POP QUIZ (The Battle of Antietam)

The nation observed the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest one-day battle in U.S. history.  Test your knowledge of this milestone in the Civil War.

1. What state is home to the Antietam National Battlefield?
a) Tennessee
b) North Carolina
c) Virginia
d) Maryland
2. About how many soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing after the 12-hour battle on Sept. 17, 1862?
a) 7,500
b) 15,000
c) 23,000
d) 27,400
3. The battle occurred near this town.
a) Shiloh
b) Sharpsburg
c) Chickamauga
d) Richmond
4. Six generals were killed that day, three from each side.  Which of the following was not a casualty at Antietam.
a) Stonewall Jackson
b) Joseph K.F. Mansfield
c) Israel B. Richardson
d) Isaac P. Rodman
5. He led the Union forces.
a) Ulysses S. Grant
b) George Meade
c) William Sherman
d) George McClellan
6. This state's monument at the battlefield is the only one dedicated to both sides, in recognition of its native sons who fought for both Union and Confederacy.
a) Delaware
b) Maryland
c) Missouri
d) Kentucky
7. This Antietam veteran spoke at a monument dedication there as president.
a) Theodore Roosevelt
b) Benjamin Harrison
c) William McKinley
d) Rutherford B. Hayes
8. This 15-year-old was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry at Antietam.
a) John Cook, bugler
b) Richard Curran, surgeon
c) Cpl. Benjamin Child
d) Pvt. Hillary Beyer
9. This famous general's son fought at Antietam as a private.
a) William Sherman
b) Ulysses S. Grant
c) Robert E. Lee
d) Stonewall Jackson
10. What general wrote of Antietam, "It was never my fortune to witness a more bloody, dismal battlefield."
a) James Longstreet
b) Joseph Hooker
c) J.E.B. Stuart
d) Ambrose Burnside



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Answers : 1. d  ; 2. c  ; 3. b  ; 4. a  ; 5. d  ; 6. b   ; 7. c  ; 8. a  ; 9. c  ; 10. b

POP QUIZ (Presidents and television)

On this day in 1968, presidential candidate Richard Nixon appeared on the hit comedy series "Rowan & Martin's Laugh In."  To honor that historic event, we look at other presidential TV "appearances"

1. What Laugh-In catchphrase did Nixon repeat in his cameo appearance?
a) "And that's the truth."
b) "One ringy-dingy......"
c) "Sock it to me."
d) "You bet your sweet bippy."
2. Candidate Bill Clinton played the saxophone on this late-night show.
a) The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
b) The Arsenio Hall Show
c) The Dick Cavett Show
d) Saturday Night Live
3. The shows Freaks and Geeks, The Wonder Years, and Glee are all set in schools named after this president.
a) Millard Fillmore
b) John F. Kennedy
c) Grover Cleveland
d) William McKinley
4. This president is featured in the theme song of All in the Family.
a) Herbert Hoover
b) Franklin Roosevelt
c) Teddy Roosevelt
d) Harry Truman
5. Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and the rest of the Boy Meets World cast went to this secondary school.
a) Thomas Jefferson High
b) John Adams High
c) James Madison High
d) Benjamin Harrison High
6. In The Ordeal of Dr. Mudd, this president was portrayed by Bill Hindman, who later played Coach Goodenough in the Porky's movies.
a) John Quincy Adams
b) Zachary Taylor
c) James Buchanan
d) Andrew Johnson
7. "Nucky" Thompson helps him become president in Boardwalk Empire.
a) Woodrow Wilson
b) Calvin Coolidge
c) Warren Harding
d) William Howard Taft
8. "Wouldn't be prudent" was one of the catchphrases that Saturday Night Live's Dana Carvey put into the mouth of this president.
a) Bill Cliton
b) Jimmy Carter
c) George H.W. Bush
d) Ronald Reagan
9. The Wild, Wild West was about a pair of Secret Service agents working for this president.
a) Rutherford B. Hayes
b) Ulysses S. Grant
c) Chester A. Arthur
d) James Garfield
10. He's known as "history's greatest monster" on The Simpsons.
a) Jimmy Carter
b) Ronald Reagan
c) George W. Bush
d) Richard Nixon



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Answers : 1. c  ; 2. b  ; 3. d   ; 4. a  ; 5. b  ; 6. d  ; 7. c  ; 8. c  ; 9. b  ; 10. a

POP QUIZ (Presidential running mates)

The campaigns are in full swing, and since the previous two quizzes gave you a chance to review presidential candidates, let's look at running mates this week. 
Match the vice presidential candidate with his top-of-the-ticket partner.

Veep candidates                              Ticket toppers
1. Alben W. Barkley                           a) Thomas E. Dewey
2. Lloyd Bentsen                               b) Bob Dole
3. Bob Dole                                      c) Michael S. Dukakis
4. Estes Kefauver                             d) Gerald R. Ford
5. Jack Kemp                                   e) Barry M. Goldwater
6. Henry Cabot Lodge                        f) Hubert H. Humphrey
7. William E. Miller                             g) Richard M. Nixon
8. Edmund S. Muskie                         h) Franklin D. Roosevelt
9. Henry Wallace                               i) Adlai E. Stevenson
10. Earl Warren                                 j) Harry S. Truman



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Answers : 1. j  ; 2. c  ; 3. d  ; 4. i  ; 5. b  ; 6. g  ; 7. e  ; 8. f  ; 9. h  ; 10. a

POP QUIZ (Democrats and their campaigns)

Put this list of Democratic presidential contenders in the order of when each first became his party's nominee.

1. William Jennings Bryan
2. James Buchanan
3. Jimmy Carter
4. Lewis Cass
5. Grover Cleveland
6. Bill Clinton
7. James M. Cox
8. John W. Davis
9. Stephen A. Douglas
10. Michael Dukakis
11. Al Gore
12. Horace Greeley
13. Winfield Scott Hancock
14. Hubert H. Humphrey
15. Andrew Jackson
16. Lyndon B. Johnson
17. John F. Kennedy
18. John Kerry
19. George B. McClellan
20. George McGovern
21. Walter Mondale
22. Barack Obama
23. Alton B. Parker
24. Franklin Pierce
25. James K. Polk
26. Franklin D. Roosevelt
27. Horatio Seymour
28. Al Smith
29. Adlai E. Stevenson
30. Samuel J. Tilden
31. Harry S. Truman
32. Martin Van Buren
33. Woodrow Wilson



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Answers : Andrew Jackson 1828  ; Martin Van Buren 1836  ; James K. Polk 1844  ; Lewis Cass 1848  ; Franklin Pierce 1852  ; James Buchanan 1856  ; Stephen A. Douglas 1860  ; George B. McClellan 1864  ; Horatio Seymour 1868  ; Horace Greeley 1872  ; Samuel J. Tilden 1876  ; Winfield Scott Hancock 1880  ; Grover Cleveland 1884  ; William Jennings Bryan 1896  ; Alton B. Parker 1904  ; Woodrow Wilson 1912  ; James M. Cox 1920  ; John W. Davis 1924  ; Al Smith 1928  ; Franklin D. Roosevelt 1932  ; Harry S. Truman 1948  ; Adlai E. Stevenson 1952  ; John F. Kennedy 1960  ; Lyndon B. Johnson 1964  ; Hubert H. Humphrey 1968  ; George McGovern 1972  ; Jimmy Carter 1976  ; Walter Mondale 1984  ; Michael Dukakis 1988  ; Bill Clinton 1992  ; Al Gore 2000  ; John Kerry 2004  ; Barack Obama 2008

F. Y. I.

So Called
A group of martens is called a richness.

Famous Ring
The strike note of Philadelphia's Liberty Bell is E-flat.

In Other Worlds
Instead of a birthday cake, many children in Russia are given a birthday pie.

Plentiful Picking
An apple tree can produce up to 400 apples a year.

Quotable
by  Jason Mraz, singer-songwriter
"You were not born here to work and pay taxes.  You were put here to be part of a vast organism to explore and create.  Stop putting it off."

Point of Origin
Table tennis was first played in the 1800s with balls made from champagne corks and paddles made from cigar-box lids.

F. Y. I.

Of Note
As a student at Yale, Meryl Streep starred in "The Idiots Karamazov," Bucks County playwright Christopher Durang's first professional production.

So Called
A group of otters is called a romp.

Still on the Books
In Waynesboro, Va., it is illegal for a woman to drive a car up Main Street unless her husband is walking in front of it waving a red flag.

Quotable
by  rocker Gwen Stefani, on the fashion styles of today's young pop stars
"I don't really see myself in those girls........I usually put pants on."

Speaking Up
The gecko is the only lizzard that uses its voice to communicate.

Point of Contrast
The average tree in an urban/city area has a life expectancy of only eight years.

F. Y. I.

State Stats
The World Peace Bell, the world's largest free-swinging bell, is on permanent display in Newport, Ky.

Before Fame
Pierce Brosnan worked for three years as a circus fire-eater.

Point of Origin
The word caterpillar comes from an Old-French word, "catepelose," meaning "hairy cat."

Quotable
by  Michelangelo, Italian painter, sculptor and architect (1475-1564)
"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

Back Then
Medieval farmers considered it a sign of impending rain if their pigs walked around with sticks in their mouths.

Still on the Books
In Ontario, Calif., roosters may not crow within city limits.

POP QUIZ (You say it's their birthday)

Each correct answer is the name of a celebrity whose birthday is today.

1. Her show The Closer ended last week, and her father-in-law was the famed Philadelphia urban planner Edmund Bacon.
a) Sigourney Weaver
b) Sharon Osbourne
c) Kyra Sedgwick
d) Kirstie Alley
2. He has starred in movies and TV, and was a U.S. senator from Tennessee.
a) Fred Thompson
b) Fred Gandy
c) Sonny Bono
d) Al Sharpton
3. He had a role in the FX series Sons of Anarchy, and his father won a best supporting actor Oscar for his work in Little Miss Sunshine.
a) Alan Alda
b) Adam Arkin
c) Ed Begley Jr.
d) Scott Caan
4. He's known by his middle name, but this rapper-actor's real name is Percy Miller Jr.
a) Snoop Lion
b) Dr. Dre
c) Ice-T
d) Romeo
5. She became famous as a reporter for MTV News and the "Choose or Lose" voting campaign.
a) Martha Quinn
b) Tabitha Soren
c) Carmen Electra
d) Nina Blackwood
6. Country singer known for such hits as "I May Hate Myself in the Morning" and "I Hope You Dance."
a) LeAnn Rimes
b) Shania Twain
c) Carrie Underwood
d) Lee Ann Womack
7. He was in the HBO series Entourage and the Vietnam War movie Platoon.
a) Charlie Sheen
b) Matt Dillon
c) Kevin Dillon
d) Johnny Depp
8. Her varied resume includes roles on TV shows such as Frasier and Parenthood and playing a heroin addict in the film Traffic.
a) Erika Christersen
b) Daniella Kuhn
c) Majandra Delfino
d) Amy Irving
9. He was Jesse Katsopolis on Full House.
a) Bob Saget
b) John Stamos
c) Scott Weinger
d) Dave Coulier
10. His career goes back to a guest role on the TV series Gunsmoke to starring in Major Dad and a recurring role as a judge on the current series Fairly Legal.
a) Ted Danson
b) Neil Patrick Harris
c) Dabney Coleman
d) Gerald McRaney



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Answers : 1. c  ; 2. a  ; 3. b  ; 4. d  ; 5. b  ; 6. d  ; 7. c  ; 8. a  ; 9. b  ; 10. d

POP QUIZ (Getting on the GOP ballot)

On the eve of the Republican National Convention, see if you can match previous GOP candidates with the year each first became his party's nominee for president.

1. James G. Blaine                                          a) 1856
2. George H.W. Bush                                       b) 1860
3. George W. Bush                                          c) 1868
4. Calvin Coolidge                                           d) 1876
5. Thomas E. Dewey                                       e) 1880
6. Bob Dole                                                    f) 1884
7. Dwight D. Eisenhower                                  g) 1888
8. Gerald R. Ford                                            h) 1896
9. John C. Fremont                                          i)  1904
10. James A. Gerfield                                       j)  1908
11. Barry Goldwater                                        k) 1916
12. Ulysses S. Grant                                        l)  1920
13. Warren G. Harding                                    m) 1924
14. Benjamin Harrison                                     n) 1928
15. Rutherford B. Hayes                                  o) 1936
16. Herbert Hoover                                         p) 1940
17. Charles Evans Hughes                                q) 1944
18. Alf Landon                                                r) 1952
19. Abraham Lincoln                                        s) 1960
20. John McCain                                              t) 1964
21. William McKinley                                         u) 1976
22. Richard M. Nixon                                        v) 1980
23. Ronald Reagan                                           w) 1988
24. Theodore Roosevelt                                    x) 1996
25. William Howard Taft                                    y) 2000
26. Wendell Willkie                                           z) 2008



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Answers : 1. f  ;  2. w  ;  3. y  ; 4. m   ; 5. q   ; 6. x  ; 7. r   ; 8. u  ; 9. a  ; 10. e  ; 11. t  ; 12. c  ; 13. l  ; 14. g  ; 15. d  ; 16. n  ; 17. k  ; 18. o  ; 19. b  ; 20. z  ; 21. h  ; 22. s  ; 23. v  ; 24. i  ; 25. j  ; 26. p

F. Y. I.

Quotable
by  Wilhelm Von Humboldt, Prussian philosopher and linguist (1767-1835)
"Our happiness or unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves."

State Stats
Ohio gave America its first hot dog, created by Harry M. Stevens, in 1900.

So Called
A group of storks is called a mustering.

Of Note
At more than 3,200 feet high, Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world's highest waterfall.

Going the Distance
Polar bears have been known to swim 100 miles at a strech.

Still on the Books
In Lewes, Del., getting married on a dare is grounds for an annulment.

Driving turns scary

                              Once upon a time, driving one's car was considered a pleasurable and relaxing experience.  Most people drove according to the speed limit, were courteous to one another, and even used their turn signals when appropriate.
                              Nowadays driving has become a hassle.  Madmen/women zoom in and out, drive well above the speed limit, play with their cellphones and tailgate along the highways and byways as if they owned the open roads.
                             Are reckless speedsters mentally unbalanced or are they hypnotized by television commercials that advertise driving from zero to 60 in a matter of seconds?
                             Journalists call them the "lunatic fringe": those drivers who are subject to negative periods of clear-mindedness or have "intermittent mental derangement associated with the changing phases of the moon."
                             But for the normal, everyday drivers, who anticipate arriving at their destinations all in one piece, the term "lunatic" refers to foolish and idiotic behavior of speedsters who may smash cars and sensible drivers to smithereens.
                             Perhaps there's another reason that causes our irrational brothers and sisters to pound their pedals to the metal.  Since a multitude of headstrong drivers achived limited success at work, school, sports and what have you, then leading the pack and being No. 1 on the highways is their claim to fame.  It's a sad, sad commentary indeed, but true to life.
                            Those luxurious vehicles ------- be it car or truck ----- with tons of chrome on the outside and exclusive paraphernalia on the inside and under the hood, have become four-wheeled masterpieces of style that speed about like chariots of the gods.
                            These shallow-minded speedsters, with frivolous intentions, are growing, and soon moderate, law-abiding drivers will become nervous wrecks seeking psychiatrists' couches for therapy.
                           Thank God I didn't drive on Aug. 1------the night of the full moon.  For what evil lurks in the minds of speed demons is comparable to misfits who have lost their way.    

SO YOU WANT TO RETIRE

Unfortunately, in today's economic climate there is serious concern about the long term viability of social security, it's immediate future is secure, but down the road....Who knows for sure? 
Therefore, retirement is a topic that many people are concerned about....or should be concerned about!
                           As people approach retirement, especially in today's troubled economic times, they realize there may not be enough money for them to continue living their current lifestyle.  Many are being forced to make some necessary cchoices.  Do they continue to work?  Do they downsize their housing?  Do they relocate to a more affordable location or just curtail their spending, hoping to live on less?  Some forward thinking folks are living the good life in retirement because they planned ahead.  Others are not so forunate.  Experts urge everyone to start a retirement program as early as possible.
                          So how does this happen?  First, there are some people who have spent every dollar they made without saving.  Instead, the sooner one begins to save, the greater the chance of being able to be financially independent in later years.  They still hope to be able to retire and live comfortably.  They want to live off their investments, pension plans and social security.
                           A 30 year old saving $100 at the beginning of each month and earning 7% in a tax deferred account until age 60 will accumulate TWICE as much money as that of a 38 year old also saving $100 a month earning 7% until age 60. This is the power of COMPOUND INTEREST.  Keep in mind that, for a comfortable retirement, you also need to spend less than you earn and you should live conservatively.  You also need to keep at least three to six months of take-home pay in savings for emergencies.
                         Talk to a professional as you consider your retirement options.  An accredited Retirement Planner can help you establish a savings program and prepare for a comfortable retirement.  They can advise you on estate planning, insurance and investments that will help you achive the golden years of your dreams.

AUGUST BIRTHDAY BABIES

Herman Melville Novelist

Jerry Garcia Grateful Dead

James Baldwin Author

Carrol O'Connor alias Archie Bunker

Leon Uris Novelist

Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother of England

Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor

Pete Sampras Tennis Player

Julia Child Cookbook Author

Mae West Actress

Coco Chanel Fashion Designer

Malcolm Forbes Publisher

Cal Ripkin, Jr. Ironman Baseball Player

August

Is Still August

Admit You're Happy Month

National Golf Month

Peach Month

POP QUIZ (More from the Olympics)

As the 2012 Olympics wrap up in London, one last look at gold medalists. 
Match the champion with his or her event.

1. Nicola Adams                            a) Track and field                 
2. Usain Bolt                                b) Boxing
3. Matthew Brittain                       c) Canoe sprint
4. Giovanni Cernogoraz                  d) Dressage
5. Tina Dietze                              e) Fencing
6. Charlotte Dujardin                      f) Judo
7. Arianna Errigo                           g) Rowing
8. Arsen Galstyan                          h) Sailing
9. Fredrik Loof                               i)  Shooting
10. Dana Vollmer                            j)  Swimming



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Answers : 1.  b   ; 2.  a  ;  3.  g   ; 4.  i   ; 5.  c   ; 6.  d   ; 7.  e   ; 8.  f   ; 9.  h   ; 10.  j

POP QUIZ (Olympic gold)

Match up some of this year's Olympic gold medalists with their event.

1. Kristin Armstrong                       a) Archery
2. Tim Baillie                                 b) Artistic gymnastics
3. Ruolin Chen                               c) Canoe slalom
4. Zulfiya Chinshanlo                      d) Cycling
5. Lucie Decosse                           e) Diving
6. Gabrielle Douglas                        f) Equestrian
7. Michael Jung                             g) Judo
8. Bo Bae Ki                                 h) Rowing
9. Allison Schmitt                           i) Swimming
10. Mary Whipple                           j) Weightlifting



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Answers : 1. d  ; 2. c  ; 3. e  ; 4. j  ; 5. g  ; 6. b  ; 7. f  ; 8. a  ; 9. i  ; 10. h