Dear Friends of the Pub Quiz,
Thanks to all of you who wrote to wish PubQuiz Quizmaster a happy birthday on Facebook last Thursday. I enjoyed trying to keep up with the greetings at my various Facebook, Twitter and email accounts, but then finally gave up. And then my birthday was overshadowed by the two-part tragedy affecting Japan. As regulars know, I’ve visited Japan at this time of year during the last two years as a consultant with the Nara Institute of Science and Technology, the research institute in the ancient capital of Nara. One of my Japanese friends referred me to this blog entry, titled Some Perspective on the Japanese Earthquake. In it, the author (“Patrick”) teaches us about Japan and disaster preparedness:
Japan is exceptionally well-prepared to deal with natural disasters: it has spent more on the problem than any other nation, largely as a result of frequently experiencing them. (Have you ever wondered why you use Japanese for “tsunamis” and “typhoons”?) All levels of the government, from the Self Defense Forces to technical translators working at prefectural technology incubators in places you’ve never heard of, spend quite a bit of time writing and drilling on what to do in the event of a disaster.
The blog goes on to discuss the thorough checklists and action plans used by just about every agency, business, organization or school to keep Japanese citizens safe. Nevertheless, the regions hardest hit by the earthquake and especially the tsunami need our help. Organizations such as Global Giving, recommended by The New York Times and Huffington Post, make doing your part easy. Visit them at http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/japan-earthquake-tsunami-relief/.
As of press time, just a few tables remain unclaimed for this week’s Pub Quiz, so I hope you will call if you plan to join us. In addition to Japan, this week’s Quiz will feature questions on recycling, Atlanta, Microsoft, 50 Cent, Count Basie, bacon, The Davis Wiki, singing outside your range, vegetarianism, Steven Spielberg, Dallas, subshrubs, Australia, NBC, locomotives, the band, New England, France, talk shows, fear, Virginia Woolf, movies that you wouldn’t expect to start three Oscar-nominated actors, brothers, the royals, pale actors, John Lee Hooker, oceanography, authors that are even older than John McCain, swans, fruit, Frank Oz, and Shakespeare.
Thanks to all of you for reading these posts, and I look forward to seeing you soon at the Pub Quiz or on the streets of Davis!
Your Quizmaster
https://www.yourquizmaster.com
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Here are five questions from last week’s quiz:
1. Mottos and Slogans. The group calling itself the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine launched the “I’m not lovin’ it” slogan last year. This slogan is a spoof of a commercial slogan used by what restaurant chain?
2. Internet Culture. The most liked living person on Facebook is 38 years old. What is his name?
3. Newspaper Headlines – The State Holiday Edition. Today is Casimir Pulaski Day, a state holiday celebrated on the first Monday of every March in memory of Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-born Revolutionary War cavalry officer who is known for his contributions to the U.S. military in the American Revolution by training its soldiers and cavalry. Primarily in what state does one find closed libraries, county offices and public and private schools because of Casimir Pulaski Day celebrations?
4. Four for Four. Which of the following musical groups or performers, if any, originated in the United Kingdom? Kylie Minogue, The Pet Shop Boys, Sade, UB40.
5. Actors and Actresses. What 30 year-old Academy Award-nominated Canadian actor has appeared in the following films? The Notebook, Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl, and Blue Valentine?
P.S. This coming Thursday night is Poetry Night at the John Natsoulas Gallery. Irish poet and musician Lauren Norton and her musical group The Souterrain will be performing, beginning at 8pm. Find more information at http://poetryindavis.com/. Happy early St. Patrick’s Day!
Friends of the Pub Quiz, and those curious about all the fun and fuss associated with the Pub Quiz, should come to de Vere’s Irish Pub in Davis (217 E Street), the highly esteemed pub and restaurant that fills up every night because of the superb quality of food, drink and company that can be found there. The de Vere’s Irish Pub Pub Quiz takes place every Monday at 7pm, though players are encouraged to arrive early to claim a table. As always, find out more about the Pub Quiz by visiting https://www.yourquizmaster.com. For more on de Vere’s Irish Pub, visit http://deverespub.com/.