Poll

18 votes (72%)
7 votes (28%)

25 members have voted

CRMousseau
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October 6th, 2012 at 6:41:12 PM permalink
For those who remember the trivia contest, the Confederate Flag was listed as one of the six "national flags" to fly over the state of Texas.

However.. if we set the Wayback Machine to my LAST trip to Vegas...

I had thought I had FOR SURE stumped The Wiz with what seemed like a slam dunk trivia question. When I asked him who was the first American President to resign from office, he predictably said "Richard Nixon". I answered that in fact the first American President to resign from office was Jefferson Davis, who resigned as President of the Confederate States of America in 1865. He rebuked my claims of victory on the grounds that the CSA was not officially a nation but a rogue state.

Yet now, a few months later, the same man claims the CSA *was* a nation? Accordingly, I claim retroactive victory.

Should the CSA "officially" be considered a nation?
Mission146
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October 6th, 2012 at 6:44:01 PM permalink
No, they would have had to have been re-ratified into the Union if the Union considered it a seperate Nation (or even a non-terriotory) and therefore, the date of admission for every Confederate State would be May 9, 1865.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
AZDuffman
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October 6th, 2012 at 6:46:22 PM permalink
Whether you want to call it an independent nation or not, the CSA did not consider itself part of the USA. Its POTCS was not elected under the US Constitution. It does not count.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
Pokeraddict
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October 6th, 2012 at 6:47:58 PM permalink
Quote: AZDuffman

Whether you want to call it an independent nation or not, the CSA did not consider itself part of the USA. Its POTCS was not elected under the US Constitution. It does not count.



It was its own country for about four years. Its flag presumably flew over any state that joined it at the time. I don't think Jefferson Davis could be considered a president that resigned though, it was its own country and had nothing to do with the union.
DJTeddyBear
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October 6th, 2012 at 7:29:30 PM permalink
There's a lot going on with this question.


1. The CSA considered themselves a separate country. That the USA didn't recognize the CSA is irrelevant. Jefferson Davis resigned. It counts for the trivia question.

2. "America" is generally thought of as USA, but for the context of the first Wiz trivia, doesn't Mexico have presidents? Did any resign prior to Jefferson Davis? (Or prior to Nixon if you're discounting the CSA.)

3. During the new trivia contest, it was explained that the "6 flags" is where the amusement company got its name. Therefore the source of the trivia answer can come from their PR dept., and may or may not conform to what the state legislature has to say about it.

4. Texas legislature may agree with the company's statement.


Bottom line: Don't waste time in your way back machine, or looking for a flux capacitor.
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buzzpaff
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October 6th, 2012 at 7:40:56 PM permalink
" Should the CSA "officially" be considered a nation? "

An organized rebellion may have a belligerent status by the mere virtue of its being at war; but it cannot have a sovereign status until it's war becomes a triumph.

I sorta remember the CSA losing ?

Charles has a very, very, valid point !
rxwine
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October 6th, 2012 at 7:46:44 PM permalink
The war is over?
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AZDuffman
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October 6th, 2012 at 7:47:30 PM permalink
Quote: buzzpaff

" Should the CSA "officially" be considered a nation? "

An organized rebellion may have a belligerent status by the mere virtue of its being at war; but it cannot have a sovereign status until it's war becomes a triumph.

I sorta remember the CSA losing ?

Charles has a very, very, valid point !



I asked in a history class if anyone recognized the CSA, was told no other nation did. Even if one did, there is no reason to consider Davis an "American President." Not the Mexican President, or any other nation. As was written elsewhere, just because it is all the "Americas" does not make people outside the USA "Americans." Call a Canadian, Brazilian, or Mexican an "American" and see what kind of reaction you get.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
buzzpaff
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October 6th, 2012 at 7:48:54 PM permalink
SHHH Now you spoiled our surprise attack. Sargent, put this man in chains. NOW
rxwine
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October 6th, 2012 at 7:50:14 PM permalink
Maybe the lyrics will help. Both Union and Confederate versions -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Cry_of_Freedom


Lyrics (Union version)

Yes we'll rally round the flag, boys, we'll rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom,
We will rally from the hillside, we'll gather from the plain,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

(Chorus)
The Union forever! Hurrah, boys, hurrah!
Down with the traitor, up with the star;
While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

We are springing to the call of our brothers gone before,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
And we'll fill our vacant ranks with a million freemen more,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
Chorus
We will welcome to our numbers the loyal, true and brave,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
And although they may be poor, not a man shall be a slave,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!


Lyrics (Confederate version)

Our flag is proudly floating on the land and on the main,
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
Beneath it oft we've conquered, and we'll conquer oft again!
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!

(Chorus)
Our Dixie forever! She's never at a loss!
Down with the eagle and up with the cross (albatross)!
We'll rally 'round the bonny flag, we'll rally once again,
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!

Our gallant boys have marched to the rolling of the drums.
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
And the leaders in charge cry out, "Come, boys, come!"
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!--

Chorus
They have laid down their lives on the bloody battle field.
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
Their motto is resistance -- "To the tyrants never yield!"
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!--

Chorus
While our boys have responded and to the fields have gone.
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!
Our noble women also have aided them at home.
Shout, shout the battle cry of Freedom!--
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buzzpaff
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October 6th, 2012 at 7:58:08 PM permalink
Quote: AZDuffman

I asked in a history class if anyone recognized the CSA, was told no other nation did. Even if one did, there is no reason to consider Davis an "American President." Not the Mexican President, or any other nation. As was written elsewhere, just because it is all the "Americas" does not make people outside the USA "Americans." Call a Canadian, Brazilian, or Mexican an "American" and see what kind of reaction you get.



They seceded from the Union and formed their own nation complete with their own currency and government. The nation didn't last long but for awhile they were Sovereign.
Ibeatyouraces
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October 6th, 2012 at 8:11:02 PM permalink
deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
rxwine
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October 6th, 2012 at 8:14:32 PM permalink
I think the problem with the bet is, this isn't so much a forgotten element that you can win a bet on from the unwary, but a disputed answer in an of itself. Yes there are elements that argue either way for nation or against.

I would declare "no winner" null or void, or something.
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buzzpaff
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October 6th, 2012 at 8:20:53 PM permalink
Perhaps the person who authored the question should be penalized ?

He still owes me 40 push-ups.
chefphydeaux
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October 6th, 2012 at 11:01:28 PM permalink
When I asked him who was the first American President to resign from office, ?


This is the question, but seems to be lacking in specifics, :"American President" can mean several things. President of Mexico has been mentioned, of course POTUS is an acceptable meaning as well as POTCS. I think when most people in the USA, use the word President, they are referring to POTUS. Using this point of reference the answer of Richard M. Nixon is correct. Since Jefferson Davis was never POTUS but POTCS he is an obvious incorrect answer.
I believe the question of who was first, is rendered void, due to a lack of specifics.
As to the question of should the CSA be considered a nation officially. Sure. The claimed independence, formed their own government and armies and navy, issued currency, fought a war for their independence.

As far a presidential trivia questions one of my favorites ones is, What was the first POTUS to be born in the United States of America ?

Phydeaux
Wizard
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October 7th, 2012 at 2:07:42 AM permalink
I maintain my position on both issues.

By "American" president I interpret that to mean the United States of America. When Davis resigned he did not resign from the USA. I forgot that I called them a "rogue state." By "rogue" I would say they still had to cement the deal by winning the war to be a fully-legitimate state, but even a rogue state is entitled to a flag.

I don't know exactly what should be required (I doubt there is universal agreement on any definition) to be considered a sovereign country, but in my opinion the Confederacy was a country, albeit rogue, for four years. As was mentioned, the amusement park "Six Flags over Texas" counts the Confederacy, and who should know their history of Texas better than an amusement park?

About the push-ups, I thought we went double or nothing on whose game would get the higher score at the focus group.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
odiousgambit
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October 7th, 2012 at 2:49:03 AM permalink
I think the OP did not have a fair bet, but for the reason that is too tricky to use "American" in this fashion, as DJTB points out with Canada, Mexico and all the rest having to be included if it is fair to just say "American" and not necessarily mean USA.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
RonC
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October 7th, 2012 at 5:24:03 AM permalink
Quote: odiousgambit

I think the OP did not have a fair bet, but for the reason that is too tricky to use "American" in this fashion, as DJTB points out with Canada, Mexico and all the rest having to be included if it is fair to just say "American" and not necessarily mean USA.



Not to mention all of the countries in Latin and South "America"...
s2dbaker
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October 7th, 2012 at 5:38:30 AM permalink
I disagree. The question was, who was the first American President to resign from office. You have to expand the definition of American President to include the Confederacy. If you do that then why not expand it to include corporations for they also are run by American Presidents. (Good Point about Mexico, DJ)
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tsmith
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October 7th, 2012 at 6:09:45 AM permalink
I'm not sure you can even use the word resign to define what Jeff Davis did. To me, to resign implies that you step down and someone else takes over the position. The country he was president of no longer existed, therefore his office/title was eliminated; you can't resign from a position you cannot logically hold.
WongBo
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October 7th, 2012 at 6:45:47 AM permalink
Trivia: first vice-president of USA to resign from office...
John C. Calhoun
7th Vice President of the United States
In office March 4, 1825 – December 28, 1832
In a bet, there is a fool and a thief. - Proverb.
buzzpaff
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October 7th, 2012 at 7:14:46 AM permalink
Alexander Stephens He was on the CSA $20 bill.
buzzpaff
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October 7th, 2012 at 7:19:51 AM permalink
" About the push-ups, I thought we went double or nothing on whose game would get the higher score at the focus group. "

Upon reflection I think you are right. I remember discussing an over/under line on Mulligan and instead of 80 push-ups 50 in public , but probably bet like you said. You must remember that per Dan Lubin I was dazed and incoherent when my game did not win first place. I shall not mention this again.

Have to go now and see if Gracie Lynn will do my NFL picks next week.
Nareed
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October 7th, 2012 at 7:30:31 AM permalink
I regard the CSA as much a real nation as Freedonia.
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buzzpaff
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October 7th, 2012 at 7:48:50 AM permalink
Quote: Nareed

I regard the CSA as much a real nation as Freedonia.



Freedonian was probably first used by Americans immediately after the American Revolution in place of the demonym "American".

While CSA may be in question, FREEDONIA is not.

They got guns,
We got guns,
All God's chillun got guns!
I'm gonna walk all over the battlefield,
'Cause all God's chillun got guns!
Nareed
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October 7th, 2012 at 7:59:56 AM permalink
How about Sylvania? ;)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
buzzpaff
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October 7th, 2012 at 8:04:53 AM permalink
Quote: Nareed

How about Sylvania? ;)



Sylvania, Alabama
Sylvania, Georgia

Both were part of CSA

In 1990 the United States Library of Congress deemed Duck Soup "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" and selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.

And PLEASE do not get suspended again. When you did my name appeared among the top 5 contributors. Now that you are back,
she thinks i am being productive instead.
Nareed
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October 7th, 2012 at 9:12:34 AM permalink
Oh, good. For a moment there I thought you'd missed the joke :)

Quote: buzzpaff

And PLEASE do not get suspended again.



That's not entirely up to me.
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CRMousseau
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October 7th, 2012 at 10:47:32 AM permalink
Quote: tsmith

I'm not sure you can even use the word resign to define what Jeff Davis did. To me, to resign implies that you step down and someone else takes over the position. The country he was president of no longer existed, therefore his office/title was eliminated; you can't resign from a position you cannot logically hold.



The position (and the country) existed up until just after the moment he resigned. Davis' last official act as CSA President was to resign office, and once he resigned, the CSA dissolved rather than name a successor.
Wizard
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October 8th, 2012 at 8:19:46 AM permalink
Speaking of forgotten "countries", has anyone ever heard of Forgottonia?
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
odiousgambit
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October 8th, 2012 at 8:27:00 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Speaking of forgotten "countries", has anyone ever heard of Forgottonia?



How about the Forgotten State? or is that the thing to call it?
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buzzpaff
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October 8th, 2012 at 8:58:49 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Speaking of forgotten "countries", has anyone ever heard of Forgottonia?



Charles, among Wizards and magicians, this is referred to as misdirection. It's intent is that you will no longer focus on the real object, which has to do with Jefferson Davis.
teddys
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October 9th, 2012 at 5:54:45 PM permalink
Sorry, Charles, to go against you again but I vote no. The question smacks of trickery. By asking "American" president, that could also mean the president of Argentina, or Venezuela, or what have you. What does "American" mean? Jefferson Davis wasn't considered an officer of the U.S.A., so he couldn't be American in that sense. I'd have to go with the Wizard on this one.

Impressive with the Cabot Lodge knowledge though.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
CRMousseau
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October 10th, 2012 at 1:12:40 AM permalink
Quote: teddys

Sorry, Charles, to go against you again but I vote no. The question smacks of trickery. By asking "American" president, that could also mean the president of Argentina, or Venezuela, or what have you. What does "American" mean? Jefferson Davis wasn't considered an officer of the U.S.A., so he couldn't be American in that sense. I'd have to go with the Wizard on this one.

Impressive with the Cabot Lodge knowledge though.



I'm a bit of a buff of alternate history as well as a keen student of the Nixon administration (looking through my hall of heroes, you see a lot of flawed narcissists, which undoubtedly speaks volumes about my nature), and had just had a good long chat combining the two a couple days before coming to Vegas, so I still had that fresh in my brain. We concluded that a Nixon victory in 1960 would have actually resulted in stronger Soviet presence in Indochina but less strained relations with the USA, ultimately ending the Cold War sooner.

... and I hear you people saying that it smacks of trickery. Fair enough. It's supposed to stump a master at the risk of being "merely" technically correct (a.k.a. the best kind of correct). If the president of a country in the continent of Europe is a European president, then the president of a country in the continent of America is an American president (see which, Asian, African etc.)

I also hear the "this could mean Argentina or Mexico" arguments. I'm aware of that, yet could find no President of a nation on the continent of America who resigned the presidency before Jefferson Davis resigned his in 1865. Perhaps I'm mistaken?
teddys
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October 10th, 2012 at 10:09:02 AM permalink
Quote: CRMousseau


... and I hear you people saying that it smacks of trickery. Fair enough. It's supposed to stump a master at the risk of being "merely" technically correct (a.k.a. the best kind of correct).

That's fine. I just wouldn't put any money on it. That would leave a bad taste in my mouth if I got it wrong. Fun to hornswoggle someone with, though.

Hope you got your $40 back from the Wizard. He definitely perceived an advantage on that Supreme Court question.
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Wizard
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October 10th, 2012 at 10:22:36 AM permalink
Quote: CRMousseau

If the president of a country in the continent of Europe is a European president, then the president of a country in the continent of America is an American president (see which, Asian, African etc.)



I've been to China five times and everyone always seemed to refer to the United States as "America." Then again, I never hear that anywhere between Mexico and Argentina. Personally, when outside the country I always refer to it as the "United States," if using English, because the term "America" is vague, and I think it is a little insulting to the rest of North and South America.

Likewise I strive to avoid confusion in other place names. For example the biggest island in Hawaii is called "Hawaii," but I always go with "big island." The highest mountain in the United States is known both as Mount Denali and Mount McKinley, but I refuse to use "Denali," in part to avoid the confusion that it lies within "Denali National Park."
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CRMousseau
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October 10th, 2012 at 10:41:03 AM permalink
Teddy,

I lost my $40 to the Wiz fair and square, but I'm sure I'll get it back soon enough.

Quote: Wizard

I've been to China five times and everyone always seemed to refer to the United States as "America." Then again, I never hear that anywhere between Mexico and Argentina. Personally, when outside the country I always refer to it as the "United States," if using English, because the term "America" is vague, and I think it is a little insulting to the rest of North and South America.



I've always specified "USA" myself, but maybe that's a subconscious desire to groom the world for my hornswoggling bets ;)

Quote:

Likewise I strive to avoid confusion in other place names. For example the biggest island in Hawaii is called "Hawaii," but I always go with "big island." The highest mountain in the United States is known both as Mount Denali and Mount McKinley, but I refuse to use "Denali," in part to avoid the confusion that it lies within "Denali National Park."



So if the question was to "name the most *whatever* person in Hawaii", and the (correct) answer given was a person who lived on one of the smaller of the Hawaiian islands, would you judge that as correct, or would the expectation be that you were looking for someone strictly on the "big island" of Hawaii.
WongBo
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October 10th, 2012 at 11:12:08 AM permalink
As a trivia purist I find "trick" questions to be extremely weak.
If you can't devise or solve straight up trivia without gimmicks, you shouldn't play the game.(IMO)
Like this...
Name a former head of state who once worked as a baker at the Parker House Hotel in Boston?
Hồ Chí Minh
In a bet, there is a fool and a thief. - Proverb.
CRMousseau
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October 10th, 2012 at 11:55:46 AM permalink
Quote: WongBo

As a trivia purist I find "trick" questions to be extremely weak.
If you can't devise or solve straight up trivia without gimmicks, you shouldn't play the game.(IMO)



Is it a trick, or simply being technically correct?

There is no question that the entire land mass from the top of the Yukon to the bottom of Argentina is collectively and correctly referred to as "America". The country name "USA" reinforces that fact. The butt-kicking that the USA got 200 years ago reinforces the error in a belief that "USA" and "America" are synonyms.

If I asked you, in the 80s, a trivia question referring to a Soviet leader and you assumed this had to mean "from Russia", would you call that a trick as well?
Wizard
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October 10th, 2012 at 12:06:55 PM permalink
Quote: CRMousseau

So if the question was to "name the most *whatever* person in Hawaii", and the (correct) answer given was a person who lived on one of the smaller of the Hawaiian islands, would you judge that as correct, or would the expectation be that you were looking for someone strictly on the "big island" of Hawaii.



Let's say the question was to name the most populated city in Hawaii. FYI, Honolulu would obviously be the biggest city in the state, but I'm pretty sure Hilo would be on the Big Island (could be Kona, but I'd bet against it). I could see a trickster making an argument for Hilo, but I personally don't care for these kinds of trick questions.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
WongBo
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October 10th, 2012 at 12:22:17 PM permalink
I see your point CRM, but I do think that questions that require further clarification or that rely on misdirection are suspect.
It would be very easy for you to claim a completely different answer based on the response.
Personally, I prefer trivia to be obscure enough to not require extra complications,
But mainstream enough to be verifiable on Wikipedia!
In a bet, there is a fool and a thief. - Proverb.
rxwine
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October 10th, 2012 at 1:27:02 PM permalink
Quote: WongBo

As a trivia purist I find "trick" questions to be extremely weak.



What kind of electric razor did U.S. President Warren Van Buren trim his sidebuns with?

There was no President Warren Van Buren! His name was Martin! Furthermore, have you looked at the guys sideburns?! I don't think he trimmed them at all!
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Nareed
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October 10th, 2012 at 1:30:53 PM permalink
Quote: teddys

Sorry, Charles, to go against you again but I vote no. The question smacks of trickery. By asking "American" president, that could also mean the president of Argentina, or Venezuela, or what have you. What does "American" mean?



In context, it's entirely propper to call the U.S.A. "America." Therefore the question "Who was the first American president to resign?" asked by an American in America, should mean "Who was the first president of the United States of America" to resign.

FYI, as far as I know the only Mexican president to "resign" was Porfirio Díaz. At least he was deposed and moved to France (of all places).
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CRMousseau
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October 15th, 2012 at 2:46:58 PM permalink
Quote: Nareed

In context, it's entirely propper to call the U.S.A. "America." Therefore the question "Who was the first American president to resign?" asked by an American in America..



.. but since it was asked by a Canadian, that means I win? ;)
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