Notable Hoosiers: Part One Trivia Quiz

Answer: Benjamin Harrison

The fact that Harrison was one of the more unpopular presidents seems to be due more to the unfortunate financial times during his administration than to any failing on his part. Six states were added to the union while he was in office. After he failed to win reelection, Harrison moved to San Francisco, to take up the position of professor at Stanford University. He later retired to his home in Indianapolis, where he died of pneumonia on March 13, 1901. He's buried next to both women he was married to.

"I pity the man who wants a coat so cheap that the man or woman who produces the cloth will starve in the process."

Benjamin Harrison

Answer: Michael Jackson

When Lisa Marie Presley married Michael, she became associated with both the "King of Pop" and the "King of Rock and Roll." Give her a Budweiser and she'll have the "King of Beers."

Michael Jackson was a big fan of the TV show "The Simpsons" and he talked to the producers about appearing on the show. They wrote an episode specifically for Michael to star in. When he came to find out his contract with his agent wouldn't allow him to work for the small amount "Simpson" producers were willing to pay. He did the episode under a pseudonym and donated the money to charity.

"If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with."

Michael Jackson

Answer: Bill Blass

During WWII, Biil Blass was part of the 603rd camouflage unit; the so-called "Ghost Army." Their job was to use visual, sound and radio effects to fool the enemy into thinking a major threat was in a place where few troops were actually deployed. These diversionary tactics were very effective in siphoning off enemy units from fighting battalions. The Ghost Army's mission was so secret that their contribution wasn't public knowledge until 40 years after the war was over. Some of the things they did are still classified today.

"Fashion can be bought by anybody; style takes discernment. It has to do with individuality."

Bill Blass

Answer: Tecumseh

Tecumseh has the rare honor of being a hero in two countries. (U.S. and Canada) He sided with the British during The War of 1812, hoping that an American defeat would stop settlers from crossing the Appalachian Mountains. Although his plans ultimately failed, his compassion, oratory and military skills made him a great leader.


"Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself."

Tecumseh

Answer: Carole Lombard

Known as The Hoosier Tornado, Carole Lombard was a major Hollywood player who preferred the company of grips and techies to other players. She died in a plane crash returning from a war bond selling tour. She was awarded a posthumous Medal of Freedom by FDR, who called her the first woman killed in the line of duty during World War II.

"I live by a man's code, designed to fit a man's world, yet at the same time I never forget that a woman's first job is to choose the right shade of lipstick."

Carole Lombard

Answer: Orville Redenbacher

For his whole life, Orville Redenbacher's singular obsession was a better popcorn. He turned that little kernel into a multi-million dollar industry. He was his own TV pitchman. He also did the talk show circuit to prove he was the real Orville not an actor portraying him as many people suspected. He died in Coronado, Ca September 19, 1995 and his ashes were scattered at sea.


"Every once in a while, someone will mail me a single popcorn kernel that didn't pop. I'll get out a fresh kernel, tape it to a piece of paper and mail it back to them. '"

Orville Redenbacher

Answer: James Whitcomb Riley

Riley was known in his time as much for his performances as his writing. He was cursed (blessed) with incurable wanderlust. He travelled the country reading his own poetry to enthralled audiences. He was so popular that at one point he was the wealthiest author in America.


'When you awaken some morning and hear that somebody or other has been discovered, you can put it down as a fact that he discovered himself years ago - since that time he has been toiling, working, and striving to make himself worthy of general discovery."

James Whitcomb Riley

Answer: Jane Pauley

Jane is a best selling author as well as a successful newscaster. She has also been an advocate for bipolar research since she first spoke publicly of her own struggles with the condition. She's been married to cartoonist Gary Trudeau since 1980. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.

'"I've come to recognize what I call my 'inside interests.' Telling stories. And helping people tell their stories is a sort of interpersonal gardening. My work at NBC News was to report the news, but in hindsight, I often tried to look for some insight to share that might spark a moment of recognition in a viewer."

Jane Pauley

Answer: Ryan White

White was a hemophiliac who contracted AIDS through receiving tainted blood. Although he accepted his role as poster child and spokesman for awareness and research, he never relished the public spotlight. He craved the normalcy of being an average American kid. That was the one thing life denied him.


'My family and I held no hatred for those people because we realized they were victims of their own ignorance."

Ryan White

Answer: Larry Bird

In 1992, Bird joined Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing and other NBA all-stars for the "Dream Team" the first time pros were allowed in the Olympics. Coach Chuck Daly compared the dream team experience to "traveling with 12 rock stars." They handily won gold in Barcelona.


'I've got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end."

Larry Bird