Totally Random Trivia: 2022

Answers to Friday, November 17, 2023

1. Quit While You’re Ahead: The Great Basin is the largest endorheic, or “closed,” watershed in North America. It touches six U.S. states — none of which is Colorado. Name as many of them as you can for one point each. Zero total if you get any wrong.

California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming

2. What 1953 play, subtitled “A Tragicomedy In Two Acts,” contains just two characters named Estragon and Vladimir?

“Waiting For Godot”
(Correction Corner: Thank you to Host Nate for reminding us about additional “Waiting for Godot” characters Pozzo, Lucky, and the boy.)

3. One of the earliest video game companies was founded by Nolan Bushnell in 1972. It gets its name from a Japanese exclamation used when playing the board game Go. What did Bushnell name the company?

Atari

4. In quantum mechanics, when a substance’s electrical resistance is reduced all the way down to zero, what 17-letter state has been achieved?

Superconductivity

5. Today is November 17. Happy birthday to director Martin Scorsese! His only Academy Award win was for “Best Director” for what 2006 film?

“The Departed”

Questions for
Monday, November 20, 2023

Five questions to wake up your noodle. Answers in tomorrow’s email. 

1. In 1796, English physician Edward Jenner administered what is often considered the world’s first successful vaccine. What disease did it help prevent?

2. Cucumbers and fish oil pills are known to cause eructation — which is just a fancy word for what?

3. What American institution — sometimes known as “the nation’s attic” — was established on August 10, 1846, for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge”?

4. What outlaw country singer, who passed away in 2016, was backed by a band called “The Strangers”?

5. What is the longest mountain range on Earth (not counting undersea mountain ridges)?

5.  The Andes

2. Burps

4. Merle Haggard

1. Smallpox

3. The Smithsonian

1 Smallpox

3 Smithsonian 

Answers to Monday, November 20, 2023

1. In 1796, English physician Edward Jenner administered what is often considered the world’s first successful vaccine. What disease did it help prevent?

Smallpox

2. Cucumbers and fish oil pills are known to cause eructation — which is just a fancy word for what?

Burping

3. What American institution — sometimes known as “the nation’s attic” — was established on August 10, 1846, for “the increase and diffusion of knowledge”?

Smithsonian Institution

4. What outlaw country singer, who passed away in 2016, was backed by a band called “The Strangers”?

Merle Haggard

5. What is the longest mountain range on Earth (not counting undersea mountain ridges)?

The Andes

Questions for
Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Five questions to wake up your noodle. Answers in tomorrow’s email. 

1. What number is hidden inside the logo of the world’s largest chain of ice cream shops?

2. Bedford Falls, the fictional setting of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is most likely based on the real town of Seneca Falls, which is located in what state?

3. “Gathering Blue,” “Messenger,” and “Son” are the three sequels to what 1993 Newbery Medal-winning novel by Lois Lowry?

4. Equifax is one of the three major credit bureaus in the United States. Name either of the other two.

5. In 2011, Space Shuttle Endeavour returned from its final mission. Congress approved Endeavour’s construction in 1987 to replace what previous shuttle?

2. New York

1.  31 

5.  Must be The Challenger 

5. Challenger

4. TransUnion, Experian

Answers to Tuesday, November 21, 2023

1. What number is hidden inside the logo of the world’s largest chain of ice cream shops?

31
(Baskin-Robbins, for their “31 flavors”)

2. Bedford Falls, the fictional setting of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is most likely based on the real town of Seneca Falls, which is located in what state?

New York

3. “Gathering Blue,” “Messenger,” and “Son” are the three sequels to what 1993 Newbery Medal-winning novel by Lois Lowry?

“The Giver”

4. Equifax is one of the three major credit bureaus in the United States. Name either of the other two.

Experian, TransUnion

5. In 2011, Space Shuttle Endeavour returned from its final mission. Congress approved Endeavour’s construction in 1987 to replace what previous shuttle?

Challenger

Questions for
Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Five questions to wake up your noodle. Answers in tomorrow’s email. 

1. What stuffed pastry — whose name comes from a Spanish verb meaning “to bread” — is sold as a side dish at McDonald’s locations in Chile?

2. The PBS cooking show “America’s Test Kitchen” is affiliated with what popular cooking magazine, founded in 1993 by editor and host Christopher Kimball?

3. What Wham-O product sold over 25 million units in 1958, and was inspired by an Australian piece of gym equipment originally made from bamboo?

4. What actor’s most famous roles include playing Ralph Kramden on “The Honeymooners” and Sheriff Buford T. Justice in the 1977 movie “Smokey and the Bandit”?

5. In 2019, NBCUniversal spent $500 million for the streaming rights to the top-streamed TV show on Netflix of 2018. What show was that?

3. Hula hoop

4. Jackie Gleason

1. Empanadas

Yum

2. Cooks Illustrated

I thought today's trivia would've been JFK related. 60 years ago today.

To those who are 60+ where were you 60 years ago today? I know my dad was in  Jr. High gym class and they told to go to their classrooms immediately. And they were told the news.

My parents were in school and told there as well. Lots of crying teachers. They both remember going home to emotionally distraught parents. There was a real sense of dread. It really blew the lid off things for them. If that can happen, what’s next? 

Posted by: @gator

↑

I thought today's trivia would've been JFK related. 60 years ago today.

 

To those who are 60+ where were you 60 years ago today? I know my dad was in  Jr. High gym class and they told to go to their classrooms immediately. And they were told the news.

It was such a different time back then. As kids we were more innocent/naive than nowdays. Gun violence was almost unheard of. 

Posted by: @norm

↑

It was such a different time back then. As kids we were more innocent/naive than nowdays. Gun violence was almost unheard of. 

I can only imagine what the response now days if the President was shot and died. While majority of Americans would be shocked and grieving, you would still have knuckleheads regardless what their political beliefs, taking to the streets rejoicing.  You saw it at a small level when Trump got covid. 

*Note: Trying to keep this as nonpolitical as possible. 

5) Seinfield.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Answers to Wednesday, November 22, 2023
1. What stuffed pastry — whose name comes from a Spanish verb meaning “to bread” — is sold as a side dish at McDonald’s locations in Chile?

Empanada

2. The PBS cooking show “America’s Test Kitchen” is affiliated with what popular cooking magazine, founded in 1993 by editor and host Christopher Kimball?

Cook’s Illustrated

3. What Wham-O product sold over 25 million units in 1958, and was inspired by an Australian piece of gym equipment originally made from bamboo?

The Hula Hoop

4. What actor’s most famous roles include playing Ralph Kramden on “The Honeymooners” and Sheriff Buford T. Justice in the 1977 movie “Smokey and the Bandit”?

Jackie Gleason

5. In 2019, NBCUniversal spent $500 million for the streaming rights to the top-streamed TV show on Netflix of 2018. What show was that?

“The Office”

Questions for
Monday, November 27, 2023

Five questions to wake up your noodle. Answers in tomorrow’s email. 

1. An Arnold Palmer is lemonade and ice tea. Add vodka, and you have a beverage named after what other golfer, nicknamed "Wild Thing"?

2. Prior to statehood, the colony of New Jersey was embroiled in a series of border battles to define its northern boundary. With which other colony did it fight these skirmishes?

3. English is the official language of one Central American country. Name that country.

4. Sodium bicarbonate, cornstarch, and cream of tartar can be combined to make what baking ingredient?

5. What candy made its debut in 1912 and was originally marketed with the slogan, “For that stormy breath”?

1. John Daly

3. Belize

1.  John Daly

3 . Panama ??

2. New York

4. Baking Powder

Posted by: @karlsson

↑

2. New York

My first thought was with PA.  

NJ - "You take Camden"

PA - "Get bent, it's yours and we aren't taking it"

5: LifeSavers

Answers to Monday, November 27, 2023

1. An Arnold Palmer is lemonade and ice tea. Add vodka, and you have a beverage named after what other golfer, nicknamed "Wild Thing"?

John Daly

2. Prior to statehood, the colony of New Jersey was embroiled in a series of border battles to define its northern boundary. With which other colony did it fight these skirmishes?

New York

3. English is the official language of one Central American country. Name that country.

Belize

4. Sodium bicarbonate, cornstarch, and cream of tartar can be combined to make what baking ingredient?

Baking Powder

5. What candy made its debut in 1912 and was originally marketed with the slogan, “For that stormy breath”?

Life Savers

Questions for
Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Five questions to wake up your noodle. Answers in tomorrow’s email.

1. The Ohio State Buckeyes were recognized in 2000 by ESPN as being one half of the greatest rivalry in North American sports. With which other Big Ten college do they share that rivalry?

2. Fidel Castro wrote a letter to the U.S. president in 1940 offering to show him where the biggest iron mines in Cuba were located. Name that president.

3. Denzel Washington has won two Oscars: one for “Best Actor” for “Training Day,” and one for “Best Supporting Actor” for his role as Silas Trip in what 1989 Civil War film?

4. Mount Logan is the highest peak in Canada, and the second highest in all of North America. It is located in which of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories?

5. The filming of the movie “Gone with the Wind” was delayed two years because the producer couldn’t decide who should play Scarlett O’Hara. After screen testing 30 other actors, who finally got the role?

1. Michigan

2. FDR

5. Vivien Leigh

3,  Glory

4. Yukon

Answers to Tuesday, November 28, 2023

1. The Ohio State Buckeyes were recognized in 2000 by ESPN as being one half of the greatest rivalry in North American sports. With which other Big Ten college do they share that rivalry?

University of Michigan

2. Fidel Castro wrote a letter to the U.S. president in 1940 offering to show him where the biggest iron mines in Cuba were located. Name that president.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

3. Denzel Washington has won two Oscars: one for “Best Actor” for “Training Day,” and one for “Best Supporting Actor” for his role as Silas Trip in what 1989 Civil War film?

“Glory”

4. Mount Logan is the highest peak in Canada, and the second highest in all of North America. It is located in which of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories?

Yukon

5. The filming of the movie “Gone with the Wind” was delayed two years because the producer couldn’t decide who should play Scarlett O’Hara. After screen testing 30 other actors, who finally got the role?

Vivien Leigh

Questions for
Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Five questions to wake up your noodle. Answers in tomorrow’s email. 

1. In 1919, a guy named Edsel became the head of one of the largest companies in America. What company was it?

2. What Congressional post, responsible for managing their party's legislative agendas and making sure members show up for votes, gets its name from a support role in fox hunting?

3. In 1775, a chain of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic were named in honor of John Montagu, 4th Earl of... what?

4. What actor did Wikipedia once describe as “absurdly cheerful, overly polite, and almost childlike,” and is best known for his roles in “30 Rock” and “Wreck-It Ralph”?

5. Which two boroughs of New York are located on Long Island?

1. Ford Motor Company

3. Sandwich

2.  Whip

5.  Brooklyn & Queens

4.  Jack McBrayer 

Answers to Wednesday, November 29, 2023

1. In 1919, a guy named Edsel became the head of one of the largest companies in America. What company was it?

Ford

2. What Congressional post, responsible for managing their party's legislative agendas and making sure members show up for votes, gets its name from a support role in fox hunting?

Whip

3. In 1775, a chain of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic were named in honor of John Montagu, 4th Earl of... what?

Sandwich
(The South Sandwich Islands)

4. What actor did Wikipedia once describe as “absurdly cheerful, overly polite, and almost childlike,” and is best known for his roles in “30 Rock” and “Wreck-It Ralph”?

Jack McBrayer

5. Which two boroughs of New York are located on Long Island?  

Brooklyn, Queens

Questions for
Theme Thursday, November 30, 2023

Let’s Talk About Textiles: Where would we be without them? Probably naked. Here are five questions about textiles, fabric, and cloth.

Answers in tomorrow’s email. 

1. What company, founded in 1802, has developed such modern fabrics as nylon, Kevlar, and Lycra?

2. Originating in the French city of Nimes, what fabric gets its name from the French for “the fabric of Nimes”?

3. Cashmere fabric is made from the hair of what animal, originally found in the Kashmir region of the Indian subcontinent?

4. What fiber has been touted by such singers as Aaron Neville and Zooey Deschanel as “the Fabric of our Lives”?

5. What common heavy-duty fabric has a six-letter name that comes from the Old French for “made of hemp”?

1: DuPont

3: Goats

4. Cotton

2. Denim

5.  Burlap  ??  Complete guess

Posted by: @greyeagle

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5.  Burlap  ??  Complete guess

I’m thinking it’s canvas.

Answers to Thursday, November 30, 2023

Let’s Talk About Textiles: Where would we be without them? Probably naked. Here are five questions about textiles, fabric, and cloth.

1. What company, which was founded in 1802, has developed such modern fabrics as nylon, Kevlar, and Lycra?

DuPont

2. Originating in the French city of Nimes, what fabric gets its name from the French for “the fabric of Nimes”?

Denim

3. Cashmere fabric is made from the hair of what animal, originally found in the Kashmir region of the Indian subcontinent?

Goat

4. What fiber has been touted by such singers as Aaron Neville and Zooey Deschanel as “the Fabric of our Lives”?

Cotton

5. What common heavy-duty fabric has a six-letter name that comes from the Old French for “made of hemp”?

Canvas
(same root as “cannabis”)

Questions for
Friday, December 1, 2023

Five questions to wake up your noodle. Answers in Monday’s email. 

1. Quit While You’re Ahead: Five films that have won the Academy Award for “Best Picture” in the past 10 years have a full title that consists of one word. Name as many of those films as you can for one point each. Zero points total if you get any incorrect.

2. What equestrian event originated from an Irish tradition of racing from one town’s church to the church in a neighboring town?

3. The 2004 movie “Napoleon Dynamite” ends with Napoleon performing a fairly epic dance routine to a song called “Canned Heat” by what British funk band?

4. Who, in 2015, became the first Black woman to be named a principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theater?

5. Today is December 1. It’s also the 78th birthday of what singer, actor, and comedian, who got her start performing in “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Salvation” on Broadway in the late 1960s?