T R I V I A !!...........Fun, Facts & Figures

A few years back, the board game of Trivial Pursuit swept the country. This wasn't anything revolutionary, just a new and different slant on combining entertainment with education. The latest way to bring people together for a little friendly competition and lots of fun. Just how smart are you anyway? Can you prove your prowess of little-known facts, rarely discussed people, places and events?

Nothing spices up a get-together of peers or perks up an otherwise dull evening, than suggesting a few rounds of TRIVIA! It can get serious, sometimes crazy and pretty loud, but it's always fun. We like to think we're quite the genius, a real "winner," when we play along at home, Don't you just love, JEOPARDY, CASH CAB, WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? They wake up brain cells, get the heart pumping and sometimes even boost the ego.....".HEY, I knew that answer!" Who hasn't wondered how well they'd do if actually a contestant on the show? Hmmmmm, good question. How about a little challenge.....a test of what's stored in that giant brain of yours? You're on your honor, so keep your own score....no one will know but you. C'mon, let's get started........

Can you name the nine U.S. Presidents who never went to college? They are: George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Martin VanBuren, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland and Harry Truman.

Since the existence of the Secret Service, Presidents have been assigned a secret service code name. Do you know the code names for the following five, modern-day Commanders in Cheif?

Richard Nixon ("Searchlight") Jimmy Carter ("Deacon") Ronald Reagan ("Rawhide")Bill Clinton ("Eagle") George W. Bush ("Trailblazer.")

Speaking of Nixon, a tidbit of info from the year 1970: On April 1st of that year, President Richard Nixon signed legislation banning cigarette ads on U.S. TV and Radio. Yes, it was that long ago the war on smoking was born.

Just one more in this category....Our SHORTEST-of-stature- President ever was James Madison at 5'4"

SPORTS

To be fair, this category is usually where the men pick up speed and gain points. So ladies, these next few TRIVIA facts are for you to store in your memory bank, to even the score!

In 1997, every major league team retired the number "42".....worn by Jackie Robinson during his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Basketball SUPERSTAR Michael Jordon was actually cut the first time he tried out for his High School team, in his sophomore year!

The only professional sport banned in the U.S. during World War II was auto racing because it consumed precious fuel.

The one and only time a World Series was delayed due to an earthquake was in 1989 when the game between the Oakland A's and the San Fransisco Giants was postponed a week. Oakland went on to win the trophy.

I don't think anyone one would simply venture a GUESS at the answer to this next question........How many times did Babe Ruth strike out? Ready? 1,330 times!!! It's a FACT! and finally in the Sports world....Do you know how many times YANKEES' owner George Steinbrenner hired and fired Billy Martin as Manager of the team? 5 times!

An Avalanche Of Questions & Answers

What musical instrument is the one true American instrument? A: The Banjo is native to the U.S.

Is the Monkey Wrench named after the animal of the same name? A: No, the wrench was developed by a man named Charles Moncky.

What is the average height of a woman in the United States? A: 5'4"

Can you name the 7 deadly sins? (according to Thomas Aquinias) A: anger, covetousness, envy, gluttony, lust, pride and sloth.

Can you name the 7 Virtues?   A: Faith, Hope, Love, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperence

What are the TOP-selling board games in America in order of popularity?

1. TRIVIAL PURSUIT 2. Cranium 3.Monopoly 4. Scrabble 5. The Game of Life

Now, don't you feel smarter than you did when you started reading? I hope so! I don't want to think I did all this research for nothing. .....and here's one for you to look up! Has an X-rated movie ever won an Oscar for best picture? (COGERSON is disqualified and NO FAIR asking him!!) Feel free to leave the answer in your comment! Thanks for playing along!