Cordova Saucer computer hacked; next week’s trivia questions stolen

HA!  Success!  After dodging a few firewalls, I managed to hack into the computers at the Cordova Flying Saucer, where I found the questions for their Tuesday trivia night next week.  Questions are below.  (Note to Downtown Saucer trivia players:  These are not the same questions asked Downtown.  Each location has to tailor its questions to fit the intellect of the surrounding area.)

Bonus Beer (5 extra points):  On this day in 1982, lots of people drank a Bud Light while watching baseball.  Buy a Bud Light for 5 additional points.

1. (1 point)  George H.W. Bush was President of the United States in the 1980s-1990s.  He had a son who was President in the 2000s.  Name the son.

2. (2 points)  The Chevrolet Corvette, the Honda Civic, and the Chrysler 300 are all examples of what type of vehicle?

3. (3 points)  Leonardo DiCaprio starred in a movie about the Titanic, a ship that hit an iceberg and sank.  What was the name of the movie?

4. (4 points) Name the famous rodent who starred in many Disney features, and who serves as an ambassador for the Disney brand.  (Trivia Master’s note:  Will probably have to give them a hint that I’m looking for a mouse.  Most likely they won’t know what “rodent” means.)

5. (5 points) This organ, found in the human body, beats 60-100 times per minute and pumps blood to all parts of the body.  Name the organ.

6. (6 points) In the 1960s, Andy Griffith starred in a sitcom which featured characters such as Aunt Bee, Barney, and Goober.  Name the show.

Round 1 bonus (10 points):  This animal is found in Australia.  It has a pouch and hops on two legs.  Name the animal.

7. (1 point each) Name two numbers that are smaller than 3.

8. (4 points) What sandwich is made of a round patty of meat in between two buns, and is often topped with items such as pickles, cheese, and mustard?

9. (6 points) The Cubs and White Sox baseball teams are located in what city?

10. (8 points) Huge lizard-like reptiles roamed the earth 100 million years ago.  What were these called?

11. (10 points) Question for computer nerds:  If you wanted to print documents and photos from your computer, what type of device would you buy?

12. (12 points) Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir are types of what beverage?  (Trivia Master’s note:  This one may stump the entire room.  If it does, give them a hint and tell them that Boone’s Farm Strawberry is another type of this beverage)

Round 2 bonus (2 points each):  There are 50 states in the United States of America.  Name 10 of them.  (Trivia Master’s note:  Give them a hint and tell them that “Memphis” is not a state.)

13. (3 points) Santa Claus is typically associated with what holiday?

14. (6 points) What famous rock’n’roll star lived in a mansion called Graceland?

15. (9 points) What are games like Go Fish, poker, and gin rummy played with?  (MY note:  “playing cards” obviously is the answer, but if this question were asked at the Downtown Saucer, “beer” and “liquor” would also have to be taken as correct answers)

16. (12 points) What celestial body, considered a planet for over 70 years, is now classified as a “dwarf planet” or “pluton?”

17. (15 points) Sombreros, margaritas, and Mexican beers like Corona are associated with what country?  (Trivia Master’s note:  May have to take “USA” for partial credit if people complain that a lot of people here drink margaritas and Corona.  At least give them credit for knowing the USA is a country.)

18. (18 points) Theodore Roosevelt was a colonel in the “Rough Riders” in the Spanish-American War of 1898.  Name the two countries that fought in this war.

Round 3 bonus (30 points):  HUD is an acronym for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  If you spelled the letters of HUD backward, what would you have?  (Trivia Master’s note:  Give them a hint and tell them to go with their first thought on this one)

HAHAHA!  Information is power!  With advance knowledge of the questions, I may have to put a team together and head to Cordova Tuesday night.

Peabody rooftop party info for tonight

The Peabody sent me info about tonight’s rooftop party.  Theme tonight will be “Latin Nights” with featured beers Dos Equis (woohoo!), Miller Chill, and Sol.  There will be a make-your-own nacho bar available for all rooftop guests.  Treats in the VIP area will include chicken quesadillas, beef empanadas, and tortilla chips and salsa.  Free food?  Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up.

They also sent me some aerial shots of last week’s party, taken from a helicopter.  Here is one of those images:

Looks like storms are a’brewin for Saturday

A good account to follow on Twitter is @memphisweather1.  Forecasts, current conditions, etc.  They have a good way of taking meterological jargon and translating into layman’s terms, all in 140 characters.  Which they did this afternoon, when they said that conditions are ripe for severe weather for Saturday.  That could spell trouble for Memphis Brewfest, although I believe it will be held under the sheltered areas of Autozone Park, rather than the field.

Just posted to my poker blog for the first time in a couple of weeks.  I played a Sit’n’Go last night and dropped all the way to a paltry 10 chips, yet managed to make a comeback and become the chip leader within one orbit of the blinds.

I don’t think I’m going to post the Harmonica Bum video after all… sorry for teasing it and then not posting.  I could give a rat’s ass about HB, but I’m afraid the video would prove embarrassing to other people in the video who were extremely drunk at the time.  Damn I’ve been downright nice about not posting embarrassing pics lately… hey that reminds me, I have a pic of Brick making a face that I never posted.

That’s all for now… rare night with no plans.  Too nice out to stay home though.

Wed update: Blues Ball Cinco de Mayo, DJ Icey @ Rehab, Harbor Town block party, more

The Blues Ball is having their annual Spring Auction/Cinco de Mayo celebration at The Warehouse on Wednesday, May 5. General admission tickets are $50 and include great food and fun drinks. Attire is “Mexican Caliente.” Call 901-527-5683 for tickets.

DJ Icey will play Rehab Disco this Saturday, April 24. He’ll be supported by DJ Loki and Rehab resident DJ Scotty B. $10 admission, with ladies free until 11 and Rehab VIP cardholders free all night.

There’s a Harbor Town Block Party this Saturday, from 2 PM to 10 PM, benefitting LeBonheur. During the day there will be an obstacle course, moon bounce, face painting, a pie eating contest and a bunch of other crap kids like. Grizzlies dancers and players will be there too. By night, it’ll be time for the adults to get drunk and listen to live music. Prizes will be given away including a night at the River Inn, a Grizzlies autographed basketball, gift cards, and more. $5 for adults, free for kids.

The Rapscallions AGAIN dominated trivia last night, winning another $50 first-place certificate. Counting our Easter keg money, that brings us to a massive $525 for the next party.

First question, for 1 point, was, “What country’s volcano shut down air traffic across Europe last week?” “That’s even worth one point? That should be an elimination question,” a teammate commented.

“Maybe Pete should make an announcement,” I replied. “If you missed this question, you’re too stupid to play trivia here. The bus is waiting outside to take you to the Cordova Saucer to play their trivia.”

Lunchtime.  Time to explore the restaurants of Southaven and Horn Lake.  Possibly another post after work.

Tue update 2: CCC candidates, MFM dinner @ Felicia’s, Wine Dinner @ Mesquite, Peabody rooftop schedule, Beale Street East End party

The Memphis City Council reports that the Center City Commission has narrowed its search for a new CEO to eight candidates, four of whom are from Memphis. Among the finalists are Andy Kitsinger, the CCC’s current vice-president of planning and development; City Council member and former Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery; attorney and former CCC Board Chairman Paul Morris; and Rick Masson, executive director of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. There are also candidates from Las Vegas, San Jose, Orlando, and Apple Valley, CA who will be interviewing.

The Memphis Farmers Market will have its first Dinner Tour tomorrow, Wednesday, April 21, at Felicia Suzanne’s at 6:30 PM. The dinner will feature MFM products including Pecans from Delta Pecans, Goat Cheese from Bonnie Blue Farm, Produce from Whitton Flower & Produce Company, Short Ribs from Neola Farms, Organic Chicken from West Wind Farms, and Honey from Peace Bee Farm. $30 fee does not include spirits, but you can bring your own or take advantage of their Lolonis wine special – choice of four wines from the winery for $7.50 a glass or $30 a bottle. Call (901) 523-0877 for reservations. Here’s a link to an interview with Felicia about the dinner.

There’s also going to be a wine dinner tomorrow night at Mesquite Chop House. 1st course: Mesquite grilled duck spring salad; 2nd course: savory smoked beef tenderloin crepe; 3rd course: Neiman Farms slow roasted pork; 4th course: lemon ice box pie, with mango sorbet. Each course will be paired with wine. $55, call 901-527-5337 for reservations.

The Peabody has now announced its Thursday night rooftop party lineup through July 1. Here it is:

April 22: Rhoney G
April 29: Party Planet
May 6: Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster
May 13: Kevin & Bethany Paige
May 20: The Venus Mission
May 27: Andy Childs
June 3: Mudflap Kings
June 10: Gabby Johnson
June 17: The Living Daylights
June 24: Taco and Da Mofos
July 1: Aquanet

I have more details about the Beale Street East End grand opening party that will take place Thursday the 22nd from 6 to 9 PM. You can buy $5 wristbands, which get you

  • Admission to all the East End clubs
  • 2 for 1 drink specials at all the East End clubs
  • Appetizer samplers. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up.
  • Art show at the Withers Gallery

MPACT Memphis gets 1/3 of the wristband proceeds for the night. The event also benefits Volunteer Memphis and Knowledge Quest.

I still have more, but it’s time for trivia.  It’ll have to wait until later tonight or tomorrow.

Tue update: Wing results, job opportunity, SOB brunch menu, Circa

The Commercial Appeal had an article this morning listing the winners of last Saturday’s Hot Wing Fest. “You Are the Ranch Beneath My Wings” took first, “Wing-a-Palooza” took second, and “Bell Bottom Barbeque” took third. Zane Bryson from the Buccaneer team won the hot wing eating contest, eating 55 wings.

Looking for a job? I know of a recruiter looking for Outlook support analysts (i.e. help desk) at $15/hour for a 3-6 month contract. Shoot me an e-mail at paul@paulryburn.com if interested, and I’ll get you in touch with her.

South of Beale’s Sunday brunch menu is now online. Have a look at it here. Brunch starts this Sunday, April 25… you could hit their brunch early, then walk up to Beale Street for Wine Race at 1.

You may have heard that Circa is having an intimate 4-course wine dinner for 16 tomorrow night, April 21. The dinner is sold out, but John Bragg announced that the menu will be available in the main dining room as well. Here it is:

First Course
“Crab-Mango”
Chilled Jumbo Lump Crabmeat and Fresh Mango with Chive Aioli and Cumin Tuiles

Second Course
Crispy Snapper
with Sweet Corn, Edamame and Tomato with Lobster Beurre Blanc

Third Course
Duck Breast
Roast Magret Breast with Sweet Soy Braised Baby Bok Choy and Candied Orange Sauce

Dessert
Chevre Cheesecake
with Honey-Almond Florentine

Fare paired with 4 Wines

$50 per person
(plus tax and gratuity)

Got more to post, but it’ll have to wait until 5.  I’ll be at trivia tonight, 7 PM at the Saucer.

Mon update: Beer run @ Bardog, Wine Race, lunchtime events Downtown, good blog about MPACT Memphis, and more

I know this is going out kind of late, but it’s a weekly event, so if you can’t make it tonight you can make it next Monday or a future Monday: There’s a new Monday Night Beer Run meeting at Bardog Tavern. Meet at 6:45, then at 7 depart for a 3 mile run/walk along the Memphis Riverwalk. Then, return to Bardog for beer and food. For those who participate, there’s $1.50 PBR, $7 spaghetti, $9 spaghetti and meatballs.

Good tweet this afternoon from @watchdogon3: “I went out with a woman that resembled the Sterick Building in downtown Memphis. She was tall and vacant.” Haha nice one.

I’ve been told that there will be an article in the Commercial Appeal tomorrow listing the winners of Hot Wing Fest. You’d think the festival would post that info on, um, maybe, its website? Just sayin’.

Beale Street Merchants Association has a page with some basic info about Wine Race. It happens next Sunday, April 25, beginning at 1 PM. The best event, Queen of the Vine, is the first event, so it’s a good idea to be there on time. Insider’s recommendation: Get a large Call-a-Cab from Wet Willie’s.

Free lunchtime events this week Downtown, presented by the CCC:

  • Tuesday: Country musician Trey Jewell in Court Square, 11:45-1:15
  • Wednesday: 40-member John Woods Choral Ensemble, Peabody Place at Main, 12:30-1:30
  • Thursday: Earth Day farmer’s market in front of City Hall, presented by Mayor Wharton’s office and the Memphis Farmers Market. 20 vendors, produce, flowers, treats, 10-2
  • Jam session with Holly Cole and Jeff Hulett, Court Square, 11:45-1:15

Memphis Connect has a good article by guest blogger Penelope McDowell on MPACT Memphis. She explains how she moved to Memphis, knowing hardly anyone, and quickly met a large group of friends through MPACT. I’m not real involved in the organization anymore, but I highly recommend it if you’re looking to get more involved in the community and/or to meet other young professionals 20-40s.

As my friend Bicycle Bobby would say, “Damn! Pint Nite!”  Time to head up there.

Twitter tag Monday: Good pizza, 901 Sightings, batch photo resizing and more

Eating Wise Guys Pizza for the first time today.  Work bought it for us to celebrate the move to our new HQ in Horn Lake… OMG this pizza is SO GOOD.  Eating a slice of Chicago style deep dish, and it’s actually made me violate one of my long-standing beliefs in life, that pizza should never be eaten with a knife and fork.  Downtowners, this is actually worth a field trip.  #freefoodwonderifthenuhuhgirlwillshowup Oh wait, she doesn’t work here.

I have about a 5 minute longer drive home from work, so I’ll be about 5 minutes later than usual to Pint Nite tonight.  On the upside, I have much better dining and shopping options at lunchtime than I did in the crappy #memphisairport neighborhood where I worked before.  You know, I thought I’d hate working in Northern Mississippi but it’s actually not so bad.  Now that I think about it, I know a lot of very cool people from the Southaven/Horn Lake area.

… and one not so cool person, who this morning tweeted, “What’s even hotter than fake tattoo sleeves?  Ed Hardy shirts with fake tattoo sleeves!  Duh!”  Oh just shoot me now. #douche #douche #douche #douche #douche #douche

Good Facebook page to become a fan of:  “901 Sightings,” which posts funny, interesting and random things seen around the Memphis area.

Thanks to those of you who e-mailed and told me how to batch resize photos in iPhoto:  All you have to do is export them and change the batch setting as you do.  Picasa for Mac does it too.

That’s all for now… looking forward to some Pint Nite beer after work.