T is for Trivial Pursuit, the Telephone, and Tim Hortons

In celebration of Canada’s 150^th birthday, my theme for the 2017 Blogging From A to Z Challenge, is CANADA. 

Join me throughout April (every day except Sundays) to learn more about the inventions, the people, and the cultures that make up one of the greatest countries in the world!

Trivial Pursuit, Telephones, and…Tim Hortons, Obviously!

I love trivia. My grandma smiles at me sometimes and says, “You know so much about everything!” My sister says that too—except she isn’t smiling when she says it. Amelia might think I’m annoying sometimes, but someday, when I’m older, I’m going to ace the game of Trivial Pursuit. (Except if there are bug questions, because admittedly, Amelia knows a lot more about insects than I do…)

Trivial Pursuit—once called the “biggest phenomenon in game history” by Time magazine, was invented by two Canadians—Chris Haney and Scott Abbott. The friends were playing Scrabble (another of my favourite games) when they decided to invent their own. The first edition of Trivial Pursuit was released commercially in 1981, with just over 1,000 copies distributed throughout Canada. Now, it’s an international sensation—and the cause of many “arguments” between family and friends. <grin>

One question that might come up in Trivial Pursuit is: who invented the telephone? 

You’re be correct if you said Alexander Graham Bell—but did you know he was Canadian? Well…sort of. 

Bell was born in Scotland, but lived in Canada for most of his adult life—during which time he invented the telephone. 

He later moved to the U.S. and filed for dual citizenship, but we’ll happily lay claim to him (and his invention)!

And of course, it wouldn’t be a true post about Canadian inventions without mentioning Tim Hortons. No, Canadians didn’t invent coffee and donuts, but the popular café franchise was founded in 1964 by Canadian hockey player, Tim Horton, in Hamilton, Ontario, and is absolutely a true symbol of Canada.

Thanks for coming back for the final week of the A to Z Blogging Challenge. Just six more posts to go! I’ve gotta jet, but check back tomorrow for an unusual “U” post. <tee hee>

~ Chase Superman Duffy