Chuckles: Girl Power!

Out of the Vortex + 2 Roses (or as I like to call them, The Rose-Scented Vortex) was a new super-team of Trish, Marie and Marge that took no prisoners tonight. They had a nine-point victory over defending champs Who Put the Men in Our Menstrual Cycle. Second Collection was struggling all night long, but came through in the last round to claim third. KCC and B had a nice fourth-place showing, followed by Skirtland and a three-wa tie for sixth between Nurses We Keep Doctors from Killing You, Team CHUD and Stix and Gigs. Miami Blades once again got theme choice and they are going with the Lord of the Rings.

VFW: All Systems Go

The VFW was packed tonight. Chicks and Dicks inched past Andre Agassi's Dope Dealers to take home the gold. 2-H+3 had their best night ever, placing third. The B52s and Jack and Coke tied for fourth, while Mixed Company was sixth. It's Just a Freakin' Game are next week's theme-pickers and they are going with the Nanny. (As in the one with the woman with the nail-on-chalkboard laugh)

Bube's: Join the 300 Club

Proving that you can't keep a good team down, Semper Fi Do or Die Nutsack Nutsack aced the last round to win tonight, after being the worst team last week. Charles of the Fool Monkey was confident that they had won having guessed nine of the ten. But the Monkey was second, followed by the Toxic Olives. The Olives' farm team, the Toxic Kalamatas featuring birthday girl Katrina, was fourth, while Ere We Are was fifth. A new team, The Dutch Rudders, was happy to place sixth out of 15 teams, while the Stonecutters was even happier to place seventh. Thier choice for theme: the periodic table. They also chose the playlist and I can safely say it's a little on the eclectic side.

Chuckles: Menstrual Show

Who Put the Men in Our Menstrual Cycle won on a night featuring the "chick flick" Benny Hill, I mean Notting Hill, with an 8-point victory over defending champs Ubersmack. Pixie Sticks featuring Yusef fell one point shy of the silver and settled for third. Second Collection was stuck in fourth all night. Team CHUD, Kim Jong Ill'in and Out of the Vortex rounded out the top seven, with the Miami Blades getting theme choice for next week. They are going with the Twilight saga.

Best Show Currently on TV

I think Friday Night Lights is currently the best show on TV (since Chuck and Lost are on hiatus). If you don't have DirecTV, make sure to watch it next year on NBC.

Some Unposted Chuckles Pix

VFW: Gone to the Dogs

It was a special night of TV animal trivia, as we played a speeded-up game to accomodate World Series fans (and we all see how well that went). Andy Pettite Should Take a Urine Test returned to the winners' circle, one question ahead of the cookie-deprived It's Just a Freakin' Game. KB was joined by K and continued their winning ways, placing third. Chicks and Dicks grew again and placed fourth, one point ahead of 2H + 3. The B52s was 6th and D&M once again get to pick a theme: NASA.

Bube's: Trivia from Hell

Thankfully I had my back turned to the huge Beezelbub behind me, otherwise I would have had the heebie-jeebies all night. Seems the demon was left over from Bube's Halloween spooktacular. He got to see a great night of quizzing, as teams went down in flames (again with the hellish imagery!). Quietly Making Noise was not so Quiet, as they had a nearly 20 point victory over One Ball Paul and the Rhythm Disciples. A Tiny Danza Slap was third, followed by Kramerica, who were celebrating their highest placing. Jones was fifth and the Toxic Olives sixth. These Themes Really Chap My Nutsack was delighted to place seventh, so they get to pick next week's theme: Major League pitchers who have won 300 or more games.

Chuckles Theme

Thanks to Justin for filling in for me. He reports that the theme for next Sunday (November 8th), at Cafe Chuckles (as chosen by Nurses: We Keep Doctors from Killing You) is the film Notting Hill.

VFW: Sock It to Me

Mary Lynn proudly displays the only inedible item from this week's Trashbag of Dee-lite: a pair of Halloween socks. It will also help her team stay warm since they slid down an icy slope to eighth place. D and M are our theme-pickers and they are going with animal TV stars. It's Only a Freakin' Game, Room Two and Got 26? were sixth, fifth and fourth, respectively. Dear God, Please Use the Phillies As Your Vessel to Strike Down the Yankees took home the bronze, while the top two slots went to two 2-person teams: Chick and Dick and K-B!

Bube's: All Together Ooky

Team Discovery Channel finally reunited just in time for the end of our October tournament, as they saw their arch-rivals Is Cousin It Nothing More than a Giant Walking Nutsack come from behind to win by one question. The 'sacks also won the cumulative point prize of a chocolate moussecake. The Undead Fool Monkey placed second, one question ahead of the Brain Tryst 3. The Ottos took a tumble and fell to fourth, while TDC took fifth. Quietly Making Noise placed sixth, right ahead of two seventh-place teams: the Toxic Olives and the Tony Danza Slap, who did one of their spectacular fourth round crash-and-burns form first to seventh. So there are two themes next week: The Nightmare Before Christmas and Kids in the Hall.

Quietly Making Noise is looking forward to their prize from our Octobapalooza Tournament: a home-cooked lasagna dinner party with tons of ricotta and a little mozzarella (or maybe it's the other way around?)

Otto von Schnitzelpusskrankengescheitmeyer went kaput.

You're a Monster can barely contain their excitement.

Courtney and Lori (?) were not going to stay for the whole night, but then got sucked in. Good thing, too, since they got the bronze!

Two-thirds of the Fool Monkey had a fantastic night, taking both the silver for the night and the grand prize for the Octobapalooza Tournament, a $100 Bube's gift certificate (provided by yours truly).

Becky enjoying the breeze.

Bad Blogger

I will be the first to admit that the blog has been very light lately. I think once Halloween weekend is over I will be able to get back into the swing of regular blogging. Things are starting to calm down in the Real World and I just finished up a ten week subbing gig at the Barn Door, so life is beginning to return to "normal." In the mean time, the theme for Sunday's Chuckles show will be the Showtime cable series Weeds.

Happy Hallo-week!

Tom Karel is well known for his pea salad. Here we see his seasonal variation on the classic recipe.

Themes, Themes, Who's Got Themes?

Sunday, Chuckles: lines from the Godfather.

Tuesday, Bube's: the Addams Family.

Wednesday, VFW: sitcoms after 1980.

Some More Random Pix

Chuckles: Live, from Lancaster, It's...

The Phillies! Actually it was a fun night of trivia, along with a Dodger-whomping by the Phils. Our defending champs Ubersmack managed to be one of the few teams to get the last question right, giving them first place instead of fourth. Team C.H.U.D. was right behind and the Nurses took the bronze. The Weather Balloon Joyriders missed third by one point, while Skirtland and Grand Hoochie Skank Rose tied for fifth. Pixie Stix get to pick next week's theme, and they're going with a theme I can't refuse: Lines from the Godfather.

The Ivey Is Growing!

Congrats to Chris and Julie Ivey, who welcomed Lucien James Ivey to the world this week. Little Lucien promptly grabbed the forceps and scalpel out of the doctor's hands and began to juggle them.

VFW: Trivia Royal with Cheese

First off, thumbs up to the Stars and Stripes Fish N Chips special, topped off with Carmen's Double Chocolate Cupcakes. Just what was needed for a fun night of Pulp Fiction competition. Friends of Stub Hub returned tot he winners' circle, one question ahead of K-B (I think the change of tables actually helped Karen and Bob, since the air was not as rarefied at their lowtop. Mixed Company went away with a third place gift certificate with a blank amount, so they'll be ordering filet mignon next week. Our defending champs, Chicks and Dicks, was fourth and the B52s featuring peanutbutterhater Barry was fifth. Devilin' overruled Trish, so they fell to sixth and 2-H+2 and It's Just a Freakin' Game tied for seventh, so we'll have two themes next week: The Ultimate Fighting Championship and TV Commercials.

Bube's: Who's On First?

That would be a brand new team, Fruits and Nuts Featuring Brown Sugar, Oatmeal and Stir Stick. They were convinced that they had lost and headed out before their name was announced. Luckily Nathan of the Nutsacks knew them and theoretically delivered their gift certificate. The Fool Monkey was six points behind, followed by Take My Nutsack, Please (Is This Thing On?) Quietly Making Noise changed their name to Chipmunk Jamboree and had to settle for fourth, two points ahead of the Toxic Olives. The Carnivores got their first taste of trivia action and vowed to be back. Rumplemintz was sixth and the Triviettes were seventh. And for the first time in trivia history I did not write down their theme and cannot recall it, so for now it is TBA. I will investigate...

VFW: Tomorrow's Theme

Pulp Fiction

Bube's Theme for Tonight

Classic stand-up comics and their routines.

Chuckles: V for Victory

Ubersmack claimed victory tonight, squeaking by Skirtland by two points and one question ahead of Here's Hoping I get That Internship with David Letterman. Raking Leaves and Loving It was fourth, while The Return of Captain Stupid and the Twin Roses tied for fifth. Second Collection will chose next week's theme and they are going with Saturday Night Live.

Go See This Woman!

Barb DeCesare of Winter Radio Theater will be doing a reading of her works at Dogstar Books in Lancaster (the corner of West Chestnut and Pine) this Wednesday, October 14th, 7 P.M.. I can't make it, but y'all need to go see her and tell me how wonderful it was!

Bube's: Captions to Come

Octobapalooza Tourney at Bube's!

The Octobapalooza Trivia Tournament begins tonight at Bube's! Teams that play at least twice at Bube's during the month of October will be eligible for fantastic prizes such as a lasagna dinner at my home (AKA Hornswylde Mansion) or a $100 gift certificate to Bube's! The more often you play, the greater your chances. Come tonight to learn the details.

Halloween Is Coming!

Chuckles: 20's Company

The nice weather is bringing out teams from the woodwork, as we celebrated the 70s schlockfest known as Three's Company. Ubersmack had a last-round rally to place first, six points ahead of Second Collection. Raking the Leaves was one question ahead of Skirtland and the Zombies, while We Can Win With Tickets placed a respectable sixth. The Miami Blades "V is for Vendetta" as their theme for next week. Rich and Donna, AKA A Wing and a Prayer, meanwhile, would like to remind everyone that they were in first place in the first three rounds.

VFW: Time to Drink the Milk

Ben of Iran: Today's Rogue Nation, Tomorrow's Parking Lot, displayed his extensive Indy Car racing knowledge as he led his team on a victory lap, three points ahead of Giggles and Friends. Chicks and Dicks was another three points behind, squeaking by It's Just A freakin' Game by one point. The B52s welcomed Charlie back and placed fifth, ahead of We'll Sing Polkas for Beer. Theme choice for next week goes to Shambles. They must have been inspired by the Billings question, since they are going with Montana.

Bube's: In the Jungle

It was an odd night since the stage was crawling with bamboo left over from Bube's resort party the weekend before, but it didn't stop the competition. The Fool Monkey made a rare re-appearance and made good on their smack-talking to the Toxic Olives. It boiled down to a Captain Jack-off™ between those two teams, with Bill vs. Becky and Bill victorious. Beer: The Cause of and Solution to All Team Nutsacks' Problems was third, with Affleck Was the Bomb in Phantoms one question behind. Chris, Beth and Ethan of Kramerica made a return visit and placed fifth, one point ahead of Good People Drink Good Beer. Theme choice goes to the Tony Danza Slap, and they are going with Nathan of the Nutsack's favorite: '80s metal bands.

Chuckles: Founding Father's Day

Founding father Curtis Earth, seen here in a flattering picture with substitute host Justin, made a rare appearance at Cafe Chuckles tonight. He got to see Ubersmack pull out of their slump and make a last round charge to victory. Nurses, We Keep Doctors from Killing You continued their winning ways, tying with the Pixie Stix for second. First-timer Kristy, however lost to champion Captain Jack-offer™ Bob. Linuscratchitt missed the money by three points, followed by Team CHUD and Gawky Domino. Theme choice went to the dynamic duo pictured above and they are going with the seventies sitcom Three's Company.

Barb and MJ recruited newbie Hillary to the Laffy Taffy crew.

Dirty Pirate Hookers cleaned up in the Trashbag Prizes, with three out of five winning.

The Twin Roses were not too thrilled by tonight's questions.

More Themes

Okay, the blog is still on hold while Real Life is acting up. Here are next week's themes:

Sunday, Chuckles: Guinness Book of World Records

Monday, Barn Door: the Beatles

Tuesday, Bube's: West Coast breweries

Wednesday, VFW: 60s Indy Car racing

Now, how's that for an eclectic bunch?

Blind Center Radio Signing Off

This is really sad: the Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired has (unwisely in my opinion) decided to pull the plug on their radio station. I had volunteered as a reader there in the late 80s to 1991, then started up again in the late nineties. I became the voice of TV Guide (which is ironic since I worked for that little rag for 13 years). This week's taping will be my last :-( Thanks to Dwight and Chris, who currently run the station, and to the other Dwight and Jay Doudna for the past years for providing a much needed service!

Next Week's Themes

Life continues to be hectic and a cold has me feeling less then stellar, so I'm once again going blog-lite. Next week's themes are:

Sunday, Chuckles: The Princess Bride

Monday, Barn Door: Don't know yet, but perhaps The Beatles, or the Civil War (or the Civil War that was fought by the Beatles - damn you, Yoko!) or something else or no theme (how's that for a definitive answer?).

Tuesday, Bube's: Seinfeld (time to retire that one for a while after this week)

Wednesday, VFW: Cars (and I've been allowed to interpret that however I wish)

Must... Sleep!

Themes for Next Week

I'm having a pretty rough week in the Real World, so the posts will have to wait . For those who like to study ahead of time, next week's themes are:

Sunday @ Chuckles: Star Trek: The Original Series

Monday @ The Barn Door (I'm probably hosting): Yet Another Mystery (Like the mystery of when Billy will come back)

Tuesday @ Bube's: The films of Broken Lizard (the makers of Super Troopers)

Wednesday @ The VFW: The Civil War

Anxiously Awaiting the Holiday

VFW: Da Bears

It was a special tribute night to the Decatur Staleys, better known as the Chicago Bears as everyone had more fun than a colony (or is that a lodge?) of beavers. The B52s guessed the most answers correctly and placed first, one point ahead of Chicks and Dicks. It's Just a Freaking Game tied with We Came Here to Do Two Things: To Kick Ass and Chew Bubblegum - We're Fresh Out of Gum. Steve managed to best Matt in a very fast Captain Jack-off™. Room Two was fourth, followed by the duo of Sharp and Not So. Theme choice goes to Chris' Mom, who I finally discovered actually has a name: Marsha. She and John chose Cape May as next week's theme.

Bube's: September Song

Ben of the Tony Danza Slap proudly displays his Trashbag of Dee-lite acquisition: a polymer tray with stuffed bears and Chinese provinces emblazoned on the front. The Slap also celebrated their third place finish as a costly cross-out dropped My Corn Doesn't Grow in the Valley the bronze. The Younger, Cuter Nutsacks did quite well, only three points behind the Wasabi Olives. Quietly Making Noise, featuring almost-newlyweds Brian and Vanessa, placed fifth. You Can't Fix Stupid was shooting for seventh, but that honor went to Team Dickens. For first-timers, they sure know how to shake things up. Their theme choice: the Roman military. (I was going to make a Sparta!!!!! joke when I remembered that was in Greece.)