After a rousing game of 1984-era Trivial Pursuit, my friends and I had more questions than answers. I took notes in order to do some research later. Later is now. Here are the results:
Q: When did Krushchev bang his shoe?
A: On September 29th, 1960.
Q: We learned that Bill Cosby was the first African-American actor to land a starring role on a television drama, but what show was it?
A: I Spy
Q: Who was Vidkun Quisling?
A: A fascist jackass.
Q: Where did the term “playing hardball” originate?
A: Yes, we were correct. It was from the game of baseball, which is played with a small, hard ball.
Q: If you eat a lot of bananas are you more likely to attract mosquitoes?
A: Inconclusive. I should leave this one to Mythbusters.
Q: Was Indian Love Song some sort of one hit wonder?
A: All right, maybe I wouldn’t have the patience to be a research librarian. Too hard to narrow this one down without more info to go on.
Q: Where did the Salvation Army’s “Blood and Fire” come from?
A: Apparently this describes the blood of Jesus shed on the cross to save all people, and the fire of the Holy Spirit which purifies believers. Ack.
Q: Who was Irma la Douce?
A: Not a who but a what. Specifically a 1956 French stage musical.
Q: Tell us more about the Plains of Abraham.
A: Look here and here and here.
Q: Where did Robert “S for Strange” McNamara’s middle name come from?
A: As Maria had guessed, it was his mother’s maiden name.
Q: What was Lauren Bacall’s birth name?
A: Betty Joan Perske
Q: Totalizator is such a kickass term it sounds like you made it up. Did you?
A: No I didn’t, honest. Looky here.
