Last call: Corky, the puppy who knows sports trivia.
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We here at the Fabulous Forum have spent countless hours, and have used the salaries of laid-off colleagues, to bring you, the loyal reader, a rare treat. We have hired Corky, the sports trivia expert who happens to be a puppy, to answer reader sports-related questions every Friday here at Last Call. So, just e-mail any sports question you have (For example, How did the zamboni get its name? Who hit the first homer in Dodger Stadium?) to houston.mitchell@latimes.com. Each Friday, Corky will randomly select questions to answer. Just think, you get to see your name in bold print in The Fabulous Forum, and you get to have your questions answered by a puppy who knows sports trivia!
To get us started, two questions we have received in the past:
Dear Corky,
Does that black stuff athletes put under their eyes really work? Signed, R. Bush, New Orleans.
Let’s see what Corky has to say. I’ll translate:
What Corky said was this: ‘Mr. Bush, A 2003 study by Drs. Brian DeBroff and Patricia Pahk tested whether black eye grease actually had anti-glare properties. The subjects’ vision was tested using an eye chart while being exposed to natural sunlight. The study concluded that eye black reduced the glare of the sun and improved contrast sensitivity. So yes, Mr. Bush, eye black does work. Now, could you please rub my belly?’
Next, a question from Mr. P. Ewing in New York: ‘Corky, I’ve always been a fan of Georgetown. But what exactly is a Hoya?’
What Corky said was: ‘Mr. Ewing, according to Georgetown, Many years ago, when all Georgetown students were required to study Greek and Latin, the University’s teams were nicknamed ‘The Stonewalls.’ It is suggested that a student, using Greek and Latin terms, started the cheer ‘Hoya Saxa!’, which translates into ‘What Rocks!’ The name proved popular and the term ‘Hoyas’ was eventually adopted for all Georgetown teams.’ Now, could you please put me outside? I really need to go to the bathroom.’
So there you have it. So start sending in those questions, otherwise, we’ll have to return Corky to the pound.
-- Houston Mitchell