AAJA-LA Trivia Bowl Questions & Answers
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2019
PART 1 – Current Events 1. In April, Reporters Without Borders released its annual World Press Freedom Index, which listed what Scandinavian country as the safest country for journalists? Norway 2. Notre Dame suffered a massive fire earlier this year. What does “Notre Dame” literally translate to in English? “Our Lady” 3. In August 2019, Boris Johnson asked for what two-word act from the reigning monarch, which would effectively suspend parliament? Queen’s speech 4. This spring there were around nine hundred confirmed cases of what disease in the US, making it the largest outbreak since 1994? Measles 5. What Indian state did India recently send military troops into, revoking its special status and putting the state on communications lockdown? Jammu and Kashmir (we have accepted just “Kashmir” as correct) 6. In February 2019, what country became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage in Asia? Taiwan 7. Pete Buttigieg [“boot-edge-edge”] is the only openly gay candidate for president in 2020. He is the mayor of what city? South Bend, Indiana 8. In July, Donald Trump, Justin Bieber, and Kim Kardashian were all involved in trying to extract what rapper from jail in Sweden? A$AP Rocky 9. During an early debate, what Democratic candidate for president said Donald Trump is responsible for a “dark psychic force” of “collectivized hatred”? Marianne Williamson 10. The 2019 Hong Kong protests are also known as the Anti-(BLANK) Law Amendment Bill Movement. What fills in the blank? Extradition PART 2 – Pop Culture 1. In early 2019, a picture of what became the most liked photo on Instagram, beating Kylie Jenner’s previous record? An Egg 2. According to the Marie Kondo method, the Five Categories of items in your home that you must process through include Clothing, Books, Papers, Mementos, and what category that represents miscellaneous items? Komono 3. At the 2019 Grammys, the Grammy for 2018 Album of the Year went to a country album for the first time in eight years. What artist won that award? Kacey Musgraves 4. Roma scored ten Oscar nominations at the 2019 Oscars, tying which year 2000 movie for most nominations for a foreign film? Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon 5. What 2019 movie was based on a story in a 2015 article from the Cut, and stars Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez in the lead roles? Hustlers 6. Ali Wong and Randall Park star together in what recently released Netflix rom-com? Always Be My Maybe 7. In 2018, who became just the second Asian American woman to host Saturday Night Live? Awkwafina 8. Four Weddings and a Funeral has been adapted for television and is now on Hulu. The show was produced by what alum of The Office and lover of romantic comedies? Mindy Kaling 9. Who is the first artist born in the twenty-first century to have a Number One album on the Billboard albums chart? This feat occurred in 2019. Billie Eilish [“eye-lish”] (she is seventeen-years-old) 10. The indie hit The Farewell is based on what Chinese-American director’s personal story? Lulu Wang PART 1 – Literature, Language and Art 1. In English, “pumpkin” is often used as a term of endearment for kids. French speakers are more likely to say “mon petit chou” [“muh pity shoe”], which translates to “my little…” what? Cabbage 2. Yayoi Kusama is an artist best known for her introspective installation pieces called “Infinity Rooms” that make heavy use of repeated shapes and also what objects, usually lining the walls? Mirrors 3. Midway through Season 1 of the series Arrested Development, matriarch Lucille Bluth adopts a Korean child she mistakenly refers to as “Annyong,” [“ahhn yong”] believing it to be his name. Fittingly, his real name is later revealed to be what? Hello (Hel-loh) 4. Both Agamemnon’s daughter in Greek epics and Daredevil’s girlfriend from the Netflix show go by what name? Elektra 5. The Swahili word for “freedom” lends itself to the name of a Star Trek character. What word? Uhuru/Uhura (we have accepted either the Swahili word or the character’s name) 6. The Suzuki method is generally associated with learning how to play what classical instrument? Violin 7. What novel by author Min Jin Lee, which follows the story of a Korean family who eventually migrates to Japan, was a finalist for the 2017 National Book Award? Pachinko 8. What 2017 novel by Celeste Ng is being adapted into a television miniseries by Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington? Little Fires Everywhere 9. Sichuan cuisine is known for being ma-la. “La” means spicy. What does “ma” translate to? Numb / Numbing 10. What collection of seventeen interconnected sculptural structures located north of Compton were created by amateur artist Simon Rodia over thirty-plus years? Watts Towers PART 2 – Sports and Games According to a 2018 Forbes article, the most valuable sports franchise in the world is the Dallas Cowboys ($4.8 billion). What soccer club is the SECOND most valuable sports team in the world? Manchester United 2. What country won the 2019 Cricket World Cup? England 3. What Cal alumni went viral for her “sipping tea” goal celebration at the 2019 FIFA World Cup? Alex Morgan 4. The Toronto Raptors, winners of this year’s NBA championships, have the slogan “We the North.” Despite claims that they are “the north,” there are in fact two NBA franchises that are located geographically farther north than Toronto. Name either one. Minnesota Timberwolves / Portland Trailblazers 5. In July 2019, Colombian Egan Bernal became the first Latin American winner of what event? Tour de France 6. At the start of the 2019 MLB season, who played two games as the oldest active player in the MLB before retiring in March? Ichiro Suzuki (He was forty-five at the time) 7. In January, Trump welcomed what team to the White House by serving them a fast food feast of burgers, pizza, and fries? Clemson Tigers 8. After a US Open game, Naomi Osaka invited what fifteen-year-old tennis player to share the post-game interview with her? Coco Gauff 9. Fabiano Caruana is the highest ranked American player in what, just after world champion Magnus Carlsen? Chess 10. Megan Rapinoe [“Ra-pee-no”] plays in the NWSL; her girlfriend, Sue Bird, plays in WNBA. They both play for what city? Seattle PART 1 – Culture, Traditions and Food 1. In Chinese culture, what number is considered unlucky because it is a homophone of the word for death? Four 2. Granite Mountain Records Vault, also known simply as The Vault, is a large archive owned by what religious group? It is built six-hundred feet into the north side of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints / Mormons 3. According to the Book of Revelation, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse include War, Pestilence, Death, and what else? Famine 4. What Australian wine brand, whose logo contains a picture of a wallaby, shares its name with a type of fish known in Japanese as hamachi? Yellowtail 5. What expensive spice shares its name with the 2007-2008 political revolution in Myanmar that saw the arrests of thousands of Buddhist monks? Saffron 6. Feijoada (fay-ZHWA-da), traditionally prepared in a clay pot on low heat, is a stew with black beans, beef, and pork. It is the national dish of what country? Brazil 7. A member of the fig family, what ingredient is common in Southeast Asian cuisines and is sometimes used in vegan recipes as a substitute for pulled pork? Jackfruit 8. “Nikkei” refers to Japanese people living outside of Japan, but in recent years, it’s come to indicate the merging of Japanese cuisines with what South American country’s cuisine? Nikkei dishes include ceviche nikkei, tiradito, and the creative incorporation of quinoa using Japanese techniques. Peru 9. Burger King’s new plant-based burger is known by what name? Impossible Whopper 10. Dumplings native to Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and the Himalayan countries are known by what name, which appears in the name of a culinary brand established by celebrity chef David Chang? Momo PART 2 – Science and Technology 1. After exploring Mars for nearly fifteen years, what NASA rover shut down in February? Opportunity 2. Before flat screens and liquid crystal displays, C.R.T. televisions dominated the market. What does C.R.T. stand for? Cathode Ray Tube 3. In April, scientists in Israel were able to 3-D print what human organ for the first time ever? Heart 4. Coming from the Greek word for “seahorse”, what part of the brain is responsible for long-term memory? Hippocampus 5. Using energy consumption as a basis of measurement, the Kardashev [“CAR-duh-shev] Scale describes “Type One, Type Two, and Type Three” levels of what? A Type Three would effectively harness the energy of an entire galaxy. Civilizations 6. What word from carpentry is the common term for an Einstein-Rosen bridge, a theoretical structure that could connect distant points in space? Wormhole 7. On the Periodic Table, what element with atomic number nineteen is represented by the same letter used to represent a strike-out in baseball? Potassium (they are both represented by the letter K) 8. What sixteen-year-old Swedish climate activist told world leaders, “I don’t want you to be hopeful, I want you to panic”? Greta Thurnberg 9. In April, scientists used a network of telescopes known as an E.H.T.–an Event Horizon Telescope–to capture the first ever images of a what? Black Hole 10. An increase in opioid overdoses in the USA, including the deaths of rapper Mac Miller and Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs, have been linked to the rise of what synthetic drug? Fentanyl PART 1 – History and Geography 1. Which US state capital comes alphabetically last? Trenton, New Jersey 2. Ching Shih was a Chinese woman born around 1775. She was a sex worker and then a widow before becoming what she was best known for–perhaps the single most successful person ever in what occupation? Pirate / Privateer 3. Previously known as East Pakistan, what country to the east of India gained independence in 1971? Bangladesh 4. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican Army over which country at the Battle of Puebla in 1862? France 5. Chadwick Boseman has been cast to play Yasuke on film, who is historically considered the first black person ever to hold what title? Samurai 6. In December 1874, the King of what island made the first visit by a foreign Head of Government to the USA? Hawaii (Hawaiian Kingdom – King Kalakaua) 7. What West African country’s name translates roughly from Portuguese and Spanish to “Mountains of the Lion”? Sierra Leone 8. What country was once the Khmer (Kuh-MARE) empire, which lasted for over six-hundred years and spread Hinduism and Buddhism to much of Asia? Cambodia 9. Who was the last U.S. president to be born in the nineteenth century? Dwight D. Eisenhower (born 1890) 10. What 1967 Supreme Court case struck down all state laws banning interracial marriage? Loving vs. Virginia PART 2 – California/L.A. Local 1. The immigration of Lebanese people to Mexico in the nineteenth and twentieth century is said to have given rise to what style of taco meat similar to shawarma, now common throughout Los Angeles? Al Pastor 2. What sushi restaurant on 1st Street in Little Tokyo shares part of its name with an Irish music artist who has recorded in as many as ten languages? Sushi Enya 3. What 2004 Oscar-winning movie caused pinot noir production in California to increase by one-hundred-seventy percent? Sideways 4. What LA neighborhood is bound by Vermont Avenue on the east, Western Avenue on the west, Third Street on the north, and Olympic Boulevard on the south? Koreatown 5. In the Baldwin Hills / Crenshaw area of LA, a stretch of Rodeo road was recently renamed for whom? Barack Obama 6. What eighty-nine-year-old actor and director was the mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California from 1986 to 2001? Clint Eastwood 7. What LA local chef, who Ali Wong cites as the inspiration for her character in Always Be My Maybe, recently earned two Michelin stars for her restaurant n/naka? Niki Nakayama 8. What would you get if you ordered a Number One at In-N-Out? Double-Double (with cheese!) 9. Each July, Echo Park Lake celebrates the blooming of what flower? Lotus (lotus festival) 10. California governor Gavin Newsome recently signed Assembly Bill 1482 into law, which puts a five-percent yearly cap on what? Rent Increases (Rent Control) ROUND 5 – SUDDEN DEATH (2 or 3 Questions in each category – 20 Questions total) SUDDEN DEATH RULES: By random drawing, one of the tied teams picks a category. One question is asked in that category and all teams write down their answer. Any teams that get the answer incorrect are eliminated immediately. If more than one team answers correctly, the team that submitted their answer fastest chooses the next category. (CURRENT EVENTS) 1. In May, Ted Cruz spoke out in support of a US “Space Force”, citing the need to protect the country against threats from what? (Space) Pirates 2. Ahead of Apple’s Worldwide Development Conference, reports came out that Apple will soon be shuttering services for what app that it launched in 2001? iTunes (POP CULTURE) 3. When PBS and Netflix brought the Great British Bake Off to US TV, they had to change the title to “Great British Baking Show” because the phrase “Bake Off” is trademarked for a competition started in 1949 by what Minneapolis based food brand? Pilsbury 4. Who is the only actor to win an Oscar for portraying a US President? Daniel Day Lewis (for Lincoln) (LITERATURE, LANGUAGE, ART) 5. What best-selling book series, which would go on to spawn its own film franchise, originally began as Twilight fan-fiction? Fifty Shades of Grey 6. What 1899 Kate Chopin novel, set in New Orleans and on the Louisiana Gulf coast famously ends with the female protagonist apparently committing suicide by walking into the ocean? The Awakening 7. In Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, the protagonist is attempting to catch what type of fish? The fish shares its name with another inappropriately named Disney fish. Marlin (SPORTS AND GAMES) 8. Recently, Lebron James surpassed Michael Jordan to become the fourth-highest scoring NBA player of all time. What former LA Laker is first on the list? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 9. Rounders, an outdoor game common in the British Isles since as early as the 1400s, is most similar to which of the five major pro sports in the US? MLB / Baseball 10. Country House beat Maximum Security by disqualification on May Fourth to become the winner of what event? Kentucky Derby (CULTURE, TRADITIONS, FOOD) 11. Yakitori is a Japanese style of skewered meat. What kind of meat is used in yakitori? Chicken 12. What secular holiday is celebrated in Britain, Canada, as well as many former British colonies, the day after Christmas? Boxing Day 13. In Filipino culture (among others), when moving into a new home, it is often considered good luck to put a few of what item in every corner? Coins (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) 14. Titan is the second largest moon in the Solar System and the only known moon that has a significant atmosphere. Its name is appropriate, as it orbits what planet? Saturn – Latinized form of Cronus, leader of the Titans in Greek Mythology 15. Mini Melts and Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream is made by flash freezing droplets in the liquid form of what element, which makes up seventy-eight percent of Earth’s atmosphere? Nitrogen (HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY) 16. When William of Normandy (AKA William the Conqueror) successfully invaded England in 1066 and became king, what romance language became the first language of every monarch for the next three-hundred years? French 17. Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma each feature a region known by what culinary term? Panhandle (LA / CALIFORNIA) 18. What local-favorite late-night LA food stand is named for the street where you’ll find it in Cypress Park? Avenue 26 Tacos 19. What building used to film scenes of the original Blade Runner, is an LA Historic-Cultural Monument and is located on South Broadway, across from Grand Central Market? The Bradbury Building 20. During the 1930s, Walt Disney built his first large studio at the corner of Griffith Park Boulevard and Hyperion Avenue, currently the site of Gelson’s Market, in what LA neighborhood? Silverlake “Quartering of Soldiers” or No Quartering of Soldiers Brasil National Museum in Rio de Janeiro (or National Museum of Brazil, Brazil’s National Museum) Never Again Movement Harvard Ethiopia and Eritrea Sunni Muslim (accept just Muslim) Scott Morrison Dr. Christine Blasey Ford The VW Beetle (accept Bug) Give Birth (Have a Baby) Nicaragua Fan Bingbing Boston Duchess of Sussex (Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex) Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Transportation Mexico City Illegal gay sex (they legalized gay sex) Ireland Win World Cup as both manager (coach) and player Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints The Incredicoaster (themed for The Incredibles) Tiki bar 4 a.m. Dallas Raines Counter Intelligence Vespertine, Providence, Spago, Lukshon, Taco Maria, Spring, Trois Mec, Cassia, Mozzaplex, Rossoblu Shohei Ohtani Chloe Kim Norway Oakland Seals (also: California Seals, California Golden Seals, Bay Area Seals) Charlie Fire Naomi Osaka Military service Hollywood, Sunset, Fountain, Melrose. Akron, Ohio (James’ hometown) Limes Wild Boars Soccer Team (accept Thai Boys Soccer Team or Thai Cave Rescue Soccer Team – Saman was the ex-NAvy Seal who died during rescue operations) Tom Brady Cambridge Analytica Bill Clinton Slouching Towards Bethlehem Smog (accept bad air) Mosquitos Rhode Island (1,212 Square Miles) Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Waffle House Less China Rich Girlfriend Android (Android 9 Pie) Aliens (Intelligent Life, Extra-terrestrials) Reese Witherspoon Google Mars Big Island The Tale of Genji (源氏物語 Genji Monogatari) Kitchen Confidential (Anthony Bourdain) Macau Bird (Lime was founded in San Mateo) Murphy Brown Cinnamon raisin Cardi B Pete Davidson The Skirball Center Scarlett Johansson Lucille Ball (she co-hosted with Desi Arnaz) Killing Eve Battle Royale Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film (Best Popular Film) To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Vibranium Monstress One Direction A Quiet Place The Band’s Visit Priyanka Chopra Rose Tico (accept just Rose) Joy Luck Club Margot Eggplant James Buchanan Alice in Chains Albus Dumbledore (From) Tel Aviv, (To) Jerusalem Vermont (east) and Western (west) Solar Panels (accept Solar Energy, Solar Power, etc) Verizon (He’s the “Can you hear me now?” Guy) The Lord Chamberlain’s Men (Under Elizabeth I), and The King’s Men (Under James VI) Lisa Kumail Nanjiani (for The Big Sick) Atlanta Erik the Red / Erik Thorvaldsson Echolocation Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End 16 (they must win four best-of-seven series) Reservoir Dogs Egypt Station (released September 7, 2018) Numbing spicy Lie down 1.This movie mogul, the founder of two companies with his brother, was fired on earlier this month from the company he launched with his brother after multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. Name him. Harvey Weinstein 2. In the wake of the scandal that followed, actress Alyssa Milano was credited with popularizing what hashtag to bring more awareness to the pervasiveness of sexual harassment and assault against women? #metoo 3. This U.S. soldier, who walked off his base in Afghanistan in 2009, pleaded guilty on Monday to desertion. Name him and give his rank. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl 4. Sadiq Khan has had to deal with a number of terrorism incidents this year. He is the mayor of what international city? London 5. Back home, name both the current Senate majority and Senate minority leaders. Mitch McConnell and Charles (or Chuck) Schumer 6. In the Bill of Rights, the Fifth Amendment assures no double jeopardy while the Sixth Amendment guarantees our right to a fair and speedy trial. What does the Seventh Amendment guarantee?” Right to trial by jury 7. Northern California’s wildfires have now killed more than 40 people, making the week of October 8 the deadliest week of wildfires in state history. Name three of the six counties that were affected. Napa, Lake, Sonoma, Mendocino, Butte, Solano 8. This summer, Alex Honnold became the first person to do a free-solo ascent of a 3,000-foot wall at Yosemite, climbing all 3,000 feet without rope. What is the name of the geographic landmark he scaled? El Capitan 9. In February, Norma McCorvey died at the age of sixty-nine and was saluted for her anti-abortion activism. She was better known by what pseudonym? Jane Roe 10. Also in February, North Korea was suspected of orchestrating the assassination of Kim Jong Un’s half brother at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia. What was the half brother’s name? Kim Jong Nam 11. Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel made headlines in August for decrying the growing humanitarian crisis in his home country. Name the country. Venezuela 12. According to Forbes, the eight richest men in the world are collectively worth a staggering $426 billion. They include the likes of Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Jeff Bezos. Only two of these men are not American. Name one of them. Carlos Slim or Amancio Ortega 13. On October 4, big-time hedge-fund manager Michael Novogratz joined the board of advisors for a new token-exchange project based on a digital currency similar to Bitcoin. Name it. Ethereum 14. To celebrate International Women’s Day in March, what nation became the first country in the world to require equal pay for men and women? Iceland 15. A pop-up museum has proven so popular in LA that its residency has been extended more than five times, It will now staying in the city through December. What is it a museum of? Ice Cream [The Museum of Ice Cream] 16. Arizona Senator John McCain had a blood clot removed above his left eye earlier this year. When doctors diagnosed him, they found he had a certain type of brain tumor. What is the scientific name for that tumor? Glioblastoma 17. An untitled 1982 painting of a skull sold for $110.5 million at an auction in May, making it the 6th-most-expensive painting sold at auction. Only 10 other works have ever topped the $110 million mark, putting this artist in league with Francis Bacon and Pablo Picasso. What is the full name of this artist? Jean-Michel Basquiat 18. Old Ironsides is the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. It is more formally known by what name? USS Constitution 19. A new study says that nearly 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 6 children are obese. What state ranked as the most obese? West Virginia 20. Real estate tycoon Robert Durst is standing trial for murder, The case is now in the preliminary hearing phase in L.A. Name the crime writer he is accused of killing, and the year he is accused of killing her. Susan Berman, 2000. 1. Millions of Americans witnessed a rare coast-to-coast solar eclipse this summer. The lucky ones experienced a few minutes of daytime darkness if they were situated along the path of what? The path of totality 2. This summer, the Food and Drug Administration approved a cancer treatment drug that uses gene therapy to turn a patient’s own cells into medicine. What is the name of this drug? Kymriah 3. NASA’s Cassini spacecraft ended its 13-year exploration of Saturn this year by burning itself up in the planet’s atmosphere. The suicide maneuver was intended to prevent the possible contamination of two moons that scientists think could be hospitable to life. Name the two moons. Titan and Enceladus 4. Cassini wasn’t the only spacecraft to be deliberately crashed into something in the past year. What European Space Agency probe was crashed into a comet known as 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (CHU-RU-MOV YEH-RA-SEE-MENG-KUH)? Rosetta 5. The Four Corners Monument is the only point in the U.S. shared by four states. Name the capitals of those four states. Phoenix, Denver, Santa Fe, Salt Lake City 6. In Stephen King’s book-turned-blockbuster-film “It,” a clown named Pennywise feeds off of the fears of children living in what town? Derry 7. Almost 90 percent of Catalan voters backed independence from Spain this month. Name two of the four provinces in Catalonia. Barcelona, Girona, Lleido, Tarragona 8. The winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature wrote 1989’s “The Remains of the Day,” which became a film starring Anthony Hopkins. What is the full name of the author? Kazuo Ishiguro 9. Since 2009, a growing number of scientists argue that humans have changed the planet so much that we now live in a distinct geological time period. What is the name they have given this new time period? The Anthropocene epoch 10. Five years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, the British surrendered on October 19, 1781. Name the town and state in which that happened. Yorktown, Pennsylvania 11. What did scientists do last New Year’s Eve to keep the official atomic clocks in sync with the rotation of the Earth? They added a leap second to the last minute of 2016. 12. The young adult novel “Mirror Mirror,” a mystery that deals with bullying and gender identity, was released this month. It is the debut work of a supermodel and actress. Name her. Cara Delevingne 13. What is the name of the Pulitizer Prize-winning book critic at the New York Times whose resignation in July sent shockwaves through the publishing industry? Michiko Kakutani 14. What African nation boasts the most pyramids in the world? Sudan 15. The author of “The Fault in Our Stars” just released his latest novel this month. Name the author and the book title. John Green, “Turtles All The Way Down” 16. In April, scientists said they had discovered mastodon bones that appeared to have been scavenged by people 115,000 years before humans were thought to have arrived in North America. Where were the bones found? San Diego 17. Canada, our neighbor to the north, is made up of how many provinces? 10 18. Business and self-help writer Spencer Johnson died in July at the age of 78. He is best known for his 1998 guide to change, featuring two mice, that sold more than 28 million copies. What is the name of that bestseller? “Who Moved My Cheese?” 19. Super-popular kids’ collectibles Shopkins was created by a company called Moose Toys, which is based in what city and what country? Melbourne, Australia 20. In February, NASA announced the discovery of a star called Trappist-1 that is orbited by how many Earth-sized planets? Seven 1. What actress was named People Magazine’s Most Beautiful Woman in the World in 2017, landing her a record-setting fifth title? Julia Roberts 2. What Scandinavian city is the setting for the 2017 Tony award winner for Best Play? Oslo 3. At 14 nominations, “La La Land” tied “Titanic” and what other movie for most Oscar nominations ever? “All About Eve” 4. Which former Laker hired “Star Wars” composer John Williams to score a short film with the working title “Dear Basketball”? Kobe Bryant 5. Which original “Hamilton” cast member of Puerto Rican descent used a Twitter storm to challenge President Trump’s management of Hurricane Maria recovery efforts? Lin-Manuel Miranda 6. What won best musical at the 2017 Tony Awards? “Dear Evan Hansen” 7. What is the title of the musical coming to L.A. next year that is loosely inspired by the childhood internment camp experience of George Takei? “Allegiance” 8. Name the presenter who first announced “La La Land” as the 2017 Academy Award winner for best picture? Faye Dunaway 9. Which filmmaker moved his planned art museum from San Francisco to Chicago before finally settling on Los Angeles? George Lucas 10. An original painting from which Disneyland attraction sold at auction this year for $172,500? The Haunted Mansion 11. Which Shakespeare play was staged in New York’s Central Park this summer with a decidedly Trump-like central character? “Julius Caesar” 12. According to Box Office Mojo, what is, to date, the highest-grossing film of 2017? We’re talking domestic gross here. “Beauty and the Beast” 13. In February 2017, Adele became only the second woman to win two Grammys for Album of the Year. Who was the first? Taylor Swift 14. Hulu won five Emmy Awards this year for the hit TV series based on Margaret Atwood’s book “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Name the actress who plays the main character. Spelling counts. Elisabeth Moss 15. Sofia Coppola became the second woman to win best director at Cannes Film Festival in the festival’s 71-year history. Name the film she won for. “The Beguiled” 16. Prince Harry is dating Meghan Markle. What TV show did she allegedly quit amid rumors of their engagement? “Suits” 17. NBC’s “The Voice” is currently airing its 13th season. Name the new judge who was announced for the 14th season. Kelly Clarkson 18. The founder of Playboy, Hugh Hefner, died at 91 in September. Who did he feature on the cover of the first Playboy in 1953? Marilyn Monroe 19. Beyonce gave birth to twins this year. What are their names? And who is their big sister? Rumi and Sir. Blue Ivy 20. Netflix revealed that “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” is the show people binge-watched the fastest on the streaming service. What series was named runner-up? “Fuller House” 1. The Chargers moved to the Los Angeles area this year. What is the name of the stadium in which they currently play? StubHub Center 2. California in 2016 raised the age to buy cigarettes from 18 to 21, becoming the second state to do so. What was the first state? Hawaii 3. With his win at the U.S. Open this year, how many Grand Slam titles does tennis player Rafael Nadal have? 16 4. What clothing store is nearest Donald Trump’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Forever 21 5. Paris was picked to host the 2024 Olympics. Name one other year the city of light has hosted the Summer Games? 1900 or 1924 6. Name the popular Instagram spot at Calaveras Big Trees State Park that was brought down by a storm early this year. Pioneer Cabin Tunnel Tree 7. A New York Yankee became the second major leaguer ever to hit at least 40 home runs in his rookie year. What is his name and what is the name of the first player to achieve that mark? Aaron Judge and Mark McGwire 8. What is the name of the mascot that some activists want removed from Cal State University, Long Beach? Prospect Pete 9. City officials projected the Batman signal on Los Angeles City Hall in honor of “Batman” actor Adam West, who died this year. What year was City Hall built? 1928 10. Pranksters in 2017 changed the Hollywood sign to read “Hollyweed,” but it happened once before. In what year did “Hollyweed” first appear? 1976 11. Speaking of which, what’s the name for the tri-county area in Northern California region considered the largest cannabis-producing region in the United States? Emerald Triangle 12. What baseball team broke the American League record for consecutive wins this season? Cleveland Indians 13. What swear word did Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti use in his speech at the 2014 L.A. Kings victory party at Staples Center? Fucking 14. What infamous downtown hotel near 7th Street and Main was granted historic-cultural landmark status by the City Council this year? Hotel Cecil or Stay on Main (former and current name) 15. Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball has two younger brothers who also play basketball. What are their names? LiAngelo and LaMelo 16. The Wilshire Grand is now the tallest building in Los Angeles, as well as the tallest building west of the Mississippi. What is now the second-tallest building in Los Angeles? U.S. Bank Tower 17. California named its official state dinosaur this year. What is the taxonomical name of this dinosaur? Augustynolophus morrisi 18. The Los Angeles Dodgers lost to the Cubs in the NL Championship Series in 2016. How many games did the series last? 6 19. Longtime politician Xavier Becerra was picked as California’s Attorney General by Gov. Jerry Brown. In what city did Becerra launch an unsuccessful run for mayor in 2001? Los Angeles 20. In the 1987 Motley Crue ode to strip clubs, Vince Neil sings of LA establishments, “Girls girls girls, Body Shop and the Marble Arch, girls, girls, girls, BLANK is where I lost my heart.” Fill in the blank. Tropicana or Tropicana’s 1. Groundhog Day is a bizarre American tradition that’s been going on for more than a century. What’s the name of the groundhog, town name included? Spelling counts. Punxsutawney Phil 2. A 12-year-old ventriloquist won this year’s “America’s Got Talent” competition. What is her name? Darci Lynne Farmer 3. After leaving Fox News, Megyn Kelly jumped ship to NBC. Who was the first person she interviewed on her NBC premiere? Vladimir Putin 4. The United States’ first president was George Washington. Who is generally regarded as Britain’s first prime minister? Robert Walpole 5. The 2017 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine went to a group that studied biological clocks. What animals did they use in their experiments? Fruit flies. (We will accept “drosophila,” their scientific name.) 6. U.S. Representative Jim Bridenstine of Oklahoma is President Trump’s pick to lead NASA. Where does Bridenstine want to set up a fuel-mining operation? The moon 7. This year’s Nobel Prize in physics went to three scientists who led an experiment known as LIGO (LEE-GO). What does LIGO look for? Gravitational waves 8. The Dodgers made a big splash this summer when they acquired a Japanese pitcher from the Texas Rangers to bolster their rotation. Name him. Yu Darvish 9. What are the two official languages of the country of Pakistan? Urdu and English 10. The villain known as the Mole Man first appeared in Issue No. 1 of what Marvel comic book series? The Fantastic Four 1. After 67 years calling Dodgers games from Ebbets Field to Chavez Ravine, this Hall of Fame broadcaster retired. Name him. Vin Scully 2. October 17 marked the 27th anniversary of what earthquake, which shook the Bay Area? Loma Prieta earthquake (some slight misspellings allowed) 3. The government of Ecuador directed its London embassy to do what to long-term guest Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks? Cut off his internet access 4. Last week, the world’s longest-reigning monarch died at age 88 after 70 years on the throne. Name him and the official name of his country at the start of his reign. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Siam (or simply Bhumibol or Adulyadej) 5. For a hot minute, America fell in love with an undecided voter at the second presidential debate. Name … the brand of the red sweater worn by Ken Bone. Izod 6. Who is the vice-presidential running mate for Green Party candidate Jill Stein? Ajamu Baraka 7. A popular ride at Disney’s California Adventure will close in January. What is the name of this ride, and what Marvel property will be the theme of the new attraction? Guardians of the Galaxy 8. At the final Democratic presidential primary debate in April, only Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders remained. Name the three other candidates who vied with them at the first debate in October 2015. Lincoln Chafee, Martin O’Malley, Jim Webb 9. The Republican field was much more crowded, of course. How many candidates did the GOP have at the time of the first debate in August 2015? 17 10. Originally created in 1939, the now-famous “Keep Calm and Carry On” slogan was never actually used during World War II. Rediscovered and unveiled in 2000, the iconic poster bears an image of the crown of which British king? King George VI or King George the Sixth 11. A design of a corn maze in Chino, California, celebrates the 50th anniversary of what animated TV special? We are looking for its title. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” 12. In August, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the final concert for the band fronted by Gord Downie, who is battling brain cancer. What is the name of this band, one Trudeau said would be “forever in our hearts and playlists”? The Tragically Hip 13. In September, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature reclassified the status of the giant panda from “endangered” to “vulnerable.” What is the scientific name of the giant panda? Ailuropoda melanoleuca (also accepted Ailuropoda only) 14. Two seemingly unrelated personalities teamed up to write a controversial op-ed in the August 31 edition of the Wall Street Journal railing against the dangers of pornography. Name them. Pamela Anderson, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach 15. In 1883, Dutch researcher Emil Hansen discovered that undrinkable beer was caused by contamination from wild yeast strains. He isolated a single cell of favorable yeast to create a pure culture that, along with its descendants, has been used ever since to brew what popular style of beer? Lager 16. The Olympic flag with five interlocking rings on a white background was designed in 1912 by whom? Pierre de Coubertin 17. On October 14, it was announced that what San Diego-based company will provide power to 14 Navy and Marine Corps bases across California? Sempra 18. Who was the prime minister of the United Kingdom at the start of 2016, and what is the name of the current U.K. prime minister? David Cameron, Theresa May 19. In the middle of a concert, Kanye West found out that his wife, Kim Kardashian West, staying in Paris, was tied up, locked in a bathroom and robbed of millions in jewelry. He told the crowd, “I’m sorry. I have a family emergency. I have to stop the show.” What song was Kanye in the middle of performing when he said that quote and left? “Heartless” 20. What is the name of the storm that slammed into China’s southern island province of Hainan on Tuesday? Typhoon Sarika 1. In September, a team of U.S. doctors introduced the first baby born from “three-parent fertilization,” a technique used to avoid a genetic disease carried by the mother. In what country was this baby born? Mexico 2. Name the longest river in Asia that does not flow through any part of China. Lena River 3. South Korea has about 3,000 islands. What is the name of the country’s largest island? Jeju or Jeju-do 4. A centerpiece of the Dinosaur Hall at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum is a 34-foot-long skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex named for the brother of schoolteacher Robert Curry, who found the bones in Montana. What is the T. rex’s name? Thomas 5. Thanks to its unusually fast motion, about 2.7 inches northward a year, what continent will have to update its latitude and longitude later this year by about 5 feet in order to line up with its GPS coordinates? Australia 6. Emily Blunt currently stats as the protagonist of the film version of bestselling thriller “The Girl on the Train.” Who is the novel’s author? Paula Hawkins 7. Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize for literature last week. Among his most cited lyrics is “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” What 1965 song does that line come from? “Subterranean Homesick Blues” 8. Manzanar, California, is widely known as a site of a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Name the county in which it is located. Inyo County 9. Bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz uses that name to write suspense romance novels and her maiden name Jayne Castle to write futurist romance. What pen name does she use to write historical romance? Amanda Quick 10. This Atlantic nation, a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark, can claim to have the most Nobel winners per capita: 1 per 48,000 residents. Name the nation. Faroe Islands 11. Julianne Moore may be an Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress, but she is also the writer of a popular children’s book series starring what character? Freckleface Strawberry 12. Everest and K2 are the highest mountain peaks in the world. The third-highest is in the Himalayan mountain range between Nepal and India. Name it. Kangchenjunga 13. On Wednesday night, an unusual lunar event was visible over large portions of the U.S. in which the waning gibbous moon passed over the large orange star of Aldebaran. What is the name of this event? An occultation (also accepted Blood Moon or Hunter’s Moon) 14. A visiting archaeologist announced last month that he had made a startling discovery in a medieval castle on the island of Okinawa. What 10 copper things did he suspect he found? Roman coins (also accepted simply coins) 15. Vietnam is bordered by the South China Sea as well as two gulfs. Name them. Gulf of Tonkin, Gulf of Thailand 16. Motoko Kusanagi is the protagonist for what 1990s manga series? “Ghost in the Shell” 17. This month, the FAST radio telescope came online in China. At 500 meters in diameter, it is the largest radio telescope in the world. What have scientists nicknamed this device? The Eye of Heaven or Heavenly Eye 18. Viet Thanh Nguyen received this year’s Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his debut novel. What is its title? “The Sympathizer” 19. What two countries sit on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola? Haiti, Dominican Republic 20. If you suffer from alektorophobia, which farm animal are you scared of? Chickens (and like fowl, such as roosters) 1. By popular demand, Funko Pop! TV has just released the “Golden Girls” vinyl figure collection. What are the first names of the four Miami-based characters from the 1990s sitcom? Rose, Dorothy, Blanche, Sophia 2. Former One Direction member Zayn Malik has been named the new designer for what fashion line? Versus Versace 3. 2016 brought to the box office the highest-grossing R-rated animated film of all time. Name the film. “Sausage Party” 4. How many Tony Awards did Lin-Manuel Miranda’s phenomenon “Hamilton” win? 11 5. In the 1976 Steve Miller Band song “Rock’n Me,” Miller sings, “I went from Phoenix, Arizona, all the way to Tacoma,” and then what three cities before he goes to Northern California? Philadelphia, Atlanta, L.A. 6. Esquire magazine just named “2 Dope Queens” the most essential podcast of 2016. Name the two Brooklyn comedians who host the show. Phoebe Robinson, Jessica Williams 7. In June, toy company Hasbro produced an action figure in the image of Candace Payne. By what nickname is Payne better known? The Chewbacca Mom 8. The American Dialect Society annually names a Word of the Year. For 2012, it was “hashtag.” For 2014, the winner was an actual hashtag. Name it. #BlackLivesMatter 9. Who was the first artist to do “Carpool Karaoke” with James Corden on “The Late Late Show”? Mariah Carey 10. “Saturday Night Live” kicked off its 42nd season on October 1. Actress Margot Robbie was the host. Who was the musical guest, and who is the musical guest dating? The Weeknd, Bella Hadid 11. What is the name of the character Rami Malek plays in the USA Network show “Mr. Robot”? Elliot Anderton (Note: Our answer key and thus emcee gave this wrong answer. The correct answer is Elliot Alderson, but we accepted Anderton and Elliot.) 12. With what piece of music did conductor Gustavo Dudamel open the Carnegie Hall season on October 3? “The Rite of Spring” 13. The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., last month. What is the name of the architect for the building? Philip Freelon 14. Speaking of museums, a unique one opened in June on the site of the old Frederick’s of Hollywood lingerie store on Hollywood Boulevard. It consists of artifacts reflecting lost love. What is the name of this museum? The Museum of Broken Relationships 15. Which Gilbert and Sullivan opera is set in Venice? “The Gondoliers” 16. Who is the current president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences? Cheryl Boone Isaacs 17. Derek Zoolander can devastate with his looks Blue Steel and Magnum, but what is the name of the look his son Derek. Jr unleashes at the end of “Zoolander 2”? El Niño 18. What is the name of the company that unleashed Pokémon Go on the world? Niantic 19. Who was named the United Nations’ Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls? Wonder Woman 20. The original “Star Trek” TV series celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. It lasted three seasons but has produced five spin-offs. Name, in chronological order, those five spin-offs, including the one launching in 2017. “The Next Generation,” “Deep Space Nine,” “Voyager,” “Enterprise,” “Discovery” 1. When the Los Angeles Rams left the region in 1994, Chuck Knox was the team’s head coach. He has also been head coach of two other NFL teams. Name them. Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills 2. Taekwondo athlete Pita Taufatofua became a viral video sensation after he appeared all greased up while carrying his country’s flag in the Olympic opening ceremonies in Rio. What country does he represent? Tonga 3. Kobe Bryant wore two numbers during his career with the Lakers. What number was he wearing in 2006 during the game against the Toronto Raptors in which he scored 81 points? No. 8 4. What is the motto for the city of Palm Springs? “The People Are the City” 5. California cities and towns are famous for holding festivals for everything from garlic to roses. What California town has celebrated poison oak in an annual show for the last 30 years? Columbia 6. In 1979, the National Hockey League announced that it would no longer allow incoming players to forgo helmets. Those players with existing contracts could go helmet-less if they signed a waiver. Who was the last NHL hockey player to go without a helmet, and what team did he play for? Craig MacTavish, St. Louis Blues 7. What is the most widely produced wine varietal in California? Chardonnay 8. An American brother-sister duo won the silver medal in ice dancing at the 2016 World Figure Skating Championships and became the highest-ranked team of ice dancers of Asian heritage in world championships history. What is their last name? Shibutani 9. What Los Angeles County city erected a 26-foot monument in 2010 that was inspired by both the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and a Spanish castle? Alhambra 10. Former Yankee Alex Rodriguez holds the record for career grand slams with 25. Name the two players who are tied for most grand slams in one season. Don Mattingly, Travis Haffner 11. What is the quote inscribed above the public doorway in Los Angeles City Hall’s John Ferraro Council Chamber? “Law is reason without passion” 12. What is the combined age of California’s two current U.S. senators? 158 13. Joseph Schooling won Singapore’s first-ever Olympic gold medal when he prevailed in the 100-meter butterfly in Rio. Another record-making mark in that race — the next three swimmers tied for silver. Who were they? Michael Phelps, Chad le Clos, Lazslo Czeh 14. What is depicted inside the six-pointed star within the insignia for the L.A. County Sheriff’s Office? A grizzly bear (or simply bear) 15. What town in Nevada County holds an annual memorial to the Donner Party, a group of ill-fated pioneers who met disaster in the mid-1800s? Truckee 16. Name the men’s and women’s champions of Wimbledon this year. Andy Murray, Serena Williams 17. The International Olympic Committee agreed to add baseball, softball and karate to its lineup for Tokyo 2020. It also agreed to three other sports designed to appeal to a younger audience. What are they? Skateboarding, sports climbing, surfing 18. According to the National Park Service, what is the maximum number of people, including children, allowed per campsite at Yosemite National Park? 6 19. For the first time in its 132-year history, which club won this year’s English Premier League, overcoming 5,000-to-1 odds? Leicester City 20. In 2013, musician Dave Grohl directed a documentary about legendary recording studio Sound City, which was located in what L.A. neighborhood? Van Nuys “Happy Birthday to You” or “Happy Birthday” Ankara Rowan County Porsche Spain antibiotics Griffith Observatory hors d’oeuvres plate. Also accepted was “appetizers” Ellen Pao Bellingham Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day Bei Bei Réunion Island Jon Batiste and Stay Human blue, green, and red Fort Benning Tianjin The Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet. The Quartet acceptable Sylmar Brunei and Singapore Pistol and Boo El Faro PewDiePie Ecuador Kunduz Monrovia Westlake/Macarthur Park Lake County Tom Hanks The Chukchi Sea 2002 Samori The Crimean War Santa Maria (with 101,000. Santa Barbara nearly 90,000) Buck Southern Oscillation What Pet Should I Get? Las Vegas and Honolulu Agloe Queen Victoria Blue oak tree rings. Tree rings okay. Just “trees” not acceptable. Nebraska Pathfinder. “Mars probe or Mars rover” not acceptable New Horizons Guatemala A beaver Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger 4B Oranges. Orange Juice okay. Just “juice” is not acceptable Denise Hae Min Lee Yayoi Kusama Denmark “Catastrophe” Gretl, Marta, Brigitta and Kurt Chile BB-8 American Ballet Theatre Nick Fradiani Benedict Cumberbatch Best Coast Usain Bolt Wilt Chamberlain, 13, Kansas Teemu Selanne Lauren Holiday or Tobin Heath Zamboni The Industrial City *This question was not used in the scoring because of the confusing way the question was phrased. Marquette Frye. Will accept Marquette Price as Frye later changed his name. Southwest, American, Delta, then United Wild Card Gym or Wild Card Boxing Club, or just Wild Card 14 Dan Campbell 1992 Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova La Mirada bay, rocks, sleeps George Sunset Boulevard Spain Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher Orland Officer Daniel Andrew; Marlene Pinnock; and the 10 freeway September 30 Dog Rock fire West Lothian 68 Helen Mirren Alcatraz C.Y. Leung (Chung-ying Leung) Polo and Rachel La Traviata Agilent Technologies (or just Agilent) Jeremy Meeks Helmut Kohl, Gerhard Schröeder, Angela Merkel Fiat (or Fiat Group) The Bob Barker Robert Lopez Five teams Ludwig I Bradley Cooper The Maelstrom William Henry Harrison Pinnacles Harry Potter Ello The U.S. Department of the Treasury “Baby Doc” Audra McDonald Charmmy Kitty Vivienne Westwood Outkast and Arcade Fire XX Pro, or X Pro, and Valencia The Plastics Steve Aoki The Sting Miranda Will Gardner, played by Josh Charles Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck and Chris Pine Salacious Crumb Long and Tipperary George Condo Zürich Death Eratosthenes Velella Haiti, Honduras, Hungary Hazel and Augustus Pokemon! P.L. Travers Zagreb, Croatia The Mysterious Island The Khyber Pass A parliament Beelzebub 2,000 Newton, or N. Peter Portugal National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Kathy Fiscus Deborah Sussman Hanley Ramirez Lauryn Williams The University of Maryland, Rutgers University, and 14 San Diego State University The Legion of Boom (or LOB) Dan Blocker Alma del Barrio Kacy Catanzaro That 70’s Line Speedee disco, country club Eric Garcetti Sinead OʼConnor William Swenson Blue Toyota Tacoma Zara Wendi Deng an oarfish The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (also ok: Affordable Care Act) Dick Durbin Craigslist Booz Allen Hamilton or Booz Allen Hassan Rouhani Tony Abbott Moore Canada Henrietta Lacks HP (or Hewlett-Packard); BofA (or Bank of America) or Alcoa. Dominique Ansel Bakery. (Ansel Bakery and Ansel okay. Dominque NOT okay) Senegal San Francisco British Petroleum, or BP Leicester Boylston Street Dynamite A blue-footed booby Student Nonviolence Coordinating Committee or Student National Coordinating Committee Jeff Koons Bai Yun Stanislaus National Forest 1848 Get Shorty BRCA1 or BRCA parbuckling Pandemonium The Earth and the Sun A ferrule Edgar Rice Borroughs Fitzwilliam A cygnet; flapper also acceptable. Grenadine Giacomo Puccini Julienning, or to julienne Bangladesh Reseda San Nicholas Oh No Mary Lambert “In Your Eyes” Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Phil and Lil Pretty Little Liars Edward Woodward Argo The Red Wedding Dear Daniel (Daniel Starr or Daniel acceptable) Maverick, Goose and Iceman H&M High Society Scum and villainy A1A Car Wash 1964 The Conn-Smythe Trophy Trey Burke axel, lutz, salchow Nnamdi Asomugha Paris Saint-Germain 66 5, 8, 10, 15, 40, 80 Norwalk Huy Fong Foods, Inc. or Huy Fong Oklahoma and Tennessee Rosemead Blvd. Will accept Route 19 Merced Supersonics (Seattle okay) Right Turn, Red Light
If, at any point, every team misses a question, they all continue playing. The last team to choose the category chooses again. This continues (quickly) until there is only one team remaining. The “last team standing” wins the tie-breaker.
2018
2017
2016
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (also accepted Tower of Terror)
2015
Grasshopper Cup Tiebreaker
2014
2013