Gen X Culture 2 the Max MiniLeague: Match Day 5 Recap, by AbolafiaD

We've got TWO Gen X ML Recaps for you this morning! First up is David, who looks to keep his unbeaten streak in tact.

New this LL offseason: I am now accepting reader submissions for ML match day or 1DS recaps! If you are interested, email me at braphel@gmail.com or comment on this thread.

---

Match Day 5

1. The title of what 1971 S. E. Hinton novel is shared by a song first recorded by the Mosquitos in 1985 (a cover of which became a comeback hit for a "prefab" group the following year)?

Thoughts: I have not read any of Hinton's works, but fortunately (as mentioned in my previous recap), I'm a movie nerd. In the '80s, there were a number of film adaptations of her books... "The Outsiders," "Rumble Fish," "Tex"... but none of those sound like song titles. Especially since the "prefab" hint leads me to the Monkees. But I do recall another Hinton adaptation with a title that DOES sound familiar as a song: "That Was Then, This is Now."

Correct answer: That Was Then, This is Now

How much of LL got it right?: 12%

Points Assigned to Opponent: 2 - She's strong in both Pop Music and Literature, but this is a lesser-known book and song.

Was Opponent Correct?: No

Points Assigned to Me: 3

Was I Correct? Yes

Current Score: 3(1) - 0(0)

Follow-up: "That Was Then, This is Now" was the Monkees' last Top 20 hit. And of the four screen adaptations of S.E. Hinton's books, "That Was Then, This is Now" was the only one that Matt Dillon DIDN'T appear in.

2. It could be argued that Hugh Wilson made what man a star by directing him in the role of Carey Mahoney? (It's true this actor had had lead roles in Diner and Can't Stop the Music, but neither of those movies spawned a franchise.)

Thoughts: I'm all over this question. Although he directed other films, Hugh Wilson is best known for the "Police Academy" franchise. I've seen both "Diner" and the "Caitlyn (then known as Bruce) Jenner in short shorts" embarrassment that was "Can't Stop the Music." And the star in common for all of those movies, who grew up in my hometown of Massapequa, NY, is Steve Guttenberg.

Correct answer: Steve Guttenberg

How much of LL got it right?: 44%

Points Assigned to Opponent: 1 - She's good at Film, but stronger in other subjects.

Was Opponent Correct?: Yes

Points Assigned to Me: 1

Was I Correct? Yes

Current Score: 4(2) - 1(1)

Follow-up: Later in his career, Guttenberg starred in and directed an adaptation of James Kirkwood's play, "P.S. Your Cat is Dead." When I was in college, I directed and appeared in a production of the play.

3. What amorphous, low-intelligence Dungeons & Dragons monster has the same name as an iron-rich staple of UK breakfasts?

Thoughts: I don't have much to go on here. Not at all familiar with UK breakfast foods (my lack of world travel continues to haunt me). And my Dungeons & Dragons days are nearly 35 years behind me. The only amorphous, low-intelligence monster that I can remember is a Gelatinous Cube. Could that be a breakfast food? Unlikely, but possible.

Correct answer: Black Pudding

How much of LL got it right?: 22%

Points Assigned to Opponent: 0 - Food/Drink is her best subject, and even if this is a Games/Sport question, she's still got a nearly 62% get rate.

Was Opponent Correct?: Yes

Points Assigned to Me: 2

Was I Correct? No

Current Score: 4(2) - 1(2)

Follow-up: So far, so good on my defense. I've certainly heard of Black Pudding, but never would have placed it in the context of a D&D monster.

4. In 1986, what five-foot-six Atlanta Hawk became (and still is) the shortest player ever to win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest?

Thoughts: To paraphrase the "Bo Knows" TV commercials, David DOESN'T know basketball. But... when I see references to short NBA players, I immediately think of Muggsy Bogues (largely thanks to "Space Jam"). However, I'm pretty sure Bogues was shorter than 5'6". The only other name that's lodged in the back of my brain is Spud Webb. No context, but as a WAG, it's all I've got.

Correct answer: Anthony "Spud" Webb

How much of LL got it right?: 48%

Points Assigned to Opponent: 3 - Even at 62%, Games/Sport is still her worst category.

Was Opponent Correct?: Yes

Points Assigned to Me: 1

Was I Correct? Yes

Current Score: 5(3) - 4(3)

Follow-up: So much for my defense. Webb had two stints with the Hawks, and also spent time with the Kings, the Timberwolves and (briefly) the Magic. Given his height, it's probably not fair to compare his stats with other players... but today, he is best remembered for winning the dunk contest.

5. At the height of its popularity, New Edition's lineup consisted of Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and what fifth person, brought on at the insistence of his uncle (the group's choreographer)?

Thoughts: I was not a fan of New Edition, and the only name that's at all familiar here is Bobby Brown. But looking through the last names, I see "Bell" and "Bivins," and am reminded that there was a group (which, as part of my brain-wracking, I seem to recall was an offshoot of New Edition) called Bell Biv DeVoe, which came from its members' surnames. So, DeVoe it is (I have no idea what his first name is).

Correct answer: Ronnie DeVoe

How much of LL got it right?: 53%

Points Assigned to Opponent: 1 - Great Pop Music score

Was Opponent Correct?: Yes

Points Assigned to Me: 2

Was I Correct? Yes

Current Score: 7(4) - 5(4)

Follow-up: Bell Biv DeVoe's album "Poison" is considered a seminal work in the New Jack Swing movement.

6. A red brick wall as a backdrop and warm-up hosting performed by Budd Friedman were indications that you were watching (perhaps on A&E) a stand-up showcase taking place in the evening at what comedy club franchise?

Thoughts: Another one that's right in my wheelhouse. Long before my semi-successful stint as a stand-up comic, I would spend LOTS of time watching comedy specials (on A&E as well as HBO). Budd Friedman is a name I know well.. and the "in the evening" hint adds up to "An Evening at the Improv."

Correct answer: The Improv

How much of LL got it right?: 40%

Points Assigned to Opponent: 2 - If you don't know who Budd Friedman is, this is a toughie

Was Opponent Correct?: Yes

Points Assigned to Me: 0

Was I Correct? Yes

Follow-up: The "brick wall" shows were a staple of stand-up comedy on TV throughout the '80s. It was a time and place where I saw so many brilliant people early in their careers... too many of whom left us far too early.

Result: Win 7(5) - 7(5). Tied TownesL. Record: 4-0-1. First place in Group 267.

Final comments: Not much I could do here, so I'll take the tie. I will say this about this ML: It's right up my alley... because none of my three worst subjects (World History, Art and Current Events) would ever come up.