A while back we went to a trivia night fundraiser for our school’s PTL. It was pretty fun, despite the fact that you have to know stuff. We’ve only done this twice, but I know now to enter into the evening prepared to be the dumbest one in the room. There were no questions about stuff I know, like…….. um……. how to sit on a stool in front of a computer for long stretches of time.
There are 10 categories, and the one that our table scored surprisingly high on was about Canada. It had a question about RUSH and Bob and Doug McKenzie!
Today I was sitting around – on my stool – and thought, “What if I learned the Canadian territories? I learned the countries in Asia, didn’t I?” (I have since forgotten nearly all of them.)
I came across a good mnemonic for them – the ones across the bottom go: Bill And Sally Make One Quart of Nothing. The ones across the top go You’re Not Naked. The little ‘maritimes’ are hit and miss. Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and the other one.
So, take this quiz! I bet I’ll find Quart before you will!
Nigel says
You should start by learning the states of Australia. There are only six of them and two territories, and most of the states start with a compass point which makes it easier. Then when you have a working knowledge of Australia, you will impress all the Australians you meet (who expect Americans to know nothing about here….)
You’ll score points. We’ll buy your drinks. This is never bad.
Deborah says
You convinced me! Off to memorize things about Australia!
Lauren says
So far I’m coming up with “WaNt (a) SaQ (of) Not Safe for Work, Victoria.” It doesn’t have a great ring to it, but it’s something to start with.
Lauren says
Dang, I forgot the territories.
Nigel says
and Tasmania by the looks.
Try WNSQNAVT
Why Not Sell Queen Nancy’s Amazing Vertical Tele
Western Australia
Northern Territory
South Australia
Queensland
New South Wales
Australian Capital Territory
Victoria
Tasmania
Not only do you name all the states you are doing it in order, from left to right, up to down.
Do that and you will get cocktails….
Brad says
I will not take your quiz. I’m already shamed: I couldn’t even remember what words go along with all the letters in your mnemonic sentences. (Nunavut? Have I ever even learned that name?)
What helps me continue to learn trivia is that I read “This Day in History” out loud to my homeroom each morning. It is often an opportunity for me to look up a person or event from history. Sometimes I remember some of the stuff I learn, like the fact that Indira Gandhi is of no relation whatsoever to Mahatma Gandhi.
Beth says
Really? I had no idea about the Gandhis. I’m pretty sure I thought they were married.
And I’m ashamed at my lack of historical and geographic knowledge as well.
Brad says
I know! I thought they were married too. They aren’t even in the same generation: Mahatma was born in 1869. Indira was born in 1917.
Gretchen says
I thought they were father/daughter. I was always impressed at the legacy that Mahatma left by teaching his daughter to be a strong leader. And it only occurred in my own mind.
Kristi says
I’ll learn the territories of Canada when the Canadians learn all 50 states. Does that make me an ugly American?
(Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.)
Lauren says
Ha! When I started to read your first sentence, I was sure it was going to end “…. when they take over our country. Then I’ll bow to our Canadian overlords!”
I can only remember the weird names while actually taking the quiz. Nunavut? I don’t believe that’s even a word. And the one that ‘Nothing’ stands for? I can’t recall it now, but I believe it’s “N-something and Labrador”. Is that where all the dogs come from?
Lauren's mom says
Trivia.
Nunavut -- 93.2% are Christian.
Gretchen says
And how many Americans can name all 50 states? (Or all 7 dwarves?) I can name them thanks to that song…Fifty Nifty United States, from the 13 original Colonies, Spout ’em, Shout ’em, Tell all about ’em…
Kristi says
Alright, I took the quiz (just in case we do get overrun by Canadians). I scored a whopping 28. Does that still make me an ugly American?
Kristi says
By the way, my nephew has always wanted to move to Canada because that’s where they make Canadian bacon, and he loves Canadian bacon. I can’t bring myself to tell him the truth.
Peggy says
I really like Canada’s anthem. I know it because I used to go to alot of hockey games when we had a minor team and we played alot of Canandian teams.
I’ll work on those territories!