Balderdash 2

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Notable People: What is special about Richard & Betty James? They created that coil- like toy The Slinky in 1943. Actually he invented it and his wife Betty came up with what to name it. Did you ever see that TV show "The Amazing Race"? In season 1, episode 1 they were the very first pair to be eliminated from the race in that series' history. He was a surgeon and she a stay-at-home Mom. Those two were the parents of the outlaw Jessie James in the 1800s. Actually, Betty James's real name was Mabel Elizabeth but everyone knew her as Betty. They were really brother and sister who opened up the first frozen yogurt /yoghurt stand in Franklin Park Mall in Moline, Illinois in 1972.

2. New Products: Something came out in 1947 that made having a housepet ever so much easier. What was it? I'm sure on this one. It was the electric fence, designed by Dr. Emil Postelwaithe. Gave the animals a small zap if they tried to run off. It was actually flea powder, useful on all furry friends. Doctor Jeremiah Wilkinson, a chemist, put it on the market as an alternative to costly other ways to de-bug dogs. Easy one. That'd be "Kitty Litter". A fellow named Ed Lowe is responsible for it - he felt that there had to be a more sensible way for Whiskers to relieve himself other than into sand or ashes. Believe it or not it is those little swinging perches in birdcages (thought up by housewife, and bird lover, Delores Hurbin). She noticed her feathered pals squawking a lot and simply wanted to give them something new to amuse themselves with.

3. Painters: What unexpected person painted a watercolor called "London Rooftops"? He left his heart in San Francisco! But he learned how to use a brush and colors on paper soon after. That's Tony Bennett. Don't laugh! It was that scorned skater Tonya Harding who did it. While being exiled (in shame) to Europe in 1996 she learned how to do art. The raven quoth 'nevermore'. It is really Edgar Allen Poe. The painting is worth millions now since it was one of only three he created. It was Vincent Price, don't think twice. He knew a lot about painting (and about portraying scary people). He did that picture in 1954.

4. Animals: The Featherleg Baboon is a type of what? This sounds bizarre but it's a sort of chihuahua. They are called that because they are not very smart and nearly impossible to train. Duh! It's a monkey, of course. It's a little dwarf species that can be found mostly in the Congo. Ugh! Those things give me the creeps - but it is a type of tarantula. Nasty little critters. Actually, it's a bird. The featherleg baboon is a buzzard that is especially hostile. They've been known to attack human beings for no reason at all.

5. Belly Up To The Bar: Name a typical ingredient of the drink "Sex On The Beach". Peppermint Schnapps. No question. It gives it that 'zing'. I'm certain they always have put a stalk of celery in that tasty drink. Rum. Appleton Extra is the original ingredient. It wouldn't be at all good without cranberry juice.

6. Movies: Which film marked the final appearance of two legendary actors before their deaths? It really is "Cocoon: The Return". Don Ameche and Hume Cronyn left us after filming it. I'm sure it was "The Whales Of August" - a sad farewell to both Bette Davis and Lilian Gish. "The Misfits" is the answer. Both Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe died after finishing it. That would be "Network". Peter Finch and William Holden never finished another project.

7. Birthdays: Who was someone born on January 1st - a New Year baby? That would be sad first lady Mary Lincoln. New Year babies are supposed to be charmed and lucky. She pretty much wasn't that. No, it was Mister Television - Milton Berle. He found the world on New Year's Day in 1908. That would include Betsy Ross. A seamstress of infamy. She made the first American flag. Bill Gates was one, the rich fellow. There is no mystery about his success.

8. Holidays: It happens on February 13th. What holiday is this? That's 'The Broken Hearts Day'. It comes always the day before Valentine's Day and is supposed to make people without romance feel less alone. Here you have it: It is 'Double Bubble' day. Everyone who smokes is expected to not pick up a cigarette and chomp gum instead. 'National Smoke Out Day' managed to steal this first non-smoking holiday's thunder. Oh! That is 'Black Cat Friday'. It doesn't always fall on Friday, of course, but when it does the Irish claim that bad luck will reward you. Been around for generations. No one gets the day off from work but that is 'Get A Different Name Day'. Someone came up with it for those people who think their names are boring.

9. Memorials: Whose name is on the first (top left) panel of the AIDS quilt? It's Jennifer Helling. Just a child, only 8 years old. Her parents were, at one time, IV drug users. That was Rex Spinney. He was a pediatrician in Los Angeles before his affliction. His name was Gary Moonert. And I have nothing humorous to say about this one. Sadly, it was Michael Rubin. He left behind a wife and two small children.

10. Snacks: I am giving you a small Snickers bar. How many kilocalories are in it as you chow it down? Yikes. Lots! Over 800! That's the right answer. Around 275, I think. If you are talking about just a 2 oz. bar of it, that is. The fat content is 22%. That's not good. The calories are at about 115 for a small bar. I just asked a nutritionist and I know this one. It is exactly 184 calories in a small Snickers Bar!