Tuesday, December 27, 2016

No Trivia Tonight, See you next year!

Hi all,

There is no trivia tonight.
 (Frank's is still open - come on in and say hi to the crew!)

I hope to see you all next week and next year!

(Incidentally - can 2016 just knock it the fuck off?  I have neither the strength or the stomach to compose another In Memoriam for people who were important to my childhood.  This damn year. . . )

John Scalzi on Carrie Fisher.
On George Michael.

PAX!

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Happy Hollidizzle! Trivia Tonight! (also, ugly sweaters. . . )



Merry Christmas, Chappy Chanukkah, Festive Yule, Mirthful Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays!

Week 2 of our PUT THE X IN XMAS fest happening tonight!
All Christmas/Holiday/At Least Vaguely Winter Themed Music!

Plus, our normal, awesome quiz!

This is run by Last Call directly - if you've already worn yours to another event and its all stained or stinky, fear not!  All you have to do to enter is to post the pic on Twitter with the hashtag #QuestionTheSweater and you'll be entered to win a $ 100.00 Visa Giftcard! 
(The rules don't demand this, but if you do post a pic, please add @lastcallneohio and @aktrivia so we can see it too!)

Tonight's Q:

What do Hanukkah, the Playstation game Xenogears and Games Workshop's Warhammer Fantasy setting all have in common?



Answer IN PERSON, after 7:50.


Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING non-quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!
Excelsior!
-tpn!


Frank's Place is at 594 W. Market St. Akron OH 44303 Their Facebook Page.
Your weekly link roundup:
Last Call USA NEOhio - Facebook
Last Call Productions - Facebook
Last Call USA's Weekly HINTS (SERIOUSLY - Check the HINTS)
Last Call USA's Trivia League
check LEAGUE SCORES here.
ROB at Last Call
You are HERE.
Our company store.
I published a book!
Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!





Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Let's Put the X in XMAS! Trivia Tonight!


Tonight is the start of our 4th Annual Trivial Xmas Party!

(I play Christmas/Holiday music and we all drink and eat.  Like you do.)

Come on out!



Tonight's Q
Named the #1 Worst Christmas Song Of All Time by Esquire and others, (Although Patsy and Elmo knocked it out in Jezebel's 2011 rankings) Paul McCartney's Wonderful Christmastime has been around for 37 years.  (!)

Forbes ran some numbers and came up with an estimate.

How much money does Sir Paul earn from this song, per year?

Answers, in PERSON, after 7:50!

ALSO - Congratulations to our local teams who made it to the regional finals:
Octospock, Kitty City (feat. e=MC Awesome), and the overall third place finisher: Princess Leia's Buns!
This is their SECOND time in the top three this year, earning them a bid to LUDIMENTIS in the spring.

I could not be prouder.

(My heart grew three sizes this post!)



Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING non-quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!

Excelsior!
-tpn

Frank's Place is at 594 W. Market St. Akron OH 44303 Their Facebook Page. And another.
Your weekly link roundup:
Last Call USA NEOhio - Facebook
Last Call Productions - Facebook
Last Call USA's Weekly HINTS
Last Call USA's Trivia League
check LEAGUE SCORES here.
ROB at Last Call
You are HERE.
Our company store.
I published a book!





See us on Eventful!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Happy Birthday, Akron!

I saw a post online that said today, December 6, is the 191st anniversary of the founding of Akron.
The original platt from 1825



I couldn't find an independent verification of this, but then I found two possible sources:

The Wikipedia entry for Simon Perkins, which states
" Also in 1825, he and Paul Williams (a settler from Connecticut) donated 100 lots of land to the state, thus founding the City of Akron. It was recorded on December 6, 1825 at the Portage County seat of Ravenna. "
Unfortunately, the only work cited in this entry is a book on the history of Cleveland, which has an entry on Perkins.  Of course, his entry there has NO MENTION of Akron at all. 

One other book I found cites this date, but it's an astrology book.

I did find a mention of today being the city's birthday in a court case from the 1960s (the historical society was suing the city over a skating rink in a public park) so I think we can use the date, or at least as an "observed" birthday.

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AKRON!



TONIGHT'S PRESHOW QUIZ:
An Oscar-winning producer and writer has also made a name for himself in voice-over work, with parts in Babe: Pig in the City, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.  
None of these are his main job.
He was nominated for a Grammy for his first album.  

He celebrates a birthday today. 
Who is he, and what is the name of his second album?



ANSWER in person, after 7:50 for a prize!



Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING non-quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!


Excelsior!
-tpn

Frank's Place is at 594 W. Market St. Akron OH 44303 Their Facebook Page. And another.
Your weekly link roundup:
Last Call USA NEOhio - Facebook
Last Call Productions - Facebook
Last Call USA's Weekly HINTS
Last Call USA's Trivia League
check LEAGUE SCORES here.
ROB at Last Call
You are HERE.
Our company store.
I published a book!




See us on Eventful!


Akron in 1870


Tuesday, November 29, 2016

'Tis the Season to be more than trivially helpful. . .



Hi All,

I mentioned this on mic last week, but it bears repeating.

It, along with many other items will be in Frank's annual Christmas Auction, which is:

Friday, December 2, at 9pm
(At Frank's Place on Market - duh!)

You can bid on great items, and have a great night out, for a wonderful cause.

ALSO - Frank's Crew Members Kaci and Tara will be taking the Polar Plunge for PSNR the next day in the freezing cold Portage Lakes.

PLEASE consider making a donation, either of goods or cash.

Instead of a pre-show question any donations (cash or auction items) will enter your team into BOTH drawings - the SHOTWORTHY drawing and the PRIZE drawing.  Since I am asking for contributions instead of knowledge, the PRIZE drawing will be a collection of several cool items from Unbox Akron.  

Here's something I wrote last year, and it's still applicable:

* * * * 

This post is a little different. 

I usually have a random link or two, some goofy images and some attempts at humor.
I’m giving that a bit of a miss today.

I’ve been hosting Trivia nights since May 2012.  
I have a great time.
I look forward to it every week – it’s a time to connect with friends, make new ones, perform a little and have a drink or two.

By coming out each week, or even replying to my emails, or liking a FB post you’ve given me a great gift.
I’d like to pay that forward, and I’ll need your help.

Frank’s supports a bunch of local charities, and one of their big efforts is their auction in December for Project Saint Nicholas Returns.

You can follow the link to see much more of what they do, but the gist of it is similar to many other Christmas themed charity efforts – provide gifts and support to families in need in the Christmas season. What really jumps out about them is from their “About Us” page.


Yes – their stated goal is to distribute at least 95% percent of what they take in.
Give them a dollar, and at least $ 0.95 should get to people in need.

In 2014 they raised $ 60,699.00 and gave away $ 58,912.00.
That's just over 97% of what they raised – and it’s raised and given locally.

That’s incredibly efficient for a charity – some ratings sites consider anything over 75% as “Good.”

You can see their most recent 990 here (link to a PDF).

I’d like to support that effort, and I’d love if you could help!

One of PSNR’s biggest annual fundraisers is an auction held each year at Frank’s.
This year it’s on Friday, December 2 at 9pm. (UPDATED FOR 2016)

I’d love to put together a basket from the Akron Triviators.
* * * * 

Check Frank's Facebook page for more!

Excelsior!
-tpn


Frank's Place is at 594 W. Market St. Akron OH 44303 Their Facebook Page. And another.
Your weekly link roundup:
Last Call USA NEOhio - Facebook
Last Call Productions - Facebook
Last Call USA's Weekly HINTS
Last Call USA's Trivia League
check LEAGUE SCORES here.
ROB at Last Call
You are HERE.
Our company store.
published a book!





See us on Eventful!

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Wild Bores? Glow with excitement @Frank's Tonight!



from: devashard.deviantart.com

It's been 5.5 years since the earthquake in Fukushima Japan, and resulting atomic hijinks.

Japan fared much better in yesterday's earthquake.

Reading this news led me to an article which almost perfectly sums up what 2016 feels like:

Radioactive Wild Boars 

Overrun Northern Japan 

5 Years After Nuclear Disaster

Fortunately, this most recent earthquake measured a 6.9, huge, by MUCH less than the 9.0 one from 2011.

Tonight's Q:

What is the name of the scale used by modern geologists to measure earthquakes and the energy released by them?

ANSWER in person, after 7:50 for a prize!



Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING non-quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!
Excelsior!

-tpn!


Frank's Place is at 594 W. Market St. Akron OH 44303

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

SUPERFUTUREMONKEYWORLD! (Also, Trivia, tonight at 8pm)



 

Tonight's Q:

According to some historians, China was the first nation to use monkeys in a military capacity, during the Southern Song Dynasty.
How did they deploy these guerrilla gorillas?


ANSWER in person, after 7:50 for a prize!

Yes, monkeys are not gorillas, and they weren't guerrillas, but c'mon. . . it was right there. . .

Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING non-quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!
Excelsior!


-tpn!


Frank's Place is at 594 W. Market St. Akron OH 44303 Their Facebook Page.
Your weekly link roundup:
Last Call USA NEOhio - Facebook
Last Call Productions - Facebook
Last Call USA's Weekly HINTS (SERIOUSLY - Check the HINTS)
Last Call USA's Trivia League
check LEAGUE SCORES here.
ROB at Last Call
You are HERE.
Our company store.
I published a book!
Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!



still from game's end

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

VOTE! Then come drink the election blues away with Trivia! - Also - 9 by Nine!


 


You voted, right?
Please tell me you voted.

No, seriously.  Just go out and vote.

I am not going to post all the links about the importance of voting, or how to find your polling spot - the rest of the internet is doing that today.


After tonight, it's just beginning. . .


Tonight's Q: What was the last time a third party candidate won any votes in the electoral college?  What party was it, and who was the candidate?

ANSWER in person, after 7:50, for a shot at some sort of prize.

**************
Looking to take your mind *off* of this political season?  All caught up on TWD and sick of waiting for GOT to start back up?  Want to experience something created right here, by a bunch of talented, mad geniuses?

You should come down to Theatre 8:15 this weekend (or next) and check out their new production, 9 by Nine. If you are a regular on Tuesday nights, you probably recognize Alex Nine as a member of Team Shiny. In addition to his extensive knowledge of 1970s Marvel comics and being the one person on the team who might know the sports question, he's also been active in local theatre for almost 30 years - acting, directing and writing.  


Theatre 8:15 has put together a show of 9 of his short plays - three of which were written for this production. Greg Bealer and Kendra Schaffer (two more members of Team Shiny) are directing these. Anna-Janine Kemper Herman (Team Shiny), Michael James, Christine Wright, and six more local superstars round out the cast of nine. 

The title of the nine shorts make up a sort of a found word poem:

  • My Hero
  • Old, Fat, & Unemployed
  • The One Who Got Away
  • The Fulton
  • The Spider’s Nest
  • The Nature of Evil
  • …And Some by Virtue Fall
  • Greatness Thrust Upon Him
  • The End?

FULL DISCLOSURE - I haven't seen this show yet, but I know at least 1/3 of the people involved.
ALL of them are amazing.  Go see it, I know you'll have a great time.

(Not only am I not getting paid for this promo, but Alex and the folks I know who are in this, have no idea this post going out. This ONLY exists because I think you should see local live theatre, especially done by these people!)


Theatre 8:15 is at:
4740 Massillon Rd
Green, Ohio 44232

For reservations please call the box office (330) 896-0339 or email info@theatre815.com



* * * 
VOTE!

-tpn!


Frank's Place is at 594 W. Market St. Akron OH 44303 Their Facebook Page.
Your weekly link roundup:
Last Call USA NEOhio - Facebook
Last Call Productions - Facebook
Last Call USA's Weekly HINTS (SERIOUSLY - Check the HINTS)
Last Call USA's Trivia League
check LEAGUE SCORES here.
ROB at Last Call
You are HERE.
Our company store.
I published a book!
Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

No Trivia Tonight! Watch the game at Frank's or Check out NEO MANIACAL's Political Comedy show!


Tonight is Game SIX(!) of the World Series! (Go INDIANS!)
There's no trivia tonight.
You probably figured that, but I wanted to make sure it was official and that you got notified.

Frank's *is* open - Julie, Kaci, Frank and Todd would LOVE to see you come out tonight.  They'll have the game on.

* * * 

If sports isn't your thing, you may want to check out NEO Maniacal Comedy Studio's latest offering: The Akron Political Comedy Show. I'm going to plagiarize from the description on The Akronist
This election cycle is no joke, but that doesn’t stop Matthew Farkas (Trevor Noah-in- training), Sarah Jones (Queen of Akron comedy), and Jeff Blanchard (voice of the Ohio Lottery) from making fun of it.
An audience talkback will immediately follow the show, featuring celebrity panelists: Chris Horne (The Devil Strip), Richard Swirsky (Ward 1 Councilman) and Annal Vyas (The University of Akron School of Law, The Bit Factory).
This is a free event at Aqueduct Brewing, there's a networking event at 7, and the show starts at 8:30.  If you haven't seen any of the NEO Maniacal events, or if you've never been to Aqueduct you should stop in.

If you want to find out more about the event, or about Sarah Jones, founder and queen of NEO Maniacal Comedy check out this interview in The Devil Strip.
* * * 


-tpn!


Frank's Place is at 594 W. Market St. Akron OH 44303 Their Facebook Page.
Your weekly link roundup:
Last Call USA NEOhio - Facebook
Last Call Productions - Facebook
Last Call USA's Weekly HINTS (SERIOUSLY - Check the HINTS)
Last Call USA's Trivia League
check LEAGUE SCORES here.
ROB at Last Call
You are HERE.
Our company store.
I published a book!
Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!


Tuesday, October 25, 2016

No Trivia Tonight! Baseball, Postal Paper Based Trivia and more. . .


Tonight is Game One of the World Series! (Go INDIANS!)
There's no trivia tonight.
You probably figured that, but I wanted to make sure it was official and that you got notified.

Frank's *is* open - Julie, Kaci, Frank and Todd would LOVE to see you come out tonight.  They'll have the game on.

* * * 
You may interested in this article from Uni-Watch.
I'm partial to the Spiders, myself.


* * *

Meanwhile, if you are jonesing for a trivia fix, you should check out The Inkling.
It's something new from local illustrator, designer, artist and trivia wizard Katie Sekelsky.

I'm going to let her explain:
The Inkling is a brand new biannual trivia competition with an old fashioned format: everything happens via the postal system. Competitors get a packet of questions mailed to them (along with a limited edition art print and pin) on the same date, and then have about 3 weeks to complete the packet and mail it back. Packets are then scored, and rankings are posted online. There will be a prize of some sort for the overall winner, but since this is mainly for the sake of trivia enjoyment (and to lessen the motive for cheating), the prize will absolutely be of less value than the entry fee.

The first competition's deadline has already passed, but stay tuned in early 2017 for the second edition. In the meantime, you can sign up for the Inkling's free newsletter, which sends out a five question quiz each week.
I helped Katie by doing a once-over on her questions as she was getting them prepared for the inaugural edition of the Inkling.  That's all she needed from me because they are good questions that run the gamut of categories - you could fill all the wedges of the Trivial Pursuit pie, and run the board on Jeopardy.  I've seen some of the artwork also - it's incredibly well designed and thought out.  

You can see more of Katie's work at her website.

EDIT - As I clicked through her site, I realized I knew her work years ago! She did the art in the frontspiece of the AMAZING book, Machine of Death. If you don't know, it's an anthology title inspired by this strip from Dinosaur Comics.  Here's their description:
Machine of Death is a collection of short stories set in a world with one thing in common: there exists a machine that can tell you — cryptically but with 100% accuracy — how you are going to die.

Here's what Tasha Robinson of the AV Club had to say about it:
Machine Of Death is a marvelous collection, riddled with intelligence, creative reach, and a frankness that makes the best use of the central gimmick. While the seed idea seemingly lends itself to twist-ending stories about people who try to evade their predicted deaths, there are only a few of those; more often, the stories examine how the death-predictor machine would change the world.
You can get it here.
It's also available in a Kindle edition.
There's a sequel and a cardgame too! 

I'm not getting paid to hype Inkling, Machine of Death or any of this - simply cool things you might enjoy.  The Amazon links are affiliate links, so I might get a microscopic cut of any of those purchases, but honestly just check them out.


-tpn!


Frank's Place is at 594 W. Market St. Akron OH 44303 Their Facebook Page.
Your weekly link roundup:
Last Call USA NEOhio - Facebook
Last Call Productions - Facebook
Last Call USA's Weekly HINTS (SERIOUSLY - Check the HINTS)
Last Call USA's Trivia League
check LEAGUE SCORES here.
ROB at Last Call
You are HERE.
Our company store.
I published a book!
Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!




 

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Tuesday Trivia Tonite!




Happy Birthday to Charles Stross, brilliant and hilarious SF writer. He also created some of the more oddball creatures in Dungeons and Dragons.

If you want to start with any of his books, I'd recommend The Atrocity Archives.  It's the first installment of his "Laundry" series, and is essentially Len Deighton or John le CarrĂ©-type spy fiction in a universe where Lovecraftian horrors are real.  It's one of my favorite currently running series.  You shuld check it out.



There seems to be a case of sports success breaking out in the area.  I'm giving in, and present:


TONIGHT'S Q:
What midwestern restaurant, which inspired a legendary SNL skit, is also said to be responsible for the longest championship drought in US sports history?

Answer IN PERSON, after 7:50.


Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING non-quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!
Excelsior!
-tpn!



Frank's Place is at 594 W. Market St. Akron OH 44303 Their Facebook Page.
Your weekly link roundup:
Last Call USA NEOhio - Facebook
Last Call Productions - Facebook
Last Call USA's Weekly HINTS (SERIOUSLY - Check the HINTS)
Last Call USA's Trivia League
check LEAGUE SCORES here.
ROB at Last Call
You are HERE.
Our company store.
I published a book!
Remember, this is the NO-BOOZE WINNING quiz.
Check Frank's Facebook page for the shotworthy question!