#1
Realm: TV
Subrealm: They're cool, but they don't kick ass like Kirk did
Question: Other than "Phasers on Kill," what old "Star Trek" standard line is almost never heard on the new, politically correct "Next Generaton"?
Answer: "Phasers on Stun."
Song: Star Trekkin' (The Firm)
#2
Realm: Science
Subrealm: Don't put this in your grant proposal
Question: In a recent memo sent to all laboratories at North Carolina State University, it was announced that an undetermined number of frogs had escaped from an experimental pond. Researchers were advised to use extreme caution when approaching the escaped frogs, and to call for assistance for the disposal of the frogs. What was special about these frogs?
Answer: They were radioactive.
Song: Bein' Green (Kermit the Frog)
#3
Realm: Movies
Subrealm: Bond, James Bond
Question: What was the occupation of the real James Bond that Ian Fleming named his character after?
Answer: He was an ornithologist.
Song: Live and Let Die (Wings)
#4
Realm: History
Subrealm: The Way to Go What did Attila the Hun, 19th-century French President Felix Faure, and Pope Leo VIII all have in common?
Answer: They all died while having sex.
Song: I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More, Baby (Barry White)
#5
Realm: Animation
Subrealm: Really exciting animation
Question: What famous pornographic movie actress provides the voice of Crystal, in the cartoon "Superforce"?
Answer: Ginger Lynn Allen (accept Ginger Lynn).
Song: Girls on Film (Duran Duran)
#6
Realm: Disqualifications
Subrealm: Skeletons in the closet
Question: Journalist Horace Greeley ran for President of the United States in 1872. Even if he had won, he would not have been allowed to hold the position. Why not?
Answer: He was dead.
Song: We Close Our Eyes (Go West)
#7
Realm: Current Events
Subrealm: Unusual Punishments
Question: On October 30, a Key West man was convicted of playing his reggae music too loud, violating a public ordinance. What was his punishment?
Answer: He had to listen to two hours of easy listening music.
Song: Easy (Commodores)
#8
Realm: History
Subrealm: Inventors
Question: In Camden, Maine, there is a 27 1/2 foot marble statue dedicated to Captain Hanson Gregory. According to the statue, what did he do to earn this honor?
Answer: He invented the hole in the donut.
Song: Ring, Ring (Abba)
#9
Realm: Nutrition and good taste
Question: Why is it only thoughtful of you to serve your guests cranberry juice when you serve chili and beans?
Answer: It decreases the frequency and aroma of flatus.
Song: Classical Gas (Mason Williams)
#10THREE POINT PLAY!
Realm: TV
Subrealm: We Didn't Think It Would Be Rerun Last Week
Question: When Homer Simpson is told that he has accidently eaten the poison of the Fugu fish, how does his doctor say that he will eventually meet his demise in 24 hours? And, for an extra point, what original "Star Trek" cast member was a guest voice on the same episode?
Answer: He will be fine for 24 hours and then his heart will suddenly explode.
Answer: George Takei.
Song: Sushi Girl (The Tubes)
#11
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: Telephone Harassment When Tommy Tutone's "867-5390/Jenny" came out, people all over America began calling that number. In what city did they actually reach someone named Jenny?
Answer: Rochester, NY.
Song: Call Me (Blondie)
#12
Realm: Movies
Subrealm: "I hate Illinois Nazis"
Question: What role did Steven Spielberg have in "The Blues Brothers"?
Answer: Cook County Clerk (accept accessor).
Song: Taxman (Beatles)
#13
Realm: Medicine
Subrealm: Nasal Diagnosis
Question: In what illness do the patients smell like freshly baked pumpernickle?
Answer: Typhoid fever.
Song: Dismal Day (Bread)
#14
Realm: Science
Subrealm: Common Sense
Question: If water is heavier than air, what keeps clouds from falling to the ground?
Answer: Nothing, they do fall to the ground.
Song: Sky High (Jigsaw)
(NOTE: After just about every team playing, and perhaps others not playing, blistered the Pus Line with complaints, the above question-answer was dropped.)
#15
Realm: TV
Subrealm: Cop Shows
Question: In the TV show "Barney Miller," what was the title of the book that Harris was writing?
Answer: "Blood on the Badge."
Song: Badge (Cream)
#16
Realm: TV
Subrealm: Bailey was better looking than Jennifer
Question: We would like your entire team to call us, and sing the first verse of the theme to "WKRP in Cincinnati" in unison.
Answer: "Baby, if you've ever wondered, wondered, whatever became of me. I'm livin' on the air in Cincinnati, Cincinnati WKRP." (Judges, use your discretion).
Song: September (Earth, Wind, and Fire)
(NOTE: In giving the answer, a raucous Phasers:TNG went well past the initial two lines, completing the entire theme.)
#17
Realm: Sports
Subrealm: Defunct football leagues
Question: Who was the first player selected in the USFL draft7
Answer: Dan Marino.
Song: Fish Cheer (I feel-like I'm a-fixin' to die rag) [Country Joe and the Fish]
#18
Realm: Superstitions
Subrealm: Mamma warned me about women Like that In Germany, what does it mean if a young woman sets the table and forgets the salt shaker?
Answer: She has lost her virginity.
Song: Touch-A Touch-A Touch-A Touch Me (Susan Sarandon)
#19
Realm: Recent Arrests
Subrealm: At the Movies What three movies were playing at the movie theater where actor Paul Reubens was arrested for allegedly demonstrating that he was a natural lefthander?
Answer: "Nancy Nurse," "Turn Up the Heat," "Tiger Shark."
Song: I Just Can't Help It (Major Lance)
#20
Realm: Actresses
Subrealm: Talented Actresses What actress remarked, "I don't think anybody knew I could act until I put on a bathing suit"?
Answer: Deborah Kerr. Itsy-Bitsy Tennie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini (Brian Hyland)
#21
Realm: History
Subrealm: Silly Discrimination in 1900, the Supreme Court ruled that certain Chinese American citizens could not testify in court. Why?
Answer: Because swearing on the Bible meant nothing to them.
Song: Dear God (XTC)
#22
Realm: Actors
Subrealm: Who needs an agent? Warner Brothers had initially thought that Rex Harrison was too old to play the lead in "My Fair Lady." How did he convince them that he was fit for the part?
Answer: He sent them a nude photo of himself.
Song: See Me, Feel Me (The Who)
#23
Realm: Movies
Subrealm: Academy Awards
Question: "The Color Purple" received 11 Oscar nominations without winning any. What film shares this dubious honor?
Answer: "The Turning Point."
Song: Point of Know Return (Kansas)
#24
Realm: TV
Subrealm: Congratulations
Question: What TV birth scored the highest ratings since that of Little Ricky on "I Love Lucy?"
Answer: Pebbles Flintstone.
Song: She's Having a Baby (Dave Wakling)
#25 THREE POINT PLAY
Realm: History
Subrealm: Politics
Question: Name the six Secretaries General of the United Nations, and for another point, name their countries.
Answer: Trygve Lie (Norway); Dag HammarskJold (Sweden); U Thant (Burma); Kurt Waldheim (Austria); Javier Perez de Cuellar (Spain); Boutros Ghali (Egypt).
Song: We Are the World (USA for Africa)
(NOTE: Clearly, Phasers didn't see any Top Ten List from the years 1990-1995 inclusive, or they'd've realized it's "Boutros-Boutros Ghali.")
#26
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: Method Acting Jacke Cooper was nominated for an Oscar in 1931 as a child actor, for his tearful role in the film "Skippy." How did director Norman Taurog get him to cry?
Answer: By threatening to shoot his dog.
Song: Tragedy (Bee Gees)
(NOTE: Actually, he sent someone offstage who really fired a pistol, and told the boy that he HAD killed his dog.)
#27
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: Not-so-famous singers
Question: Whose voice was dubbed over Natalie Wood's in "West Side Story"?
Answer: Marni Nixon.
Song: The Voice (Moody Blues)
#28
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: Not-so-famous singers
Question: Whose voice was dubbed over Deborah Kerr's in "The King and I"?
Answer: Marni Nixon.
Song: Captain of Her Heart (Double) *("Doo-BLAY")
#29
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: Moderately famous singers
Question: Who is the alleged father of Debbie Gibson's two-headed love child?
Answer: Mojo Nixon.
Song: Punk Rock Girl (The Dead Milkmen)
#30
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: FAMOUS singers
Question: Whose voice was used instead of Audrey Hepburn's in "My Fair Lady"?
Answer: Marni Nixon.
Song: More, More, More (Andrea True Connection)
(NOTE: Phasers:TNG's Marni Nixon trifecta inspired much in the way of phony team names. These are all on display in the Final Scores section.)
#31
Realm: Medicine
Subrealm: National Boards: Part I
Question: What is the name of the thing that hangs down in the back of the throat?
Answer: The uvula.
Song: Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (Eric Clapton)
#32
Realm: TV
Subrealm: Where everybody knows your name
Question: On the TV show "Cheers," how does an incognito Norm Peterson say that he likes his "Screaming Viking" prepared?
Answer: With the cucumber slightly bruised.
Song: Do You Really Want to Hurt Me? (Culture Club)
#33 THREE POINT PLAY
Realm: Movies
Subrealm: Prized Possessions
Question: What items did Joliet Jake receive upon discharge from prison in the beginning of "The Blues Brothers"? ONE POINT FOR FIVE, TWO POINTS FOR ALL EIGHT.
Answer: One new prophylactic, one soiled, one black hat, one pair of sunglasses, one broken Timex digital watch, one black suit jacket, black suit pants, and $23.07.
#34
Realm: World Records
Subrealm: One that may never be broken
Question: What record is held by Mrs. Emma Smith of England?
Answer: She was buried alive for the longest time (and survived). [101 days]
Song: Down Under (Men at Work)
#35
Realm: Botany
Subrealm: Unpopular plants for Valentine's Gifts
Question: The stapelia grandiflora plant speads its pollen through flies. What attracts the flies to the plant?
Answer: It smells like decomposing meat.
Song: Love Stinks (J. Geils Band)
#36
Realm: Religion
Subrealm: Sacred Shrines
Question: The Hindu temple at Madura (India) is said to be the most heavily ornamented temple in the world, containing over 30 million molded idols of the Grotesque God of Destruction, Siva. What are the idols covered with?
Answer: Rancid butter.
Song: My Sweet Lord (George Harrison)
#37
Realm: Sports
Subrealm: Boxing
Question: This year, 44-year-old George Foreman had the chance to become the oldest heavyweight to win a championship. He lost. Who is the oldest heavyweight to have won a title, and who did he beat?
Answer: Jersey Joe Wolcott; he beat Ezzard Charles.
Song: I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson (DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince)
(NOTE: George Foreman would claim the WBA and IBF belts in 1994, to become the WAY oldest heavyweight champion.)
#38
Realm: History
Subrealm: That fish could talk
Question: Everyone knows that Congressmen can be long-winded, but one Senator made the longest speech in recorded history. It was 15 1/2 hours continuously, over 100 pages in the Congressional Record, and contained irrelevancies like cooking recipes. Who was this fabulous filibuster?
Answer: Huey Long.
Song: You Talk Too Much (George Thorogood)
#39
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: Cartoons
Question: For Mel Blanc, what was the most difficult part about doing the voice for Bugs Bunny, and why?
Answer: Eating carrots; he was allergic to them.
Song: Fudd on the Hill (Little Roger and the Goosebumps)
(NOTE: Asked in at least three contests, this question has been incorrect three times. Warner Brothers publicity asserted that Blanc was allergic when he was not. As mentioned elsewhere in this archive, wholly imaginary facts were often pumped out by the studios; Warner Bros. also claimed that Humphrey Bogart's birthday was December 25th after audiences began expressing distaste for his rough gangster roles in the 1930s. It wasn't. But as surely as the sun sets over Colonial Pizza, we shall yet see another trivia contest that asks, "What was Mel Blanc allergic to?")
#40
Realm: History
Subrealm: It's Good to be the King
Question: Early in the life of King Otto of Bavaria, he was confined to a locked room because he was a lunatic. This enabled him to keep conferences with spirits who lived in his dresser drawers. When he became king in 1886, he followed their advice to remain healthy. What did he do?
Answer: He shot a peasant a day.
Song: Eighteen with a Bullet (Pete Wingfield)
#41
Realm: Science
Subrealm: High School Physics When built, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It eventually collapsed from strong winds, but its sister bridge still stands. What is the name of its sister bridge?
Answer: The George Washington Bridge.
Song: Bridge of Sighs (Robin Trower)
#42
Realm: Movies
Subrealm: If you wanna sing out, sing out...
Question: In the cult favorite "Harold and Maude," Maude is able to steal cars at will with a set of universal passkeys. Where did she get these keys?
Answer: They were given to her by a Tibetan monk.
Song: Car Wash (Rose Royce) 43
Realm: Art
Subrealm: Unusual styles Huang Erh-nan was a celebrated Chinese artist of the 1920's who did not paint with a brush. What did he paint with?
Answer: His tongue.
Song: Can You Picture That? (Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem)
#44
Realm: History
Subrealm: We just want an excuse to say "Bernardo O'Higgins"
Question: In the Chilean War for Independence, rebel leader Bernardo O'Higgins was trapped in a small town with hopelessly outnumbered and exhausted soldiers. They managed to escape and fight another day thanks to an unexpected weapon. How did they escape the Spanish?
Answer: Behind a stampede of domesticated animals.
Song: Sweet City Woman (The Stampeders)
#45
Realm: Sports
Subrealm: Great Athletes What American athlete played on three consecutive high school All-aAerican basketball teams (scoring over 100 points in one game), won Olympic gold medals in javelin and hurdles, set three world track records at one meet, played baseball with a barnstorming team, and won over 50 major golf tournaments, including 17 consecutive victories, and 3 National Open titles?
Answer: Mildred (Babe) Didrickson Zaharias.
Song: A Woman Who's A Woman (Lou Rawls)
#46
Realm: History
Subrealm: Table Manners What peculiar eating custom belonged to Rev. Francis Henry Egerton, Earl of Bridgewater?
Answer: Each night he formally dined with twelve dogs at his table.
Song: Me and You and a Dog Named Boo (Lobo)
#47
Realm: Zoology
Subrealm: Survival of the Fittest
Question: How does the small sea hedgehog kill large sharks?
Answer: It is swallowed, it then inflates and rips a hole in the shark.
Song: Rip Her to Shreds (Blondie)
#48
Realm: TV
Subrealm: "Baby, if you've ever wondered...."
Question: In the TV show "WKRP in Cincinnati," news director Les Nesman once organized a disastrous Thanksgiving Day promotional stunt. What was the stunt, and why did Les think that it would work?
Answer: He dropped 100 live turkeys from a helicopter, because he thought that domesticated turkeys could fly.
Song: Surfin'Bird (The Ramones)
#49
Realm: TV
Subrealm: Shotgun weddings
Question: What was Marge Simpson's last name before she consigned herself to marriage with Homer?
Answer: Bouvier.
Song: Unconditonal Love (Donna Summers and Musical Youth)
#50
Realm: Movies
Subrealm: I can believe dat shit!
Question: In Robert Townshend's "Hollywood Shuffle," Townshend's boss at Winky Dinky Dogs was going to market a new fast food product. What was it, and why did the boss think that it would sell?
Answer: Ho-cakes: "because'Hos gotta eat too!"
Song: Mony, Mony (Tommy James and the Shondelles)
#51 THREE POINT PLAY
Realm: Sports
Subrealm: Geography
Question: Name all the team names shared by at least two top-level franchises in the NBA, NFL, NHL, and Major League Baseball. ONE POINT FOR FOUR, TWO FOR ALL SIX.
Answer: Oilers, Jets, Giants, Cardinals, Rangers, and Kings.
Song: The Name Game (Shirley Ellis)
#52
Realm: Zoology
Subrealm: Behind every good man. . .
Question: How does the male angler fish get its nourishment?
Answer: It bites into a female and fuses its bloodstream with hers.
Song: Stuck On You (Elvis Presley)
#53
Realm: Music
Subrealm: No Relation
Question: What name did the original members of the band Pink Floyd use, before they settled on their now more-famous title?
Answer: Megadeth
Song: Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You (Spinal Tap)
#54
Realm: Sports
Subrealm: Jilted
Question: One baseball player once had over 100 RBI at the All-Star break, but was not chosen to play in the game, even though the selections were made by his manager. Who was he?
Answer: Hank Greenberg.
Song: If I Had a Hammer (Leonard Nimoy)
#55
Realm: Williamsiana
Subrealm: Sports
Question: What past major league player once hit the longest home run ever out of Weston Field in Williamstown?
Answer: Henry Louis Gehrig.
Song: Pride (U2)
(NOTE: He was the first baseman for Columbia University at the time.)
#56 THREE POINT PLAY
Realm: History
Subrealm: Life or death situations that became future sporting events
Question: The marathon is named for a 22 mile run from Marathon to Athens run by an Athenian soldier to carry the news of a major victory over the Persians. Who was this first marathoner, and for an extra point, why did he not take place in the victory celebration in Athens?
Answer: Pheidippides; he dropped dead when he reached Athens.
Song: Long Distance Runaround (Yes)
#57
Realm: Literature
Subrealm: It sounds gross, anyway.
Question: What is a scarlet pimpernel, and how are they commonly used?
Answer: A flower used to predict the weather.
Song: The Flower Children (Marcia Strassnian)
#58
Realm: Literature
Subrealm: The Classics
Question: We all remember Vanessa Williams losing her Miss America crown over pictures in "Penthouse." "Penthouse" later got into trouble because of the centerfold model in the same issue. What was the problem?
Answer: She was only 15 years old (pom star Tracy Lords).
Song: 'Cause I'm A Blonde (Julie Brown)
#59
Realm: Music
Subrealm: "Love Boat" Guest Stars
Question: What are the occupations of the Village People characters?
Answer: Policeman, biker, soldier, cowboy, construction worker, Indian chief.
Song: Everyday People (Sly and the Family Stone)
(NOTE: Phasers:TNG also accepted "sailor," because the oh-so-yummy soldier switched to a white sailor's suit for the "In The Navy" album.)
#60
Realm: History
Subrealm: Bizarre Death Wishes
Question: After British philosopher Jeremy Bentham died, his body was dissected by medical students at the hospital he founded. He left further instructions for the display of his skeleton, which were then carried out. What were they?
Answer: His skull was severed and replaced with a wax replica wearing a beaver hat. The skeleton was padded and dressed in one of his suits, and seated in his favorite chair, while his actual skull rested at his feet.
Song: And When I Die (Blood, Sweat, and Tears)
#61
Realm: Food
Subrealm: Accidental Discoveries
Question: How was pink lemonade first made by Pete Conklin in 1837?
Answer: He used a bucket of water in which a circus performer had soaked his red tights.
Song: Red Red Wine (Neil Diamond)
#62
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: The Greatest Television Show of All Time
Question: Name the cast of "The Brady Bunch."
Answer: Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Maureen McCormick, Eve Plumb, Susan Olsen, Barry Williams, Christopher McKnight, Mike Lookinland, and Ann B. Davis as Alice.
Song: Time to Change (Brady Bunch)
#63
Realm: History
Subrealm: Amazing Discoveries
Question: What was found floating in the Weddell Sea on a huge block of ice in February, 1987?
Answer: An abandoned Soviet research station.
Song: Der Komissar (Falco)
#64
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: Cartoons
Question: What was Goofy's name when first introduced?
Answer: Dippy Dawg.
Song: A Salty Dog (Procol Hanim)
#65
Realm: History
Subrealm: Explorers
Question: Matt Henson is probably the best-known black explorer in the Western World. What is his claim to fame?
Answer: He was the first person to stand on the North Pole.
Song: Top of the World (The Carpenters)
#66
Realm: Movies
Subrealm: Cameo Appearances Much of "The War of the Roses" is told in a flashback by Danny DeVito to a potential client. The client appears on carnera, but never speaks. This is unusual, because normally the actor who plays the client is heard but not seen. Who is the actor, and to what popular character does he lend his voice?
Answer: Dan Castellaneta; Homer Simpson.
Song: Take the Skinheads Bowling (Camper Van Beethoven)
#67
Realm: History
Subrealm: Hardened Criminals In 1772, Johann Friedriche von Struensee was executed in Denmark for crimes against the state. What did he do?
Answer: He invented the game of BINGO.
Song: (They Just Can't Stop It) Games People Play (Spinners)
#68
Realm: Censorship
Subrealm: Comic Books
Question: What seemingly innocent word was banned by the Comics Code Authority, and why?
Answer: "FLICK"-- The Authority was afraid that the ink would smudge and make the word look like "FUCK."
Song: Words (Bee Gees)
(NOTE: Yes, this answer was read in full over WCFM. But it's probably too late to file an FCC complaint.)
#69
Realm: History
Subrealm: Inventors
Question: in 1947, an American invented and successfully flew a flying automobile. What happened to it, and why?
Answer: It crashed because he forgot to fill the gas tank.
Song: Drivin' My Life Away (Eddie Rabbitt)
#70
Realm: Movies
Subrealm: "Ah'll Be Back"
Question: The name of Arnold Schwartzenegger's character in "Total Recall," Doug Quaid, was changed slightly from the original name of the main character in the Phillip K. Dick story on which the movie was based. What was the original character name, and why was it changed?
Answer: Doug Quail. The producers of the film didn't want any associations with our ultra- wimpy Vice President.
Song: Danny Boy (Conway Twitty)
#71
Realm: Symbols
Subrealm: All we are Saying...
Question: What is the origin of the popular circular peace symbol?
Answer: It is a combination of the semaphore positions for the letters N and D, standing for Nuclear Disarmament.
Song: Love Missle F1-11 (Sigue Sigue Sputnik)
#72
Realm: Archeology
Subrealm: Fortutitous Finds
Question: How did scientists find a 100-pound femur from a 25,000-year-old mastadon in Kaw River, Kansas?
Answer: A dog was nibbling on it.
Song: Bad to the Bone (George Thorogood)
#73
Realm: History
Subrealm: Chicago
Question: What is the largest United States city founded by a black man?
Answer: Chicago.
Song: In the City (Eagles)
(NOTE: It is now speculated that Phasers:TNG chose the subrealm for the above question in order to gain a lengthier bathroom break.)
#74
Realm: Money
Subrealm: Beautiful Women
Question: What three women have appeared on U.S. Currency (besides Justice and Liberty)?
Answer: Martha Washington, Pochohontas, Susan B. Anthony. (Accept Queen Isabella)
Song: Just Got Paid (ZZ Top)
#75
Realm: History
Subrealm: Our National Monuments
Question: The Statue of Liberty was not initially intended to sit in New York Harbor. Why was it commissioned, and how did we end up with it?
Answer: It was commissioned to stand in front of the Suez Canal, but the Egyptians did not want it.
Song: Walk Like an Egyptian (Bangles)
#76
Realm: Crime
Subrealm: Goodfellas
Question: What are the five major Mafia families in New York City?
Answer: Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese.
Song: We are Family (Sister Sledge)
#77 THREE POINT PLAY
Realm: History
Subrealm: The Super Seventies
Question: When Patty Hearst was kidnaped, what name did she adopt, and for an extra point, why did she choose this name?
Answer: Tania, after the mistress of Latin American revolutionary Che Guevara.
Song: Revolution (Beatles)
#78
Realm: Govemment
Subrealm: Heinous crimes
Question: What common activity is technically a crime for a moustached man to commit in Indiana?
Answer: To "habitually kiss human beings."
Song: Indiana Wants Me (R. Dean Taylor)
#79
Realm: Sports
Subrealm: Accomplishments that won't get you into the Hall of Fame
Question: Bill Bergen had the all-time lowest single-season batting average (with at least 300 at-bats) in 1909, but his brother Marty had an even more dubious distinction. What was he the only major leaguer to do?
Answer: Murder his family with an axe and then commit suicide.
Song: Helter Skelter (U2)
(NOTE: In case you were wondering, Bill Bergen was the Dodgers' #1 catcher, and pounded out a .139 batting average in 346 at-bats. Bergen lasted 11 years in the majors despite hitting more than .190 just once. He did hit one of his two career home runs in that 1909 season. Marty's four-year career (.265 lifetime) got chopped short by the above incident.)
#80
Realm: History
Subrealm: Quaint Customs
Question: The groomsmen and best man at weddings come from an old Scottish tradition. What was their original purpose in this tradition?
Answer: They helped the groom kidnap the bride.
Song: Wedding Bell Blues (Fifth Dimension)
#81
Realm: Movies
Subrealm: Woody Allen We would like your team to call in and sing, in unison, the catchy tune that is sung in both "Bananas" and "Sleeper."
Answer: "Rebels are we! / Bom to be free! / Just Like the Fish in the Sea!!" (sung as atonally as possible)
Song: Stone Free (Jimi Hendrix)
#82 THREE POINT PLAY
Realm: History
Subrealm: Racial Barriers
Question: Who was the first Black Senator, and for another point, whose term of office did he complete (as he was not elected)?
Answer: Hiram Revels, who replaced Jefferson Davis.
Song: Politician (Cream)
#83
Realm: Infrastructure
Subrealm: Hollywood Boulevard
Question: Norma Talmadge was a silent screen star who was the first actress to have her handprints and footprints immortalized in the sidewalk in front of the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. How was this tradition begun?
Answer: She accidentally tumbled into the wet cement.
Song: Celluloid Heros (Kinks)
#84
Realm: History
Subrealm: Before HIV
Question: The first blood bank opened in New York City in 1940. Its designer, however, was not allowed to donate blood to it. Ironically, he died after an accident, needing a transfusion, but he wasn't allowed to receive blood either. Who was this innovator, and why wasn't he allowed to give or receive blood?
Answer: Richard Charles Drew; he was black.
Song: 911 is a Joke (Public Enemy)
(NOTE: The donation half of the question is true, but the story about the inventor of plasma, or the creator of the blood bank (etc.) dying from blood loss at an uncaring hospital is one of those urban myths. Good song match, though.)
#85
Realm: Geography
Subrealm: What's in a Name?
Question: What country's name, in its national language, means "Land of the Aryans"?
Answer: Iran.
Song: Ahab the Arab (Ray Stevens)
#86
Realm: History
Subrealm: Rare Alarm Clocks
Question: In 1954, Mrs. Hewlett Hodges of Sylacuga, Alabama was suddenly awakened from her nap in the living room of her house. What woke her up?
Answer: A meteorite fell on her.
Song: It's the End of the World As We Know It (R.E.M.)
#87
Realm: Geography
Subrealm: What's in a name?
Question: New York City is the Big Apple, L.A. is Tinseltown, Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love, Chicago is the Windy City, and Hartford is Insurance City. How is Kalamazoo, Michigan also known?
Answer: "Celery City."
Song: Eat It (Weird Al Yankovic)
#88
Realm: Literature
Subrealm: The Bard
Question: In "The Winter's Tale," Act III, Scene 3, Antigonous, Lord of Sicilia runs for his life after "a savage clamor". What are the next stage directions?
Answer: "Exit, pursued by a bear."
Song: On The Run (Marshall Crenshaw)
#89
Realm: Mythology
Subrealm: A not so uncommon claim
Question: What was the Greek god Priapus known for?
Answer: A enormous phallus.
Song: John Holmes (Ransom Jenks)
(NOTE: "Ransom Jenks" was not only a local campus band, he was the Director of Security at Williams College. The two were unrelated, though.)
#90
Realm: Legends
Subrealm: Living History
Question: In the folktale "The Grateful Dead" (from which the band takes its name), a young man buries a corpse at great personal risk. What does the virtuous young man get for his effort?
Answer: He receives a bride with the help of the deceased spirit.
Song: Uncle John's Band (The Indigo Girls)
#91
Realm: Literature
Subrealm: Dubious achievements
Question: What is unique about the 267-page novel "Gadsby," by Ernest Vincent Wright?
Answer: It does not contain the letter "E."
Song: The Letter (Box Tops)
(NOTE: Like Mel Blanc's carrots, the "Gadsby" question has proven to be one of the most enduring in trivia contest annals, being asked again and again. The difference being that "Gadsby" really does have no "E"s.)
#92
Realm: TV
Subrealm: "Saturday Night Live"
Question: How did Ed Grimley defeat Mephistopheles (the Devil)?
Answer: He held up a picture of Pat Sajak.
Song: Spinning Wheel (Blood, Sweat, and Tears)
#93
Realm: History
Subrealm: Famous Vice Presidents Other than Walter Mondale
Question: Who transformed Tammany Hall from a social club into a political machine?
Answer: Aaron Burr.
Song: Dueling Banjos (Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell)
#94
Realm: Pop Culture
Subrealm: Inventions
Question: What is the cultural claim to fame of Lothrop Withington Jr.?
Answer: He started the craze of goldfish swallowing.
Song: Fish Heads (Barnes & Barnes)
#95
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: Cartoons
Question: What does Charlie Brown's father do for a living?
Answer: He is a barber.
Song: Charlie Brown (The Coasters)
#96
Realm: TV
Subrealm: It sounded good
Question: What does "kemo sabe" mean in Navajo?
Answer: "Soggy shrub."
Song: Whenever I Call You "Friend" (Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks)
#97
Realm: Religion
Subrealm: Dinner guests you wouldn't want
Question: What are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?
Answer: War, Pestilence, Death, Famine (or Conquest, Slaughter, Death, Famine).
Song: The Horse (Cliff Nobles & Co.)
(NOTE: Questions #98 and #99 were not asked by Phasers:TNG, being cut as 8 AM approached.)
#98
Realm: Sports
Subrealm: Ambiguous Nomenclature
Question: What is a "Dodger," as in the Brooklyn Dodgers?
Answer: Someone who slipped through trolley car traffic.
Song: Crosstown Traffic (Jimi Hendrix)
#99 THREE POINT PLAY
Realm: Sports
Subrealm: Baseball Rules
Question: There are six ways a batter can reach first base without ever hitting the ball. Name four of them, and for an extra point, name all six.
Answer: Walk; Hit by a pitch; Dropped strike three with first base unoccupied; Catcher's interference; A pickoff attempt that is thrown into the stands or over/through a fence or backstop; Strike three or ball four lodges in the umpire's mask or equipment.
Song: Who's On First? (Abbott and Costello)
(NOTE: The following question was asked by Phasers:TNG, as Question #98.)
#100
Realm: History
Subrealm: Crazes of the 16th century
Question: Isabella and Ferdinand expected Columbus to bring back gold, jewels, etc. for his explorations. Although he didn't bring them what they wanted, his navigator, Pinzon, brought back something which spread like wildfire throughout Europe. What was it?
Answer: Syphilis.
Song: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (AC/DC)
(NOTE: The following question was not asked over WCFM.)
#101
Realm: History
Subrealm: Inventors Sir Henry Bessemer invented a process for making steel that revolutionized the world. He also had another invention, which may have been more often used. What was it?
Answer: The postage stamp.
Song: Magnet and Steel (Walter Egan)
(NOTE: The following question was asked by Phasers:TNG, as Question #99.)
#102
Realm: History
Subrealm: Obligatory Gross Question
Question: Why was Alfred Packer known as "the man who ate Democrats"?
Answer: He got trapped in the mountains with the only five Democrats of his county and he ate them.
Song: Feed Me (Levi Stubbs)
(NOTE: The above question, the 99th of the evening, was the final one read on WCFM by Phasers on Stun: The Next Generation.)
#103
Realm: Sports
Subrealm: Small Achievements
Question: Who holds the single season yardage passing record in the CFL?
Answer: Doug Flutie.
Song: Blue Moon (Marcels)
#104
Realm: History
Subrealm: Court Decisions
Question: Every veteran of TV cop shows knows the Miranda Rights. Why was Miranda arrested, and what did he confess to after two hours of interrogation?
Answer: He stole $8 from a bank teller, and confessed to kidnapping and rape.
Song: Have I the Right? (Honeycombs)
#105
Realm: Love
Subrealm: Historical romance probably not the subject of a made-for-TV movie
Question: What did Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun do on their wedding night?
Answer: Committed suicide.
Song: Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division)
#106
Realm: Sports
Subrealm: Famous firsts
Question: Who was the first soccer-style kicker in the NFL?
Answer: Pete Gogolak.
Song: Kicks (Paul Revere and the Raiders)
#107
Realm: History
Subrealm: Mother necessity
Question: Why did Morse invent the telegraph?
Answer: News of his wife's death arrived by mail, seven days late.
Song: Please Mr. Postman (Marvelettes)
#108
Realm: Entertainment
Subrealm: Cartoons
Question: In old Warner Brothers' Merrie Melodies cartoons, the name after the credit "Voice Characterizations" is almost always Mel Blanc. What name do you almost always see after the credit "Musical Direction"?
Answer: Carl Stalling.
Song: I Write the Songs (Barry Manilow)
#109
Realm: TV
Subrealm: "Saturday Night Live" When the Yale Whiffenpoofs sang on the original "Saturday Night Live," what was flashed on the screen during their performance?
Answer: Their SAT scores.
Song: Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing (Buffalo Springfield)
#110
Realm: Cartoons
Subrealm: "Flintstones" Who could forget the historic episode in which Fred and Wilma find Dino and adopt him as one of their own? But what was different about Dino in this episode from every other episode?
Answer: He could talk.
Song: I Wanna Be a Flintsone (The Screaming Blue Messiahs)
(NOTE: As a matter of fact, Dino could talk almost exactly like Phil Silvers, TV's "Sgt. Bilko." No explanation was ever offered for what happened between Dino's first and second appearances, when the purple snorkasaurus degenerated from ordering Fred around in clipped, staccato sentences, to a life of going, "A-BEEbeeBEEbeeBEE!" and "YIPE, YIPE, YIPE!")
#111
Realm: Literature
Subrealm: Science Fiction
Question: In William Gibson's science fiction classic, "Neuromancer," what does BAMA stand for?
Answer: Boston-Atlanta Metropolitan Axis.
Song: Rock and Roll Band (Boston)
#112
Realm: History
Subrealm: Better than a day at the office
Question: What famous daredevil achieved fame by walking a tightrope over Niagara Falls while pushing a wheelbarrow, blindfolded, in the dark, on stilts, and with associates shooting bullets at him?
Answer: Blondin (Jean Francois Grandet).
Song: Free Fallin' (Tom Petty)
#113
Realm: "The Odd Couple"
Subrealm: Gastronomic Delights
Question: What three great athletes trained on Oscar's culinary creation "Goop Melange?"
Answer: Whirlaway, Citation, and Man O'War.
Song: Horse With No Name (America)
#114
Realm: Zoology
Subrealm: Scavengers
Question: What do you formally call a group of crows?
Answer: A murder of crows.
Song: Hard to Handle (Ransom Jenks)
#115
Realm: History
Subrealm: Economics
Question: What currency was the U.S. dollar based on, when it was introduced in 1785?
Answer: The Spanish peso.
Song: Gimme Some Money (Spinal Tap)
#116
Realm: Mathematics
Subrealm: What is that dang thing?
Question: What is the name of the bar over repeating decimals?
Answer: A vinclum.
Song: On and On (Stephen Bishop)