Notes from Wednesday, February 3rd , 2021 |
| geographyJASPER NATIONAL PARK is the largest within ALBERTA's ROCKY MOUNTAINS |
| scienceIRISH ELK is an extinct deer species and one of the largest deer ever |
| historyBARBARA MIKULSKI of MARYLAND is longest serving woman in US CONGRESS |
| artsIn musical theatre, WANDELPROBE is a type of rehearsal with loose staging |
| technologyLORE is a popular podcast about non-fiction scary stories by AARON MAHNKE |
| businessWEEBLES is brand of ROLY-POLY TOYS by PLAYSKOOL launched in 1971 |
| historyBATTLE of SEKIGAHARA was a decisive 1600 battle in JAPANESE FEUDAL history that led to the establishment of TOKUGAWA SHOGUNATE over TOYOTOMI |
| artsLEROY NEIMAN was American artist of colorful expressionist paintings and screen prints of athletes, musicians, and sporting events |
| geographyTAKLAMAKAN DESERT is primarily in XINJIANG province of CHINA |
| musicThe PARIS SYMPHONIES are a group of 6 symphonies by JOSEPH HAYDN |
| sportsSTAMFORD BRIDGE ("The BRIDGE") is home stadium of CHELSEA FC |
| scienceHENNA is natural dye from powdered dried leaves of Lawsonia inermis |
| musicNATHAN EVANS sang the viral sea shanty SOON MAY the WELLERMAN COME |
| scienceMITRAL VALVE is between LEFT Atrium & Ventricle; TRICUSPID VALVE is between Right Atrium & Ventricle |
| sportsCuban JAVIER SOTOMAYOR is current world record holder in HIGH JUMP |
| historyHARAPPA was key city of INDUS VALLEY Civilization located in PUNJAB, PAKISTAN |
| musicPRINCESS NOKIA is Puerto Rico born queer rapper who in 2020 released the twin albums EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL and EVERYTHING SUCKS |
| foodSAMBUCA is an Italian ANISE-flavored liqueur; means "ELDERBERRY" |
| historyNICOLA STURGEON is current and first female leader of SCOTTISH National Party |
Notes from Saturday, January 30th, 2021 |
| cultureSTUPA is BUDDHIST mound-like structure containing sacred relics |
| technologyFAR CRY is UBISOFT video game franchise first released in 2004 that is first person shooter set in wilderness with despots and wild animals roaming |
| cultureJEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT in SINGAPORE has the tallest indoor watergall RAIN VORTEX |
| artsGIBSON GIRL was personification of feminine ideal of physical beauty as portrayed by the pen-and-ink illustrations of CHARLES DANA GIBSON |
| filmDAVID OYELOWO is British actor who portrated MLK Jr. in SELMA (2014) |
| cultureAHURA MAZDA is creator of deity of ZOROASTRIANISM and invoked YASMA |
| foodFLUFFERNUTTER is SANDWICH made with PEANUT BUTTER & MARSHMALLOW crème |
| geographyICELAND & NORWAY are Nortdic countries not in the EUROPEAN UNION |
| food/scienceLUTHER BURBANK (1849-1926) was American botanist who developed more than 800 strains and varieties of plants including the RUSSET BURBANK POTATO |
| musicSince 2015, BLINK-182 consists of MARK HOPPUS, TRAVIS BARKER, & MATT SKIBA |
| televisionIn MAD MEN, DON DRAPER was really a person named DICK WHITMAN |
| literaturePERSEPOLIS is autobiographical graphic novel by Iranian-born MARJANE SATRAPI |
| sportsROBERT LEWANDOWSKI of POLAND was 2020 BEST FIFA MEN'S PLAYER |
| cultureMOUSQUETAIRE is type of OPERA GLOVE that extends to cover the elbow |
| geographyThree great SIBERIAN rivers that flow into the ARCTIC OCEAN are the OB, YENISEY, & LENA; LENA sourced from BAIKAL mountains and flows into LAPTEV SEA |
| cultureUBUNTU is South African philosophy meaning "I AM BECAUSE WE ARE" |
| historyLOCOFOCUS was faction of DEMOCRATIC PARTY originated in 1835 and created in NYC as protest against TAMMANY HALL as "EQUAL RIGHTS PARTY" |
Notes from Friday, January 29th, 2021 |
| historyJENNY SHIPLEY became 1st femal prime minister of NEW ZEALAND in 1997 |
| businessDRAPER JAMES is clothing line by REESE WITHERSPOON founded in 2015 |
| geographyWAKHAN CORRIDOR is narrow strip of territory in AFGHANISTAN wedged between PAMIR Mountains and KARAKORAM range and extending into CHINA |
| historyHERERO WARS were a series of colonial wars between GERMAN EMPIRE and HERERO people of German SOUTH WEST AFRICA (NAMIBIA) in 1904-08 |
| cultureCAPSULE WARDROBE is collection of a few essential items of clothing that do not go out of fashion such as skirts, trousers, and coats; the term was coined by SUSIE FAUX in the 1970s and was popularized by designer DONNA KARAN |
| historyCANAAN BANANA (1936-2003) was the first president of ZIMBABWE from 1980-1987 and was succeeded by ROBERT MUGABE; he was jailed after sodomy charge |
| historyGen. WILLIAM WESTMORELAND was commander of US forced during VIETNAM WAR |
| scienceELIZABETH LOFTUS is American cognitive psychologist best known for her work on MISINFORMATION EFFECT and EYEWITNESS MEMORY & FALSE MEMORY |
| geographyCAPE WINELANDS is largest wine region of SOUTH AFRICA in Wester Cape province |
| musicARCADE FIRE was founded by WIN BUTLER & JOSH DEU and its debut album was FUNERAL (2004); 3rd album THE SUBURBS was Grammy ALBUM of the YEAR |
| sciencePOTAMOLOGY is scientific study of RIVERS and their BASINS and NETWORKS |
| cultureMajor native languages of NGERIA are HAUSA, YORUBA, IGBO, and FULA |
| musicPASSAGGIO is classical singing term for trinsition between vocal registers |
| televisionIn THE DREW CARRY SHOW, DREW & friends created and sold BUZZ BEER |
| technology2020 video game HADES has protagonist ZAGREUS, son of HADES |
Notes from Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 |
| foodCHRISTINA TOSI is chef, founder, and owner of MILK BAR, linked to MOMOFUKU |
| literaturePARMENIDES was pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who founded ELEATIC school |
| literatureLEGALLY BLONDE is 2001 novel by AMANDA BROWN set in STANFORD Law school |
| scienceFRENCH PARADOX is observation that French have low heart disease with fatty diet |
| historyBased on MAGADHA, MAURYA empite dominated INDIA subcontinent in 322-185 BCE |
| artsSwiss-French architect LE CORBUSIER was born CHARLES-ÉDOUARD JEANNERET |
| literatureODE to a NIGHTINGALE and ODE to PSYCHE are 1819 odes by JOHN KEATS |
| historyCOINTELPRO was cover and illegal surveillance program by FBI from 1956-71 that targeted Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders and war opponents |
| historyLUCRETIA MOTT (1793-1880) was Quaker, abolitionist and women's rights activist |
| historyCARDIGAN sweater named after British general who led Charge of the LIGHT BRIGADE |
| literatureARTEMIS FOWL is 2001 young-adult fantasy novel by Irish auther EOIN COLFER |
| businessPVH (formerly PHILLIPS-VAN HEUSEN) is clothing company that owns brands TOMMY HILFIGER, CALVIN KLEIN, IZOD, ARROW, TRUE & Co., and GEOFFREY BEAN |
| literatureThe ANTITRUST PARADOX is influential 1978 book by ROBERT BORK |
| history/geographyBARON HAUSSMANN was French official who was chosen by NAPOLEON III to carry out massive urban renewal program in PARIS from 1853-70 |
| literatureThe MASTER and MARGARITA is novel by Russian writer MIKHAIL BULGAKOV |
| cultureIn BUDDHISM, the FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS are DUKKHA (suffering), SAMUDAYA (origin, arising), NIRODHA (cessation, ending), and MAGGA (Noble eight-fold path) |
| scienceRussian-born ANDRE GEIM is physicist and only one to win NOBEL & IGNOBEL |
| geographyISMOIL SOMONI PEAK in TAJIKISTAN formerly called STALIN peak and COMMUNISM peak. It was the highest mountain in the SOVIET UNION |
Notes from Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 |
| literature"NO MAN ever steps in the same RIVER twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man" is attributed to HERACLITUS of EPHESUS |
| geographyCENTRAL PARK TOWER in MAHATTAN NYC is 2nd tallest skyscraper in the US |
| cultureEID al-FITR is religious holiday that marks end of fasting in RAMADAN |
| technologySARAH COOPER famously uploaded videos lup syncing to DONALD TRUMP |
| literatureThe CHRYSANTHEMUM and the SWORD is a 1946 study of JAPAN by American antrhopologist RUTH BENEDICT who studies under pioneer FRANZ BOAS |
| historySPENCER PERCEVAL (1762-1812) was the only British PM to be assassinated |
| geographyLAKE VAN is the largest lake in TURKEY and one of the few endorheic (doesn't drain toward the ocean) lakes |
| literatureIrish COLM TÓIBÍN wrote THE MASTER (2004) depicting HENRY JAMES |
| artsTYLER MITCHELL is Afro-American photographer who shot BEYONCÉ cover of VOGUE |
| history/businessBRETTON WOODS Conference in NEW HAMPSHIRE was a gathering in 1944 to regulate the internationl monetary order after the end of WW2 |
| foodSOFRITAS is shredded TOFU braised with chipotle chilies, poblanos, and spices |
| food/television30 MINUTE MEALS is a FOOD NETWORK show hosted by RACHAEL RAY |
| musicROPERT FRIPP is founder and longest lasting member of prog. rock back KING CRIMSON |
| literatureJACOB KLEIN (1899-1978) was Russian-American philosopher and PLATO interpreter |
| sciencePROSOPAGNOSIA is a cognitive disorder that is also called FACE BLINDNESS |
| geographyTARBELA DAM in PAKISTAN is largest earth-filled DAM in the world |
| literature"UNEASY lies the head that wears the CROWN" is from HENRY IV PART II |
| sports1500m is final event and longest distance run in the DECATHLON |
Notes from Sunday, January 24th, 2021 |
| literature/cultureThe SERPENT and the RAINBOW is 1985 book by anthropologist WADE DAVIS that investigated HAITIAN VOODOO and the process of making ZOMBIES |
| cultureIn ISLAM, QIBLA is the direction towards the KAABA is SACRED MOSQUE in MECCA and is used to direct daily prayer (SALAH) and placement of MIHRAB |
| historyThe GANG of FOUR was Chinese Communist Party political faction that rose to prominence during the Cultural Revolution and led by JIANG QING (Madame Mao) |
| cultureIn the card game BACCARAT, the highest possible hand value is 9 |
| geographyLÚCIO COSTA was Brazilian architect best-known for urban plan of BRASÍLIA and OSCAR NIEMEYER was best-known for design of its civic buildings |
| geographyJAMAICA derives from ARAWAK language for "LAND of WOOD & WATER" |
| cultureIn Greek myth, PHAETHON was son of HELIOS who asked to be allowed to drive the chariot of the SUN through heavens for a day and lost control |
| foodMEZZE is selection of small dishes as appetizer in Mediterranean cuisine |
| scienceEASTERLIN PARADOX states that HAPPINESS veries directly with invome among and within nations, but over time HAPPINESS does not trend upward as income increases |
| sportsVLADIMIR GUERRERO is currently youngest living member of BASEBALL Hall of Fame |
| technologyVHS was videocassette format standard developed by JVC |
| televisionDRAKE & JOSH is Nickelodeon sitcom that starred DRAKE BELL & JOSH PECK |
| historyMENES (c. 3150 BCE) was legendary first king & pharaoh of united EGYPT |
| technologyPOD SAVE AMERICA is political podcast hosted by former OBAMA staffers JON FAVREAU, DENIEL PFEIFFER, JON LOVETT, & TOMMY VIETOR |
| cultureKAMI are the spirits, phenomena or "holy power" venerated in SHINTO |
Notes from Friday, January 22nd , 2021 |
| literatureUNTOLD STORY (2011) by MONICA ALI is novel that imagines what would have happened if PRINCESS DIANA faked death and lived in US town as LYDIA |
| history/foodThe German town LÜBECK was capital of HANSEATIC LEAGUE and is famous for MARZIPAN |
| scienceIn early chemical theory, PHLOGISTON was substance in all COMBUSTIBLE bodies |
| artsANGEL of the NORTH is steel sculpture by ANTONY GORMLEY located in ENGLAND |
| foodPULQUE is milk-colored, viscous alcoholic drink that originated in MEXICO |
| artsFeatuerd in CALVIN & HOBBES, SPACEMAN SPIFF is an alter ego of CALVIN |
| geographyKNOXVILLE, TN has nickname MARBLE CITY for supplying TENNESSE MARBLE |
| historyThe FRANCO-HOVA WARS were 2 French military interventions between 1883-96 that overthrew ruling monarchy of MERINA Kingdom in MADAGASCAR |
| musicJOSEPH HAYDN's SYMPHONY No. 45 in F# minor is known as FAREWELL Symphony |
| scienceGOLDBACH's CONJECTURE states that every even whole number greated than 2 is the sum of two PRIME numbers; one of the oldest unsolved problems in math |
| televisionFINDING YOUR ROOTS is documentary PBS series hosted by HENRY LOUIS GATES |
| geographyKHAYELITSHA in CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA is one of the largest SLUMS |
| scienceSERTOLI CELL is "NURSE" cell in TESTICLES that aid in production of SPERM |
| scienceLEYDIG CELL is adjacent to seminiferous tubules and produce TESTOSTERONE |
| sportsLEN BIAS died two days after being selected #2 by CELTICS in 1986 DRAFT |
| cultureRHEA SILVA was mythical mother of twins ROMULUS & REMUS |
| musicPACIFIC 231 is most famous orchestral work of Swiss ARTHUR HONEGGER |
| culture"SITTING" SHIVA refers to act of sitting on low stools during mourning |
| televisionROBIN the FRONG is KERMIT the FROG's nephew and friend to SWEETUMS |
Notes from Sunday, January 17th, 2021 |
| literatureBERNARD MALAMUD (1914-86) was Jewish-American author who wrote baseball novel THE NATURAL (1952) and also THE FIXER (1966) |
| music"EARTH ANGEL" is 1954 hit song by American DOO WOP group The PENGUINS |
| historyPEDRO PIERLUISI is the current and 14th GOVERNOR of PUERTO RICO |
| televisionTRAVEL Channel's MAN V. FOOD was originally hosted by ADAM RICHMAN |
| historyBATTLE of the BOYNE was 1690 battle in IRELAND in which the forces of KING WILLIAM III & MARY II defeated forces of deposed KING JAMES II |
| foodRIDDLING is intricate process of twisting and angling WINE bottle after ageing |
| historyThe WORKERS' PARTY of KOREA (WPK) is ruling political party in NORTH KOREA |
| scienceBDELLIUM is fragrant gum resin similar to myrrh used in PERFUMES |
| geographyITAIPU DAM is hydroelectric dam on PARANA River between BRAZIL & PARAGUAY |
| literatureSATYRICON is example of MENIPPEAN SATIRE and written by PETRONIUS |
| technologyIn IT lingo, BLACK HAT is malicious hacker; WHITE HAT is ethical hacker; GREY HAT is not malicious but not always ethical; RED HAD is vigilante hacker |
| sportsAustralians ROD LAVER & ROY EMERSON are only male tennis players to have completed a double career Grand Slam within singles titles |
| literatureNATE the GREAT is titular boy detective of children's book series since 1972 |
| geographyLargest city in BOLIVIA is SANTA CRUZ de la SIERRA situated on PIRAI RIVER |
| musicGATHAS are 17 AVESTAN HYMNS believed to have been composed by ZOROASTER |
| filmIn JURASSIC PARK film, FROG DNA is used to fill the gaps in DINOSAUR DNA |
| musicCONCHITA WURST was winner of EUROVISION Song Contest in 2014 repping AUSTRIA |
| foodACKEE and SALTFISH is national dish of JAMAICA; ACKEE is a fruit |
Notes from Thursday, January 14th, 2021 |
| sportsSOURDOUGH SAM is the gold rush miner mascot of the SAN FRANCISCO 49ers |
| literatureSonnet X opens with "DEATH BE NOT PROUD"; written by JOHN DONNE |
| music"18 and LIFE" (1989) is the only Billboard Hot 100 Top 5 song by SKID ROW |
| scienceMORAINE is accumulation of rocks and sediment deposited by a GLACIER |
| cultureDIGAMBARA and ŚVĒTĀMBARA are the 2 major traditions of JAINSIM |
| cultureThe DUTCH BRAID technique is a reverse of FRENCH BRAID and is also called INSIDE OUT |
| literatureDEATH COMES to PEMBERLEY is a 2011 fan fiction novel by P.D. JAMES based on PRIDE & PREJUDICE |
| historyThe BLACK HAND (also called UNIFICATION or DEATH) was secret military society formed in 1901 in SERBIA involved in the assassination of FRANZ FERDINAND |
| literature"ADONAIS: An Elegy on the Death of JOHN KEATS, Author of ENDYMION, HYPERION, etc" is a pastoral elegy written by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY in 1821 |
| sportsThere are 15 players on the field for each team in RUGBY UNION; 13 for RUGBY LEAGUE |
| televisionDUCKMAN: PRIVATE DICK/FAMILY MAN is animated sitcom on USA Network that aired 1994-97 about a private detective duck voiced by JASON ALEXANDER |
| geographyRED RIVER of the NORTH forms most of the border between MINNESOTA & NORTH DAKOTA |
| historySYKES-PICOT AGREEMENT was secret 1916 treaty between UK & FRANCE that divided Arab lands under Ottoman rule into SPHERES of INFLUENCE |
| televisionSUPERSTORE is NBC sitcom set in CLOUD 9 big box store in ST. LOUIS, MO |
| cultureSILVER BUFFALO Award is national service award by BOY SCOUTS of AMERICA |
| food/technologyBABISH CULINARY UNIVERSE (formerly BINGING w/ BABISH) is YOUTUBE cooking channel created by ANDREW REA recreating recipes in pop culture |
| televisionTRUE DETECTIVE is HBO anthology crime drama created by NIC PIZZOLATTO |
Notes from Monday, January 11th, 2021 |
| foodServed during WIMBLEDON, PIMM'S CUP contains PIMM'S NO. 1 & LEMONADE |
| scienceIAPETUS is 3rd largest MOOn of SATURN, named after Titan called "The PIERCER" |
| historyOPERATION JUST CAUSE was codename for 1989 US invasion of PANAMA to restore democratic government and arrest MANUEL NORIEGA on drug trafficking |
| historyAVERROËS (1126-98) was influential Islamic religious philosopher who integrated ancient Greek thought and wrote medical treatise COLLIGET |
| geographyAPPALACHIAN TRAIL is 2,200 mile long marked hiking trail extending between MOUNT KATAHDIN in MAINE to SPRINGER MOUNTAIN in GEORGIA |
| literatureCAPTAIN FLINT was pirate who buried treasure in RL STEVENSON's TREASURE ISLAND |
| geographyNORMAN MANLY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KIN) is in KINGSTON, JAMAICA |
| sportsWelsh captain ALUN WYN JONES is most capped RUGBY UNION player in the world |
| cultureTALMUD is central text of RABBINIC JUDAISM and consists of the MISHINAH and GEMARA |
| film1998 film A SIMPLE PLAN starred BRIDGET FONDA; husband DANNY ELFMAN wrote the score |
| technologyThe FOUR COLOR THEOREM was the 1st major theorem proved using a computer in 1976 |
| cultureIn MAYAN mythology, KUKULKAN is important feathered serpent diety |
| musicGAELIC SYMPHONY (1894) by AMY BEACH was 1st symphony by female American |
| musicThe RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS formed in 1962 by BOBBY HATFIELD & BILL MEDLEY |
| televisionThe HUSTLER is trivia-based game show on ABC hosted by CRAIG FERGUSON |
| cultureCOHIBA, MENTECRISTO, ARTURO FUENTE, & H. UPMANN are brands of CIRGARS |
| scienceKARL JANSKY was American physicist and founding figure or RADIO ASTRONOMY |
| televisionEDGAR BERGAN was famous VENTRILOQUIST with dummies CHARLIE McCARTHY and MORTIMER SNERD |
| cultureDASHIKI is WEST AFRICAN loose fitting pullover shirt with colorful patterns |
Notes from Sunday, January 10th, 2021 |
| foodBOYSENBERRY is a cross of RASPBERRY, BLACKBERRY, DEWBERRY, and LOGAN BERRY |
| geographyDOYLE'S DELIGHT is highest peak in BELIZE and lies in COCKSCOMP Range |
| scienceVIKING program consisted of sending VIKING 1 & VIKING 2 to MARS |
| televisionDAVID RUPRECHT hosted SUPERMARKET SWEEP on Lifetime and PAX |
| cultureIn CELTIC mythology, SELKIE is creatre that is half-human, half-seal |
| foodIn cooking, DREDGING is to lightly coat w/ flour or breadcrumbs before FRYING |
| technologyPublished by SQUARE ENIX, KINGDOM HEARTS is video game franchise with SORA as main protagonist who lives on DESTINY ISLANDS and has to combat the HEARTLESS with weapon of light KEYBLADE and friends DONALD DUCK and GOOFY |
| artsDISMALAND was short-lived attraction called a "BEMUSEPMENT PARK" created by street artist BANKSY in the seaside resort of WESTON-super-MARE, ENGLAND |
| artsFLORIA is first name of the title heroine in the 1900 opera TOSCA by PUCCINI |
| history/scienceRICHARD E. BYRD claimed that his expeditions were the first to reach the NORTH POLE by air in 1926 (disputed) and first to SOUTH POLE by air (1929) |
| sciencePALMATE LEAF has 3+ lobes radiating from single point; PINNATE LEAF contains leaflets arranged on either side of common stalk in opposite pairs |
| foodSAMOVAR is metal container tradtionally used to hear water, from RUSSIA |
| history DEMOSTHENES and ARISTOTLE were Greeks born in 384 BC and died in 322 BC |
| filmCHARLIE CHAPLIN won only competitve OSCAR for Best Score in LIMELIGHT (1952) |
| geography11 ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES of LALIBELA, ETHIOPIA is UNESCO World Heritage site |
| artsCHOP SUEY (1929) is EDWARD HOPPER painting that sold for $92m in 2018 |
| sportsThe EVIAN Championship is women's professional golf tournament in FRANCE |
Notes from Saturday, January 9th, 2021 |
| televisionWACKY RACES was animated TV series produced by HANNA-BARBERA from 1968-69 and includes characters DICK DASTARDLY and PENELOPE PITSTOP |
| history/scienceThe inverse to STOCKHOLD SYNDROME, LIMA SYNDROME is phenomenon in which abductors develop sympathy for their captives; named after the abduction of JAPANESE AMBASSADOR's residence in LIMA, PERU in 1996 |
| sports/filmPortrayed by MATT DAMON in 2009 film INVICTUS, FRANCOIS PIENNAAR was flanker and captain of SOUTH AFRICA when they won the 1995 RUGBY World Cup |
| geographyTATRA MOUNTAINS, between SLOVAKIA and POLAND, is highest in CARPATHIAN Range |
| artsZAHA HADID is British Iraqi architect and 1st woman to win PRITZKER PRICE |
| televisionWAYNE BRADY is current host of LET'S MAKE A DEAL game show since 2009 |
| historyPATRICE LUMUMBA was 1st prime minister of what is now DRC in 1960 |
| historyMONONGAH MINING DISASTER of 1907 in WEST VIRGINIA killed over 350 |
| businessFRED MORRISON was inventor of FRISBEE; initially called PLUTO PLATTER |
| scienceLargest asteroids in ASTEROID BELT are CERES, VESTA, PALLAS, and HYGIEA |
| businessHANKO is name stamp or seal used in JAPAN for contracts and official documents |
| televisionTINA FEY is youngest recipient of MARK TWAIN PRIZE; TINA is short for STAMATINA |
| musicDAFT PUNK's GET LUCKY was co-written by NILE RODGERS, co-founder of CHIC |
| businessRAVENS BURGER is German game and toy company known for JIGSAW PUZZLES |
| historyCLARA PETACCI was mistriss of BENITO MUSSOLINI who was executed |
| business"STRONGER THAN DIRT!" was slogan for AJAX cleaning products |
| artsUKIYO-E (meaning "floating world picture") is JAPANESE art game of woodblock prints and paintings that flourished in the late 17th century to 19th century |
Notes from Thursday, January 7th, 2021 |
| scienceCRETACEOUS-PALEOGENE (K-Pg) boundary is geological signature of thin band of rock associated with mass extinction event estimated at 66 million years ago caused by large meteorite impact at the CHICXULUB CRATER in YUCUTAN peninsula |
| sportsBefore JERRY RICE broke record for most receiving TDs in a season in 1987 with 22, the record was held by MARK CLAYTON (MIA Dolphins) with 18 |
| technologyNYAN CAT is YOUTUBE/internet meme with POP-TART torso and RAINBOW trail |
| foodTEJ is HONEY WINE (like MEAD) that is brewed and drank in ETHIOPIA and ERITREA |
| geographyCAPRIVI STRIP is geographic salient protruding from north easter corner of NAMIBIA that is surrounded by BOTSWANA to south, ANGOLA & ZAMBIA to north |
| literature/historySTEAL THIS BOOK is 1971 book by ABBIE HOFFMAN who was part of CHICAGO SEVEN |
| cultureSETTLE is wooden bench with arms and high back that sits 3-4 people |
| musicKILROY WAS HERE is 1983 studio album by STYX with song "MR ROBOTO" |
| literatureJIM & DELLA are young husband and wife in story THE GIFT OF THE MAGI by O HENRY |
| televisionTITUS WELLIVER plays titular Los Angele police detective in TV series BOSCH |
| artsIL TROVATORE is 1853 opera by VERDI based on play by ANTONIO GARCÍA GUTIÉRREZ |
| historySARAH T. HUGHES was federal judge who swore in LYNDON B JOHNSON in 1963 |
| literatureOGDEN NASH (1902-71) was American poet and master of LIGHT VERSE |
| artsIn architecture, GROTESQUE is fantastic or mythical figure for decorative purposes |
| literatureCOURAGE the COWARDLY DOG is pink cartoon dog who lives in NOWHERE, KANSAS |
| foodBHANG is edible preparation of CANNABIS consumed during HOLI spring festival |
| geographyBLUE GROTTO is natural sea CAVE on coast of island of CAPRI in ITALY |
| televisionSONS OF THUNDER was brief spin-off of CBS TV series WALKER, TEXAS RANGER |
Notes from Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 |
| literatureSwedish author SELMA LAGERLÖF is 1st woman to win NOBEL PRIZE in LITERATURE |
| cultureALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS was founded in 1935 in AKRON, OH by BILL WILSON (BILL W.) and BOB SMITH (Dr. BOB) who published THE BIG BOOK in 1939 |
| historyALVERT DESALVO confessed to being the BOSTON STRANGLER during 1962-64 |
| foodAVIATION cocktail has GIN, MARASCHINO liuqueur CRÈME de VIOLETTE, and LEMON JUICE |
| historyMOHAMED NAGUIB was 1st president of EGYPT in 1953 and served < 2 years |
| artsKADIR NELSON is LOS ANGELES-based artist best known for paintings featured on the covers of The NEW YORKER and albums such as DRAKE |
| cultureBHAKTI movement refers to theistic devotional trend that emerged in medieval HINDUISM and later acted as catalyst to formation of SIKHISM |
| artsTRASH POLKA is TATTOO style created by SIMONE PFAFF and VOLKER MERSCHKY in WÜRZBURG, GERMANY that features photorealistic, surrealliest, and naturalistic motifs with graphics, lettering, and calligraphy elements in BLACK & RED |
| musicFrequently considered a CHRISTMAS song, "FAIRY TALE of NEW YORK" was written by JEM FINER and SHANE McGOWAN and recorded by THE POGUES ft. KIRSTY MacCOLL |
| televisionDANIEL TOSH hosted observational comedy show Tosh.0 from 2009-20 |
| cultureAMATERASU is SUN goddess of JAPANESE mythology born from EYE of IZANAGI |
| artsEDWARD ALBEE wrote his 1st play THE ZOO STORY in 1958 and received 3 Pulitzer Prize in Drama for A Delicate Balance, SEASCAPE, and THREE TALL WOMEN |
| cultureQINGMING FESTIVAL is traditional Chinese festival on 15th day of SPRING Equinox to remember ancestors by visiting tombs and cleaning gravesites |
| sportsDIANA NYAD was 1st person to swim from CUBA to Florida without a shark cage |
Notes from Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 |
| literaturePETER ABELARD (1079-1142) was medieval French scholastic philosopher who wrote "The History of my CALAMITIES" and eloped with pupil HÉLOÏSE |
| businessIn SHOPPING MALL design, GRUEN TRANSFER is psychologic phenomenon where consumer is confused by layout, loses track of intention, and makes IMPULSE BUYS |
| historyThe HOUSE of AL SABAH is the ruling family of KUWAIT since 1752 |
| musicCOACHELLA and STAGECOACH are both held annually at the EMPIRE POLO CLUB in INDIO, CA |
| music"MAJOR TOM (COMING HOME)" is 1983 hit song by PETER SCHILLING, originally in GERMAN |
| historyALDRICH AMES is former CIA officer turned KGB double-agent convicted in 1994 |
| sportsSisters NNEKA and CHINEY OGWUMIKE each picked #1 in their WNBA DRAFTS |
| historyPOPE GREGORY XII was 1st pope to resign in 1415 to end WESTERN SCHISM |
| sportsSCOTTY BOWMAN is NHL head coach with most career wins and also most Stanley Cup championships with 9: CANADIENS x5, PENGUINS x1, and RED WINGS x2 |
| foodMANISHEWITZ is leading brand of KOSHER produces based in US |
| literatureGESTA DANORUM ("Deeds of the DANES") is patriotic work of Danish history by 12th century author SAXO GRAMMATICUS and consists of 16 books in LATIN |
| sportsBANKERS LIFE FIELDHOUSE is current home of INDIANA PACERS |
| artsBLUEBEARD's CASTLE is 1918 opera by BÉLA BARTÓK; ARIADNE and BLUEBEARD is 1907 opera by PAUL DUKAS - both are based on LA BARBE BLEUE by CHARLES PERRAULT |
| artsRUTH ASAWA created wire sculptures in Golden Gate Park, San FRANCISCO |
| televisionMARGO MARTINDALE is character actress who played CLAUDIA on THE AMERICANS |
| geographyANTIGUA's highest point, BOGGY PEAK, renamed Mount OBAMA 2009-16 |
| geographyOROMO is the most widely spoken language in ETHIOPIA |
Notes from Monday, January 4th, 2021 |
| historyThere are 3 sovereign monarchies in AFRICA: ESWATINI, LESOTHO, and MOROCCO |
| literatureMARY ROBINETTE KOWAL is author of The LADY ASTRONAUT of MARS series |
| historyAPRIL FOOL was codename of SPY who played key role in downfall of SADDAM HUSSEIN |
| televisionMY NAME is EARL was NBC sitcom (2005-09) about small-time thief EARL HICKEY living in rural town CAMDEN who loses $100K lotter ticket after being hit by car; his ex-wife JOY TURNER and his brother RANDY |
| geographyWEDDELL SEA in Southern Ocean is bordered by COATS LAND and ANTARCTIC PENINSULA |
| geographyGARDEN of the GODS is public park located in COLORADO SPRINGS, CO |
| artsIn 2002, British artist ANDY BROWN made portrait of QE II using TEA BAGS |
| musicStandard tuning of 6-string GUITAR involves E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 |
| sportsJODHPURS are tight-fitting trousers for horse riding that reach to the ANKLE |
| businessFounded in 1950, BREYER specialized in making MODEL HORSES from CELLULOSE ACETATE |
| sportsMILLS LANE was referee of 1997 BITE FIGHT between EVANDER HOLYFIEND and MIKE TYSON |
| technologyCOTTAGE CORE is Internet aesthetic and Generation Z subculture that celebrates traditional skills and crafts such as foraging, baking, and pottery |
| scienceGOSSEN's FIRST LAW is also known as LAW of DIMINISHING MARGINAL UTILITY |
| artsMAX ERNST (1891-1976) was German painter who was primary pioneer of DADA movement and surrealism; he developed rubbing art technique FROTTAGE |
| artsPUCE is French word for FLEA and also brownish, purple/dark-reddish brown color |
| technologyABSTERGO INDUSTRIES is multinational corporation in ASSASSIN'S CREED |
| scienceCHARLES LYELL (1797-1875) was Scottish geologist who wrote PRINCIPLES of GEOLOGY and promoted UNIFORMITARIANISM as explanation of EARTH's history |
Notes from Saturday, January 2nd , 2021 |
| cultureMARONITE CHURCH is Eastern Catholic church centered in LEBANON |
| televisionTALK SOUP was humor commmentary show on E! network (1991-2002) that was first hosted by GREG KINNEAR and last hosted by AISHA TYLER |
| geographySEPANAKERT is defacto capital and largest city of NAGORNO-KARABAKH Republic |
| artsEXIT Through the GIFT SHOP is 2010 documentary film by BANKSY that centers on THIERRY GUETTA (MR BRAINWASH) and his obsession with street art |
| technologyTRS-80 is descktop microcomputer launched in 1977 by TANDY Corporation through their RADIO SHACK stores; it is one of the earliest mass-marketed computers |
| technologyENVELOPE is term for colorful fabric bag that holds air in HOT AIR BALLOON |
| historyÓSCAR ARIAS was Nobel Peace Prize laureate and President of COSTA RICA (2 terms) |
| televisionTOO MANY COOKS is surreal dark comedy short that aired as special during ADULT SWIM's infomercial block on Oct 28, 2014 at 4AM Eastern |
| foodGRAPPA is alcoholic drink made by distilling pomace left over from winemaking |
| televisionGREATER WYNNEWOOD is OKLAHOMA was animal park run by JOE EXOTIC |
| scienceThe first PULSAR was observed in 1967 by JOCELYN BELL BURNELL and ANTONY HEWISH |
| cultureJEAN PAUL GAULTIER is French haute couture fashion designer described as "enfant terrible" and known for unconventional designs like MADONNA's CONE BRA |
| literatureThe WESTING GAME (1978) is mystery children's novel by ELLEN RASKIN |
| music"DO YOU LOVE ME" is 1962 hit single by The CONTOURS written by BERRY GORDY JR |
| historyThe GARDEN of BABUR is historic park in KABUL, AFGHANISTAN and also the final resting place of 1st MUGHAL emporer BABUR (1483-1530) |
| geographyJEJU ISLAND is largest island in SOUTH KOREA, but also its smallest province |
Notes from Thursday, December 31st, 2020 |
| geographyCANADIAN RIVER is longest tributary of ARKANSAS RIVER and crosses OKLAHOMA |
| scienceSPERM WHALE or CACHALOT is largest toothed whale and toothed predator |
| foodPIZZA SAVER is white plastic object used to prevent pizza box collapse at center |
| scienceTOKAMAK is device that uses magnetic field to confine hot plasma in torus |
| artsINHERIT the WIND is 1955 play by JEROME LAWRENCE and ROBERT E. LEE |
| musicHungarian composer FRANZ LISZT had daughter COSIMA who wed RICHARD WAGNER |
| cultureIn CRAPS, PASS LINE bet loses if come-out roll is 2, 3, or 12 (crap out) |
| foodROB ROY cocktail consists of SCOTCH, VERMOUTH, and Angustura BITTERS |
| historyAdmiral ISOROKU YAMAMOTO was architech of JAPAN attack on PEARL HARBOR |
| film/musicThe Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) is film about extracting revenge on JAGUAR SHARK; SEU GEORGE plays Portuguese covers of DAVID BOWIE songs |
| literatureIn typography, LIGATURE is when 2 or more letters are joined as single GLYPH |
| historyWU ZETIAN (624-705) of restored ZHOU dynasty was only woman monarch in CHINA |
| televisionPSYCH was USA TV series (2006-14) starring JAMES RODAY as SHAWN SPENCER who was crime consultant for the SANTA BARBARA PD |
| technologyThe CAYO PERICO HEIST is the latest adventure on GRAND THEFT AUTO ONLINE |
| scienceNUTATION is rocking or swaying motion in axis of rotation of axially symmetric object |
| scienceNUREMBERG EGG is type of small, ornamental spring-driven clock |
| historyVENI, VIDI, VICI is attributed to JULIUS CAESAR after winning Battle of ZELA |
| scienceCOUVADE Syndrome is proposed condition where expectant father shares symptoms |
| cultureKAMI are spirits or "holy powers" venerated in SHINTO religion |
| geographyHAIFA is 3rd largest city in ISRAEL and home to BAHÁʼÍ WORLD CENTER |
Notes from Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 |
| historyOHIO was the 17th state and the first state admitted in the 19th century |
| literatureJENNIFER WEINER is author of novels GOOD in BED (2001) and IN HER SHOES (2002) |
| music"BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE" (1986) is famous song by English band NEW ORDER |
| businessLUSH cosmetics retailer known to have biggest discounts on BOXING DAY |
| scienceComet SWIFT-TUTTLE is large periodic comet that formed PERSEID meteor shower |
| literatureANNA KARENINA PRINCIPLE states that deficiency in any one of a number of factors dooms an endeavor to fail; derives from opening line of novel |
| musicOUTSIDE LANDS is music festival held in SAN FRANCISCO at GOLDEN GATE PARK |
| musicCHET BAKER (1929-88) was JAZZ TRUMPETER who pioneered COOL JAZZ |
| businessBRUSHING is deceitful practice in e-commerce to boost rating with fake orders |
| film"On the Good Ship Lollipop" (1934) was signature song SHIRLEY TEMPLE sang in BRIGHT EYES; "Animal Crackers in My Soup" (1935) was sang in CURLY TOP |
| scienceAstronauts CHRISTINA KOCK and JESSICA MEIR completed 1st all-women spacewalk |
| geographyCAMEROON derives from Portuguese name for WOURI RIVER: "RIVER of SHRIMP" |
| foodDrink served "NEAT" is single, unmixed liqour served without ice |
| televisionNICKELODEON GUTS (1992-95) was TV action sports competition series hostedb by MIKE O'MALLEY set in EXTREME ARENA with mountain called AGGRO CRAG |
| foodINJERA is Ethiopian staple bread traditionally made from flour of TEFF grass |
| televisionIn SOUTH PARK, AL GORE warns everybody about imaginary MANBEARPIG |
| scienceIn acoustics, common ENVELOPE GENERATOR: ATTACK, DECAY, SUSTAIN, RELEASE |
| musicLUIS MIGUEL is Puerto Rican singer icon nicknamed EL SOL de MÉXICO |
Notes from Monday, December 28th, 2020 |
| geographyMcMURDO STATION is US research station and largest community in ANTARCTICA |
| cultureLa TOMATINA is tomato fight festival held annually in Valencian town of BUÑOL |
| history"The TON" is term referring to British high society during the late REGENCY period |
| musicVANILLA ICE's "ICE ICE BABY" (1990) released as B-side to "Play That Funky Music" |
| televisionLAVERNE DEFAZIO (PENNY MARSHALL) and SHIRLEY FEENEY (CINDY WILLIAMS) worked as bottle cappers in SHOTZ BREWERY in Milwaukee, but in season 6 they moved to BURBANK, CA to work as gift wrappers at BARDWELL's dept. store |
| foodMINCEMEAT is mixture of chopped dried fruit, spirits, spices, and sometimes SUET |
| filmCHICO (LEONARD) was oldest MARX brother followed by HARPO (ADOLPH), GROUCHO (JULIUS), GUMMO (MILTON), and ZEPPO (HERBERT) |
| literature"All that gilsters is not gold" comes from Shakespeare's THE MERCHANT of VENICE |
| historyBattle of BANNOCKBURN was 1314 victory by Scottish army led by ROBERT the BRUCE over English army of King Edward II in FIRST WAR of SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE |
| musicPICTURES at an EXHIBITION (1874) is piano suite composed by MODEST MUSSORGSKY |
| geographyBLUE RIDGE PARKWAY is 469 mile scenic stretch through VIRGINIA & NORTH CAROLINA |
| televisionARE YOU BEING SERVED? Is British sitcom set in clothing store GRACE BROTHERS |
| historyBERGHOF and WOLF's LAIR were key headquarters of ADOLPH HITLER |
| artsEDMONIA LEWIS (1844-1907) was African-American sculptor w/ Ojibwe heritage who created white marble scultpure of Black liberation called FOREVER FREE |
| sportsBAIZE is coarse, woolen felt cloth often used to cover BILLIARDS TABLES |
| televisionThe UNTOUCHABLES (1959-63) is TV crime drma narrated by WALTER WINCHELL |
| technologyQR (QUICK RESPONSE) code designed in 1994 for auto industry in JAPAN |
Notes from Sunday, December 27th, 2020 |
| televisionBased on novel by ROBYN CARR, Netflix series VIRGIN RIVER is about a nurse practitioner MEL MONROE (ALEXANDRA BRECKENRIDGE) setting in titular town |
| cultureIn Egyptian mythology, BENNU is ancient diety linked w/ SUN, creation, and rebirth |
| science/historyThe MONTGOLFIER brothers were inventors of 1st practical hot air balloon in 1783 |
| music"I TOUCH MYSELF" (1990) is most famous song by Australian band DIVINYLS |
| literatureBROADSHEET is largest newspaper format with long, vertical pages |
| foodMeaning "Blue Ribbon", NASTRO AZZURRO is PERONI's premium lager brand |
| artPAUL SIGNAC was French painter who worked w/ SEURAT to develop POINTILLISM |
| historyKIM YO-JONG is younger sister of KIM JONG-UN and youngest child of KIM JONG-IL |
| geographyROSS SEA is deep bat of Southern Ocean in Antarctica and southernmost sea on EARTH |
| literatureFeminist author NAOMI WOLF wrote the influential 1991 book THE BEAUTY MYTH |
| technologyUNTITLED GOOSE GAME is 2019 puzzle stealth video game set in English village |
| historyDANGUN was legendary god-king of GOJOSEON, first kingdom of KOREA |
| foodPEABERRY are round-shaped COFFEE BEANS formed when one seed in the coffee fruit (cherry) does not fertilize, leaving only one bean inside fruit |
| literatureSPONDEE is metrical foot consisting of two stressed syllables |
| filmROBERT DUVALL has 7 acting OSCAR noms: The GODFATHER (1972), APOCALPYPSE NOW (1979), THE GREAT SANTINI (1979), TENDER MERCIES (1983), THE APOSTLE (1997), A CIVIL ACTION (1998), and THE JUDGE (2014) |
| literatureThe THEORY of MORAL SENTIMENTS is 1759 book written by ADAM SMITH |
| geographyPICO de ORIZABA is inactive stratovolcano and highest mountain in MEXICO |
| scienceGRAUPEL is wintry precipitation often called SNOW PELLETS or SOFT HAIL |
Notes from Saturday, December 26th, 2020 |
| technologyLITTLE BIG PLANET is puzzle platformer video game that centers on SACKBOY |
| cultureKANGOL is hat brand derived from K (KNITTING), ANG (ANGORA), OL (WOOL) |
| historyTHOMAS À BECKET (1119-70) was Archbishop of Canterbury who classed with HENRY II |
| filmSHOAH is 1985 French documentary about HOLOCAUST directed by CLAUDE LANZMANN with running time of over 9 hours (566 minutes) |
| scienceMICHIO KAKU is American theoretical physicist who has written books Physics of the IMPOSSIBLE (2008) and The FUTURE of the MIND (2014) |
| foodSHIRAZ refers to dark-skinned SYRAH GRAPE wine grown in AUSTRALIA |
| sports"FIVE HOLE" is nickname for the space between GOALIE's legs in ICE HOCKEY |
| geographyROAD TOWN is capital of BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS; CHARLOTTE AMALIE is capital of US VIRGIN ISLANDS (from DENMARK) on island of ST. THOMAS |
| scienceAustralian small marsupial QUOKKA has been called the world's HAPPIEST ANIMAL |
| sportsDENNY McCLAIN is the last MLB pitcher to win 30 games in a season (1968) |
| historyBorn around 2200 BC, YU the GREAT is legendary hero of ancient CHINA who tamed the waters and established first hereditary dynasty with XIA |
| televisionTHE ROYALS (2015-18) was primetime soap opera that was 1st scripted series on E! NETWORK and starred ELIZABETH HURLEY as QUEEN HELENA |
| scienceLANUGO is very thin, soft, downy hair sometimes found on body of newborns |
| businessFINGERLINGS are robotic toys that cling to finger and #1 toy of 2017 XMAS season |
| technologyCHRIS CROCKER gained fame in 2007 with viral video "LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!" |
| scienceWERNHER von BRAUN was German-born rocket engineer who worked to develop V2 rocket in WW2 and SATURN V rocket used in APOLLO program |
Notes from Thursday, December 24th, 2020 |
| sportsDC UNITED won 3 of first 4 MLS CUP titles, but LA GALAXY has won the most (5) |
| scienceItalian architect RENZO PIANO, designed Centre Georges Pompidou in PARIS, The SHARD in LONDON, and the WHITNEY MUSEUM of AMERICAN ART in NYC |
| literatureANNE ELLIOTT chooses to marry Capt. FREDERICK WENTWORTH in PERSUASION (1817) |
| sportsCANNONBALL RUN was unofficial, unsanctioned aur rate in 1970s conceived by car journalist BROCK YATES that ran from Manhattan NYC to REDONDO BEACH, CA |
| cultureERIK von MAROVIK is known by stage name MYSTERY and is Canadian pick-up artist who developed system of attracting women which is called the MYSTERY METHOD |
| historyOPERATION TORCH was 1942-43 Allied invasion of French North Africa during WW2 and involved amphibious attacks to seize CASABLANCA, ORAN, and ALGIERS |
| artsBALLET RUSSES was Paris-based company conceived by SERGEI DIAGHILEV in 1909 |
| sportsOriginally ADELPHIA COLISEUM, NISSAN STADIUM is home of the TENNESSEE TITANS |
| televisionDAN HUMPHREY (PENN BADGLEY) revealed to be GOSSIP GIRL in the series finale |
| literatureLORD ALFRED DOUGLAS was British poet best known as the lover of OSCAR WILDE |
| scienceSWAN MALES are called COB, FEMALES are PEN, and children are CYGNETS |
| sportsGood ol' JR (JIM ROSS) has been laveled greatest wrestling commentator of all-time |
| artsAustralian comic TIM MINCHIN composed musicals MATILDA & GROUNDHOG DAY |
| scienceDeveloped in 1862, the SNELLEN CHART uses only 9 latters: C, D, E, F, L, O, P, T, and Z |
| geograpySPRUCE KNOB is highest point in WEST VIRGINIA and also in ALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS |
| televisionEARL HINDMAN was best-known as neighbor WILSON on HOME IMPROVEMENT |
| historyPOLISARIO FRONT is SAHRAWI rebel group seeking to end MOROCCO presence in WESTERN SAHARA |
| musicHERBERT von KARAJAN (1908-89) was Austrian-born conductor of BERLIN PHILHARMONIC |
Notes from Wednesday, December 23rd , 2020 |
| televisionNBC series NEW AMSTERDAM stars RYAN EGGOLD as medical director Max Goodwin |
| artsUruguayan architect RAFAEL VIÑOLY designed "THE WALKIE-TALKIE" in LONDON |
| scienceARÊTE is thin knife-edge ridge that separates 2 adjacent glaciers |
| cultureBAROUCHE is a large, open luxury four-wheeled carriage drawn by two horses |
| science/historyZYKLON B is toxic gas from hydrogen cyanide used in NAZI gas chambers |
| sportsCeltics guard SAM JONES has 2nd most NBA championships of any players |
| geographyVASARI CORRIDOR is elevated enclosed passageway in FLORENCE, Italy that connects PALAZZO VECCHIO to UFFIZI GALLERY to PLAZZO PITTI |
| musicDAVID BYRNE was founding member, lead singer, and guitarist of TALKING HEADS |
| historyNAN BRITTON was secretary and mistress of later-President WARREN G HARDING |
| television227 was NBC sitcom (1985-90) starring MARLA GIBBS as inner-city gossip and housewife MARY JENKINS in Wasghington, D.C. apartment building with husband LESTER (HAL WILLIAMS) and daughter BRENDA (REGINA KING) |
| historyROXANA of BACTRIA was 1st wife of ALEXANDER the GREAT in 327 BC |
| cultureThe NATIONAL MINING HALL of FAME is located in LEADVILLE, CO |
| scienecRABBIT MALES are called BUCKS, FEMALES are DOES, and childred are KITTENS |
| historyThe YEAR of the FOUR EMPORERS (69 AD): GALBA, OTHO, VITELLIUM, & VESPESIAN |
| artsLA BAYADÈRE ("Temple Dancer" in French) is classical balley originally choreographed by MARIUS PETIPA and music by LUDWIG MINKUS and takes place in royal court of ancient INDIA and centering on NIKIYA and warrior SOLOR |
| foodDANVERS, NANTES, IMPERATOR, and CHANTENAY are varieties of CARROTS |
| geographyWorld's largest CLOCK FACE is located in ABRAJ AL BAIT towers in MECCA |
Notes from Tuesday, December 22nd , 2020 |
| cultureHARBIN, CHINA hosts the largest ice & snow festival in the world since 1965. |
| sportsMIAMI DOLPHINS was 1st team to appear in 3 SUPERBOWLS and also the 1st to appear in 3 consecutive SUPERBOWLS, followed by the BILLS & PATRIOTS |
| geographyCLINGMANS DOME is highest mountain in GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK |
| culturePIQUET is 16th century trick-taking card game for 2 players using a 32-card deck |
| sciencePETRICHOR is earthly scent produced when rain falls on dry soil |
| literatureFrench novelist PIERRE BOULLE wrore PLANET of the APES and The BRIDGE over the RIVER KWAI |
| sportsPHIL TAYLOR ("THE POWER") from England is arguably the best DARTS player in history |
| scienceTEPHRA is fragmental material produced by VOLCANIC ERUPTION of all types |
| culture/geographyHUI people are predominantly composed of Chinese speaking adherents of ISLAM residing mainly in northwester provices of CHINA and ZHONGYUAN region |
| televisionTOONAMI is late night TV block that broadcast Japanese anime on ADULT SWIM |
| scienceSERAC is block of column of glacial ice formed by intersecting crevasses on a glacier |
| business/geographyETHIOPIAN currency is known as BIRR and is subdivided into 100 SANTIM |
| filmThe film tagling for COCKTAIL (1988) is WHEN HE POURS, HE REIGNS |
| scienceMAHOUT is the keeper or driver of ELEPHANTS especially in INDIA and EAST INDIES |
| literatureAT WIT'S END was nationally syndicated column by humorist ERMA BOMBECK |
| sportsJOE MONTANA wore jersey #16 for 49ers; STEVE YOUNG wore #8 |
| filmFRANCES McDORMAND has 5 acting OCAR nods: MISSISSIPPI BURNING (1988), FARGO (1996), ALMOST FAMOUS (2000), NORTH COUNTRY (2005), and Three BILLBOARDS… (2017) |
| literatureBritish short story author H.H.MUNRO wrote under the pen name SAKI and is famous for THE OPEN WINDOW, The INTERLOPERS, The LUMBER-ROOM and ESMÉ |
Notes from Monday, December 21st, 2020 |
| litGUNS, GERMS, and STEEL is 1997 Pulitzer Prize winning book by JARED DIAMOND |
| tvThe frequently recurring numers in LOST are 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42 |
| literatureRUMI was 13th century Persian poet and Sufi mystic who wrote the MASNAVI |
| literatureThe MARK TWAIN House and Museum is located in his HARTFORD, CT childhood home |
| technologyFormerly at CISCO, ERIC YUAN is the CEO and founder of ZOOM Video Communications |
| televisionONE MISSISSIPPI (2015-17) is Amazon sitcom based on life of TIG NOTARO |
| foodHUY FONG FOODS is California manufacturer that makes SRIRACHA SAUCE |
| literatureIn THE CALL of THE WILD (1903), JOHN THORNTON was final master of BUCK |
| geographyThe CHIHUAHUAN DESERT is the largest hot desert in North America |
| sportsDAVID DIXON helped create New Orleans SAINTS and Louisiana SUPERDOME |
| historyRODRIGO BORGIA became Pope ALEXANDER VI, notorious Renaissance figure |
| historyNINA M. ARMAGNO is 1st female general officer of US SPACE FORCE |
| historyALTHING is national parliament of ICELAND and oldest surviving in the world |
| businessCHEWY is American ONLINE retailer of PET products owned by PETSMART |
| televisionEAGLE nad LIBERTY used as Secret Service codenames of JED BARTLET on The WEST WING |
| technologyCONKER the SQUIRREL is antrhopomorphic character starring in VIDEO GAMES |
| geographySUKHUMI is the capital of the unrecognized Republic of ABKHAZIA |
| sportsFigure skater PEGGY FLEMING won only US gold at 1968 Olympics at Grenoble |
| televisionThe VAMPIRE DIARIES is young adult horror series by L.J. SMITH about high school girl ELENA GILBERT and 2 vampire brothers STEFAN and DAMON |
| sportsRICHARD SHERMAN is active leader in career interceptions with 36 |
Notes from Sunday, December 20th, 2020 |
| music"OWNER of a LONELY HEART" (1983) is the only Hot 100 #1 song recorded by YES |
| geographyFormerly the BARBARY COAST, Northwest AFRICA is also known as The MAGHREB |
| filmOBI-WAN KENOBI comes from planet STEWJON, named after JON STEWART |
| literature/cultureNAPOLEON CHAGNON (1938-2019) was American cultural anthropologist known for his ethnographic field work among the YANOMAMÖ, a society of indigenous tribal Amazonians featured in his 1967 book YANOMAMÖ: The FIERCE PEOPLE |
| televisionNAPOLEON SOLO (USA) and ILLYA KURYAKIN (RUSSIA) are the 2-men secret agent team at the center of THE MAN from U.N.C.L.E which ran 1964-68 |
| televisionALLEN FUNT was TV producer and personality who created and hosted CANDID CAMERA |
| geographyATCHAFALAYA RIVER flows through South central LOUISIANA in CAJUN country |
| cultureBHAGAVAD GITA is 700-verse HINDU scripture part of the epic MAHABHARATA |
| sportsFRANK MIR was 2x UFC Heavyweight champion w/ Brazilian JIU-JITSU style |
| historyPICKELHAUBE is SPIKED HELMET worn by Prussian and German military |
| foodAMANDINE is a culinary term indicating a garnish of ALMONDS |
| businessKENNER PRODUCTS was a toy company that made EASY-BAKE OVEN and STAR WARS figures |
| literatureOf GRAMMATOLOGY is 1967 book by JACQUES DERRIDA about DECONSTRUCTION |
| history"Fifty-four Forty or FIGHT!" is misidentified as POLK campaign slogan of 1844 |
| televisionThe ANDROID'S DUNGEON is the shop run by COMIC BOOK GUY in The SIMPSONS |
| geographyTIRICH MIR is the highest mountain of the HINDU KUSH range and is in PAKISTAN |
| cultureKINARA is 7-branched candleholder used in KWANZAA celebrations |
| cultureCONCH, DAITH, ROOK, SNUG, and TRAGUS are different types of EAR PIERCINGS |
| literatureJOHN LE CARRÉ is the pen name of DAVID JOHN MOORE CORNWELL |
Notes from Saturday, December 19th, 2020 |
| geographySTRAIT of HORMUZ is bordered by IRAN, UAE, and MUSANDAM exclave of OMAN |
| filmThe STRAIGHT STORY is 1999 film directed by DAVID LYNCH and released by DISNEY about the true story of elderly WW2 veteran ALVIN STRAIGHT and his 1994 journey across IOWA and WISCONSIN on lawnmower to see dying brother |
| artsCARRIE MAI WEEMS is female artist who created KITCHEN TABLE SERIES (1990) |
| historyABERFAN disaster was deadly catastrophe in WALES in October 1966 in which colliery spoil tip collapsed and caused sudden slurry downhill to town |
| scienceThe planet VENUS is only slightly smaller than EARTH; MARS is half the size |
| artsIn DEATH of a SALESMAN (1949), the protagonist WILLY LOMAN has wife named LINDA and 2 sons named BIFF and HAPPY (HAROLD) |
| businessFEARLESS FLYER is the iconic newsletter produced by TRADER JOE's |
| artsWILLIAM WEGMAN is American artist known to depict WEIMARANERS |
| literatureDIAERESIS is diacritic denoting when vowel pronounced next to adjacent vowel |
| televisionSAM & CAT is NICKELODEON teen sitcom in 2013-14 that is spinoff of iCARLY and VICTORIOUS starring JENNETTE McCURDY and ARIANA GRANDE |
| businessTAPESTRY is luxury holding company of COACH, KATE SPADE, and STUART WEITZMAN |
| sportsOKLAHOMA A&M is the first school to win 2 NCAA Div. I men's basketball titiles |
| film"WHAT a DUMP" was famous line by BETTE DAVIS in 1949 film BEYOND the FOREST |
| television/musicLoosely based on real life musical family the COWSILLS, The PARTRIDGE FAMILY consisted of SHIRLEY and kids KEITH, LAURIE, DANNY, CHRIS, and TRACY |
| literatureA VISIT from St. NICHOLAS is narrative poem by CLEMENT CLARK MOORE in 1823 |
| businessPIZZA HUT was founded in 1958 in WICHITA, KS by DAN and FRANK CARNEY |
Notes from Monday, December 14th, 2020 |
| scienceHuman SPINAL CORD has 31 segments: 8 CERVICAL, 12 THORACIC, 5 LUMBAR, 5 SACRAL, and 1 COCCYGEAL; it passes through FORAMEN MAGNUM in skull |
| literatureTHE COUNTRY of the POINTED FITS is 1896 novel by SARAH ORNE JEWETT |
| cultureIn NORSE mythology, GERI & FREKI are 2 WOLVES that accompany ODIN |
| musicOZZY & SHARON OSBOURNE have 3 children: AIMEE, KELLY, & JACK |
| geographySAVA RIVER flows through SLOVENIA and forms part of CROATIA-BOSNIA border |
| sportsSince 2000, WEBER CUP is men's BOWLING competition between USA & EUROPE |
| cultureFRIEDRICH FRÖBEL was German educator who created idea of KINDERGARTEN |
| music"WAGON WHEEL" was originally released in 2004 by OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW but famously covered in 2013 by DARIUS RUCKER w/ LADY A backing vocals |
| filmMADGE SINCLAIR voiced the character of SARABI in The LION KING (1994) |
| foodFIASCO is a typical Italian style of BOTTLE usually with round body and bottom, partially or completely covered with a close-fitting straw basket |
| televisionMYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 was created by JOEL HODGSON and centeres on human test subject imprisoned aboard spacecraft Satellite of LOVE who built sentient robots TOM SERVO, CROW T. ROBOT, and GYPSY |
| historyDEAN RUSK was US Secretary of State under JFK & LYNDON JOHNSON |
| artsRooted in CUBISM, ORPHISM pioneered by FRANTIŠEK KUPKA and ROBERT & SONIA DELAUNAY |
| food/business"KEEP IT INTERESANTE" is recent advertising campaign of DOS EQUIS |
| cultureFORTNITE game modes: BATTLE ROYALE, PARTY ROYALE, CREATIVE, & SAVE the WORLD |
| scienceOROGENY is process by which tectonic plates collide to form MOUNTAINS |
| televisionMYSTERY SHACK is tourist trap featured in animated TV show GRAVITY FALLS |
Notes from Sunday, December 13th, 2020 |
| geograpySANTA CRUZ de la SIERRA is the most populous city in BOLIVIA |
| businessDYSON AIRBLADE + XLERATOR PREMIUM are brands of HAND DRYERS |
| film/sportsPUMPING IRON is 1977 docudrama about professional body building centering on competition between Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Lou Ferrigno |
| foodSALAK aka SNAKE FRUIT is palm fruit native to JAVA and SUMATRA |
| musicCOREY TAYLOR is lead singer and lyricist of SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR |
| cultureAESCHLYLUS' extant Greek play are The Persians, Seven Against THEBES, The Suppliants, The ORESTEIA trilogy (Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, The Eumenides), and PROMETHEUS BOUND |
| televisionZOOM was half hour educational TV program created by childred on PBS from 1972-78 and later 1992-2005; the show featured cast of 7 kids known as ZOOMERS and requested letters to BOX 350, BOSTON, MA 02134 |
| historyWANGARI MAATHAI was Kenyan social activist and founder of the GREEN BELT MOVEMENT; she was 1st African woman to win NOBEL PRIZE |
| history/geographyThe worst volcanic disaster of 20th century occurred in 1920 when Mt. Pelée erupted on island of MARTINIQUE and destroyed town of Saint-Pierre. |
| history/geographyIn 1995, Soufrière Hills volcano erupted in MONTSERRAT and destroyed Plymouth |
| cultureEVERLAND is South Korea's largest theme park and is operated by SAMSUNG |
| businessAVIS' iconic slogan "WE TRY HARDER" changed to "IT'S YOUR SPACE" |
| musicLatin American boyband CNCO performed "BESO" at 2020 MTV VMAs |
| literatureTYPEE: A Peep at Polynesian Life (1846) is 1st book by HERMAN MELVILLE |
| sportsTARA VanDERVEER is current head couch of STANFORD women's basketball |
Notes from Saturday, December 12th, 2020 |
| televisionMICHELLA VISAGE is 2nd longest tenured judge on RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE |
| sports/geographyDEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of CONGO is largest country by area w/out OLYMPIC medal |
| artsANDRÉ DERAIN was French artist, sculptor, and co-founder of FAUVISM |
| televisionMYTHIC QUEST: RAVEN'S BANQUET is Apple TV+ sitcom starring ROB McELHENNEY as video game creative director IAM GRIMM |
| foodCACHAPA is a popular Venezuelan dish that is nutritious CORN PANCAKE prepared with thick batter consisting of ground corn, oil, salt, sugar, and milk |
| literature/filmWALTER TEVIS wrote the 1983 novel adapted into The QUEEN's GAMBIT by NETFLIX; also wrote The HUSTLER, The COLOR of MONEY, and The MAN WHO FELL to EARTH |
| sportsFédération internationale de NATATION (FINA) is the governing body of SWIMMING, DIVING, High DIVING, ARTISTIC SWIMMING, WATER POLO, and OPEN SWIMMING |
| scienceADENOIDS are patch of soft tissue behind nasal cavity in LYMPHATIC system |
| businessFounded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, BRIGGS & STRATTON is world's largest producer of GASOLINE ENGINES for outdoor equipment like LAWNMOWERS |
| televisionthe middle. (2009-18) was ABC sitcom that starred PATRICIA HEATON and NEIL FLYNN as parents of HECK family of childred AXL, SUE, and BRICK |
| cultureMICHIF is language of MÉTIS people of CANADA and US descended from FIRST NATIONS |
| film/televisionFERNANDO MEIRELLES is Brazilian director of CITY of GOD and The Two Popes |
| businessIndiGO is the largest airline in INDIA by passengers and fleet size |
| historyThe Battle of Agincourt was fought on ST CRISPIN's DAY in 1415 |
| sportsCHONMAGE is Japanese topknot HAIRCUT frequently worn by SUMO Wrestlers |
| cultureMAULANA KARENGA created African holiday KWANZAA in 1966 |
Notes from Friday, December 11th, 2020 |
| literatureA dog says THIS IS FINE in flaming room in GUNSHOW webcomic by KC GREEN |
| literature/scienceThe HOT ZONE is bestselling 1994 non-fiction book by RICHARD PRESTON about hemorrhage fevers induces by FILOVIRUSES like EBOLA |
| geograpyThe KURIL ISLANDS is Russian archipelago stretching from HOKKAIDO JAPAN to KAMCHATKA Peninsula separating Sea of OKHOTSK from PACIFIC |
| sportsJACK DEMPSEY aka The MANASSA MAULER was American boxer who reigned as the world heavyweigh champion from 1919-26 |
| geograpyLAKE KARIBA is the world's largest manmade lake/reservoir by volume and it lies along the border between ZAMBIA and ZIMBABWE |
| artsGAFFER TAPE is heavy cloth pressure sensitive tape used in stage production |
| literatureJAMES JONES wrote FROM HERE to ETERNITY (1951) and The THIN RED LINE (1962) |
| scienceGEORGE BRANDT was Swedish chemist who discovered COBALT circa 1735 |
| cultureAEON's END is cooperative deck building game where goal is to defeat NEMESIS befor the home GRAVEHOLD is overrun or players exhausted |
| artsBLACK SQUARE is iconic painting by KAZIMIR MALEVICH first shown in 1915 and frequently invoked by critics as "ZERO POINT of PAINTING" |
| cultureDREIDEL is 4-sided top with HEBREW letters: NUN, GIMEL, HEI, SHIN |
| music"BREATHE (2 AM)" was 2004 hit song by American ANNA NALICK |
| televisionSTRANGE LOVE was 2005 VH1 reality show about FLAVOR FLAV and BRIGITTE NIELSEN |
| foodSHŌCHŪ is Japanese distilled beverage less than 45% alcohol by volume |
| literatureLAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI is American poet and co-founder of CITY LIGHTY |
| sportsANZAC TEST is an annual RUGBY LEAGUE match between AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND |
Notes from Thursday, December 10th, 2020 |
| cultureKUKERI are elaborately costumed BULGARIAN persons who perfrom traditional rituals intended to scare away eveil spirits using BELLS |
| culturePAI GOW POKER aka Double-Hand Poker is played w/ standard deck + JOKER |
| artsRIGOLETTO by VERDI premiered at La FENICE in Venice in 1851 and is based on 1832 play e roe s'amuse by VICTOR HUGO; the Duke of MANTUA and his jester RIGOLETTO are cursed, resulting in the death of GILDA |
| geographyLAKE CHAD is historically large, shallow lake that shrunk 90% since 1960s |
| filmROBIN WILLIAMS has received 4 Oscar nominations: GOOD MORNING VIETNAM, Dead Poets Society, The FISHER KING, and GOOD WILL HUNTING |
| historyHALBERD is two-handed pole weapon that is primary for the SWISS GUARD |
| historyMARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. was 1st president of Southern Christian Leadership Conference |
| sportsVLATKO ANDONOVSKI is current head coach of US women's national soccer team replacing JILL ELLIS; GREGG BERHALTER is current coach of men's team |
| historyWILLIAM WALLACE and ANDREW MORAY led SCOTLAND to defeat the English army at the BATTLE of STIRLING BRIDGE on Sept 11, 1297 |
| sportsIn FENCING, LAMÉ is electrically conductive jacket defining scoring area |
| literatureGEORGE is a children's novel about transgender girl written by ALEX GINO |
| sportsSt. Louis Brown EDDIE GAEDEL was smallest player ever in MLB |
| history/cultureSAMARKLAND, UZBEKISTAN is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. A hot spot on the SILK ROAD and birthplace of TIMURID RENAISSANCE |
| scienceURUSHIOL is the oily resin and irritant found on POISON IVY and POISON SUMAC |
| foodSOJU is clear, low alcohol distilled spirit that is popular in KOREA |
Notes from Sunday, December 6th, 2020 |
| historyThe sans-culottes ("without breeches") were common people of the lower classes who were radical and militant partisans of FRENCH REVOLUTION |
| television2020 reboot of SAVED by the BELL centers on MAC MORRIS, JAMIE SPANO, DAISY JIMINEZ, LEXI HADDAD-DeFABRIZIO, AISHA GARCIA, & DeVANTE YOUNG. JOHN MICHAEL HIGGINS plays Bayside High principal RONALD TODDMAN. |
| cultureThe KNOWLEDGE is very difficult exam taken by London Black Cabbies |
| cultureKorean alphabet is known as HANGUL in South Korea and CHOSŎN'GŬL in North Korea and the writing system was created by King SEJONG the GREAT. |
| literatureThe GASHLYCRUMB TINIES is abecedarian book by EDWARD GOREY in 1963. |
| televisionJAIDA ESSENSE HALL is most recent winner of RuPAUL's DRAG RACE. |
| history/cultureMAHĀYĀNA is the largest major tradition of BUDDHISM that originates in northern INDIA in 2nd century and uses SANSKRIT as main language |
| cultureTHERAVĀDA ("School of Elders") uses PĀLI as the sacred language. |
| culture/musicMERENGUE is type of LATIN music and dance from DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. |
| culture/scienceVICUÑA is the smallest CAMELID and national animal of Peru. |
| cultureThe DOLLOP is popular podcast by DAVE ANTHONY & GARETH REYNOLDS where each episode centers on peculiar events or person from history. |
| foodFRANGELICO is hazelnut flavored, caramel-colored liqueur from ITALY |
| literatureQUO VADIS: A Narrative of the Time of NERO is novel by HENRYK SIENKEWICZ |
| technologyASTRO'S PLAYROOM is 3D platformer game pre-installed on PLAYSTATION 5 |
| historyALEC DOUGLAS-HOME was last UK Prime Minister from HOUSE of LORDS |
Notes from Saturday, December 5th, 2020 |
| geographyBRIDGETOWN is capital of BARBADOS; formerly called TOWN of ST. MICHAEL |
| literatureGADSBY is 1939 novel by ERNEST VINCENT WRIGHT that is LIPOGRAM as it claims to be 50,000 WORD novel without the use of the letter E |
| musicIRON MAIDEN did musical retelling of The Rime of the Ancient MARINER |
| culture47 is an American clothing, apparel, and hat brand founded in Boston in 1947. |
| business/foodEARL TUPPER developed TUPPERWARE in 1946 w/ patented BURPING SEAL |
| sports/cultureIn CRIBBAGE, SKUNK is when one player wins w/ margin of 31+ points |
| historyIn THE LEFTOVERS (2014-17), the GUILTY REMNANT was cult group of white-clothed, chain-smoking nihilists led by HENRY "HOLY WAYNE" GILCHREST |
| cultureIn CANADA, FIRST NATIONS are the predominant indigenous people south of the Arctic Circle; MÉTIS is ethnic group developed after European contact |
| culture/foodBUDTENDER is title of staff member who works at CANNABIS dispensary |
| history"NEITHER CONFIRM NOR DENY" is referred to as the GLOMAR RESPONSE |
| cultureTHE TIG was lifestyle blog founded by MEGHAN MARKLE that ended in 2017 |
| musicf-HOLE is sound hole on top surface of stringed instrument like VIOLIN |
| literatureGEORGE SAND was pen name of AMANTINE LUCILE AURORE DUPIN |
| cultureCHAPAN (Turkish for "sewn together") is coat worn over clothes by men in Central Sia including Uzbekistan; has intricate threading and colors |
| historyOPERATION VITTLES aka BERLIN AIRLIFT in 1948-9 was when Allied cargo planes delivered food, fuel, and goods to the Soviet occupation zone |
| technologyRULE34 is internet meme: "If it exists, there is PORN of it. No exceptions" |
| historyKEITH ELLISON was 1st MUSLIM elected to Congress, repping Minnesota |
| foodYAKULT is Japanese sweetened probiotic milk beverage |
Notes from Saturday, November 28th, 2020 |
| arts/cultureEDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE is the world's largest arts festival. |
| geographyPOINT ROBERTS is pene-exclave of US located in British Coumbia, CANADA |
| foodBRASSICA oleracea is plant species including foods such as KALE, CABBAGE, BROCCOLI, CAULIFLOWER, BRUSSEL SPROUTS, and COLLARD GREENS |
| businessROMANIA currency is LEU, ALBANIA is LEK, BULGARIA is LEV |
| musicThe JORDANAIRES were backup vocal group of ELVIS PRESLEY & PATSY CLINE |
| culture/technologySMARTLESS podcast features JASON BATEMAN, SEAN HAYES, & WILL ARNETT |
| sports/cultureRAINGUTTER REGATTA is CUB SCOUTS racing event of tiny wooden boats |
| televisionROSEANNE ROSEANNADANNA is recurring SNL character on WEEKEND UPDATE that was originated by GILDA RADNER; later played by EMMA STONE |
| scienceCOMET SHOEMAKER-LEVY 9 was comet that broke apart in 1992 and collided with JUPITER in 1994 providing 1st direct observation of extraterrestrial collision |
| sportsKI-JANA CARTER was last RB to be picked #1 in NFL DRAFT in 1995 |
| geographyLocated entirely in TEXAS, the TRINITY RIVER passes through DALLAS |
| sportsNETHERLANDS has been to the most FIFA World Cup Finals without WINNING |
| historyThe SONG DYNASTY of CHINA (960-1279) was founded by Emperor Taizu and was the first government in world to issue paper money; first use of gunpowder |
| foodPITTSBURGH RARE STEAK is cooked to be charred on outside, rare inside |
| musicOKIE from MUSKOGEE (1969) is 1st live album by MERLE HAGGARD and The STRANGERS |
| historyLed by JULIUS MARTOV, MENSHEVIKS were more moderate faction of Russian Social Democratic Labour Party prior to RUSSIAN REVOLUTION of 1917 |
| culture/foodTHERESIENWIESE is open space and official ground of MUNICH OKTOBERFEST |
Notes from Sunday, November 29th, 2020 |
| literatureTHE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH is children's novel by NORTON JUSTER in 1961 |
| geographyPARRAMATTA RIVER is main tributary of SYDNEY HARBOR in AUSTRALIA |
| foodCORIANDER, CILANTRO, CHINESE PARSLEY, and DHANIA are all the same |
| scienceANDREAS VESALIUS (1514-64) was Flemish physician who is founder of modern human anatomy and wrote De Humani Corporis Fabrica (1543) |
| technologyFLASH FM is radio station hosted by DJ TOMI in GRANT THEFT AUTO:VICE CITY |
| foodKIVIAK is Greenland INUIT delicacy made of little AUKS fermented in SEAL skin |
| literaturePALE FIRE is 1962 novel by VLADIMIR NABOKOV presented as a 999 line poem written by fictional poet JOHN SHADE; title derives from Shakespeare TIMON of ATHENS |
| historySIGNET RING is ring containing family SEAL por CREST that presses into WAX |
| historySiege of BASTOGNE was engagement in Dec 1944 between Amrican and German forces in BELGIUM as part of the larger BATTLE of the BULGE |
| musicRUMOURS (1977) is the 11th studio album of FLEETWOOD MAX and it features 4 Billboard Hot 100 singles, GO YOUR OWN WAY, DREAMS, DON'T STOP, and YOU MAKE LOVING FUN; it won GRAMMY Album of the YEAR in 1978 |
| technology/businessT-MOBILE is telecom brand owned by German company DEUTSCHE TELEKOM |
| scienceTHANATOSIS is process by which animal feigns death to evade predation |
| historyBABINGTON PLT was 1586 plan to assassinate Queen ELIZABETH I and put MARY, QUEEN of SCOTS on the English throne; found out by SIR FRANCIS WALSINGHAM |
| scienceIn humans, PAROTID GLANDS are largist salivary glands located in front of EARS |
| sportsNY Yankee 1B LUKE VOIT hit most HRs (22) in shortened 2020 MLB season |
| historyThe ROMANOVS were preceded by the RURIK dynasty which was founded in 862 |
Notes from Thursday, November 26th, 2020 |
| sportsMIKE TYSON became youngest HW boxing champ in 1986 when he beat TREVOR BERBICK |
| food/culture/sportsCOOPER'S HILL CHEESE ROLLING & WAKE is dangerous annual footrace down 200yd long hill held in BROCKWORTH village in GLOUCESTER, UK |
| sportsAfter LIONS & COWBOYS, CHICAGO BEARS have most wins on Thanksgiving Day |
| history/businessMOTHER JONES (1837-1930) was Irish-born American schoolteacher who became prominent activist and co-founder of Industrial Workers of the World; it was founded in CHICAGO in 1905 and members are nicknamed WOBBLIES |
| cultureDerived from French word for FLEA, PUCE is a dark red or purple brown color |
| historyBOUDICA was queen of British CELTIC ICENI tribe who led an uprising against the conquering forces of ROMAN EMPIRE in AD60-61 |
| technologyThe CRAZY NASTY ASS HONEY BADGER is YOUTUBE viral video and internet meme from 2011 featuring commentary by RANDALL over Nat Geo Wildlife footage |
| artsPARSIFAL (1882) was the last completed opera by Richard Wagner |
| filmTRUNK SHOT is cinematic camera angle often used by QUENTIN TARANTINO |
| technologyDIRK the DARING is knight protagonist in 1983 video game DRAGON'S LAIR |
| literature/artsZITS is comic strip by JERRY SCOTT and JIM BORGMAN about life of JEREMY DUNCAN |
| historyIn Russian culture, KOMPRAMAT is damaging information about politician |
| televisionNICK the LOUNGE SINGER was recurring SNL character of BILL MURRAY |
| historyMARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS (1890-1998) was American journalist, women's suffrage advocate, and conservationist who defended Everglades |
| foodCINCINNATI CHILI "FIVE WAY": SPAGHETTI, CHILI, BEANS, ONION, and CHEESE |
| historyOPERATION URGENT FURY was US-led invasion of Grenada in 1983 |
Notes from Wednesday, November 25th, 2020 |
| geography/foodLocated in SOUTH AUSTRALIA, BAROSSA VALLEY is a famouse WINE region. |
| literatureFLOWERS ion the ATTIC is 1979 Gothic novel by V.C. ANDREWS and is written from the point of view of CATHY DOLLANGANGER who has 3 siblings |
| artsRANGOLI is INDIAN art form in which colorful patterns created on ground |
| televisionPATTON OSWALT won EMMY for his Netflix comedy special TALKING for CLAPPING |
| scienceIn celestial mechanics, LAGRANGE POINTS are orbital points near 2 large co-orbiting bodies where gravitational forces of the 2 bodies cancel out |
| filmSPIRIT of VENGEANCE is subtitle to 2011 sequel of 2007 film GHOST RIDER |
| scienceBENOIT MANDELBROT was Polish-born French-American mathematician who is widely known as the father of FRACTAL GEOMETRY |
| business/sportsSoFi STADIUM in INGLEWOOD, CA named for SOCIAL FINANCE, Inc. |
| literature/artsThe famous first edition of F SCOTT FITZGERALD's The GREAT GATSBY features the cover art of FRANCIS CUGAT's painting "CELESTIAL EYES" |
| historyMARTIN VAN BUREN ran for President in 1848 as candidate of the FREE SOIL PARTTY which opposed expansion of slavery to territories |
| scienceSTARK EFFECT is shifting and splitting of spectral lines of atoms and molecules due to presence of external electric field; ZEEMAN EFFECT is where spectral line is split into components due to magnetic field |
| science/foodLUTHER BURBANK is American botanist and gorticulturist who developed CACTUS and PLUMCOT and created the RUSSET BURBANK POTATO |
| historyLEAGUE of WOMEN VOTERS founded in 1920 by CARRIE CHAPMANN CATT |
| geographyZAGROS MOUNTAINS lie along IRAN's western border and Persian Gulf coast |
Notes from Friday, November 20th, 2020 |
| scienceUMBRAPHILE describes avid observer of eclipses |
| scienceThe STONE WEIGHT is English and imperial unit of MASS equal to 14 lbs |
| musicBrothers O'KELLY, RUDOLPH, and RONALD formed main lineup of ISLEY Brothers |
| arts/musicGEORGE BALANCHINE (1904-83) was influential BALLET choreographer born in St. Petersburg and was the co-founder of the NEW YORK CITY BALLET |
| cultureVARANASI on river GANGES is holiest of 7 SACRED cities of HINDUISM |
| technologyORKUT was social network operated by GOOGLE from 2004-14 |
| televisionIn I LOVE LUCY, RICKY RICARDO began as BAND leader at TROPICANA |
| literature/filmCHARLES PORTIS was author of TRUE GRIT adapated to 1969 and 2010 films |
| scienceREID VAPOR PRESSURE emasures volatility of GASOLINE and PETROLEUM |
| cultureASK ME ANOTHER by WNYC and NPR is hosted by OPHIRA EISENBERG |
| science/foodFESCUE is perennial GRASS known for being climate tolerant |
| foodCAFE de PARIS is compound BUTTER made with herbs and spices |
| businessCARLSO SLIM is wealthy Mexican businessman who owns GRUPO CARSO |
| literature/scienceSPERM WHALE is the largest TOTTHED WHALE and depicted in MOBY DICK |
| history/cultureSAFAVID EMPIRE in PERSIA ruled from 1501-1736 starting w/ ISMAILI and established TWELVER School of SHIA ISLAM as the official religion |
| technology/musicRAP CAVIAR is influential playslit on SPOTIFY curated by TUMA BASA |
| historyJUSTICE and DEVELOPMENT PARTY is the largest politial party in TURKEY |
| literatureTaking its title from WB YEATS poem, SLOUCHING TOWARD BETHLEHEM, is 1968 collection of essays by JOAN DIDION about 1960s San Francisco |
| sportsWILMA RUDOLPH is 1st American woman to win 3 gold medals in Olympics |
Notes from Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 |
| history/geographyJULIA TUTTLE was an American businesswoman who founded MIAMI, FL |
| cultureDIYU is the name of the UNDERWORLD or HELL in Chinese mythology |
| historyHENRY JOHN TEMPLE was UK Prime Minister during US CIVIL WAR |
| television"A CLOSER LOOK" is signature recurring segment on LATE NIGHT w/ SETH MEYERS |
| musicEnglish singer DIDO was born FLORIAN Cloud de Buonevialle ARMSTRONG |
| history/literatureThe GREEN BOOK is 1975 political philsophy book by MUAMMAR GADDAFI |
| filmWALTZ with BASHIR (2008) is only animated film nominated for OSCAR in BEST International Feature Film category; represented ISRAEL |
| artsGROUP f/64 was founded by 20th century San Francisco Bay Area photographers who shared aesthetic of sharply focused images of natural forms and found objects; included ANSEL ADAMS and HENRY SWIFT |
| musicTHELONIUS MONK, ART TATUM, and HERBIE HANCOCK are famous JASS PIANISTS |
| historyJOHN ADAMS was longest lived president (90 years) until REAGAN surpassed him in 2001 |
| scienceVERDIGRIS is green deposit that forms on COPPER when exposed to seawater or air |
| cultureOLD MAID, BLACK PETER, VIEUX GARÇON, and JACKASS are similar multiplayer SHEDDING games involving a deck with odd numer of cards |
| cultureIBADI School of ABD-ALLAH ibn IBADH is form of ISLAM predominant in OMAN |
| science/literatureANGLE of REPOSE of granular material is steepest angle of descent to which material can be piled without slumping; it is also title of 1971 novel by WALLACE STEGNER about disabled historian LYMAN WARD |
| sportsSAÏD AOUITA was MOROCCAN runner who won Olympic gold in 5000m in 1984 and former world record holder of 1500m, 3000m, and 5000m at once in 1989 |
Notes from Saturday, November 14th, 2020 |
| technologySAVAGE LOVECAST is a weekly sex-advice podcast by DAN SAVAGE |
| technologyBRADAWL is woodworking hand tool w/ blade like straight screwdriver |
| literatureThe MAYOR of CASTERBRIDGE:The Life and Death of a MAN of CHARACTER is 1886 novel by THOMAS HARDY that centers on Michael Henchard who was a hay trusser that drunkenly sold his wife SUSAN and baby daughter |
| music"SHOW ME LOVE" is the title of songs by Swedish ROBYN and American ROBIN S. |
| history/cultureThere are currently 2 LGBT governors: JARED POLIS (CO) and KATE BROWN (OR) |
| cultureWABI-SABI is worldview centered on acceptance of imperfection and transience |
| scienceIn particle physics, all elementary particles are either BOSONS or FERMIONS |
| televisionBroadcast for one series of 6 episodes in 1986, THE SINGING DETECTIVE was a BBC drama starring MICHAEL GAMBON as mystery writer PHILIP E MARLOW |
| literatureEMILE DURKHEIM (1858-1917) was French sociologist who wrote Le Suicide (1897) and refined the POSITIVISM set forth by AUGUSTE COMTE |
| sportsFormer All-Pro CB TROY VINCENT is NFL Executive VP of FOOTBALL OPERATIONS |
| literatureHERSHEL and the HANUKKAH GOBLINS is 1989 classic children's book written by ERIC KIMMEL and illustrated by TRINA SCHART HYMAN |
| cultureTranslated as "Crown Prince", KAUR is last name given to all SIKH women |
| historyNY Governor AL SMITH was 1st Roman Catholic to run for PRESIDENT in 1928 |
| history/geographyMT. ETNA in Sicily is world's oldest active VOLCANO w/ eruption in 1500BC |
| historySince 1972, MARGRETHE II is QUEEN of DENMARK of HOUSE of GLÜCKSBURG |
| technologyCOCOMELON features 3D animated videos of nursery rhymes and kids songs that is 3rd most subscribed YOUTUBE channel and Top 10 on NETFLIX |
Notes from Friday, November 13th, 2020 |
| scienceAmerican JACKIE COCHRAN was first woman pilot to break the sound barrier (1943) |
| scienceMONS HUYGENS is tallest mountain on MOON; named after DUTCH astronomer |
| cultureDIOGENES was founder of CYNICISM; ZENO of CITIUM founded STOICISM |
| literatureWHITE NOISE (1985) is considered breakout novel by DON DELILLO and centers on JACK GLADNEY who is a professor of HITLER studies |
| scienceNative to MADAGASCAR, MADAME BETHE'S MOUSE LEMUR is the smallest PRIMATE in the world; LEMUR comes from LATIN word for ghosts or spirits |
| musicDMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH is 20th century Soviet/Russian composer of 15 SYMPHONIES |
| sportsFounded in 1900, AMERICAN MACHINE & FOUNDRY (AMF) moved into BOWLING business after WW2 making pin setters, pins, and bowling balls |
| historyCHILE significantly increased its territory after defeating BOLIVIA and PERU in what is commonly called WAR of the PACIFIC or SALTPETER WAR (1879-83) |
| literatureMILQUETOAST refers to timid or feeble person and derives from comic strip character CASPAR MILQUETOAST in The TIMID SOUL by H.T. WEBSTER |
| televisionFRED GWYNNE & AL LEWIS, who play HERMANN and GRANDPA MUNSTER on THE MUNSTERS, also appear together as FRANCIS MULDOON and LEO SCHNAUSER on NBC cop show CAR 54, WHERE ARE YOU? (1961-63) set in The BRONX |
| sportsCanadian ANGELA JAMES has been called "WAYNE GRETZKY of Women's HOCKEY" |
| televisionAPPA is name of AANG's SKY BISON in AVATAR: The LAST AIRBENDER |
| televisionADAM SAVAGE and JAMIE HYNEMAN were original hosts of MYTHBUSTERS |
| literatureDACTYL is foot in poetic meter with stressed syllable followed by 2 unstressed syllables; ANAPEST is opposte w/ stressed at the end |
Notes from Thursday, November 12th, 2020 |
| scienceMERCURY's very thin atmosphere mainly consists of OXYGEN & SODIUM |
| scienceAUTOTOMY is behavior where animal discards limbs as self-defense |
| historyDefunct newspaper NEW YORK HERALD financed HENRY MORTON STANLEY's expeditions into AFRICA to find DAVID LIVINGSTONE in 1871 |
| artsPYSANKA is Easter egg from UKRAINE decorated using WAX-resist method |
| literatureWHO MOVED MY CHEESE? An Amazing Way to Deal w/ Change in Your Work and in Your Life (1998) is motivational fable by SPENCER JOHNSON |
| historyFIDELITY, BRAVERY, INTEGRITY is motto of the FBI founded 1908 |
| televisionThe AMANDA SHOW starring AMANDA BYNES was spinoff of ALL THAT |
| sportsGerman born LEON DRAISAITL of Edmonton Oilers won 2020 HART trophy |
| television/literatureIS THIS ANYTHING? is 2020 book by JERRY SEINFELD of old comedy bits |
| historyTIME MAgazine PERSON of the YEAR 1993 were "The PEACEMAKERS": YITZHAK RABIN, NELSON MANDELLA, FW de KLERK, & YASSER ARAFAT |
| historyZEMSTVO was an institution of local government set up during the 1881 EMANCIPATION REFORMS under TSAR ALEXANDER II of RUSSIA |
| geographyThe MOSQUITO COAST spans present day NICARAGUA & HONDURAS |
| cultureWOLOF is West African ethnic group and the largest ethnic group in SENEGAL |
| historyBattle of CASAMARCA was 1532 ambush and seizure of INCA ruler ATAHUALPA |
| sportsWALTER PAYTON drafted out of JACKSON STATE in MISSISSIPPI in 1975 |
| history/geographyThe GREAT SERPENT MOUND is prehistoric effigy mound located in OHIO |
| historyPAUL KIRK was appointed to fill SENATE vacancy after TED KENNEDY's death |
| businessLOVE. IT's what makes a SUBARU a SUBARU was famous ad campaign |
| filmCAPTAIN RAMIUS (SEAN CONNERY) was captain of the RED OCTOBER |
| sportsROD SMART was NY/NJ HITMEN RB nicknamed "HE HATE ME" in XFL |
| businessPEDRO is mascot of SOUTH of the BORDER on I-95 on border of NC & SC |
televisionBIG BANG THEORY (2007-2019) by CHUCK LORRE & BILL PRADY
◾ SHELDON COOPER (Jim Parsons) - theoretical physicist
◾ LEONARD HOFSTADTER (Johnny Galecki) - experimental physicist
◾ HOWARD WOLOWITZ (Simon Helberg) - aerospace engineer
◾ RAJESH KOOTHRAPPALI (Kunal Nayyar) - particle astrophysicist
◾ PENNY (Kaley Cuocco) - Cheesecake Factory waitress, pharma rep.
◾ AMY FARRAH FOWLER (Mayim Bialik) - neurobiologist
◾ BERNADETTE ROSTENKOWSKI-WOLOWITZ (Melissa Rauch) |
| sportsLANDON DONOVAN is leading career goal scorer in MLS; CHRIS WONDOLOWSKI is 2nd and only active player in Top 10 (2018) |
| sportsLOS ANGELES GALAXY has most MLS Championships (5 as of 2018) |
| sportsTORONTO FC won MLS Championship in 2017, beating SEATTLE SOUNDERS |
| literatureCLIVE CUSSLER is author and underwater explorer w/ character DIRK PITT |
| artsOPERA: WOLFGANG MOZART: The Marriage of Fiagaro, Cosi Fan Tutte, The Magic Flute |
| artsOPERA: GIOACHINO ROSSINI: The Barber of Seville, Cinderella, Otello, William Tell |
| artsOPERA: GIUSEPPE VERDI: Rigoletto, La Traviata, Don Carol, Falstaff |
| artsOPERA: GIACOMO PUCCINI: La bohème, Tosca, Madame Butterfly, Turandot |
| artsThe "CAN CAN SONG" is the INFERNAL GALLOP from 1858 operetta OPHEUS in the UNDERWORLD by JACQUES OFFENBACH |
Notes from Tuesday, February 27th, 2018 |
| musicMAMBO NO. 5 by LOU BEGA (1999) mentions ANGELA, PAMELA, SANDRA, RITA, MONICA, ERICA, TINA, MARY, & JESSICA |
| literatureTWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS is the first line of the 1823 poem "A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS" by CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE |
| businessSlogan of ULTA BEAUTY: "WELCOME to the FUN SIDE of BEAUTY" |
| musicKOKOMO by BEACH BOYS (1988) mentions ARUBA, JAMAICA, BERMUDA, BAHAMA, KEY LARGO, MONTEGO, FLORIDA KEYS, MARTINIQUE, MONTSERRAT, and PORT AU PRINCE |
musicFAMOUS SONG FIRST LINES:
◾ BILLY JEAN: "She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene."
◾ ROCKETMAN: "She packed her bags last night, pre-flight. Zero hour, 9AM"
◾ LIKE A PRAYER: "Life is a mystery. Everyone must stand alone."
◾ CREEP: "When you were here before couldn't look you in the eye."
◾ STAIRWAY to HEAVEN: "There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold."
◾ DON'T STOP BELIEVIN': "Just a small town girl. Living in a lonely world." |
historyPRESIDENTIAL NICKNAMES:
◾ OLD ROUGH & READY - Zachary Taylor
◾ THE GREAT ENGINEER - Herbert Hoover
◾ MR. NICE GUY - Gerald Ford
◾ THE TEFLON PRESIDENT - Ronald Reagan |
| cultureMalachi is the last book of the OLD TESTAMENT |
| technologyOn a calculator, "AC" means ALL CLEAR |
Notes from Tuesday, February 27th, 2018 |
| musicHOT HOT HOT (1987, cover) was biggest hit of BUSTER POINDEXTER (DAVID JOHANSEN) |
| music2003 OUTKAST song "HEY YA", ICE COLD! is cooler than being cool |
| filmIn 1959 film SOME LIKE IT HOT, MARILYN MONROE is SUGAR KANE, TONY CURTIS plays JOE/JOSEPHINE, JACK LEMMON plays JERRY/DAPHNE |
| scienceBAUD RATE is rate at which symbols change in a communication channel (this is different than BIT RATE, which is baud multiplied by bits per symbol) |
| filmSLIM WHITMAN "INDIAN LOVE CAL" is song that kills aliens in MARS ATTACKS! (1996) |
| scienceVICTORIA, ST. ANDREW, and ELDREDGE are types of knots |
| historyJOHN ADAMS and THOMAS JEFFERSON are the only Presidents to sign the DECLARATION of INDEPENDENCE |
| historyGEORGE WASHINGTON and JAMES MADISON are the only Presidents to sign the US CONSTITUTION of 1781 |
| historyRONALD REAGAN was born in TAMPICO, ILLINOIS |
| filmAARDMAN is British animation studio based in BRISTOL, UK with films debut CHICKEN RUN (2000) which is highest grossing stop motion film in history. It won best animated feature OSCAR for WALLACE & GROMIT: THE CURSE of WERE-RABBIT (2005) |
| television/businessPONTIAC G6 was car OPRAH gave away on show in 2004 |
| historyWAR of SPANISH SUCCESSION (1701-14) ended with TREATIES of UTRECHT, RASTATT, and BADAN |
| historyWAR of SPANISH AUSTRIAN (1740-48) ended with TREATY of AIX-LA-CHAPELLE |
| historyTHIRTY YEARS' WAR (1618-48) resulted in PEACE of WESTPHALIA |
| historyNAPOLEONIC WARS (1803-1815) resulted in CONGRESS of VIENNA |
| historyRUSSO-JAPANESE WAR (1904-05) ended in TREATY of PORTSMOUTH brokered by THEODORE ROOSEVELT (won NOBLE PEACE PRIZE) |
Notes from Monday, February 26th, 2018 |
| historyMEDGAR EVERS was civil rights figure killed in 1963 by BYRON DELA BECKWITH |
| literatureTHE SKETCH BOOK of GEOFFREY CRAYON, GENT. by WASHINGTON IRVING includes THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW and RIP VAN WINKLE |
| historySTONE MOUNTAIN PARK (Georgia) contains CONFEDERATE carving of JEFFERSON DAVIS (on BLACKJACK), ROBERT E LEE (on TRAVELLER), and STONEWALL JACKSON (on LITTLE SOREL) |
| geographyROOSEVELT ISLAND is located on the EAST RIVER |
| literature/scienceVANESSA ATALANTA is scientific name of RED ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY and featured in VLADIMIR NABOKOV novel PALE FIRE (1962) |
| artsMEREDITH WILSON wrote book, music, and lyrics of THE MUSIC MAN |
| musicMUZAK is blend of background music played in retail stores and elevators |
| music"SING A SONG OF SIXPENCE" has "FOUR & TWENTY BLACKBIRDS" bakes in a pie |
| sports/moviesCOOL RUNNINGS (1993) is about the JAMAICA bobseld team in the 1988 CALGARY OLYMPICS. JOHN CANDY plays IRV BLITZER. Team consist of DERICE BANNOCK, SANKA COFFIE, JUNIOR BEVIL, and YUL BRENNER (character names) |
| filmPURPLE RAIN (1984) film takes place in FIRST AVENUE club |
| televisionMIKE BRADY is an ARCHITECT in THE BRADY BUNCH |
| geographyMOUNT LOGAN is 2nd highest peak in NORTH AMERICA & tallest in CANADA |
| filmWatch out for ROUS (RODENTS of UNUSUAL SIZE) when crossing the FIRE SWAMP |
| businessGMC DENALI is nameplate of GMC top-of-line trucks and SUVs |
| musicPEARL JAM was originally called MOOKIE BLAYLOCK |
| businessIn 1984, DATSUN car brand was changed to NISSAN |
| filmMARILYN MONROE was born NORMA JEAN MORETENSON |
Notes from Monday, February 26th, 2018 |
| literatureALEX wanted to escape to AUSTRALIA in the children's book ALEXANDER and the TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY by JUDITH VIORST |
| literatureA WRINKLE IN TIME (1962) was written by MADELEINE L'ENGLE |
| history/artsPhotographer ALDRED EISENSTAEDT captured photo of young nurse kissing navy sailor in TIMES SQUARE on August 14, 1945 (V-J DAY) |
| historyOLIVER WENDELL HOLMES was oldest Supreme Court Justice (91 years old() |
| televisionJESSE JAMES (born 1969) is CEO of WEST COAST CHOPPERS and host of MOTORCYCLE MANIA & MONSTER GARAGE |
| cultureRASTAFARIANISM created in JAMAICA but considered ETHIOPA as ZION |
| historySACCO & VENZETTI were ITALIAN anarchists accused of fatal robbery in 1920 and deemed guilty; executed in 1927 |
| filmTRADING PLACES (1983) based on wager between RANDOLPH and MORTIMER DUKE. DANE AKROYD - LOUIS WINTHORPE IIII. EDDIE MURPHY - BILLY RAY VALENTINE. JAMIE LEE CURTIS - OPHELIA. DENHOLM ELLIOTT - COLEMAN. |
| foodRUTABAGA (also called SWEDE) is root vegetable cross of CABBAGE & TURNIP |
| history/geography4th century BC trading hub of NABATAEANS, PETRA (JORDAN) also called ROSE CITY |
| musicGOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION presents DOVE AWARDS since 1969 |
| musicQUINTON is ancient 5-string bow instrument like VIOLIN/VIOLA |
television/filmA-TEAM
◾ JOHN SMITH ("HANNIBAL) - GEORGE PEPPARD (1980s TV), LIAM NEESON (2010 FILM)
◾ TEMPLETON PECK ("FACE") - DIRK BENEDICT (TV), BRADLEY COOPER (FILM)
◾ H.M. MURDOCK ("HOWLING MAD") - DWIGHT SCHULTZ (TV), SHARLTO COPLEY (FILM)
◾ BOSCO ALBERT BARACAS ("B.A", BAD ATTITUDE) - "MR. T" LAWRENCE TUREAUD (TV), QUINTON "RAMPAGE" JACKSON (FILM) |
Notes from Sunday, February 25th, 2018 |
| cultureMEDEA (by EURIPEDES) features MEDEA taking revenge on JASON by killing his new wife and her own child |
| culturePERSEUS, son of ZEUS and DANAE, slayed MEDUSA |
| cultureTHESEUS, son of AEGEUS/POSEIDON and AETHRA, slayed MINOTAUR |
| cultureHERCULES, son of ZEUS and ALCMENE, slayed HYDRA |
| musicMAX and EMME are child twins of JENNIFER LOPEZ & MARC ANTHONY |
| musicSIR & RUMI are child twins of BEYONCE and JAY-Z |
| literatureMEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS written by JOHN GRAY (1992) |
| literatureWHO MOVED MY CHEESE? Written by SPENCER JOHNSON (1998) |
| literatureTHE POWER of NOW: A GUIDE to SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT written by ECKHART TOLLE (1997) |
| literatureTHE 4-HOUR WORK WEEK written by TIMOTHY FERRIS (2007) |
| filmJAMES L BROOKS produced and directed TERMS of ENDEARMENT (1993), BROADCAST NEWS (1987), I'LL DO ANYHTONG (1994), and AS GOOD AS IT GETS (1997) |
| geographySTATE MOTTOS: AK - NORTH TO THE FUTURE, CA - EUREKA (I HAVE FOUND IT), DE - LIBERTY AND INDEPENDENCE, FL - IN GOD WE TRUST, ID - ESTO PERPETUA (LET IT BE PERPETUAL), IN - THE CROSSROADS OF AMERICA, ME - DIRIGO (I DIRECT), MT - ORO Y PLATA (GOLD AND SILVER), NH - LIVE FREE OR DIE), NJ - LIBERTY AND PROSPERITY, NY - EXCELSIOR!, RI - HOPE, TN - AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE, TX - FRIENDSHIP, UT - INDUSTRY, VT - FREEDOM AND UNITY, VA - SIC SEMPER TYRRANIS, WA - AL-KI (CHINOOK for BY AND BY), WV - EQUAL RIGHTS |
Notes from Sunday, February 25th, 2018 |
| foodDOM PÉRIGNON was French benedictine monk famous for contributions to CHAMPAGNE wine |
| geographyLAKE SUPERIOR is largest freshwater lake in the world |
| cultureMACKINTOSH is waterproof raincoat named after Scottish inventor |
| sportsFALCHION is one-handed, single-edged SWORD |
| scienceRABIES VACCINE invented in 1885 by LOUIS PASTEUR and ÉMILE ROUX |
| foodPIMENTA is also called ALLSPICE by English as early as 1621 |
| musicSTEVIE NICKS (FLEETWOOD MAC) wrote "RHIANNON" (figure in Welsh legend) |
| geographySOLOMON ISLANDS capital is HONIARA located on GUADALCANAL |
| historyMANUEL NORIEGA was Panamanian dictator ousted by US in 1989 |
| televisionNetflix's 13 REASONS WHY is based on 2007 novel by JAY ASHER - HANNAH BAKER (KATHERINE LANGFORD) and CLAY JENSEN (DYLAN MINNETTE) |
| historyJOHN is only of 12 APOSTLES to die of natural causes (~100 AD) |
| artsTENNESSE WILLIAMS won PULITZER in 1948 for A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE and in 1955 for CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF |
| filmELIZABETH TAYLOR won OSCAR for BUTTERFIELD 8 (1960) and WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? (1966) |
| filmELIZABETH TAYLOR married 8 times (4 in 1950s): CONRAD HILTON (1950-51), MICHAEL WILDING (1952-57), MIKE TODD (1957-58), EDDIE FISHER (1958-1964), RICHARD BURTON (1964-74), RICHARD BURTON (1975-76), JOHN WARNER (1976-82), LARRY FORTENSKY (1991-96) |
| filmIn 2014, SIENNA MILLER starred in FOXCATCHER and AMERICAN SNIPER |
Notes from Saturday, February 24th, 2018 |
| artsDAMN YANKEES is musical by ABBOT (book) & WALLOP; modern retelling of FAUST legend in 1950s WASHINGTON, DC; lead character JOE BOYD is die hard fan of WASHINGTON SENATORS |
| geographySÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE is only country named after APOSTLE |
| culture12 APOSTLES: PETER (SIMON), ANDREW, JAMES (ZEBEDEE), JOHN (ZEBEDEE), PHILIP, BARTHOLOMEW, THOMAS, MATTHEW, JAMES (ALPHAEUS), JUDE, SIMON (ZEALOT), and JUDAS (ISCARIOT) |
| sportsAUSTIN DILLON (#3) won 2018 DAYTONA 500; DARRELL WALTRIP JR was 2nd |
| sports(CARL LUDWIG) LUZ LONG is German long jumper who gave technical advice to JESSE OWENS and came in 2nd at 1936 OLYMPIC games |
| filmIn 1993, 2 actresses got 2 acting OSCAR noms: HOLLY HUNTER: THE PIANO & THE FIRM (supp.), and EMMA THOMPSON: THE REMAINS OF THE DAY and IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER (supp.) |
| geographyRIVERS through WORLD CAPITALS: LISBON (TAGUS), TOKYO (SUMIDA), MOSCOW (MOSKVA), SEOUL (HAN), HANOI (RED), BRUSSELS (ZENNE/SENNE), BERLIN (SPREE), BAGHDAD (TIGRIS) |
| cultureTYSON BECKFORD was known as RALPH LAUREN POLO model |
| sportsYUZURU HANYU repeat as OLYMPIC figure skating champion (2018) was first since DICK BUTTON (US) in 1948 & 1952 |
| filmMANNY is name of WOOLY MAMMOTH in ICE AGE |
| filmROBOCOP (1987) was set in DETROIT and directed by PAUL VERHOEVEN |
| televisionROCK of LOVE with BRET MICHAELS was dating show on VH1 in 2007-09 |
| literatureCROOKSHANKS is name of HERMOINE GRANGER's cat |
| historyCALVIN COOLIDGE was president who made first radio broadcast |
| scienceSAMUEL MORSE developed and patented ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH in 1837 |
| scienceGUGLIELMO MARCONI credited for inventing RADIO in 1895 |
Notes from Friday, February 23rd , 2018 |
| literaturePIZAZZ is the only word in the dictionary between PIZZA and PIZZERIA |
| foodTAPIOCA is starch extracted from CASSAVA and used in pudding |
| cultureBRYAN ADAMS briefly dated PRINCESS DIANA in 1996 |
| televisionMR HECKLES is neighbor of RACHEL & MONICA on FRIENDS |
filmSix people have received two Acting OSCAR nominations for playing the same character:
◾ CATE BLANCHETT - ELIZABETH I in ELIZABETH (1998) and ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE (2007)
◾ BING CROSBY - Father CHUCK O'MALLEY in GOING MY WAY (1944) and THE BELLS OF ST MARY (1945)
◾ PAUL NEWMAN - Fast EDDIE FELSON in THE HUSTLER (1961) and THE COLOR of MONEY (1986)
◾ PETER O'TOOLE - HENRY II in BECKET (1964) and THE LION in WINTER (1968)
◾ AL PACINO - MICHAEL CORLEONE in THE GODFATHER (1972) and THE GODFATHER: PART II (1974)
◾ SYLVESTER STALLONE - ROCKY BALBOA in ROCKY (1976) and CREED (2015) |
| sportsD. BAXTER is the BOBCAT mascot of the ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS |
| artsPOLLITT family is in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (TENNESSE WILLIAMS) |
| artsWINGFLIED family is in THE GLASS MENAGERIE (TENNESSE WILLIAMS) |
| musicGROOVE IS IN THE HEART was by dance band DEEE-LITE |
| sportsIn 1995, ISAIAH THOMAS was co-owner of the TORONTO RAPTORS |
| musicGONNA MAKE YOU SWEAT (EVERYBODY DANCE NOW) was by C+C MUSIC FACTORY |
| geographyAPPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS stretch from MAINE to GEORGIA |
| televisionDART (D'ARTAGNAN) was the name of the pet of DUSTIN in STRANGER THINGS |
| filmIn WINNIE the POOH movies, "MR SANDERZ" is the name on his house |
sportsBILLIARD BALL colors:
◾ YELLOW, 1 solid - 9 striped
◾ BLUE, 2 solid - 10 striped
◾ RED, 3 solid - 11 striped
◾ PURPLE, 4 solid - 12 striped
◾ ORANGE, 5 solid - 13 striped
◾ GREEN, 6 solid - 14 striped
◾ MAROON/BROWN, 7 solid - 15
◾ BLACK, 8 solid |
Notes from Friday, February 23rd , 2018 |
| scienceMIR SPACE STATION launched into orbit in 1986 by SOVIET UNION/RUSSIA; de-orbited in 2001 (15 years in space) |
| artsIn 1989, NEIL SIMON became only living playwright to have namesake Broadway Theater |
| literatureReverend WILBERT AWDRY credited with creating THOMAS the TANK ENGINE |
| scienceSCOBY = Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria & Yeast |
| filmThere are 22 STARS in The PARAMOUNT movie studio logo |
filmKUNG FU PANDA (2008):
◾ PO (JACK BLACK)
◾ Master SHIFU (DUSTIN HOFFMAN)
◾ FURIOUS FIVE (five animal forms of Chinese martial arts)
◾ TIGRIS (Angelina Jolie)
◾ VIPER (Lucy Liu)
◾ MONKEY (Jackie Chan)
◾ MANTIS (Seth Rogen)
◾ CRANE (David Cross)
◾ VILLAINS
◾ TAI LUNG (#1 - Ian McShane, snow leopard)
◾ LORD SHEN (#2 - Gary Oldman, peacock)
◾ KAI (#3 - JK Simmons, bull) |
| culture2 major SANSKRIT epics of HINDU: MAHABHARATA & RAMAYANA |
sports2018 OLYMPICS in FIGURE SKATING
◾ MEN
◾ GOLD - YUZURU HANYU (Japan)
◾ SILVER - SHOMA UNO (Japan)
◾ BRONZE - JAVIER FERNANDEZ (Spain)
◾ WOMEN
◾ ALINA ZAGITOVA (OAR)
◾ EVGENIA MEDVEDEVA (OAR)
◾ KAETLYN OSMOND (Canada) |
| geographyHOOVER DAM on border of NEVADA and ARIZONA |
| sportsPEYTON MANNING drove PACE CAR for the 2018 DAYTONA 500 |
| sciencePALATINE GLANDS also known as TONSILS |
| geographyPETRIFIED FOREST and PAINTED DESERT are in ARIZONA |
| geographyWHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT and CARLSBAD CAVERNS are in NEW MEXICO |
| filmLEANN RIMES single "CAN'T FIGHT THE MOONLIGHT" featured prominently in 200 film "COYOTE UGLY" |
Notes from Thursday, February 22nd , 2018 |
televisionHOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (2005-2014, 9 seasons, 208 episodes) - Set in year 2030 and narrated by voice of BOB SAGET.
◾ TED MOSBY (JOSH RADNOR)
◾ BARNEY STINSON (NEIL PATRICK HARRIS)
◾ LILY ALDRIN (ALYSSON HANNIGAN)
◾ ROBIN SCHERBATSKY (COBIE SMULDERS)
◾ MARSHALL ERIKSEN (JASON SEGAL)
◾ "THE ONE" (titular mother) is TRACY McCONNELL (CRISTIN MILIOTI) |
| televisionTHE KING of QUEENS (1997-2007, 9 seasons) - KEVIN JAMES & LEAH REMINI |
| televisionMIKE & MOLLY (2010-2016, 6 seasons) - MIKE BIGGS (BILLY GARDELL) & MOLLY FLYNN (MELISSA McCARTHY) |
| history/artsLINCOLN MEMORIAL designed by HENRY BACON, statue by DANIEL CHESTER FRENCH |
| cultureThe are TITANIC museums in BRANSON, MO and PIGEON FORGE, TN |
| historySister ships of RMS TITANIC were OLYMPIC and BRITANNIC |
| scienceADDISON'S DISEASE - adrenal glands don't make enough CORTISOL |
| scienceGRAVE'S DISEASE - thyroid gland overproduces THYROID HORMONE |
| scienceMENIERE'S DISEASE - inner ear disease that causes VERTIGO |
| scienceMARFAN SYNDROME - genetic disease causing defective connective tissue |
| geographyMELBOURNE was capital of AUSTRALIA until 1927 ➡ CANBERRA |
| geographyTURKU was capital of FINLAND until 1812 ➡ HELSINKI |
| filmMode of transport used in song MEET ME IN ST LOUIS is TROLLEY |
| businessSKI-DOO is a modern example of snowmobile by BOMBARDIER |
| historyCHRYSLER BUILDING in NYC (405 Lexington Ave)is tallest brick building (with a steel framework) |
| filmUNITED ARTISTS (UA) was founded in 1919 by DW GRIFFITHS, MARY PICKFORD, CHARLIE CHAPLIN, and DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS |
Notes from Wednesday, February 21st, 2018 |
| geographyPANAMA CANAL is the busiest canal in the world |
| televisionMOONLIGHTING set at Blue Moon Detectiv Agency by Maddie Hayes (Cybil Shepherd) |
| televisionTIGER was fmaily dog of BRADY BUNCH |
| history/musicMARK DAVID CHAPMAN read Catcher in the Rye after shooting JOHN LENNON |
| scienceHALEY's COMET every 74-79 years |
| sports/literatureA VIEW from ABOVE is a 1991 autobiography of WILT CHAMBERLAIN |
| sportsGREG MADDUX won most Golden Gloves (18) |
| sportsEDDIE ARCARO is the only jockey to ride 2 Triple Crown winners |
| sportsPAT RILEY won an NBA Championship as a players for the LAKERS |
| sportsThe Rugby World Cup is named after WEBB ELLIS |
| televisionFORD GRAN TORINO is red and white car in STARSKY and HUTCH |
| filmBUTKUS is bull mastiff dog of ROCKY BALBOA |
| music/historyELTON JOHN controversially performed at RUSH LIMBAUGH wedding |
| cultureSMOKEY the BEAR was first called HOTFOOT TEDDY |
| foodNECTARINE is cross of peach and plum |
| foodWHISKEY means "water of life" in Gaelic |
| musicRUN-DMC was composed of JOSEPH SIMMONS, DARRYL McDANIELS, and JASON MIZELL |
| televisionKIM POSSIBLE as buddy RON STOPPABLE w/ pets RUFUS and WADE |
| geographyCASCADES includes MT. ST HELENS, MT. SHASTA, and MT. RANIER |
| geographyHOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK is in ARKANSAS |
| historyBRIGHTON Hotel Bombing in 1984 was assassination attempt on MARGARET THATCHER |
| filmIn THE BIG LEBOWSKI, DUDE hates the EAGLES |
| televisionCOOLSVILLE is hometown of MYSTERY, INC. and SCOOBY DOO |
Notes from Tuesday, February 20th, 2018 |
| sportsBaltimore Orioles moved from St. Louis (Browns) in 1954 |
| musicJohn Denver was born Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. |
| sciencePowerline Frequencies: 60Hz in North America, 50Hz in Europe and Asia |
cultureZODIAC SIGNS:
◾ ARES Mar 21-Apr 19
◾ TAURUS Apr 20-May 20
◾ GEMINI May 21- Jun 20
◾ CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22
◾ LEO JUL 23-Aug 22
◾ VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21
◾ LIBRA Sep 22-Oct 23
◾ SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 21
◾ SAGITTARIUS Nov 22-Dec 22
◾ CAPRICORN Dec 22-Jan 19
◾ AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18
◾ PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 |
televisionMONTY PYTHON's FLYING CIRCUS:
◾ GRAHAM CHAPMAN
◾ JOHN CLEESE
◾ TERRY GILLIAM (born in US)
◾ ERIC IDLE
◾ TERRY JONES
◾ MICHAEL PALIN |
cultureTRIVIAL PURSUIT WEDGES:
◾ Blue - Geography
◾ Pink - Entertainment
◾ Yellow - History
◾ Purple/Brown - Arts & Literature
◾ Green - Science & Nature
◾ Orange - Sports & Leisure |
film/sportsWHO's ON FIRST? (Abbot & Costello)
◾ 1B - Who
◾ 2B - What
◾ SS - I don't give a darn
◾ 3B - I don't know
◾ LF - Why
◾ CF - Because
◾ P - Tomorrow
◾ C - Today
◾ RF (nobody) |
| musicTRAVELING WILBURYS: TOM PETTY, GEORGE HARRISON, BOB DYLAN, JEFF LYNNE, & ROY ORBISON |
musicALBUMS with MOST #1 SINGLES:
BAD - Michael Jackson (1987): I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, & Dirty Diana
TEENAGE DREAM - Katy Parry (2010): California Gurls, Teenage Dream, Firework, E.T., Last Friday Night (TGIF) |