Thursday, January 31, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Q: This actress, known for her deep speaking voice and her stint as Bob Newhart's wife on his first TV show, was born on January 31, 1937. Sadly, she died recently. Who was she?
A: Suzanne Pleshette.

Q: January 31, 1947 was un-officially the coldest day in Canadian history. At Snag River in the Yukon, how low did the temperature dip?
A: It dipped to 81 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. That's minus 62 degrees Celsius. The reason why it's un-officially Canada's coldest day is that the guy who kept the official records froze to death. They say it was so cold that polar bears were coming out of hibernation to buy longjohns. The official temperature was recorded at Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, when the mercury fell to 62 degrees below zero (F). It was so cold, Mounties kept calling the airport for advice on how to de-ice a horse!

Q: According to the Academy of General Dentistry in Chicago, merely rinsing your mouth with water will neutralize acids and reduce bacteria by what percent?
A: By 30 percent. Brushing and flossing are best, but rinsing helps.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Q: Born on Jan. 30, 1930, was actor Gene Hackman. Can you name the 1971 movie for which he won his first "Best Actor" Oscar?
A: The French Connection

Q: Who was the only U.S. president to serve more than two terms?
A: Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was born Jan, 30, 1882. Presidents are now limited to two terms. If a president cant squeeze all his mistakes and blunders into two terms -- he's obviously no good at his job

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Which two American Presidents celebrate their birthdays today, January 29? A: President Franklin Roosevelt and President William McKinley.

An important event in baseball history took place on January 29, 1900. What was it? A: The formation of the American League. Without the American League, there's be no D-H, no homer hankies, and no George Steinbrenner. On second thought, who needs the American League anyway?

Who holds the NFL record for fumbles in a single Super Bowl game? A: Roger Staubach - four fumbles in 1976 Super Bowl 10.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia Teasers

Q: This movie star was born on January 28, 1981. He appeared in Flipper, Radio Flyer and Forever Young. Who is he?

A: Elijah Wood.

Q: According to a study at Harvard University, what does years of losing and regaining weight increase your chances of?

A: Gallstones.

Q: According to Vitality magazine, what percentage of pet owners keep a picture of their pet in their wallet or purse?

A: 40%

Friday, January 25, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Q: Gangster Al Capone died Jan 25, 1947. Can you name the movie in which Capone was portrayed by Robert De Niro?
A: the Untouchables

Q: Jan. 25, 1927 radio comick Jack Benny married Sayde Marks. Later, Sadye changed her name. What did we know her as?
A: Mary Livingstone.

Q: Which United Statess President held the first presidential news conference, carried live on radio and television?
A: President Kennedy on Jan. 25, 1961

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Singer Neil Diamond attended New York University as a pre-med student on which type of scholarship? A: Fencing. He dropped out to sell his songs.

On January 24, 2003, the new Department of Homeland Security officially opened. Who was it's director? A: Tom Ridge.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Q: On Jan 23, 1978, what country became the first country to ban aerosol sprays, which damage the ozone layer?
A: Sweden (I remember going out spray painting a wall "Save the Ozone". I guess I didn't get it)

Q: Who was the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, he was born on Jan 23, 1737.
A: John Hancock. Contrary to popular, John did not sell insurance. I'm not sure what he did, but from his large legible signature, I'm sure he wasn't a doctor.

Q: Jan 23, 1977, the most watched TV program in history began on ABC-TV. It was a mini-series; do you remember it's name?
A: Based on the Alex Haley novel Roots

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Which famous TV comedy show first aired on NBC January 22, 1968? A: Rowan and Martin's "Laugh In". It featured Dan Rowan and Dick Martin, Goldie Hawn, Judy Carne, Alan Sues, Lily Tomlin, Arte Johnson, Ruth Buzzi, JoAnne Worley, Henry Gibson, and Gary Owens.

Women say they overeat when they're lonely, sad, or angry. When do men overeat? A: When they're happy, expecially in groups (Duke University research).

Who was confirmed as this nation's first female secretary of state? A: On January 22, 1997, the U.S. Senate confirmed Madeleine Albright.

Alan Rock's Trivia 1/21/08

Born on this date in 1956, actress Geena Davis. Can you name the short-lived TV sitcom in which she starred in in 2000-2001? A: The Geena Davis Show

What was Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson's real name? A: Thomas Jonathan Jackson, born January 21, 1824.

How many advertisements are Americans exposed to on the average day? A: 270 (Research by McKinsey and Company of New York)

Friday, January 18, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Q: In the 1983 film, "The Big Chill,"what part did actor Kevin Costner play?
A: A corpse, the suicide victim. But all anybody saw was his suit and tie during the opening credits.

Q: On Jan. 18, 1975, the situation TV comedy "The Jefferson," premiered on CBS. It was a spin-off from what show?
A: "All in the Family"

Q: You have sophophobia. What are you afraid of?
A: Learning

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

This date, January 17, 1916, was an important day for golf. Why? A: The Professional Golfers Association, the PGA, was formed.

Popeye, the cartoon sailor-man, made his first appearance on January 17, 1929. Originally, Popeye got his strength from eating what? A: Garlic. Later, he switched to spinach when his girlfriend Olive Oyl kept passing out in the clinches.

Where do most "fender benders" occur? A: At the post office, where there's a steady stream of cars entering and leaving.

Today is Baretta Day, marking the debut of the CBS-TV series on this date in 1975. It starred Robert Blake and the cockatoo. What was the bird's name? A: Fred.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Q: What is the world's favorite ice cream flavor?
A: Vanilla accounts for 29 percent of all ice cream sales?

Q: On Jan 16, 1920 the Volstead Act went into effect. What did it do?
A: The Volstead Act is the popular name for the National Prohibition Act (1919). It enabled Federal enforcement of the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which had banned the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors" in the United States, beginning Prohibition. Congressman, pleased with the new law, drank to its success

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

On this date in 1967, was the first Super Bowl. Can you name the two teams? A: Green Bay Packers (35) and the Kansas City Chiefs (10).

To cure hiccups, Vitality magazine says you should rub both sides of your Adam's apple with what? A: An ice cube.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Q: Before hitting it big as Apollo Creed in the Rocky films, what did actor Carl Weathers do?
A: He played pro-football for the Oakland Raiders and the British Columbia Lions.

Q: What was NBC's original title for the "Today" show, which debuted on January 14, 1952?
A: "The Rise and Shine Revue."

Q: What musical instrument, that is used in both jazz and classical music, was invented in Nuremberg, Germany on January 14, 1690?
A: The clarinet.

Q: On January 14, 1914, Henry Ford introduced the assembly line method of manufacturing cars, allowing completion of one Model-T Ford in what period of time?
A: One every 90 minutes.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Q: On January 11, 1913, the first sedan was unveiled at the National Automobile Show in New York City. Who was the manufacturer?
A: The Hudson Motor Company.

Q: On January 11, 1964, who was the Surgeon General who labeled cigarette smoking the number one cause of lung disease?
A: Luther Terry. Big Tobacco responded calmly and logically by calling the surgeon general a communist and declaring that cigarettes are as American as mom, apple pie, and wheezing. Research has shown that nobody stops smoking for health reasons. Some people do quit, however, when they finally realize that their nose smells like a wet cigar butt.

Q: For all of you TV viewers, what did Marvin Middlemark invent?
A: Rabbit ears.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

On January 10, 1890 John D. Rockefeller incorporated a small company in Ohio. Can you recall it's name? Standard Oil. People laughed because, back then, oil was considered to be very crude. Today it's more refined.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Q: What big "Opening Ceremony" happened in New York on January 9, 1951?
A: The official opening of the United Nations headquarters.

Q: Actor Arthur Lake, who appeared in 27 movies, died at age 81 on January 9, 1987. As what character is he best known?
A: Dagwood Bumstead. Although Penny Singleton played Blondie in the films, Lake's wife Patricia Van Cleve was one of three Blondie's on radio. Lake also played Dagwood in the 1957 Blondie TV series.

Q: What was the comic strip that first appeared on January 9, 1929, telling the story of a man who fell asleep in 1929 and woke up 500 years later?
A: Buck Rogers. It was terrible! He owed the Book of the Month Club $17 million, plus postage and handling.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

On January 8, 1925, the state of Texas did something for the first time with their Supreme Court that was unusual. What was it? A: It was the first state supreme court composed entirely of women. The good news was that the female court's knowledge of the law was equal to any male court -- and that was also the bad news.

Actor-sidekick Pat Buttram, who died in 1994 at age 78, played Mr. Haney on TV's Green Acres. What was Mr. Haney's first name? A: Bilco.

Monday, January 07, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Q: Everybody's favorite president was born on January 7. His greatest accomplishment was installing a bathtub in the White House, thereby making his predecessor Zachary Taylor the last of the dirty politicians. Who was that president?
A: Millard Fillmore. Today is Millard Fillmore Day, marking the birth of the 13th U.S. president on January 7, 1800. The Millard Fillmore Society, a group of proud under-achievers, calls its members "Fillmorons." Fillmore's birthday is often used as an occasion for parties when no other reason exists.

Q: On January 7, 1990 which famous building was closed to the public because of safety concerns?
A: The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy -- leaning a bit too much!

Q: The first commercial bank in the U.S. opened in what city on January 7, 1782? Everybody who opened a new account got a free toaster. There was a huge line at Ben Franklin's house waiting to plug into his kite.
A: Philadelphia.

Q: Today is Melody Ranch Day, marking the debut on January 7, 1940 of Melody Ranch on CBS Radio. What cowboy kept listeners tuned in for 16 years?
A: Gene Autry.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

Actress Dyan Cannon was born January 4th, 1937. Can you name the famous movie actor she married in 1965 and divorced in 1968? A: Cary Grant.

The Billboard published the first pop music charts on Jan 4, 1936. Was the #1 song: (a) "Stop, Look and Listen" by Joe Venuti and Orchestra; (b) "Quicker Than You Can Say" by Ozzie Nelson and Orchestra; (c) "The Music Goes Round" by Tommy Dorsey and Orchestra; or (d) all three of those songs? A: All three were #1. Three charts listed the 10 best sellers of the three top recording companies: Columbia, Brunswick, and RCA-Victor. Each week there were three #1 songs.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

On January 3, 1987, the first women was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Who was she? A: Aretha Franklin.

What city did Lassie come home to? A: Yorkshire, England.

What state became the 49th U.S. state on January 3, 1959? A: Alaska. The name "Alaska" comes from an old Eskimo expression meaning, "My spleen is freezing!"

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Alan Rock's Trivia

On January 2, 1980, who was fired as host for the Miss America Pageant, a job he held for 25 years? A: Bert Parks. It was a steady job working only one night a year. Forced retirement required quite an adjustment.

Today is Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Day. The Andrews Sisters recorded the song for Decca Records in Los Angeles on January 2, 1941. It was featured in what movie? A: "Buck Privates," starring Bud Abbott and Lou Costello.