Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Trivia Tuesday

If it's Tuesday, there must be trivia! Your challenge is to name the war that the book and/or movie listed below is based upon (based on?). Please note that none of the wars repeat. Good luck!

1. All Quiet on the Western Front

2. The Green Berets

3. For Whom the Bell Tolls

4. The Last of the Mohicans

5. War and Peace

6. Johnny Tremain

7. A Tale of Two Cities

8. Cold Mountain

9. Captain Corelli's Mandolin

10. Jarhead

As always, please leave your answers in the comments section below and do not search the internet for answers. This quiz is courtesy of the fine folks at Stump Trivia.

In addition, don't forget that entries for the 2010-2011 Ted Marshall Open TV Death Pool are due tonight at 11:59 PM Eastern time. The choices seem much tougher this year as there are no obvious picks like Lost or 'Til Death. Even the new Jim Belushi show, Defenders, looks pretty good, unlike the awful According to Jim. You can use the internet to help you with this one.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Found In My Basement: Chess Trophy

Of all of my hundreds, I mean, several trophies, I am most proud of this one. This is the 1st place trophy from the 16th Annual Library Chess Tournament (1989) held at the Squirrel Hill branch of the Carnegie Library. I went to a new school for third grade where I didn't know many of my classmates. However, I became friends with the other male students pretty quickly (I think the girls had cooties) as we bonded playing football during recess. Once the weather got colder, recess was spent indoors. Looking for something to do, one of my new classmates, David Z., taught us how to play chess. For the entire winter and on rainy days in the spring, we played chess. Fast-forward to two years later (5th grade). David Z. and I were the top two players at the library chess tournament and played a match to determine the winner. In the case, I proved victorious as the student defeated the teacher. This allowed me to advance to the chess tournament of all of the Western Pennsylvania Carnegie Library winners where I fared pretty well. I switched to a different school in 6th grade and David soon moved out of state. Near the end of high school, I saw that he made the USA Today's All-Academic High School list and that he was going to Harvard. I have no idea where he is today, so I may need to use the power of the internet to search. Click here for more about the Found in My Basement series.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Terrible Towel Wedding

Jimmy and Eryn Bradley recently got married in California. Even though I have no idea who these people are, I'm happy for them, so congratulations! I'm also happy that they shared their wedding video (and a brief story) on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.



I have two questions about people in the video.

1. Does the guy on the left side of the screen at the 1:47 mark not know how to wave a Terrible Towel or is he refusing to wave the towel because he's not a Steelers fan?

2. The person at 2:52 scares me a little. Plus, how does he have a beer BEFORE the reception? Did he bring his own beer?

Friday, August 27, 2010

Friday Links

It's one of the last Fridays of summer. If you have to be in front of a computer, you might as well enjoy some of the best of the internet.

Congrats to PSAMP on his one year anniversary of the Great Moments In Unlicensed Pittsburgh Sports Merch series! Check out some truly great T-shirts to honor this achievement. [PSAMP]

Dan writes about why he prefers real books to iBooks. I concur. [DanNation]

I interviewed Tim Gleason (aka maryrose) about his book From Black To Gold and then he interviewed Jerry Olsavsky, former Steelers LB and now the Defensive Quality Control Coach. Does that mean that I interviewed Jerry Olsavsky? [Behind the Steel Curtain]

A few facts you may not have known about the British invasion of Washington during the War of 1812 [DCist]

Jason predicts the Steelers opening day roster. [Jason Christ Superstar]

Sports Illustrated lists NFL's greatest players by numbers. [SI]

Join a college football pick'em group [RizzoSports Blog]

30 Books Everyone Should Read Before 30. I've read 6. [The Best Article Every Day]

Finally, this is courtesy of Sportsocracy

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Worst Song Ever Nominee

It’s been almost exactly three years since I asked whether "I Did Yo Boyfriend" by Melody was the worst song ever. I think the conclusion was yes. However, I am proud to present a challenger to the title, "Take It Off" by Ke$ha.



That last sentence really isn’t fair to Melody or Ke$ha since I Did Yo Boyfriend truly is in its own category. With that written, Ke$ha earns a nomination solely because of the song’s chorus. The chorus is based on the tune of “There’s a place in France where the naked women dance. There’s a hole in the wall where the men can see it all.” Seriously. Who thought that was a good idea?

I realize that I’m taking a risk here by criticizing one of the hottest young artists in Ke$ha. I fully expect some angry (likely anonymous) comments from Ke$ha fans. In full disclosure, I think her first song "Tik Tok" is amazing. Well, amazing may be too strong of a word, but it is extremely catchy and has some of the most quotable lines from any song over the past few years. (Like you haven’t said “Wake up in the morning feeling like P Diddy.”) Unfortunately, Take It Off doesn’t come close to Tik Tok.

I really wonder what Ke$ha does from here. She’s a party girl and that’s what she sings about. That’s nice for a few songs and maybe even an album, but you can’t make a career out of that, can you?

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Florida Politics: Death Wish

I spent the past week in Florida (more on this later), so I learned a lot about the candidates running for Governor and Senator for yesterday's primary elections. However, that's not the point of this post. Did you know that the Commissioner of Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is Charles Bronson? Bronson's name is on a sticker located on every gas station pump in the state.

So I did a little more research and discovered that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner is an elected position. Obviously. If you had a choice of voting for Charles Bronson or someone else with a generic name like Eric Copeland, of course you're going to select Bronson. What name recognition!



I just wonder who could ever defeat Bronson. Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, and Jack Nicholson would all be strong opponents. Maybe Scott Baio?

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Trivia Tuesday

Welcome to another edition of Trivia Tuesday. There are only seven questions today because, well, I could only come up with seven questions.

1. Of players born in Pennsylvania, who has the the most major league baseball hits? (This does not include any Negro league hits.)

2. What is the best Eddie Money song?

3. Name the four American states that have consecutive Ns in its names. (You have 1 minute to answer this question.)

4. What would you consider to be the song of summer 2010?

5. Who would you rank as the top five fantasy football players for this season (meaning who do you think should be the top five draft picks)?

6. What language is the most prevalent for US state mottos?

7. Who sings this lyric: "While everybody else is getting out of bed I'm usually getting in it. I'm not in it to win it."

As always, please leave your answers in the comments section below and do not use the internet for assistance. Good luck!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Found In My Basement: Bill Buckner

While the entire Boston Red Sox nation hated Bill Buckner for many years, I always liked him. This is the reason why:



My grandfather got my brother and I autographed glossy pictures of Bill Buckner from his days as a Chicago Cub. I have no idea how or why my grandfather got these pictures, but I always thought it was cool, probably because all of the gold chains on Buckner's bat.

By the way, it seems like Boston fans finally forgave Buckner. Bill Simmons wrote a great article about him as part of ESPN Magazine.


Click here for more about the Found in My Basement series.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Found In My Basement: Jim Rooker

Now that's a scary title for a post! Jim Rooker was a major league pitcher from 1968-1980 with his final eight seasons on the Pittsburgh Pirates where he helped the team win the 1979 World Series. Rooker finished his career with a 103-109 record and transitioned into the Pittsburgh Pirates broadcast booth. Rooker's most famous moment occurred in 1989 when he stated after the Pirates took a 10-0 lead in the top of the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies that "if we lose this game, I'll walk home." Naturally, the Pirates lost and Rooker did walk from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh for charity.

Several years earlier, though, he visited Churchill Elementary School. Actually, I don't remember if he visited my elementary school, but somehow, I have this autograph addressed to me and my classmates.



(To Churchill 1st Graders. Best Wishes "The Rook")

I love the moustache and chest hair look. Plus, did Rooker really refer to himself as The Rook?


Click here for more about the Found in My Basement series.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Found In My Basement: Soccer Trophy

My athletic career peaked at the age of nine. What is sad is that I realized this only a few years later. During the end of junior high school and certainly by the beginning of high school, my teammates and opponents on the soccer field were all bigger, stronger and faster than me. However, I’m reliving the past in this Found in My Basement series, so let’s go back to Fall 1984 where my team, the Burgundy Panthers, was the CAYSA Under-10 Champions.



It’s amazing to me that while I can’t remember what I had for dinner last night, there are parts of that season that I remember vividly. I played goalie during the first half of games and generally switched between midfield and forward during the second half. We had a very balanced team with multiple goal-scorers and a solid defense. While I was mediocre as a goalie, my best friend Mitch was the Tim Howard of the league when replacing me in the second half.

In week eight of the ten-game season, we were in second place facing our rival who happened to be in first place. The remaining games for both of us were against teams in the bottom of the standings, so we knew that this game was essentially for the championship.

In a brilliant coaching move, our coach (my dad) decided to start me in the field instead of in goal. Part-way through the first half, I got the ball near the top of the penalty box and took a low shot inside the left post by the diving keeper. That goal turned out to be the only one of the game as Mitch kept our opponents scoreless in the second half. We finished the season 8-1-1, and as you can see by the impressive trophy, earned the CAYSA U-10 Championship!

Here are your World Champion Burgundy Panthers:



Click here for more about the Found in My Basement series.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Trivia Tuesday

Your challenge this week is to identify answers that begin and end with the letter "O." For example, what state’s college football team regularly defeats the University Michigan? While there are multiple answers to this question, we’re looking for this (Ohio):



1. Nabisco developed this ‘sandwich cookie’ in 1912.

2. An herb from the Lamiaceae family often used in Turkish, Greek, Spanish, and Italian cooking.

3. A musical composition, usually based on sacred texts, such as Handel’s “Messiah,” that uses orchestra, choir and soloists.

4. The first name of Springfield Elementary School bus driver Mr. Mann.

5. A 1,336-mile-long river that runs mostly through Venezuela.

6. Florida’s third-largest city after Miami and Tampa.

7. Its third-largest city is Mississauga. The top two have NHL teams.

8. In 1925, this northern European capital changed its name from Kristiania back to its original name.

9. A Greek anise-flavored spirit.

10. The Bengals’ Chad Johnson had his surname changed to this, his jersey number in poor Spanish.

As always, please leave your answers in the comments section below and do not search the internet for answers. This quiz is courtesy of the fine folks at Stump Trivia.


Photo (by Jay Hansen of The OSU Alumni Association) of Ohio State's four living Heisman Trophy winners (l-r) Hop Cassady, Archie Griffin, Eddie George, and Troy Smith performing O-H-I-O at the Columbus Sports Commission's "Morning Sports Report" program on Tuesday, June 22, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Found In My Basement

I am proud to introduce a new feature at Sean’s Ramblings. All this week (with the exception of tomorrow for Trivia Tuesday), I am sharing items found in my basement. I realize that this title could be a bit disturbing, so let me explain. My parents recently moved from my childhood home, so I inherited many items from my younger days. I thought I would share some of these items here.

The first items are autographed pictures of former Pittsburgh Pirates John Smiley, Jim Gott and Bill Madlock.



For some reason, I have what looks to be a photocopied picture of Junior Ortiz as well. Since there’s no autograph on the Junior Ortiz picture, I feel comfortable cutting part of his face out of the post. Anyway, if you can’t read the writing, John Smiley wrote “To Sean Best Wishes” while Jim Gott wrote “Sean Best Wishes.” There may be a theme to their messages. Bill Madlock just signed his name.

I wish that I had a great story about meeting these Pirates, but I don’t remember meeting them at all. I feel like I probably got these autographs from Smiley and Gott at some Giant Eagle grocery store appearance.

Tune in on Wednesday for the next edition of "Found In My Basement." Oh, you would be correct if you thought that this is a bit of a rip-off of PSAMP’s Great Moments In Unlicensed Pittsburgh Sports Merchandise.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Breaking News: Pittsburgh Steelers Remain Super Bowl XL Champs

Earlier this week, NFL referee Bill Leavy, who worked Super Bowl XL between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks, stated that he “kicked two calls in the fourth quarter and I impacted the game.” Based on Leavy’s announcement, I’m sure that the NFL is now going to declare the Seahawks the actual winner of Super Bowl XL. Start planning the victory parade through the Pike Place Fish Market!

Not so fast though. Mike Pereira was the NFL's Vice President of Officiating from 2004-09 and disagrees with Leavy’s assertion. According to Pereira, yes, Leavy made an incorrect call when he flagged Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck for a low block. But the hold should have been called. So I guess that the Vince Lombardi trophy isn’t moving from Pittsburgh after all. Besides, did that 15-yard penalty for a low block really cost Seattle the title in a game where the Seahawks lost by 11?



I think the bigger issue here is why after nearly four and a half years is this still a topic of conversation. The referees didn’t cost Seattle the Super Bowl; the Seahawks cost Seattle the Super Bowl. The Seahawks were unable to stop the Steelers from making three big plays, converted only 5 of 17 third downs (while Pittsburgh was 8 of 15), dropped several passes, missed two field goals, and couldn’t pin the Steelers inside the 10 yard line in the punting game. Sure, it’s easy for former Seattle coach Mike Holmgren to want to deflect any criticism from himself. Blame the refs and don’t notice that my team and I (meaning Holmgren) did a terrible job managing the clock.

While I’m happy that Leavy feels like a weight is off of his shoulders, I think it’s time for everyone to move on and enjoy the upcoming football season, while the Steelers and all of its fans should continue to celebrate their fifth of six Super Bowl championships.

This post was originally posted on BlogCritics.

In addition, Christmas Ape at D.C. Steeler Nation and Bob Smizik of the Post-Gazette have more about Leavy's apology and Super Bowl XL.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Tom Petty Tickets Wanted (Ain't Too Proud to Beg)

So Tom Petty is coming to The Lube (also called Jiffy Lube Live and formerly Nissan Pavillon) in Northern Virginia this weekend. I would like to go, but I am cheap. Let me rephrase that. I am cheap when it comes to buying concert tickets. I have no problem paying $40 for a ticket, but I have a big problem paying an additional $12.50 per ticket for the Ticketmaster convenience fee. How is this convenient for anyone other than Ticketmaster?* Anyway, I've had no success finding tickets on Craigslist yet and besides my previous experience getting tickets from there was quite odd.

Therefore, I thought I would try out the power of the blog. Does anyone living in the DC area have tickets they would like to sell for a reasonable (unlike Ticketmaster) price? I'm looking for two seats in the 300 level or two lawn seats. If so, please leave a comment or contact me at seanramblings at yahoo[dot]com.


* I know that I've written about this before, but I don't feel like looking in the archives for this information since I'm pretty sure it involved a post about Spice Girls tickets.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Interview with Tim Gleason, Author of From Black to Gold

You may not know the name Tim Gleason, but if you’re a Steelers fan, you know the tremendous blog Behind the Steel Curtain and one of the site’s contributors, maryrose. Well, I’m about to reveal a major secret here: maryrose is Tim Gleason.

Well, this may not be a secret. Anyway, Tim recently released his book From Black to Gold, a historical perspective of the Pittsburgh Steelers as seen through the eyes of a die-hard season ticket holder. While I haven’t read the book yet, Tim shared some of the book’s chapters including:

• That first season in 1933 when the team could not play on Sundays due to Pennsylvania Blue Laws
• The whacky winter of 1941 when Art Rooney sold the team and then traded cities to get it back again
• Great stories of the burning Steelers-Browns rivalry
• The Immaculate Reception and how Instant Replay was born on that play
• How Rocky Bleier fought back
• The Terrible Towel – How it began, what it means and those it helps
• How Frank Sinatra joined Steeler Nation



Tim was nice enough to take some questions from me about the book.

First of all, tell us about the book.

In 1970, the American Football League merged into the National Football League to form a single 26-team entity. Since that merger 40 years ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been the most successful and consistent franchise in the NFL. The Steelers have won six Super Bowl Championships, more than any other team. They have compiled winning seasons in 30 of those 40 years, again, more than anyone else. Their overall .609 winning percentage (394-253-2) is also king-of-the-hill. The Steelers have boasted 64 players on the NFL's All Pro Teams, more than any other franchise. In addition to unparalleled success, the Steelers have shown remarkable consistency throughout the past 40 years. Never have they won fewer than five games, a claim that no other team can make, and only twice did they win just five games.

However, pro football did not begin in 1970, though some in Steeler Nation might like to think so. The NFL began in 1920, with the Steelers coming on board in 1933. In the 37 years that Pittsburgh played pro football before the merger, life was not so good. The Steelers were riddled with calamity, tragedy and, for the most part, failure. Regardless, we fans who were around before the merger were still in love with the team unconditionally. While part of me envies younger Steelers' fans who know of nothing but success, a bigger part is grateful that I experienced the growing pains. From Black to Gold is an account of both the growing pains and the glory.

How were you able to put all 75+ years of Pittsburgh Steelers history in one book? It seems like this could be an entire encyclopedia set!

I just focused on the great story lines. I wanted the book to be easy to read. That was important to me. I wanted people to really like reading the book as opposed to being a lengthy chore. It is still 260 pages in order to get in all the great stories and vignettes, but it is really an easy read.

How long did it take you to write the book?

About a year and a half all told. I took my time and enjoyed the research.

It’s hard to miss "Foreward by Art Rooney Jr." on the front cover. How were you able to get him for the book’s foreward?

One of his assistants read stories that I wrote and showed them to Mr. Rooney, who really liked them. Mr. Rooney sent me an autographed copy of his book Ruanaidh. When I wrote to thank him, I asked him if he would write the foreword if I continued writing. I sent him an outline just for kicks. Then I was in a grocery store when my phone rang. It was Mr. Rooney! I was shocked. He said he would be happy to write the foreword. That was all the motivation I needed. I am a no-name, so getting his name on the cover was very important to the book's success.



Do you have a favorite personal Steeler memory?

Yes, when I was a college student and I worked the Super Bowl in January 1979. It is a chapter in the book so I won't say too much now. I also have a great memory of going to my first Steelers' game in 1968, which is also in the book. Both of those memories have neat stories behind them.

What is it like being a Steelers fan in the Browns/Steelers border territory of Youngstown?

It is really intense. Half the town is Hatfields and half McCoys. It really jacks up when both teams are good, but that doesn't seem to happen too often. There is a lot of hate. The team that is down at whatever moment hates the most. I really enjoyed writing that chapter. The players themselves will tell you how much hate there is.



Care to share any predictions for the 2010 Steelers season?

I think 9-7 is reasonable, but then again, the Steelers always do best when they are under the radar. They are considered third right now in the Division, which means they might win it going away! I hope.

The book is not available in stores but can be purchased at www.fromblacktogold.com. Thanks Tim!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Trivia Tuesday: Name That Tune

Welcome to a "Name That Tune" edition of Trivia Tuesday. Your challenge this week is to name the song title and artist based on the lyrics of the ten songs listed below. You may begin...now!

1. Some people call me Maurice
'Cause I speak of the pompatus of love

2. All aboard. HaHaHaHaHaHaHa (I may be off on the number of Ha's.)

3. We're undeniable
Fine, fresh, fierce
We got it on lock
(I actually thought this line was fine, fresh beers, we got it unlocked.)
West coast represent
Now put your hands up

4. That I dug my key into the side of his
Pretty little souped up four wheel drive
Carved my name into his leather seat
I took a Louisville slugger to both head lights
Slashed a hole in all four tires

5. And the greatest of teachers won't hesitate
to leave you there, by yourself, chained to fate

6. But try to understand
Try to understand
Try try try to understand

7. I-I-I-I-I-I need I need you.
I-I-I-I-I need I need you.

8. He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink
He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink

9. Toora Loora Toora Loo-Rye-Aye
(name of person) I'll hum this tune forever.

10. Listen it don't make no difference to me baby
Everybody's had to fight to be free

As always please leave your answers in the comments section below and do not use the internet to search for answers. Good luck!

Monday, August 09, 2010

Random Questions of the Day

What do you do with a drunken sailor? Does this answer change depending on the time of day (ex. in the afternoon or earl-lie in the morning)?

Russ Grimm was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame on Saturday. As you can see below, Grimm's Hall of Fame bust includes his mustache. Does that mean that Grimm can't shave the mustache or grow a full beard? If he does decide to shave the 'stache, will the NFL redo the bust?



Photo by John Mcdonnell-The Washington Post

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Congratulations Dick LeBeau!

I'm not sure that I've ever been this excited for someone to be enshrined into a Hall of Fame. After playing 14 seasons with the Detroit Lions accumulating 62 interceptions, third all-time among pure cornerbacks (think about how amazing that statistic is considering that passing is a much bigger part of the game than it was during LeBeau's playing days), and working as an NFL coach for over 35 years, including an extremely impressive run as the Steelers' Defensive Coordinator, LeBeau entering the NFL Hall of Fame is well-deserved.



Take a look at this historic day from around the country:

This is LeBeau's Hall of Fame speech. I wish that NFL.com would let me embed the video. [NFL.com]

Bengals' coach Marvin Lewis admires LeBeau [Cincinnati Enquirer]

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; the Detroit Free Press; the Columbus Dispatch; and ESPN (the AFC North Blog) have more.

Plus, here are a few Tweets from members of the Pittsburgh Steelers:









OK, the last one doesn't have anything to do with Coach LeBeau, but I like Timmons' insights.

Photo by Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

Friday, August 06, 2010

My First Steelers Training Camp Post

Occasionally, I consider myself as the writer of a Pittsburgh sports blog. Based on my posts the last few months, this is certainly not the case. So with that written, here are a few things about the Steelers (and other stuff).

Join Tec and Cotter for their annual trip to Latrobe for Steelers training camp. If you aren’t able to catch up with them on their Facebook page, just look for two guys wearing Steelers jerseys. That shouldn’t be a problem.

Of course, if you plan on attending training camp this weekend, Saturday is not the day to go as the entire team is traveling to Canton, Ohio for Dick LeBeau’s Hall of Fame induction. [USA Today h/t Behind the Steel Curtain]

Dick LeBeau was also a pretty good football player at Ohio State and Detroit. [Columbus Dispatch]

Steelers N’ At provides a guide to purchasing your next Steelers jersey. I’m fine with my Louis Lipps jersey, thank you. [Steelers N' At]

A relationship ended because someone didn’t want to deal with the long distance between Reston and DC. Perhaps they’ll get back together when Metro’s Silver Line is complete. To my knowledge, this has nothing to do with the Steelers. [Restonian]

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Rating Metro Rider Attractiveness

For bloggers out there, have you ever had an idea for a post that you knew wasn’t very good, but you decided to write it anyway? Well, this is one of those times for me. After years of research, I’ve decided to rank the attractiveness of Metro riders proportionally by the Metro stations I frequent the most.

1. Ballston
2. Clarendon
3. Court House
4. Vienna
5. Virginia Square
6. West Falls Church
7. East Falls Church
8. Dunn Loring-Merrifield



I feel like trying to provide an explanation of these rankings will get me into even more trouble. However, the common thread of the top three is that they have a higher percentage of younger riders (meaning people in their 20s) than other stations. So before digging myself into more of a hole, I’ll let you help me. For Metro riders, do you agree with these rankings? Obviously, I’m most familiar with these Virginia stations, so are there are other stations that I’m missing? Basically, what Metro station has the most attractive riders?

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Not Sure What To Write

I'm not sure that I feel comfortable writing this post. There is nothing funny about an attempted rape. Fortunately, the woman featured in the news video below from WAFF in Northern Alabama was not harmed. Plus, according to her brother, Antoine Dodson, the suspect left behind some evidence.



To my knowledge, Antoine Dodson is a real person and not an actor. He certainly is passionate. So passionate that someone made a song for Mr. Dodson.



The piano part seems unnecessary.

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Trivia Tuesday

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. For the first time in nearly a month, I am proud to present a "real" Trivia Tuesday where the questions come from someone other than me or Sporcle. Your challenge this week is to name the front man (or woman) given the listed backup bands. For example, "The News" would be Huey Lewis (Mike Tomlin would also be an acceptable answer).

1. The Bad Seeds

2. The E Street Band

3. The Blackhearts

4. The Attractions

5. The Crickets

6. The Funky Bunch

7. The Miracles

8. The Mothers of Invention

9. The Pips

10. The Flecktones

As always, please do not use the internet to search for answers. Please leave your answers in the comments section below. Good luck!

This quiz is courtesy of Stump Trivia.

Monday, August 02, 2010

Notes From Tucson

I spent the past few days in Tucson, Arizona, so I thought I would share my thoughts about the trip.

- Everyone said that even though Tucson would be hot, it would be a dry heat. Well, there was actually some humidity since it is Monsoon season. There's also a southern Arizona city named Dragoon, so yes, there was a monsoon in Dragoon.

- Why do flight attendants feel the need to announce that flights are very full? Is there really a difference between a full flight and a very full flight? If every seat is taken, it is a full flight. In my opinion, the only way it would be a very full flight is if they seated passengers in the bathroom or the aisle.

- I visited Old Tucson Studios where countless Westerns such as The Outlaw Josey Wales, Gunfight at the OK Corral, Rio Bravo, McClintock!, Tombstone, and The Three Amigos were filmed. Nearly every Hollywood legend including Clint Eastwood, James Stewart, John Wayne, Dean Martin, Angie Dickinson and Kirk Douglas worked there.



However, the tour guide did not mention one very special project filmed at Old Tucson Studios. A two-part episode of Webster where "the Papadapolises visit Lizard Flatz, Arizona and encounter Dusty, a man with interesting stories, a ranch, and Moonhunter, a horse that seems to be a legend, but ends up a reality after saving Webster from a rattlesnake. Moonhunter gets caught by some greedy no-gooders, and Webster almost gets killed. George wants to live on the ranch, Webster wants to save Moonhunter and set him free, but after all the excitement, they decide to head back to Chicago." I don't remember this episode.

- According to a billboard on I-10, John McCain is "Fighting for a Secure Border." There was no footage of the Senator standing in Nogales actually fighting.

- There were several roads with separate speed limits for the day and the night. How is this enforced? Is night considered the exact sunset time, when there are three stars in the sky, or some other method?

- There is a giant "A" on a Tucson mountain for the University of Arizona. Which came first, Arizona's A or BYU's Y on a Provo mountain?

- Sadly, I did not eat at In-N-Out, Waffle House or Little Caesars, three restaurants that don't seem to be anywhere near Washington DC.

- I read and heard that there are between 900,000 and 1 million residents of Tucson. There are definitely 1 million cacti (cactuses?), but I have no idea where all of these people are. Maybe they're all away for the summer or are hiding in fear of fighting John McCain.