the land and the country's sports passion meet.

Trivia Q&A: September 11

We had a nice crowd in for Trivia last night, with 13 teams taking part. It was the end of an exhausting day for me, as I was at the 9/11 remembrance ceremonies at the WTC all day before Trivia started, but I got my second wind last night as the Trivia began. It was a dogfight throughout the evening, with the top three teams basically neck-and -neck going into IQ Trivia. But it was our friends from DIMS who pulled out the comeback win, as they had been behind all night, making up a four-point difference in the final round by sweeping the IQ Trivia questions and winning the night by just one point, getting 49 points in total. Congrats to Ken, Michael and Darek on their hard-fought win.

Second place went to Name Goes On Top of Sheet with 48 points, and third place went to Sad Alex with 36 points.

Best Team Name: Magic Johnson Wasted the World's Best Porn Name on Basketball

Current Events
1. What midwestern city turned off the drinking water to their public school system last week, over concerns about high copper and lead levels in the water?
2. What Asian country was hit by the strongest typhoon in 25 years, with 6 people killed and 160 injured?
3. What Asian country's Supreme Court struck down an 1861 law prohibiting gay sex, a landmark victory for gay rights in that country?
4. TripAdvisor's 2018 Travelers Choice Awards ranked what museum as the number one museum in the US, and second in the world recently?
5. Actor Burt Reynolds died last Friday at the age of 82. He received one Oscar nomination, for Best Supporting Actor in 1997 for what film?
6. What legendary British rock star was honored last Friday with his image on a US stamp in the USPS series of Music Icons stamps?
7. The US Air Force is investigating what business magnate after he was apparently smoking marijuana on Joe Rogan's podcast last week?

September 11th Trivia
1. On this day in 1789, what man was appointed the first US Secretary of the Treasury?
2. In 1973, the democratically elected president Salvador Allende of what South American country was overthrown in a coup led by General Augusto Pinochet?
3. What MLB player broke Ty Cobb's hit record for a career on this day in 1985?
4. On this day in 1978, Janet Parker, a British medical photographer, became the last recorded person to die from what disease, which the WHO said was eradicated in 1980?
5. Mickey Hart, drummer and percussionist of what legendary West Coast rock band, was born on this day in 1943?
6. Johnny Unitas, the legendary QB for what NFL team from 1956-1972 and three time NFL MVP, died on this day in 2002?
7. Only once in MLB history has a team won the World Series on September 11th, in 1918 due to WWI travel restrictions. What AL team won that year?

The Q Train: Colleges & Universities Trivia
1. Marquette
2. Wayne State
3. Austin Peay
4. Creighton
5. Gonzaga
6. Ball State
7. James Madison
8. Towson State
9. Dartmouth
10. Marshall

General Knowledge
1. The Pelican State is the nickname for what US state? ( 1 pt)
2. On the Periodic Table of Elements, Fe stands for what element? ( 1 pt)
3. What country has the largest standing army in the world? ( 1 pt)
4. According to Instagram, what is the most photographed city in the world? ( 2 pt)
5. After water, what is the most consumed beverage in the world? ( 2 pt)
6. "The Shipwreck Coast" can be found in what country? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the oldest US national park? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What actress is the only actor or actress to star in 2 of the 4 films that have grossed at least $2 billion worldwide at the box office? ( 5 points)
2. The Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977 traded what territory? ( 4 points)
3. What city has the longest boardwalk in the world? ( 3 points)
4. What 1992 film holds the record for the best-selling soundtrack of all-time, over 17 million copies? ( 4 points)
5. The world's most active volcano is located in what country? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Detroit; 2. Japan; 3. India; 4. 9/11 Memorial and Museum; 5. "Boogie Nights;" 6. John Lennon; 7. Elon Musk.

September 11th Trivia
1. Alexander Hamilton; 2. Chile; 3. Pete Rose; 4. smallpox; 5. The Grateful Dead; 6. Baltimore Colts; 7. Boston Red Sox.

The Q Train: Colleges & Universities Trivia
1. Wisconsin; 2. Michigan; 3. Tennessee; 4. Nebraska; 5. Washington; 6. Indiana; 7. Virginia; 8. Maryland; 9. New Hampshire; 10. West Virginia.

General Knowledge
1. Louisiana; 2. iron; 3. China; 4. New York City; 5. tea; 6. Australia; 7. Yellowstone.

IQ Trivia
1. Zoe Saldana; 2. Panama Canal Zone; 3. Atlantic City; 4. "The Bodyguard;" 5. USA (Hawaii).

A Great Honor For Me This Year

Today is the 17th anniversary of the worst day in American history, when 3,000 beautiful souls were taken from us in the worst terrorist attack ever on American soil. I will be at the remembrance ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial for the 17th straight year. And this year I have been awarded the great honor of reading names of those 9/11 First Responders who have lost their lives since the 9/11 attacks.

This will not be at the public reading of the names which is done every year (only blood relatives of the 9/11 victims are allowed to do that). This is at a ceremony (called "Calling of the Names") at St. Paul's Chapel at 3 PM (which is open to the public). There will be a remembrance there for the victims, and then those First Responders who have died since 9/11 will have their names read by many people in the 9/11 community. My friend Eileen has been a reader for many years, but this year she could not make it to New York because of ill health. So she was kind enough to ask me to substitute for her. I am deeply honored to do so, and will read the names of 15 heroes who gave their lives to our country.

I will mention before I start reading that I will read the names in memory of my dear friend Joyce Carpeneto. And as those of you who follow my blog know, I remember Joyce here on every year on September 11th. For those of you who would like to check out my previous posts that go back to 2006, just follow these links:

2006: Forever Missed. And Forever Loved.
2007: Never Forget. Ever.
2008: We Can Be The Ones Who Remember
2009: The Most Sacred Of All Days
2010: 3000
2011: Ten Years After
2012: 11 Years
2013: No Other Place In The World I Could Be Today
2014: Always And Forever Family
2015: I'm The Lucky One
2016: Joyce and Alice
2017: Tower Records Forever

Please do check out Joyce's memorial page at The 9/11 Living Memorial set up by The Voices of September 11th. It's a truly beautiful remembrance of Joyce's life in pictures and many other things.

I am so deeply grateful to all of you who read my blog from time to time, and for all the good wishes that are sent to me this time of year. But I am most grateful to have had a lovely young woman named Joyce Ann Carpeneto be a part of my life. I miss her every day, and pray she has found peace.

Back to School Trivia This Week

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, September 11th at 8:30 PM, with "September 11th Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions connected to the day of September 11th down through the years. (And there will be no questions connected to that terrible morning of 17 years ago.) The Q Train lightning round will be "Colleges & Universities Trivia." In honor of the return to class, I will give you the names of ten leading schools of higher learning throughout the US, and you have to tell me which state you will find that college or university.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The Pelican State is the nickname for what US state?"

We've been getting some terrific crowds over the last few weeks, so I would advise you to come a bit earlier in order to get a good seat or table. See you on Tuesday night!

Trivia Q&A: September 4

It was another hot night in New York, and just coming off a holiday weekend, we had just 9 teams in for Trivia last night. They was kind of expected, as holiday weekends usually keep the regulars away. But we did have a very good night of Trivia. It was the night for I'm Playing With Myself Again, who was Ken from DIMS playing solo for the second straight week. He had an off week last week, but he bounced back strong last night, getting the win with 45 points. Congrats to him on his first solo win.

Second place went to Pullover? No, It's a Cardigan But Thanks For Noticing! finished with 40 points, and Michael Cohen Legal Defense Fund (who also won for Best Team Name) finished third with 38 points.

Current Events
1. What car company is investing $500 million in Uber as part of a deal to team up to make self-driving cars?
2. What weekly newspaper announced last Friday that they are ceasing online publication and it will no longer exist after 63 years?
3. Amazon announced that "A Rainy Day in New York", a new film by what director, won't be released in 2018 and perhaps ever due to the filmmaker's controversial past?
4. Bishop Charles Ellis, who led Aretha Franklin's funeral last Friday, apologized to what pop singer after he was accused on social media of groping her breast on stage at the funeral?
5. What superstar rock singer suffered a complete loss of voice and his band had to cancel a show in Berlin last Saturday night?
6. Two American tourists were stabbed last Friday night in what European capital city in what officials there believe was a terrorist motive by the suspect?
7. What comedy/drama film topped the box office in the US for the third straight weekend, making it the fourth film in 2018 to do that?

Q-Tip Trivia
1. Which of these US states has less than 1 million in population as of 2010? a. Hawaii; b. Wyoming; c. Idaho; d. Rhode Island.
2. Which of these US presidents also served as vice-president? a. Thomas Jefferson; b. Richard Nixon; c. Calvin Coolidge; d. FDR.
3. Which of the following TV series are currently on HBO? a. Billions; b. Game of Thrones; c. The Deuce; d. The Affair.
4. Which of these rock icons died outside the United States? a. Jim Morrison; b. Sid Vicious; c. Kurt Cobain; d. Jimi Hendrix.
5. For which films has Jennifer Lawrence received Academy Award nominations? a. American Hustle; b. Passengers; c. Joy; d. The Hunger Games.
6. Which of the following cities have a team in all four major sports (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL)? a. Seattle; b. Atlanta; c. Cleveland; d. Houston.
7. Which of the following areas of New York City are found in the borough of Queens? a. Tottenville; b. Gravesend; c. Norwood; d. Bellerose.

The Q Train: British Terms Trivia
1. Boot
2. Trainer
3. Jumper
4. Braces
5. Brolly
6. Spanner
7. Wellies
8. Nappy
9. Swede
10. Drawing pin

General Knowledge
1. What city hosted the first crew of the TV series "The Real World?" ( 1 pt)
2. Which James Bond actor wore a toupee in every James Bond movie? ( 1 pt)
3. Route 66 begins in what midwestern state? ( 1 pt)
4. What southern US state is home to a chain of islands known as the Outer Banks? ( 2 pt)
5. What European capital city sits on the Spree River? ( 2 pt)
6. Peter Gene Hernandez is thereal name of what current American singer/songwriter? ( 2 pt)
7. What Jewish holiday was instituted by Queen Esther and Mordecai? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. The phrase "hoist with his own petard" first appeared in what Shakespeare work? ( 4 points)
2. Krav Maga is a self-defense and fighting system that originated in what country? ( 4 points)
3. In 1997, what company did Microsoft help with a $150 million investment? ( 3 points)
4. "The Crazy 88s" was the name of a Japanese gang in what 2003 action film? ( 4 points)
5. What 2016 film was the first movie to be nominated for Best Picture that was distributed by a streaming service, Amazon Studios? ( 5 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Toyota; 2. The Village Voice; 3. Woody Allen; 4. Ariana Grande; 5. Bono; 6. Amsterdam; 7. "Crazy Rich Asians."

Q-Tip Trivia
1. b; 2. a,b,c; 3. b,c; 4.a,d; 5. a,c; 6. none; 7. d.

The Q Train: British Terms Trivia
1. Trunk (of a car); 2. sneaker; 3. sweater; 4. suspenders; 5. umbrella; 6. wrench; 7. boots; 8. diaper; 9. turnip; 10. thumbtack.

General Knowledge
1. New York City; 2. Sean Connery; 3. Illinois; 4. North Carolina; 5. Berlin; 6. Bruno Mars; 7. Purim.

IQ Trivia
1. "Hamlet"; 2. Israel; 3. Apple; 4. "Kill Bill V.1"; 5. "Manchester By The Sea."

Separated By a Common Language On Tuesday

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, September 4th at 8:30 PM, with "Q-Tip Trivia" as the Special Category. That is the recurring category where I ask you seven general knowledge questions, and each question will have four choices for answers. You can pick as many as you think are correct: 1, 2, 3, all four or none. You get a point for each correct answer, but if you pick a wrong choice, you automatically get none for that question, so you have to be careful (and if the correct answer is "none", you get one point for that answer). The Q Train lightning round will be "British Terms Trivia." I will give you ten very British words, and you have to tell me their American equivalent (such as "flat" being "apartment" for example).

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What city hosted the first crew of the TV series 'The Real World?'"

We've been getting some big crowds the last few weeks, so I would suggest coming in a bit earlier to get a good seat or table. Looking forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday night!

Trivia Q&A: August 28

It was a hot night in New York last night, and you never know how that can go as far as folks coming out for Trivia. But I was happy to see 18 teams take part last night, as the bar was crowded and the atmosphere terrific. The scores were tight all night ( we even had a five-way tie for second place at one point), with just three points separating seven teams going into IQ Trivia. But it was the team of Uretha Franklin getting all five IQ questions correct, and jumping from fifth place to the victory with 46 points. Congratulations to them on their first ever Trivia Night win.

Second place was a tie, and for the third straight week, the team of We Come From Behind was involved in the tie! They were tied with Louis C.K. Comeback with 41 points. We broke the tie with the following question: "As of 2011, how many countries in the world are there?" The answer is 195, and Louis C.K. Comeback's guess was closer, so they grabbed second place, with We Come From Behind third.

Best Team Name: Trump Can't Get a Rise Out of the Flag

Current Events
1. Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter, of what state, was indicted along with his wife of illegally using campaign funds for personal use?
2. Warner Brothers announced that what hit sitcom will end its network run in 2019 after 12 seasons?
3. The state of California made what sport its official state sport last week?
4. What Oscar-winning actor was ranked number one on Forbes' list of highest-paid male actors of 2018, despite not making a film over the last year and he earned over $239 million from investments and endorsements?
5. What rock band's 1976 Greatest Hits album officially passed Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album as the best-selling album of all-time, now certified 38X platinum?
6. 7 people were arrested last Saturday as opposing groups clash at what university over a century-old Confederate statue that was torn down earlier this week?
7. Scott Morrison became prime minister of what country last week, becoming the nation's 6th prime minister in 10 years?

Elvis, Aretha and The Babe Trivia
1. Aretha Franklin was born in 1942 in what US city? a. Detroit; b. Memphis; c. New York; d. Philadelphia.
2. What was Elvis Presley's first number one hit on the US Billboard pop chart? a. Burning Love; b. Hound Dog; c.Heartbreak Hotel; d. Stuck On You.
3. What MLB player first broke Babe Ruth's record of 60 home runs in a season? a. Roger Maris; b. Barry Bonds; c. Mark McGwire; d. Hank Aaron.
4. Aretha Franklin had a number one hit in 1987 called "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me" with what male pop singer? a. Marvin Gaye; b. George Michael; c. Elton John; d. Stevie Wonder.
5. Elvis Presley once received a special agent badge from what US president? a. JFK; b. LBJ; c. Richard Nixon; d. Gerald Ford.
6. Babe Ruth played for how many MLB teams in his storied career? a. 2; b. 3; c. 4; d. 5.
7. Aretha Franklin's number one hit "Respect" was originally released in what year? a. 1971; b. 1975; c. 1969; d. 1967.

The Q Train: 1-10 Trivia
1. Capricorn is this number sign of the Zodiac.
2. Jupiter is this number planet from the Sun.
3. How many sides does a heptagon have?
4. The Beatles released a compilation album in 2000 entitled what number?
5. Yankees Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig wore this number.
6. How many years did the Korean War last?
7. This is the number of points awarded in football for a safety.
8. Most standard guitars have this many strings.
9. The right fielder in baseball is this number player.
10. Hanukkah lasts this number days and nights.

General Knowledge
1. What animal is on the state flag of California? ( 1 pt)
2. What TV show did Drew Carey host before "The Price Is Right?" ( 1 pt)
3. What board game inspired the TV show "Double Dare?" ( 1 pt)
4. Who was the 20th President of the United States? ( 2 pt)
5. In 1992, what was the first animated film nominated for Best Picture Oscar? ( 2 pt)
6. What Hall of Fame football player plays himself in the film "Ace Venture: Pet Detective?" (2 pt)
7. What world capital city is known as "Mother of the World?" ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. Who was supposed to be the voice of Shrek in the 2001 film before Mike Myers took the role due to the actor's sudden death? ( 3 points)
2. In 2004, what artist became the first rapper to hit the Top 10 country singles chart? ( 4 points)
3. "The Common Man's Crown" is a nickname for what type of headwear? ( 4 points)
4. The 2006 film "Cars" was the final film made by what Oscar-winning actor, and it ended up being the highest-earning film of his legendary career? ( 5 points)
5. Every January 2nd is National Science Fiction Day in the US after the birthday of what great science fiction writer? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. California; 2. "The Big Bag Theory;" 3. surfing; 4. George Clooney; 5. The Eagles; 6. U. of North Carolina; 7. Australia.

Elvis, Aretha and The Babe Trivia
1.b; 2. c; 3. a; 4. b; 5. c; 6. b; 7. d.

The Q Train: 1-10 Trivia
1.10; 2. 5; 3. 7; 4. 1; 5. 4; 6. 3; 7. 2; 8. 6; 9. 9; 10. 8.

General Knowledge
1. Grizzly Bear; 2. "Whose Line Is It Anyway;" 3. Mouse Trap; 4. James Garfield; 5. "Beauty and the Beast;" 6. Dan Marino; 7. Cairo.

IQ Trivia
1. Chris Farley; 2. Nelly; 3. baseball cap; 4. Paul Newman; 5. Isaac Asimov.

Icons Who Passed On 8/16 Trivia This Week

Trivia is happening this Tuesday night, August 28th at 8:30 PM, with "Elvis, Aretha and The Babe Trivia" as the Special Category. As you know, Aretha Franklin passed on August 16th at the age of 76, and joined Elvis Presley and Babe Ruth as iconic American figures who died on that date. So we will honor all three with seven questions about that great trio. The Q Train lightning round will be "1-10 Trivia', ten questions where each answer will be a number from 1-10, with each answer being a different number, and it will be multiple choice as well.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What animal is on the state flag of California?"

We had a bigger crowd in last week, and it appears the crowds are growing as we head to fall. So I encourage you all to get in early to get a good seat or table on Friday night. See you then!

Trivia Q&A: August 21

We had our biggest crowd of the summer for Trivia on Tuesday night, with 17 teams in. It was a great night with a few Trivia regulars back in, and everyone was really into it last night. We had the top eight teams with just 4 points between them going into IQ Trivia, but the team of The Original Reality Kings pulled out the win by running the table in the round, and getting 49 points and the victory. Congratulations to them on a hard fought win.

We had a tie for second place between DIMS and We Come From Behind (they tied for first two weeks ago for first place with DIMS winning the tiebreaker) with 45 points, but We Come From Behind got the nod by the closer guess to this question: "How long is the Great Wall of China in total miles?" Originally both teams made the same guess, so they both guessed again.

BTW, sorry to all of you for that stupid popup ad that interfered with my blog recently. My thanks to Bentley, one of our Trivia regulars, who saw what the problem was and corrected it.

Best Team Name: Stop the Bus and Let My Friend Jack Off

Current Events
1. Lawmakers in what eastern US state impeached all four of the state's Supreme Court judges over spending issues last week?
2. 43 people were killed last Tuesday when a bridge collapsed in what European country?
3. What beer company put up "victory fridges" in stores around Cleveland that will automatically open when and if the Browns win a game and free beer will be available to their fans?
4. A satanic temple sparked a furor last Friday by unveiling a statue of a goat-headed winged creature in what southern state's capital?
5. Over 600 people were sickened in Ohio over the last month at what restaurant chain in what health officials determined was caused by a common foodborne bug?
6. What 33-year-old actress was ranked number one on Forbes' list of female actresses earnings for 2018, earning $40.5 million for three films this year, including one of the year's highest grossing films?
7. What disgraced movie star's latest film, "Billionaire Boys Club" earned a staggeringly low $126 at the 10 theaters it opened at across the US on its opening day last Friday?

2010s Movie Trivia
1. Released in 2015, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was given what episodic number?
2. The Coen Brothers remade what classic 1969 western film in 2010?
3. What action movie icon starred in the 2012 film "Looper", which was a sci-fi film set in 2074?
4. Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award in 2014 for Best Actor for what film?
5. The 2010 movie "The King's Speech" told the story of what English king?
6. Who is the only actor to be nominated 3 times in the two major acting Oscar categories in the 2010s, winning once for Best Supporting Actor in 2010?
7. Name 1 of the 2 actresses to be nominated at least 4 times in the two major acting Oscar categories in the 2010s?

The Q Train: Name the Sport Trivia
1. Jimmy Garoppolo
2. Lindsey Vonn
3. Henrik Lundqvist
4. Simona Halep
5. Shohei Ohtani
6. Brooks Koepka
7. Adam Rippon
8. Kyle Busch
9. Jose L. Ortiz
10. James Harden

General Knowledge
1. What was the first "Saturday Night Live" skit adapted into a movie? ( 1 pt)
2. Marcel was the name of a pet monkey on what TV sitcom? ( 1 pt)
3. What African country is known as "The Rainbow Nation?" ( 1 pt)
4. The smallest muscles in the human body are located where? ( 2 pt)
5. Which of the Great Lakes has the most shipwreck sites? ( 2 pt)
6. Al Gore was a college roommate at Harvard with what Oscar-winning actor? ( 2 pt)
7. What is the world's oldest known vegetable, dating back over 8000 years? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. The languages Telugu and Marathi are the third and fourth most popularly spoken languages in what country? ( 4 points)
2. What is the smallest country in population to ever make it to soccer's World Cup Finals? ( 4 points)
3. In 1974, what sport reinstated its ban on left handed players, to avoid dangerous head-on collisions? ( 3 points)
4. In 1970, what future comedy star was arrested at Chicago's O'Hare Airport on his 20th birthday for attempting to smuggle 10 pounds of marijuana through the airport?
5. What music video was the first video on YouTube to reach 5 billion views? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. West Virginia; 2. Italy; 3. Bud Light; 4. Arkansas; 5. Chipotle; 6. Scarlett Johansson; 7. Kevin Spacey.

2010s Movie Trivia
1. Seven; 2. "True Grit;" 3. Bruce Willis; 4. "The Theory of Everything;" 5. George VI; 6. Christian Bale; 7. Meryl Streep (5) and Jennifer Lawrence (4).

The Q Train: Name the Sport Trivia
1. Football; 2. skiing; 3. hockey; 4. tennis; 5. baseball; 6.golf;  7. figure skating; 8. auto racing; 9. horse racing; 10. basketball.

General Knowledge
1. "The Blues Brothers;" 2. "Friends;" 3. South Africa; 4. ear; 5. Lake Superior; 6. Tommy Lee Jones; 7. pea.

IQ Trivia
1. India; 2. Iceland; 3. polo; 4. Bill Murray; 5. "Despacito."

Movies of Recent Vintage Happening This Week

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, August 21st at 8:30 PM, with "2010s Movie Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions about movies that were released since 2010 and the actors and actresses who were in them. The Q Train lightning round will be "Name the Sport Trivia." I will give you the names of ten current athletes, male and female, who have risen to the top of their sporting field, and you have to tell me what sport they play (it can be in a team or individual sport).

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What was the first 'Saturday Night Live' skit adapted into a movie?"

Looking forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night for a great night of Trivia Q&A!

Trivia Q&A: August 14

We had 13 teams in at Professor Thom's on Tuesday night for Trivia, and it was one of the harder nights of Trivia we've had in a while. The scores were on the lower side for both August Trivia and General Knowledge. (The highest score in General Knowledge was just 7 points out of a possible 12.) I promise it won't be as hard next week! We had three teams that were in a race to finish, separated by just four points going into IQ Trivia. But our friends from DIMS had a prefect IQ round and took the night getting 44 points and the win. And it was nice to see many of the players applauding them at the end of the night. Congrats once again to Ken, Michael and Darek on their victory.

Second place went to Turkey Club with 33 points, and third place went to Reality Kings with 31 points.

Best Team Name: If You're Using a Straw You Suck At Life

Current Events
1. The president of what South American country was the traget of an assassination attempt last week, according to that country's government?
2. What Hollywood legend announced his retirement from acting last week at the age of 81 after 60 years of life on the silver screen?
3. What popular automobile, which has been in production since 1964, rolled out its 10 millionth model last week?
4. Congressman Chris Collins, a Republican from what eastern state, was indicted on insider trading charges and lying to federal agents last week?
5. What Hollywood star is rumored to be considering a run for a congressional seat in New York state, despite denials from the actor's reps?
6. An empty passenger plane was stolen last Friday from what West Coast city by an airport ground crew member and later crashed, killing him in what is believed to be a suicide?
7. What comic actor was accused of slamming a photographer against a door and poured water on him while he was taking photos of a band at a Massachusetts restaurant last week?

August Trivia
1. In August 1990, Iraq invaded what nation which led to the First Gulf War?
2. On August 7, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt was nominated as the presidential candidate for what political party?
3. What famous painting was stolen on August 21, 1911 and was missing 28 months before being recovered?
4. On August 29, 1966, the Beatles played their last ever concert in what American city?
5. MLB players went on strike on August 12th of what year, which ended with a canceled season and no World Series played that season?
6. On August 1, 1980, Vigdis Finnbogadottir became the first democratically elected female head of state by being elected president of what country?
7. On August 14, 1975, what cult science fiction/comedy film opened in LA, and would go on to have the longest-running theatrical release in film history?

The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. Justin Timberlake's mother came up with the name "NSYNC" for her son's band.
2. A cataphile is someone who paints cat portraits.
3. Queen Elizabeth II owns over 6 billion acres of land worldwide.
4. The chemical element with the symbol "K" is potassium.
5. Aretha Franklin's hit song "Respect" was written by R&B singer Ike Turner.
6. The Great Wall of China is visible from space.
7.Quito, Ecuador is the closest world capital city to the equator.
8. Bulls are color blind.
9. It can take up to seven years for gum to be digested when swallowed.
10. Humans can distinguish between over 1 trillion smells.

General Knowledge
1. Who is the most decorated Olympian of all-time? ( 1 pt)
2. What Oscar-winning actor played Lex Luthor in the 1978 film "Superman?" ( 1 pt)
3. What North African nation is 90% desert? ( 1 pt)
4. The Galapagos Islands belong to what South American country? ( 2 pt)
5. In what Asian country are the majority of the world's eggplants grown? ( 2 pt)
6. In 2013, Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater set the NFL record for the longest field goal, which was how many yards? ( 2 pt)
7. What US state is the closest to the continent of Africa? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. Called the Bank of Italy upon its founding in 1904 in San Francisco, by what name is the company now known? ( 4 points)
2. The first World’s Fair was held in what world capital city? ( 4 points)
3. In 2003, who became the youngest actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor? ( 5 points)
4. What 1998 comedy movie led to the creation of an officially recognized religion? ( 3 points)
5. Since rising to fame with her 1988 album "Watermark", what female singer has sold nearly 100 million albums worldwide without ever once going out on tour? ( 4 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Venezuela; 2. Robert Redford; 3. Ford Mustang; 4. New York; 5. Richard Gere; 6. Seattle; 7. Bill Murray.

August Trivia
1. Kuwait; 2. Bull Moose Party; 3. Mona Lisa; 4. San Francisco; 5.1994; 6.Iceland; 7. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

The Q Train: True or False Trivia
1. True; 2. false, explorer of Paris catacombs; 3. true; 4. true; 5. false, Otis Redding; 6. false; 7. true; 8. true; 9. false; 10. true.

General Knowledge
1. Michael Phelps; 2. Gene Hackman; 3. Libya; 4. Ecuador; 5. China; 6. 64; 7. Maine.

IQ Trivia
1. Bank of America; 2. London; 3. Adrien Brody (29); 4. "The Big Lebowski;" 5. Enya.

Dog Days Of August Trivia On Tuesday

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, August 14th at 8:30 PM, with the Special Category of "August Trivia." It will be seven questions connected to the month of August in history, pop culture and more. The Q Train lightning round will be "True or False Trivia." I will give you ten statements and you have to tell me if I'm telling the truth or I am flat out lying to you.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"Who is the most decorated Olympian of all-time?"

I look forward to seeing many of you at Professor Thom's this Tuesday night for another terrific night of Trivia!

Trivia Q&A: August 7

We had 13 teams in for Trivia last night at Professor Thom's, and another crowd that was really into the Trivia. We had a slight controversy over the General Knowledge question about the "private company that is the largest employer in the United States" and it turns out the answer IS Walmart. I originally tossed out the question and awarded everyone the point. The question was a bit vague, and I usually toss out questions like that. But it didn't alter the outcome of the night. Our friends from DIMS had a three-point lead heading into the IQ Trivia round, but the team from We Come From Behind did indeed come from behind and tied them with both teams having 47 points. We broke the tie with the question "What year did Rome first reach one million in population?" (It was based on an IQ Trivia question.) DIMS was closest to the correct answer, which was 133 BC. Congratulations to both teams on a great night.

Third place went to The Titanic: Ice Bucket Challenge Champion (who also won for Best Team Name) with 40 points.

Current Events
1. Thousands of people have been fleeing rights violations and political violence after anti-government protests in what Central American country that have left 450 dead?
2. Urban Meyer, the head football coach at what university, was put on administrative leave last wek after allegations surfaced he covered up a 2015 allegation of domestic violence by one of his assistants?
3. What company's stocks reached a value of $207.05 last Thursday and became the first US company ever worth $1 trillion?
4. Emmerson Mnangagwa was elected president of what African country last week in what many opponents believe was a rigged election?
5. The upcoming film "Christopher Robin" won't be released in what country after activists there turned a resemblance between the country's president and Winnie the Pooh into a meme?
6. Russia' Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that it made what American-born actor to be its special representative for Russia-US humanitarian ties?
7. What action film was number 1 at the box office in the US for the second straight week this week?

NYC Movies Trivia
1. Gene Hackman won his first Academy Award for playing a hardnose NYC detective in what 1971 film that won Best Picture?
2. "Dog Day Afternoon" was a 1975 film that starred Al Pacino as a bank robber who tries to heist a bank in what NYC borough?
3. The 2007 film "American Gangster" was based on a NYC drug dealer named Frank Lucas and starred what Oscar-winning actor as Lucas?
4. What 1977 NYC-based film did Woody Allen receive his only nomination for the Best Actor Oscar?
5. In the 2004 film "The Terminal", what actor starred as an Eastern European immigrant stranded at JFK Airport?
6. What actor won an Academy Award for Best Actor playing a struggling New York actor in the 1977 film "The Goodbye Girl?"
7. Between "New York, New York", "Escape From New York" and "Gangs of New York", which film wasn't directed by Martin Scorsese?

The Q Train: Time Difference Trivia
1. Denver, CO
2. Tokyo, Japan
3. Phoenix, AR
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
5. Hong Kong
6. Honolulu, HI
7. Moscow, Russia
8. Paris, France
9. Sydney, Australia
10. Mexico City, Mexico

General Knowledge
1. The TV series "The Golden Girls" was set in what city? ( 1 pt)
2. What is the symbol for silver? ( 1 pt)
3. What private company is the largest employer in the United States? ( 1 pt)
4. What country in the world has the most military tanks? ( 2 pt)
5. Between McDonald's, Subway and KFC, which fast food chain has the most locations in the United States? ( 2 pt)
6. What country is the largest producer of cow's milk in the US? ( 2 pt)
7. What creature is featured on the Alfa Romeo logo? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. What was the first city in the world to reach a population of one million? ( 4 points)
2. What branch of the US Armed Forces uses the motto "Semper Paratus", meaning "Always Ready?" ( 4 points)
3. Ailurophobia is the persistent and irrational fear of what animal? ( 4 points)
4. Who is the only MLB player to win a batting title in three different decades? ( 5 points)
5. Who is the only character in film that has won two different actors the Academy Award? ( 3 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Nicaragua; 2. Ohio State; 3. Apple; 4. Zimbabwe; 5. China; 6. Steven Seagal; 7. "Mission Impossible-Fallout."

NYC Movies Trivia
1. "The French Connection"; 2. Brooklyn; 3. Denzel Washington; 4. "Annie Hall"; 5. Tom Hanks; 6. Richard Dreyfuss; 7. "Escape From New York."

The Q Train: Time Difference Trivia
1. 2; 2. 13; 3. 3; 4. 1; 5. 12; 6. 6; 7. 7; 8. 6; 9. 14; 10. 1.

General Knowledge
1. Miami; 2. Ag; 3. Walmart; 4. Russia; 5. Subway; 6. USA; 7. snake.

IQ Trivia
1. Rome; 2. US Coast Guard; 3. cats; 4. George Brett; 5. Vito Corleone.

Our Fair City On Film This Week

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, August 7th at 8:30 PM, with "New York City Movies Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions from films set in our beloved town throughout the years, mostly during recent years. The Q Train lightning round will be "Time Difference Trivia." I will give you the names of ten places from around the country and the world, and you have to tell me the number of hours time difference there is between that place and New York City right now.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"The TV series 'The Golden Girls' is set in what city?"

I look forward to seeing many of you this Tuesday night for what should be a great night of Trivia!

Trivia Q&A: July 31

We had 13 teams in on Tuesday night, and good to see a few regulars back, including an old friend from Australia, Brad, who was one of my regulars from when I returned to Professor Thom's last year. He's now in London, but was back in NYC for a short stay. Always good to see old familiar faces!

This was one of those nights where I made both General Knowledge and IQ Trivia a little harder than I thought, from the scores that came about. I was surprised to see no one got either the "McDonald's" or the "Snatch" questions correct! Well, that happens. It was a two-team rcae going into IQ Trivia, but our friends from DIMS won for the second straight week, getting 3 of the IQ questions correct and winning the night with 42 points. Congrats to Ken, Michael and Karen (nice to see her back after a long absence) on their win.

Second place went to The Fighting Amish with 39 points, and third place went to Reality Kings with 38 points.

Best Team Name: ; (Semi-Colon) Powell

Current Events
1. The International Monetary Fund said last week that the historic economic crisis in what country could make inflation top 1 million percent by year's end?
2. Over 80 people have died as a result of wildfires erupting last week in what European country?
3. What corporate CEO lost $16 billion in one day last week after his company reported weaker-than-expected second-quarter results?
4. What 84-year-old US senator was reported by Google as having died last September, and the Senator's office sent Google a tweet saying "We might need to talk..."?
5. A former cricket star last week named Imran Khan declared victory as what Asian country's new prime minister?
6. 14 people died on Sunday when a powerful earthquake struck the tourist island of Lombok in what southeast Asian country?
7. Geraint Thomas became the first Welshman ever to win what sports championship event last Sunday?

Memorable Talk Show Appearances Trivia
1. During a 2005 appearance on Oprah, what actor famously leapt on a ouch to show his love for his future wife?
2. In 1995, what actress made headlines when she jumped on top of David Letterman's desk and flashed him?
3. "What the hell were you thinking?" asked Jay Leno of what British actor during a 1995 interview?
4. What actress/singer dropped 14 F-bombs during an infamous 1994 appearance on David Letterman's show?
5. Security dragged what TV actor off Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2007 after he began grouping Ivanka Trump?
6. In 1982 on "Late Night With David Letterman", what late actor/comedian was involved in a staged fight with wrestler Jerry Lawler?
7. What talk show host was criticized for playfully messing up Donald Trump's hair during a 2016 appearance?

The Q Train: US Cities and States Nicknames Trivia
1. Big Sky Country
2. The Iron City
3. The Gem State
4. The Emerald City
5. The Mitten State
6. The Biggest Little City In The World
7. The Bread & Butter State
8. The Space City
9. The Silver State
10. The Hub

General Knowledge
1. What breed of dog is the standard for the US military's working dogs unit? ( 1 pt)
2. What letter is not found in any US state? ( 1 pt)
3. In the film "Jerry Maguire," what position does football star Rod Tidwell play? ( 1 pt)
4. In what midwestern state did the Oregon Trail begin? ( 2 pt)
5. Between the Quarter Pounder, medium French Fries, and six McNuggets, which McDonald's item has the most calories? ( 2 pt)
6. On what kind of musical instrument could you play a "paradiddle?" ( 2 pt)
7. How many time zones are in use in Antarctica? ( 3 pt)

IQ Trivia
1. In the 1988 film "Die Hard," what classic music piece is the terrorists' theme song? ( 5 points)
2. In 2016, what European nation became the first in the world to pass a law banning plastic dinnerware (plastic plates and cutlery)? ( 4 points)
3. What US president briefly lived in Barbados in his youth? ( 4 points)
4. "You should never underestimate the predictability of stupidity" is a famous line from what 2000 comedy film? ( 4 points)
5. What car, since 1972, ranks as the world's best-selling automobile of all-time? ( 3 points)

Answers
Current Events
1. Venezuela; 2. Greece; 3. Mark Zuckerberg; 4. Orrin Hatch; 5. Pakistan; 6. Indonesia; 7. Tour de France.

Memorable Talk Show Appearances Trivia
1. Tom Cruise; 2. Drew Barrymore; 3. Hugh Grant; 4. Madonna; 5. Andy Dick; 6. Andy Kaufman; 7. Jimmy Fallon.

The Q Train: US Cities and States Nicknames Trivia
1. Montana; 2. Pittsburgh; 3. Idaho; 4. Seattle; 5. Michigan; 6. Reno; 7. Minnesota; 8. Houston; 9. Nevada; 10. Boston.

General Knowledge
1. German Shepherd; 2. Q; 3. wide receiver; 4. Missouri; 5. Quarter Pounder (530 calories); 6. drums; 7. nine.

IQ Trivia
1. "Ode To Joy" ( Beethoven's Ninth Symphony); 2. France; 3. George Washington; 4. "Snatch;" 5. Volkswagen Beetle.

Talk, Talk, Talk, It's Only Talk

Trivia will be happening this Tuesday night, July 31st at 8:30 PM, with "Memorable Talk Show Appearances Trivia" as the Special Category. It will be seven questions concerning famous people who made appearances on American talk shows still talked about today, and mostly from the last 30 years or so. The Q Train lightning round will be "US Cities and States Nicknames Trivia." I will give you ten well-known nicknames of US cities and states and you tell me the city or state I'm talking about.

The Sneak Peek question for this week is:
"What breed of dog is the standard for the US military's working dogs unit?"

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you for a great night of Trivia Q&A on Tuesday!