Trivia Quiz?

[phkrause]

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

What Was the First Ceremony Like?

First of all, the ceremony wasn't even broadcast, no live radio reports or anything. The winners had already been publicly announced a few weeks earlier, the ceremony took all of 15 minutes, there were only 13 categories (some of which were later merged, such as Directing for a Comedy Picture and Directing for a Dramatic Picture), and the gathering included a fairly small (estimates range from 250 to 270 people) selection of industry insiders. The first Academy Award ceremony truly was just to show recognition for good work. It wasn't until the next year that radio broadcasts were involved. The first ceremony also included dinner, and attendees paid for tickets. One other difference was that this ceremony honored films from mid-1927 to mid-1928, rather than the films from the calendar year 1928 only.

 

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

How Did the Oscars Become Known as the Oscars?

The ceremony was first known as the Academy Awards, and the statuette was called the Academy Award of Merit. A few years later, the statue was popularly known as an Oscar, but no one is completely sure why. Two common stories include an Academy librarian noting that the nearly featureless statuette looked like her Uncle Oscar (you have to wonder what Uncle Oscar thought of that comparison) and a columnist naming the "Oscar" as a reference to an old vaudeville joke. There's more documented proof to support the columnist's assertion, though the complete story is still unknown. That librarian, by the way, was Margaret Herrick, who later became the Director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

In 2013, the ceremony itself changed its official name from the Academy Awards to simply, the Oscars.

 

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

What Happened to the First Best Actor and Actress Nominees?

The first Best Actress winner was Janet Gaynor for 7th Heaven, and the first Best Actor winner was Emil Jannings for The Last Command. Gaynor had been nominated for three pictures and Jannings for two. The other nominees might not have won in 1929, but they did have a list of honors to look back on from other film award organizations. For example, Gloria Swanson, who was nominated in 1929 for Sadie Thompson, was nominated two more times, in 1930 and 1951. She didn't win those, but she did win a Golden Globe in 1951 and several Italian awards, all for Sunset Boulevard. Louise Dresser, nominated for A Ship Comes In in 1929, was never nominated again. However, she did win a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

 

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

Can You Top the Mistaken-Identity Best Picture Flub From 2017?

Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway may have been embarrassed by their accidental reading of the wrong Best Picture winner at 2017's awards when Beatty was given the wrong envelope and Dunaway announced that La La Land had won, when the winner was really Moonlight. However, this was not the first time the wrong winner had been announced. In 1964, Sammy Davis Jr. was given an envelope that called Tom Jones the winner of the Best Musical Score award. There was just one problem -- Tom Jones wasn't even nominated that year. Luckily, Davis knew this and was able to get a correction out immediately, unlike in 2017, when it took longer for the real winner to be revealed. It might have seemed like only a few minutes, but that's a lifetime for filmmakers who found out they didn't win.

 

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

How Has the Oscar Statuette Changed Over the Years?

The Oscar is known as a gold statuette, but it's really gold-plated. The first statuette was gold-plated bronze, a heavy and valuable award. The statuettes were later made -- for several decades -- of gold-plated Britannium or Britannia metal, an alloy of tin, copper, and antimony. In 2016, the Academy switched the statuette's composition back to gold-plated bronze. 

The statuettes given out during World War II, though, were only plaster copies because metal was in short supply. Winners were able to trade in the plaster versions after the war.

[phkrause]

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

The Broadway show "Movin' Out" was based on songs written by which songwriter?

Stevie Wonder Neil Diamond Liza Minnelli Billy Joel

I'm guessing that would be Billy Joel!!

Answer: "Movin' Out" is a musical featuring the songs of Billy Joel. The musical tells the story of a generation of American youth growing up on Long Island during the 1960s. The principal characters of the musical are drawn from those who appeared in various Billy Joel tunes: high school sweethearts Brenda and Eddie ("Scenes from an Italian Restaurant"), James ("James"), Judy ("Why Judy Why"), and Tony (Anthony in "Movin' Out"). It premiered on Broadway on October 24, 2002 and closed on December 11, 2005 after 1,303 performances.

[phkrause]

What is the distinctive red shape on the abdomen of a black widow spider?

A. Hourglass
B. Triangle
C. Square
D. Heart

[phkrause]

Which Italian explorer was the namesake for America?

Americus Pizarro Vasco da America Amerigo Vespucci Christopher Columbus

[phkrause]

Trivia: The “Dirty” Lyrics of “Louie Louie”

The FBI had already launched a formal investigation into the supposedly pornographic lyrics of the song “Louie, Louie.” On May 17, 1965, the FBI Laboratory announced whether the lyrics of the hit song were “dirty.” Answer this and other trivia questions on other musical investigations by FBI.

Why was “Louie Louie” Investigated by the FBI?

Were There Any Actual Obscenities on the Song?

What Popular TV Show-Musical Group Was Investigated?

Which Musician Who “Tiptoed Through the Tulips” Was Investigated by the FBI?

[phkrause]

Which actor's birth name is Maurice Joseph Micklewhite?

Mark Wahlberg Michael Caine Marlon Brando Morgan Freeman

[Gail]

1 hour ago, phkrause said:

Which actor's birth name is Maurice Joseph Micklewhite?

Mark Wahlberg Michael Caine Marlon Brando Morgan Freeman

Michael Caine

[phkrause]

19 hours ago, phkrause said:

What is the distinctive red shape on the abdomen of a black widow spider?

A. Hourglass
B. Triangle
C. Square
D. Heart

A. Hourglass

If it's a black widow spider, then time will tell - that distinctive shape is an hourglass.

Source: various web sites.

[phkrause]

19 hours ago, phkrause said:

Which Italian explorer was the namesake for America?

Americus Pizarro Vasco da America Amerigo Vespucci Christopher Columbus

Answer: America was named after Amerigo Vespucci, a Florentine navigator and explorer who played a prominent role in exploring the New World. The first use of the name "America" was in 1507, when a new world map was created based on the explorations of Amerigo Vespucci. In 1507, America was named after him. Vespucci was the first person to recognize North and South America as distinct continents. When a second huge land mass was discovered to the north, the names North and South America were applied to the two continents.

[phkrause]

19 hours ago, phkrause said:

Why was “Louie Louie” Investigated by the FBI?

This Richard Berry song that was written in 1955 was released by different musical artists numerous times but created a stir when performed by The Kingsmen in 1963. Because it was difficult to understand the lyrics, some thought some of the lyrics were obscene. Off-color song lyrics could violate the law against interstate transportation of material that is obscene, so the Federal Bureau of Investigation was asked to examine it. As evidence, the FBI Laboratory was given a copy of the song, lyrics supplied by Limax Music and off-color lyrics supplied by an undetermined source.

The song was actually investigated by three separate government agencies, the Federal Communications Commission, the Justice Department and the U.S. Postal Service. It dragged along for about two years when the FBI and other agencies declared the lyrics incomprehensible and closed the case. Jack Ely, who sang the song on the record, attributed the indecipherability of the song to the braces he wore on his teeth at the time and awkward location of the mic and left the group shortly afterward.

 

19 hours ago, phkrause said:

Were There Any Actual Obscenities on the Song?

There are no off-color words in the lyrics themselves. However, when the drummer for The Kingsmen dropped his drumstick about one minute into the song, listeners can hear him yelling a one-word obscenity. The record was recorded in one take, so this single curse word stayed on the released tune, but it takes real concentration to hear it.

 

19 hours ago, phkrause said:

What Popular TV Show-Musical Group Was Investigated?

Individual musicians were hired by the creators of the show, The Monkees, a TV show about a band that’s struggling to find success. Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork appeared on the show from 1966 to 1968. While their music was never investigated by the FBI, their show was in 1967. The subject of interest was the screen that appeared behind the band while they were singing. It was reported to the FBI that subliminal messages were appearing on the screen with anti-American messages about the war in Vietnam, depictions of riots at Berkeley and race riots in Alabama. Apparently, The Monkees were “too busy singing” for the FBI to bother with because nothing came from the investigation.

 

19 hours ago, phkrause said:

Which Musician Who “Tiptoed Through the Tulips” Was Investigated by the FBI?

The ukulele playing, falsetto-voiced Tiny Tim, who appeared on such programs as The Tonight Show and Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, was investigated in 1968. It wasn’t because of his biggest song, “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” that was nominated for a Grammy but because of a possible association with other people such as Frank Sinatra or members of the mob. One source, who apparently had connections with the entertainment industry, thought it was unusual that Tiny Tim was paid $50,000 for one week for a casino appearance in Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace. After an investigation, the FBI concluded that there was no evidence that Tim had any connection with either Sinatra or any hoodlum element.

[phkrause]

19 hours ago, phkrause said:

Which actor's birth name is Maurice Joseph Micklewhite?

Mark Wahlberg Michael Caine Marlon Brando Morgan Freeman

 

17 hours ago, Gail said:

Michael Caine

Answer: Michael Caine was born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite in South East London. He adopted the name of Caine on the advice of his agent, taking it from a marquee that advertised The Caine Mutiny. Michael Caine is a beloved Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in films like Alfie, Hannah and Her Sisters and the latest Batman incarnations. Caine has appeared in over 115 films and is regarded as a British film icon. In 2000, when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, he accepted the honor as Maurice Micklewhite in tribute to his father.

[phkrause]

How does whiskey get its distinctive rich brown color?

A. Caramel is added
B. Brown food coloring is added
C. Tree sap is added
D. Oak barrels add color

Well you whiskey lovers!!!! Lets hear it!!

[phkrause]

The Eagles formed after being the backing group for which singer?

Neil Diamond Rod Stewart Linda Ronstadt James Taylor

I'm gonna guess Rod Stewart!!

[phkrause]

Trivia about Mount St. Helens' Catastrophic Eruption

At 8:32 a.m. on May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens, a stratovolcano located in southwestern Washington State, erupted, causing extensive damage and loss of life. To mark the anniversary of this catastrophic event, we've put together these trivia questions...

What Events Led Up to the Eruption?

How Much Damage Did the Eruption Cause?

Has Mount St. Helens Erupted Since 1980?

Are There Other Volcanoes in the United States?

[phkrause]

What was the first fully computer animated feature film?

The Lion King Finding Nemo Toy Story The Little Mermaid

[phkrause]

23 hours ago, phkrause said:

How does whiskey get its distinctive rich brown color?

A. Caramel is added
B. Brown food coloring is added
C. Tree sap is added
D. Oak barrels add color

Well you whiskey lovers!!!! Lets hear it!!

D. Oak barrels add color

The color of the liquor all depends on the barrels in which it's stored.

Source: various web sites.

[phkrause]

23 hours ago, phkrause said:

The Eagles formed after being the backing group for which singer?

Neil Diamond Rod Stewart Linda Ronstadt James Taylor

I'm gonna guess Rod Stewart!!

Answer: Linda Ronstadt is best known for a string of popular hits in the 1970s. She also put together a band for her solo debut that ended up leaving to form the Eagles. Little did Linda Ronstadt know she was hatching Glenn Frey and Don Henley as the Eagles in the early 1970s when she hired them to play in her band and made them roommates while on tour. After touring together with Ronstadt in 1971, Frey and Henley formed the Eagles. It would be Glen Frey who gave the speech at Ronstadt's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

[phkrause]

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

What Events Led Up to the Eruption?

As with most volcanoes, Mount St. Helens gave some advance warning that an eruption was likely well before the actual event. Beginning in March 1980, seismic activity at the mountain offered a hint that the volcanic peak might once again be active. On March 20, 1980, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 on the Richter Scale was recorded. Over the two days of March 23 and 24, an ominous series of 174 mini-tremors was recorded by seismologists. Then, on March 27, the first actual eruption occurred when ash soared up to 10,000 feet in the air after the opening of a 250-foot-wide vent on the mountain's top. Ash from this first eruption fell on the streets of Spokane, which lies about 300 miles northeast of Mount St. Helens. 

Fearful that more was soon to come, authorities posted a hazard watch covering an area within a 50-mile radius of the mountain. Some residents were evacuated from the area, but others refused to budge. A bulge on the north side of Mount St. Helens grew progressively larger throughout the month of April, and on the morning of May 18 a 5.1 earthquake and an eruption shook the mountain and the surrounding region. Ash was propelled from the volcano at a speed of 650 miles per hour, and a wave of ash, gas, glacial ice, and rocks poured down the sides of the mountain into the surrounding valley.

 

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

How Much Damage Did the Eruption Cause?

By far, the biggest casualty of the volcanic eruption was the loss of 57 lives. Of those 57 killed, the bodies of 27 were never recovered. On top of the many deaths it caused, the eruption demolished a 230-square-mile area around Mount St. Helens. Wiped from the map within that area of destruction were 250 homes, 15 miles of railway line, 185 miles of roads, and 47 bridges. And the effects of the eruption were felt over a far wider area. Ash that shot from the volcano's peak was detected as far away as Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

Has Mount St. Helens Erupted Since 1980?

Although nothing approaching the magnitude of its 1980 eruption has occurred, Mount St. Helens periodically sends plumes of ash high into the sky, and multiple tremors have been recorded in and around the mountain. In October 2004, magma reached the surface of the volcano and resulted in the creation of a new lava dome on the mountain's south flank. This lava dome grew throughout 2005 and 2006. 

 

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

Are There Other Volcanoes in the United States?

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 45 eruptions and 15 cases of significant volcanic unrest have occurred at U.S. volcanoes since 1980. And the USGS reports that there are 169 volcanoes in the United States, although most have long been dormant. Among America's most active volcanoes are those outside the contiguous 48 states, including Hawaii's Mauna Loa, said to be the largest volcano in the world. Nearby and more active is Kilauea, also on the big island of Hawaii. Alaska also has a number of volcanoes, some of which have been active since the 1990s. 

Of volcanoes in the 48 contiguous states, the dozen or so in the Cascades mountain chain are considered among the most dangerous. The Cascades extend more than 1,000 miles from Mount Lassen in northern California to Mount Baker near the Canadian border in Washington State. Mount Rainier, north of Mount St. Helens in Washington State and close to the Seattle-Tacoma metro area, has not erupted since 1825 but is considered one of the country's most dangerous volcanoes, according to the USGS. 

[phkrause]

22 hours ago, phkrause said:

What was the first fully computer animated feature film?

The Lion King Finding Nemo Toy Story The Little Mermaid

Answer: The first fully computer animated feature film was Pixar’s Toy Story released in 1995. It was Pixar's first feature film as well as the first ever feature film to be made entirely with Computer Generated Imagery. Pixar, which produced short animated films to promote their computers, was approached by Disney to produce a computer-animated feature film. Released in theaters on November 22, 1995, Toy Story was the highest-grossing film on its opening weekend and earned over $373 million worldwide.

[phkrause]

Japan is approximately the size of which American state?

A. Virginia
B. Rhode Island
C. California
D. Idaho

[phkrause]

Which food item is used in the production of dynamite?

Peanuts Coconut Potato Banana

I'm thinking Potato!!

[phkrause]

Don’t Lose Your Head Over These Trivia Questions

On May 19, 1536, Anne Boleyn, wife of England's King Henry VIII, was beheaded after being convicted of adultery. Don’t lose your head over these trivia questions about the alternative to divorce for royals.

Why Was Anne Boleyn Executed?

Which Roman Empress Was Murdered by Her Husband?

What Other Wife Did Henry VIII Have Beheaded?

What Roman Empress Ended Up in Hot Water?

[phkrause]

What is a group of flamingos called?

Pride Flamboyance Parliament Fabulousness

A Pride I believe??

[phkrause]

18 hours ago, phkrause said:

Japan is approximately the size of which American state?

A. Virginia
B. Rhode Island
C. California
D. Idaho

C. California

Often thought of as tiny, Japan is actually bigger than most European countries - it's about the size of California.

Source: various web sites.

[phkrause]

17 hours ago, phkrause said:

Which food item is used in the production of dynamite?

Peanuts Coconut Potato Banana

I'm thinking Potato!!

Answer: For those of you with allergies to peanuts, stay away from dynamite! One of the world’s favorite snack foods is also an ingredient in the production of dynamite. Peanuts, like all plants products contain oil. The oil is extracted from peanuts and it is used in the process of making glycerol. Glycerol is one of the main ingredient in nitroglycerin. Dynamite is basically a mix of nitroglycerin and diatomaceous earth or other organic materials such as clay or saw dust. Despite a lengthy process, peanuts are indeed one of the ingredients of dynamite.