Do You Know Boston?

If you live in a place for a while, or visit often, you might be surprised how much you pick up about its people, places, and things, about its local history and expressions, movies and songs, politicians and music makers, churches and comedy clubs, stadiums and suburbs, slogans and snacks-the many parts of the whole. Of course, you might also be surprised at what you haven't learned. In this Boston quiz you'll find questions in both categories. Some are easy. Some will give even a native trouble. Of course, one person's "That's simple!" can be another's "Huh?" The questions are all over the lot, so it's fun to try them alone or with others. One thing that's pretty certain: Everyone who submits to the test-home-grown, transplant, or frequent visitor-will meet some stumpers. Even if you breeze through the first few questions you look at, get ready for some head scratching. And maybe you'll learn a thing or two. So here are 100 questions. Count ten points for each correct answer. Where a question has more than one part, you'll be told how to divide the credit. Here and there you'll find a chance to earn five or ten bonus points, so it's theoretically possible to score more than 1,000. (But you won't!) Figure your performance this way: Above 900: Spectacular! 700–899: A very solid showing. 500–699: Nothing to be ashamed of. Below 500: Told you it was tough. Sample Questions: 1. Locals sometimes have their own names for where they live. You should know them too. Two points apiece. a. Dorchester b. East Boston: c. Jamaica Plain: d. Roslindale: e. South Boston: 2. What day is Prince Spaghetti Day, and where? 3. What happened to Mike Barnicle after he was fired by the Globe? a. He launched an afternoon radio talk show b. He freelanced for the Phoenix and wrote a movie script c. He went to work for the Herald d. He opened a chain of hot dog carts in downtown BostonRobinson, Guy is the author of 'Do You Know Boston?', published 2008 under ISBN 9781402213014 and ISBN 1402213018.