Implausible But True: Learning About Gnus & Answering 10 Questions

/ Ally Bean

Subtitled: A Look At How Seamlessly One Thing Can Lead To Another

Photo of a gnu by titiamatta via Pixabay

“In Scrabble putting the GNU in the wrong place won’t get you the points you need,” said I.

I’d lost to Zen-Den in a close game and I felt like explaining myself, assessing where I’d gone wrong. He, however, burst out laughing, finding my statement hilarious, resulting in a question.

“Do you even know what a gnu is?” 

“No, not really,”  said I.

So off I went to research GNUS because I like to learn and because I thought this topic might be decent blog post fodder.

And it was, just not in the way I’d anticipated.

• 😜 •

So first here’s what I learned about GNUS, using bullet points to summarize the information in this article. Then I’ll share the surprising place where I ended up.

  • Gnus are the largest of all antelopes and live in Africa, the largest herds being in Tanzania and Kenya.
  • Gnus are also known as Wildebeests.
  • Gnus is pronounced like “news” making the ‘G’ as useless as the ‘G’ in lasagne.
  • There are two species: the black, also called white-tailed, and the blue, also called common.
  • Baby gnus, called calves, arrive in February and March so we’re in gnu birthing season right now and how exciting is that?
  • Gnus are herbivores who can become dinner for spotted hyenas, lions, cheetahs and African wild dogs.
  • A group of gnus is an implausibility according to James Lipton known to many from Inside the Actors Studio fame.

• 🤓 •

Well once I learned this last point of about gnus I had an epiphany. I knew I had to find Lipton’s famous questions based the Bernard Pivot adaptation of the Proust Questionnaire.

Then, of course, I had to answer Lipton’s 10 questions because to a personal blogger a list of questions is manna from heaven. The questions are as follows with my answers immediately after each one:

1.  What is your favorite word?  

Snazzy

2.  What is your least favorite word?  

Should

3.  What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Going for a walk, seeing what I see, letting my mind wander, quietly pondering what’s really going on around and within me

4.  What turns you off?

Hypocrisy

5.  What is your favorite curse word?

Fu@k

 6.  What sound or noise do you love?

The sound leaves make when the wind blows through the trees, resulting in a quiet rustle that is the epitome of mellow

7.  What sound or noise do you hate?

The high-pitched whirring of a poorly maintained machine that is the aural manifestation of anxiety

8.  What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Interior design

9.  What profession would you not like to do?

Trash collector

10.  If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Welcome! Your favorite table is waiting over here on the deck with a good view of the ocean. Now, are you still drinking Sauvignon Blanc? Will you need to see a menu today?

• 😇 •

Questions Of The Day

When’s the last time you played Scrabble? Did you win?

What’s the last subject you researched? If you write a blog, did you share what you learned?

Back in the day did you ever watch Inside the Actors Studio?

Will you be answering Lipton’s 10 questions?

• 🤔 •

256 thoughts on “Implausible But True: Learning About Gnus & Answering 10 Questions”

  2. Implausibility!? That is a mouthful, and of course it led me to some Googling. This in turn led me to learn that the group of Zebras is called a Dazzle! It kind of makes sense doesn’t it? I have not played Scrabble in ages, but do love the game, but cannot remember whether or not I won the last time I played.

    I have never seen Inside the Actor’s studio, but I love your answer to question ten, and think that is the perfect form of Heaven (although I would probably go with a Cab).

    Liked by 2 people

    • Kyria, oddly enough I knew about a dazzle of zebras and you’re right, it’s cool to know that fact. Share it far and wide. 🦓

      I only watched Inside the Actors Studio a few times, but I remembered Lipton’s questions. I could go for a Pinot Noir, but Cab is too intense for me. HOWEVER I’m sure we could share the table on the heavenly deck, each with our own bottles of wine. 🍷

      Liked by 1 person

  3. So, what else is gnu with you? 😉 I did watch Lipton’s show sometimes and always enjoyed it when I did since he was such an excellent and kind presenter.

    I won’t answer the questions because I’m a bit of a noodler who can’t respond efficiently (but admire those who can) and might be here all day. For example, f**k is sometimes my favourite vulgarity, sometimes not, depending on the context. 😁

    I played Scrabble recently and lost to my M, a stellar player who would have spotted any opportunity for gnu, knew or new.

    Enjoyable post, Ally. Cheers.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Lynette, I knew someone out of the blue would ask me what was gnu with me! It just follows.

      I’ll admit it took effort for me to succinctly answer Lipton’s questions. That’s how I remember his guests answering them, so I wanted to do that as if I really was a guest. But I take your point about thinking in a nuanced way about the questions, that’ll slow you down.

      Z-D and I are evenly matched when it comes to Scrabble. It’s less about your vocabulary and more about strategy, gotta use the extra point letter tiles to your benefit.

      Liked by 3 people

  4. It’s always fun to learn more about you, Ally. We share favorite cuss words. Although I imagine that’s pretty common. I can tell you the first time my Dad heard me say it when I was a young teen he told me to my shock my generation hadn’t invented the word and it was his favorite cuss word too, but I’d never heard him say it! I didn’t get that until I was a mom and my oldest started talking. 😀

    When’s the last time you played Scrabble? Did you win? Can’t remember it’s been ages. No, I didn’t win. I never have.

    What’s the last subject you researched? If you write a blog, did you share what you learned? Best routes to TX and looking for hotels and such. Does that count? No, I won’t blog about it as I’m still not sure I’m going. Also learning about the differences between two Blue Jays that look very similar to my eye. Trying to figure out if I’ve actually seen the one I haven’t seen or if it’s the same species I normally see?

    Back in the day did you ever watch Inside the Actors Studio? Yes, I did watch it.

    Will you be answering Lipton’s 10 questions? No.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Deborah, I never swore in front of my parents, so I’ve no idea what their reaction would be to my favorite curse word. Mom said “hell’s bells” which is about as close to swearing as she got. Dad was big on “dammit” which isn’t all that swear-y by today’s standards.

      Yes researching travel possibilities counts as research. As does learning about Blue Jays. I find it endlessly amazing how much we can learn on our own instantly just by using Mr. Google or his friend Ms. DuckDuckGo.

      Liked by 2 people

      • I didn’t swear in front of my parents either, but I remember being pretty mad and it just came out. I thought my Dad was going to kill me, but he didn’t. He just informed me that my generation hadn’t invented the word…it was his favorite too and we moved on…to what I don’t know. I think I was in shock that I was still breathing and living!

        Liked by 2 people

  5. As it happens, I also ended up in Tanzania this morning. I do the Daily Jigsaw while I drink my coffee and let my morning prilosec do it’s thing and today has an image of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area near the Ngorongoro Crater which the description said was the largest caldera in the world.

    Now, I had the understanding that Yellowstone was the largest caldera in the world so I wandered off from the Jigsaw Explorer site to research calderas and found that the Apolaki Caldera was discovered in 2019 in the Philippines with a diameter of 150 kilometers (93 mi), making it the world’s largest caldera and significantly larger than Yellowstone.

    Then I found a list of the world’s largest caldera, updated in 2019 and neither Apolaki nor Ngorongoro were on the list yet. Finally, I found that the Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s biggest intact volcanic caldera (that’s not a lake). It’s much smaller than Apolaki or Yellowstone but it is a tourist destination area with a huge conservation area which includes, coincidentally, gnus.

    That was a rather long answer to a short question but I found it to be a kind of funny coincidence.

    I used to play scrabble with my mom. She had an excellent scrabble vocabulary from years of doing crosswords. We used to do the Sunday crossword together. I miss that.

    I did watch Inside the Actor’s Studio. He always asked interesting and not all that predictable questions, or so it seemed. I might do his questions.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Zazzy, I’m feeling like we’re vibing in tune this morning. What a coincidence about your research. Trippy. Which can only mean one thing, we need to go to Ngorongoro Crater to see gnus. 😎

      I used to do crossword puzzles with my mother, too. She enjoyed the ones in the newspapers along with Jumble. I only watched Inside the Actors Studio a few times, but remember that Lipton was an inquisitive sort without hitting his guests over the head with questions.

      Liked by 1 person

      • There are all sorts of accomodations around the Ngorongoro Crater. I am putting it on my list for if reincarnation is real. And that place with the giraffes. Ah yes, the Giraffe manor in Nairobi. So many places to see in this world.

        Liked by 2 people

        • Yes, there are many places to go and while I may never get there in person the internet is a fine way to be an armchair traveller. Also, yes to giraffes! Let’s see them too. 🦒

          Liked by 1 person

    • Nancy, I thought of that too after I got researching gnus. I thought that was an odd connection, why did Disney make gnus so violent? My brief research suggested they’re usually dinner for other animals. 🤷‍♀️

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I cannot remember the last time I played Scrabble. Have I played Scrabble? Not so sure!

    Isn’t it great when we go down the rabbit hole on a subject? This Gnu info was rather interesting indeed. I should probably use my own rabbit hole discoveries in a blog post (might help me get writing).

    I LOVED Inside the Actors Studio and watched it whenever I could. Some of the guests were fabulous and the questionnaire at the end brought some really great answers, too.

    I actually answered a Proust questionnaire on another’s blog a few years ago. I just went to check to see what I wrote 🙂

    I might have to answer James Lipton’s version. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  9. I used to play scrabble with my husband all the time. I am not great, but he was terrible and got tired of losing.

    Research is something I do often. Inspired by the news, or checking to see what is real or fake, Inspired by TV show locations and often inspired by words in books. I read on my iPad so hitting look up on a word is pretty easy. I don’t necessarily research for my blogs except for fact checking but maybe I should because the blogging well is a little dry these days.

    As for the questions, I looked at them but drew a lot of blanks so obviously today is not the day to answer them.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jenn, Scrabble is one of those games that either lands with you– or not. I get that. 

      Your approach to researching is like mine. I don’t start the day saying “today I’ll investigate 3 new topics of interest.” Instead as I go along each day when something sparks my interest I go looking online to see what I can learn. It’s not like I have a report due for school.

      I don’t know why the questions called to me, but once they did I had to answer them here. Of course no one else needs to answer them. Just something to do… which is pretty much the basis of my approach to blogging! 🤓

      Liked by 2 people

  10. I never win at Scrabble, or any of the knockoff versions that have come and gone on the internet and mobile apps. The last thing I researched was the Erie Canal. I will be sharing it, someday, in a book. I don’t remember watching that show and I won’t be answering the questions, but I like your answers. So, where did you put Gnu?

    By the way, I knew what a Gnu is because of The Muppets. Search for “The Muppet Show. British Chap – The Gnu Song”

    Liked by 2 people

  11. When’s the last time you played Scrabble? Did you win?

    *I haven’t played the actual board game in ages, but I always won. That’s probably why we haven’t played in ages. Rick got tired of losing.

    What’s the last subject you researched? If you write a blog, did you share what you learned?

    *Like you, if I get interested in something that comes across my notice, I immediately read up on it. If I think it’s something my readers would appreciate, I’ll share it, or at least link to the seminal article. I used to do it a lot more often than I do now.

    Back in the day did you ever watch Inside the Actors Studio?

    *I didn’t ever make a plan to watch, but I saw a few episodes with actors I liked/wanted to hear from. I also liked SNL’s parody of it.

    Will you be answering Lipton’s 10 questions?

    *Probably not. Some of them are okay, but I find others a little bit precious for me.

    Liked by 2 people

    • nance, we play the board game but had a version of it on a Nintendo PS some number. The board is more fun.

      I enjoy having information at my finger tips so whenever I can I research things. I don’t include links here as often as I used to either, now that I think about it.

      I didn’t watch Inside the Actors Studio regularly, but occasionally I’d stumble over it back when we had cable TV and I’d be surfing along looking for something, anything, to watch.

      I shall not look for you to answer the 10 questions if’n you find some of them too precious. Which ones, now I’m intrigued? 🤔

      Like

  13. Haven’t played Scrabble in years–I think our cat made every game end in a draw. I am constantly researching, but the last subject might have been the feline vaccine that removes the enzyme that produces allergies in humans. (My niece is highly allergic but loves cats and I wanted her to know there was hope on the horizon.) Never watched Lipton, but I’ve seen some of the clips.

    Liked by 1 person

    • AutumnAshbough, when we had cats we didn’t play Scrabble but during the stay at home portion of the pandemic we got into the habit of making it our happy hour game.

      I’ll admit that I only saw Inside the Actors Studio a few times, but Lipton was memorable. And lives on with his questions.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. An implausibility of gnus! I love that! (Fake news??????) I think my favorite collective noun is a lamentation of swans. How appropriately dramatic, right?

    I love knowing what other people’s favorite/hated words are. Your choice of “should” made me realize a) wow, really good choice, although I know these things are subjective and b) I choose my own faves/least faves based purely on sound or mouthfeel rather than meaning.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Suzanne, apparently Lipton dubbed a group of gnus an implausibility in one of his early books and the idea stuck. I don’t know if that’s fake news or hilarious creativity. The swan collective noun is perfection.

      Yours is an interesting insight into who you are. I never thought of the words I chose in any other way than meaning, yet I like wordplay and lyrics and poems wherein words are often about mouthfeel. Why do we do what we do, huh? 🤔

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I have suggested that we play Scrabble recently, but I’ve had no takers. Basically, Coach votes for something else, thinking Scrabble might be too hard or to lengthy to play with the foster girls. When we play games lately, it is usually with a goal of playing with the girls. We have a really fancy, beautiful Scrabble set – it’s like a lazy Susan. A gift from Coach’s boss years ago, back when the company was small enough to give gifts.

    Hmm, not sure if this counts but the last thing I researched was scholarships for students with epilepsy. Did not share the results, because probably no one cares, BUT if Reg is awarded one of the billion scholarships, I’ll be sure to share.

    I’m not planning to answer the questions, but I think the best sound is a child’s laughter. And the thing that turns me off is ignorance, and also people who think too highly of themselves. Eek.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Ernie, I’ve seen those lazy Susan Scrabble boards but never sprung for one. Our game is an old board, stained, with well-worn tiles, still legible.

      Yours is a good research topic. I mean, I understand why it might not make it into a blog post, but it is useful to know about the scholarships. Go Reg!

      I like your answers to the Lipton questions that resonated with you. Ignorance is often part of hypocrisy and I agree about arrogant people. I’m gobsmacked every day by rude behavior from people who are *better* than me. 🤨

      Like

  16. I knew you’d enjoy something new like gnu. It is funny what we end up looking up and what amazing information we find. “Implausibility”. Hilarious designation – and true!
    Word play is entertaining…need to dig out the Scrabble box…or find out what “Words with Friends” on internet is about – it’s the newest craze with the 1st grade grandkid.
    (Will have to ask if he knows gnu)
    #6 I love the rattle of the wind through palm fronds. and definitely agree with #7.

    Liked by 1 person

    • philmouse, information is my love language so when given the opportunity to research something new out of the blue like gnu, I knew I had to. 😁

      Back in the day when I was on FB [briefly] I played Words with Friends, but I’ve no idea if what is around today is the same game. Ask your grandkid, he’ll know.

      I’m happy knowing you’re in step with my preferred and disliked sounds. I thought those two questions were subtly insightful. Lipton was a clever man.

      Like

  17. This is fantastic! Who knew gnus could lead one down such interesting rabbit holes?

    As for your questions, I haven’t played Scrabble in probably 15 years, but it’s one of my favorite games. I used to play with my grandma every Sunday evening, and she whooped everyone, every time!

    The last subjects I researched were the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and the use of metabolomic data and senescence-associated secretomes in humans to gauge biological age. I haven’t shared, but perhaps I will.

    I have never seen Inside the Actors Studio, but I’m musing on Lipton’s questions..

    Liked by 1 person

    • Erin, I had no idea where I was going once I started researching gnus. I figure one of the best things about having the internet at my fingers is the ability to learn things.

      During the lockdown portion of the pandemic Z-D and I started playing Scrabble again. It’s fun and keeps our brains clicking.

      Your research topics are as varied as you! I like knowing which rabbit hole has called to you. I mean if someone isn’t curious, then who are they?

      I liked Lipton’s questions. Nothing overly deep, but also revealing. Plus, blog fodder! 🤓

      Like

  18. 1. I did not win at Scrabble. I never do sadly because I get all the weird, useless tiles.
    2. Columbine- yes that one from 1999. It a very long story and not for your blog.
    3. I know of the Actor’s Studio and Lipton and probably caught a few bits and pieces but never really followed the series. I did know of his questions though.
    4. Well let’s see: behoove, 3 words: I don’t know, nature, patriarchy, again 3 words: wtf, rain on a tin roof, gunfire, professional dancer, “sorry Deb, I’m not allowed to show atheists that I really do exist.”

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, ha! I’m sorry the good Scrabble tiles don’t come your way. That is a bummer. Obviously something nefarious is preventing you from getting the good tiles. 🙄

      I never watched Inside the Actors Studio regularly, hardly ever, but Lipton was memorable. I like your answers to the questions. Thanks for playing along. ‘Behoove’ is a great word and God’s words to you make me laugh out loud. Brilliant answer.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. So much to love in one post! I love the questions…I love your humor…I love this line, describing the reason why I wince at certain sounds…
    “The high-pitched whirring of a poorly maintained machine that is the aural manifestation of anxiety”
    How do you do that? Describe a feeling I didn’t know I felt? xo, Ally! 🥰

    Like

  20. Well, maybe you lost a game of Scrabble to Zen-Den, but you did get a blog post out of it, so you get bragging rights too.

    We were big Scrabblers in our early years as a family; grandchildren liked it, but now we are more movie buffs. Husband and his brothers-in-law used to get into big fights over Scrabble game–each accusing the other of cheating. Oh, that was MONOPOLY!

    Fun Fact: Gnus appear in my last book where they are called wildebeests. Yes, I used to watch Inside the Actors Studio.

    Great post, Ally Bean!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marian, I like how you think! Yes, losing lead to winning.

      We started playing Scrabble during the pandemic, as a way of entertaining ourselves with a drink in hand. A happy hour game. And now we still play it many nights.

      I can understand how Monopoly could be the start of big fights among the players. It’s one of those games that everyone knows how to play, just with slightly different rules.

      I didn’t know a gnu and a wildebeest were the same animal until I did this research. Obviously you knew about gnus, so this news wasn’t out of the blue for youse.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. We saw several implausibilities of gnus when we were in South Africa. When we first saw them, we were so excited! Our guide, a South African, pronounced the G to make the word sound sort of 2-syllable-ish. By the end of our stay, gnus were old hat. “What’s that? Oh, it’s just some gnus.”

    You and I have the same favorite curse word! My favorite sound is rain falling on leaves. And if I had not been a teacher, I think I would have been a midwife. I did the 10 questions. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Laurie, so you’re saying that you saw so many gnus that they weren’t news anymore for youse. That gives me the blues. 😉

      I’m finding that many commenters have the same favorite curse word as mine. Go figure, huh? I like the sound of rain falling on leaves, too. It’s a kind of mellow I like.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Another great post dear Ally! I play Words with friends but haven’t played Scrabble in a long time. Hubby and I used to play cards when we were first married but kids and life you know. I just may answer those questions as I need to get into the practice of blogging again for the A to Z. For sure I will link to you if I do. Have a great week.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Janet, we used to play cards when we were first married, maybe we all did. Different times. Our Scrabble game is ancient, stained, but still has all the tiles so we play. It’s fun in a low-key [old person?] way.

      If you answer the questions, let me know. These questions are a perfect prep, a way to build your writing muscle for A to Z.

      Liked by 2 people

  23. I play Words with Friends with my husband. He usually wins, which irks me because I clearly know more words than he does…I did quick research on Hamlet this morning and shared it on someone else’s blog. I think I research so often I don’t even recall. To me, everything is research either directly or indirectly. I never watched Inside the actors, but I know people loved it. I think I will answer the questions in a future blog post!,

    Liked by 2 people

  24. LA, I used to play Words with Friends when I was on FB. I didn’t win often. I haven’t read or thought about Hamlet in many years. Good topic to research. I like to be able to add links to information in my blog posts and comments when I’m feeling it. Looking forward to reading your answers to the questions. Link to here and I’ll find it for sure.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. I used to play scrabble 25-28 years ago with my husband and we had a magmatic board so that the tiles weren’t displayed when kids jumped on the bed. Haven’t done that in ages. No time to answer questions.

    Liked by 2 people

  26. Ally, I have not played scrabble in a very, very long time. I suspect the last time I played it was with my grandparents, who loved all types of board games. Lots of fun as I recall, even though I didn’t win all the time. The last subject I researched was related to personal taxes, which probably makes sense considering this time of year. I used to watch episodes of Inside The Actors Studio if there was someone on of interest to me. The questions posed here are ones to ponder further, but I didn’t have to think at all about #5. Same answer.🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bruce, we started playing Scrabble during the pandemic when Z-D worked from home every day and we were looking for a distraction. Our board and tiles are ancient, could have been from the same era as the game your grandparents had.

      Researching taxes in the Spring! What a surprise, not. I saw a few episodes of Inside the Actors Studio, but never with any intention. It was by accident if I caught it.

      My answer to #5 seems to be spot on among my bloggy friends. Kind of makes me feel loved here. You’re my people.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Oh yes, the elusive gnu. I knew many of your cited gnu facts and I arrived at them about the same way, sort of. Mine was after jotted in down on a crossword puzzle grid (African Antelope (3 letters)). Been a while since I Scrabbled but I crossword often. Someday maybe I’ll answer the 10 questions but not today. Already behind! I will toss in a tie for my least favorite word. But and/or Need. I don’t like But because we all know, everything before the but in BS, especially when bosses use it. And I do everything I can to not use the word Need. I don’t want people to need me but to want me and I want people to feel likewise, that I want their company, support help, etc etc etc. Happy Spring!!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Micheal, I can understand how that crossword clue got you interested in learning more about gnus. They are interesting animals, but not exactly cute enough to find themselves as beloved as bears or giraffes. Those animals make for dandy stuffed toys.

      I take your point about “but” BUT I use it often when writing. I do so to make sure I emphasize what I want people to remember, keeping them focused on the topic. I do also use “however” sometimes, a softer version of “but” that sounds more erudite. I’ve never thought about “need” in opposition to “want” so that’ll give me something to mull over. I try to never be needy, of that I’m sure.

      Liked by 1 person

    • NGS, that is cool that your bird post has been one of the most popular posts. I keep saying that information is my love language so it gives me hope that other people think the same way. I didn’t start that day thinking I’ll learn more about gnus but after my Scrabble defeat I had to know more. For no reason other than I could. And now I’m off to read about birds.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Hi Ally! I haven’t played Scrabble in a long time. The last thing I researched was the town of Colmar France – I have a friend who’s visiting German in June and I remembered the town but couldn’t remember the name or where exactly it was. Yes, I have watched Inside the Actor’s Studio. I didn’t g-knew all that about gnus! Interesting. Happy Spring!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jan, don’t you enjoy how information about travel and geography is at your fingertips? I think that’s the best thing about being a curious person in this time in history. The research about the gnus tickled me. They seem like nice enough wild animals, as long as they’re nowhere loose around me. Happy Spring to you, too. 💐

      Like

  32. 1. Fabulous , Fascinating, seriously & swell
    2. Like
    3. Still getting a chance to exist
    4. Hate
    5. F<$!
    6. The sound of a fart
    7. Very loud fire alarms
    8. Stand up
    9. Accountant
    10. I grant you the ability to still enjoy the taste of food
    My wife usually beats me at scrabble
    I don't often do research
    Never missed an episode, I love reading about people, watching films about people. And well done interviews especially brought on by James Lipton.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Matt, your answers to the questions are great, very you. So you don’t like *like* and I get that. Thanks to social media its meaning has morphed from something positive to something that seems to me can be passive aggressive and insincere. Hypocritical even. 🤨

      You saw all of Inside the Actors Studio? That’s impressive. I saw it a few times, don’t remember who the star was, just remember Lipton and his delivery. He had a pleasant way about him.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. It’s been so long since I played Scrabble I can’t remember, but I’m positive I didn’t win. These days I have enough trouble with Wordle. 🙂 I research everything, literally. When I don’t know the answer to something, I look it up. I don’t believe I ever watched the Actors Studio, and I probably won’t answer the ten questions. Why? I’ve got a couple of small sewing projects with a deadline, and I need to finish them. 🙂 I do enjoy being outside in the sunshine with all the returning birds carrying on quite the symphony.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Judy, laughing about Wordle, it can be a weird challenge. I also play Wordiply and Connections every day in my attempt to keep my brain clicking.

      I only saw Inside the Actors Studio a few times, but Lipton was memorable. I liked the question so figured I’d answer them here as I wait for Spring to really get here. Best of luck with your sewing projects.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Now you’re talking frustration – Connections. 🙂 Oh my gosh but my brain does not grasp those connections. I attempt it every day, and I can usually get one group, maybe two, but I’ve only gotten the whole thing a couple of times. It still draws me back though. 🙂

        Like

        • I don’t do great at Connections either, but like you I keep going back the next day hoping I’ll nail it. However sometimes the connections are rather contrived in my humble opinion. 🙄

          Liked by 1 person


  34. The last thing I researched was how to teach Mahjong and I ended up writing ten hand-outs for the six hours of classes I taught to six students. Five of whom are hooked on the game and are doing well. I love researching obscure things and I often include it in my blog posts.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Jean, I knew you’d become a Mahjong teacher but didn’t know how much research you did. Makes sense that you’d need to know more than enough to teach it. I’m with you about researching random things that interest me. I like adding links in my blog posts, too. Learning is fun, dammit.

      Like

  35. Being British, and old before my time, I have to take the opportunity to introduce you to Flanders and Swann through the medium of the Gnu song ->

    https://youtu.be/OPgo6s1lBbw?si=K5qV2IY2hEsNepZK

    Also, Terry Pratchett fans, at least those that have read Going Postal, will be familiar with the Smoking Gnu, a trio of clacks-hackers who are attempting to expose a corrupt businessman…

    Liked by 2 people

    • breakerofthings, this is a lovely song that expands my understanding of gnus, heightens my awareness of comedy duos, and makes me laugh. Thanks for the link.

      I’ve never read anything by Terry Pratchett, only know of him because of Good Omens TV series. Not doubt his fans will know about Smoking Gnu, but to me it is news… or dare I say, gnus. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  36. I didn’t know that a gnu was a wildebeest. Huh! The last thing I researched was probably the cast from Call The Midwife, Season 13 Episode 4 cast. I spotted a face I recognized in a very minor role and wanted to find out who it was. I was unsuccessful. I’m not good at answering questions because unless I copy and paste them, I can never remember what they are. I love the word extrapolate and hate the word polyp.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Margaret, I didn’t know a gnu is also called a wildebeest either. The things I learn and share here. Vitally important. 😉

      I look up TV show casts, too. I understand that, you see someone and have to figure out the mystery of why you recognize someone. I’m sorry you failed.

      I think your two words are good ones, unique, in the sense that they answer the questions, not in the sense that you want to have the second one. 

      Like

  37. I’m certainly no gnu expert, but as a child, I had either a book or game called ‘What’s Gnu?’ or something along those lines. I love Scrabble, but it’s probably been a year or so since I’ve played it. I taught it to my DIL, who wasn’t familiar with it, as she grew up in China. Which made it even more difficult, since English is her second language. She’s always a good sport about learning new things and new words.

    I always research places to travel/sightsee, so that was probably my last. Sometimes, I go down a nostalgia hole, if you can call that research.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bijoux, your childhood book or game sounds like it would have been delightful, filled with wordplay perhaps. I can imagine it’d be a challenge to teach Scrabble to someone whose second language is English. I hadn’t thought of that before, but I bet it’s fun in an offbeat way.

      I research travel destinations, too. So nice to have that information at our fingertips. I’ve gone down the rabbit hole looking at photos and information about where I lived as a child. Seeing if I remember any of the old buildings or family names.  

      Liked by 1 person

  39. It’s been years since I played Scrabble. I lost. I have a friend who is difficult to beat. I don’t think I have ever won against him. I just researched free divers for a book I’m writing for kids. I didn’t share that on my blog because the book was written under my given name. I just mentioned on the blog that I’m writing a book. The editor has it. It will be reviewed again by the editorial team. I have one more draft until the book goes to the illustrator.

    I’ve heard of Inside the Actors Studio but never watched it.

    I’ll answer Number 10: I hope He would say, “Welcome home!”

    Liked by 1 person

    • L. Marie, Scrabble is one of those games that people have definite memories about. I’ve learned that today. I’m intrigued by the book you wrote and understand why you didn’t mention it on your blog. Some things are meant for a personal blog, others are not. It sounds like the book is in process which is exciting.

      I like your answer to #10. That’s what I’d hope too, when you come down to it. Maybe I can still have a glass of wine though, yes?

      Liked by 2 people

  41. This is a nice ramble; I kind of like a little mental meander. I also love knowing that a group of gnus is an implausability. (Maybe a good word for a group of bloggers, too?)

    We do not play Scrabble in our house. We play Upwords. Sort of a 2-dimensional Scrabble, where you stack tiles on top of each other to form new words, and points are based simply on the number of tiles used in a word (including those stacked underneath the word that shows). We give ourselves double points for “dirty” words, which are often curse words. My favorite would be any that score me big points.

    (In the category of commenting and randomly annoying blog platforms, I’ll share that I still cannot type some letters in the comment box here. I have a Google doc that I type my comments into, and then I copy and paste them into your comment box. I am so bugged to hear that Substack is giving you trouble replying to my posts. I swear they’re out to get us.)

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rita, I do like the idea of a group of bloggers being an implausibility, too. There’s a certain charm to that. It’s a good group noun for us.

      We have Upwards and often play it after a game of Scrabble. Once we’re in the word zone we go full out. Our *rule* on Upwards is that we exceed the height limit which makes it almost Jenga-like.

      I don’t know why you have such a difficult time commenting here, nor why I have a difficult time commenting there. My theory is that blogging platforms aren’t coded by the brightest bulbs in the techie chandelier… if’n you get my drift.

      Liked by 2 people

      • OOOH, exceeding the height limit sounds interesting! I would probably lose, though, as Cane seems to make the best use of the stacking feature. 

        The bulbs comment made me smile. A bulb of coders seems about right.

        Like

        • We try to keep the stacks from falling over but sometimes… things happen.

          Yep, I have to wonder if the best coders find work on TikTok or the like, while the lesser ones get stuck with blogs.

          Liked by 1 person

  42. I adore Scrabble but rarely get to play. I think the last actual game I played against a human (rather than on my tablet) was with my son about a year or so ago. As I recall, much to his disgust, I won that one. But he’s still the champion because I recall, quite clearly, him beating me many years ago by somehow securing two triple words and using all of his letters.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gigi, oh man, your son did the impossible with that score. I’m impressed. I don’t play Scrabble with a gadget, just the old-fashioned way with a board and tiles. And I’ve never hit the daily double like your son did.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. First of all, thank you to all your readers who made Gnu puns! And thank you for telling me about an Implausibility of Gnus. I love those collective names.
    I don’t think I’ve ever played Scrabble, but my mom loves Words with Friends, so we play that on our phones. She’s so good at it – and sneaky! I’ll think I’m winning, and BAM, she comes up with an amazing word for the win.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Michelle, yes commenters have made gnus even more fun. Wordplay, we’ve got it.

      I haven’t played Words with Friends in years. Laughing about your sneaky Mom with the amazing words. Some people do word games like they were meant to play them.

      Liked by 1 person

  44. I’m sure I’ve played scabble in the past… the way past. I’m also sure I wasn’t very good at it. Spelling is definitely gnot my superpower.

    I had gno idea that Gnus were the same thing as Wildebeests. And, gnow I that I know that a lot of them are aa implausibility. You are a fount of knowledge, Ally.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Janis, Scrabble is one of those games that everyone knows of but doesn’t necessarily play. We got into it while at home all the time during the pandemic and now it’s a habit to play it a few times a week.

      The gnu research was a tangent I’d never have thought I’d go down, yet now that I know gnus are also called wildebeests I feel better able to face the days ahead. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Thank you for the news on the gnus (nope, I truly couldn’t help myself).

    Great questions! Here are my answers in the order asked:

    1.  What is your favorite word?  

    onomatopoeia

    2.  What is your least favorite word?  

    penultimate

    3.  What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

    A long walk or hike.

    4.  What turns you off?

    Arrogance.

    5.  What is your favorite curse word?

    Sadly, I don’t think that I have one. I will need to change that.

     6.  What sound or noise do you love?

    Rain on a roof.

    7.  What sound or noise do you hate?

    Any high pitched or loud sound when I am trying to read.

    8.  What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

    Artist.

    9.  What profession would you not like to do?

    Driver of any kind.

    10.  If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

    You are forgiven.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Donna, the gnus news doesn’t give anyone the blues so I am glad to know it is something you could use. 🙄

      Thanks for sharing your answers to the questions. Your favorite word makes me smile. I feel that you need to discover your own favorite curse word, without one how do you live? Artist is a great answer to the profession to try and God’s words are ones I suppose we all hope to hear.

      Liked by 2 people


  46. Thanks for your research! I knew (or thought I did) what Gnus are, but didn’t know they were the same as Wildebeest. Also, I thought Wildebeest was spelled with an a, like beast. I like them.

    I haven’t played Scrabble in so long, I have no idea when the last time would have been. I live in a house with sore losers, so playing games is no fun. They don’t pout or anything, they just don’t want to play anymore once they’ve lost once. And yet we have a bunch of games that I am hesitant to give away, which is ridiculous.

    I like your answers…maybe I’ll answer them on my blog. BTW, I THOUGHT I had commented on your ice cream post, I definitely read it, but who knows. Anyway, my favorite ice cream is Cherries Jubilee, Baskin Robbins. Though I am pretty fond of vanilla. When I was in the South of France a couple of years ago, I ALMOST ordered pistachio ice cream one day, but I chickened out. I don’t remember what I did order, just that it was delicious. Kinda wish I had gone for the pistachio…that close to Italy, I’ll bet it would have been wonderful. If I ever go back, doubtful as that is, I will go for it, and if I don’t like it, I’ll just throw it away and get another scoop of a different flavor. Life is short!

    Liked by 2 people

    • J, I lose so often that it doesn’t phase me so I’m sorry you live with sore losers, yet I understand why you’re keeping your games… just in case. There’s a sense to that.

      I’ll doublecheck to see if your comment on the other post ended up in spam. I know that I’ve been having a difficult time leaving comments on some blogs, the WP system won’t take them. thanks for the heads up.

      Pistachio ice cream is delicious. Sometimes it has pistachios in it, other times it has walnuts in it. I hope you get back to France and try some. Like you said life is short and you can afford to waste one scoop of ice cream.

      Liked by 1 person

  47. Sorry, Ally. My inner linguist is taking issue with the characterization of lasagna’s “g” as useless. Without that g, we wouldn’t get the lovely “nya” sound near the end of the word. Maybe the g in gnu is as useless as the g in gnat? 🙂
    I enjoyed reading your answers. I’ll give my answers to the first two here: Favorite word is penultimate. Least favorite word: it’s a tie: copacetic (because it sounds made up) and pulchritudinous (the ugliest word to mean beautiful).

    Liked by 2 people

    • The Travel Architect, while I take your point about as useless as the “G” in lasagna, it is a saying I’ve heard most of my life. No one around me has ever said as useless as a “G” in gnat, not that it isn’t true, but it isn’t what people say.

      Your choices of words are delightfully multisyllabic and have some unique meanings behind them. I like them in the sense that they’re good choices, not in the sense that they’re my favorites too.

      Liked by 1 person

  48. I only played Scrabble with my husband and always win – most likely why we haven’t played in years.😆
    Never heard of Inside the Actors Studio or Lipton or Pivot, for that matter.
    Will not be answering the questions.
    As for what I researched (aside from the family stuff), I got to thinking about how the world has somehow created a mostly uniformly recognized time system and calendar. I checked out an audio book on the subject and couldn’t even get through the first chapter! So much for the idea of writing a blog about that subject. Yikes! I say. TMI.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Eilene, Z-D and I are evenly matched when it comes to Scrabble so we’ve gotten into playing it a few times a week, usually with an adult beverage at hand. Our own happy hour.

      I only watched Inside the Actors Studio a few times, but Lipton was memorable. As were his questions that I shared above. I don’t remember which actor I saw interviewed, just the questions!

      Laughing about your reaction to the information you found. I like to research ideas on a whim, but you have to be in the right head space to go deeply into any subject. We’re not getting graded on our reports, ‘ya know?

      Liked by 1 person

  49. I haven’t played Scrabble in years. I can’t even remember who won.

    I researched a couple of things for the A to Z Challenge. You’ll see them on the appropriate day.

    I never used to watch James Lipton, at least not on purpose. As for his questions…

    1. Whiz

    2. Government

    3. Meditating

    4. Internet trolls

    5. @$$hole

    6. Besides music, the sound of rain

    7. A kid in a car with a really loud sound system playing something that sounds like BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

    8. Baseball announcer

    9. Production supervisor at a food company

    10. Your kitties have been waiting for you…

    Liked by 1 person

    • John, I remember how much research it took to do the A to Z Challenge! No doubt your efforts will pay off down the line under some letter.

      I only watched Inside the Actors Studio a few times, not really my thing to know about actors, but Lipton’s questions were good.

      I like your answers to the questions. I understand your reasoning on all of them. I don’t get the BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! approach to music either, but then I’m not an insecure hyperangsty teenage boy. I like what God will say to you.

      Liked by 1 person

  50. I can’t remember the last time I played Scrabble. I’d be happy to play, but I can’t find anyone among my friends and acquaintances who’s interested. As for the gnus, when I read your post this morning, I spent a few minutes thinking about all the puns that could be made: no gnus are good gnus, and so on. Finally I stopped after deciding that the analog to “How now, brown cow?” would be “You too, blue gnu?” 

    I’ll pass on the questions. Having never heard of Lipton or the Actors’ Studio, nothing to say there, either. The last research I did is actually on-going, and will show up at Lagniappe as soon as I can pick apart the complexities to make them understandable to myself, let alone anyone else. It involves a flower, of course, and a case of mistaken identity. Who doesn’t love a good mystery?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Linda, I love it! “You too, blue gnu?” That’s a perfect adaptation of the brown cow saying. Most clever.

      I rarely saw Lipton’s show, but his 10 questions were memorable. Not so much so that I didn’t have to look them up, but memorable in him consistently asking them in the interviews.

      I like flowers. I like mysteries. I like your research. Looking forward to learning about the case of mistaken identity.

      Liked by 1 person

  51. I’ll take everything you wanted to know about gnus but were afraid to ask for $200, Alex. I can respect anyone who takes the time to investigate because they want to learn something new/gnu. How’s that for a lame joke?

    Liked by 1 person

  53. The last time I played Scrabble, I played it with myself. I was writing a story that included a Scrabble game. Shaila won. Shaila always won. She took Scrabble most seriously. She carried around a little book with the best Scrabble words in it.

    A researched dragons for a recent blog post concerning the Year of the Dragon. I discovered that almost every country has at least one legend about a dragon. Most of them are evil or dangerous, but in China dragons are good.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Nicki, I’m loving Shaila, the Scrabble aficionado. Sounds like a smart character.

      I remember your post about dragons. I like dragons, so the Chinese interpretation of them makes me happiest. I can imagine that once you start down the rabbit hole [dragon’s lair?] of research about dragons you’re in deep.

      Like

  55. The news about gnus – Thank you Ally Bean.

    Scrabble? T’was more than 6 years ago. And NO! I didn’t win – I was robbed! By some online weirdo using some kind of Scrabble cheat.
    The events at the Jumping Goat Bar over Easter – does that count as research? Otherwise it might be Udon recipes.
    No to the Inside the Actors Studio – never heard of it.
    and No to answering Lipton’s questions, although they were great questions. The gentle mellow sound of leaves rustling does sound most calming and cool – temperature-wise as it reminds me of Autumn and perhaps also in the social sense! Because what’s uncool about nature?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Amanda, I’ve never played Scrabble online and until I wrote this post didn’t know such a thing existed. When it comes to games I’m old school. I’m sorry you were robbed.

      Research is research. It’s not so much what someone researches online as much as the fact they’re curious enough to look things up. My kind of people!

      Inside the Actors Studio was an interview show that was popular with people who love movies. I never watched in intentionally but saw it a few times. Lipton was an excellent interviewer who always asked these questions.

      Because what’s uncool about nature? Excellent question. I shall ponder it today. Happy Autumn btw! 🍁

      Liked by 1 person

  56. When I play scrabble with my family, we completely abandon the rules. Our game usually includes a fight with a common phrase “Is that word even real”? Yes, yes, it is, although sometimes it’s not. The last subject I researched was the difference between platonic and romantic love, I find it all so confusing (that might not be the right word). And of course I will just have to answer Lipton’s 10 questions; much pondering will be done.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Tothemoon, I’m smiling about your family and Scrabble. My husband and I often question each other with “that’s a word?!” but no fights about it. We’re not competitive, more like amused by what we each pass off as words.

      Your research topic sounds fascinating. I haven’t really thought about those concepts. Enjoy answering Lipton’s questions. They’re deceptively simple, yet lead to some revelations.

      Like

    • I’ve recently looked into much lighter philosophical topics (though I saw a cute cartoon that shows someone looking at the campus map, posted in the philosophy department, that shows “WHY are you here?” :D), like what is a group of unicorns called a blessing? Why is a group of rhinos called a crash? Why is a group of ladybugs called a loveliness?

      Liked by 1 person

  57. I am unable to add to the excellent range of gnu jokes and puns – thank you Ally and all your blogging friends for the fun I’ve had reading the post and the entire comments section 😀

    Not played Scrabble for ages but used to play it online a lot. I usually lost, but was winning more when – sadly – the enthusiasm for it among my friends died.

    The last thing I researched in detail was narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

    I’ve seen the odd Inside the Artists Studio interview with James Lipton, and enjoyed them. Always intended to look out for more, but never quite managed. My answers to the questions are:

    1. Lovely

    2. Must

    3. Feeling at peace, and having time to myself

    4. Hypocrisy

    5. I concur with you and the majority here

    6. The clack clack of a train, or rain

    7. Anything which is keeping me awake

    8. Forensics

    9. Carer for dementia patients

    10. It was a close thing, but you can come in.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, I didn’t know about online Scrabble until I posted this. It makes sense it exists but I keep thinking, who knew? We play at home on a board at the dining room table.

      I can see how you might need to research the topic you did. Your work could potentially create situations wherein you need to know about it.

      I wasn’t diligent about watching Inside the Actors Studio, but saw it a few times. Lipton was a good interviewer. And his questions are timeless.

      Your answer to #2 is in line with my answer. Same concept, different word. I’ve been entertained about how fu@k is the curse word of choice. Good point with your #9. I’m sure God will say what you hope when the time comes.

      Liked by 1 person

  58. Ally, that was one SNAZZY post! I love your answer to the last question – you’re all set once the menu arrives. Haha! How true that ‘to a personal blogger a list of questions is manna from heaven.’😀 Actually any list is a win for me! Glad to meet another Scrabble couple – my husband and I played non-stop during Lockdown and still take the board out occasionally. I always win even when poorly but my guy takes it well and is gaining ground! Good to learn all about gnus! Hope you’re having a good week! xx

    Liked by 1 person

    • Annika, I like your way with words, especially my favorite word. Well played. We played Scrabble during lockdown, too, and still give it a go a couple of nights each week. Hence the catalyst for this post.

      I knew [gnu?] that sharing a list of questions would make my bloggy friends happy. It’s amazing where one thing can lead you. Happy Spring to you!

      Liked by 1 person

  61. I haven’t played scrabble in years and since my hubby and I have our ‘own dictionary” we could probably add a few more creative words to it!!! I have researched sugar for some time and the other day a blog post about an aspect of sugar danced in my head and I posted about it. Cheers to fun with words! 💖

    Like

  62. First of all, I LOVE THESE POSTS.

    Second, I scanned all the way to the bottom in order to answer quickly and did not read any of the other comments. So I’m not sure if anyone else has mentioned Gary Gnu from The Great Space Coaster. “All Gnu’s is Good Gnu’s with Gary Gnu” has remained in the recesses of my mind since the early 1980s. 

    Here are my answers to your questions:

    I don’t remember the last time I played Scrabble. It has been many years, but I am sure I lost.

    The last thing I looked into was colonoscopies, which I had recently and am currently writing about.

    I used to love Inside the Actor’s Studio. And, yes, I will respond to these questions in a blog post soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kari, thank you. I admit that when I write something like this I have you in mind. I know you get my information-based vibe.

      Someone mentioned Gary Gnu in passing but didn’t explain like you did, so thanks for clarifying.

      Laughing about how you know you lost at Scrabble, just don’t know when. I’m the same way with Monopoly. I lost, no doubt.

      Colonoscopies, eww. Anyone who ever saw a full episode of Inside the Actors Studio would remember Lipton… and his questions. He was a force unto himself.

      Liked by 1 person

  63. Who gnu about gnu? I have gnu-found knowledge now. I am following a Canadian blogger and she and her husband went to Africa last year. Every week she does a post about a different part of that trip which included some safaris. There are many animals and birds … I’ve never heard of many of them and my parents sat me down in front of the National Geographic specials as a kid and we subscribed to the magazine for decades.

    I can’t remember when I played Scrabble last, but it was with my mom and she’s been gone for 14 years now. I loved that game, much more than Monopoly which dragged on forever. I still have both games downstairs, but you can’t play alone. I do like online word games though. I like Wordle, but I don’t have a great track record with it.

    I last researched the Mission at San Juan, Capistrano for this week’s post. It was 1980 when I visited the Mission and although their guide gave a great tutorial, my memory needed some help to get that post written accurately.

    Like

    • Linda, the thing about GNUS is that the word lends itself to wordplay. At least once I learned the proper pronunciation. And commenters here have made me laugh out loud.

      I never was into Monopoly either, too long, too oddly predictable. I play many word games on my iPad and Wordle is one of them. Wordiply from The Guardian is another one that is fun in a way that challenges your brain.

      I’m impressed you remember where you were in 1980, let alone any details from a vacation back then. Of course you had to do some research, who wouldn’t? 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      • Yes, gnu is a fun word. We need more of those fun words.

        Monopoly was an entire evening. I just tried Wordiply. I thought my ad blocker would not allow me access, but it looks like I’m okay to play. I like playing Word Wipe which is like a word search game but moves quickly.

        It was a tour so easier to remember than a random visit. We began in San Francisco and ended up in L.A. with a one-day side trip to Tijuana. It was a great trip, very organized and a nice group of travelers. As a solo traveler, it was always nice when people invited you to sit with them for meals or while traveling.

        Liked by 1 person

        • Glad you got through to Wordiply. It’s one of those word games that stretches my mind which I like.

          Your vacation tour sounds like it was fun. I’ve never been to San Fran, maybe someday I’ll get there.

          Liked by 1 person

          • That’s how I feel about my word games too Ally. And Solitaire – no words there of course, just using your brain for moves. We need that stimulation for our brains.

            It was a well-organized tour and it helped that we never had a drop of rain. I enjoyed San Fran – picturesque and a lot to see.

            Liked by 1 person

  64. When’s the last time you played Scrabble? Did you win?  

    I can’t remember, I can’t remember…

    What’s the last subject you researched? If you write a blog, did you share what you learned? 

    Something for work, and I don’t blog about work, I blog about life outside of work because work is enough work already. 🤣 

     Back in the day did you ever watch Inside the Actors Studio?

    No, I haven’t.

    Will you be answering Lipton’s 10 questions?

    Probably not, but I enjoyed reading your responses. I especially enjoyed the last one, cheers to wine when arriving at the pearly gates! 

    Like

    • Shelley, no Scrabble for you then! I don’t share everything I research here, so I get your refusal to share work research. Makes sense. I only saw Inside the Actors Studio a few times and couldn’t tell you who the actor was who I saw interviewed, but Lipton was memorable. His delivery of these questions was a hoot. 🍷

      Liked by 1 person

  65. Haven’t played Scrabble in a long time but we occasionally play Bananagrams. It’s faster and more flexible than Scrabble. I love it but I have to convince my other half to play a word game. I am sure you knew what a gnu was or you wouldn’t have played the word! I always wish my brain could find more words when I need them. I enjoyed your questions and answers but have never heard of the show or the interviewer that you quoted. Sorry — I’m very often not up on current shows like that.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bernie, I’ve never played Bananagrams. I’ve seen it for sale in stores, but haven’t tried it. I knew a gnu was an animal in the zoo but not much more than that.

      Inside the Actors Studio isn’t a current show. It’s an oldie. It was on in the mid ’90s to sometime in the ‘teens. I only saw it a few times but when Lipton asked celebrities these questions he was memorable, in a humorous way.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Bananagrams is so fun and fast-paced. I love it. An oldie…LOL. an oldie to me came on in the 60s! The 90s was a wash for me with TV, so it’s not surprising. I didn’t know this American show. I also never watched a single episode of Friends or The Simpson’s. I was simply too busy.

        Like

  66. Very interesting gnu facts and Ally facts. I haven’t played the board game Scrabble in a long time, but I play Words With Friends, the online version. I have multiple games going with friends and with strangers. It seems that my opponents are eager to play; as soon as I place my Scrabble word, they immediately follow with their next word. I don’t want to get into a back-and-forth right away, so I’ve decided to play the long game and make them wait. Right before I go to bed, I pull up each of the games and play one word, then shut it off. Probably drives my opponents crazy, but they keep coming back for more. I’m perfecting my game and I’m happy to say that I’m on a winning streak.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Gwen, I haven’t played Words with Friends in years. I was on FB briefly and played it there. I like your strategy, seems like it’d be more fun to stretch the game out rather than pounce every time someone played a word. But then I’m ornery, like to make my own guidelines. I hope your winning streak continues for as long as it entertains you to play.

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  67. Thank you for this peek into how your mind works, Ally, and the opportunity to think about my answers to so many questions. 1) I have not played Scrabble in years, but I did enjoy it and need to find someone to play with soon. 2) The last subject I researched in an detail was the Grand Canyon, and yes, I did share the results on my blog. 3) I don’t believe I ever watched Inside the Actor’s Studio…at least not that I can remember. 4) I will indeed answer Lipton’s questions, as least for myself, whether I will find an opportunity to share my answers is yet to be seen.

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    • Christie, you’re right that this post is kind of a stream of consciousness post. Z-D and I play Scrabble a few times each week. During the pandemic it became our thing. I remember your post about the Grand Canyon and informative it was! I rarely watched Inside the Actors Studio but do remember Lipton. He was a character in a good way. I agree that answering the questions doesn’t need to be public, it’s just self-reflection.

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  68. It’s been ages since I played Scrabble and I don’t remember if I won. My husband does not like board games or playing cards so those days were over for me a long time ago.

    As far the last subject I researched, does it count if at 3 AM when I couldn’t sleep I started looking up issues about foot pain. I found an interesting website that described all the tendons in the foot and how they work. I got enough info to decide that I might need to wear my brace more often to avoid tendonitis in my ankle. I haven’t shared this info on my blog because it was just this morning when I was going down that rabbit hole.

    I don’t even know what Inside the Actors Studio is.

    I’m going to plug Lipton’s 10 questions into a draft post and maybe work on it later. Those are good questions. The sound you love is also my favorite 🙂

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    • Marie, If you’re not into board games then Scrabble won’t be your jam. I get that.

      I’m sorry about your foot, but glad you found some info about your situation. Ain’t the internet fun!

      Inside the Actors Studio was an interview show taped live that ran from the mid 90s to sometime in the mid 2000 teens. Lipton was the host and interviewed Hollywood stars in his own unique way. I rarely saw the show but if you did he made an impression. At the end of each interview he’d ask these questions. Have fun answering the questions.

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  70. I first heard about a GNU as a three year old listening to a song played on my dad’s turntable.
    I love playing scrabble too and think it is cool to score with the least letters on a Triple word score with a high point letter!

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    • Unishta, now thanks of many commenters I’ve heard the GNU song and am loving it. I agree about winning Scrabble by using those triple word score squares. It makes the game interesting!

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  71. Yes, I’m a researcher and I share on my blog about things I learn. I really hate to burst your research bubble. Not bragging, but I’ve been to Africa, and gnus are not the largest antelopes… elands are. But the word gnu is more useful in both scrabble and crosswords!

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    • Pat, I dunno… but ELAND could come in handy in Scrabble. Just saying and now that I know it thanks to you I’ll use it. What I find interesting at this point is that the blog posts that get the most play are the ones in which I include information. Very different than how it started out.

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  72. I’ll answer Lipton’s 1. My favorite word (without thinking a whole lot about it) is “chimes”. Chimes always shows up on “beautiful words” lists, which probably has as much to do with how it rolls off the tongue as it does the musical sounds. Wind, organ, or just the word itself – I love chimes.

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    • Dave, that’s a wonderful word to have as your favorite. It is a beautiful word in all ways. It’s been enlightening to get a glimpse into how commenters decide on their words. Your reasoning makes sense to me.

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      • Gossamer. Dulcet. Effervescence. Eloquence. I like those too – from a list of “The 60 Most Beautiful Words”. But go figure; chimes was nowhere to be found.

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    • Neil, yes there’s chance involved in Scrabble. Plus it is more of a math game than a word game, but we like it. Living large, we are! I do one crossword online every day but I rarely get all the answers.

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  74. I can’t go to Lipton’s 10 questions now because I’ll be thinking of YOUR answers, still laughing, and probably copy them. 🙂 Except for the last one: I hope God/Spirit will say, “Finally, we’ve been waiting for you but wanted you to get in the last word… of your story. :—)

    Scrabble – I don’t have the patience for it, but in my upcoming Friday’s blog, I have a character who does, and she has adventures because of the word game.

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  75. I had no idea that Gnu’s were the same as Wildebeests! *Lightbulb*

    I will not answer the questions, as I’m so far behind in everything and I already have a lot of questions in my life. 🙂

    I’m gonna text Jesus and see if this ouija board is legit or not. As far as your greeting in Heaven, I’ll ditto that!

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    • Suz, I didn’t know a gnu was the same as a wildebeest either. I understand about the questions, they’re only fun to answer if you’re in the mood. Good luck texting Jesus, he might be rather *busy* this time of year. Somehow I’m not surprised you’d like to have a glass of wine once you get to heaven. Let’s make a point of looking for each other.

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  76. 1.  What is your favorite word?  

    It may not be a favorite, but I love it when I can use “discombobulation.” It’s a fun word.

    2.  What is your least favorite word?  

    Can’t

    3.  What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

    Nature, music, and engaging in creative projects. I love being in the middle of the woods, stopping on the bike, listening to the sounds of the breeze, the birds, and chipmunks rustling among the undergrowth.

    4.  What turns you off?

    All of the negative emotions/actions: Hate, bigotry, racism, homophobia, narcissism, the need for power and control. It all makes me crazy.

    5.  What is your favorite curse word?

    Fu@k – same here

     6.  What sound or noise do you love?

    The honking of sandhill cranes, especially when they return in spring.

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    • Mary, I like your favorite word. It’s fun to say and seems like we could be using it more often than we do. I can imagine how lovely it’d be to stop mid bike ride in a woods, just absorbing the sounds, stillness, beauty. Yep to the same things that turn you off, I’m leaning into crazy, too. How much more of this can we take?

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  77. I’ve HEARD of Inside the Actors Guild, but that’s all I can say about that. An “implausibility”? That’s funny. I love your answers to the questions. Wholeheartedly agree with rustling leaves. Who doesn’t love that curse word? The unpleasant sound made me stressed just reading about it. Uum… I forget what else. Good fun post. Oh, it’s been too long since I’ve played Scrabble!

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  79. Hi Ally, A little late to this party (crazy house for a couple of weeks) yet I did not want to miss out…”…because I like to learn…”🤓 And yes, questions are ‘manna from heaven.’ I was answering Lipton’s 10 questions along with reading your answers. Recent least favourite word “literally”…it literally surfaces in every single conversation. Have a wonderful Easter weekend! 💕 

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    • Erica/Erika, thanks for joining in. The party goes on for weeks here with every post. I don’t expect people to comment within hours of me posting anything, we all have lives outside of blogland. [Can you imagine?] I hear/read people using ‘literally’ often too. I don’t know why that is, but you’re right that it has been happening more lately. Happy Easter to you, too.

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