With the Major League Baseball season in full swing, NBA and NHL playoffs in the conference semifinals stage, and high school spring sports about to enter into league and conference meets along with state tournament play, today’s column will go a different route. First, let’s exercise those brain cells with a few trivia questions. Starting with an easy topic and then getting progressively harder, here we go:
American paper currency is currently provided in seven denominations, name them.
Do you call it muskmelon or cantaloupe? What’s the difference?
For you fans of oldies, sixty years ago this month, this American group, consisting of two men and two women, began a multi-year run of Top 40 hits. The winter weather made them wish for warmer climes in their dreams in one of their best-sellers. Who were they?
Of the four major team sports (MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL) six team nicknames are shared by twelve teams, in other words two teams share a common nickname. This might take a little thought, but it’s not that hard!
Answers and a little in-depth knowledge to follow!
According to the OHSAA, the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association has proposed that a 35-second shot clock be instituted for prep play. Accordingly, in the ‘26-‘27 season, there will be several selected in-season tournaments which will be played using the clock on an experimental basis. Currently, there are 33 states that employ the shot clock, with other state associations considering its use. The Indiana High School Athletic Association voted against the proposal earlier this week.
There are pros and cons to the idea, some of which will benefit weaker teams and others which will give advantages to stronger squads. I have mixed thoughts on the idea, but I think using it on a limited basis this coming season will give us a better handle on the proposal. Just another tweak to high school basketball aimed at improving the game, as have all of the other refinements over the years. To mention a few: elimination of the one-and-one foul shot situation; the three-point shot; widening the foul lane (that’s from way back); alternating possession on held balls (eliminating jump balls other that to start a game or overtime period); doing away with one foul shot being awarded on common fouls; not requiring a player to raise his/her hand after committing a foul; and allowing coaches to stand and pace the sideline during play (coaches used to be restricted to sitting on the bench while the ball was in play; I’m really dating myself with this one as I received more than a few technicals for this reason while coaching back in the ‘70s!).
Softball tournament action begins this week, with baseball draws having been held over the weekend. As always, consult the OHSAA website for brackets, including sites and times. Expect the usual lopsided games in the first round or two as higher-seeded teams match up with lesser competitive nines. The reward for a good or great season is definitely an easier path to district finals, as well it should be.
Have you had enough time to give some thought to the trivia questions? Here are the eagerly awaited answers!
US currency comes in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations. That was an easy opener; if you wanted to make it a little harder, you could go into the people honored on each of those bills, but that’s for another day!
According to information supplied by neighbor Susan Reigle, “muskmelon is a species of melons that belongs to the gourd family like squash, pumpkin, zucchini, and watermelon. Cantaloupe is a unique variety of muskmelon, with both American and European versions”. Now you can sleep easier at night knowing the difference!
The Mamas and the Papas were a top folk-rock quartet in the mid to late ‘60s, beginning with the release of “California Dreamin’” in late 1965. Then came the number one hit song in May of ‘66, “Monday, Monday”, followed over the next few years by classics such as “I Saw Her Again”, “Words of Love”, “Dancing in the Street”, “Creeque Alley”, and “Dedicated to the One I Love”, among others. Great music that you could easily sing to along with Mama Cass Elliot, John and Michelle Phillips, and Denny Doherty!
Finally, the answers to the question supplied by my brother Kirk:
The Arizona and St. Louis Cardinals; The New York and San Francisco Giants; The New York and Winnipeg Jets; The Sacramento and Los Angeles Kings; the Carolina and Florida Panthers; and the New York and Texas Rangers all share similar monikers!
Have a great week, Happy Mother’s Day to all!! Here’s to the nurturing, dedication, wisdom, and love shown to us by Mothers and other supportive and loving women throughout the years!
