Friday 5 - 3/6/09

Another week, another five:

1. On March 6, 1869, Dmitri Mendeleev presented the first Periodic Table of the Elements to the Russian Chemical Society. What memories do you have of your high-school chemistry course?

I remember that my chemistry teacher was a very cool guy. He made chemistry seem fun and exciting. He was also one of the track coaches. He was a good teacher to have.

2. On March 6, 1899, the Bayer company registered aspirin as a trademark. When did you last take medication for pain?

A few weeks ago I took some pills for a headache of doom. They did not help the situation, so I didn't bother taking any more.

3. On March 6, 1853, Giuseppe Verdi’s opera La Traviata premiered in Venice. How do you feel about opera?

I've never really watched any opera. I think it's basically an earlier form of musical theater. I don't see anything wrong with that.

4. On March 6, 1947, American film director Rob Reiner (Meathead!) was born. Which of these Reiner-directed films have you seen, and what do you think of them?

* The Bucket List (2007)
* Rumor Has It… (2005)
* Alex & Emma (2003)
* The Story of Us (1999)
* Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)
* The American President (1995)
* North (1994)
* A Few Good Men (1992)
* Misery (1990)
* When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
* The Princess Bride (1987)
* Stand by Me (1986)
* The Sure Thing (1985)
* This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

Of the above, I've only seen This Is Spinal Tap. I think it's a hilarious movie. It has humor on many different levels. I like the more subtle types of humor that don't hit you over the head with hilarity. Sometimes humor is better when you have to think about it.

5. On March 6, 1972, American basketball-player Shaquille O’Neal was born. How do you feel about basketball?

I think basketball is a decent sport. It's more entertaining than football and baseball, but not as exciting as hockey. I do have fond memories of watching my school teams play basketball. There are few things more thrilling than that last-second shot to win the game.

As for Shaquille O'Neal, he's one of the more colorful characters that basketball has ever had. He's like a big tank, but with a sense of humor. I had one of his rap albums when I was a kid. He wasn't too bad at rapping, really, but he should stick to his (night) job.