Trivial Pursuits Nov 8, 2008
From the Desk of: Tim Baxter
My wife says my brain is like one of those puzzle toys all kids seem to have—the red and blue ones with yellow shapes that fit in the matching holes. My brain, she says, is full of all kinds of junk, but if you shake it just right the piece you want will fall out.
This comes in handy when we go to play competitive trivia.
There’s two things you should know about this habit my wife and I have. First, my wife is a study in beauty, intelligence and grace. While she’s certainly smart enough to hold her own in any game of trivia, she’s not a big nerd. That’s where I come in. And yes, I thank my lucky stars every day a geek like me managed to snag a babe like her.
The other thing: this is not trivial trivia. This is the hardcore, mainline, gonna get medieval on yo’ ass trivia, with categories like “18th century Russian Literature”, “One Hit Wonders of Cuban Music” or “Monty Python Season 1 Outtakes — But Only Season 1.” Even with an innocuous-sounding category like “Elvis Costello”, it quickly becomes apparent that the only people who will know have been court-ordered to stay at least 500 yards from Mr. Costello, and his records, too.
Occasionally we do well. Other nights I can only shake out bits of food and drool.
Last night’s final question: What large midwestern town elected its first black mayor in 1993?
Answer to come later, if anyone’s interested, but here’s a bonus question: what’s the trademarked name of that puzzle toy?
Comments
- DebbieBrozyna wrote: Nov 13, 2008 7:36 a.m.
- Tupperware Shape-O toy. Both my kids had one.
- 914Driver wrote: Nov 13, 2008 1:08 p.m.
- Keep those toys coming! The last batch we hired for a machinist apprentice program couldn't figure out how to get the chuck key in the drill. Too much video time, not enough bicycle wrenching. It's Cincinnati.
- Baxter wrote: Nov 13, 2008 1:16 p.m.
- Debbie's absolutely correct: Tupperware Shape-O The city they were looking for was St. Louis.
