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August 29, 2005

The Final Scores!

Alright, guys, here's the final wrap up. If any of you have any pics from the event, please feel free to share them with me. I'd love to put some up on the website. Just email me at johnny@johnnygoodtimes.com.

1.	Sofa Kingdom	137
2.	Waverly St. Bloodhounds	132
3.	1022	129
4.	Cracked Eggheads	124
5.	The Champs	121

6.	Soggy Po' Boys	120
T7.	JGT All-Stars	117
T7.	River of Rocks	117
T9.	No D	115
T9.	Rock and Roll McDonalds	115
T9.	New Deck Liberation	115

12.	Missing Heads	112
13.	Lance Armstrong	111
14.	Guatanamo Bay Boys Choir	110
15.	Dead F****** Last	100
16.	Bourbon St. Breast Stroke	96
17.	Wolfman's Got Nards	92

T18.	Trust Us We Know	91
T18.	Axis of Evil Knieval	91
20.	My Dad has an Amazing Body	86
21.	Ronald Reagan Ate My Baby	81
22.	Special Ed Ed	79
23.	Pat Robertson's Venezuelan assassins	78
24.	WTF	77
25.	Team Giners	57
26.	BG's x 2	55

Posted at 5:45 PM | Email to a friend | Comments (6)

INCREDIBLE!!!!

I don't know how much fun you guys had last night, but if it was half as much as I did, then you had a pretty damn good time. The Lunchbox Cowgirls were a great opener, the Breakdancers were absolutely ELECTRIC, and the steel drum band was simply awesome. And let'd not kid ourselves. I rapped my ass off. The judging went a lot smoother than last time. The actual quizzo was barely longer than a regular quizzo, lasting about two hours. And most importantly, there was no bellydancing! Be sure to vote for your favorite part of the night on the poll over on the right side of the page.

The Sofa Kingdom proved to be Kings of Geekdom, as they knocked off 25 other teams for the grand prize of $300 cash. It was sweet justice for the Kingdom, who were the only team to earn the full ten points for the scavenger hunt before I announced that you could score eight points just for registering earlier. The Kingdom, who finished second at Quizzo Bowl I, held off the Waverly Street Bloodhounds, 137-132. 1022 finished third, with a score of 129. The Cracked Eggheads finished fourth with 124. The Champs, who were trying to dig out from an 8-10 point hole all night, finished an impressive fifth with a score of 121. I will have a list of everybody's scores and many more photos on the site later in the day (I gotta take the props back first).

There were a number of surprises throughout the night, including my "impossible pants" and my sister rapping. But the biggest surprise, of course, was that a room filled with so many white people was able to clap in unison during the breakdancing segment.

Finally, I want to say thanks to everybody that came out last night. Over the past few years, we've developed a unique community, and I'm very thankful of the support you guys have given me. It meant a lot to me that so many of you represented on a Sunday night in August. I had an absolutely incredible time. I hope you did as well. I'm already getting excited about Quizzo Bowl II!

Posted at 11:14 AM | Email to a friend | Comments (4)

August 25, 2005

What are we giving away?

Alright gang, here's a list of some of the kool stuff we are gonna be giving away at the World Cafe Live for Beat the Champs. There are going to be lots of winners throughout the night, not just for first and second place. For more info on Beat the Champs, click here. Here's some of the stuff we're giving away:
$450 cash
Dinner for two to Mercato (1216 Spruce)
Six tickets to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden
$75 gift certificate at World Cafe Live
100 free tickets to see the Camden Riversharks
$40 gift certificate to Black Sheep
$40 gift certificate to the Bards

Posted at 1:20 PM | Email to a friend

August 22, 2005

The Basics

Okay, my instructions in Beat the Champs haven't been the clearest. Here's the very basics:
When: August 28th, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut Street)
Who: Johnny Goodtimes, a cowgirl band, a steel drum band, and you
Why: Because I think it will be a lot of fun to have a bunch of quizzo enthusiasts get together to listen to good music and play quizzo in a world class music hall.
What: Beat the Champs is your chance to knock off the champions of Quizzo Bowl I. I am giving you a head start by giving you an opportunity to earn a ten point lead over the champs. You can earn 8 of those points just by ordering your tickets early. The other two points can be earned by performing any of a number of physical challenges, found here and here. All points must be presented to me by Saturday at 12 noon. If a member of your team orders tix online, please have them email me to let me know (johnny@johnnygoodtimes.com)
Do I need to have 8 people before I can buy tickets?
No, each member of the team can buy tix seperately. Also, you do not need to have eight players on your team. Eight is the maximum. You can play by yourself if you want.
But quizzo is normally free. Why would I pay $10 to play quizzo?
Jumping out of a tree is free**, but a roller coaster is a lot more fun. There's gonna be incredible live music, which is not normally found at quizzo. Also, over $750 worth of cash and prizes on the line, as opposed to the $35-$60 usually on the line.

If anybody has any more questions, please feel free to email me or leave a comment below. Thanks.
**Johnny does not endorse nor condone an activity as dangerous as jumping out of trees, despite the savings.

Posted at 10:26 AM | Email to a friend

August 20, 2005

Free Riversharks Tickets

Johnny is giving away free Camden Riversharks tickets to the first 100 people through the door to Beat the Champs! This will give you a splendid opportunity to lay eyes on Campbell's Field, unquestionably one of the most beautiful minor league ballparks in the country (sit on the first base side, where you'll have a view of the bridge and the Philadelphia city skyline). As most of you know, I did a piece in the City Paper a few weeks ago about the Sharks. Well, I am happy to report that a former Shark recently had his dream come true. Kane Davis earned a win in relief for the Milwaukee Brewers this past Sunday. In other baseball news, the Kansas City Royals bear watching the next few days. Why? Because they might break the 1961 Phillies record of 23 straight losses! So far, the Royals have lost 19 in a row.

Posted at 9:12 AM | Email to a friend | Comments (3)

August 18, 2005

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

As you all know, there is a scavenger hunt portion of Beat the Champs. I have decided to add a few things that you can do to earn points. I think you're going to like the first one. Earn eight of the ten possible points simply by buying your ticket before August 28th!!! That's right. All you have to do is buy your ticket in advance, and I'm gonna give you an 8 point lead over the Champs (send me an email letting me know you already bought your tickets to either johnny@johnnygoodtimes.com or beatthechamps@yahoo.com). Then, if you complete just a couple more things, I'll give you 10 points heading into your meeting with the fiercest quizzo team ever to lace 'em up. Here's a few more ways you can earn some points.

Write a letter to the editor of Philly magazine: 1 point
Yes, I know that some people have already written their letters. If those people send me an email telling me what team they will be playing on, I will give them their point. If you haven't already sent in a letter, do so now. If you do it by this Sunday, you will also be eligible to win $50 cash.

Take a picture of Marky Mark or M. Night Shymalan in Philly: 1 point
Get your picture taken with Marky Mark or M. Night: 2 points
Ticket stub or receipt from World Cafe Live: .5 points
Leave a message on the johnnygoodtimes.com message board: .5 points
(just be sure to let me know what team you play for when you leave the message.)
Send Johnny some of your favorite photos you've taken of Philadelphia .5 points
Adventure Aquarium ticket .5 points
zoo balloon ticket .5 points
Ticket to Walt Whitman's house .5 points
ticket to Poe house .5 points
(if some of these places don't give actual tickets, just get me a receipt)

Posted at 11:57 AM | Email to a friend | Comments (2)

August 17, 2005

Why Beat The Champs Will Be Better Than Quizzo Bowl

Though I thought that Quizzo Bowl I was, overall, a success, there were a number of things that could be improved for the next event.

a) Downtime. Yes, there was too much downtime. That was because I didn't have enough graders. There will be several more graders. There will also be a few less questions (we'll be going 12 per round instead of 15), and my answer sheets will be better organized.

b) Ended too late for a Sunday night. I have corrected that by lessening the downtime and moving the starting time up a half an hour.

c) The food situation. Last time, we went with more of a snack menu. This time, a full dinner menu will be offered.

d) Most importantly, THERE WILL BE NO BELLYDANCING. Yes, you may breathe a sigh of relief. The breakdancers will not come into the crowd and try to get you to dance with them on the tables.

The ticket situation is a little convoluted when you go to buy tickets online. Do not pay attention to the seating chart. It is useless. After you click on "Buy Tickets", just click on "Quick Pick Tickets" on the next page. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. So far, we've sold about 50 tickets. Also, I am extending the deadline to get in your bonus points. You must submit your points to me by next Thursday, August 25th.

Posted at 11:39 AM | Email to a friend

August 16, 2005

The Kyle Dunleavy Steel Drum Quartet Signs On!

Johnny Goodtimes is extremely excited to announce that the featured band for the Beat the Champs Spectacular is going to be the Kyle Dunleavy Steel Drum Quartet. Kyle, who is a professional steel drum manufacturer, has been performing professionally for over 10 years. His travels have taken him all over the Northeast, from Maine down to Virginia. He also spent time playing with a number of Caribbean orchestras while on a musical pilgrimage in Trinidad and Tobago. Dunleavy, who graduated from the internationally acclaimed Hartt School of Music, will be joined by three other musicians, a bass player, a percussionist, and a vibraphonist. Johnny will have more details about the band in the near future.

Posted at 2:45 PM | Email to a friend | Comments (2)

August 12, 2005

Breakdancers signed, Get a Sneak Peek at Cowgirls

Johnny yesterday signed the breakdancers for the quizzo event of the century*. They will be part of the half-time extravaganza at Beat the Champs Spectacular. They join the Lunchbox Cowgirls, who have already signed on. Two of the members of the Cowgirls will be performing at the GhettoSongbirds WingDom Fest, which is a Rock 'n' Soul Music and Arts Festival this Saturday at the Halycon Gallery on 3237 Amber Street. The Show starts at 12 noon and runs all the way until Midnight. It looks pretty kool, it's only $10, and its goal is to raise funds and awareness for the Calcutta AIDS House in North Philly. For more info click here. The Wingdom Fest will also feature a group called Tangled Thoughts, who are the most talented underground hip hop group I've seen in Philly.

Posted at 10:35 AM | Email to a friend

August 11, 2005

FAQ about Beat the Champs

Hey gang, I've gotten a lot of questions about Beat the Champs, so I'll try to clear a few things up.

1) Is the scavenger hunt for real?
Yes, you may earn points by embarking on a number of adventures. Remember, all pictures, tickets, etc. must be sent to Johnny by August 21. Email things to beatthechamps@yahoo.com.

2) How many players are allowed on a team?
Eight players maximum.

3) Why can't I tell what table I'm ordering?
We're going to do it a little bit different than last time. It's going to be first come, first serve on the tables, just like at regular quizzo. You order the tix online, but you don't order a specific table.

4) Will you have more graders than at Quizzo Bowl?
Yes. Lesson learned.

5. What about bellydancing?
Uh, no, there will be no bellydancing.

6. Should I plan to have dinner at the World Cafe Live that night?
Yes, they will be offering a full menu.

7. Do you really want our photos of Philly?
Yes, please send me your photos of Philly and of you and your teammates. I want to incorporate them into the show. Please send any kool, funny, or Phillycentric photos to johnny@johnnygoodtimes.com.

8. Is it going to be worth $10?
Absolutely. This is either going to be one of the most amazing shows of any kind in this city this year or it's going to be a complete train wreck. Either way, it's worth a measly ten bones.

9. Can I get tickets at the door?
Yes, but they will be a little more expensive. Also, keep in mind that the last show sold out and we turned away a bunch of people at the door. I would suggest ordering them online.

10. Will there be any other prizes besides the money?
Yes, there will be a few Let's Make a Deal-like moments throughout the course of the night, with a chance to win some great prizes (and alas, some zonks).

If you have any more questions you want answered, please provide them in the comments section below.

Posted at 11:38 AM | Email to a friend | Comments (4)

August 10, 2005

First Band Signed For Beat the Champs!!!

Momentum is starting to build for the Beat the Champs Spectacular, as Johnny today signed the first band to the show. The Lunchbox Cowgirls are a country cowgirl cabaret band. Kendall Roark ("the Texas Mermaid") writes and sings most of the songs and plays rhythm guitar. Moe Pain ("the Bitch-N-Black") keeps it all together with her steady and melodic bass lines. Local singer/songwriter Nicola Visaggio (aka "Butch-N-Busty") plays a mean lead guitar and sings harmonies. For the show they'll be joined by banjo/vocalist Kathleen Pappalardo --the newest edition to the band.

The Lunchbox Cowgirls play mostly original songs in the country crooner tradition with a sprinkling of american traditionals and old time country covers. They are not afraid to search out the roots of country and its connections with other styles of music. This experimentation takes the form of everything from country-tangos and blue-grass inspired laments, to country-twanged gypsy-jazz for the burlesque crowd. You can see them perform every last Monday of the month as the house-band for the SideShow Cabaret at the Khyber in Center City Philadelphia. The Cowgirls will be playing to open the show. Johnny still has several more surprises in store. Stay tuned!!!

Posted at 3:58 PM | Email to a friend

July 19, 2005

Tickets are now on sale!

Tickets for Beat the Champs have gone on sale! Tix are only $10 apiece, and the winners will walk with $300. Of course, you have an opportunity to earn extra points in the weeks leading up to the event by completing a number of physical challenges. There will be more physical challenges posted in the coming weeks. Rumors of Johnny rapping at this event continue to persist, despite the fact that he has flatly denied those accusations.

Posted at 2:11 PM | Email to a friend | Comments (2)

July 12, 2005

Beat the Champs begins!!!

Alright gang, here's the deal. Beat the Champs will take place on Sunday, August 28th at World Cafe Live, as YOU and your team will try to dislodge The Champs and try to take $300 in cold hard cash from them in the process. Tickets will go on sale next Tuesday, but you can get started now. Here's how it's going to work: your team can earn points that will go toward your score at Beat the Champs by completing a number of physical challenges. You may earn up to a total of ten points, meaning that if you do, you will have a ten point lead over the Champs when the questions start flying on August 28th. You have to prove that you have completed your physical challenges by August 21st. Below are the initial challenges. There will be more as the contest continues. All photos and links to craigslist posting must be sent to beatthechamps@yahoo.com. All tickets must be purchased today or later (I'm not gonna take a ticket to Lucy from 2002.) Good Luck!!!

pic in front of welcome to Intercourse sign 2 points
ticket for Lucy in Margate 1.5 points
picture taken with Ben Franklin impersonator 1.5 points
picture taken inside a hot dog stand 1 point
picture of team member riding a skateboard in front of LOVE sign at Love Park 1 point
picture taken with a shark named Finley 1 point
quacker from ride the ducks minus 1 point

ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ARE WORTH .5 POINTS
art museum pin
mutter museum pin
cheese steak wrapper from Pat's or Geno's
picture of team member taken at eagle at Wanamakers
matchbook from 5 different Stephen Starr restaurants
pic of same team member taken at both Bridge Street and at 69th st. stations
picture of 6 team members spelling out "E-A-G-L-E-S" with bodies or shirts
pressed penny from Seaport Museum
ticket to Lincoln exhibit at Constitution center
ticket to observation deck of City Hall
pic of team member inside human heart
send Johnny Goodtimes a note, criticism, etc. on craigslist (can be Missed connection, Rants and Raves, anything. You must also send Johnny a link to your note, or you will not be given credit)

Posted at 12:43 PM | Email to a friend | Comments (6)

July 1, 2005

Beat the Champs

They are the most reviled team in quizzo, perhaps the most hated in the history of the sport. They aren't even regulars, just a group of guys who tend to show up when there's money on the line. They make disparaging comments about the other teams and carry themselves with a smugness that borders on conceit. One of them even accepted the loss of points during quizzo one time so he could play with his collar up! And the sick thing about it is: They can back it up. They won Quizzo Bowl, and were well on their way to winning Doc Watson's Big $$$ Bonanza when Doc Watson's ran out of Big $$$. They have only lost twice during regular quizzo events, and told me after each loss that it was a "fluke". But you will have a chance to knock them off their high horse on one of the grandest stages in the city. On August 28th, 2005, you will have a chance to Beat the Champs at the World Cafe Live. And here's the thing: they're so confident that they will win that they told me to give the other teams points, because they'll get bored if they don't have a handicap. Of course, I don't just give away points. You will have to earn them. And so, next week, I will reveal what physical challenges you will have to undertake to acquire points in your quest to Beat the Champs.

Posted at 3:20 PM | Email to a friend

January 31, 2005

There's Johnny edges Sofa Kingdom for the title

There's Johnny proved to know more useless knowledge than anyone else in Philadelphia, edging out the Sofa Kingdom and knocking off 41 other teams at a packed World Cafe Live on Sunday night. The Johnnies had to overcome a five point deficit heading into the final round to edge the Kingdom (below), 141-136.


Johnny Goodtimes, whose hair looked absolutely terrific, emceed the event, which also featured performances from the Man In Black, bellydancer Najia (Ern's highlight of the evening), and Nate Wiley and the Crowd Pleasers (below). Rosemary Fiki kicked off the Quizzo Bowl with a stirring rendition of "God Bless America".


The Count of Monte Quizzo (below) finished third with a score of 131. There were 15 questions per round instead of the usual 10, thus the high scores. A perfect score would have been a 174. Heff Called, He Wants His Jacket Back won best team name, while Los Nachorinas won a free bottle of really bad champagne for finishing with the worst score, a 76.

Posted at 10:19 AM | Email to a friend