The Genius of Trivia Crack

At times I think about going for my Master’s degree and then my Doctorate, perhaps in one of the Sciences, as I feel very intelligent after winning at Trivia Crack. The thoughts however are short lived as then I get beat by a fifteen year old. As I learned in high school, multiple choice questions mixed with just a little luck, can raise my normal level of intelligence. It is addicting to feel smart, I wonder what it would be like to feel that way all of the time? Maybe if I keep playing Trivia Crack I’ll eventually find out.

The ‘It’ game on Facebook seems to go in cycles, at first it was Mafia Wars, and then everyone turned into farmers with Farmtown or Farmville. Society soon learned that farming was hard work, requiring lots of time and effort so then Candy Crush came along. Now it’s Trivia Crack, I wonder how long it will be popular as Americans don’t always like to think, especially while on Facebook. (Why else would people sign their name to their comments, it’s not like writing a letter)

I think a major attraction to Trivia Crack is that feeling of accomplishment when a question is answered correctly, like when watching Jeopardy. I believe that some easy questions are thrown in once and awhile to keep the simpletons interested. I even manage to get some Geography questions right and I don’t even know north from south. My best categories are Entertainment, Sports and Arts as the more academic subjects; History, Geography and Science are challenging. If I knew the material would be useful in an online game I would have paid more attention during those classes in school. Guess the teachers weren’t lying when they said its information we would use in life. In addition to the softball questions, I’m also convinced that a series of real brain busters are also occasionally thrown in to keep everyone level headed. Also, I’m not sure about the validity of the spinning wheel, there are some rounds where it consistently lands on the Crown and others in which its magnetized to just my three worst subjects.

It’s the little things in life that bring such great pleasure, such as beating your friend who is an electrical engineer at Trivia Crack. It must stink to be that smart, but not know what two Kardashian sisters take over the Hamptons. Beware though as the game also comes with the risk of much heartache as there’s not much worse than losing a game without getting a single crown, trophy, icon, character or whatever they are called. Zero out of six. At least let me earn the popcorn bucket trophy as a consolation prize.  I begin to feel guilty when it appears that I could possibly be giving someone the shutout treatment. I don’t want to send them into a deep depression. It’s an unwritten rule to allow your opponent to get some trophies, even if it means missing questions intentionally, or at least when you are playing me.

Without an actual book of conduct for Trivia Crack, there are several areas I question, such as how many consecutive times should you beat an opponent before trying your hardest to let them win one? Seriously, a few lucky guesses and anyone can taste victory. I have no idea what DNA stands for, but by guessing C every time, my chances of having the right answer rises substantially. I’ve won an entire game by using that theory, along with B being the answer to every third question. In a world where friendships can be lost over the content of posts, repeatedly defeating someone who is highly educated is grounds for war.

Also, what’s the protocol on asking someone to play again? The winner gets the first opportunity, so if they don’t ask, do you just move on? Maybe they didn’t feel challenged enough or felt too threatened. I don’t like asking, because I know how irritated people are by receiving game requests.

If I retained everything I’ve learned from Trivia Crack, I would be a genius, or at least above normal intelligence, but everything is forgotten by the next question. It’s really unfortunate, because some questions get repeated. The only substantial knowledge I’ve gained that will forever stick with me from playing Trivia Crack is not to drool over Kate Upton in the Game of War ads when my wife is in the room. Whoever designed those ads is the real genius.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A dream made true: Cheering for the Buckeyes

(Article originally appeared in the Tippecanoe Gazette)

It was a dream season for The Ohio State University, who were crowned the National Champions of college football. The championship was the pinnacle of a lifelong dream of Taylor Rudy, whose been living a fairytale as a cheerleader for the Buckeyes. From her spot on the sidelines, Rudy’s spirit helped propel the football team to have one of history’s most magical years.

Rudy, a 2011 graduate of Tippecanoe High School, is fulfilling a goal she set for herself as a child. In the eighth grade, her teacher passed around cards to the class with some general questions on them, including, ‘what is your life dream?’ Rudy’s answer was to be an Ohio State cheerleader. “My teacher laminated those cards, and I kept it growing up. I brought that card to tryouts with me, and I still have it sitting on my desk at school. It’s an incredible feeling to know you are truly living out your childhood and lifelong dream,” she said.

The entire season was filled with obstacles for the team, including an injury at the start of the season to the quarterback, Braxton Miller. To ever reach the championship game seemed nearly impossible. “I’m a very optimistic person, and I had faith in the Buckeyes that we would still have a great season, but the National Championship game is something any team would pray for. Let alone a team that overcame as many adversities as this team did,” said Rudy.

The Sugar Bowl, against Alabama is regarded as one of the most nerve wracking games that Rudy has ever cheered for. When the final buzzer hit zero, the seemingly impossible feat had been made true. The Ohio State Buckeyes would forever be the first to compete in a National Championship game after being victorious in the playoffs.

At the championship game, held in Arlington, Texas; Rudy was enamored by the raucous crowd in such an enormous arena.  Her dream was at the absolute ultimate level of reality. “I kept stopping and looking around, it’s such a crazy feeling when you realize you are currently experiencing one of the most memorable days of your life,” said Rudy. “I’m so honored to be a part of this season and these memories.”

A fourth year Psychology major, with a minor in Business and Criminology; Rudy and all the other cheerleaders must tryout each year. A spot is never guaranteed. Tryouts are a weekend long and held in the spring. While a senior at Tipp, Taylor attended her first tryout, which was very intimidating. She however felt comforted by the other competitors who showed support, despite going for the same limited spot.

While Rudy values all the physical aspects of being a cheerleader, it’s the memories that she cherishes most. Engrained within her forever are the times spent standing in the end zone while the drum major leads Script Ohio, witnessing every touchdown and basket from the front row, traveling to countless places, and standing in front of the student section during the Alma Mater. In addition to the sports related activities, the cheerleaders are also considered as ambassadors of the university. They attend hundreds of events a year with alumni, administration and fans. “I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with countless less fortunate or sick children, seeing the way their faces light up when you hand them your pom poms or Brutus walks into the room is priceless,” she said.

Of course, nothing compares to game day at The Shoe, where Rudy cheers in front of 108,000 fans. She feeds off the energy from one of the country’s greatest crowds. However, it’s the personal encounters that gives her much joy. “One of my favorite things is meeting little girls in cheerleading uniforms. The way they look at you is indescribable, it’s an honor to know that just by bending down and talking to them you can make their day,” said Rudy.

With all the joys of being a cheerleader also comes some hardships. Due to the time commitment, including early morning practices, Rudy misses spending time with friends and stays up late to finish homework, which means getting further behind on sleep. She wouldn’t have it any other way though. “The hardest part about being a cheerleader is the moment you realize it doesn’t last forever. It really makes you want to take advantage of every second,” she said.

When all the odds were against them during the season, nobody ever expected the Buckeyes would end up National Champions. As an eighth grader, not everyone believed that Rudy would someday fulfill her dream of being an Ohio State cheerleader. The team or she ever gave up. “All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them. Trying out for Ohio State cheerleading was one of the most intimidating moments of my life, but I’m so glad I did it. Stepping out of your own comfort zone is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself. I can’t imagine how different my life would be if I hadn’t stepped out of mine,” said Rudy.