A History of Madness (Version 2.0)

A History of Madness (Version 2.0)
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To quote Robert Burns (the Scottish poet, not the Oberlin Yeoman letterman from the college's 1948 hoops squad), the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. That certainly happened with my ill-fated effort Friday afternoon in my last post, where I assumed to pin down the top eight seeds in the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. Therefore, eager students, please add the following questions to Friday's pop quiz in order to recognize those two teams inadvertently omitted from my earlier post -- along with an extra credit question to make amends.

1. Who were the Aztecs?
a. An ill-fated series of automobiles built by Dodge from 2001 to 2005.

b. In the FOX series Sons of Anarchy, a rival motorcycle gang led by Marcus Alvarez!

c. A civilization that dominated central Mexico and much of Central America in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries.

d. All of the above.

Answer: Not so fast, my friends -- a trick question! The Aztec was built by Pontiac, not Dodge, and Alvarez's gang is the Mayans, not the Aztecs. The correct answer is C. The Aztecs ruled a mighty empire from their capital in Tenochtitlan (at the site of modern-day Mexico City) before conquest by Spanish conquistadors led by Hernan Cortes and his Indian allies in 1521.

2. In addition to a University of Florida player, "gator" also refers to:
a. A former pitcher for the New York Yankees

b. A dance move immortalized by John "Bluto" Blutarsky

c. Ironically, a 1976 movie starring former Florida State football player Burt Reynolds

d. All of the above

Answer: D. Louisiana-born Ron "Gator" Guidry pitched for the Yankees from 1975-1988. In 1976's Gator, Burt Reynolds played the title character, Gator McClusky. Two years later, in Animal House, John Belushi's character Bluto initiates the "Gator" at the infamous Delta Tau Chi toga party. "It's not going to be an orgy; it's a toga party!"

EXTRA CREDIT

3. Who was George Mason?

A. Freshman roommate at Harvard University of Mets rookie pitching phenom Sid Finch.

B. Reclusive philanthropist and owner of the Washington Generals

C. English musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known for 1977's hit hit "We Just Disagree"

D. Virginia delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787; later known as "father of the Bill of Rights"

Answer: D. Although a staunch anti-federalist who declined to sign the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and ultimately opposed its ratification, George Mason secured his historical legacy with his staunch advocacy for the inclusion of the Bill of Rights in subsequent amendments. And, in case you disagree, it was Dave Mason who sang "We Just Disagree."

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