April 30
WORD OF THE DAY
camouflet [kam-uh-fley] (noun) an underground explosion of a bomb or mine that does not break the surface, but leaves an enclosed cavity of gas and smoke.
TV TRIVIA
In “Hogan’s Heroes,” what was Hogan’s code name?
A. Big Bad Wolf
B. Humpty Dumpty
C. Little Red Riding Hood
D. Papa Bear
(Answer at bottom of column)
NUMBER TO KNOW
4: Slugs have four noses.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
April 30, 1789: In New York City, George Washington is inaugurated as the first president of the United States.
FEATURED BIRTHDAY
Movie actress Kirsten Dunst (36)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“A people free to choose will always choose peace.” — Ronald Reagan
TRIVIA ANSWER
D. Papa Bear
May 1
WORD OF THE DAY
rivage [riv-ij] (noun) a bank, shore, or coast.
TV TRIVIA
What show does Tim Taylor host in “Home Improvement”?
A. “Quiz Time”
B. “My Three Sons”
C. “Home Improvement”
D. “Tool Time”
(Answer at bottom of column)
NUMBER TO KNOW
6: There are six fictional characters that have stars on Hollywood’s “Walk of Fame.”
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
May 1, 1931: President Herbert Hoover officially dedicates New York City’s Empire State Building.
FEATURED BIRTHDAY
Country singer Tim McGraw (51)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“He who lives in harmony with himself lives in harmony with the universe.” — Marcus Aurelius
TRIVIA ANSWER
D. “Tool Time”
May 2
WORD OF THE DAY
iceblink [ahys-blingk] (noun) a yellowish luminosity near the horizon or on the underside of a cloud, caused by the reflection of light from sea ice.
TV TRIVIA
Who is the hospital administrator on “House”?
A. Dr. Eric Foreman
B. Dr. Allison Cameron
C. Dr. James Wilson
D. Dr. Lisa Cuddy
(Answer at bottom of column)
NUMBER TO KNOW
80: Nearly 80 percent of all sudden cardiac arrests happen at home.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
May 2, 2011: Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, is killed by U.S. forces during a raid on his compound hideout in Pakistan.
FEATURED BIRTHDAY
Movie actor Dwayne Johnson (46)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” — Steve Jobs
TRIVIA ANSWER
D. Dr. Lisa Cuddy
May 3
WORD OF THE DAY
carbuncle [kahr-buhng-kuh l] (noun) a gemstone, especially a garnet, cut with a convex back and a cabochon surface.
TV TRIVIA
Censors insisted that which part of Jeannie’s anatomy on “I Dream of Jeannie” should be covered at all times?
A. Shoulders
B. Navel
C. Legs
D. Underarms
(Answer at bottom of column)
NUMBER TO KNOW
25: Humans blink 25 times per minute.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
May 3, 1961: President John F. Kennedy receives an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from George Washington University.
FEATURED BIRTHDAY
TV actress Christina Hendricks (43)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“A pure hand needs no glove to cover it.” — Nathaniel Hawthorne
TRIVIA ANSWER
B. Navel
May 4
WORD OF THE DAY
killick [kil-ik] (noun) a small anchor or weight for morning a boat, sometimes consisting of a stone secured by pieces of wood.
TV TRIVIA
Who plays Dr. House in “House”?
A. Jesse Spencer
B. Robert Sean Leonard
C. Hugh Laurie
D. Omar Epps
(Answer at bottom of column)
NUMBER TO KNOW
2,000: A person’s heart pumps about 2,000 gallon of blood each day.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
May 4, 1970: In Kent, Ohio, 28 National Guardsmen fire their weapons at a group of antiwar demonstrators on the Kent State University campus, killing four students, wounding eight, and permanently paralyzing another.
FEATURED BIRTHDAY
TV actor Will Arnett (48)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Perfection in the child of time.” — Joseph Hall
TRIVIA ANSWER
C. Hugh Laurie
May 5
WORD OF THE DAY
edaphic [ih-daf-ik] (adjective) related to or caused by particular soil conditions, as of texture or drainage, rather than by physiographic or climatic factors.
TV TRIVIA
In “Home Improvement,” what type of race did Tim Taylor challenge Bob Villa to?
A. Foot race
B. Lawn mower race
C. Sled race
D. Boat race
(Answer at bottom of column)
NUMBER TO KNOW
10: Organized crime is estimated to account for 10 percent of the United States’ national income.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
May 5, 1961: Navy Commander Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. is launched into space aboard the Freedom 7 space capsule, becoming the first American astronaut to travel into space.
FEATURED BIRTHDAY
Pop singer Adele (30)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward.” — Ellen Glasgow
TRIVIA ANSWER
B. Lawn mower race
May 6
WORD OF THE DAY
hidrosis [hi-droh-sis] (noun) the excessive production of sweat.
TV TRIVIA
In “Hogan’s Heroes,” what is the name of the camp?
A. Stalag 5
B. Stalag 13
C. Stalag 9
D. Stalag 20
(Answer at bottom of column)
NUMBER TO KNOW
295: A person swallows approximately 295 times while eating dinner.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
May 6, 1937: The German airship Hindenburg explodes as it arrives in Lakehurst, New Jersey.
FEATURED BIRTHDAY
Movie actor George Clooney (57)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed.” — Nicolas Chamfort
TRIVIA ANSWER
B. Stalag 13